track bike questions

[kcnewbs]

I'm looking to get a 2003/4 cbr600rr to convert to a race bike. Anyone have any suggestions on where to find good deals on bikes? Also, anyone have any experience buying salvage bikes... pros/cons vs. used, places to buy, things to avoid?

Anybody have a list of items that need to be converted from street to race to make track bike? What would be priority items?

I know buying a ready-made track bike is probably cheaper but I'm concerned about quality and I figure doing the conversion process myself will help me gain valuable experience/knowledge.

[251am]

  Buy the bike that is track prepped with legal skins and tear it apart for experience. Savings;about 2 grand. Opt for the '04 if you want in on the contingency money.  

[cardzilla]

I will be selling the bike that sat in my pit as a backup.  Should be ready in two weeks.  It would be a great starter bike, but not necessarily race bike.  I say that because it will have some mods, but the go fast stuff has been removed.
2003 600rr with vortex clipons, rearsets and gas cap, gold valved front end, GPR steering damper, SPA tach, carbon fiber upper fairing bracket, sharkskinz bodywork with very high end yellow paint (this will help you go faster), D208GP-a tires, 520 RK chain w/16/47 gearing.  Let me know if you're interested, but either way it'll be posted in a while.

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

Buying used and pre-prepped will save you a ton.  Try to find a bike that comes with a spare set of rims and rain tires, because once you start racing, you'll be too broke to buy these things for yourself.

Here's what you need, in order of priority.  This is a way short and way simple list.

You need race fiberglass with a belly pan to pass tech.  
You'll need tires.  Lots of tires.  Get some tire warmers, and a generator to power them.

Suspension is the most important place to spend your money.  Start by finding a reputable suspension tuner in your area who can give you trackside support.  I use Trackside Engineering in Milwaukee, but you'll want someone who shows up at the tracks where you race.  Get a Penske or Ohlins shock that's sprung for you, and have the front end sprung and revalved for your weight as well.
Even if you buy a pre-prepped bike, have the shock and front forks rebuilt and sprung for you before you race the bike.  Also, get a good steering damper.

You'll need tires.  Lots and lots and lots of tires.

 Brake pads are important.  I like the Vesrah RJR, or RJL, something like that.  Naturally, those are the expensive pads, but they work great and last longer than the cheaper Vesrahs.  Others will tell you brand X or Y is better.  Steel braided lines increase lever feel and reduce fade.  Clip-ons and rearsets are nice, as is a pipe and power commander.

Tires.  You'll need lots and lots of tires.  Did I mention that you'll need tires?

[Super Dave]

Opt for the '04 if you want in on the contingency money.  

But there is no manufacturer contingency for track days...

Or for amateurs.  

[Super Dave]

Brake pads are important.  I like the Vesrah RJR, or RJL, something like that.  Naturally, those are the expensive pads, but they work great and last longer than the cheaper Vesrahs.  Others will tell you brand X or Y is better.  Steel braided lines increase lever feel and reduce fade.  Clip-ons and rearsets are nice, as is a pipe and power commander.

Super RJL Vesrah pads are the more expensive ones.  Probably twice as expensive, but I think they last me three times as long as the standard RJL pads.

I have not found that Power Commanders necessarily are needed.  Neither of my fuel injected race bikes used a Power Commander.  I can't say they are the most reliable all the time.  What's your race day worth when the bike isn't running anywhere near properly?  Pipe?  Don't necessarily need that either.  Raced with a slip on for all of 2003.  Won races, and I have an expert license too.  

Tires are most important.  Chassis set up is right there too.  After that...Chassis set up is still important.  

[bigtuna]

watch the for sale section of www.600rr.net

there are a few race prepped and street bikes for sale now

[Jeff]

www.cbr600rr.com/forum

[kcnewbs]

First off, thanks for all of the help.

Now forgive me for being ignorant to this stuff... could someone explain the contingency thing?

What are some good manufacturers of race fiberglass? Recommendations for tires? How much do suspensions + setup or rear & front usually go for? Brake lines.. I'm assuming galfer or goodrich are favorites?  Rearsets... I've seen alot of good things about Vortex, anything comparable/better?

Advice on anything that hasn't been discussed is also welcome (newbie...even the small things count!)

I probably won't be able to get on a track for 8 months or more, so I have plenty of time to set this stuff up. But I would like to get started now to spread out the cost.

[Chuck]

Look in the classified section of Roadracing world.  the classified section of this board and the...dare I say it...WERA board is good to.  Do yourself a favor and buy a bike that is set up and ready to go...you'll save a butt load.  Your money would be better spent on track time and tires....

[Super Dave]

Woodcraft, I think makes the most durable and inexpensive stuff.  Stands, front and rear, rearsets, and sliders.  

http://www.woodcraft-cfm.com

Brake lines.  Well, you need 'em.  Not sure if it matters an incredible amount.

Bodywork.  Sharkskinz are potentially the most durable.  More expensive than some, but when you fall, notice I said when, they will survive generally better than anything out there.

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

Did I mention that you'll need lots of tires?

Buy your tires at the track.  That way, they will be fresh.  Your tire guy will have recommendations for the weather and the track conditions at a given event.  You'll end up spending more money on tires than anything, so you'll end up developing a relationship with your tire guy.  He is the one who will likely teach you more about racing and bike setup than anyone else.... if he's good at what he does.  Honestly, if brand A tires stick better and the tire guy is a moron, you'd be better off running brand B tires because the brand B tire guy can really help you get the most from his tires.  
Where are you planning to race?  Midwest guys like Michilens, primarily because Tommy Mason of Mason Racin Tires is such an awesome tire tech guy.
thetireguy2@msn.com