PNW Riders

coastiepete · 10-20-2007, 09:43 AM

v-twins or inline fours for the track (for a first track bike)

koorbloh · 10-20-2007, 09:44 AM

I picked up an v4 that I'm taking on the track next summer! WHOO HOO!

best of both worlds!

*edit* I don't know which is best, but from what I've seen, the inlines make more power at higher revs, while the twins make more power at lower revs...

depends on how you like to run your engine I guess

coastiepete · 10-20-2007, 09:48 AM

yeah, i know all that. i have NO experience on the track, but i'm kinda looking for a salvage bike to track out. kinda up between an sv650, or a superhawk or something. or maybe an older zx-7r. i like v-twins for the usable power coming out of turns. seems like they have smoother powerbands.

late apex · 10-20-2007, 09:51 AM

Just ride your ZX-10. What could possibly go wrong?

The reality of the situation is that it is personal preference. The SV650 is a great first track bike and a great race bike as well. Another way to go is with an older 600 racebike such as an F2/F3 or old gsxr. You can get one for under $2,500 which makes crashing just a personal injury concern instead of a money/personal injury concern.

If you like a rush of power at the top of the power-band, go with an in-line. If you like a flat power-band, go with a twin.

coastiepete · 10-20-2007, 09:54 AM

me likey flat powerband. seems more predictable. do twins get classed differently?

late apex · 10-20-2007, 09:58 AM

coastiepete · 10-20-2007, 10:00 AM

cool, thanx

JTurkish · 10-20-2007, 11:29 AM

get the best of both worlds and get a triple. I think if your gonna use the bike for only track riding then a 4 would be best. I personally prefer twins and I agree with another comment that the sv650 is the best best for a first timer.

E36M3K6GSXR · 10-20-2007, 12:01 PM

I've had both on the track and I like both.

unicykle · 10-20-2007, 12:24 PM

Well for trackdays which=fun vs race=competition. I think a 600 is a better choice, still small and nimble but has enough there to keep your interest, bigger twins like superhawk,51,sv1000 which start making some decent power tend to be a bit heavy usualy high up in the chasi which makes you work a bit harder for it which makes them a bit harder to ride fast. Plus with I4's there are way more out there to choose from. I was 2 secconds faster at PIR on my 01 gsxr600 than my 05 gsxr1000 and it was more fun?.
B

Daves929 · 10-20-2007, 02:47 PM

Buy my F2!!

nocontrol74 · 10-20-2007, 02:57 PM

^^^^
Thats a good way to start. On a bike like that (or mine for that matteR) you stop thinking about how expensive it will be when you crash. Much more fun than I had on my street bike.

As for engine size, type etc, don't over think it. Just go out and ride a few times at the track. you will know what you want after some exposure to it.

dakh · 10-20-2007, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by coastiepete

yeah, i know all that. i have NO experience on the track, but i'm kinda looking for a salvage bike to track out. kinda up between an sv650, or a superhawk or something. or maybe an older zx-7r. i like v-twins for the usable power coming out of turns. seems like they have smoother powerbands.

Just be aware that you'd have to put some $$ into SV's suspension for it to be fun. How heavy are you?

zx6r-ripping · 10-20-2007, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by dakh

Just be aware that you'd have to put some $$ into SV's suspension for it to be fun. How heavy are you?

He is a bit larger than me and I am just under 190lbs I would guess 215. I would say go with a 600 pete the v twin and i suspension would need a bunch of upgrades to haul you around. The 600 should not be too bad something like my 636 would work perfect stick with kawi as well.

coastiepete · 10-20-2007, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by Daves929

Buy my F2!!

lol, yeah, i saw that...........

coastiepete · 10-20-2007, 06:47 PM

all good advice guys, thanks for the input. my ebay search continues for a wrecked/salvage bike. lotsa bikes around with body damage BEGGING for race plastics!

nocontrol74 · 10-20-2007, 06:51 PM

Check the WMRRA and OMRRA forums as well..

http://www.wmrra.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3
http://www.omrra.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16

zx6r-ripping · 10-20-2007, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by coastiepete

all good advice guys, thanks for the input. my ebay search continues for a wrecked/salvage bike. lotsa bikes around with body damage BEGGING for race plastics!

