mrsantafe
Zone Head
Posts: 521
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posted December 18, 2004 09:23 AM
need some suggestions for a track bike!
Hello, i own a zx12 thats modded and take to track day events. It has upgraded brakes and lines, marchesini wheels and a bigbore making about 200 hp. I've run at arroyo seco in deming and sandia in albuquerque. At sandia it runs pretty good about 1:00 laps with bt014 streets. In deming i've run about 1:22. I weigh 230 lb's in gear. I'm considering getting a zx10, gsx,r1, gsr750 or some 600. I intend on using it for track days, maybe enter a novice class event, and everyday street riding. I'm not looking to break any track records but im tired of throwing around my monster. As far as budget as long as its not a 30k 999 ducati i can afford it. thanks for any suggestions!!!
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9.78@155.13 mph 1.71 60 ft @ a near mile high dragstrip
2006 ZX14 gone
2006 ZX10r (Wifes street bike)
2004 zx10r (her race bike)
2002 ZX12 (still kicking a--)
2007 gsxr 1k (race bike)
  
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12RPilot
Pro
Posts: 1094
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posted December 18, 2004 02:51 PM
I have alot of fun on my ZX-10 which I use almost exclusively for track days, but if you are thinking about actual novice racing, I'd get an SV-650. Lot's of bikes, already track prepared, can be had cheap and spare parts are everywhere.
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If you aren't an AMA member, you're part of the problem.
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Michael Lee
Zone Head
Purchase Ivy
Posts: 729
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posted December 18, 2004 05:04 PM
230lbs in gear + trackdays + street use + lots of $$$
Take advantage of the winter months and find a killer deal on a
Slightly used but still under warrenty 2004 liter bike
I've seen some go for around $7500 already
Any Brand will do - Good Luck
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bovinespongiformencephalo
Pro
variant Kreutzfeldt-Jakob
Posts: 1060
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posted December 18, 2004 05:09 PM
Gixxers crash well and seem to have very durable engines. The new R1 has the best chassis out right now. The 10R motor is killer and the chassis is good enough. The Honda I've heard is kinda fluffy. Like ML said, any brand will do.
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12RPilot
Pro
Posts: 1094
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posted December 18, 2004 06:57 PM
Beginning racer on a liter bike? Are you guys kidding? If you go that route, I wish you luck SantaFe
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If you aren't an AMA member, you're part of the problem.
NESBA #209
http://www.bikepics.com/members/12rpilot/04zx10r/
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mrsantafe
Zone Head
Posts: 521
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posted December 18, 2004 09:38 PM
thanks for the replies, keep them coming please.
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9.78@155.13 mph 1.71 60 ft @ a near mile high dragstrip
2006 ZX14 gone
2006 ZX10r (Wifes street bike)
2004 zx10r (her race bike)
2002 ZX12 (still kicking a--)
2007 gsxr 1k (race bike)
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Michael Lee
Zone Head
Purchase Ivy
Posts: 729
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posted December 19, 2004 05:14 PM
He also has everyday street use in mind and his weight to me would dictate a liter bike. I think he's more so out to have fun at the track vice getting overly competive. He's already doing it on a 12R, even tho he's giving up hp the weight difference will more than make it up in lap times. A true beginner I would not recommend it to; but I feel he can handle it.
Just my .10R cents
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redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
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posted December 19, 2004 09:05 PM
I'd suggest you go one of two routes and both of them involve buying a used race bike.
#1 - A pre-'03 SV650. I think it was '03 that they switched from carbs to FI. I might be wrong on the year. Anyway, several folks have had some hassles getting the FI set up just right. Carbs are easier to deal with. Some think an SV is a wimpy bike, but you can ask a lot of 600 and liter bike racers about how a SV is a total terror on a tight, technical track. Sure, you might be able to pull on a SV on the straights, but before you even get to the apex, it's back and all over you. Switching to GSXR forks is nice, but not allowed in all classes.
The upside of a SV is that they are cheap and easy to work on with plenty of stock and performance parts available. The downside is that even though the SV is all about corner speed, on has to almost completely retrain one's self to work with the powerband of a V-twin.
#2 - Any year model Yamaha R6. If you don't want to relearn the powerband of a V-twin, the R6 is for you. Earlier models of 636 and 6RR have been said to have some suspension issues and a tad difficult to get set up for the track. The GSXR 600 is underpowered in comparison to the other two. CBRs? We are talking about a track bike, here.
