Well lets see what others have to say and by others I'm talking about, Craig, Rick, Steve, Mr Wayne, Karl etc. You know, guys that have actually built high end stuff. I may be wrong Paul but I don't believe you have actually built a top shelf bike from the ground up or have had the opportunity to ride or race with very high quality (expensive parts) so I can only assume you are speaking from assumption. If i am wrong, then accept my apology and fill us in on your expertise. For individuals who are familiar with quality parts, there most assuredly is a difference between the OEM crap and the good stuff.
So my take is, Andy is not wrong. Give me 100K and I will easily build a more track capable bike than the SL and certainly more reliable. I would start with V4R motor and frame and go from there. I will end up with better brakes, better controls, better suspension, better electronics, much better electrical system, the right swing arm, carbon tank, etc I guarantee it. 5 years ago I got .... for saying this, fortunately today, there are a lot of guys doing that very thing. Can't fight the fan boys. The SL is a nice bike but its a R with some dramatically overpriced sprinkles that are easily surpassed with less money. Lets see what the guys who actually walk the talk say.
As far as the brand goes, I have zero problem with money. If the "brand" would have built and sold what I wanted, or what Craig wanted, or what Steven wanted, or what Karl wanted, or what Mr Wayne or Rick wanted then we would have plucked down the money and we wouldn't have had to build the bikes ourselves. Ducati didnt build anything I would have bought off the show room floor, not even close. To me, they build mediocre motorbikes across the board so I take what I need from the brand and do the rest myself. The bike i just finished has very few parts from an OEM production bike. Engine cases, swingarm frame mounts, bare heads (head components are not OEM) (gearbox is not Duc) and i think that's it. Every other part is aftermarket, Corse or something I made.
You don’t need to break the bank to have good accommodations at the track. My set up is 7x12 trailer with rooftop A/C towed by Toyota Tundra. Space for two bikes and all off my stuff, I can sleep in it and cool down in a/c after sessions.
