Thinking about buying a track bike

I've been thinking over the last week or so about buying a track bike for next year.

Daz's 600RR he was selling really had me contemplating it.

Now I know I would probably only manage say 3 to 4 track days a year with other commitments, and this is where I'm thinking maybe it wouldn't be worth the hassle of another bike/hobby.

For the guys that do track days, and have a track bike, is it really worth having a track bike for those few days a year on track?

 

I think so. I couldn't ride my road bike the way I ride my track bike as I'd be too worried about damage.

Even if you don't crash just strapping a bike in a van or trailer often enough will end up with minor damage.
Same goes for sending it away for a Spanish track day.

The trackbike is cheap enough (and already tatty enough) that I don't give it a thought.

Also means you can use super sticky tyres or slicks that wouldn't be practical on the road.

If the worst happens and you bin it you've still got your road bike to use while you sort out repairs.

If you do a Spainish track trip you can lose the bike for around 3 or 4 weeks while it gets delivered there and back.

Think you might want a 750 or a 1000 though big man ;-)

 

100% yes.....

My track riding came in massively once the crashing my road bike shackles came off (and u never used to worry too much either) you are sooo much more relaxed which means more enjoyment and therefore better riding it def makes it worth while IMO.

And once you have that set up, you'll be wanting to do more anyway.... Like swapping tours for euro days etc

Like rick says a 750 or 1000 is way to go for you mate and doesn't have to be latest and greatest, you'll still go quicker on it than you would your blade....

Better still, just use Craig's 750

 

I think most certainly worth it Col.

The problem I have, even with the 929 is that it takes me so long to relax and get into it that at least half the days gone before I start to ride with any real conviction.

You don't have to spend a fortune either, plenty of bikes out there that you'll have loads of fun on.

 

If you have the space to store bike and trailer ( if you havnt got a van ) then YES do it mate.
Riding a track bike on the track and not your road bike is so much better, the wee man on your shoulder isn't saying 'don't crash, don't crash, this is your road bike'
in fact he f@@ks off an a little devil say 'grow some balls n ride it like you stole it'
Well worth it even for 3 track days.

 

Remal. You officially have the most annoying signature - ever!!

Good work

 

That's pretty much what I did Martin, spent £1800 on a gsxr600 k4, got it sorted through basic servicing, and even though I haven't even taken it to track, it's only costing about £15 a month in insurance and tax to have it sitting there.

Trouble is I've now spent over £1600 on boxes of spares, wheels, subframe a etc. I just get carried away.

I stuck it up for sale here a while back as I've not used it. If I've got it when you're ready, feel free to come and kick the tyres.

 

I'm in the yes camp too, although i'm currently between track bikes and am using my Blade. However, do consider the rest of the gear that you'll need trailer, warmers, generator?

 

Yes yeeeeees... come to the dark side

 

I ain't going down the route of tyre warmers mate. I'm nowhere near quick enough to pretend I even need those lol

 

Thanks for all the advice guys.

I should have mentioned that there is no way I would be taking the Blade on track, so that wasn't even 1 of the issues.

If I am going to do it at all it will be with a track bike. I've kind of made my mind up in that I'll probably go ahead and get 1, and have been looking at the likes of the GSXR 750 for these duties. I may even be able to persuade a mate to chip in and half the costs/fun

 

Something like this.

suzuki gsxr 750 2005 (with v5) track bike | eBay

 

Got as much chance as a fart in a gale mate of that happening

 

That looks like a pretty well sorted gixxer. You should be able to find something reasonable within travelling distance, or you can hire from Smallboys at around £200 per day.

Re the warmers, it's more of a confidence thing. You've probably seen videos on youtube of people dropping it on the entry to the track due to cold tyres. Is not so much the need to be quick off the blocks (although i remember that you're no slouch), but it does give you the safety net of knowing that you don't need to spend the first few laps tip toeing round.
If you end up riding there and the track has power then just chuck 'em in a back pack.

 

Warmers also save your tyres guys.... Reduced heat cycles and cold tearing. And there is nothing like knee down out the pits lol

Don't need to be fast, but for £100 odd quid, silly not having them IMO

 

The way I ride Jimbo, I'd be as well digging out my raleigh chopper