Buying a track bike

CrazyKell · 07-05-2010, 02:19 PM

I know what I'm looking for but am just curious what others set about looking for when they're buying a track bike.

I want to stick with the same bike I have now for a couple of reasons, but ultimately it's going to come down to price and goodies.

What would you go for?

R6?
GSXR?
Kawi?
CBR?

derf · 07-05-2010, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrazyKell

I know what I'm looking for but am just curious what others set about looking for when they're buying a track bike.

I want to stick with the same bike I have now for a couple of reasons, but ultimately it's going to come down to price and goodies.

What would you go for?

R6?
GSXR?
Kawi?
CBR?

GSXR (and to a lesser extent the CBR) seem to be the most common track bikes (at least around here), track parts are plentiful if you break a lever or need to look at someone elses bike to get yours running right. Really though any of the four you mentioned are gonna be at any track day with at least one model from each model year

CrazyKell · 07-05-2010, 02:28 PM

I've been leaning towards the GSXR just for the part reason alone.

But then, I just love my Kawi and love the feel.

Homeslice · 07-05-2010, 02:32 PM

Popularity makes no difference.........ALL of those bikes have tons of readily available parts, including yours, so why get something different? If you are already comfortable with 636's, get another. Especially when there are only so many track day opportunities a year........Why waste them getting comfortable on a totally different bike.

Oh and WERA board ftw.

tommymac · 07-05-2010, 02:39 PM

I have a 2000 gsxr 750 I am looking to get rid of if youre interested.

CrazyKell · 07-05-2010, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommymac

I have a 2000 gsxr 750 I am looking to get rid of if youre interested.

Thanks but no thanks. Only looking for a 600 and want 2004 or later.

Ideally I want my bike, but I know it may not happen.

The other idea I'm toying with is turning mine into track only and buying a cruiser for the streets. I'd just prefer to buy something with the goodies already attached.

shmike · 07-06-2010, 10:33 AM

Gixxer.

Derf already mentioned why.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeslice

Popularity makes no difference.........ALL of those bikes have tons of readily available parts, including yours, so why get something different? If you are already comfortable with 636's, get another. Especially when there are only so many track day opportunities a year........Why waste them getting comfortable on a totally different bike.

Oh and WERA board ftw.

Popularity makes a HUGE difference.

Yes, every bike has a decent aftermarket contingent but what matters is can you get those parts in time for the next session?

If you are 4, 6, 8+ hours from home it doesn't matter what you can find on www.yourbike'sdedicatedforum.com next Tuesday, it matters what you can find at the track NOW.

azoomm · 07-06-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shmike

Popularity makes a HUGE difference.

Yes, every bike has a decent aftermarket contingent but what matters is can you get those parts in time for the next session?

If you are 4, 6, 8+ hours from home it doesn't matter what you can find on www.yourbike'sdedicatedforum.com next Tuesday, it matters what you can find at the track NOW.

If you're racing. If you're doing immediate wrenching to solve a major issue. If you are going to field-strip your bike due to a major oops.

Kel isn't going to do these [now]. Sure, maybe down the road. But, by then she will have a better idea of the performance she wants - and probably have a connection or someone at the track that she'll buy from. Right now, I'd have to go with getting another of the same bike. I mean, get a few spares [clip-ons, levers, master cylinders, rear-sets, etc] of items that will potentially snap off in a get off so you can just bolt back on what you need. For a major break and fix there are parts available for her bike. It's not like an exotic Italian where the entire country shuts down for the summer.

There is something to be said for confusion and muscle memory. Go with what YOU are comfortable on.

shmike · 07-06-2010, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azoomm

If you're racing. If you're doing immediate wrenching to solve a major issue. If you are going to field-strip your bike due to a major oops.

