Track Bike thoughts?

[Beefmaster_Mark]

Oh dear God here we go ... 

I am really thinking of getting a track bike.  Like, REALLY thinking about it.  I have two main problems:

1) Carla is reluctant for me to begin a "motorcycle collection" and has stipulated "only one at a time."  Members of this forum know that I am close to going track-only, but am not really ready to part with my FZ6 street bike yet. 

and

2) I have no place to put it.  I *might* be able to talk my brother into renting me some garage space, but it kind of depends on my sister in law and I wouldn't blame her for saying "no."  I might be able to ask my mom, but she lives way down in South O.C. and it would be a major trek to retrieve and drop off my bike.

Anyway, with all that in mind, I am really considering this purchase.  And my dear riding friends, I need some input here.  Here's what I am looking for:

A fairly late model supersport, or maybe just maybe, an SV-650 set up for track use.  I am not really interested in an FZR 400 (sp?) or a Ninja 500/250, because I do want something that I can hang onto for many, many years of my foreseeable track life.  I also am not interested in a liter bike, because my skillset is just not there nor do I want the added expense of going through tires so quickly, or the associated hospital bills.   

I would like to spend as close to $2000 as possible.  Anything less than that will likely not be ready-to-ride, which is also one of my stipulations.  $3,000 would be the absolute max but I would really like to be closer to $2,250-$2,750 tops. 

How old is too old in terms of the newer technology for a SS?  I have gathered that USD forks are not necessary (though adjustable forks and shock are). 

Are there specific model years for specific bikes to stay away from?  Specific mods? 
 
Here's a couple of specific examples that are on my radar at the moment:

http://www.socal-sportbikes.com/xmb/viewthread.php?tid=62722

http://www.socal-sportbikes.com/xmb/viewthread.php?tid=62557

This one is a GSX-R 750, and I doubt they'd take less than $3k for it, but:

http://my.wsmcracing.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=96

Same here:

http://my.wsmcracing.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=77

What would be the advantages of an SV650 vs. a 600 SS? 


And of course, if anyone knows anyone who is looking to get rid of a bike for around this much $$, please let me know!

Also, if anyone knows of secure garage space for rent (preferably someplace in the South Bay/Long Beach or surrounding areas) please let me know.

Thanks, as always, for your input and opinions!

-Mark

[rwalterk]

That 03 CBR looks like a steal!  Buy it!!!     (seriously, that is a good deal and I would inquire)

I'll address what I can and leave the rest to other peeps. 

re: 600ss vs. SV650
There are many SV club racers that can't do the same times on 600s as they can on a race-prepped SV.  Kurt from socalsvriders is one of those people.  He won at least one WSMC club title on his SV and later bought a GSX-R600 for street riding and track days.  He said the gixxer is way faster but that he can't match the lap times he used to do on his SV.  Keep in mind though that stock SV suspension is not adjustable, so most SV race/track bikes have a gixxer front-end and shock swap.  Otherwise it's a solid track bike - so narrow/small and easy to hustle around a tight track.  The epitome of "jump on and ride."

re: older vs. newer
I'd look for adjustable suspension, but keep in mind an older bike will probably need suspension work (e.g. Jim).  I like fuel injection (especially if it's gonna sit a while between track days).  USD forks resist flex better but aren't a big deal for people like us.  Can't really say how old is too old, but I'd prefer anything 03 or newer if possible.

[aprilmaybe]

For me personally, I couldn't go track only, I'd really miss my Saturday rides. Plus there is no way i could afford enough trackdays to keep me going. I also want my trackbike to be street legal. Between the money that would be tied up and the whole apartment issue I can't justify a bike that only runs a few times a year. I also like the freedom to spend time riding the trackbike because every bike is a little different. But thats just me and a street legal bike will push the costs up. I would really work the two bike angle.

My concern with the CBR600RR is, what happened to the title? There are legitimate reasons why a bike wouldn't have a title but there are could be a lot of problems on that end as well.

Its a really hard call on the 650 vs 600 but you should be able to get a better 650 for your budget than the 600. Next track day or ride, you can take the SV for a spin.

[rwalterk]

Next track day or ride, you can take the SV for a spin.

A nice offer, and a good one.  You'll be surprised at how easy the SV is to jump on and zip through the turns.

