| Author | Message | ||
     Oconnor |
Want to build a cheap track bike this fall. Not thrilled with dropping my xb. And I know it will eventually happen so mind as well build a purpose built. But I also don't/can't throw crap loads of money into it. Who's got some ideas or places for some good info. I was thinking maybe going the sv650 route but can't find a whole lot of guiding on front end choice, years to get vs stay away from etc... | ||
| Sportsman |
Go to roadracingworld.com, racemotorcycles.com, and wera.com and search the classifieds. Usually you'll find somebody giving it up and selling a SV already raced prepped for 3 or 4 grand. You'll never build anything that cheap or easy. Heck, a good shock is a grand and a Traxxion fork rebuild can cost 4-$500. Lots of the time they're throwing in tire warmers and other stuff too. | ||
| Henrik |
If you're looking to go racing, you've got to be aware of what can and can't be done in the different classes in the different racing organizations. That said, SV's make great track bikes, crash really well (don't ask) and there are lots of aftermarket parts available. Sportsman is right - Roadracing World classifieds usually have a few track prepped SV's for sale, and the price range is spot on. You can also subscribe to the micapeak.com SV650 racers list. Just go to Micapeak.com and navigate your way to the subscribe section. Lots of knowledgeable people on there. None of the SV years should be avoided. There were a few that were affected by an oiling recall, but they were few. Of course, now that the new SV's come with fuell injection, that's where all the new toys are going to be heading. But there are lots of great carbed bikes, and I bet they'll be around for awhile. And most parts are interchangeable anyway. If you buy used, wait and see what your track bike comes with. But if you do it yourself, a less expensive front end upgrade is using Honda F3 for tubes and internals and bolt on the stock sliders. Of course you'll still need good springs and a revalve. The high zoot option is to mount a GSXR750 front end. Supposedly an easy swap - one of the guys on the SV list has the correct (special build) bearings to make it a painless swap. I'm running stock forks with new springs and a Traxxion Dynamics re-valve (really a retuned Race Tech Immulator), and it works fine - certainly good enough for my skill level  Don't buy a bike with too radical a motor - they get too temperamental. You can get close to 90HP from a mostly stock motor with just a pipe, Yosh cams, flat slide carbs and some tuning. That combination is very reliable and will not blow up ... too often  Also, if you're going for a track-only bike, you can strip quite a bit of parts/weight off the bike, further helping handling and acceleration. Hope this helps Henrik | ||
| Buelliedan |
Interested in a Buell S1WL set up for the track? 95 hp to the rear wheel!! | ||
| Dueller |
I've been vacillating on whether to track prep my S1 or convert the M2 beater to a full time track bike. On the other hand, the WERA vintage guys seem to be having a grand time on some interesting, classic affordable iron. The BMW's from the late 70's-mid 80's kinda pique my interest. A friend now runs a '90 YZ400 with a bone stock motor which is vintage and current class eligible and he seems to be having a ball with his $2000 total investment. I've ridden it and it is a fun little bike...granted it ain't the most competitive bike in the world but in his race groups he always has someone to dice with. Plus...it is virtuaally zero prep/maintenance. Seems more and more supermotard bikes are hitting the market and that looks like a hoot. You might want to check the WERA web site classifieds for both current and vintage bikes...there do seem to be some bargains there relative to what it would cost to build one from scratch. | ||
| Snowdave |
For the right amount of scratch, I could be convinced to part with my Street/Track M2. I love it, but I love my new baby more....I mean daughter, don't want to confuse anyone! Here are some pics   I also have more parts than you can shake a stick at. All would go with the bike. Just food for thought, I am not actively listing this bike since I am also perfectly happy to keep it. It is just a shame to relegate it to strictly commuting duty. Although the right side of the tires is well worn from on/off ramp duty! |