I will keep an eye out for some bikes for you. What is the price range you are looking at? Plus I will hook you up with the paint for you.

dakh · 10-20-2007, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by coastiepete

all good advice guys, thanks for the input. my ebay search continues for a wrecked/salvage bike. lotsa bikes around with body damage BEGGING for race plastics!

if you're over 200lbs you're gonna have to work on both front and rear suspension on any stock bike anyway, so SV is not really out of question. As a track bike to learn on it's excellent.

Consider the economics of it. If you insist on building a bike from stock, count on spending a grand or two on suspension on top of fixing whatever is wrong with the wrecked bike. Once you figure that in, just getting a bike that's already set up becomes a lot more attractive.

Geoff4RFC · 10-20-2007, 09:06 PM

Originally Posted by coastiepete

v-twins or inline fours for the track (for a first track bike)

In my opinion, get what you're familiar with. There's no point in trying to learn both the track and a new bike at the same time, your learning curve for the track may suffer if you're concentrating on how to ride your new bike.

MikeM · 10-20-2007, 09:44 PM

If you are just getting into track days you are going to be way better off getting a bike that is already set up. The cost of making a bike halfway good for the track is more than just a set of plastics. If you can find one set up that is one less thing you have to worry about when you do get out on the track. I've got a 750 for sale in the classifieds

coastiepete · 10-21-2007, 08:35 AM

Originally Posted by zx6r-ripping

I will keep an eye out for some bikes for you. What is the price range you are looking at? Plus I will hook you up with the paint for you.

i have no idea yet, gonna be a winter project. i'd like to get something together for next year. maybe i should sell some of my other toys!

coastiepete · 10-21-2007, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by Geoff4RFC

In my opinion, get what you're familiar with. There's no point in trying to learn both the track and a new bike at the same time, your learning curve for the track may suffer if you're concentrating on how to ride your new bike.

true that, good advice.............i guess there's more to this than meets the eye!

evil_dave · 10-21-2007, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by coastiepete

me likey flat powerband. seems more predictable. do twins get classed differently?

I know someone already answered this with a "yes" but that was not totally accurate.

For a track day you are divided up by you experience and ability. Three groups. Beginner, Intermidiate and Advanced.

However if you decide to start racing your new bike then YES you will have to race in the correct "class".

If you are leaning towards the SV650, there is a v-twin 650 class and a couple others you can race in.

You are gonna have a blast no matter what you choose to ride.

Personally, after my first season of racing and track days, I am of the mind set that maybe if would be best to ride the same bike on the track as the street. For me I ride a R6 on the street and an older gixxer600 for the track. After 12,000+ miles on the R6 I am very comfortable on it. The gixxer just seemed wide and long. Just big over all. Even though they are similar bikes, I never did feel comfortable on it all season.

*By comfort I don't mean my @ss on the seat, lol. I mean comfort in my head and just overall ride ability, for example I couldn't get comfortable leaning way off the bike like I can my R6.

Whatever, I suck, haha.

I do recommend you buy a bike already set up for the track though.

You will save THOUSANDS of $$$$$ in the long run. NOT KIDDING.

That is what I did.

tophyr · 10-21-2007, 12:53 PM

^^^^ best advice here

ScooterRash · 10-21-2007, 03:19 PM

IMHO if you intend to race, I'd suggest starting with a 600 as that will most likely be the bike you'll race first. If it's just fun you are looking for in attending track days, there is no replacement for a liter bike. You probably won't be quite as quick at first but the fun factor is sky high. I ride a liter bike on the streets as well as take it to the track and I simply love that thing. It eats tires for breakfast but it is such a treat.

