Sportbikes.net - View Single Post - Track Days

ronhix · 09-28-2004, 01:58 PM

Hey Guys,

I am interested in doing some track days after this winter break. I live in Chicago. I am not interested in racing competively, but am very interested in riding aggresively and continuing to become a more proficient rider through training and experience. Basically I want to have fun and go fast in a controlled environment rather than pushing my luck on the street.

I am 35 and have been riding since I was 14, even before if you want to count dirt bikes. But, I know I still have a lot to learn. I have some questions that maybe some of you can help me with? I want to spend this winter getting the things I will need and getting ready.

The Bike -

I currently ride a '95 Honda CB1000. This bike is just my commuter and something for me and the old lady to ride. The bike is a naked bike and has about 100hp with a more upright "standard" riding position and the suspension is more geared toward sports touring than aggressive "knee-draggin". It does very well on the back roads, but I'm sure it is not made for the track.

Should I get a dedicated track bike or a sportbike I can enjoy at the track and on the street?

I know there are a couple of boards where you can find dedicated track bikes for sale around $3K - 4K that people have invested alot of "track dollars" into already (i.e. Ohlins suspension, extra parts, etc...). If you recommend a dedicated track bike(s), which bike(s) is perfect for track days?

On a side note: I rode a 2003 Yamaha R1 a couple of days ago and absolutely love the bike. The bike fit like a glove and had the razor sharp handling and power that I want in a streebike. I have to assume that this bike would do well on the track. And since I don't have a trailer, maybe I could ride the bike to the track? Just a thought?

The Gear -

Obviously, I need some good protective leather. I got a nice helmet. But am currently in the market for some gear that I can use on the street and track. Suggestions? Jacket, pants, boots, gloves? What do you guys use?

Bike Preparation -

What has to be done to the bike to get it track ready?

Costs -

I know you could probably spend as much money as you wanted and it could easily become a big black money pit. Obviously, I need to try and plan intelligently for the costs involved. Apart for the upfront cost of buying the bike, what can I expect the ongoing expense to be if my goal is to do a track day once a month?

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

09-28-2004, 01:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
ronhix Track Addict Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Chicagoland Area Posts: 46 Casino Cash: $250 Sportbike: 2005 Jiggy Thou	Track Days - What should I do? Hey Guys, I am interested in doing some track days after this winter break. I live in Chicago. I am not interested in racing competively, but am very interested in riding aggresively and continuing to become a more proficient rider through training and experience. Basically I want to have fun and go fast in a controlled environment rather than pushing my luck on the street. I am 35 and have been riding since I was 14, even before if you want to count dirt bikes. But, I know I still have a lot to learn. I have some questions that maybe some of you can help me with? I want to spend this winter getting the things I will need and getting ready. The Bike - I currently ride a '95 Honda CB1000. This bike is just my commuter and something for me and the old lady to ride. The bike is a naked bike and has about 100hp with a more upright "standard" riding position and the suspension is more geared toward sports touring than aggressive "knee-draggin". It does very well on the back roads, but I'm sure it is not made for the track. Should I get a dedicated track bike or a sportbike I can enjoy at the track and on the street? I know there are a couple of boards where you can find dedicated track bikes for sale around $3K - 4K that people have invested alot of "track dollars" into already (i.e. Ohlins suspension, extra parts, etc...). If you recommend a dedicated track bike(s), which bike(s) is perfect for track days? On a side note: I rode a 2003 Yamaha R1 a couple of days ago and absolutely love the bike. The bike fit like a glove and had the razor sharp handling and power that I want in a streebike. I have to assume that this bike would do well on the track. And since I don't have a trailer, maybe I could ride the bike to the track? Just a thought? The Gear - Obviously, I need some good protective leather. I got a nice helmet. But am currently in the market for some gear that I can use on the street and track. Suggestions? Jacket, pants, boots, gloves? What do you guys use? Bike Preparation - What has to be done to the bike to get it track ready? Costs - I know you could probably spend as much money as you wanted and it could easily become a big black money pit. Obviously, I need to try and plan intelligently for the costs involved. Apart for the upfront cost of buying the bike, what can I expect the ongoing expense to be if my goal is to do a track day once a month? THANKS IN ADVANCE!!