Hey guys,
So I am just starting to get into track days and stuff and I was thinking about doing some racing in CCS next summer. Question I have is, what year bike do you race?
I currently have an '03 ZX636 and I'm torn between spending a lot of money on aftermarket upgrades or just getting a new bike and leaving it pretty much stock.
Option B, new and a few upgrades would be my choice.
I raced an 03 R6 (2 years ago) that wasnt too upgraded and it was very competitive in the amateur class. Won a race or two and a few podiums. So you can run an older bike, but I wouldnt recomend putting a bunch of money into it.
Everyone would probably recommend....spend your money on track time rather than upgrades. You will see the most improvment in laptimes that way. If you do want to spend money on your bike, I would say option B. Because whatever money you put into an older bike you wont get much return on at all when you decide to sell and upgrade to a newer bike down the road.
I run a 09 zx6r. Run what you can afford. If an 03 is all you can afford (comfortably) so be it. Money is better spent on track time and tires vs newer bikes + upgrades. A pro can run insane lap times on an older stock machine, with the proper race tires and suspension adjustment.
I'm running a 2003 RC-51 when I can, a very good year, 2003 Fat Boy also.
Another option might be to pick up a bike that is a couple years old that someone has already setup for racing. When someone is selling a race bike that already has the suspension, rearsets, clip-ons, quick shifter, performance pipe, race bodywork, etc. they never get back what they've spent on all the parts. A number of good buys can be found later in the year and in the off-season. Just another option to consider.
My 2 cents....assuming you really want to get into racing.
If your bike is in good mechanical condition and is running well, just get your suspension sorted. Assuming it isn't already. Forks revalved, resprung and a good shock. ea,..Penske, Ohlins, JRi....
Getting your geometry optimized by a good chassis shop (GMD) is not a bad idea either.
This might cost a couple grand. That's it. No need to spend money on any other "performance parts". Run good tires, which you would need to do on a new bike anyways. Getting the bike race prepped with aftermarket body work, rearsets, clipons, engine case protection,...ect, is always a good idea. Again all stuff you would want to do to a new bike also, and spend the rest of your money on track time. Then, when you find that you are entering corners as hard as and running similar corner speeds as some of the faster guys/gals, are coming out of the corners and getting on the gas at about the same time as those fast guys/gals on similar bikes in your class, when your lap times are not improving much over several weekends or months of riding, then it might be time to consider upgrading further or getting a newer bike.
You might be thinking that if you are going to spend a couple grand on the suspension, why not just get a new bike? Well, a well sorted suspension with good tires on an older bike will allow you to run better lap times than a brand new bike with stock suspension. Like the old Pirelli ad used to say "power is nothing without control". New bikes have better stock suspension than they used to, but unless it's one of the high end bikes with Ohlins on them, a properly sorted suspension on your 03 636 should still outperform most of the new stuff in the right hands. So unless you want to spend the additional money just to have a newer bike that needs all the same stuff your current bike does, I would stay with your current bike.
Of course, as suggested above, if you find a newer bike that has been well maintained, runs well and is already properly race prepped (emphasis on the suspension) for the right price, then it's a no brainer. You might still need to get it resprung for your weight but that's relatively inexpensive.
I race a 2008 R6
That bike can be very quick,it has good hp not much different then a new bike of today and low weight.
08 Honda CBR 600rr
Quote from: apriliaman on May 23, 2013, 08:33:21 PM
That bike can be very quick,it has good hp not much different then a new bike of today and low weight.
yup. I raced (one time at 2003 ROC) a friends 03 kawi 636. With nothing more than a full pipe and race fuel/mapping, it made as much as the 03 r6 with full supersport build i ended up buying from a national rider. That kawi was FAST.
for your am season, as some suggested, just talk with a good supsension tuner and consider a shock and fork cartridge kit. Then, put as many new tires on during your AM season as you can afford. Take that year to learn racecraft, and track riding.. it will give you another season to ponder if you REALLY like this sport, and if so.. what bike you really wanna race. Maybe you find the middle weight class just isnt' for you, or perhaps you do and you score a well sorted used bike with everything you need to go fast your first expert season.
In any event, in the AM class, it's about the RIDER. Period. Every year, the talented AM riders are accused of having "cheater" motors, maybe some do. But some are on turds of bikes, and can just plain ride, and when they get on a well sorted machine, then they go even faster.
Ride the bike ya got with SOME stuff added. I do not suggest making any more power. Suspension, tires, and track time are what ya need.
old bikes rule LOL
2006 Triumph 675
I run a 2003 r6 and am able to keep up with the lead amateur riders.
06 GSXR 600. I go pretty good around the track with it.