If you are a beginner on a liter bike you'll need good judgment accompanied by a taste of common sense to keep it on two wheels but if you don't get greedy with the throttle for the first few track days, you'll be able to tame the beast and have more fun than a fat chick at a batchelor party.

But, if you can't afford to buy tires on a regular basis, stay with something in the 600 class.

JTurkish · 10-21-2007, 05:16 PM

You should buy my w650, it would make a great track bike. Just kidding, it wouldnt. Its a parallel twin with a 360 degree crank which means that both pistons go up and down at same time, pretty fun little booger.

dakh · 10-21-2007, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by evil_dave

Personally, after my first season of racing and track days, I am of the mind set that maybe if would be best to ride the same bike on the track as the street. For me I ride a R6 on the street and an older gixxer600 for the track. After 12,000+ miles on the R6 I am very comfortable on it. The gixxer just seemed wide and long. Just big over all. Even though they are similar bikes, I never did feel comfortable on it all season.

Not to argue with this, but just another data point: I've never ridden an SV650 on the street and in fact never rode anything but the gixxer and an R6 briefly before, and I feel very much comfortable with the SV on the track. Well, suspension setup issues aside.

Liter bike for ultimate fun? Only if you got tons of money to spend on tires and is not into learning to actually be fast.

dakh · 10-21-2007, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by evil_dave

For a track day you are divided up by you experience and ability. Three groups. Beginner, Intermidiate and Advanced.

That's not entirely true. I'd be in A group on a 600, but a couple seconds short of that on the SV. I have to pass people on the outside all the time. Which is just fine with me, except that I'd like to be with people I can learn more from on the track. But CR's been good to me so far so it's Ok.

coastiepete · 10-21-2007, 08:53 PM

is there a class for the new ninja 250? that might be fun. cheap, and new 17" wheels allow better rubber.........not the fastest, but could still be fun?

theJrod · 10-21-2007, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by ScooterRash

IMHO if you intend to race, I'd suggest starting with a 600 as that will most likely be the bike you'll race first. If it's just fun you are looking for in attending track days, there is no replacement for a liter bike. You probably won't be quite as quick at first but the fun factor is sky high. I ride a liter bike on the streets as well as take it to the track and I simply love that thing. It eats tires for breakfast but it is such a treat.

If you are a beginner on a liter bike you'll need good judgment accompanied by a taste of common sense to keep it on two wheels but if you don't get greedy with the throttle for the first few track days, you'll be able to tame the beast and have more fun than a fat chick at a batchelor party.

But, if you can't afford to buy tires on a regular basis, stay with something in the 600 class.

I don't agree at all, and I started my track riding "career" on a liter bike. I switched to a 600, and after getting used to it, I instantly became faster. Liter bikes teach bad habits on the track, and mask deficiencies in your riding. Sure they can be lots of fun, but I wouldn't say I'm having less fun on my 600.

dakh · 10-21-2007, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by theJrod

I don't agree at all, and I started my track riding "career" on a liter bike. I switched to a 600, and after getting used to it, I instantly became faster. Liter bikes teach bad habits on the track, and mask deficiencies in your riding. Sure they can be lots of fun, but I wouldn't say I'm having less fun on my 600.

Shhh, let 'em get their liter bikes so that I can have fun passing them on the SV.

eric · 10-21-2007, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by coastiepete

is there a class for the new ninja 250? that might be fun. cheap, and new 17" wheels allow better rubber.........not the fastest, but could still be fun?

I hear there may be a new class specifically for the new 250.

Geoff4RFC · 10-22-2007, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by eric

I hear there may be a new class specifically for the new 250.

I'm detecting a pattern here Eric, in your last avatar, no helmet, in this one....flip flops, I'm hearing a cry for abuse!!!!!

QWKDTSN · 10-27-2007, 01:54 PM

Hey, Pete. Compromise. Get a Triple like I did

So are we going to the track next year or what? We can share pit space. Where do you work... Boat station? I don't think we've ever met, which is surprising. I'm in the hangar (AET3). Did my first two track days this year and doing many more at Pacific and beyond next year.

