R6 ?s for track

[251am]

   What are the model year differences in R6s that are used for racing?


   Is your preference of having chosen an R6 to race a Yamaha thing, or are there benefits like easier engine mods, etc.?


  As with the Suzukis' K1,K2,K3, what are the production year break downs for R6 changes?

  Just curious, a friend is looking at buying a track bike that he will probably end up racing and he is looking at Yamaha and Kawasaki 600s being sold in the CCS/WERA/SCRMA classifieds. Maybe he'll come around and get a Honda but, ;D I realized how little I know about Yam and Kaw 600s.  TIA  

[pnther15]

All the R6's are good for racing.  They came out in '99 and the are basicaly the same till 2002.  They have minor changes, but the parts are the same.  In 2003 they updated them alot and made the FI.  The newer ones are always better (less weight and a bit more HP)  Parts for the r6's are everywhere and pretty cheap.  Mine is an '02 and I still race it w/ never having a problem.

Dave

[davegsxrold929r]

as for year,. like was said about.,  the 03 and up R6 handles much better and more power., coming from an 02 gsxr600 the R6 turns in so much nicer..

[OmniGLH]

I don't think you can really go wrong with any generation R6.  The newer ones are a teeny tiny bit better... but guys are still competitive on the 1st gen ones.  #31 Jeff Purk (midwest) is usually in contention for a top spot every weekend, and I think he's on a 2000 or 2001.

If you're looking for *really* detailed information, there is a message board out there called "R6 MessageNet".  I don't know the URL, I've only been there a few times... but it has lots of good in-depth info.

[Super Dave]

HP isn't everything.  Yeah, the newer ones make a little more.

I think the 03 chassis has better feel than the previous one.  

Parts even from your Yamaha dealer are pretty inexpensive compared to other manufacturers.  Don't know why, but prices are darn reasonable.

[251am]

Alright, thanks for the input fellers...

[Jeff]

And (coming from a Honda guy) it'd be nice to ride a bike that when you wad it up, there are 50+ others in the pits with the same bike to bum parts from...

Granted, the 600rr is coming up in popularity, but it's no R6 or GSXR...

[Roger@ASMA]

I've still got a 99 R6 and with just a little hp it's capable of winning the money races here. I don't know what it is about the chassis but it just plain works.

[MELK-MAN]

..as mentioned above, parts. Cheap and lots of em out there. VERY easy to work on too. Stuff seems made for trackside repair. Big oil fill hole. Got a frame NEW for less than $800 (no vin stamp) for my 03. Oh yea, handles pretty darn good too.