Track Bikes...

[thompsonian]

Ok. So here's the deal. I want to get on the track. BUT< I don't want to put the FJR on there JUST IN CASE I bin it. Not really wanting to foot that repair bill. I have access to buy an 04 FZ6 for $500 or so. I know it's not a Gixxer/600RR/R6, but the price is right for the purpose I need it to serve. My question is regarding bodywork. This one has been looped over and has NO front end plastic. Do I NEED to have the plastic on there? Will I be allowed on the track? I'm looking at STT for a Mid Ohio date and don't want to drop the cash if I can't take it on the track. I also don't want to spend 2 -3 grand for a bike when I may not like being on the track. Just trying to get some opinions/facts from you all since I know some of you own them. I've got an account on opening status at the STT forums and will ask the same thing there, but wanted some input from you all first. Thanks!

-Dave

 

[vectervp1]

I think its going to depend on what track you take it to, but you should be fine. Just make sure its not leaking any fluids and doesn't look unsafe to ride.

I used to know a group of guys who bought an older R6 together and all pitched in to maintaining it. It had no fairings on it and look like a real piece of crap, but it was sound mechanically. They never had any problems running it on the track out here.

 

[mattster31]

I used to race back in the 80's up here in Canada. Bodywork........ makes no difference whether you have it or not. If you have it and it's not secured, then just take it off. Safety is the only concern. A number of bolts need to be drilled and wired namely oil, brake calipers, pinch bolts, rad cap (which has to run clean water only!!). No glass, no lenses, no leaks!!! Duct tape the wheel weights, and cover both master cylinders with something soft and duct tape. Duct tape is your best friend at the track!!! As long as your work doesn't look "butchered" then you shouldn't have a problem with the safety check on race day. It has been a while but that's about what I remember. Last time I raced was 1995 and took 2nd on an RZ350 at Shannonville...........that was my 5 min of fame :dribble:

Good luck!!! the track is much safer than the street!

Mattster

 

[Randy]

I used to race back in the 80's up here in Canada. Bodywork........ makes no difference whether you have it or not. If you have it and it's not secured, then just take it off. Safety is the only concern. A number of bolts need to be drilled and wired namely oil, brake calipers, pinch bolts, rad cap (which has to run clean water only!!). No glass, no lenses, no leaks!!! Duct tape the wheel weights, and cover both master cylinders with something soft and duct tape. Duct tape is your best friend at the track!!! As long as your work doesn't look "butchered" then you shouldn't have a problem with the safety check on race day. It has been a while but that's about what I remember. Last time I raced was 1995 and took 2nd on an RZ350 at Shannonville...........that was my 5 min of fame :dribble:

Good luck!!! the track is much safer than the street!

Mattster

Sounds like the original poster is more interested in track days than racing. The restrictions are not as severe for track days as they are for racing. Each organization has their own set of rules.

The STT site does not mention anything about bodywork. If it's there, it should be secure. If it isn't there, prepare for a windy ride and watch a lot of the flat track and TT races to see how those guys do the one-arm-on-the-bars tuck.

 

[2WheelTiger]

If you only intend to use the bike for trackdays and have no intention of actual racing, then all you'll need to do is make sure the bike is safe. Track days don't ask for safety wire, catch cans, or anything special. You should be able to run the bike completely naked if you want.

If it's been looped, how badly is the tank crushed?

 

[thompsonian]

The tank only has a small dent in it. Nothing major. Even so, I can find a tank on the 'Bay for a little bit of cash.

Yeah, I mainly want to do track days, but I didn't want to drop major cash on something I might not even like. Althought I've heard it's QUITE addicting! Thanks for everyone's replies! Any more advice, feel free to shoot it my way!

-Dave

 

[keithaba]

I don't think you can go wrong buying anything that runs for $500!

 

[2WheelTiger]

Cool on the tank. Was worried about venting a crushed one.

Curious, why isn't it in your garage already?

 

[thompsonian]

Cool on the tank. Was worried about venting a crushed one.
Curious, why isn't it in your garage already?

#1 - Little short on fundage right now. Wifey is in school full time

#2 - Still trying to convince owner to sell it to me for that. Has been sitting in his driveway for a couple of years. Will need a good tune up.

#3 - I don't have any room right now. All I have is a little shed that BARELY holds the FJR and my push mower. But here in a month, I'll have a nice HEATED 2 stall garage to put toys in!

 

[taterides]

Go for it!! I picked up an SV650N for 400 bucks. Tires and exhaust and other stuff I didn't need and I am still under 2,000. Do it....