| Author | Message | ||
     Kesnei |
Okay! So I am going to ask the stew-pid track question here: I am looking to start on the track and such. Entertaining the idea of taking my street 1125r on the track (at least in the beginning) When I was in a Motorcycle shop the other day (a shop which primarily focuses on track bikes and such) they recommended looking for an entry track bike for around 3k and starting with that and just go a bunch. So the question is two fold. Would buying a cheap track bike be a solid idea? I see some posters (Like JDugger) have 1125r on the track, but honestly I'm completely inexperienced with this sort of thing and looking for some guidance. Thanks in advance! | ||
| Kruizen |
Take it to the track and enjoy. That's where it belongs | ||
| Mhpalin |
Put these on your bike and have fun http://www.erikbuellracing.com/store/parts-accesso ries/bodywork/carbon-fiber-clutch-cover-guard.html http://www.erikbuellracing.com/store/parts-accesso ries/bodywork/carbon-fiber-stator-cover-guard.html | ||
| Kesnei |
Should I look into Axle sliders from American Sport Bike or Twin Moto as well or just those the Clutch and stater guards? | ||
| Mhpalin |
What you don't have them already  yes they would a must as well | ||
| Kesnei |
I came from an street XB12r  I had Frame Pucks and that was it. | ||
| Jdugger |
There's some merit to getting a bike specific to track duty, perhaps one from a racer upgrading. What the store told you isn't bad advice at all, and I'm assuming you would end up with commodity Japanese machinery, which can be very, very good. 1. The bike is likely already set up with good parts, or even just good geometry for the track. 2. Something like an SV is less expensive to operate on the track than an 1125. 3. If you need a spare part, it's likely someone at the track has one. ... and so on. In my opinion, your store gave you good advice that would be an absolutely reasonable way to start doing track days. And, they are right, seat time, not the machine, makes the biggest difference in your ability to go fast. The flip side is the unique qualities of the 1125r. There's not a lot of them at the track, and for a newer rider they are not to far off a good set up right out of the box. I would recommend a fresh set of good tires. As you get faster, you are going to want normal clip ons, a brake system that won't put you in the kitty litter (or the hospital), adjustability in the wheelbase, and so on, and those start becoming expensive endeavors. But, the 1125r is undeniably cool, and you don't see so many of them around, so that's got some appeal, too. As for the specific advice for axle sliders: my opinion is save your money. If you are on an 09, your rear stand spools will protect the swing arm, and the front forks don't tend to touch, even in fairly breathtaking and spectacular unplanned dismounts. But, the case sliders -- now those are really useful! Might save your motor in a long low-side by keeping the oil in the box! I don't think you can make a bad choice here, honestly. Either route is a good one. | ||
| Larryjohn |
If you have budget and room a dedicated track bike is definitely a good idea. You can get them cheap and you won't be heartbroken when it gets scraped up when you go down (it will happen sooner or later). I started by taking my street bike to the track (98 S1) just to see what track days were all about. By the end of that summer I bought a XB12R dedicated track bike. As of last summer I sold my S1 and my Ulysses and am left with two track bikes, the XB12R and an 1125R-DSB. Start with the 1125R and see how you like the track. If you are like just about every other person out there you will be addicted and nature will take its course. Do get the clutch and stator guards though, you would much rather have those grind down than the aluminum. If and when you decide to get a dedicated track bike, check out the classifieds on the WERA forum, there are always cheap used racebikes for sale. | ||
| Kesnei |
I'm on a 08 specifically -- Would that change your opinion on the swing arm. And got a good laugh at the spectacular unplanned dismounts'. As for the brake system, is the stock one sufficient at an early level or would that need to be addressed fairly quickly? | ||
| Kesnei |
@Larry Thanks! I'll check that out. -- Edit: I am never gonna get any work done anymore, I'm going to shop for bikes all day now. Thanks. (Message edited by Kesnei on March 05, 2014) | ||
| Jdugger |
> I'm on a 08 specifically -- Would that change your opinion on the swing arm. No, because used swing arms on e-bay cost less than sliders. You will need better pads and good fluid in your brakes, depending on the layout of the track, as you progress into level 2. You will need the whole system replaced with upgraded parts (MC, Rotor, mounting hardware, etc) for level 3. For your first track day, consider a new set of quality tires. Something like a PP3 or Pirelli DRC -- high quality, sport tire. (Message edited by jdugger on March 05, 2014) | ||
| Kesnei |
@JDugger -- kk got it, well maybe I'll see you sometime out at one of the tracks in Texas. | ||
| Kesnei |
@Jdugger two more question about tires -- Is a Angel Pirelli GT considered a 'high quality, sport tire'? Also should I have a brand new set? Or one that has about 500 miles on it to get the synthetic crap off the outside or does it matter? | ||
| Froggy |
