Wanted: Used Track Day Bike

[Krellian]

I'd like to start doing more Track Days and I'm looking for advice on what bike to look for.
I'm 5'9 200#
the guys at the track were suggesting SV650 with aftermarket suspension. the look of the bike does not turn me on
I suggested BMW 1000RR, and was told that it was a pig in the turns.
everyone told me to get a 600cc bike, but when I suggested Kaw 600r I got blank looks and no one runs them.
my question is what year, make and model would you suggest for STT track days?
this bike will just be for the track I have my ZX-14 for street. (boy is it a GoldWing to haul around the track)
I have a 2007 EX500 that I can strip down and get the suspension redone.
Suggestions Please, I like inline 4's just because I'm used to them.

[hovmaven]

the sv650 is a great first choice.  better to learn to ride a slow bike fast then to ride a fast bike slow. . ..  you'll gain better technique, and then can move to a bigger bore bike should you feel the need.  most likely, you'll be able to guess the folks who start on the big bikes and don't get training -- fast on the straights, park in the turns. . ..  

[garry]

I thought my 2005 ZX-6R was big fun on the track, but I'm slow (STT Int. class). The stock suspension suited me well, but I'm 175 in riding gear.

I think a GSXR 750 would be a great choice. More torque than a 600, but still quite nimble (same chassis a 600 I believe). Tons of spare parts / aftermarket parts available. You can probably find them cheap on the WERA board (crashed/rashed street bikes converted to track use, may not have title).

If you wanted to dabble in racing, the EX500 is a common choice for lightweight twins I think. Like the track guys said, a modded SV650 is very popular too.

[Hotbrakes]

< Has a GSXR 750 for sale, 04, 8k miles.  Street and track body work along with spares (wheel, sprockets, rear sets, Penske shock, etc).  I too think it would be a good all around trackday bike, doesn't have to ridden hard to go fast, doesn't scare too much to open up.  The gf picked it up and converted it for street use but was a bit too much for her.  Pm if interested.  Price is ~$4k depending on desired add ons like both sets of bodywork or just track, Penske shock or stock, etc.  We'll be in the Pittsburg area in two weeks at Beaverrun and could bring it along.

[Krellian]

< Has a GSXR 750 for sale, 04, 8k miles.  Street and track body work along with spares (wheel, sprockets, rear sets, Penske shock, etc).  I too think it would be a good all around trackday bike, doesn't have to ridden hard to go fast, doesn't scare too much to open up.  The gf picked it up and converted it for street use but was a bit too much for her.  Pm if interested.  Price is ~$4k depending on desired add ons like both sets of bodywork or just track, Penske shock or stock, etc.  We'll be in the Pittsburg area in two weeks at Beaverrun and could bring it along.

I would be interested, I'm only looking for a track bike, trailer there, trailer back.  

[vfrrider]

Here you go:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Aprilia-RSV4-Factory-2010-Unregistered-Demo-/261007077069?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item3cc53beecd


Larry
VFRrider

[Windblown]

If you want to stick with I4's I would say go with the 600 or 750. For every rider I know that went from a 600 to a 1000 for track days I'll bet I know 10 or more that started with a 1000 and then moved to a 600.

The 600's and to a bit lesser extent the 750's let you get away with a lot of mistakes and not put you on your butt. A more forgiving bike is a bike most will learn faster on.

The 750 is great because you can be a bit lazy or goof up and exit a corner a gear high and the bike won't fall flat on it's face like a modern 600 will.  Of course a 1000 will do the same and more, but it will also drop you like a bad habit the first time you twist the throttle a bit more than you intended to while at full lean.  Seen many a 1000 go bye-bye on a corner exit.  

From my limited experience: With sticky tires and a dry track without a slick spot  it's almost (emphasis on almost) impossible to lose the rear on a 600 with the throttle.

[Mookie]

Here you go:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Aprilia-RSV4-Factory-2010-Unregistered-Demo-/261007077069?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item3cc53beecd


Larry
VFRrider

 

Great bike for a funeral.  

[veefer800canuck]

Hands down, the cheapest trackday tool will be a GSXR600.

