Bike for A Road's & a few track-days?
Discussion
Been riding about a year now on a new XSR900 and have found what I enjoy and want from riding has changed from what I thought it would be before I passed (as a few people told me it would) - I live in a fairly rural area and my favourite riding is on decent, twisty A & B roads (not gravely lanes) and I also want to get 5-6 track days in this year (was thinking of getting a track bike but not a realistic option)
I am really enjoying the XSR and riding in general as a newbie but the riding position and setup has a real 'do it all' feel - high bars, low rear sets and a wide tank thats hard to lock yourself into (really brought home after a quick go I had on an S1000RR) - I could modify the bike like others have done but it might just ruin what is a great bike for what it was designed to do.
So.... What in peoples opinion would make a nice bike for A/B roads and a few track-days, a few I have in mind at the moment is the Triump 765RS and the Yamaha R6 - Something 1-3 years old ideally. The bike wont be used for proper commuting but I dont want something so uncomfortable to ride I couldnt go out to wales for the day on it (4-5hrs on the bike)
I am really enjoying the XSR and riding in general as a newbie but the riding position and setup has a real 'do it all' feel - high bars, low rear sets and a wide tank thats hard to lock yourself into (really brought home after a quick go I had on an S1000RR) - I could modify the bike like others have done but it might just ruin what is a great bike for what it was designed to do.
So.... What in peoples opinion would make a nice bike for A/B roads and a few track-days, a few I have in mind at the moment is the Triump 765RS and the Yamaha R6 - Something 1-3 years old ideally. The bike wont be used for proper commuting but I dont want something so uncomfortable to ride I couldnt go out to wales for the day on it (4-5hrs on the bike)
LuS1fer said:
GSXR750?
I have an SV650S which would be good on track but I find the leaning over a tank on low bars uncomfortable as I'm short.
Do they still make the GSXR750?I have an SV650S which would be good on track but I find the leaning over a tank on low bars uncomfortable as I'm short.
Ideally after something 1-3 years old as I will be trading the XSR back into the dealer, I also want to retain the electronics if possible.
Rick1.8t said:
Do they still make the GSXR750?
Ideally after something 1-3 years old as I will be trading the XSR back into the dealer, I also want to retain the electronics if possible.
They did eg (not mine/no interest) https://www.thunderroad.co.uk/used-bike/suzuki-gsx...Ideally after something 1-3 years old as I will be trading the XSR back into the dealer, I also want to retain the electronics if possible.
The GSXR600 looks better though eg https://www.thunderroad.co.uk/used-bike/suzuki-gsx...
I’ve got a 20yo 955i Speed Triple that I use for exactly this, I just find the nature of the engine is so well suited to that A and B road riding you describe. Obviously newer versions and the Street Triple with more modern tech are more technologically adept at that, but I still enjoy my old bus which is more than capable of keeping up with the pack.
It’s great fun on a track day stonking past people on newer sports bikes who sometimes have all the gear but little idea. They might catch me on the straights but I can nail ‘em on the twisties.
It’s the perennial problem of finding a jack of all trades bike. If funds permitted I’d probably go for a BMW S1000XR for its all round ability - sensible or utterly bonkers depending on what you want to be doing on a particular day.
I’m 46 and have been riding all year round for 20yrs, multiple sports bikes in that time which were all great, but are out of my system now I like a bit more comfort on longer trips.
It’s great fun on a track day stonking past people on newer sports bikes who sometimes have all the gear but little idea. They might catch me on the straights but I can nail ‘em on the twisties.
It’s the perennial problem of finding a jack of all trades bike. If funds permitted I’d probably go for a BMW S1000XR for its all round ability - sensible or utterly bonkers depending on what you want to be doing on a particular day.
I’m 46 and have been riding all year round for 20yrs, multiple sports bikes in that time which were all great, but are out of my system now I like a bit more comfort on longer trips.
Its all about what you like the look of.
R6 will be a track weapon in the right hands but may be too track focused for lighter A and B road work (I have never owned or ridden one so I'm not pretending to be an expert!)
The reality is that a whole range of bikes can cover off what you need in terms of mixed track and road use and most people wont get near their potential on either.
I have a 2016 GSXR750 that I have used for both road and track use, a 2013 Daytona 675r that I have used for both track and road use, and whilst on track I have seen people on street triples who have been pretty rapid too.
