Looking at getting into racing sportbikes but I’d like to just ride around a track a few times first. Anyone ever done this? Seems much safer on a racetrack but there’s so many rules with safety wires and taped glass and gear and even licenses.
Just got a CBR600 new in the box. Might not be the best for the track but very comfortable. I’m too tall to fit the Yamahas 
Not trying to ride too much on the street cuz there’s really angry guys that want to kill you because they ain’t you.
Thanks
Currently? No. Used to? Yes.
Race prepping isn’t terribly expensive. Should be less than $700.
After doing some track days, street riding will be about as appealing as making out with your sister.
To quote a wise man,
“What if I told you that there was this road over in Alabama, where there were no cops, no traffic, great curves, absolutely no speed limit, and EMS personnel on standby in the event of a problem? You’d be asking when the **** we’re going.”
[video=youtube_share;q2BETRCk95s]https://youtu.be/q2BETRCk95s[/video]
Have been on the track many times but not racing. For sure find a track day / days and then a race class / racing license event.
I loved being on the track-- optimal surface, no sand, no gravel, no cars; flat, smooth run-off (which I once availed myself of)instead of trees and rock fences (you’ll never catch me racing the Isle of Mann TT!). Corner marshals looking out for you, and ambulances there if something goes wrong.
It’s the perfect way to burn off some testosterone while significantly reducing the risk. Before “getting into racing” I’d just say study it first if you haven’t, watch some races, get into the paddock to see, smell, and hear what’s going on. You might find that a guy who is “you plus one year at racing” a more accessible source of conversation and info than the ten-year vet, unless it’s a shop team looking for new customers. Not saying “clique-ish” at all but some guys are at a level of serious that may preclude a lot of chit-chat.
The experience, racing or just track days, will increase your level of survivability on the street.
Not currently but used to go to track days. Not at big of a PITA to “track” your bike up. New skins, lock wire, GTG.
The “636” in hotrodder636 comes from my affinity and use of a Kawasaki Ninja ZX636R. Loved that bike…my youngest brother has it now.
Euro, real talk.
Get a beater if you’re going to do track days.
Because your fairings are going to be fuuuuuuuuuucked up at some point. Them shits aint cheap, dawg.
An old, 2006 CBR600, happens to be cheap.
Brosef, the 636 was epic AF. Had one. Loved it.
Holy crap, are those 1940 numbers? $700 won’t get you anywhere. Tires, leathers, brakes, a set of glass, spares, stands, misc tools, gearing, etc…
Of course if you get fast enough, shit starts getting cheaper when others start paying the bills. Takes a lot of jack to get there though.
But yeah, I agree, street riding gets lame real fast after road racing.
Haha, I thought $700 was low too…I think I spent more on my AlpineStar leathers than that. Hell, my boots were half of that!
Yep, and I didn’t even mention any mods. I’m thinking he’d be closer if he added a zero to that $700.
There guys do. 600cc Honda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWZG1nhgwgg
I’m talking safety-wiring and a basic bitch tune LOL.
Bare minimum shizznizzel.
Leathers should be mandatory, period. Skin grafts are something I’m willing to knock without trying.
I like the larger frames—I’m a larger dude. The ZX-11D was my fave. Big enough to be really stable, yet small enough to throw it around. Puuuuuuulenty of go.
Was more a less a beater…and it got flogged on.
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I should clarify. I’m talking track day playing, and farting around. If you dudes are talking real deal competition…
Euro better empty out the safe, find a good local mech/tuner, and take a class from Keith Code.
Euro, I’d hit up a local regional series in your area. I’m not sure what’s available by you but I believe CCS still has regional races at Homestead & Daytona. There’s track days throughout the year or sometimes on Wed/Thurs before the weekend races. Check shit out and ask questions. You can also take the necessary class right there to get your roadrace license. Don’t waste your time or money on the big schools.
You’ll need a quality set of leathers. A full set, not the cheesy two piece ones. A decent set of boots & gloves, a back protector, and most important, a good lid. (I’m partial to Arai.)
Ohh, and ditch the stupid Mohawk.
At minimum, you’ll need to safety wire your bike. Pick up a rule book to know what’s required. It’s usually any bolt that has a fluid behind it. Don’t stop there either. Safety wire your axle nuts, brake calipers, rear sets, etc. Anywhere that the loss of that particular nut/bolt would cause you to have a bad day.
You’ll need good race tires, brake pads, steel braided brake lines, and a set of different front & rear sprockets to dial in your gearing.
Order a set of glass & keep the factory bodywork at home. You’ll go down & factory plastic is heavy & expensive.
Reverse your shift pattern now (1 up, 5 down) & start practicing. Screwing up shift coming in to, or out of, a corner at speed sucks.
Get a good set of tools, including a nice pressure gauge. Get front and rear stands. Get a set tire warmers too.
Leave any ego at home. No matter how fast you are on the street, everyone at the track will hand your ass to you. Not saying that to be a dick, it’s just true. Right at the moment that you’re breaking soooo late into a corner, some dude will come flying by as he’s turned around looking at you, shaking his head and giving you the finger, because you brake checked him.
Personally, I wouldn’t start roadracing a 600. That’s a pretty competitive class and at the regional amateur levels, can be a blood bath. Pick up an SV650 or something. Classes are smaller but still competitive.
Make sure you’re checkbook is full & have a good time. It’s an absolute blast.
SV650 would be perfect…
I got a buddy that rents out Calibogie every year and coordinates a week of racing. Private invitation only. He has always said the same things as mentioned earlier. The only thing I didn’t see, be sure to flush your radiator and run nothing with glycol in it. He always says you will be very popular and real lonely at the same time if you spill antifreeze on the track. They have a dB limit at that track, so you may not want to change your packing until you find out if the track you are going to visit has dB limits.
This.
Agree. Unless you got cash to burn an older used bike is the way to go unless you just plan on putting around the track at street speed.
Older bikes are fine if track days are all he wants to do. If he wants to only do a couple to see if he wants to race, then it’s not worth it.
If he wants to race and be competitive an older ride is bad advice.