SV650 Track Bike

[L3nny]

Picked up a SV650 which I'll mainly be using on the track last week.

I'm thinking of fitting track fairing. Is it really worth doing? I'm trying not to spend money where I don't have to and track fairings are a lot more expensive than I expected.

The suspension has already been sorted by the previous owner (GSXR front end, RSV rear shock, K-Tech internals)

I've just ordered a 520 chain with a 14t front sprocket

Are there any other parts/modifications seasoned track dayers would recommend?

[carelesschucca]

I'm not experienced but I've done a few trackdays and tyres, tyre warmers to keep them from going through lots of heat cycles would be nice start. Most of all just go out and enjoy yourself.

Also keep any eye out for Italians coming up the inside of you especially if they have 46 on their fairing...

[L3nny]

Hmm, tyre warmers probably a good idea, they are a lot more expensive than I thought they would be though!

I've done around 10 track days over the past 5 years but always ridden to the track.

I rode home after 9 of them as well :/

Got a trailer now though and going to be taking it a bit more seriously next year

[Red Herring]

It rather depends on how good the current fairing is, and if you intend to put it back on the road.

If the fairing is in good condition and you can sell it for more than the cost of a race fairing then it's worth doing. Alternatively if you want to put it back on the road later it might be worth getting a race fairing for the track just in case (when) you drop it. That way you can return it to it's original condition easily afterwards.

Otherwise just check all the basics are in good condition, take off anything you don't need on the track (indicators, lights, stands, mirrors, pillion pegs etc etc...) and ride it. After a couple of track days you will be in a better position to decide what you need or want to upgrade.

[L3nny]

The road fairing isn't perfect. It's in good condition but has been resprayed a non standard colour, and wasn't done professionally.

There is no way I'd get the £400 it would cost me to buy and paint race fairings.

Was thinking about removing the lights and just re-fitting the road nose with some headlight covers over the holes

Tatty plastics available for postage costs if you want something to experiment with. Spare levers might be useful too.

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.p...33#post3029333

[L3nny]

I'll have a think. How much would postage be?

[Redmist]

Just don't buy new ones, I've bought various sets of used fairings now all decent for £100 - 120.
Just look for listings with plenty of high quality photos so you can actually see what you'll be buying!

I've done TDs with and without fairings and clearly they are not needed its up to your preference.

In fact without fairings you'll be a decent chunk lighter.

[L3nny]

Originally Posted by Redmist

Just don't buy new ones, I've bought various sets of used fairings now all decent for £100 - 120.
Just look for listings with plenty of high quality photos so you can actually see what you'll be buying!

I've done TDs with and without fairings and clearly they are not needed its up to your preference.

In fact without fairings you'll be a decent chunk lighter.

I just imagine used fairings to be a nightmare to fit

[Geordie Mick]

why bother painting track fairings? Or at least, why pay to have them done? You ought to be able to get a decent new one for under £200 (not counting seat unit, mind you).


I didn't get mine painted - just a few wee bits here and there to avoid the "white slab" look, and used some vinyl striping and they looked perfectly acceptable (NB avatar pic taken before I'd finished that!).

As others have said, buy used ones, then you won't give a t0ss if you break them. Or do without a fairing altogether - people think the bike looks weird but they really don't make much odds at trackday pace on most UK tracks.


Other than that, lose anything heavy you don't need and see how long it takes to stop yourself grinning.


Mick..