I say buy whatever puts the biggest smile on your face, biking is supposed to be fun...
R6 will be a track weapon in the right hands but may be too track focused for lighter A and B road work (I have never owned or ridden one so I'm not pretending to be an expert!)
The reality is that a whole range of bikes can cover off what you need in terms of mixed track and road use and most people wont get near their potential on either.
I have a 2016 GSXR750 that I have used for both road and track use, a 2013 Daytona 675r that I have used for both track and road use, and whilst on track I have seen people on street triples who have been pretty rapid too.
I say buy whatever puts the biggest smile on your face, biking is supposed to be fun...
Rick1.8t said:
Thanks for the replies.
Not much love for things like an R6 or similar then?
I will have to get out and try some stuff, the local Triumph dealer are very helpful / friendly with offering test rides so might start there.
From what I've read, the R6 is probably one of the most track focused supersport bikes. Really needs to be revved to get the best out of it. Fine on track but more compromised for the road. Not much love for things like an R6 or similar then?
I will have to get out and try some stuff, the local Triumph dealer are very helpful / friendly with offering test rides so might start there.
I love a supersport bike. My next bike will more than likely be a Daytona 675R.
ETA - Not sure I could do 4-5hrs in the saddle though! Think 3hrs is about my limit with a couple of breaks. This is probably why people are recommending Street Triples and such. Depends how bike fit you are of course.
Edited by Zarco on Thursday 28th March 07:10
My street 675 is great for both these types of occasions and at the prices these sell for now you can budget some upgrades to your suspension setup. Lots of race type parts too, mine has the restarts and ohlins and is lovely to ride. They are pretty much perfect on an A road provided you like the naked bike feel (it helps keep the speeds down).
A 4-5hr ride would definitely include breaks, not into torturing myself!
That’s what I read about the R6 and I really like the torque that the Yamaha triple has - I just wouldn’t have the skill to be able to keep the R6 where it should be - nor would you want to try on the road I imagine.
Pity triumph haven’t got on with the 765 Daytona yet.
As posted above - it is all about the fun, don’t want to try break lap records, I’m going to get out on a few bikes and see what’s up.
That’s what I read about the R6 and I really like the torque that the Yamaha triple has - I just wouldn’t have the skill to be able to keep the R6 where it should be - nor would you want to try on the road I imagine.
Pity triumph haven’t got on with the 765 Daytona yet.
As posted above - it is all about the fun, don’t want to try break lap records, I’m going to get out on a few bikes and see what’s up.
Rick1.8t said:
Thanks for the replies.
Not much love for things like an R6 or similar then?
I will have to get out and try some stuff, the local Triumph dealer are very helpful / friendly with offering test rides so might start there.
It is OK on the road if you are prepared to stomach really sporty sitting position and the lack of torque below 6000.Not much love for things like an R6 or similar then?
I will have to get out and try some stuff, the local Triumph dealer are very helpful / friendly with offering test rides so might start there.
If you are not looking for a brand new bike I would recommend to look at Daytona 675 (R on non-R, whichever).
It also has sporty sitting position but it has good torque from the bottom, there is really no need to pine for D765, which will have a few Nm more.
Daytona is also thin between the legs unlike R6.
Edited by Ho Lee Kau on Thursday 28th March 11:55
I'd take your XSR on a novice day and see how you get on. You'll find out what you like about it and what you don't. At best you'll find it's absolutely fine and you don't need another bike and at worst you'll figure out what you don't like and then look for that when you look for another bike.
Most things will be fine for what you want depending on what you like a bike to feel like. I happen to like what I've got but this will be different for you. I've found that the easiest bikes to ride on the road while still being huge fun were cbr600rrs. The only bikes I've taken on track were a 2000 blade and a 2007 blade, both of which were totally non-threatening which as a novice was very cool. Having said that I can't see any reason why my ktm 1190 adventure wouldn't be a laugh on track. It's awesome at making time on A and B roads.
Most things will be fine for what you want depending on what you like a bike to feel like. I happen to like what I've got but this will be different for you. I've found that the easiest bikes to ride on the road while still being huge fun were cbr600rrs. The only bikes I've taken on track were a 2000 blade and a 2007 blade, both of which were totally non-threatening which as a novice was very cool. Having said that I can't see any reason why my ktm 1190 adventure wouldn't be a laugh on track. It's awesome at making time on A and B roads.
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