The Angel GT is a high quality sport TOURING tire. It is great on the street, and lasts forever, but if you are getting fresh rubber and are spending time on a track I really recommend getting something else that grips better at the more aggressive track pace. | ||
| Jdugger |
Alan, I had no idea you were here in the D/FW area. This may be of interest to you, as I do private lessons at a race track about 40 minutes from your front door: www.sportridercoaching.com You should also check out RideSmart and Lone Star Track days. They are Texas-local companies. As for tires, if your preference is Pirelli, consider the Diablo Supercorsa SP or the Diablo Rosso Corsa. I'm not up on the latest in street tires, but I can tell you with race tires we mount fresh fronts and rears during endurance races and go FULL SPEED into the first corner out of the pits with no issues at all. There is no need to scrub them. Since you mentioned the store giving you the advice was local and track oriented, was it David Roy at North Texas Superbikes? And, instead of WERA, the race organization around here is the CMRA, and I'm the club's vice president. If you are interested in the track and racing scene, I would be more than happy to make some connections to get you started. It's a really wonderful group of people and environment. (Message edited by jdugger on March 05, 2014) | ||
| Kesnei |
Was not David but it was one of the gentleman from the store in Lewisville. Very cool bunch. I would definitely be interested. But I was supposed to E-Mail David over the sale of my XB And... just totally forgot. -- I have a bit of a goldfish memory. | ||
| Jdugger |
David is a good guy. He's not cheap, but he does very high quality work. You can also trust him to set a bike up correctly for track. Welcome to the deep end. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
While not extremely close to you, there should be deals like this available around you also. http://www.ccsforum.com/index.php/topic,27570.0.ht ml My track time has all been Buell, my street X1, a street XB9R and now my race only 1125R. Just be sure you are ok with whatever you are riding to hit the pavement. It may not happen, but if you are trying to go fast it will at some point. I don't feel that any one bike is any more 'safe' on the track than any other, it's true that a liter bike may get you in trouble faster, but it's all between the ears. You have to respect what you are riding. My advice is just to go and enjoy it, be careful, and then figure out if it's for you and where you want to go from there. | ||
| Kesnei |
@99Buellx1 Thats what I'm hoping for! I will look through that CSS page however. Thank you for the link. | ||
| Rodrob |
I have two good and cheap track bikes for sale - 1125R and an SV650 They both run great, but have body damage from minor low sides. They are cheap, because no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to find the time to fix and paint the bodywork, while I race and maintain my 1190RS and try to live a life outside of racing at the same time. The 1125R  is and '08 chassis. an 09 motor with '08 rotor/stator, purchased new from EBR. It has a few track days and races and runs great. Shorai battery, Showa race suspension front and rear, 5mm front rotor with 2015 pads, GP shift kit. lightweight subframe, race ecm and harness, race exhaust, 3 bearing wheels, flexiglass gen 2 race farings. The side farings, tail and bellypan have minor paint issues, the front faring is new and needs paint. The frame and swingarm are freshly painted with a metallic black. The bike was built from a buell factory test bike, so has no VIN and cannot be made street legal. If you ride an 1125R on the street, this is an excellent choice for a track bike. While the 1125R has enough power to go really fast and get you in trouble, it is also a very forgiving bike for new racers, due to the big torque and wide controllable power band. The SV650 - is a gen 2, has velocity stacks, bored throttle bodies and runs great, GSXR 750 Front end with R6 brakes, Bandit 1200 rear wheel (will take a 190 but a 180 works better), GSXR race bodywork that is repaired with carbon fiber, but needs TLC, some bondo, sanding, and paint. This is also an excellent choice for a first time track rider/racer. Much less power, but good wide torque, more forgiving on the throttle, but capable of wicked corner speed once you're going. The brakes are ridiculous. The most popular light weight twin. I will consider any reasonable - as is - offer. (Message edited by rodrob on March 07, 2014) | ||
| Kesnei |
Froggy -- I just saw your response on the Angel tires. Solid input, Thanks! (Not sure how I missed it) | ||
| Skntpig |
I have a very track worthy Honda 600 for sale if you are interested under 3K. It is very reliable and includes all of the goodies you will want on a racebike. PM me if you want more info. I may be able to help you with setting up shipping too. | ||
| Craigg |
My first time on the Track was with my 1125R. I'd say try it with the 1125R and if you enjoy it then pick up a dedicated track bike. Why spend 3K on a track bike if you don't enjoy it. With all that being said. Make sure you trailer whatever bike you end up using to the track. Just incase you go down and it can't be ridden home. I've seen too many people make that mistake at the track and then are looking for a way to get home.  | ||
| Kesnei |
Yea I'm on the same page with you on this Craigg, I will take out the 1125 at first but I imagine as seems to be normal I'll want to pickup some sort of a track only bike if I really start going onto it. |
