Author Topic: I want a track bike - what should I do? (Read 5478 times)

vadim · « **on:** October 13, 2006, 11:46:26 AM »

Here's my current situation:

I have an '01 B6 (which I ride as much as I can, which between working 9-7 and doing an MBA is not much, unfortunately)
My girlfriend got an '04 Ninja 250 (which she doesn't ride)

Both bikes are stock.

I took my bike to the track last weekend and now, as expected, I want more. So I am looking at the following options:

1. Upgrade the bandit's suspension
2. Upgrade Ninja's suspension
3. Splurge on a used, but ready to ride track bike.

Since I have a fairly good chance of expropriating the Ninja, I am thinking about #2. I don't particularly care about burning up the track and passing everyone. I do care about learning/acquiring new skills.

Here are pros and cons as I see them:

1. Bandit (Purchased at 3K)

pros: I already have the bike
- it's a 600 so I won't have to shift as much
- upgrades that go into it will work on the street
- I already own the bike
cons:
- if I crash, I won't have a street bike
- compared to other 600s out there, it's heavy
- I'll have to change between street and track tires

2. Ninja (Purchased at 2K)

pros:
- this will make a dedicated track bike (and tires)
- it's cheap, and so are replacement parts
- my girfriend won't feel bad that she got a bike that she doesn't ride
- I'll get good at shifting
cons:
- my girlfriend may not like the idea
- I'll have to shift a lot
- it's a 250, after all

3. Dedicated bike

pros:
- I can get a full package without headaches of upgrades
- I'd probably get a 600
cons:
- money

I am leaning towards 250 as the most cost effective solution, but I'd like to know if there's something I haven't taken into consideration. More experience folks out there, what's your advice?

Thanks,

-Vadim

PitterB4 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 13, 2006, 11:55:26 AM »

Hey Vadim. That wasn't you on the blue B6 at Pocono on Sunday, was it? I saw the bike coming and going toward the end of the day but didn't see where it was pitted.

Why not sell the two fiddy and use the cash to buy a track bike? Having a dedicated track whore is nice.

vadim · « **Reply #2 on:** October 13, 2006, 01:25:48 PM »

Yes, that was me! http://public.fotki.com/vadim97/2006/trackday-10806/apex.html Feel free to critique.

The reason why I don't want to cash in on all the bikes and buy a dedicated track bike is that I live in an apartment in Brooklyn. I won't be getting to the track more than a few times a year, if that. It involves setting up my car for towing, renting a Uhaul, etc, etc. And I want to ride the bike a bit more than a few times a year... So the bandit will have to stay, either as a street only bike or as a street/track bike.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 13, 2006, 02:13:06 PM »

Damn, I wish I had sought you out. Sorry - I meant for you to sell the Ninja, buy a track bike and keep the B6. You can get a decent track bike for <$3000.

You don't look bad out there!

Were you in the ART course (I can't tell if that's blue on your leathers or the blue ART jersey)? You could obviously get over more and more off the bike. Check out this guy on that same turn. He's a friend of mine and one of the faster Red group riders (passed my ass a couple times):

Push down with that inside hand and loosen up on the outside.

vadim · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2006, 06:36:43 PM »

Where do I start if I want to look at track bikes? What's a good starter bike? I am more concerned about suspension then power...

Since Ninja's not really mine I can't sell it. I could upgrade it and ride it, most likely, but selling my girlfriend's bike would be a bit too far-fetched.

I was indeed in the ART course. It's the jersey that you are seing. The only way I could achieve your friend's lean angle would be by using photoshop. At least for now ;) I'd have been easy to find - I came on one of the only two UHauls out there.

BANDIT#999 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 13, 2006, 08:37:54 PM »

On the Bandit.
Upgrade the suspension and get some sticky DOT's. Work on improving your abilities, not trying to get around faster than the next guy (though that bug will bite you, resist), besides you don't have to go really fast to get your knee down. Cheap performance can be gained by simply going down one tooth on the front sprocket. Lots of bottom end but no high speed willies (no, not wheelies) willies when entering a corner.
For a few hundred bucks you'll have a half decent handling and performing bike. Put a set of sliders on it and if you want to save the nice shiny plastic see if you can get some track day skins, a bit more money but not as many tears if you do low side it.
You will also be able to keep riding on the street.

BANDIT VRRA 999
RACE 666

PitterB4 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 14, 2006, 12:46:20 AM »

I got my bike off the NESBA message board. A 98 F3 with less than 6k, Penske 2x clicker, racetech forks, computracked frame, full V&H (ugly as hell but functional), jet kit, aftermarket clipons and rearsets, 520 conversion and track skins for $2500. It was not a pretty bike by far. It runs great, has been very reliable and has all the goodies I'd want. The NESBA board, the WERA board and Craigs List are the places I've seen good deals.

