What's really necessary on a track bike?

[DuncsGTi]

Hi all.

I started doing track days last season, did a couple on my 848 and 1 on my MT-10. Thoroughly enjoyed them but that slight concern was always at the back of my mind that I was on my road bikes so I started looking around for something ready prepped for the track.

A couple of weeks ago I inherited a K3 GSXR 600 which I think would be perfect for my needs. Its completely standard and has not been used for a couple of years. Other than the normal oil/filter/tyres/brakes etc, what things would benefit me most?

I'm nowhere near the pace where the bike will be a limiting factor, no intention to go chasing power or lap times. I just want a bike I can improve my track riding on.

It has frame sliders fitted but I need some engine case protection.

The suspension could probably do with a refresh down to age?

The bike will be staying road legal and keeping standard bodywork.

What would your list of priorities be?

Cheers

[Biker's Nemesis]

1. good tyres
2 Suspension. Springs for you weight and track use can be bought from K Tech for £90. A decent rear shock or your revalved will all help No1
3. Brake pads and goodrich brake lines

Thats it to start off

[ar-em-en]

I'm quite lanky at 6 ft 4 and have a 600. If I was starting from scratch modifying a road bike I'd do the above but also look at reasonable (not bling) rearsets just so I can adjust my leg position and be comfortable. I have SES ones 2nd hand from eBay which made a world of difference to comfort and feeling more connected to the bike.

[SAS Tom]

I’d say suspension serviced at the least. Brakes in as best condition as you can get them. All fluids changed and at the correct level. Decent tyres.

[DuncsGTi]

Biker's Nemesis said:

1. good tyres
2 Suspension. Springs for you weight and track use can be bought from K Tech for £90. A decent rear shock or your revalved will all help No1
3. Brake pads and goodrich brake lines

Thats it to start off

Cool, will sort all that.

ar-em-en said:

I'm quite lanky at 6 ft 4 and have a 600. If I was starting from scratch modifying a road bike I'd do the above but also look at reasonable (not bling) rearsets just so I can adjust my leg position and be comfortable. I have SES ones 2nd hand from eBay which made a world of difference to comfort and feeling more connected to the bike.

I should be ok at 6ft. I've not actually sat on the bike yet to see what the seating position/leg angle are like, I had a back op on Friday so not going to be touching it for a few weeks yet.

SAS Tom said:

I’d say suspension serviced at the least. Brakes in as best condition as you can get them. All fluids changed and at the correct level. Decent tyres.

Will do all of the above, cheers

[Birky_41]

Biker's Nemesis said:

1. good tyres
2 Suspension. Springs for you weight and track use can be bought from K Tech for £90. A decent rear shock or your revalved will all help No1
3. Brake pads and goodrich brake lines

Thats it to start off

This

I started out track days in 2016 on a k1 750. I learnt quick for me anyway that decent tyres, a decent front brake and suspension that does what it should make a much better experience

Nothing worse than having a spongy front brake half way in where the hoses, pads, fluid or master aren't upto scratch

Same with suspension clonking on the front where it's too soft or wallowing on the back. I take mine to MCT, cost a couple hundred for the right springs, oil and refresh

Lastly tyres. Having fresh tyres designed to do the job will give you a much much better experience