Please . . . I need a track bike - what to buy ?
Discussion
OK, sorry, another what bike thread, but I need a track bike but don't know what to buy. On the road I have a new ZX6R which I've been using on track days, it's fantastic, incredible handling, way faster than I need etc but I want to be able to take a bit more risk and learn more and not sure I want to do that on a bike I use to get there and back too.
Looking at 1998/9 R6, GSXR-600 and possibly ZX6R from that period too. I'd like something light and nimble - doesn't need to have much power and budget is not great, say £1500 - this bike is likely to get thrown down the track at some point and it'll be used for me to learn on, not to pose etc, so possibly an insurance right off ight be good enough. Have seen a 2001 GSXR-600 which looks good - how to bikes from 1998-2001 compare handling wise with a modern ZX6R ?
Don't know much about older bikes so any advice would be great !
Looking at 1998/9 R6, GSXR-600 and possibly ZX6R from that period too. I'd like something light and nimble - doesn't need to have much power and budget is not great, say £1500 - this bike is likely to get thrown down the track at some point and it'll be used for me to learn on, not to pose etc, so possibly an insurance right off ight be good enough. Have seen a 2001 GSXR-600 which looks good - how to bikes from 1998-2001 compare handling wise with a modern ZX6R ?
Don't know much about older bikes so any advice would be great !
The main difference i notice when hooning around with my brother with him on a zx6r (06) and me on a zx9r (01) is under braking, the zx6 is so stable and planted under braking (radial brakes, less weight plus slipper clutch) but i think if you get the older machine, you will learn more, if you can cut it on one of the older machines, the newer ones will be a doddle for you. It will probably help your road riding too 
If you want a track-only bike, get a racing single, many of those have 55-60 bhp, weigh circa 120 kgs and offer the best tight-corner speed you could wish for.
They won't throw you off anywhere near as easily as a powerful four-lunger and you'll find out exactly how good you are-or otherwise-on one, because power isn't the issue, rider talent is.
My last single was driving inside and outside bikes like the R6 and GSXR600 in the nadgery stuff for fun at Brands and Snetterton.
They won't throw you off anywhere near as easily as a powerful four-lunger and you'll find out exactly how good you are-or otherwise-on one, because power isn't the issue, rider talent is.
My last single was driving inside and outside bikes like the R6 and GSXR600 in the nadgery stuff for fun at Brands and Snetterton.
I have an old GSXR 600 and it's a very good bike, but it does scare me a bit when it comes to corners. The bike has so far done me well and it was my first bike too. The model you are looking at will be about 99 – 108BHP so it will do 0 – 60 in about 3.2 seconds and will have a top end of 142MPH. You cannot really ask for much faster on a bike your going to learn on.
Did not reply earlier as needed to check with my mate.
He has a Honda CBR600 track bike that he is looking to sell.
He bought the bike 2 years ago (one previous owner, low mileage) and had it converted to a track bike by PDQ in Slough, who know what they are doing. Original bodywork replaced, no lights etc, brake lines have been upgraded as has the suspension. I beleieve the engine has been Dyno'd but not tuned to any degree for reliability reasons.
It is very impressive piece of kit, having been to Cadwell with him I can vouch for how quick it is. (I was on my Mille)
He has only used it three times.
If you're interested contact me by email and I will give you his contact details.
He has a Honda CBR600 track bike that he is looking to sell.
He bought the bike 2 years ago (one previous owner, low mileage) and had it converted to a track bike by PDQ in Slough, who know what they are doing. Original bodywork replaced, no lights etc, brake lines have been upgraded as has the suspension. I beleieve the engine has been Dyno'd but not tuned to any degree for reliability reasons.
It is very impressive piece of kit, having been to Cadwell with him I can vouch for how quick it is. (I was on my Mille)
He has only used it three times.
If you're interested contact me by email and I will give you his contact details.
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