New Track Bike

[fastdruid]

Originally Posted by N8te rider

I'd also like to get into racing next year. From reading the posts it seems skill and body weight has a big part to play when racing. Want to go CSS this Aug/Sep to improve as I'm still novice.

Body weight means nothing in comparison to skill

Yes a lighter rider has a slight acceleration advantage but they also have less weight relative to the bike to use.

Druid

[Binky]

I'm saving as hard as i can while still allowing for the odd beer, unfortunately your bike is still out of my reach Berlin.

Originally Posted by Son of a beesting

Thanks for the info.

I have had a license for about 2 years and have been commuting to work for about 6 months (about 300 miles a week).

So an SRAD??

Have you tried riding your SV on track yet? Give it a pootle out in Novice if you're nervous about binning it. Then, make a better, more educated decision after that?

Originally Posted by N8te rider

I'd also like to get into racing next year. From reading the posts it seems skill and body weight has a big part to play when racing. Want to go CSS this Aug/Sep to improve as I'm still novice.

No way. It's definately more about rider skill than anything. The bike helps, and being 6 stone will obviously make you slightly quicker, but nothing beats a few bravery pills and XXL cajunas.

Knowing about racing lines/capability of your bike etc helps too. But then that's all down to the rider isn't it...

The only thing that worries me is that I have brand new fairings on the bike and I need it everyday to get back and forth from work. so cant afford to stack it.

I defo need to learn what my bike can do. I managed to overtake about 4 people on bigger bikes at mallory and it felt amazing, but they were being cautious as it was wet

[Binky]

Originally Posted by N8te rider

I defo need to learn what my bike can do. I managed to overtake about 4 people on bigger bikes at mallory and it felt amazing, but they were being cautious as it was wet

Just practice. Get out on your bike as much as possible, especially on track.

Originally Posted by Binky

Just practice. Get out on your bike as much as possible, especially on track.

Absolutely. Will be aiming to do trackdays once a month when I'm back from travelling

Binky have you seen this website: http://www.trackdayriders.co.uk
Might be useful for stuff

Originally Posted by fastdruid

Personally if you think the SV is too slow[1] then I'd say get a 600, an old CBR6 steelie can be picked up for pennies, loads of tuning goodies, loads of spares and ace handling.


[1] More likely you aren't fast enough.

I agree 100%.

I'm not a slow rider and I find my CBR600 is more than enough on any trackday I've taken it on. It's quick enough and handles well enough to embarrass a few litre bike riders in the fast group, and when my 2 No Limits instructor mates (one's an ex-Bemsee 400 Champion and raced a ZX10R for years, the other was RS250 Aprilia Challenge champion) have borrowed it they've been the fastest on track in the fast group.

If they can go that quick on a 32,000 mile 1998 steelie CBR600 with knackered stock suspension, then an identical bike will be plenty fast enough for the likes of you or me.

ZX7r and ZX6r are quite cheap if you look at a mid 1990's model, should pick one up under a grand.

have you thought about how you would get the bike to the track ?? as i am assuming you'll probably pick up a bike with no mot and with full race fairings. and also, after time you'll get a lot of spares for it.

so not sure if you have a car / trailer or a van...

I was looking at the zx7r but I thought they would to heavy for track use ( I am not very heavy ) or that is what I am after? I.e. something a bit slower steering? And I have yet to see one under a grand.

I thought early zx6r did not have great geometry for track use?

I also thought about the availability of spares etc.

I would get a trailer as I have golf 4motion which should be pretty good at towing and it even has a 12v boot socket!