Bike for Road and Track

[5mileofdeath]

So I am looking at doing some track days and I need a bike that can be used both on road and track.

Got my eyes set on some kind of GSXR but I’m trying to workout best route to go.

Trying to decide between the year and cc, I like the K6 upwards in terms of looks and the reviews seem to be a good all round bike.

The dilemma around the engine is because I currently have a 2012 CBR600F, which riding fast or slow is enough for the road but if I go 600 for the GSXR am I going to be pining for more on track once I’m used to it? So maybe go for the 750 straight out the box, but then is it too much for the road?

Any one with previous experience of dealing with a similar ‘dilemma’ that can offer any sensible advice is more than welcome to comment lol.

Oh and a gratuitous pic of mine and my wife’s bike just because…

[SteveKTMer]

5mileofdeath said:

So maybe go for the 750 straight out the box, but then is it too much for the road?

Why would it be too much for the road ? The GSXR750 has been seen by many over the years as the ideal road and track bike. Plenty fast enough for fun, little bit more torque and flexibility than a 600 but still unlikely to cause any unexpected grass cutting excursions with reasonably good tyres.

I had a K4 750 years ago as a dedicated track bike, I did wish for a little bit more power on some circuits, and maybe slightly faster steering on others, but it was a great compromise and pretty good to learn on.

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

Stay Honda, and get a 954 (2002-2003) Fireblade. In the past two weekends I've done a 600 mile round trip on the road (Glasgow to Sheffield) and then a day on the twisties yesterday. I'm 6' and I'd have possibly liked lower pegs but otherwise it's very good. No ABS or TC mind you for the road, but equally the power delivery isn't so much it will throw you off if you just look at the twistgrip. I don't think I've got beyond half throttle on the road

[daniel-5zjw7]

Why do you need to get another bike?

I've got some track training booked at Cadwell in July and have exactly the same bike as you, 2011 CBR 600 FA, its my road bike but don't see why it can't be used on track as well.. I have a few minor upgrades on mine such as an Akrapovic GP exhaust/K&N air filter, Shido battery, gear indicator etc, and may have MCT work on the front forks at some stage.

I guess it depends how full on you want to go, but don't see why you can't run with the 600 to begin with.

[ccr32]

Unless you are particularly set on doing trackdays on your own bike, or are going to be doing loads of them, consider hiring a track bike instead. I used to take my road bikes on track (and still occasionally do) but have found it ends up being much cheaper crashing someone else's bike than your own pride and joy - no need to ask me how I know...

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

daniel-5zjw7 said:

Why do you need to get another bike?

I've got some track training booked at Cadwell in July and have exactly the same bike as you, 2011 CBR 600 FA, its my road bike but don't see why it can't be used on track as well.. I have a few minor upgrades on mine such as an Akrapovic GP exhaust/K&N air filter, Shido battery, gear indicator etc, and may have MCT work on the front forks at some stage.

I guess it depends how full on you want to go, but don't see why you can't run with the 600 to begin with.

You might be cheaper getting a dedicated track bike than getting quality adjustable suspension to the CBR (assume it has only preload on the shock). To go fast on UK tracks the things that will make a difference are better set up suspension, sticky tyres (fast road, not slicks, which may compromise his road ride) and tuition tbh.

[black-k1]

Marquezs Stabilisers said:

daniel-5zjw7 said:

Why do you need to get another bike?

I've got some track training booked at Cadwell in July and have exactly the same bike as you, 2011 CBR 600 FA, its my road bike but don't see why it can't be used on track as well.. I have a few minor upgrades on mine such as an Akrapovic GP exhaust/K&N air filter, Shido battery, gear indicator etc, and may have MCT work on the front forks at some stage.

I guess it depends how full on you want to go, but don't see why you can't run with the 600 to begin with.

You might be cheaper getting a dedicated track bike than getting quality adjustable suspension to the CBR (assume it has only preload on the shock). To go fast on UK tracks the things that will make a difference are better set up suspension, sticky tyres (fast road, not slicks, which may compromise his road ride) and tuition tbh.

The key questions here are:

1. What do you want to get from your road bike?
2. What do you want to get from your track bike?

What ever bike(s) you buy, for the road or for the track, there will always be compromises. Aside from just cost/money, comfort, power delivery, handling, responsiveness, practicality etc. will all have an influence on you decision making for both track use and road use.

The more important lap times, handling etc. become on the track, the more focused the bike will need to be and the less it will be able to deliver for road use. Likewise, the more important comfort and practicality are for the road bike, the less track focused the bike will be.

Given you can take pretty much anything on a track day, or ride anything on the road, where in those compromises do you want to be for either the road or the track requirement? There may be a bike that can deliver against both, but you may find there isn't and that all you do is spoil the fun of both situations.

Looking at a track specific bike allows you to get closer to your track requirements with that bike while tweaking the road bike to better meet your road needs. The two bike approach also has the advantage that if/when you park the track bike into the kitty litter when trying to knock that extra half second off the lap time, you've not also removed your road usage.

[KTMsm]

Personally I'd go for a cheap dedicated track bike - then you won't care if you drop it

I bought a pre-dropped bike - scuffed fairings on one side made it £500 cheaper than a nice one

Unless you're already a really good track rider you'll be the weak link for years before a 600 hinders you - I'd suggest the slower the bike, the faster you'll learn track riding