Worth buying a cheap track bike to try it or just run my MT09

[Nick7774]

This. Your -09 will be super fun on the track (ask me how I know) and you’ll get an idea of whether or not it will be worth a dedicated track bike. I ride mine in, take off the mirrors and tape up the brake light, and go!

Make sure you visit the suspension guy after your suspension is warm. Even if your running stock set up, it’s $40 well spent. :thumbup

That's kind of what I'm leaning towards. Don't go apeshit. The bike is set up for me. It has 500 miles on it's michelin Road 5s, and I actually put woodcraft clip ons on.

It has rizoma frame sliders, and even has a small cage around the front edge of the radiator. I'm not sure a get off would do a ton of damage unless I just completely bin it.

 

[two wheel tramp]

Seriously just bring whatever you have and ride it for this track day. Seems crazy to spend a bunch of money for a track bike for your first go round.

If you're really concerned then rent a bike from FLAP.

 

[Kurosaki]

Just to iterate what's been said, take your bike, try it out. Track riding may grab you, it may not.

You're not going to be skilled enough on your first day for a dedicated track bike to matter. Not an insult, just that your MT09 is perfectly fine to get your feet wet and get a feel for it.

Ninja 250, or 300 if you want, is always a reliable choice if you're gonna buy a cheap track bike, and that's for anyone from beginner to veteran.

 

[easter bunny]

I'm a 50EU in theory and according to the guys at STG. I think that's a 40 in US sizing. I'm about 5'8" and 150lbs. So if that sounds right I'm definitely interested.

I'm 5'10 and I was somewhere between 150-160 when I fit in it. Sounds like it'll work for you. IIRC the arms seemed a little long so if you're kinda lanky then it should be perfect. Yours if you want it. PM me your details.

 

[chrisweir.com]

If taking your own bike delays the process, rent a bike and go try it. Once you've been on a road with no intersections or oncoming traffic, you'll know if its for you and either sell you bike, make it track ready, or buy a dedicated track bike.

 

[Nick7774]

Just to iterate what's been said, take your bike, try it out. Track riding may grab you, it may not.

You're not going to be skilled enough on your first day for a dedicated track bike to matter. Not an insult, just that your MT09 is perfectly fine to get your feet wet and get a feel for it.

Ninja 250, or 300 if you want, is always a reliable choice if you're gonna buy a cheap track bike, and that's for anyone from beginner to veteran.

Thanks. That's my thoughts.

Basically I live like 3ish hours from several tracks, but I doubt this will ever be a major thing for me. I just want to try it and was willing to pick up a used 300 to do if need be. I do like my MT and I am used to it. I'll just use that. I appreciate everyone's opinions.

 

[Nick7774]

I'm 5'10 and I was somewhere between 150-160 when I fit in it. Sounds like it'll work for you. IIRC the arms seemed a little long so if you're kinda lanky then it should be perfect. Yours if you want it. PM me your details.

I would love it, but unfortunately this is such a new account I can't even send PMs yet. I'm not sure if you'll be able to reach out to me first or if I just have to wait another week or so.

Just let me know what I can send you. Shipping costs. Cost of suit+back protector. A pizza. Whatever. I really appreciate you even offering.

 

[easter bunny]

I sent you an email with my number.

 

[jmann]

Rent the FLAP Ninja 400 bikes. You just show up and ride. They take care of it all. Between sessions you can also mingle with the FLAP staff. It’s almost like getting an instructor / pit crew free for the day with their bike rental. Unless you already have friends who are experienced and attending the track with you. The info that FLAP can give a first timer is worth it. If you end up liking tracking, then go find a bike you like.

 

[Nick7774]

Rent the FLAP Ninja 400 bikes. You just show up and ride. They take care of it all. Between sessions you can also mingle with the FLAP staff. It’s almost like getting an instructor / pit crew free for the day with their bike rental. Unless you already have friends who are experienced and attending the track with you. The info that FLAP can give a first timer is worth it. If you end up liking tracking, then go find a bike you like.

That's certainly worth something to me also.

 

[Nick7774]

I sent you an email with my number.

Unfortunately I don't see it in my email. I even sent a test email to myself to see where it went or if it ended up in spam. Maybe give it another try?

 

[DirtyD]

Rent the FLAP Ninja 400 bikes. Unless you like torque and horsepower. Or going over 100 mph.

Fixed.

 

[tfkrocks]

I rented a FLAP bike for my first track day back when they had the 250s. It was nice to not worry about logistics of attending as a first timer and trying to absorb everything going on. The bike was better set up than the 300 I owned at the time so definitely a plus. I took a new to me FZ-09 for the second time though haha. Honestly I preferred the small bike but YMMV.

