[ghost057]

I have been thinking about riding track for a year now, and was just looking for some advice... i ride a zx10 for the streets and have been seeing some good deals on zx10 track bikes on here and was wondering do you guys think this would be to big of a bike to for me to start riding track with. I have no TRACK EXperience...

 

[rabbit]

It's all down to your ability to control the throttle. I did my first track day ever in a monsoon rainstorm with no problems. It's easier to spin up the rear on a bigger bike, but if you're a decent rider then it's just a safe environment for you to get out and practice. Trackdays aren't just about going fast - as long as you're not trying to ride over your head you should be fine.

 

[ghost057]

i was thinking on starting off with a 636... but i figure since i already have parts lying around for my 10...i would always have a use for them if i rode a 10 on the track..there are just so many deals i am running into with the 10's right now for the track... i have been riding for years and this is my second with my 10 so i know i still have alot more to learn... thanks for the advice

 

[Chubbs]

I took my '06 10r to the track for the first time a couple weeks ago, it was MUCH easier to ride than I expected a 155 hp bike to be. I had no trouble what-so-ever.

Yes, it will spin up the rear on demand if you want it to. But I never had any trouble when I didn't want it to.

I wouldn't rule out a 600 though. I started track riding on an '01 gsxr600, and it's all the power I needed. If I still had it, i'm sure I'd still be happy with it. Plus, it was REALLy cheap.

 

[Older Guy]

I wouldn't do it....get a 600 for the track...much easier - much more fun and you learn more too....I've ridden both and the 600 is better.

 

[TN10R]

Depends on what you want, but you will absolutely positively learn to ride better and faster on a smaller bike. A liter bike will also let you get into trouble much faster.

Either way take your time, and don't ride over your head. Ride your own pace and don't worry about how fast someone else is going.

 

[megawatt]

Ride what you have. Trackdays are not races, so don't even concern yourself about how fast you can go because your on a liter bike.

There will be younger kids that are faster than you, there will be grandfathers that are faster than you. Don't worry about other bikes and riders, you will have plenty fun just learning what your bike can do since you have not been exposed to its real performance because you have been riding on the streets.

If you make the rear tire spin up then you need to learn throttle control. It is totally possible to do a trackday and not crash as a beginner on a liter bike. You will have a great time with your bike. Don't worry about upgrading brakes, suspension, exhaust etc, a stock 10R is ready for a beginner at the track the way it is, just get out there have fun and ride.

 

[hayden41]

Rabbit and Megawatt are dead-on. Why go out and buy something when you may not even like track riding (not likely). When/if you find yourself doing them somewhat often, pushing your/your bikes' limits, then consider finding yourself a dedicated track bike. As you stated, they're often easy and cheap to find. For now, go out there and try it out, have a good time.

 

[dmj120]

I've never riden any other than a liter bike so can;t comment on the 600. But regardless, hit up a school!! The small little tips and tricks help MORE than you can imagine.

The natural progression into a liter bike seems resonable, so that would more than likely be the most advantageous. That being said, I still believe if you have enough control (of yourself) and don't do anything erratic, a good deal on a liter bike might be a serious consideration.

 

[colezx10r]

I wish my track bike was a 600 but thats becouse the track I go to is short with no place to open it up.

 

[CP10R]

I wish my track bike was a 600 but thats becouse the track I go to is short with no place to open it up.

thats true too, many tracks just dont have the room for a liter bike to be ridden properly. If you have a 10r now, just use that on the track. your not going pro and your not going to stop riding on the street (i presume?). you will learn so much going through a school and just learning how to ride fast and then you will get up to speed with your bike over time. have fun

 

[ghost057]

thats true too, many tracks just dont have the room for a liter bike to be ridden properly. If you have a 10r now, just use that on the track. your not going pro and your not going to stop riding on the street (i presume?). you will learn so much going through a school and just learning how to ride fast and then you will get up to speed with your bike over time. have fun

im not trying to go pro, just need a new hobby on the weekends.. i dont want to use my street bike because i put too work into... thats why i have been looking at these used track bikes on here...
thanks for the advice

 

[rawtitanium10]

Another non-track guy here.........Whats the best way to set up a street bike for the track? I saw taping over the lenses and pulling the mirrors.........anybody have a start to finish from street to trackable?

