GSXR 750 SRAD Track Hack Recently there's been a lot of posts regarding track days, and I can tell you, With appetite well and truly whetted, there's been no one keener than me to join the club and try my hand. I haven't as yet got anything booked, but this will I'm sure from now will soon change. I couldn't bring myself to use the Blade, i know people do, and i don't have a problem with that, after all thats what they are built for! However I've got trips planned this year, and the last thing I wanted was the expense and hassle should the unmentionable happen! Anyway, after many frustrating evenings searching eBay/Bike trader etc, saw very little coming my way, the biggest issue which was highlighted by castrol Craig *was the history of the bike and the reliability/honesty of the seller.* I'm not saying everyone's out to screw you, but there are pitfalls, and if you get it wrong? It's going to bite you in the arse. 'and you get screwed' big time.* Moving on. Just by chance I dropped onto a thread started by Alblade, and he just happened to mention that a mate of his was looking for a new bike, and that he was also selling a genuine 100% sorted GSXR 750 SRAD and for a first off bike it would suit me down to the ground.* Al spoke to his mate, and in turn passed on his details to me where we got chatting about the bike.* Just by listening to the guy, it's soon apparent he's no mug, and really knows his product, the trust built just in one conversation had me chomping at the bit,* I'd asked if he had some pictures so I could show MrsB anyway the guy had just done a track day on it at Cadwell Park and there would be loads of the bike in the fast group. on the website.* They wasn't *on the site at the time but the photographer stated they would be uploaded by Thursday evening, this leaving me to stew for a night or two.* Pictures up, and I'm liking what I'm seeing, had a think over with MrsB over a few drinks, then Saturday night she said you'd better ring about that bike.* Ten minutes on the phone and a verbal deal has been struck, and a collection day of Monday evening was arranged.* Q thefirebloke, who at the beginning of my quest had always maintained he would always cast his eye and offer his honest opinion on anything I wished to see, and in the process trying to help me avoid the pitfalls, so and hour on the phone and passing what info I had saw us arranging a meet, and in turn a ride out in his new van to collect.* So with no further ado here's some pictures.* * A huge thanks at this point for both Alblade and thefirebloke for their different rolls in this venture.* Can't wait to get out on her, and see how we gel.* Thanks for looking, more photo's to follow.*
Can't wait Steve Thanks again for all your help yesterday. It was great to have a catch up and a good old chew of the fat.
Looks like a good well maintained outfit Gazza .And its nice to see your mates helping out .Weather getting better soon and as you only do part time there should be loads of decent options to get around a couple of tracks .And ps a nod of respect to Mrs B for the'' no nag'' go for it attitude.
Good work gazza!! Great bike and looks like a good'n Nothing like peice of mind from buying from folk you trust and help from pals. Nice one to you two guys for helping Gary get started in what can be a bit of a daunting world of trackdays!!
Nice one Gaz track days are like a drug and each one you do you just want more , sounds like you have a great wife I would do a track day every week but I am avoiding the nagging From the mrs . Hope to join you on one of your track days I have to say try oulton park for your first its got it all .
Good shout Gary and Al and outstanding community spirit from Steve. The bike does look the part in the pictures and I'm sure we'll all be intrigued to read your progress with it. It looks very similar to one in a thread I was following on FB last night about a couple of gays on a cross country road trip.
Mate still rated as one of the best track bikes you will have a blast you will love it mine was raining cadwell in 07 I had a smile from ear to ear on a one on one with John Reynolds I have been hooked since . Have a cracking time with her and hopefully see you on track
Giv, I've got a keeper mate. Gill nas never held me back, nor I her in any venture we have wished to try. Re the help, this is what I love about this forum, we met up as strangers, but end as mates. Always help each other if we can. Kind words Jimbo, I've not cleaned it yet, but I know that it's sorted, and ready to roll when I am. Soon as I get sorted Jason, I'll be in mate, had a look at my calender, and it ain't as empty as Giv insinuates Lol Ken, the handcuffs worked fine. Actually it was quite odd to see Steve in work clothing. It's either leathers or dressed up for our meals out. Mate, it's Blackpool init Cheers wedgie. Kind words, Had a look at you vids, and I like the look of Anglesey, I had a K1 750 so I know they are mint. I reckon I can see my self bumbling around there some day soon I have Craig. I played with the bike too Fired her up tonight. Ie proper let her warm up job. She sounds awesome. Not got around to a clean yet, a bit reluctant to really. Still got the stickers on from her last outing at Cadwell.
Had to pinch myself this morning. And go an have a look in the garage, just to make sure it wasn't a dream. Anyway weekly garage clean and bike turn round so the girls are put to the back whilst I clean up. Now is it me? Or does the blade look to be scowling at the new arrival? Tidy arse. 'modern minx thread?' Couple of battle scars Sorted.
Nice one Gary, great bike for the track. Solid, reliable and go nicely too. If I could add a few tips: 1. get the suspension sorted out for your riding weight. Most trackdays will have a specialist there and they should charge about £40-£50, but well worth it and once it is done, it's done. 2. Change the oil every meet and the filter every other one. Go for the best oil you can and i would personally stick to genuine filters. I tried K&N filters on my race bike and found it was running about 10 degrees warmer as the oil couldn't circulate quick enough. Plus if Suzuki recommend it, then you have no worries. 3. Make the most of the tyre guys at track days. Tyre pressures are one of the mos important things on the day. Also don't be afraid to buy some of their used tyres (Metzeler Racetecs are great). They may have only done 10-15 lapsand still have plenty of trackday life left in them. 4. If you can stretch to it, get tyre warmers. make a huge difference and give you confidence from the word go. 5. Keep us posted with pics and enjoy it. Track riding is just addictive Good luck and have fun!!!
Thanks for the good solid advice Robin. These are the things that can soon get missed off when the excitement overwhelms me. As said previously, I'm not going to get out on a day until I return from the scotland tour, but slipping the odd item into the eBay/traders section shopping basket along the way helps to build up some useful bits of kit for when I do get out. One thing I know, oils and fluids 'bar petrol' are all sorted Chris had done these ready for me collecting. Also parts such as spare brake/clutch levers are on the list. I'm not planning to have to rebuild the bike whilst outdoor the day, but they are a simple little thing to carry and without them should anything happen? Then it would be game over, all for the sake of a few quid.
Sounds as though you are going about this in completely the right way. Spare levers are always a good idea, just get bog standard ones, avoid anything flashy. Spare crash bungs are worth looking at too, as are engine case sliders just for peace of mind. The Woodcraft ones are particularly good. Carry spare brake fluid as it can disappear without noticing under heavy braking. That aside, go and enjoy. Have you got any circuits in mind? Oulton is epic and I am going to give a big thumbs up for Anglesey too.
