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Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones

Joined
May 14, 2012
Messages
242
Location
Miami
Road riding in Miami is no longer an option and I have decided the time is right for me to head to the track. With that being said, I'd love some insight. I've had a 2002 gsxr 1000 since new and recently purchased a 1299. I don't think I'll take the 1299 on the track, but I would take the gsxr without hesitation. I have logged over 30k miles on the gsxr and feel very comfortable on it, but I'm open to buying a 250/300 or a 600 for the track too. I understand the advantages and disadvantages of the different bikes and I'd like to get some practical advice from track riders in helping me make my decision. I have access to a company called BPM that rents out track bikes so that's an option too, but at $350 a rental I'm partial t using one of my bikes or buying a setup track bike. Your thoughts and input are greatly appreciated.
 
I'd look for a cheap used bike as a track whore. I got my 2007 cbr600 with 5700 miles in near mint condition for $2500. If I wreck it, who cares. Cheap and absolutely worry free. To me, tracking my 1199 makes no sense. I'm not racing against time or anyone in particular. Going around a track (to me) is all about the fun factor, regardless of lap times. If I wrecked my 1199, I'd cry like a newborn. If I total my 600, I'll go buy another one to wreck. Of course not everyone feels this way and thinks having a Panigale and riding it like a pussy is a complete waste of money so you will definitely get different opinions here. I ride my 1199 like a pussy. Short commutes to n from work and easy canyon rides. Definitely nothing aggressive. My 1 inch chicken strips are proof but I'm not concerned with that.

Decide what makes the most sense for you.
 
Last edited:
Those were my thoughts, grab a 600rr or something similar and ride it worry free...not worth risking the pani. I think one response was all I needed to confirm my initial thoughts. I'm not out there trying to set lap records and a nicely set up 600rr won't break the bank. So excited, I've been waiting a while for this. Now I'm just going to wait until I find a good deal on a bike and the weather cools down a tad.
 
What are you looking to get out of it?

Fun, power and blast? --> 1000
Keep some pocket change for
Tires

Fun and less tire cost? 600


Less trackday fun (getting passed) but more learning (braking, corner speed, clean lines) - 390/250/300 but the getting passed and big bikes parking in corners can be frustrating.


Ever thought about
Going
Racing?

Less squids, evenly motorized groups/classes, higher rider education- safer. Great big family environment. And higher addiction and learning factor!!!
 
Any recommendations on where to source a good track bike? Local race shop that rents out track bikes and has a big track presence has a few bikes that are well sorted, but I haven't seen any 600rr's for $2500! Craigslist seems to be hit or miss...and id prefer to buy from a shop like the one I mentioned Home
 
Phl, thanks for the post. I think the 600 will be best for me but I don't want to knock 250/300's either. It's all about learning and having fun for me. I'm open to anything, but feel that the 600s would be the best due to the fact that I'm so accustomed to riding 1000s so I'll still have some power. But I've come to you gents for the advice, so advise away! I used to be perplexed by guys that only ride on the track, and now I'm wondering why guys don't only ride on the track. Riding on the street in Miami equates to Russian roulette...
 
Link to local bike for sale... 2007 ZX6R

What should I look for when buying a track bike, especially a "bill of sale only" bike. Are there major red flags to you guys? I.E. Would you stay away from a wrecked bike resulting in no title, because you could likely find a clean title bike that has been converted to a track bike for an extra 500.00 etc. I'm not too worried about getting a bike that's been down, but is the market good enough to only search for clean titled/never down bikes.

I have a good eye for well kept bikes, but should I bring my mechanic? Etc...

Thanks for input!
 
Last edited:
Indiana Jones said:
Link to local bike for sale... 2007 ZX6R

What should I look for when buying a track bike, especially a "bill of sale only" bike. Are there major red flags to you guys? I.E. Would you stay away from a wrecked bike resulting in no title, because you could likely find a clean title bike that has been converted to a track bike for an extra 500.00 etc. I'm not too worried about getting a bike that's been down, but is the market good enough to only search for clean titled/never down bikes.

I have a good eye for well kept bikes, but should I bring my mechanic? Etc...

Thanks for input!
Click to expand...

Mileage, frequency of oil changes and mods are big ones. What sort of crashes? Are the forks straight, frame straight, wheels straight?

Clean title is no biggie if it is track only, I venture a lot of ours aren't anymore. But some people ride um hard and put away wet. Just want to find one that hasn't been abused.
 
I'm okay with a few low sides, but high sides I'll pass on. How can you tell frame, forks, and rims are straight and straight and true.
 
Did you take a look at the KTM RC390?
Depending on the length of the race tracks there this might fit the bill for the shorter tracks.
Remember, it is more fun to ride a slow bike fast than the other way around.
 
zaster said:
Did you take a look at the KTM RC390?
Depending on the length of the race tracks there this might fit the bill for the shorter tracks.
Remember, it is more fun to ride a slow bike fast than the other way around.
Click to expand...

That might take a while. Initially the fast bike is more fun.


I
Must honestly say, I left my sv650 aside at my first TD at road Atlanta with the long back straight and went and rode the 1199. It's just no fun getting held up and working through the 600/750/1k crowd and then having them all
Pile up in front of you into 10a.

More fun to be had on the Pani...

But yeah, depends on the track
 
zaster said:
Did you take a look at the KTM RC390?
Depending on the length of the race tracks there this might fit the bill for the shorter tracks.
Remember, it is more fun to ride a slow bike fast than the other way around.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Palm Beach is 2 miles with 10 turns and some big straights, while Homestead is a bit more technical from what I gather. I'm about an hour away from both tracks and West Palm has more track days than Homestead, but it's pretty even. I'm content on a 400, and if not, I could always buy another bike.
 
How long do tires last you guys. I know it will vary from size of bike to speed of rider, but I could expect at least a few sessions on fresh rubber correct?
 
Indiana Jones said:
How long do tires last you guys. I know it will vary from size of bike to speed of rider, but I could expect at least a few sessions on fresh rubber correct?
Click to expand...

Get Q3s if you are anything but pretty fast advanced and they will last you quite a few days.
 
Buy a clean late model 600 something that has not been tracked and grow into it, it takes minimal prep work, and the bike will be faster than you with the stock tires for the first couple of sessions. It will be better than buying something that's pre beat.
 

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