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.

CrazyKell · 07-07-2010, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snobuny

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.

I'm trying to go to a weekend at Grattan but none of their dates are working for me. If not this year definitely early next year. I've heard great things about that track and it's only 5 hours from me.

Where's Gingerman?

snobuny · 07-07-2010, 06:13 PM

SouthHaven (http://www.gingermanraceway.com/) about an hour farther than Grattan.

Grattan is definately my favorite, it just flows better. We will be there July 31 and Aug 1st.

Gingerman is a "thrust and brake track" and doesn't have much flow to it, pavement has these little ridges that are unnerving until you get used to them. Don't have any dates set for Gingerman but they will have open track days and we just show up.

Mudpuppy · 07-16-2010, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snobuny

SouthHaven (http://www.gingermanraceway.com/) about an hour farther than Grattan.

Grattan is definately my favorite, it just flows better. We will be there July 31 and Aug 1st.

Gingerman is a "thrust and brake track" and doesn't have much flow to it, pavement has these little ridges that are unnerving until you get used to them. Don't have any dates set for Gingerman but they will have open track days and we just show up.

Ducati Days at Gingerman are mid-August and $100 per day.. And the new 1,000 foot section of the track is open making it a way better track..

07-06-2010, 06:57 PM	#1
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.

07-07-2010, 06:13 PM	#3
snobuny Kneedragger Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: michigan Moto: 01 kawa 600R, 03 636 track, yz250motard Posts: 155	SouthHaven (http://www.gingermanraceway.com/) about an hour farther than Grattan. Grattan is definately my favorite, it just flows better. We will be there July 31 and Aug 1st. Gingerman is a "thrust and brake track" and doesn't have much flow to it, pavement has these little ridges that are unnerving until you get used to them. Don't have any dates set for Gingerman but they will have open track days and we just show up.