Sorry - I figured if she didn't ride the Kawi... you could sell it!

smooth operator · « **Reply #7 on:** October 14, 2006, 06:42:07 AM »

If your only going to make it 2-3 times a yr.You can up grade your suspension on your Bandit. Sure its a little heavy,but your not out there to win anything,your out to improve your skills. If your in a class type situation,there is no reason to crash your bike. And you can do that on the bike that your used to riding all the time. If you can start to make it more often,then you can keep a eye open for a track bike. I use my 98 1200 Bandit,I have a extra set of rims w/track tires,extra bigger sprocket and chain,rear sets,had to go to the high mount exhaust,installed RT gold valves and springs,a GSX-R and/or a Works Performance shock to choose from.With the WP,I can change my ride hight by changing the linkage bones I had made (2" over or stock ride hight) I also installed GSX-R cams, so now I don't hit a wall @ about 9k. She'll sing all the way past 10K. As much as I'd liked to have gone more, I only made it once this yr. My house soaked up alot of $.And I'm the only bread winner here. But I might have a track bike for next yr., if so, I'll race it. Dan

banditII · « **Reply #8 on:** October 14, 2006, 08:06:34 AM »

I know money is always a con, but if it were me, I would save the money I would use on upgrading either bike, sell one or both and get a track bike. So, the money you could use would really be what you would get for your bike(s) plus what you would have spent on upgrades. But there is nothing wrong with using what you have to ride the track. Good luck!

smooth operator · « **Reply #9 on:** October 14, 2006, 03:19:56 PM »

Oh ya, I forgot one more thing, my paint job adds 2-3 more HP.

Rocketjock · « **Reply #10 on:** October 15, 2006, 11:43:43 AM »

There's a million used Gixers out there, man. Those things are track ready and a ten year old one can be had for a couple of grand. No upgrades needed. Just born for the track.

vadim · « **Reply #11 on:** October 15, 2006, 01:16:32 PM »

Thanks guys. I think for now I'll put progressive springs on my bandit (yeah, I know, racetech is better) and learn to work with what I've got. It'll give me an excuse for being a slow rider!

And then, if I find myself doing more than a few trackdays, I'll go for a track bike. Can't wait for the real estate prices to drop a little so I can buy my own place. Then I'l be able to a) store the bikes in a garage instead of a rented outdoor parking spot b) spend on the bikes without feeling gulty that I need cash for down payment...

speedytriple · « **Reply #12 on:** October 30, 2006, 01:41:24 AM »

i found a fixer upper and since pitter didnt buy it i am looking to get it this winter. a 2000 zx6r with 200 miles on it needs lots of carb cleaning and fluids changed. tires, and brakes upgraded. start with that, the guy i work with is saying he will think about my 1700 dollar offer. he was looking to get 2k out of it but i told him it needs to much work for that much money. so far looks like i will have to redo the carbs, tires and put maybe all of about 400 bucks into getting it ready. so if i can get him to take 1700 plus the cost of redoing a few things on it i would only have 2100 or so into it. i figure i could sell the street plastics, lights and wiring and get some race skins for it. i will worry about doing more to it after i feel i am above the stock stuff. only thing i will do is stiffer springs in front.

mike

theroamr · « **Reply #13 on:** October 30, 2006, 06:43:49 PM »

Im seriously thinking about racing my b-12 in 2007 in a couple of races near the end of the year at Nelson Ledges. That leaves me the early part of the year to get in the racer school and practice a few times first. My goal is to break 1:20 . I have done the advance riders school at Nelson and was running 1:28's regulary. I've got a progressive rear shock that probably needs to be reworked, I also should toss my progressive springs and get racetec spring and gold valves. Get some rear sets then she will be ready to run. I honestly dont care where I place as long as I dont get run over or lapped. Just want to learn to hustle the bandit to near its potential.

BANDIT#999 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 30, 2006, 06:54:50 PM »

Quote

I honestly dont care where I place as long as I dont get run over or lapped.

The run over part I agree with, but don't sweat getting lapped, it's part of racing. It better to be lapped than to try and ride beyond your abilities to avoid being lapped.
Take it easy, learn the lines, don't be afraid to ask a faster rider to show you around the track, that's what track days are all about. With more track time you'll pick up the pace naturally, don't try and force it, it'll come back and bite you in the ass!

Good luck next year!
BANDIT #999