Best "Just for fun" track bike for experienced street rider

[danate]

Hey all. I know I don't post much anymore, but I've had an experience that has really put me back into "Moto-brain" mode. I finally had my first track day on a full-sized track (Laguna Seca). Granted, it was a CLASS School day and we were forced to not ride the racing line, which I found a bit unappealing. I still had a blast, but also decided my R1200RT was definitely not the best bike for the track. This has let me to search for a track bike.

About me: I'm an experienced street rider and former (thank god) commuter with probably a couple hundred thousand miles under my belt. I'm a CMSP and Total Control IRC instructor and I'm pretty well educated and confident in my riding skills. I recognize that my knowledge of riding exceeds my actual ability on the bike and the track is where I need to spend some time to hone my skills. That said, I think I'm starting out as a solid B rider and I'm very comfortable judging my corner speed as well as with trail braking and throttle control. Even on my RT I was still catching a lot of the guys on sport bikes in the turns in the CLASS school A group (only to watch them blast away in the straights).

I've narrowed my choices down to two options at this point, though I'm always open to suggestions. I'm considering a Ninja 400 or a GSXR 750 K1. Both bikes would have to be set up for me as I'm a big guy (around 280lbs), but I know that going in. My price point is aiming towards $3k, though I know the Ninja 400 would be a bit more than that. I've owned a GSXR 750 in the past and loved it and had some of my best times riding in the Santa Cruz Mountains with it. I miss that bike so much and wish I had kept it for the track. However, I know the Ninja would be better for increasing my skills and corner speed at the track. My worry is that I will get frustrated riding a small displacement bike at track days that I'm sure are full of 600s and liter bikes. I wish there were track days only for smaller displacement bikes (are there?).

So what do you suggest BARF?

 

[295566]

Purely track only or street use as well?

 

[danate]

Ideally I would have it as a fun bike for the street, though it's not necessary.

There's also a pretty sweet track set up CBR500R in my budget that's already setup with suspension and track goodies. So that's an option too.

 

[295566]

Ideally I would have it as a fun bike for the street, though it's not necessary.

There's also a pretty sweet track set up CBR500R in my budget that's already setup with suspension and track goodies. So that's an option too.

If you're looking for purely a track toy, pick up a well sorted/farkled SV650 or 600 from someone who's already track prepped it. You'll save a ton of money and could probably get a great one well under your budget, especially this time of year.

 

[Maddevill]

3XV TZR250 ...

Mad

 

[R3DS!X]

Hard to go wrong with the R6. Anything after 03. The parts are widely available, they handle well and are pert near bullet proof. Also the second gen SV650, gsxr 600, cbr600, zx6r would be a good choice too(listed in order of desireability for track use imo).

If you don't mind more maintenance and risk of finding parts and what not, aprillia rs250 would be baller, a slightly older race duc like a 749 or 999, hell im sure you could probably find a good deal on a 848 if you tried.

If im getting a track toy im getting something im not gonna cry about if i bin it.

http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=531022
First gten sv650 so you'll have to deal with carbs on occasion but there are only two of them, and they are flat slide, so you can sit at the cool kids table. This is a pretty good deal.

 

[bambamb43]

IMO don't go anything smaller than a 750, you're 280 with full gear you're around 300 lbs, most sport bikes are designed for a 150 poundish rider, so you're like 2 riders on a bike, i'm 61 and weigh 290 and over 300 in gear, I do about 15 track days a year and ride B group, started using my BMW S1000R and decided I wanted a "track only" bike and found a used AFM and AMA K5 GSX R 1000 already set up with all the goodies for 4500 , I found being the fat pig that I am i need a 1000cc or bigger, both my bikes are fast bikes and because of my weight (and a few other reasons I'm sure) i still get passed in the straights, sounds like you are already a good rider and you already ride a 1200cc motorcycle i think you would flog anything smaller than a 750, Big Boys Need Big Toys !!! Just my opinion, I'm sure others on here will have good ones to

 

[Holeshot]

What's up Nate!

Is $3K your hard budget? A good 750 can't be had for that and likely, nothing but a small bike can be had for that budget that isn't worn out. A $3K 600 will need an engine in quick time, etc. Sometimes, spending more gets you much more. I'd worry about a track-day guys bike as lots of these guys beat the engines pretty hard with poor skillsets and lack of good care of the engine/ suspension. I can find you all kinds of ex race bikes, but they're about double your budget too.

I can put you in contact with a friend who can buy at NPA (powersports auction) and will do so for small fee. He's a 5X AFM #1 plate and knows bikes like he does riding.