 

[bodymanruss518]

im not trying to go pro, just need a new hobby on the weekends.. i dont want to use my street bike because i put too work into... thats why i have been looking at these used track bikes on here...
thanks for the advice

:+1:.this IS me too!..I have my 10 set up as more of a well groomed street machine!.and would hate to dump her into the pavement at the track!
I have also been seeing some good deals here on trackbikes!......and there a handfull of tracks in my area!.......so I will probably be doing this soon also!
I want to be able to ride fast without worrying about a cager crossing the dbl yellow,....or mounds of gravel,...or LAW!!.....and I know in my heart I would love riding track minus the cost of it!..LOL.........but it has got to be better than blowing my money on strippers and booze right?!!...hahaha!!
So all you track guys,.......please be patient with me,.as I will probably be asking alot of questions and advise in the near future!!........:thumbsup:

 

[TN10R]

Another non-track guy here.........Whats the best way to set up a street bike for the track? I saw taping over the lenses and pulling the mirrors.........anybody have a start to finish from street to trackable?

You need to check with the org you plan to ride with for all the details, but generally most are similar.

1) antifreeze must be replaced with water and water wetter // some may allow engine ice
2) clean bike with no leaks of any kind including fork seals, shock, engine oil, etc.
3) safety wire oil filter and drain plug
4) remove mirrors
5) tape over any lens / don't forget to pull the fuses
6) some require the kick stand to be safety wired or zip tied
7) good tires
8) plenty left on your brake pads, lever good and stiff
9) chain correctly adjusted
10) remove license plate
11) safety wire or remove rear pegs
12) obviously, nothing loose that might come off
13) numbers

then your gear
1) full leathers
2) leather gloves
3) boots
4) back protector
5) undamaged helmet

Failing tech (assuming you can't correct) means your done and forfeit any money paid.

 

[dmj120]

tape wheel weights - duct tape (or similar), painter's tape don't pass for wheel weights.

Your gear: If you have 'em... under armor. It really helps with the heat and getting your leather off.

 

[pongo]

too bad you are not closer to me...i've decided to give up riding at the track...economy slump is really killing me...have a completely track prep ZX7R that i am going to let go for 1,500. the old 7R's make great dependable track bikes....i've always thought i did well on it...but i was recently told in another thread that i'm not as fast as nicki hayden so i'm giving it all up..:wink:

 

[dmj120]

too bad you are not closer to me...i've decided to give up riding at the track...economy slump is really killing me...have a completely track prep ZX7R that i am going to let go for 1,500. the old 7R's make great dependable track bikes....i've always thought i did well on it...but i was recently told in another thread that i'm not as fast as nicki hayden so i'm giving it all up..:wink:

Damn that sucks!!! Even worse (for me) you about the closest to me (Temecula) selling a track bike... wish I could.

 

[ghost057]

too bad you are not closer to me...i've decided to give up riding at the track...economy slump is really killing me...have a completely track prep ZX7R that i am going to let go for 1,500. the old 7R's make great dependable track bikes....i've always thought i did well on it...but i was recently told in another thread that i'm not as fast as nicki hayden so i'm giving it all up..:wink:

i miss my old 7r... that was one fun bike.. if kawi came out with another 7r i probably wouldve got that instead of the ten...

 

[TheOriginalNinjaJew]

tn and dmj have your list pretty good... not all tracks make you do all of that but to regurgitate what has already been said, check with your track. also... tires and suspension work cannot be understated. spend the money to have a pro set your suspension there, and on tires go at least dot race. suspension and tires are things to spend money on so you dont spend money on replacing the rest(not to mention you go faster more comfortably with them done well)