Exhaust /bodywork advice for 07 GSXR 750

[Bob H]

I just got a new 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 750 and am prepping for my first season as a novice WERA racer. I've posted a question to the WERA BBS, but I was also referred back to this forum from the FJR1300 micapeak listserv by Thomas K (I have a 2004 FJR ABS w/79,000+ miles). My initial attempts at trying to find solid advice on a combination of slip-on exhaust and race bodywork that will work with the 06/07 "GP" style exhaust has left me wonder if there is such a beast, or if everybody with an 06/07 goes straight to a full race exhaust. I have a lot of things I could do with the other $500-$1200 a full race exhaust would cost, even in stainless steel. Any suggestions from someone that's actually got one prepped for the track? The Leo Vince guy were pretty sure their slip-on, which replaces the humongous "mid-pipe can" or "breadbox" on the stock pipe, would fit, but he didn't really know for sure. Got the same luke-warm "yes" from the Jardine and M4 guys, but there web catalog pictures are not on showing race bodwork, and even their GP cans look to big to work. Any help or leads would be appreciated.

 

[DucatiSSsp]

I just got a new 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 750 and am prepping for my first season as a novice WERA racer. I've posted a question to the WERA BBS, but I was also referred back to this forum from the FJR1300 micapeak listserv by Thomas K (I have a 2004 FJR ABS w/79,000+ miles). My initial attempts at trying to find solid advice on a combination of slip-on exhaust and race bodywork that will work with the 06/07 "GP" style exhaust has left me wonder if there is such a beast, or if everybody with an 06/07 goes straight to a full race exhaust. I have a lot of things I could do with the other $500-$1200 a full race exhaust would cost, even in stainless steel. Any suggestions from someone that's actually got one prepped for the track? The Leo Vince guy were pretty sure their slip-on, which replaces the humongous "mid-pipe can" or "breadbox" on the stock pipe, would fit, but he didn't really know for sure. Got the same luke-warm "yes" from the Jardine and M4 guys, but there web catalog pictures are not on showing race bodwork, and even their GP cans look to big to work. Any help or leads would be appreciated.

Hi Bob,

Might want to contact Yoshimura R&D via their website, they are usually the Suzook know it alls.

Good luck with the racing. Been itching to find a track bike. Always liked the open track days better than racing on Sunday. Hurry up and wait on Sunday for 10 or 20 laps . :blink:

 

[Randy]

Bob,

I've been around the block a few times with racing and one of the mistakes I often see of new riders is that they spend money on the wrong things. If you have deep pockets, then, by all means go ahead and get a full exhaust system. However, if you're looking at spending money wisely, look first at suspension. All the power in the world won't do you a bit of good unless you can get the power to the ground and keep it there. For the price of a good full system, you can buy a new rear shock and get the forks reworked by a reputable source. Then, with your additional funds, track time, track time, track time. Whether it's track days or running every class possible, get as much track time as you can. When it's time to step it up a notch, you will have been around enough and seen enough that you will know which way to go with exhaust systems and other go-fast pieces.

 

[Rickster]

+1 on Randy.

 

[gr8eyes]

I've been thinking of getting a track bike this year just for fun at the track, not racing. Can someone tell me the purpose of racing bodywork vs. the stock body work, and why you would need/want it. Ignorant in OK. Glenn

 

[Rogue]

I've been thinking of getting a track bike this year just for fun at the track, not racing. Can someone tell me the purpose of racing bodywork vs. the stock body work, and why you would need/want it. Ignorant in OK. Glenn

I think its cheaper to replace after you crash (and you will) and you don't have to worry about the holes where the headlights were.

Then when your ready to sell it you can put the stock body work back on.

 

[cougar8000]

+2 on Randy.

Replace brake lines with braided lines.

Now let me put my cap back on and say few things.

Are you sure you want to start track racing with 750 GXR? If you are novice as you have stated, you might be better off starting with much less powerful bike. You might get a huge surprise of your life when you will get passed by a girl on 650 SV

For the price of one 07 GXR you can get 3 fully preped track bikes that are already set up with a suspension, brake lines, engine work, etc.

Cap is off.

DO not forget to bring a BIG cooler filled with water. No, not all for you. Most of it to share with those who will give you a hand at the track. Yes, people will help for free water at the track Get a big tent to hide your bike and your self from the sun as well as offer shade to all those old timers out there. You will be surprised what you will learn by spending few minutes talking to them.

Bring extra brake and clutch levers, gear shifter and brake pedal.

Have fun.

 

[gr8eyes]

Thanks Rogue, I figured there was a logical explanation

Glenn

 

[Bob H]

On race bodywork: OEM stock bodywork doesn't hold liquid - and sometimes engine parts or gaskets blow when pushed too hard. The race lowers are designed to prevent or minimize the oil that can end up on the tires, the track, or the other racers. Prior to the race, bikes have to pass tech inspection for evidence of leaks and safety wiring, and the race bodywork is designed to be removed more easily and re-installed more quickly than stock bodywork. Finally, race bikes require more frequent maintenance, adjustment, and repair, and this is made easier as well.

I agree 100% about waiting to buy performance enhancing components, like the exhaust, Power Commanders, etc. That's why I put off buying a race bike for a year and went to the Schwantz school first (after attending other track schools over a 5 year period). Unfortunately, all the feedback I've gotten - including that of the Hotbodies customer service people - suggests strongly that race bodywork - which is not optional for me to race WERA (or anything other series) - will not fit with the OEM catalytic converter/mid-pipe exhaust, or if it does fit, it will fry a hole in the race bodywork. So - that's why I am specifically looking for a slip-on, a compromise in price and performance over a full system, but the difference will pay for the race bodywork, and help preserve the investment in the bodywork. If I think I need a performance upgrade, I can sell the slip-on to some newbie next season.

As for the 750 - it's already in the garage. I've been riding in schools and track days for 4 years on a 99 Buell, so I have lot's of experience and training in how to go slow. Despite the old Buell's limitations, I started running down 600's and liter bikes in the corners about 2 years ago. I rented some track-prepped bikes last year, and ran down a few more. After two days on a 06 GSXR 600 with a full Yosh system at Road Atlanta, I demonstrated some competence at going fast some of the time. So, I didn't want to buy someone else's problems, and I wanted a bike I would probably never outgrow.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Randy]

Bob - sounds like you've done it right. Well done. You'll find out quickly that track days and race days are completely different, but, you'll definitely have a leg up on those that are going straight from the street to the track. Tough it out for a weekend or two and be a little nosey around the pits to see what others are doing. Keep in mind, a dremel can be your friend and perhaps you can make a nice smooth cut so you can fiberglass it back together after you get a slip on or full system.

 

[Chips]

BobH,

Did you get your answer? Over on the FZ1OA board, one of the members shows a pic of his bike with the Leo Vince and track bodywork. Not sure who makes the bodywork but I can ask if you'd like. https://www.yamahafz1oa.com/forum/showpost....mp;postcount=81