Track Bike

[2tsnon]

Allright, I have a question for the sport bike masses. We are getting a track locally

( www.millermotorsportspark.com ) a gift from the owner of the Utah Jazz and other business ventures here in the Salt Lake area. There will be some track time available that appears to be reasonable and accessable. I'm thinking I would like to get an R6 or similar to use for this. To start with I would be OK with a track only bike. So a salvage or downed bike would be fine. I'd like to stay on the less expensive end of the spectrum. My question is how old of a bike can I buy and still have a reasonable platform to start from? I realized a rebuilder may need some parts and I could upgrade at that point.

Thanks for your input and come out to see the Superbikes in June next year.

 

[Bike Effects]

I don't know how old, but an R6 would be my choice. I have an R1, and even after 7 years, it still intimidates.

Do yourself a favor though, and plan to spend some money on upgraded suspension. It will be worth it. Been there, done that.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Another forum that I am a member of has a LOT of track experienced people.

They have a discussion dedicated to preparing for track days

My Webpage

 

[gr8eyes]

An R6 is a great track tool. If you are just starting out on the track and don't want to spend alot of money an SV650 is a nice track bike. Once comfortable on it you might want to upgrade to an R6 then later an R1.

 

[NWFJR]

I purchased a 1991 CBR 600 this summer. I toyed with the idea of a number of different scenarios and ended up going with this one. The main reason was the price. $1100.00 creates a pretty stress free track experience for me in that I'm not worried if something happens to the bike while I'm out there. This bike was also track prepped which was a huge bonus to me as well. It already had race body work, upgraded suspension, track rubber, and was fully lockwired to pass all tech inspections. It's not the lock wiring itself that's a pain, it's the drilling of bolts, so not having to do this saved me loads of time. As it's getting to be the end of the racing season, keep an eye on webpages for racing clubs (i.e. wmrra and omrra here in the NW). A lot of people get rid of race bikes at the end of the season. Hope that helps.

 

[2tsnon]

NWFJR

That sounds like the ticket. Thanks. I wouldn't feel too bad about putting down an $1100 bike that was meant for the track. Guess I'll start checking the sport bike clubs around here. I'd be willing to bet that people are going to hold on to their bikes for a while though. A track this close is too hard to pass up.

 

[NWFJR]

Just like any other facet of the sport, people are always looking to upgrade. Particularly after they've obtained an expert race license. Bikes that have been used by a novice to gain ability, experience, etc.. can be had for (sometimes) great prices after they've used them to their full potential.

 

[yamahlr]

I'd draw the line at a Vincent Black Shadow, nothing older than that for sure!

 

[Rogue]

I'd draw the line at a Vincent Black Shadow, nothing older than that for sure!

I saw a show on Vintage Racing Hand-Shift class, never rode a hand-shift but it looked like they were having fun!

 

[2tsnon]

I'd draw the line at a Vincent Black Shadow, nothing older than that for sure!

I'm betting that would be way over my price point.

 

[rodantking]

I also live in salt lake and the new track has got me thinking also. Does anyone deal only salvage bikes? I know there are dealers for cars doing it. Where is the best place to look for them?

 

[rydfree]

Check the WERA board . They always have some great deals , especially November through Feb . You can get a decked out '99 and up model of just about anything for under $4500 . 3K is about the norm for a good bike with suspension and all the goodies plus some spare parts . No need for a title , insurance or any of that . Track riding will vastly improve your skills .

Have fun

 

[markjenn]

My advice is to look for a clean older 600, but not necessarily one that is a track bike now. My experience is that the track-only bikes have lived exceedingly tough lives and most have been down and tweaked pretty hard. A lightly rashed, but otherwise clean, 600 street bike would be a good platform to start. If you're just doing track days, most tracks have no special requirements for track prep other than the usual taping of lights and possibly the draining of AF. It's when you are actually participating in a racing series that you get into the safety wiring and the like. And it's not very hard to do anyway.

Unless you want to be competitive or are planning on racing a specific class, it really doesn't matter how old the bike is. A clean Honda F2, for example, would make a wonderful track bike. I use an R6 at the track, but also ride it on the street. If I crash it, no big deal, I've got other bikes.

- Mark

 

[SpeedyR]

the biggest thing that i tell people that are lookign to get into riding on the track is to buy a bike that's got the suspension sorted out. otherwise just budget about $2-3k for suspension modifications as you gain a bit of skill.

it's nice to have a cheap bike to learn on, but I'd point my friends to a clapped out F3 honda with Penske rear and traxxion forks than a new R6 with stock suspension. that's if you are going to ride harder on the track.

as others said, check out www.wera.com and also www.planetsuperbike.com (i think that's it). ask around or feel free to PM me if you find something you like, I know a fair amount of the wERA guys and might know someone who knows a bike you'd look at..

Jeff

WERA #179 novice

 

[lomaxcm]

Get a 70's Yamaha RD5. :dribble: DOH! now I'm showing my age. :lol: I guess the question is do you want to be competitive or have LOTS of fun? B)

Ride Safe