GSXR Track Bike Build
Discussion
I’m hoping a few of you might have some experience converting a road back into a track bike. I’ve currently got a K8 GSX-R1000, which is immaculate, original and currently my only road bike.
Having done a few days on track on the K8, I’m wanting a dedicated track bike and I have a few options from which I need to make a decision - all of these options will include buying a naked or sports touring bike as a new-ish road bike. Choices are as follows:
1. Keep the current bike on the road and buy an already converted track bike (600 or 750), which likely already has some nice kit, but will be a completely unknown mechanical entity.
2. Keep the current bike on the road and buy a 600 or 750 road bike to convert into a track bike myself.
3. Convert the K8 to a track bike.
Ultimately, it’s a decision that’s circumstantial, so won’t ask anyone to make it for me, but what could really do with some help on is understanding what work is involved in building a proper track bike (either my k8 thou or a bought 600 or 750) to see if it’s within my capabilities and (stretchable) budget.
Who’s done it and how much work was it?
I’m currently thinking:
1. Replace road fairings with fibre glass track fairings
2. Upgrade form internals to K-Tech, Nitron or similar
3. Upgrade rear shock
4. Rear sets
5. QA throttle and new grips
6. Quick shifter?
7. Wiring - this bit I hate - how much wiring is needed to remove lights, indicators switchgear etc?
8. Will I need a new rear subframe with the track fairings?
Appreciate all your thoughts.
Having done a few days on track on the K8, I’m wanting a dedicated track bike and I have a few options from which I need to make a decision - all of these options will include buying a naked or sports touring bike as a new-ish road bike. Choices are as follows:
1. Keep the current bike on the road and buy an already converted track bike (600 or 750), which likely already has some nice kit, but will be a completely unknown mechanical entity.
2. Keep the current bike on the road and buy a 600 or 750 road bike to convert into a track bike myself.
3. Convert the K8 to a track bike.
Ultimately, it’s a decision that’s circumstantial, so won’t ask anyone to make it for me, but what could really do with some help on is understanding what work is involved in building a proper track bike (either my k8 thou or a bought 600 or 750) to see if it’s within my capabilities and (stretchable) budget.
Who’s done it and how much work was it?
I’m currently thinking:
1. Replace road fairings with fibre glass track fairings
2. Upgrade form internals to K-Tech, Nitron or similar
3. Upgrade rear shock
4. Rear sets
5. QA throttle and new grips
6. Quick shifter?
7. Wiring - this bit I hate - how much wiring is needed to remove lights, indicators switchgear etc?
8. Will I need a new rear subframe with the track fairings?
Appreciate all your thoughts.
First thing I would consider is my experience and pace - if you are new to track days or building confidence then a 600 or 750 is going to be a better starting point and will help you learn. I am saying this as someone who went all in on a 1000 for my first track bike - K8 1000 funnily enough then gone back to an L1 600. Rode a friends 750 recently (Only on the road) and that is an amazing bit of kit, as everyone says just like a faster 600!
It will always be more expensive to convert you current bike, suspension being the most expensive bit then you have the fairings etc plus spare wheels with wets?
Personally I would recommend looking for a built bike but take your time and find one that has been looked after. Ideally with spare wheels, suspension, upgraded master cylinder etc.
I bet you could easily put 3-5k into your bike for a good conversion and it won't really be worth anything more once done, potentially less in track form!
With regards to wiring most people just remove the road gear but leave the standard loom in place and just tied up. Saves hassle and and a tiny bit of weight saving isn't worth the work - easy to convert back again if you want to as well.
Shouldn't need a different rear subframe (Or front) most race version replicate a standard one.
Let me know if I can help at all, built and rebuilt a few track bikes - mainly Suzuki's over the years.
It will always be more expensive to convert you current bike, suspension being the most expensive bit then you have the fairings etc plus spare wheels with wets?
Personally I would recommend looking for a built bike but take your time and find one that has been looked after. Ideally with spare wheels, suspension, upgraded master cylinder etc.
I bet you could easily put 3-5k into your bike for a good conversion and it won't really be worth anything more once done, potentially less in track form!
With regards to wiring most people just remove the road gear but leave the standard loom in place and just tied up. Saves hassle and and a tiny bit of weight saving isn't worth the work - easy to convert back again if you want to as well.
