I want to start doing track days but I don't want to take the Blade incase I bin it. I was thinking of buying an early 2000 600cc bike. After doing some research the SV650 seems to be a good buy as it's more forgiving for the novice track day rider. Just wondering what other people started on? Cheers
I started only 3 years ago on a 2000 year Triumph TT 600cc. Paid around a grand for it in track form and it got me past the track day nervousness of not knowing what's going on around me and kept it until I was happy in Inters. After around 1 year I sold it for roughly what I paid for it and now run a 2006 Blade, but am still in Inters. Mainly because I don't do enough track days and am not pushing myself as much as I could.
My little zxr400 was spot on. Loses out on the straights but more than made up for it on the twisty bits. Nowt better than embarrassing the big boys with a 400 lol. Sorted my cornering out for sure!
I'd argue your better off with what you know....you don't want to be learning a new bike and riding style as well as track riding. As for binning it.......I've been riding on track for 13 years...in that time I've done on average 4 track days a year, 2 of those years I also competed in club racing (8 meetings a year plus testing days) and most of the time I was riding on the road as well. Road riding = 3 bins (two my fault, one SMIDSY car driver) Racing = 2 bins (One red mist by me, one red mist by another) Trackdays = 0 bins (multiple excursions though!!) My point is, I don't believe you are more likely to bin it on a track day than any other kind of riding, you are much more in control of your own destiny. That said you could get a cracking race prepped 2000 R6 with all the shiny bits, spare wheels etc for less than 2 grand, and if my recent upgrade from 600 to 1000 is anything to go by you'll have plenty more fun on the 6!
Oh yeah....you might find the sv a bit frustrating. Power wise they are no match for an inline 4 600 and more like a 400 without the razor sharp handling. Although you might find a minitwin race bike setup for the track, coming from a blade it might be too big a step down in power terms
This guy was out with us at Silverstone last year... Personally I'd invest in a little training (Ron Hallam, etc.) and take the blade on track. You'll only bin it if you're riding beyond your ability.
Personly I don't think a step down in power for the track is a bad thing. My current trackbike is a 2009 zx6r. Hauling it around cadwell after being on a thou is easy as and much more relaxing. Feel like I can use the power much more aggressively and sling it on its ear without fear. Had a thou around cadwell quite a few times, which is my local track and I feel like I've been raped dry by a rhino by the end of the day.
It depends what your aim is. If you're planning on only doing a couple of track days a year and are happy to ride conservatively then the blade will be fine. If you're thinking of doing more than a few a year and think you might like to push it a little the. I would be picking up a cheap 600/400 trackie. As others have said you can pick them up fairly cheaply and they will be better for developing your skills than a 1000.
what about cb500 i started on fireblade 2004 than bought a cb 500 for commuting and took it ti track and i was faster at brands hatch believe me tha few of the litre ones i am still a novice
I am thinking of doing some trackdays on my Fazer thou, a good sorted bike,,a bit heavier than the blade but I am used to it,had it for 3 1/2 years. Have done a ron haslem day on 600s and got another in a couple of weeks
