Track Bike... Opinions

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Dodgers32SK

New member
Just curious on others opinions of what they would like for a track bike. Not that I have the money to buy a dedicated track bike but I have entertained this idea for some time now. I might eventually buy skins for my 848 and do a track day... but if I found it as addictive I I'm afraid I might, I think I would rather then have a dedicated track bike. I have looked at 916... nice looking bike, older maybe easier to get a deal, etc. Possibly 999... newer/more advanced tech., not too old, etc. Well I'll stop my rambling now... so whats everyone opinion?
 
I love the 999 as a track bike. Feels really stable as you're more "in" the bike than "on" it by design. You can probabaly get one on the cheap. I would even suggest a 749 since you're new to track riding.
 
I love my 2006 R6 as a track bike. I havent had my 1098 on the track yet so I cant compare the two, but I've been to so many trackdays where the R6 was by far the most numerous bike in the paddock.

But If I had to sell it, I think I'd like to have an older 999S as a track bike. My R6 is kinda for sale, I want to sell it but I dont. I dont have the schedule to race like I wanted too when I made it a track bike, and I have a feeling I'll get to addicted to my duc on the track to go back to the R6.
 
For a beginner tracker buy and use the cheapest thing one can find, especially one with cheap replacement parts! Learning how to ride.....its basically the same as water skiing.....if your not falling then you are not riding past your limits and learning. Its like walking up stairs, every step is a new level. One has to decise what level one is happy with. It will be expensive and some where along the line one is going to bleed or break bones. One needs to decide what the cost is for true racing on the body, family and bike parts.

Years ago when I got into dirt tracking I built the ugliest and under horse powered Ducati 125 ever seen in my area. Just to see what the dirt track was all about on a budget. My buddies on 250's and 350's would spot me a lap and a half on any given track and then catch me. Boring at first but we had plenty of dramactic finsihes. It was a great doughnut burner though and that seem to impress the ladies more than going around a track...lol

When you race there are expenses every race on many items....even more expenses if you decide to push your limits and try to be the man.
 
It depends on what you want to get out of the track. If your aim to to eventually race, then I agree with everyone else. Get some cheap and beat it to death. Tp race, you're always going to try to get faster, constantly pushing your limits.

I do a lot of trackdays, but my goal isn't to become a racer. So I run my 1098 as a trackbike. I ride within my comfort level, so my bike is in no more danger than it is on a street ride to work. I'm not out there to win a trophy or prove anything to anyone. I'm there to go faster than I can on the street and have a good time. Usually.

I say "usually" because I always bring 2 bikes to a trackday. My 1098 and one of my other bikes. I have a CBR600 trackbike I built from spare parts. I have almost no money invested in it. I'll bring that if I want to go out and push a little harder. It's alo handy to have in case I need to lend a bike to a friend. I have a CBR900 that I bought crashed and rebuilt. I bring it sometimes for the same reason. Neither of those are as fun to ride around the track as my 1098, but they're more expendable.
 
Hum... I just don't know.Interesting takes everyone has. I don't ever think I'd actually try to get into racing. However a cheap bike might be lots of fun to flog, then again track bike my 848 would be great to help me become a better rider on my 848.
 
Riding any bike on the track will help you become a better rider, on any bike. You'll get the most benefit out of the bike you ride the hardest, pushing your limits the most. That's why it makes sense to have a cheaper bike as a trackday tool, one that you're not as worried about pitching down the track. IMO, and all that.
 
I did Trackdays on my 848 last year as many times as I could aford. I took it with the street plastic cause I was short on money and got hooked! it's like nitsuj said, I don't have any plans on racing and generaly ride to a comfort leval so's not to crash. But you have to be willing to take the chance you might! The 848 is the most fun I've had on the track of the bikes I've had the chance to ride on the track. And I have riden a 1098 on the track. The 848 is easyer to ride fast. Give it a go and just take it easy. If you get hooked, well then look at your options for a dedicated track bike or at least race plastic for your 848.
 
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