Choosing Your First Motorcycle for Track Days: A Detailed Guide
If you are interested in taking your motorcycle to the track, you might be wondering what kind of bike you should get. There are many factors to consider when choosing your first track bike, such as your budget, skill level, riding style, and personal preference. In this blog post, we will go over some of the most important aspects of selecting a suitable motorcycle for track days, and give you some tips on how to prepare yourself and your bike for the best possible experience.
Budget
One of the first things you need to think about is how much money you are willing to spend on your track bike. Track riding can be an expensive hobby, as you will need to pay for track fees, tires, fuel, maintenance, gear, and possibly repairs. You also need to factor in the cost of transporting your bike to and from the track, either by trailer or by riding it on the road.
Depending on your budget, you have three main options for your track bike:
- Buy a new or used sportbike that is designed for high performance and speed. This option will give you the most thrill and excitement on the track, but it will also be the most costly and risky. Sportbikes are expensive to buy and maintain, and they are more prone to damage and wear and tear from track riding. You will also need to modify them for track use, such as removing mirrors and lights, adding crash protection, and adjusting suspension and brakes. Some examples of sportbikes that are popular for track use are Yamaha R6, Honda CBR600RR, Kawasaki ZX-6R, Suzuki GSX-R600, and Ducati 959 Panigale.
- Buy a new or used naked bike that is more versatile and comfortable than a sportbike. This option will give you a good balance of performance and practicality on the track, as well as on the road. Naked bikes are cheaper and easier to maintain than sportbikes, and they are less likely to get damaged or stolen. You will still need to make some modifications for track use, but they will be less extensive and expensive than for a sportbike. Some examples of naked bikes that are suitable for track use are Yamaha MT-07, Honda CB650R, Kawasaki Z650, Suzuki SV650, and Triumph Street Triple.
- Buy a dedicated track bike that is already modified and optimized for track use. This option will give you the best performance and reliability on the track, but it will also be the most restrictive and inconvenient. Track bikes are not street legal, so you will need to transport them by trailer every time you want to ride them. They are also more specialized and harder to find than street bikes, so you will have fewer choices and higher prices. Some examples of dedicated track bikes are Yamaha R3, Honda CBR300R, Kawasaki Ninja 300, Suzuki GSX250R, and KTM RC390.
Skill Level
Another thing you need to consider is your skill level as a rider. Track riding is very different from street riding, as it requires more speed, precision, technique, and confidence. You will be riding with other riders who may be faster or slower than you, and you will need to follow certain rules and etiquette on the track.
Depending on your skill level, you have two main options for your track bike:
- Choose a bike that matches your current skill level. This option will give you the most comfort and safety on the track, as you will be able to ride at your own pace and learn from your mistakes. You will also avoid overestimating your abilities and getting into trouble with other riders or crashing your bike. However, this option may also limit your potential for improvement and enjoyment on the track, as you may get bored or frustrated with your bike's performance or handling.
- Choose a bike that challenges your current skill level. This option will give you the most growth and satisfaction on the track.
The choice of bike is crucial to not only thoroughly enjoy your track days but to actually progress in skill level if you wish to take up road racing professionally.
Faster. Better. Safer.
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