Bye bye road riding!

[Lexx0r]

Hey guys,

I think I am going to give up riding on road til at least next year. Practicality of a car is much more reasonable and due to expensive insurance policies in the UK - it would be deemed financially sensible to give up road riding.

But - I cant give up bikes. Don't be stupid! Hence I welcome myself into the world of track riding! So now I need to start looking for a good track bike!

Here is my list:
Honda VFR400
Honda RVF400
Suzuki SV650
Kawasaki ZX6R 636 B1H
Honda CBR600 R/F

TRACK BIKES ONLY. Cant be bothered with V5 - cause I will only end up road registering it!

Give us your input, even have a look on eBay for me! I don't wanna spend anymore than 2K on it! Cause its going to cost a BOMB to run anyway!!

[the_elements_600]

It's still going to be insanely expensive. First you need a car (unless you already have one), car insurance (0 no claims and young driver won't do you any favours for cost...bike no claims means shit all to car insurers), a trailer for the bike which I'm pretty sure you need to do another test for now if you want to tow something, 1 or 2 piece leathers and depending on what tracks you want to race on, you may also need a track license.

I'd set aside at least 2k before you've even thought about what bike you want.

[Mista Bob]

Sounds like you are a tad strapped for cash so I'd say go with a SV650. You could even enter it into SV650 series races if you have them there.

Tons of available aftermarket parts and cheap spare parts should be easy to find if you ever need them.
Cheaper to run and maintain then a 600 and the rest of the bikes you listed.
And will still be loads of fun, unless you are already an accomplished racer. In which case you would probably want a super sport.

[Lexx0r]

It's still going to be insanely expensive. First you need a car (unless you already have one), car insurance (0 no claims and young driver won't do you any favours for cost...bike no claims means shit all to car insurers), a trailer for the bike which I'm pretty sure you need to do another test for now if you want to tow something, 1 or 2 piece leathers and depending on what tracks you want to race on, you may also need a track license.

I'd set aside at least 2k before you've even thought about what bike you want.

I have a Fiat Punto Evo on order with my first years insurance for free. No problem there.
Trailer? We have a van.
I have 2 sets of BKS leathers - no problem there.


Trackdays - not track events (AMA, ACU etc)

Sounds like you are a tad strapped for cash so I'd say go with a SV650. You could even enter it into SV650 series races if you have them there.

Tons of available aftermarket parts and cheap spare parts should be easy to find if you ever need them.
Cheaper to run and maintain then a 600 and the rest of the bikes you listed.
And will still be loads of fun, unless you are already an accomplished racer. In which case you would probably want a super sport.

I was thinking of something with around 60BHP anyway, though many are screaming at me telling me it would be a waste of money. I aint really strapped for cash - have over 15K to spend, but most needs to be put back.

I have a steady income of over 2,000 a month anyway - paying only £250 a month for my car. Just dont really wanna pay the stupid insurance premiums on 2 vehicles - hence why I am planning on moving to track!

[Jerim]

Either the 636 or a CBR600RR.  Put a bit into the suspension(race-tech(or some other quality Öhlins-but-cheaper substitute) fork springs & cartridges), track plastics, and go have a blast.  For extra savings, get one that has a lot of cosmetic damage for cheap.  You'll be scrapping all the street stuff anyway.  Looks like you've got most of what you need too, so your biggest expense will be tires and track day fees.

[the_elements_600]

I'd personally get something more race-orientated than the SV if you want a track bike. Sure, an SV won't be bad, but if you have a bit of money to spend you can do lots better for a track machine. I reckon a 600 is your best bet, or even a GSXR 750 if you really want some power to play with.

[Scram_UK]

Cars are much more expensive imo..... Which is why I only drive my dad's car when I need to

If you're set about this 60bhp thing...I'd get the RFV400 a proper low CG race bike that produces as much power as a SV650... it's slightly lighter aswell, which helps. Oh, and will sound epic. Alot of people use them as track bikes and you can get some nice custom ones. Only problem is that because Honda no longer produce that bike, spares might be a little hard to come by.

Oh and track riding is an expensive hobby... Especially if you go into club racing.  The only reason that i haven't taken it up is that it REALLY isn't cheap to fund yourself. Maybie if you had a garage to sponser you.

[socks86]

I'd personally get something more race-orientated than the SV if you want a track bike. Sure, an SV won't be bad, but if you have a bit of money to spend you can do lots better for a track machine. I reckon a 600 is your best bet, or even a GSXR 750 if you really want some power to play with.

The sv is extremely capable with a couple of suspension mods. Even stock it's good up to a certain pace. You can learn a lot by sticking to a lower powered bike like the SV before moving up to an I4 600.

[DarkNinja75]

I'd personally get something more race-orientated than the SV if you want a track bike. Sure, an SV won't be bad, but if you have a bit of money to spend you can do lots better for a track machine. I reckon a 600 is your best bet, or even a GSXR 750 if you really want some power to play with.

Agreed (obviously). My last track day had me get fast enough to pass most of the people out there (in my slow group), but they all had faster bikes. Passing on the straights wasn't an option. It taught me to change my lines and plan a few turns ahead to get by.

The sv is extremely capable with a couple of suspension mods. Even stock it's good up to a certain pace. You can learn a lot by sticking to a lower powered bike like the SV before moving up to an I4 600.

[spectre]

Either the 636 or a CBR600RR.  Put a bit into the suspension(race-tech(or some other quality Öhlins-but-cheaper substitute) fork springs & cartridges), track plastics, and go have a blast.  For extra savings, get one that has a lot of cosmetic damage for cheap.  You'll be scrapping all the street stuff anyway.  Looks like you've got most of what you need too, so your biggest expense will be tires and track day fees.

I know it's kind of a necr0 post, but I would go with the 636

[susieokc]

You got ramps for that van?  Or you going to pick it up and lift it?  I would not know what kind is better cause i have never track raced.  I would be careful though of hidden expenses like if you reck it, how much it will cost.  Go with one that needs work already.  Its the cheapest way to go.

[Assaiki]

Old thread, but concerning the SV: The stock fork is far too soft and not adjustable and in my opinion dangerours. Either you have to upgrade it or change it to a GSX-R Fork or something (wich is often done as far as i know). You can get a GSX-R rearsuspension too and install it as far as i know. Question is if this is worth the work and cheaper than buying a bike with adjustable and/or good suspension from the beginning

[kiske]

Are the 250 2strokes popular in England on the track? I know the 400cc bikes are quite popular, but not sure on the 2t. I saw a few advertised, and they are crazy expensive.