TaurusRacing · 10-27-2007, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by JTurkish

get the best of both worlds and get a triple. I think if your gonna use the bike for only track riding then a 4 would be best. I personally prefer twins and I agree with another comment that the sv650 is the best best for a first timer.

In fact...I have 2. I would love to trade someone my TT600 (great bike by the way...of course not as fast as other I4s but it handles well) for a street legal SV.

Mr Sunshine · 11-05-2007, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by TaurusRacing

In fact...I have 2. I would love to trade someone my TT600 (great bike by the way...of course not as fast as other I4s but it handles well) for a street legal SV.

Too bad I don't want a TT600 cause I'm gonna be selling my street 06 SV650S (red for those who care)


10-20-2007, 09:43 AM	#1
coastiepete Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Port Angeles WA I Ride: 2007 ZX-10R SE, 2005 450 EXC, 1980 GS750 Cafe Project	hey track guys v-twins or inline fours for the track (for a first track bike) __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2007, 09:44 AM	#2
koorbloh Je Fa Fa Joined: Mar 2007 From: Lynnwood, WA I Ride: 08 naked SV650	I picked up an v4 that I'm taking on the track next summer! WHOO HOO! best of both worlds! edit I don't know which is best, but from what I've seen, the inlines make more power at higher revs, while the twins make more power at lower revs... depends on how you like to run your engine I guess __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2007, 09:48 AM	#3
coastiepete Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Port Angeles WA I Ride: 2007 ZX-10R SE, 2005 450 EXC, 1980 GS750 Cafe Project	yeah, i know all that. i have NO experience on the track, but i'm kinda looking for a salvage bike to track out. kinda up between an sv650, or a superhawk or something. or maybe an older zx-7r. i like v-twins for the usable power coming out of turns. seems like they have smoother powerbands. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2007, 09:51 AM	#4
late apex MotoGP Champion Joined: Jul 2005 From: moscow, id Blog Entries: 2 I Ride: one handed, looking behind me.	Just ride your ZX-10. What could possibly go wrong? The reality of the situation is that it is personal preference. The SV650 is a great first track bike and a great race bike as well. Another way to go is with an older 600 racebike such as an F2/F3 or old gsxr. You can get one for under $2,500 which makes crashing just a personal injury concern instead of a money/personal injury concern. If you like a rush of power at the top of the power-band, go with an in-line. If you like a flat power-band, go with a twin. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2007, 09:54 AM	#5
coastiepete Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Port Angeles WA I Ride: 2007 ZX-10R SE, 2005 450 EXC, 1980 GS750 Cafe Project	me likey flat powerband. seems more predictable. do twins get classed differently? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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10-20-2007, 09:58 AM	#6
late apex MotoGP Champion Joined: Jul 2005 From: moscow, id Blog Entries: 2 I Ride: one handed, looking behind me.	yes __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2007, 10:00 AM	#7
coastiepete Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Port Angeles WA I Ride: 2007 ZX-10R SE, 2005 450 EXC, 1980 GS750 Cafe Project	cool, thanx __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2007, 11:29 AM	#8
JTurkish Zone Head Joined: Oct 2007 From: SLC, UT I Ride: SV1000N	get the best of both worlds and get a triple. I think if your gonna use the bike for only track riding then a 4 would be best. I personally prefer twins and I agree with another comment that the sv650 is the best best for a first timer. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2007, 12:01 PM	#9
E36M3K6GSXR Emo Kid Joined: Sep 2006 From: Facepalm Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: GSXR & Buell	I've had both on the track and I like both. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2007, 12:24 PM	#10
unicykle WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Apr 2007 From: Milwaukie OR I Ride: 05 gsxr 1000 -RC51	Well for trackdays which=fun vs race=competition. I think a 600 is a better choice, still small and nimble but has enough there to keep your interest, bigger twins like superhawk,51,sv1000 which start making some decent power tend to be a bit heavy usualy high up in the chasi which makes you work a bit harder for it which makes them a bit harder to ride fast. Plus with I4's there are way more out there to choose from. I was 2 secconds faster at PIR on my 01 gsxr600 than my 05 gsxr1000 and it was more fun?. B __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2007, 02:47 PM	#11
