SDC Performance Minitwin race bike?
Discussion
Hi guys,
Just to give a quick back story! I'm in my early 30s now, in my early 20s I looked to take up riding, and dabbled with an Aprilia R125 followed by a Yamaha RD125, I never got any further and decided to stick to four wheels, however I'm a huge fan of bike racing and have been for a number of years which of course only fuels my desire to get back on two wheels.
That said I've no interest in riding on the road, with the way our roads are today and the lack of respect bikers seem to get it doesn't seem worth the risk to me.
Therefore I'm starting looking at what's out there in terms of track only machines for a complete novice, I've no interest in big power and ideally want something with agility and lightness first and foremost. A bike that will let me develop my skills but most importantly be fun.
The next issue is that I'm 6ft 3 and 83kg, whilst bikes like a KTM RC390, Aprilia RRV450GP or a nicely set up 400cc Honda etc would seem to fit the bill, I'm not sure I could really fit on them?! I did manage with my Aprilia/Yam but am guessing it looked a little odd, plus I'd assume bike fit will be more important on track than road.
I've come across SDC Performance though and wonder if they may have the answer, they offer new build Suzuki SV650's in full race bike/minitwin trim for £3500, and there also seems to be a number of used SDC bikes out there as well for less money, the spec on each of them seems good and they appear to be well built.
Does anyone have any experience with this company and their machines? Also any feedback on whether this would be a good bike to start on given my requirements and size would be appreciated, as would any other options you think I'm missing! It needs to be four stroke/reliable and sensible money to run/maintain.
Just to give a quick back story! I'm in my early 30s now, in my early 20s I looked to take up riding, and dabbled with an Aprilia R125 followed by a Yamaha RD125, I never got any further and decided to stick to four wheels, however I'm a huge fan of bike racing and have been for a number of years which of course only fuels my desire to get back on two wheels.
That said I've no interest in riding on the road, with the way our roads are today and the lack of respect bikers seem to get it doesn't seem worth the risk to me.
Therefore I'm starting looking at what's out there in terms of track only machines for a complete novice, I've no interest in big power and ideally want something with agility and lightness first and foremost. A bike that will let me develop my skills but most importantly be fun.
The next issue is that I'm 6ft 3 and 83kg, whilst bikes like a KTM RC390, Aprilia RRV450GP or a nicely set up 400cc Honda etc would seem to fit the bill, I'm not sure I could really fit on them?! I did manage with my Aprilia/Yam but am guessing it looked a little odd, plus I'd assume bike fit will be more important on track than road.
I've come across SDC Performance though and wonder if they may have the answer, they offer new build Suzuki SV650's in full race bike/minitwin trim for £3500, and there also seems to be a number of used SDC bikes out there as well for less money, the spec on each of them seems good and they appear to be well built.
Does anyone have any experience with this company and their machines? Also any feedback on whether this would be a good bike to start on given my requirements and size would be appreciated, as would any other options you think I'm missing! It needs to be four stroke/reliable and sensible money to run/maintain.
Ah OK no problem, perhaps I should have said freshly prepared rather than a new build!
I get what your saying about doing it myself, but it's not something I've any experience of doing, which is why if possible I want a bike from a well known/respected outfit, I expect 'track' bikes are very much like 'track' cars. Some very good, but also a lot built by numpties.
I get what your saying about doing it myself, but it's not something I've any experience of doing, which is why if possible I want a bike from a well known/respected outfit, I expect 'track' bikes are very much like 'track' cars. Some very good, but also a lot built by numpties.
Thanks for your feedback that's excellent.
Converting a street bike is out, I don't have the ability for that and as you say it'll probably work out more expensive than this bike direct from SDC anyway which would be pointless.
Getting one 'second hand' does look to be best in terms of value for money, but I think I'd have more confidence in a bike from them direct as will at least know it hasn't been smashed to bits and rebuilt a few times or something.
What do you think on these bikes for a novice? What are they like to ride?
Converting a street bike is out, I don't have the ability for that and as you say it'll probably work out more expensive than this bike direct from SDC anyway which would be pointless.
Getting one 'second hand' does look to be best in terms of value for money, but I think I'd have more confidence in a bike from them direct as will at least know it hasn't been smashed to bits and rebuilt a few times or something.
What do you think on these bikes for a novice? What are they like to ride?
Thanks guys, Tom I'm assuming your friend whilst being a rookie to racing was a fairly accomplished rider beforehand?
Would you see it as a good starter track bike for someone starting out with very little riding experience and no experience of a bike on track? (I've done car trackdays/raced karts etc so am comfortable with the track environment but even so)
The other option is to look at something pretty simple like a cbr300/500/Ninja 300 and just stick a set of good tyres on it, perhaps a lower powered more basic bike to get to grips with track riding would allow me to learn/understand the basics before stepping up to a race prepped sv650 or similar?
Would you see it as a good starter track bike for someone starting out with very little riding experience and no experience of a bike on track? (I've done car trackdays/raced karts etc so am comfortable with the track environment but even so)
The other option is to look at something pretty simple like a cbr300/500/Ninja 300 and just stick a set of good tyres on it, perhaps a lower powered more basic bike to get to grips with track riding would allow me to learn/understand the basics before stepping up to a race prepped sv650 or similar?
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