Considering a trackday bike. Any ideas or suggestions?

Originally Posted by teriyakimonkey

Thanks for your ideas and suggestions folks.

I've decided a pure track bike is out of the question due to the cost of trailer etc even if I could tow it. But...

I spoke to matey today and he's just about to put his bike up for sale. ZX6R, 1998, 19K miles, serviced well, two new tyres, full system and steering damper + I know where it's been and what little there is wrong with it. I'm seriously considering it as I could use it as my winter bike, maybe get the missus on the back, would be more comfortable for long trips and I really wouldn't be bothered if it got mullered. I'd be much happier doing that than getting an unknown. That seem like a good idea? If so what seems a reasonable price?

ok - why don't you pick up a second set of Daytona fairings? There are loads going for sale on ebay and you could pick up a set for a couple of hundred quid. That's what I have since I still have to keep it road legal to get to the track. Takes me about an hour to swap it all round (It is a big help if you can get a tail with a rear light and front cowl w/headlights)

I even threw this into the gravel a couple of weeks back and just scratched already scrapped up plastic. Looks hideous, but when I get back, and swap it back over - looks good as new again! My last crash cost me nothing to fix!

What is your budget?

A 600 is the best track tool. If you have ~£1k to spend, get an old steelie x-race bike. If you have £2k you can get an SRAD Gixer (x-race bike) ... £3k and you are talking some 1/2 decent kit!!

£5k and you can get whatever you want (within reason).

I think its diminishing returns after the ~£2k mark as I doubt the performance differences will be notable/of much use to you.

To my mind, you need a bike you can accept you might not come home with ... so the <£2k bike makes the most sense!! (unless you don't mind throwing £5k away ... but if that was the case you wouldn't mind slinging your road bike ).

[Stu]

Originally Posted by teriyakimonkey

Thanks for your ideas and suggestions folks.

I've decided a pure track bike is out of the question due to the cost of trailer etc even if I could tow it. But...

I spoke to matey today and he's just about to put his bike up for sale. ZX6R, 1998, 19K miles, serviced well, two new tyres, full system and steering damper + I know where it's been and what little there is wrong with it. I'm seriously considering it as I could use it as my winter bike, maybe get the missus on the back, would be more comfortable for long trips and I really wouldn't be bothered if it got mullered. I'd be much happier doing that than getting an unknown. That seem like a good idea? If so what seems a reasonable price?

£1500
Sell the SV & the 675, get out of debt & have the 6R as your only bike road legal & track it.

Very good idea

Here's where I am now. The track only bike is out of the window due to transport etc. I considered the Stu route and nearly went for it but decided against it as I am getting out of debt at a healthy enough rate anyway. I've offered my mate a price for the ZX6R to be used as my long mileage/winter/two up/definately-wet track day bike and am keeping the Daytona for best and dry trackdays. That's what I got it it for but so far have used it everywhere. I'll be using the money I have left from selling the SV to get a full set of levers and more protection for the Daytona. Just waiting to see if matey likes the price I offered for his bike. It was fair but not totally embarrassing.

Luke I have got a set of trackday fairings off ebay for £50. Genuine Triumph ones. It's a bit of a pain keep changing them but I can live with that. Haven't got a tank of headlight fairing though.

Lovely.

BTW in case anyone was interested you can't have a normal MOT and a daylight MOT. I thought that might be a solution but as some trackdays are miles away and transport is a problem it's a no go due to the early mornings.

[fastdruid]

Originally Posted by teriyakimonkey

BTW in case anyone was interested you can't have a normal MOT and a daylight MOT. I thought that might be a solution but as some trackdays are miles away and transport is a problem it's a no go due to the early mornings.

There is no such thing as a daylight MOT.

There is an MOT.

What people call a 'daylight' MOT is a normal MOT with an advisory notice that there are no lights fitted at the time of the test.

From the MOT manual (this section for head/tail lights but the others say the same thing).
http://www.motuk.co.uk/mcmanual_110.htm

This inspection applies to: all machines, except those which have neither front nor rear position lamps, or have such lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked that are
. only used during daylight hours, and
. not used at times of seriously reduced visibility

If this situation occurs the machine presenter should be issued with a VT32 (advisory notice) recording the above.

Druid

So where does one stand with a headlight and rear light that is removeable?

Where does a classic scooter lie also without indicators?

[Biker Biggles]

Indicators are not required for driving at night so are not relevant to the "daylight only" thing.If they are fitted they have to work,but if not fitted it wont matter.

As for the OP.
There was a race CBR 600 Steelie for sale on VD,with spares for £1700
It s the club championship winning bike and would be a bit of a bargain I thought.Dunno if its still available.

A good mate of mine has an ex-race GSXR600 K2 for sale if anyone is interested.

Spec is: 122bhp Slick Bass tuned engine, no V5 as never been road regd, Has done Manx in 2006 (112mph lap) and the odd circuit race since, comes with Ohlins rear that was new for the '06 Manx, Maxton sorted front forks, Valter Moto rearses, Brembo m/cyl, spare wets on wheels with discs and a handful of levers and other spares etc. It would benefit from a new set of plastics as the ones it wears are tired and painted a horrible colour.

I've worked on the bike and it really is a great piece of kit for the serious trackday nut without spending too much dosh. If it wasn't for the fact I already have a trackbike I love to bits, I'd buy it for myself. Bike is in Cheltenham if anyone wishes to view it.

£1800.

Originally Posted by fastdruid

There is no such thing as a daylight MOT.

There is an MOT.

What people call a 'daylight' MOT is a normal MOT with an advisory notice that there are no lights fitted at the time of the test.

From the MOT manual (this section for head/tail lights but the others say the same thing).
http://www.motuk.co.uk/mcmanual_110.htm


Druid

This is what my CBR600 has. I was told no lights whatsoever, which means I don't even have a brakelight fitted. I don't have mirrors either. When I ride to a trackday I just unclip my numberplate mount with the R-Clips and it's ready to go.

[the_lone_wolf]

when i recently converted a race bike for use on the road i've found you can either have full lights with indys or no lights whatsoever, however there is an exemption for 'off road' machines which are designed to carry only the rider.

interpret off-road machine as you will, but if it's not got pillion pegs or seat you could say a track bike is "off-road" and ride with head/tail and brake lamps like my KTM, however the manual states: "off road machines are constructed or adapted primarily for use off roads (whether by reason of its tyres, suspension, ground clearance or otherwise)."