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.
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