What Inexpensive Rocket Should I Buy?

[frozennorth]

Been debating buying a crotch-rocket for track use for about 2 years now. This week a buddy of mine came by with his new Ninja ZX10-R and we swapped bikes for a half hour blast. That put me over the top and I've started looking for serious. Now the tough part. I can't afford the 15 large for a second bike, especially one that I'll probably low-side at some point I'm thinking an older Ninja or perhaps a CBR-R? Don't need 1000 cc's either. I figure I can kill myself just as efficiently with 600 or 650 Any recommendations?

[sweatmark]

Man, you're a kid in the candy shop with all of the good trackbike choices these days. Most any recent 600 supersport will do the trick, or you can work an SV650 into track tool because of its extensive aftermarket support.

Of course, my #1 recommendation is strictly based on bias: pickup a cheap used Buell XB9 or XB12 and thrash it at the track. Good suspension, 120 & 180 tires sizes for broad tire options, and very cheap to crash. You'll get passed on a long straight, but will catch up in the turns, which is the whole point anyway.

Mark
Oregon
Rockster & Buell XB

[frozennorth]

I like the Buell's, but not a lot of them for sale used, up here in Canada anyway.

[iowabeakster]

Since you already have the much more comfortable r1150r...I would be shopping for a Universal Japanese Motorcycle Super Sport 600 Racer Replica. I have a preference for Honda...but what I would get whatever I felt was the best bike for my money.

[R4R&R]

I'd get a 5 year old 600cc Japanese sportbike and learn to ride it. Sure a liter class bike can go faster in the straights, but the 600 will teach you to corner better. Plus, you can get those bikes a dime per dozen and the aftermarket parts world offers lots of options.

[boxermania]

IMO....stick with a 600....Honda or Suzuki, light, flickable and lots of parts available.

[iowabeakster]

Because of this thead, I started thinking about my desire for a pure sports bike. I checked Craig's List for my town today. What a mistake... numerous GSXR's, CBR's, ZX6's and R6's. Then there was this...
http://iowacity.craigslist.org/mcy/1226760175.html

OMG, Somebody help me before I do something that really makes me smile!

[frozennorth]

Thanks for the replies. So, the search starts for an inexpensive 600cc GSXR. After a little more research, it looks like this will be the biggest bang for the buck . . . cheap and cheap parts and, if I can afford one newer than 02, I get some of the improved handling and improved engine performance. It think I'll take the winter to take out the glass, put on clip-ons, etc. and get it track ready. There's a dedicated track 20 mins from my office that will store my machine on-site for $350/year. How good is that

[old77zrider]

I've heard a lot of good things about the SV650. Just a guess but being a twin it probably has a flatter broader torque curve which makes gear selection a little more forgiving. It depends on your experience and skill level. If you like the peakier power rush and can handle it go with the 600's.
Good luck.

[MattPie]

Or you could just take the R1150R to the track.


It'll hang with most bikes in the corners (that's a function of courage and skill more than motorcycle until you get to a certain level). They'll lose you on the straights for the most part, but any monkey can pin the throttle and shift[0]. I was at Thunderbolt at NJMP (as seen on TV in the AMA Superbike Series:)) yesterday, so I'm still in the afterglow of a day spent riding fast.

[0] Edit, thinking about it, I was keeping up with some guys and even passing a couple on the straights that should have left me, so maybe pinning the throttle and shifting is more difficult than I think.

EDIT 2: I tend to like the unique, I've seen a couple Triumph Daytona 675s for what I would consider a reasonable price. Not quite as cheap as 600cc four, but somehow more desirable to me.

[sweatmark]

So, the search starts for an inexpensive 600cc GSXR. After a little more research, it looks like this will be the biggest bang for the buck . . . cheap and cheap parts

Can't go wrong with the Gixxer. Talked with a guy at Monday's trackday who had just bought a retired GSXR 750 race bike for $1800. He was sorting out the bike and having a great time.

There's a dedicated track 20 mins from my office that will store my machine on-site for $350/year. How good is that?

Now that's a great deal! I'm currently riding my Buell track bike to the local track an hour away, my messenger bag loaded with crap for the day, and my mind set on not crashing before the ride home. A trailer is in my future, but I'd certainly pay a fee to store the trackbike.

[Mollygrubber]

Sounds like a lot of fun! Good luck with it. There's a great 7 part series on Motorcycle.com about getting a bike ready to race, check it out, lots of good info there.

Just watch you don't buy a used bike from a wannabee 'stunta'...