Buying a track bike

snobuny · 07-06-2010, 06:57 PM

I have 2 kawi's (600) one for street and one for the track and they are really not the same at all. If thats what you are comfortable on, go for it but you will change everything to make it more "trackable"

My street bike has different suspension, handlebars above the triple clamps, normal footpegs, etc. Started riding track days with it. Gearing was not great for the track, cushy suspension and foot pegs always dragging in the corners.

I did not know the difference until I actually had a dedicated track bike. Clip ons, rear sets, stiffer suspension for better track feedback, totally different rider position than my street bike, gearing for the track, etc. My lap times really are dropping now but the feel is completely different.

If you get the opportunity for a kawi like you are familar with go for it but I wouldn't pass up a good deal on another brand just because "its not the same" I didn't know I wanted something different until I actually had something different.

Kel, if you get the chance to come to any days in Michigan at Grattan or Gingerman and I am there you can give my track bike a try.

07-06-2010, 06:57 PM	#10
snobuny Kneedragger Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: michigan Moto: 01 kawa 600R, 03 636 track, yz250motard Posts: 155	I have 2 kawi's (600) one for street and one for the track and they are really not the same at all. If thats what you are comfortable on, go for it but you will change everything to make it more "trackable" My street bike has different suspension, handlebars above the triple clamps, normal footpegs, etc. Started riding track days with it. Gearing was not great for the track, cushy suspension and foot pegs always dragging in the corners. I did not know the difference until I actually had a dedicated track bike. Clip ons, rear sets, stiffer suspension for better track feedback, totally different rider position than my street bike, gearing for the track, etc. My lap times really are dropping now but the feel is completely different. If you get the opportunity for a kawi like you are familar with go for it but I wouldn't pass up a good deal on another brand just because "its not the same" I didn't know I wanted something different until I actually had something different. Kel, if you get the chance to come to any days in Michigan at Grattan or Gingerman and I am there you can give my track bike a try.