Daves929 Bike Whore Joined: Oct 2004 From: Spokane I Ride: Pretty much one of everything	Buy my F2!! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2007, 02:57 PM	#12
nocontrol74 MotoGP Contender Joined: May 2007 From: Spokane, WA Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: 06 SV Race Bike - As soon as I have a job...	^^^^ Thats a good way to start. On a bike like that (or mine for that matteR) you stop thinking about how expensive it will be when you crash. Much more fun than I had on my street bike. As for engine size, type etc, don't over think it. Just go out and ride a few times at the track. you will know what you want after some exposure to it. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2007, 06:47 PM	#16
coastiepete Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Port Angeles WA I Ride: 2007 ZX-10R SE, 2005 450 EXC, 1980 GS750 Cafe Project	all good advice guys, thanks for the input. my ebay search continues for a wrecked/salvage bike. lotsa bikes around with body damage BEGGING for race plastics! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2007, 06:51 PM	#17
nocontrol74 MotoGP Contender Joined: May 2007 From: Spokane, WA Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: 06 SV Race Bike - As soon as I have a job...	Check the WMRRA and OMRRA forums as well.. http://www.wmrra.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3 http://www.omrra.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16 __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2007, 09:44 PM	#21
MikeM WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Jul 2007 From: Covington, WA	If you are just getting into track days you are going to be way better off getting a bike that is already set up. The cost of making a bike halfway good for the track is more than just a set of plastics. If you can find one set up that is one less thing you have to worry about when you do get out on the track. I've got a 750 for sale in the classifieds __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-21-2007, 12:53 PM	#25
tophyr Forum Cripple Joined: Dec 2005 From: Seattle, WA Blog Entries: 13 I Ride: Monsters by Fuzzy	^^^^ best advice here __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-21-2007, 03:19 PM	#26
ScooterRash Superbiker Joined: Jul 2006 From: Thurston County, WA. I Ride: GSXR1000	IMHO if you intend to race, I'd suggest starting with a 600 as that will most likely be the bike you'll race first. If it's just fun you are looking for in attending track days, there is no replacement for a liter bike. You probably won't be quite as quick at first but the fun factor is sky high. I ride a liter bike on the streets as well as take it to the track and I simply love that thing. It eats tires for breakfast but it is such a treat. If you are a beginner on a liter bike you'll need good judgment accompanied by a taste of common sense to keep it on two wheels but if you don't get greedy with the throttle for the first few track days, you'll be able to tame the beast and have more fun than a fat chick at a batchelor party. But, if you can't afford to buy tires on a regular basis, stay with something in the 600 class. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-21-2007, 05:16 PM	#27
JTurkish Zone Head Joined: Oct 2007 From: SLC, UT I Ride: SV1000N	You should buy my w650, it would make a great track bike. Just kidding, it wouldnt. Its a parallel twin with a 360 degree crank which means that both pistons go up and down at same time, pretty fun little booger. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-21-2007, 08:53 PM	#30
coastiepete Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Port Angeles WA I Ride: 2007 ZX-10R SE, 2005 450 EXC, 1980 GS750 Cafe Project	is there a class for the new ninja 250? that might be fun. cheap, and new 17" wheels allow better rubber.........not the fastest, but could still be fun? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-27-2007, 01:54 PM	#35
QWKDTSN Training Wheels Joined: Aug 2007 From: Port Angeles, WA I Ride: Triumph 675 Trackbike (RED)	Hey, Pete. Compromise. Get a Triple like I did So are we going to the track next year or what? We can share pit space. Where do you work... Boat station? I don't think we've ever met, which is surprising. I'm in the hangar (AET3). Did my first two track days this year and doing many more at Pacific and beyond next year. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by QWKDTSN; 10-27-2007 at 01:57 PM..

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