The upside of a R6 is they are also cheap, relatitively easy to work on and it too has plenty of stock and aftermarket goodies available. Not to mention that it's powerband comes on in a similar fasion as other inline fours. There isn't really a downside to an R6, unless you want to count the fact that it is not a 750 or a liter bike. On the other hand, it can be run in several more race classes than either the 750 or 1000s.
If you want a "track" bike, wether it be for serious competition or for just playing around, there really is not any reason to go out and spend the money on the latest or greatest of anything. A used track bike can be had as cheaply as $2,500. Paying between $3,000 and MAYBE up to $4,000 if the bike is in great shape and comes with a lot of goodies already on the bike.
Hell, we are trying to get rid of our team's old endurance bike right now. Not that I suggest you buy it, but for about $4,000, you could have a bike that is already set up with a Penske rear shock, Traxxion forks, Ohlins damper AND an extra motor (complete except no clutch basket and plates or carbs). What I'm trying to say is that there are dozens of good deals that can be found on the racing websites of WERA, CCS, CMRA or Formula USA. You just gotta look around. Of course, the end of the season is when all the best deals show up, but there are a few stragglers that pop up before the season starts up again. You just got to wait until the one your looking for comes around at a price your willing to pay.
Having a bike that is set up for both track and street, while you already have 12R is kind of a waste of time. Switching back and forth with the bodywork and lights will eventually become more of a hassle than it is worth. Don't discount a 600 or an SV because you think it won't be able to pull your weight, because either one can and you would still be just as competitive. Like I said earlier, 750s and liter bikes can only race in less than a handful of classes. Also, in CMRA, because those classes are so small, you will often be racing with both experts and novices running at the same time. At least with a 600, not only will you have a boatload of classes you can run in, but you won't have to mix it up with the experts at the same time (at least in CMRA - don't know about the others).
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There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
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kz2zx
Pro
Nobody in Particular
Posts: 1166
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posted December 19, 2004 09:18 PM
 Edited By: kz2zx on 19 Dec 2004 21:22
Red,
That R6.... how heavy a rider is the suspension valved/sprung for? Has the tranny (in either motor) had any work done to it (e.g. second gear replaced, undercutting, etc)?
I saw Jon put it up on 13x.... It's a strong candidate in my search.
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ASMA 47
WERA 147
www.dhowellbooks.com
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jonwright
Needs a job
Posts: 2416
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posted December 20, 2004 09:08 AM
Beginning racer usually does NOT need to be on a liter bike.
12Pilot is on the money.
Get a used race bike and keep it on the track. Small, nimble bikes are fun at a track.
While I don't think you'll have to totally relearn how to ride a twin, you do get to be 'lazy' with shifting and whatnot. And if you are used to the screamin' inline fours, you won't feel like you are haulin' ass - until you start stuffin' Gixxers and such and then you check yer lap times. 
It's just NOT cost effective to have a track bike that serves dual duty for the street. You also have to spend time taking street stuff off to do track days vs. just loading it up. Not to mention keeping insurance on it.
Toss yer track bike down? No prob. Couple replacement parts, patch body work, spray with primer. Proceed to next track day.
Toss yer street bike? Make sure all the plastic looks good, buy new bodywork, mucho $$$$$. Scour Ebay for weeks looking for cheap parts.
Used track bike is the way to go. Weight has little bearing on speed.
Beginning racing with liter bike? BAD idea. Skilled rider or not. The other experienced racers who are running the liter bikes will not be pleased. And it's very possible that you'll have a higher probability of wrecking or causing a wreck. Some organizations do NOT allow novice racers on liter bikes anyway - and for good reason.
Wringing the neck of a 600 on a track - THAT's fun!
And believe me - you aren't as fast as you think you are. Cut yer racing teeth on a smaller bike and learn to ride. Racing is TOTALLY different than just doing a track day.
Fast at a track day? Fine. Track day pace is NOT a race pace. Race pace is waaaaay faster. And passes are much closer. Think about rubbing fairings mid corner and you get the idea.
Get an SV or a 600. Used and track ready. There are great deals to be had.
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Michael Lee
Zone Head
Purchase Ivy
Posts: 729
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posted December 20, 2004 05:53 PM
I will go for the two bike route. Keep your 12R for street  buy the R6 or SV6 for race :thumbs up: I was under the impression you were wanting to keep one bike. Just don't go too small on the street if you do plan to go with the one bike route. You don't want the wife spanking ya on her 12R. Bhaaaaaaaa
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