Shouldn't need a different rear subframe (Or front) most race version replicate a standard one.
Let me know if I can help at all, built and rebuilt a few track bikes - mainly Suzuki's over the years.
Cheers Dan. You’re right re 600 vs 1000. The reason I started looking at track bikes in the first place was to find a smaller bike that is better to learn on. I do love the 1000 for the road, having a bit more space when ‘touring’ and extra power in tap when you need it.
I’d be happy keeping the 1000 on the road and getting a 600 or 750 for the track, but still find myself cautious about buying a track bike that’s already been built - probably without just cause, but I have an irrational concern that a used track bike will blow up the first time I take it on track.
Did you build your own L1?
I’d be happy keeping the 1000 on the road and getting a 600 or 750 for the track, but still find myself cautious about buying a track bike that’s already been built - probably without just cause, but I have an irrational concern that a used track bike will blow up the first time I take it on track.
Did you build your own L1?
Buying a ready prepared track bike will always be the best financial option.
The cost of converting a decent road bike can quickly escalate as simple components add significant amounts of $$$$. And when you do drop it, you're less emotionally invested.
And a 600 is a great starting point from the performance and learning perspective.
The cost of converting a decent road bike can quickly escalate as simple components add significant amounts of $$$$. And when you do drop it, you're less emotionally invested.
And a 600 is a great starting point from the performance and learning perspective.
MotorsByMurphy said:
Cheers Dan. You re right re 600 vs 1000. The reason I started looking at track bikes in the first place was to find a smaller bike that is better to learn on. I do love the 1000 for the road, having a bit more space when touring and extra power in tap when you need it.
I d be happy keeping the 1000 on the road and getting a 600 or 750 for the track, but still find myself cautious about buying a track bike that s already been built - probably without just cause, but I have an irrational concern that a used track bike will blow up the first time I take it on track.
Did you build your own L1?
Sounds like you are exactly where I am! Have a K6 1000 for the road and love it for that, the torque/power makes it a lovely road bike.I d be happy keeping the 1000 on the road and getting a 600 or 750 for the track, but still find myself cautious about buying a track bike that s already been built - probably without just cause, but I have an irrational concern that a used track bike will blow up the first time I take it on track.
Did you build your own L1?
I purchased the L1 as a track bike so it already had the expensive bits on it, exhaust system, rear shock, clip ons, quick action throttle, quick shifter, rear sets etc but I got it right at the end of Covid so spent the time completely stripping it back to a bare frame getting that recoated and building it all up with new bearings etc to know that it was exactly as I wanted it and safe. Spent a few k but was still way cheaper than converting a road bike.
Always a slight risk buying a track bike but there is with a road bike too! You can tell from looking at a bike or talking with someone how it has been looked after most of the time.
I also got the bike with a V5 so I could check frame and engine numbers, plus look at MOT history as well. Still MOT it every year and use it on the road every now and then, great to shake something down before committing to a track day.
Obligatory picture:
I would just keep your current bike as is and just enjoy riding it.
So many get sucked into spending thousands unnecessarily for virtually no gain.
I am also guilty of it so speak from experience.
The number of times you hear excuses like it’s too nice to track or I don’t want to drop it as an excuse and then they spend more on a dedicated track bike than the value of the road bike.
Just be honest with yourself and if you want a new bike,buy a new bike.
So many get sucked into spending thousands unnecessarily for virtually no gain.
I am also guilty of it so speak from experience.
The number of times you hear excuses like it’s too nice to track or I don’t want to drop it as an excuse and then they spend more on a dedicated track bike than the value of the road bike.
Just be honest with yourself and if you want a new bike,buy a new bike.
smifffymoto2 said:
I would just keep your current bike as is and just enjoy riding it.
So many get sucked into spending thousands unnecessarily for virtually no gain.
I am also guilty of it so speak from experience.
The number of times you hear excuses like it s too nice to track or I don t want to drop it as an excuse and then they spend more on a dedicated track bike than the value of the road bike.
Just be honest with yourself and if you want a new bike,buy a new bike.
I’m in no way being dishonest with myself - I want a dedicated track bike. Not to save money, but because I want something that can be properly set up for the track. I’ve got the budget for either improving my own or buying another bike.So many get sucked into spending thousands unnecessarily for virtually no gain.
I am also guilty of it so speak from experience.