[Beefmaster_Mark]

Yes indeed, thanks for the offer April, I will definitely take you up on that!

I have seen track-prepped SVs but they tend to be a little higher priced (because they tend to have the suspension upgrades, etc.).

I am trying to think of why a bike would not have a title.  Even a wrecked bike should have a salvage title right?  Unless, of course, it was originally stolen.  I will ask, I did email her and the bike is available - I have a phone number to call.  I'm a little reluctant to call right now, because if I do decide to buy then I'll have to figure out a place to keep it like right away.  I guess it can't hurt to call and inquire about the title, and whatever else pops into my mind. 

Do you guys have any other suggestions about what I should be looking for/asking about when checking out specific track bikes?

[JimT]

The CBR looks like a great deal. I personally would not buy a bike with no title. There would be no proof that you own it.

On most tracks, the SV will be just as fast as a 600. I also think it is easier to learn to go fast on the SV.  As Ray said, the suspension needs to be upgraded. Also if you are buying someones old race bike remember that it is probably set up for him/her, and you may need to change spring rates/valving.

Fuel injection would be better because the bike will sit. Also consider wherever you store it you will need some sort or electrical because you will need a battery tender.

I would look for as stock as a bike as possible motor wise. Any thing with engine mods I would stay away from. Suspension, if it is an SV look for one with a GSXR front end, the shock I wouldn't worry about, you can find used SV race shocks easy. 600s you can get away with stock suspension, but I think as you go faster you will want to upgrade it.

[wlk12]

I'll ask a stupid question . Couldn't the FZ6 be set up to be a decent and fast enough track bike? This would solve several problems:

1) Save money
2) No extra garage space needed
3) Would still have a street bike for those occasional rides
4) Keep Carla happy

I can't overemphasize how important number 4) is 

Bill K.

[pshaw118]

You'd only really save money by upgrading the FZ6 if you were planning to keep it and buy a second bike.  If you're planning to replace, it'll probably be cheaper just to buy an already prepped bike.  I'd personally prefer the SS since it's already track oriented to begin with.  If your bike's gonna be a one trick pony, might as well just buy something that was designed for that specific trick.  Just my .02

[Jon_W]

Well, I don't know nothin' about track bikes..., but my SV650s I bought several years ago did have a "lost" title when I bought it.  If it happens to be that simple, you just have to do a little paperwork for the DMV and you get a title when it is transferred.  In that case, it might be a real steal!

But if there is no title from a previous owner or some other problem, I would be a little wary...

Good luck with your decisions!  I want to do a track day sometime, but I would have to get the SV1000s ready.   

[Beefmaster_Mark]

Thanks for the input guys.  Yeah I guess I could further modify the FZ6, here's what I would need at minimum:

* rearset footpegs
* clip-ons
* remove my center and side stands at the track, and need assistance with a rearstand until I get the hang of doing it alone

I have definitely "explored the limits of the lean angles" with my bike in its present form.  I have dragged peg hardcore (at Streets, in The Bowl in particular) and it's hard for me to get further off the bike, at least in proper form, without having clip ons, I think.

I have also begun scraping my kickstand, and I am afraid that I might possibly lever myself off the tires on the left side there if I buy and install aftermarket rearsets which allow for more lean angle.  Clip ons would be a bit of a PITA to install/remove unless I want to go all-clip-on, all the time.

[rwalterk]

Has anyone on the FZ6 boards used the Suburban Machinery bars?  Lots of SV owners (the naked SV that is) use them for a lower stance but not as low as clip-ons.  Could be a decent compromise.

[Beefmaster_Mark]

Interesting - thanks for the tips guys!

Here's the Suburban bars for my bike:

http://www.suburban-machinery.com/yamaha1.htm - $165, less than half of the ConvertiBars.  I wonder how hard is it to transfer the controls from the stock handlebars to the new ones? 

[rwalterk]

http://www.socal-sportbikes.com/xmb/viewthread.php?tid=57685&page=3

price lowered to $3000

[JimT]

I wonder how hard is it to transfer the controls from the stock handlebars to the new ones? 

I have them on both the Monster and SV. Its like a 15min job to change them out. They come with the locating holes already drilled in the right places for your switches.

I would recommend them highly.

[aprilmaybe]

I love them on both bikes. It's the first thing I'd do to any bike with handlebars as opposed to clip ons.