Kel isn't going to do these [now]. Sure, maybe down the road. But, by then she will have a better idea of the performance she wants - and probably have a connection or someone at the track that she'll buy from. Right now, I'd have to go with getting another of the same bike. I mean, get a few spares [clip-ons, levers, master cylinders, rear-sets, etc] of items that will potentially snap off in a get off so you can just bolt back on what you need. For a major break and fix there are parts available for her bike. It's not like an exotic Italian where the entire country shuts down for the summer.

There is something to be said for confusion and muscle memory. Go with what YOU are comfortable on.

I know that she isn't racing and my perspective may be different but I also know a number of people that do track weekends a great distance from home and easy-to-source parts is still a huge advantage.

Not everyone has the funds to drop an extra $500 - $1500 on spares and being able to buy or borrow a part as needed is often more financially feasible.

I understand your point about muscle memory, but give me a break on the confusion bit.

We aren't talking about a bike with brakes on rider's left and a foot clutch. We are talking about a slightly different rider position, rake and seat height.

While it is certainly easier to have two of the exact same bike, I actually think that the mental "switch" from street bike to track bike can also be a benefit.

snobuny · 07-06-2010, 07:57 PM

I have 2 kawi's (600) one for street and one for the track and they are really not the same at all. If thats what you are comfortable on, go for it but you will change everything to make it more "trackable"

My street bike has different suspension, handlebars above the triple clamps, normal footpegs, etc. Started riding track days with it. Gearing was not great for the track, cushy suspension and foot pegs always dragging in the corners.

I did not know the difference until I actually had a dedicated track bike. Clip ons, rear sets, stiffer suspension for better track feedback, totally different rider position than my street bike, gearing for the track, etc. My lap times really are dropping now but the feel is completely different.

If you get the opportunity for a kawi like you are familar with go for it but I wouldn't pass up a good deal on another brand just because "its not the same" I didn't know I wanted something different until I actually had something different.

Kel, if you get the chance to come to any days in Michigan at Grattan or Gingerman and I am there you can give my track bike a try.

07-05-2010, 02:19 PM	#1
CrazyKell Vrooom Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: 06 ZX6R Posts: 4,427	Buying a track bike I know what I'm looking for but am just curious what others set about looking for when they're buying a track bike. I want to stick with the same bike I have now for a couple of reasons, but ultimately it's going to come down to price and goodies. What would you go for? R6? GSXR? Kawi? CBR?

07-05-2010, 02:28 PM	#3
CrazyKell Vrooom Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: 06 ZX6R Posts: 4,427	I've been leaning towards the GSXR just for the part reason alone. But then, I just love my Kawi and love the feel.

07-05-2010, 02:32 PM	#4
Homeslice Elitist Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Moto: Gix 750 Posts: 11,351	Popularity makes no difference.........ALL of those bikes have tons of readily available parts, including yours, so why get something different? If you are already comfortable with 636's, get another. Especially when there are only so many track day opportunities a year........Why waste them getting comfortable on a totally different bike. Oh and WERA board ftw.

07-05-2010, 02:39 PM	#5
tommymac Moto GP Star Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 11,022	I have a 2000 gsxr 750 I am looking to get rid of if youre interested.

07-06-2010, 07:57 PM	#10
snobuny Kneedragger Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: michigan Moto: 01 kawa 600R, 03 636 track, yz250motard Posts: 155	I have 2 kawi's (600) one for street and one for the track and they are really not the same at all. If thats what you are comfortable on, go for it but you will change everything to make it more "trackable" My street bike has different suspension, handlebars above the triple clamps, normal footpegs, etc. Started riding track days with it. Gearing was not great for the track, cushy suspension and foot pegs always dragging in the corners. I did not know the difference until I actually had a dedicated track bike. Clip ons, rear sets, stiffer suspension for better track feedback, totally different rider position than my street bike, gearing for the track, etc. My lap times really are dropping now but the feel is completely different. If you get the opportunity for a kawi like you are familar with go for it but I wouldn't pass up a good deal on another brand just because "its not the same" I didn't know I wanted something different until I actually had something different. Kel, if you get the chance to come to any days in Michigan at Grattan or Gingerman and I am there you can give my track bike a try.