Used parts are plentiful and interchangeable for the most part from 600 to 750, giving you a large pool to draw from, and they really are the "small block chevy" of the sportbike world.

They've been made for so long, and the aftermarket support is HUGE, so even new parts are relatively cheap, because they sell a zillion of them.

And as mentioned before, less likely to chew you up and spit you out. Plenty fast enough, even in stock trim.

[1000lbs]

I'll throw another vote for the 05+ ZX6r. I ran a mechanically stock 05 last year and I'm also 5'9" & 200lbs, it was a great fit. I got the suspension to a spot I liked and as my riding improved I was able to make changes as needed. It was pretty easy on tires and parts were easy to find.

[Krellian]

Great
I'll start looking at zukie 600's
I rode two track days on the zx14 and was very carefull to not snap the throttle open on turn exits
But it was a lot of bike to wrestle around Gratton

[Windblown]

Great
I'll start looking at zukie 600's
I rode two track days on the zx14 and was very carefull to not snap the throttle open on turn exits
But it was a lot of bike to wrestle around Gratton

I've been using my Gen1 FZ1 for an occasional trackday for giggles so I know what you mean about wrestling a heavy bike around a track.  While I've found it enjoyable (what trackday isn't?), I enjoyed doing trackdays on my '05 R6 much much more.

[Metal Cutter]

Your experience mirrors mine. I started doing track days on my FJR. It became apparent very soon that I wanted something lighter.

After looking around a bunch and talking to some peeps I settled on a 05 SV650. I could not be happier. I actually have 2 05 Sv 650s in the stable now.
I almost never wish I had something else. I'm a good sized dude and with the right suspension set-up the little SV works well.

I'm starting my 4th season of thrack days in a couple weeks. Beware it can be addicting.  

As for the ZX6. There are quite a few at Loudon and they go well. I would ride one if that was what was available.

Have fun out on the track. That is way more important than what you ride!!!

[JavaD]

Race bike is an old 1988 Honda Hawk; lightweight, and any spare parts i need I can get at Home Depot.
Upgraded the Daytona 675 to a trackbike; more fun and a hoot to ride, reminds me of the Hawk but with more power and plusher suspension.
Setup my Speed Triple at a trackday; not worth it as the cornering forces forced a drastic suspensions setting than the street.  But worth it to pass R1's on a neeked bike  
Have a BadA$$ Hawk with some killer mods that pulled a Duc848 at Heartland Park's back straight.  OMG this guy put a lot of dough into the bike, form a no-cush drive Ducati rear to a 80Hp motor. It rails on the track and I'm the only thing holding it back.

My opinion would be to strip the old EX500 down to the frame, grease/lube everything that moves and replace head bearings with new tapered bearings.  Put on some decent trackday tires, new axle bearings, upgrade the brake rotors and pads, install some RaceTech emulators in the front forks, install a decent rear shock (rebound and compression damping adjustment), change to a 520 chain-sprocket and go up +1 at the rear with a -1 and +2 for different tracks.  Put in all new fluids and have fun.  The money you'll save can be put towards more tires and track expenses like gas, hotel, food, EZ-up, etc.

[dietDrThunder]

I am 6'3" 285, and I wholeheartedly recommend an SV. You will not be able to rely on motor to get you around the track, so you'll be motivated to learn to ride better. Costs to purchase are very low, and operating costs (read: tires) are hugely cheaper than an6 I4 600 or larger.  Look for a used race bike SV on the WERA classifieds.  You can find a fully track-ready bike with aftermarket suspension for under $3000 if you're patient and not picky. Expand your budget to $3600 or so and yo have your pick of the litter.

I raced everything from an FZR400 to  TL1000R, and I went back to the SVs in the end...best fun/dollar ration IMO by far.

[DrD]

I suggested BMW 1000RR, and was told that it was a pig in the turns.

BS!!!  

Pitch it over then the bike is on a rail.  On the straights it is a missile.  

[Silverbird]

Depends on your style. If you are a Honda guy, I had an F4i that was fantastic for corner entry. So solid and turned like butter, gawd that thing felt good. Light, simple and unbreakable.