 

[Nick7774]

I rented a FLAP bike for my first track day back when they had the 250s. It was nice to not worry about logistics of attending as a first timer and trying to absorb everything going on. The bike was better set up than the 300 I owned at the time so definitely a plus. I took a new to me FZ-09 for the second time though haha. Honestly I preferred the small bike but YMMV.

Hmm. That's good to know. Adds a lot of expense, but it may be worth it just have a team help keeping me on the track and not worried about my bike itself.

 

[Gravisman]

Hmm. That's good to know. Adds a lot of expense, but it may be worth it just have a team help keeping me on the track and not worried about my bike itself.

There are quite a few hurdles to leap for that first track day, from getting a bike and prepping it to getting it to the track. I was lucky enough to have a racer friend bring me the first time and hold my hand through that stuff. If I didn’t have that, I’d either have not gone, or probably would have wanted to do a rental like flap. Eliminating biggest hurdles for the first time is a great thing.

 

[Holeshot]

You are going to crash sooner or later. If you end up really liking the track, it will be sooner. Sooner or later you will turn your street bike into a track bike because it's just not worth fixing anymore.

Two things for newer riders to never bring to the track (especially races):

1. New street bike

2. Girlfriend

You know why...

I'm a 50EU in theory and according to the guys at STG. I think that's a 40 in US sizing. I'm about 5'8" and 150lbs. So if that sounds right I'm definitely interested.

That's kind of what I'm leaning towards. Don't go apeshit. The bike is set up for me. It has 500 miles on it's michelin Road 5s, and I actually put woodcraft clip ons on.

It has rizoma frame sliders, and even has a small cage around the front edge of the radiator. I'm not sure a get off would do a ton of damage unless I just completely bin it.

Should fit you perfect. That's my size, but I'm about 165 right now.

IMO, I like the idea of riding your MT, given you know the bike and are comfortable on it. Take your first day and take it easy, get familiar. My best advice: make sure your tires are in good shape and up to the job. Tire guys are there to help out and will. Do you know which day/ provider you're going with? Are you planning on going alone?

 

[Nick7774]

Two things for newer riders to never bring to the track (especially races):

1. New street bike

2. Girlfriend

You know why...





Should fit you perfect. That's my size, but I'm about 165 right now.

IMO, I like the idea of riding your MT, given you know the bike and are comfortable on it. Take your first day and take it easy, get familiar. My best advice: make sure your tires are in good shape and up to the job. Tire guys are there to help out and will. Do you know which day/ provider you're going with? Are you planning on going alone?

I am definitely still considering bringing my street bike but I am mighty fond of it. I'm gonna look at an older Ninja 250 this weekend. A 250 has some unique advantages for me, namely that I can take it to the kart track 35 minutes from my house and practice.

I know it's going to be lacking in power, but I really want to learn how to corner better and I think it'd be good bike for that. Also it's cheaper to just let the bike go rather than even a slow speed get off of my MT.

I'll think about it more. Track day March 28th at TH with Z2 (Novice School). I'm excited.

 

[Tally Whacker]

Lacking in power doesn't mean lacking in fun. Buy that 250 and ride the wheels off it. If you get hooked by the track experience, you can sell the Ninja and move up to an older but well set up 600. You'll never outride that.

 

[Holeshot]

I am definitely still considering bringing my street bike but I am mighty fond of it. I'm gonna look at an older Ninja 250 this weekend. A 250 has some unique advantages for me, namely that I can take it to the kart track 35 minutes from my house and practice.

I know it's going to be lacking in power, but I really want to learn how to corner better and I think it'd be good bike for that. Also it's cheaper to just let the bike go rather than even a slow speed get off of my MT.

I'll think about it more. Track day March 28th at TH with Z2 (Novice School). I'm excited.

IMO, there's good parts network for the newer style (300) Kawi. The older 250's have parts, but the 300 is a considerable enough upgrade, I'd urge you to consider it instead. It will also have a more attractive resale when you want to upgrade. A 400 is the bees-knees for small bikes...or RC390 (IMO).

 

[Nick7774]

IMO, there's good parts network for the newer style (300) Kawi. The older 250's have parts, but the 300 is a considerable enough upgrade, I'd urge you to consider it instead. It will also have a more attractive resale when you want to upgrade. A 400 is the bees-knees for small bikes...or RC390 (IMO).

As much as I like the 300s, I don't like the increased cost. I love the R3s even if they aren't the new hotness. I plan on riding a smaller bike for only a season or 2 and then either sell it for what I can get, or just keep it as a spare for my friends.