 

[hophead]

Speed Triple

Edit: I read incorrectly and thought you were asking for the most fun street bike for an experienced track rider. Never mind

 

[moto-rama]

FZR400

or F4i

 

[Killin_ix]

If it's corner speed you seek then the Ninja 400 is the bike. The N400 on the track is a HOOT! So much so I bought one myself after trying one. Also great in the canyons.

For your size, you might have to throw money at the suspension. I'm about 180 ish with gear on and it's a tad soft. The brakes also aren't that great for higher pace classes.

You can always rent one from FLAP.

The 750 is fun too and can be had for cheaper if bought used.

 

[ST Guy]

A baby Ninja if you're a smaller person, otherwise an SV650. :afm199

 

[ST Guy]

Just saw you're a bigger guy like me, so.....

A good 1000 cc bike would fit the bill. Maybe a 750.

 

[fubar929]

GSX-R750 is the perfect track bike, especially for someone who can ride at a "B" pace. The bikes from the early part of the century have much more extreme ergos than newer bikes. If you want to ride on the street, I'd increase the budget and buy something slightly newer; ideally a model that includes the 3-position adjustable footpegs. They'll make the occasional street ride much more tolerable.

 

[danate]

Thanks for all the input. I've been watching a lot of Ninja 400 videos, and as much fun as it looks I feel like my weight will be a big drag on the bike. Even with diet success, my goal weight will still be around 240 which doesn't sound ideal for it. I know that with any bike, I will need to budget for suspension. That's always been a given.

It leads me back to the 750 or a liter bike. I've noticed the ergos getting better with newer bikes, but then again I was fairly comfortable on my 03 GSXR 750, though I didn't spend too many full days out on it.

Berto, $3k isn't a hard limit. It's just what I have ready for it now. I've been able to find lower mileage older GSXR 750s for around that price, though I know the new ones have improved greatly. I am open to spending more if it's worth it though. I too am wary of buying ex-race and track bikes as I know people can ream them. I'll send you a PM about your contact. Thanks for the offer.

 

[bambamb43]

Thanks for all the input. I've been watching a lot of Ninja 400 videos, and as much fun as it looks I feel like my weight will be a big drag on the bike. Even with diet success, my goal weight will still be around 240 which doesn't sound ideal for it. I know that with any bike, I will need to budget for suspension. That's always been a given.

It leads me back to the 750 or a liter bike. I've noticed the ergos getting better with newer bikes, but then again I was fairly comfortable on my 03 GSXR 750, though I didn't spend too many full days out on it.

Berto, $3k isn't a hard limit. It's just what I have ready for it now. I've been able to find lower mileage older GSXR 750s for around that price, though I know the new ones have improved greatly. I am open to spending more if it's worth it though. I too am wary of buying ex-race and track bikes as I know people can ream them. I'll send you a PM about your contact. Thanks for the offer.

I was able to change the ergos on my 2005 GSX R easily, because of my size it didn't fit well , it came with Vortex adjustable rear sets which helped alot and I put woodcraft clipons with 3" risers and was able to make it fit me and was much more comfortable , you can find early 2000- 2006 gsx R 1000s still reasonable and tons of used parts availability

 

[danate]

I was able to change the ergos on my 2005 GSX R easily, because of my size it didn't fit well , it came with Vortex adjustable rear sets which helped alot and I put woodcraft clipons with 3" risers and was able to make it fit me and was much more comfortable , you can find early 2000- 2006 gsx R 1000s still reasonable and tons of used parts availability

Thanks for that! That’s exactly the kind of info I need.

 

[afm199]

GSXR750. And don't be afraid to look for a 2006 and up. They are pretty cheap today set up for the track.

For your weight the 400 is too small, and the early 1000s aren't really legit track bikes any more. Sorry boys. If you are going to get one, get 2005 up.

 

[RaptorFA]

I can put you in contact with a friend who can buy at NPA (powersports auction) and will do so for small fee. He's a 5X AFM #1 plate and knows bikes like he does riding.

My first thought was to call out the Gixxer 750, but man, I would be giving this gentleman a call for sure! He would most likely offer some excellent guidance on this matter.

@Holeshot, that is way cool of you! :thumbup

 

[NoTraffic]

How serious are you doing track days? Once a month? Three times a season?

Other potential bikes in that category that you might find more comfortable given your weight (no height is mentioned, are you 6'2" or 5'5"?) and said budget.

- First gen FZ1 (replace handlebar for clip ons or keep on for more upright ergos)

- Older CBR

- First Gen Z1000

- High-mileage RSV/Tuono

Question about seriousness is in relation to how much of a street bike this will be. Factor in all the applicable maintenance costs and trackday consumables, including suspension setup - it adds up quickly. Suspension mods for your size alone I would factor in applicable springs and shock.