Newbie track bike suggestions

[dieseldad60]

I'm looking at experiencing some track days and haven't ever done them before. Been riding for over 40 years but never on a track. Not taking my H2 either...

Looking for suggestions and advice on getting a track bike. Not wanting new. Just don't wanna invest that type of money just yet. Also curious as to type of bike.... naked bike or regular sport with all the fairings? I am anticipating a drop or two

Any suggestions greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[Champ87]

For me it would be a used 600. Fast enough to scare yourself without breaking the bank in terms of purchase/maintenance/repair cost. 600s are nicely balanced bikes so they're good tools for improving riding skills. My preference would be an R6 but R6/ZX6/CBR600/GSXR or Triumph Daytona will all do the job. Age will depend on your budget.

If it has a few scrapes on the fairing that might be a negotiating point - provided the scrapes are from misjudgment not mistreatment. If you get one with nice bodywork consider swapping out for cheaper aftermarket stuff and either sell the original bodywork to recoup some cost or keep it and refit to make it look good when you sell (one owner, pristine condition!)

Another option is buy one already prepped for track days. Sure, it's been thrashed but you aren't planning to baby it so, as long as it seems mechanically sound, that would be an option at the right price. A used racer can be an option too. Something a few years old may no longer be competitive but still a ton of fun on track days. Be careful on that because sometimes that super-quick, race-winner has some of the goodies removed to sell separately or transferred to another bike.

[dieseldad60]

Champ,

I was leaning to a 600 already so I think that is good advice. Also some good pointers I actually hadn't thought of... big dummy I am :-) Hadn't even thought of a used track bike.... think I will look around! Thanks!

[Thunderdawg]

In 2002, a friend of mine and I bought a '92 (?) TZ250. It opened my eyes to slicks, cassette gear box and all that implies about intermediate gear ratios to dial in each track, and narrow power band two stroke engines. I agree with the above recommendations for a used track or racing bike (600cc or so) which would usually come with extras and set up information. I had a '06 Daytona 675 which would have been a lot of fun on the track. At the time there were many aftermarket parts available: levers, body work, exhaust systems, sliders and so on.

[cOoTeR]

Might want to consider a supermoto. They are a blast on the track.

[wellcraft]

I think any 600 bike will serve your purpose and there's no shortage of used 600's available that haven't been used and abused. Easy and cheap way to get a track bike without busting your budget. I'd also recommend visiting a track and speaking with the owners as well as other riders and get their opinions and advice.

[57x]

I recently went the 750 route and grabbed an 07 GSXR750. I'm very happy with my decision. I have had several other track day bikes. 09 ZX6R, 06 ZX10R, 12 ZX10R, 89 VTR250. This seems the perfect bike with great attributes of not too much power, light weight and lower maintenance. 600s are just too twitchy for me as an average B group rider. Liter bike power is just stupid to me on the track. It is way too easy to get in trouble.