Track bike question

[Promethean]

Okay....I'd like to get on the track sometime soon. Toward that end, which bike would be a good idea for someone like me who is new?

My research tells me a used Suzuki SV650 is the ticket. Does this make sense or am I totally off?

-Abhijeet

[supermotoC]

SV 650 is a very popular track bike - cheap to fix, cheap to buy (especially used) and you can get lightly used DOT race tires for them on ebay. The only thing more fun would be a KTM SMC660 supermoto bike, but it would be lacking on the top end for the straights. Too bad Honda doesn't revive the NT647 "Hawk" from 1989-1991 (a 647 V-twin that was model named RC-31). Also, too bad both Honda & Suzuki don't put those 650 V-twins into supermotard/Duke II-style street bikes - they'd sell every single one.

here's a few (Owner modded)

http://www.gt647.de/HAWKs/2004schwarz/HAWK_GT_sw_04-2004-1.JPG

http://www.gt647.de/HAWKs/2002rot/Hawk_GT_rot_2002-1/Hawk_rechts_07.09.2002_gross.JPG

http://hawkworks.net/brochures/brochure91-s.jpg

http://hawkworks.net/brochures/blue.jpg

[Blue Mist]

I have both an SV and a Hawk and have raced them both (don't take that as a claim of competence :rolleyes: )

They are both great track bikes, because they are easy to ride fast. The Hawk needs to be stood on it's nose to make it turn in quickly (I have the shock on my Hawk maxxed out on ride height and the steering head dropped 5mm on the forks). The SV is faster and aftermarket parts like rear set controls are more plentiful. Put some money into the suspension (a good shock, Race Tech emulators and proper springs for your weight). Then put on some soft race tires and go have fun.

I am putting my track bikes up for sale - I have no need for two of them, so I'll keep the one that doesn't sell.

[Tipstall]

Here is a brand new one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Brand-New-2005-Suzuki-SV-650-0-Miles-Full-Warranty_W0QQitemZ4604040653QQcategoryZ50034QQssPa geNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Tipstall]

And a used one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-suzuki-sv-650-will-ship_W0QQitemZ4605610694QQcategoryZ50034QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[BobFV1]

Okay....I'd like to get on the track sometime soon. Toward that end, which bike would be a good idea for someone like me who is new?

My research tells me a used Suzuki SV650 is the ticket. Does this make sense or am I totally off?

-Abhijeet

Abhijeet -

For your first time, take your street bike and see if the track is for you. You have an R1150R, right? That should be just fine for your first track day. Adjust your suspension, remove your mirrors, tape up your glass bits and reflectors, let some air our of your tires to compensate for heat build-up at speed and in corners, then get our there and ease in to your first track experience.

For a dedicated track bike an SV-650 is very popular, and a great choice. Depends on what your goals are on the track. If you want to just have a good time, learn more about cornering, and enjoy the exhilaration of the track in a non-competitive setting, then the SV is perfect, as would be a Ducati SuperSport and probably half a dozen other bikes I haven't thought of.

For a novice track rider, horsepower can really be your enemy, and suspension and tires are your friends. I would stay away from the higher horsepower 600cc sport bikes like the CBR or R6 until you have at least one track season under your belt and can control the unpredictable little issues like rear wheel drift.

A Supermoto bike is also a great choice but you will never blow anybody out in the straight - speed is overrated, but if it is a goal of yours to join the 30, 140, 150, 160 club, or to run rally fast lap times, then Supermoto may not be for you.

A great intro to the track is the Keith Code level 1 school, and you can rent one of their bikes or use your street bike no problem.

Well - I could ramble quite a bit. Head out to the next trrack day in your area and check out the various bikes and talk to some of the guys (and girls) there and see what suits you - start out modestly and work your way up.

Bob

[Blue Mist]

You can buy a brand new bike, or one that has already been modified for the track. I've done it both ways. The latter is cheaper and easier. :)

[Bones]

Briefly,
Track riding will propel you forward in skill and competence, even as it applies to street riding. It is NOT, repeat, NOT about seeing how fast you go...though you will go fast. It is about smoothness, consistency and control.

If I had it to do over again, I would have a bike that makes much less hp than my track bike (Yamaha R6). I regularly rode the R6 last season at 135 mph on straights on a short track and when on a longer track, would see 145 mph on the back straight, and that was the LEAST enjoyable part of the ride. It is all abou the turns.

I rode a Suzuki GSXR600 and SV650 back to back at Road Atlanta at the Kevin Schwantz school. The zillion mile long back straight, I was in 6th gear wide open once I got comfortable there and had Jamie James as my one on one instructor for two sessions (beyond cool). The 600, we would go over 155...just ridiculous. The SV650 tops out at about 130 indicated, which is plenty fast.

I would get the 650. It handles well, can be made to handle great, has a great engine that has more usable power than the inline 4's and a TON of aftermarket stuff. And you can pick one up real cheap, which is what I would do if getting into a track bike, now.

Also.........DO a school first. It will save you a TON of having to relearn bad habits on the track. If you are a track virgin, definately do a school or two first thing. Really. Most schools have rentable bikes. The schools are worth every penny.

Enjoy.

Jeff