Newbie question: stock bike | GTAMotorcycle.com

Newbie question: stock bike

WebControl

WebControl

Well-known member
is a stock GSXR600 (2006-2007) enough for a newbie for first 2 years, let's say 3-4 track days a year?

and what is the list of mods I'll have to do, in order of priority? (with rough estimates, if possible)

Thanks!
 
What do you mean by "enough"? New to track or new to riding? Either way a 600 is enough for anyone.
 
WebControl said:
Right, I've read this thread. My question is more about bike. And decision between converting a street bike to track, or just buying a track bike, considering I'm not planing to compete with Lorenzo anytime soon :)
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If you are ok with the possibility of damaging or destroying your street bike, convert away. If you would cringe at the idea of having a rashed up bike, then maybe you should look at buying a track only bike.

Almost any bike is a good bike to learn on the track with, especially modern sport bikes like the gsxr you mentioned. As also mentioned above, throw some bodywork on it, add some frame sliders and go learn how to ride, it really is that simple. Set your suspension to your weight and it will take you years to gain the skill to out ride that bike in stock form.
 
Converting a street bike back and forth (removing mirrors, taping lights etc) is not a bad way to go for the first few outings just to give it a try. However, the vast majority of people who discover they enjoy the track end up getting a track-only bike pretty early on (or take their street bike off the street permanently and only ride track from then on).

Pretty nice track bikes suitable for a beginner can be had for as little as $3000 (or less if you can tolerate some degree of crapiness). It's generally money well spent, since almost any track bike for sale has WAYYYYY more money already put into it then what you will have to pay to get it. Buying them is usually much cheaper than building them.
 
The idea is that currently I'm selling my street bike (at least I'm trying).
2007 Kawasaki Z1000.
And quit riding streets.
Will be riding track only.
So I have an opportunity to trade it for a 2006 GSXR600. Stock.
Now I'm thinking, is it better to sell the bike, and then look for a track bike, or the trade is a good option too?
 
As previously mentioned, a modern SS is more than enough for a lot of people to use around the track.
The only upgrades worth doing on that GSX-R would be a master cylinder/ss lines/race pads, and maybe some rearsets if you find the OEM ones uncomfortable.
You can recover some money if you sell the OEM fairings, etc. (assuming it's in good condition)

It would make more sense (less hassle) if you buy something that's track ready.
 
I ran a stock bike in Red at Mosport Monday. Apart from bodywork, the only thing i changed was rearsets and replaced the brake fluid. A modern stock bike still feels 100 times better than my old beat up race bike that has ohlins shock and a brembo master.
 
WebControl said:
The idea is that currently I'm selling my street bike (at least I'm trying).
2007 Kawasaki Z1000.
And quit riding streets.
Will be riding track only.
So I have an opportunity to trade it for a 2006 GSXR600. Stock.
Now I'm thinking, is it better to sell the bike, and then look for a track bike, or the trade is a good option too?
Click to expand...

In that case - Lets say you can get $5500 for your bike (just taking a guess here), and you don't care to ever put your new track bike on the streets (salvage, etc), you can get a very nicely set-up track bike with most, if not all the goodies you would ever want for that amount and probably have some left over for your pit gear.
 
I use the same bike for trackdays. Firstly, don't bring anything to the track you'll not willing to bring home in pieces. With that being said, the '06-07 GSXR600 is a fantastic bike and even completely stock it makes a great trackbike. It does everything well and is easy to ride. Put good track tires on it and get the stock suspension set up for your weight (change springs if needed to suit your weight).
After that it's all up to you as the bike doesn't needanything else. The stock exhaust cat is very heavy and putting on a slip-on is a great way to shed weight (don't expect any power but the weight savings is enough to justify the cash). Keep the stock exhaust for noise-restrictive tracks.
The stock pegs are 3-way adjustable and the upper mount position suits me fine.
Consider changing the gearing for most tracks but that's not a must.
 
triggerhappy said:
In that case - Lets say you can get $5500 for your bike (just taking a guess here), and you don't care to ever put your new track bike on the streets (salvage, etc), you can get a very nicely set-up track bike with most, if not all the goodies you would ever want for that amount and probably have some left over for your pit gear.
Click to expand...

Sold my street bike. For 5500 :)
Looking for a track one.
What should I pay attention to when buying a track bike?

Thanks!
 
I'd buy a common bike, nothing too exotic if you need parts in a pinch someone will have something at track.

Motor. Suspension. Damper. Something sold with spares is a good idea too.
Second set of rims for the rain.

I'm partial to the 03-05 r6. Damned things seem to be bulletproof and there are a lot out there. I bought mine 4 or 5 years ago for 4g. It's had some motor work done and I probably have at least 80 trackdays on it. Suspension has been refreshed but that's about it (other than crashes which I thankfully have a solid parts bin and extra bodywork)
 
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