The number of times you hear excuses like it s too nice to track or I don t want to drop it as an excuse and then they spend more on a dedicated track bike than the value of the road bike.
Just be honest with yourself and if you want a new bike,buy a new bike.
Whilst I’d enjoy the process of building a bike, I’m leaning towards buying a built track bike, so that it’s ready to go and has all the kit and spending some time going through it.
I’ve found both a GSXR L1 600 and a JHS built SV650 circa £5,000. What are people’s thoughts on Twin vs Supersport?
I raced WERA in USA.
I found racing to be like snakes and ladders.
You would do a race weekend and your confidence technique and speed would improve.
Then you would crash and leap back a few steps.
If I was doing it again I would start on a smaller bike like R7/SV and build up slowly, making sure the bike is setup as well as possible for your weight (ie best suspension you can afford) and not skimping on tires. More chance of taking steps forward, less chances of taking leaps back.
I think the same applies to track days + racing.
I found racing to be like snakes and ladders.
You would do a race weekend and your confidence technique and speed would improve.
Then you would crash and leap back a few steps.
If I was doing it again I would start on a smaller bike like R7/SV and build up slowly, making sure the bike is setup as well as possible for your weight (ie best suspension you can afford) and not skimping on tires. More chance of taking steps forward, less chances of taking leaps back.
I think the same applies to track days + racing.
Edited by markclow on Saturday 13th June 14:55
I got a road bike which I built into a dedicated track bike, at a very different budget though!
I found a cheap 600SRAD that someone was selling as a project, then over the years I fitted race fairings, suspension, rearsets, improved the brakes, exhaust, I even went as far as fitting quick release supports to the fairing, for no other reason than it was a fun thing to do. I can probably sell it for what I bought it for with all the upgrades on it, which I must get around to do...
It's the same with off-road bikes, I bought a CRF300 recently, with suspension mods, engine mods, better pegs, levers, protections, etc. I paid about £500 more than a similar mileage standard one...
I found a cheap 600SRAD that someone was selling as a project, then over the years I fitted race fairings, suspension, rearsets, improved the brakes, exhaust, I even went as far as fitting quick release supports to the fairing, for no other reason than it was a fun thing to do. I can probably sell it for what I bought it for with all the upgrades on it, which I must get around to do...
It's the same with off-road bikes, I bought a CRF300 recently, with suspension mods, engine mods, better pegs, levers, protections, etc. I paid about £500 more than a similar mileage standard one...
Do not convert your immaculate K8 GSX-R1000. Keep it as a beautiful road bike.
Buy the pre-built GSX-R L1 600 for £5,000. It already has the expensive suspension and quickshifter upgrades you want, it shares ergonomic DNA with your road bike, and it gives you a fantastic, reliable platform to learn on without the heartbreak of risking your road bike.
Buy the pre-built GSX-R L1 600 for £5,000. It already has the expensive suspension and quickshifter upgrades you want, it shares ergonomic DNA with your road bike, and it gives you a fantastic, reliable platform to learn on without the heartbreak of risking your road bike.
MotorsByMurphy said:
I m in no way being dishonest with myself - I want a dedicated track bike. Not to save money, but because I want something that can be properly set up for the track. I ve got the budget for either improving my own or buying another bike.
Whilst I d enjoy the process of building a bike, I m leaning towards buying a built track bike, so that it s ready to go and has all the kit and spending some time going through it.
I ve found both a GSXR L1 600 and a JHS built SV650 circa £5,000. What are people s thoughts on Twin vs Supersport?
I’ve had K4 GSXR 1000 and K8 GSXR 1000 track bikes and never got anywhere near using them fully. I also had a SV650 mini twin race bike which was absolutely the best thing I’ve ever ridden. I rode in the intermediate or fast groups and other than getting absolutely monstered on the straights at places like Silverstone, I was never shown up anywhere. Being able to use every bit of performance the SV could give, was a lot more fun than the 200 bhp K8 which quite frankly terrified me. A JHS built bike would be a great investment and would also cost a fraction of a 1000 bike to own and run. Whilst I d enjoy the process of building a bike, I m leaning towards buying a built track bike, so that it s ready to go and has all the kit and spending some time going through it.
I ve found both a GSXR L1 600 and a JHS built SV650 circa £5,000. What are people s thoughts on Twin vs Supersport?
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