track bike for me?

[loe_tek]

I am looking for suggestions on a track bike. I have no desire to take my feejer on the track at this point. Too expensive when I lay it down. I am a big, "rangey" guy. Long legs, and longs arms. 250+lbs. I want something that has as much power as the FJR, and similar brakes. This is something I can take signals and whatever off the bike, it will not need to be street legal.

I am not looking for the end all be all bike, just a stepping stone to riding technique improvement.

what do you all suggest?

thanks

 

[kegg]

Depending what you really want if cost is the main issue, a sv would be a good track bike. It needs suspension to work really good. Or how about an older bike like a rc51, a bit more power weighs a ton and a blast to ride

 

[rmcobb]

Yeah, you need to decide what type of bike you want....a sportbike (CBR, GSXR, Ninja,) or possibly something more upright (KTM Duke, Aprilia Tuono, Kawi Z1000).

My 53 year old knees can't take the sportbike too much longer so I'll probably be selling my GSXR track bike and if I decide to keep doing track days, take my Aprilia Tuono out or look for something similar...to include a SuperMotard style bike.

With your size, the standard sportbike might be a bit of a crunch, and if you're looking at something that will enhance your FJR riding ability, something with a similar riding position might be better.

Bottom line though......DO IT. Spending time at the track increases your skills exponentially! Have Fun!

 

[not2shabby]

I used to take my gen 1 FZ1 to Mid Ohio a few times...it's not the sharpest tool for the track, but it's not a slouch either. The ergos are much more comfy than your cbr/zxr/gsxr/r1. I saw one on the FZ1OA board the other day for 2k, I think. It's been down, but if you're like me, the more you have invested in a bike, the less likely you are to push the envelope. Check the WERA board too, a lot of times you can get a bike with suspension mods, race plastic, etc., for pretty cheap.

 

[CAJW]

I'm in the Supermoto camp, can't have more fun on a track than you can with one of those. I used a 2002 CBR600F4i for street and track days, including the Keith Code Superbike School. For level 3 I took my DRZ400 homegrown Supermoto and had more fun than (as Dave Ramsey says) I deserve. As rmcobb says, DO IT!

 

[oldryder]

I stated track riding at the ripe young age of 52 and learned a lot the last few years: Couple of suggestions:

1. It's often said it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. I believe this is particularly true if your riding skills are mediocre.

2. I used an SV650, one for me and one for my daughter who weighs 100 lbs less than me. Excellent as a "stepping stone." Bike was fine for both of us and they're pretty much bullet proof as long as you leave the engine stock. I was amazed the 1st time I rode it on the track (3.1 mile roadcourse) and saw that the engine temp while screaming around a big track was only a couple of degrees higher than street riding. The SV's are very popular track and race bikes so you can get one this time of year around here for roughly $2500 usually with some spares.

3. It s LOT cheaper to buy a race or track bike all set up than to convert a street bike. With your weight you'll probably have to have the suspension serviced so it is set up for your weight if you plan on getting agressive as you'll quickly reach the limits of a stock suspension.

4. If you decide on a larger more powerful bike the V-twins are a lot easier for a rookie as the engine has a much broader power band than the typical crotch rocket. This lets you focus a lot more on riding technique and less on shifting. This would be a RC-51 HOnda, TL1000R Suzuki, or a Ducati if you want to spend that much money.

Note: You can usually add a gear indicator to fuel injected bikes pretty easily. In the beginning it's a nice feature.

5. figure $1000 or more for track riding gear unless you already have a suit, boots, gauntlet gloves, and a snug helmet. Not a place you want to skimp on $. More and more track riders are starting to add a neck brace as part of their standard safety gear.

6. there are some real worthwhile books on track riding. "Twist of the Wrist I & II plus a couple others I can't remember now.

7. If you have a good source for track instruction locally take it. YOu'll have loads of fun and your riding skills will improve a lot faster.

Good luck. I've been riding for 35 years and I wish I had discovered the fun of track days a long time ago. IMHO anyone that rides on the street should take track instruction. The capabilities of todays bikes are so far beyond the riding ability of most riders that only formal instruction in a track environment provides the opportunity to learn and exploit those capabilities. I expect someday the ability to crank a bike over, possibly even 1/2 way thru a turn, will save me from a crash and possibly even save my life.

 

[loe_tek]

thanks to all for sharing your experiences. Keep the ideas coming, I have some road rash to repair on my 2007 this winter, a cam chain tensioner to replace on my 2005 FJR. I will see what kind of deals come along between now and next spring on my future track bike :yahoo:

 

[Bugnatr]

+1 to a FZ1 but keep it street legal. After riding it on the track your Feejeer just won't cut it when you want to rip a little....

I have both and for the fun local ride the FZ1 is a hoot-more power, better brakes. For the long days/trips it's the FJR

 

[mferriter]

Get a 10 year old CBR600 or 1000. Way more power than you'll most likely ever be able to use and fun as hell. Don't spend more than $3k. Strip it down for the track.

It will not be comfortable, they were not designed to be comfortable, but your only on the track for short periods of time. Don't even think about trying to ride it for more than an hour, I know from personal experience.

 

[Falko]

I run an Aprilia Falco as my second bike. Great usable power, v-twin, stretched seating for taller riders (i'm 6-3). Just upgrade the rear shock, the stocks are weak. Really reliable bike as well.

 

[carlson_mn]

Use your FJR. very little damage to the bike if it goes down at the track, what's there for it to hit? Obviously, put sliders on and take the bags off. It's the bike you will be using on the street, all the better to learn more on it. The FJR can be a fine track machine if you're a capable rider, and know that you have to move your body a hell of a lot.