First track bike GS750?

[Audioslave784]

I've been riding a few years and from the start have always wanted to do a track day. This summer things are finally coming together - I got a new job, paid of my credit card, and found a like-minded friend who's also seriously into trying some track days.

2 months ago I was sitting on an EX500 and an FZR600, either of which I think could have easily been transformed into an acceptable beginner's track bike. Since then I've sold them both bought and bought a 1st gen FZ1, and while the big fizzer is an outstanding road bike, there is no way in hell I am going to bring 140hp to my first track day. I'd prefer something closer to 50.

Now maybe I'm being a little naive, but I'd like to spend around $1500 total. My initial thoughts were that a ninja 500 or 250 would be great, or even an FZR600, CBR F1, or a Bandit 600. It can (and probably will, for the money I've got) look like crap, may not have a title, and almost certainly need a carb cleaning, new tires and other important bits like fork seals. I'd like to get the bike for around $1000 or so and spend the rest on new tires and brakes.

Anyway to get to the point, I was thinking that for the same money I could get a running GS 750, throw some progressives in the front and rear, put on some good rubber and maybe even a used exhaust and bigger jets.

What do you guys think about that setup as a track bike for my first season?

 

[Nessism]

I'd look for a 600 of some sort, the racer the better. You should be able to find something pretty decent for about $2000 so I suggest you find an extra $500 since falling down hurts.

 

[FreshStart]

My theory goes like this. If you learn to race on your bike when you spring for a lighter racier bike itll be easy peasy lemon squeezy

 

[nufnuf]

Spend another 1500 on "the Fizzer"
The bike you have is always the best one to ride
Caning the crap out of your daily transport on the track on the weekend definitely has its disadvantages.
Good tyres and brakes is a must on the track
My track bike is a 78 gs
My road bike is a 1980 gs
The 78 has better tyres and brakes

 

[russr33]

Your initial thought was best; find a fzr, bandit or cbr 600 that is ugly but functional. Good suspension, tires, and brakes and go have some fun. If you do the GS you're probably going to spend all that money getting it ready, then last one day and want a more modern one anyway.

 

[Sandy]

Your initial thought was best; find a fzr, bandit or cbr 600 that is ugly but functional. Good suspension, tires, and brakes and go have some fun. If you do the GS you're probably going to spend all that money getting it ready, then last one day and want a more modern one anyway.

I agree, you can pick up just about any first generation 600/750 sportbike for $1,000 to $1,500. It doesn't have to look nice it just has to be reasonably sound mechanically. You've got way better tire selection, better brakes, better handling so they'll be a whole lot more fun.

 

[NoH2Oh]

SV650...should not be too hard to find a decent one already set for the track. Lots and lots of parts and info available.

 

[wkmpt]

My brother started doing track days last summer on his BKing. Yeah, it's a lot of power, but ultimately your right hand has the final say on how much of that power hits the road. If it were me, I'd just invest in some case savers and other crash-protective equipment for you and the FZ and ride. You're never going to get to know your bike better than when you're putting it through it's limits in a *safe* setting like a track (vs. the street like some squids do).

Barring that, I see a lot of sense in snagging a fairly modern 600 to whip on. An early SV650 shouldn't be too hard to find at a decent price, and there's a HUGE after market for performance parts for them.

 

[Audioslave784]

Okay, so it sounds like a GS probably isn't the way to go. An SV650 would be great but even the rougher ones seem to go for at least 2 grand. I'll probably get something older...

What about this FZR400?

Fox Twin Clicker
Race tech emulators
CFM Rearsets
Steering Damper
520 chain and sprockets
Nationals Fiberglass race tail
GSXR750 front master cylinder
Dyno jet stage 1 jet kit
Yoshimura full exhaust

$1500 for this + 2 new tires would bring the total to around $1800. More than I want to spend but just the bike I'd want to ride.

 

[tkent02]

That thing looks like a hoot, especially on a tight winding track where the speeds don't get up so high.

 

[FreshStart]

Yep thatll get the job done

 

[Guest]

I'd recommend springing for something that's already been set up for the track. SV650, F3, F4(i), 99-02 r6, etc are all great starter bikes, but be prepared. This sport is a drug, and you need alot more money that 1500-2000 to play with.

Good luck

 

[NoH2Oh]

This would be an excellent place to get the info that you need:

WERA racing forum...

http://forums.13x.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=12

 

[Audioslave784]

I'd recommend springing for something that's already been set up for the track. SV650, F3, F4(i), 99-02 r6, etc are all great starter bikes, but be prepared. This sport is a drug, and you need alot more money that 1500-2000 to play with.

Good luck

I understand the track will be expensive, especially considering I'm going to have to rent a trailer and a suit ($90 total) plus a hotel split 2 ways. Figuring on about $500 a day. I don't want to spend too much yet on a bike since I'll probably only make it to the track twice this year.
Plus I'm frugal by nature... I just find myself with expensive hobbies

I got in touch with the owner of that FZR but it just sold today Gonna keep an eye out for another though.

 

[hampshirehog]

Did you guys get the VFR400? Those things were made for the job and a cosmetically challenged one can be bought for peanuts.

 

[Buffalo Bill]

GS750 will work?

GS750 will work?

You can ride a GS750 8 valve, not a problem.
Get the best tires, take the mirrors off and all the glass, put a metal, plastic or wood disc in place of the front light fixture.
You'll really need to do some reading on your own, we can't tell you everything to do.
But for the novice class you're just be riding in a line together with no passing allowed, so you won't need a superbike.
Better have cash in the bank because your insurance DOES NOT cover injuries at the race track.
You will crash eventually if you keep coming back for track days, and you will be required to wear all the gear all the time and a back protector.
Bill

 

[1_v8_merc]

You can ride a GS750 8 valve, not a problem.
Get the best tires, take the mirrors off and all the glass, put a metal, plastic or wood disc in place of the front light fixture.
You'll really need to do some reading on your own, we can't tell you everything to do.
But for the novice class you're just be riding in a line together with no passing allowed, so you won't need a superbike.
Better have cash in the bank because your insurance DOES NOT cover injuries at the race track.
You will crash eventually if you keep coming back for track days, and you will be required to wear all the gear all the time and a back protector.
Bill

YES!!!

THIS guy knows what he's talking about!

People somehow get this idea that you'll be jumping on a superbike and doing 1000mph right away....Negatory my good friend!

You'll be dropped into the novice class where most riders have VERY little riding experience. You usually follow a group leader in a bright yellow or orange vest. This is for your own good.

You must first devolpe the skills to feel the track and memorize it.
The idea is also to get You and your Group familiar with riding in packs, etc.


Trust me, a GS750 will be perfectly fine!
Even the 650 is a 12 second bike in the 1/4....

And it's a MUCH better bike to drop(except for the weight)

Because parts are cheap, the older bikes will literally stand right back up and keep riding with no major damage.

Ever skid a newer bike?
Do you know how much the plastics cost for these bikes? A lot!

you'll be yanked right off the track, because you'll lose so many damn parts in a fall or skid!

I used to work bike days every weekend....seen it a million times.


Do yourself a favor, and get a GS or older bike to learn on.
As long as it doesn't leak oil, you'll be fine!

They are bullet proof, you can beat them up all day long, and drop them too.
Ditch the turn signals and mirrors, you'll be golden.