So I am currently in a personal debate whether or not I should upgrade what I have or step up to a newer bike. Currently have a 2008 GSXR 600 that has taken me from novice to advance group. Bike is fairly stock with a few upgrades. Full Exhaust, power commander, ecu flash. All stock suspension and brakes. So I had thought about upgrading the braking system this year to hard lines, track pads and a new master cylinder. Also considered upgrading the suspension but quickly became overwhelmed by the options. Other side of me is saying to buy somethig newer and sell the work horse gsxr. I've always wanted a 675r but have never ridden one before. 675r has been know to be a great track weapon and it has alot of the upgrades that I would do to the gsxr. Ohlins suspension, brembo brakes, quick shifter etc etc. Just looking for some opinions on what upgrades are worth making before buying something newer. Thanks in advance!
All depends on your financial situation...and what you are willing to spend. Those gixxers are pretty bulletproof and great bikes. Those lines/pads may make enough difference that you don't need the MC for awhile and that would be the least expensive option (PS I love Vesrah race pads). Eventually, as you push your skills you are potentially gonna have a crash..would you rather get better on your existing bike that you could fix, or on a brand new one that will cost you an arm and a leg?
In my opinion, the best / cheapest way to upgrade is to buy a used bike that is fully built and ready to go with all the track bits if you are running at the Advanced pace. There's nothing wrong with your Suzuki, and you can upgrade it, but I think it will cost you more to upgrade than to sell it and find a newer, fully built track bike with suspension, etc. Especially if you can sell it as a street bike. Some people enjoy doing the modifications themselves over time, as their budget allows. I understand that. I've done it both ways and it is definitely less expensive in the long run to buy a used, built track bike. If you decide to keep and upgrade, I agree with tnskydivr that you probably don't need the master cylinder. The pads and lines will make a big difference by themselves. I'd also be looking for a suspension upgrade. My $0.02. Matt
I would be doing what you said Matt about buying a built track bike that's ready to go. Not buying a bike off the showroom and taking it to the track. There's a decently set up 675r in the classifieds here that would fit the bill for what I want. Just having the internal debate on what i should do.
What they said, but that new bike smell. Dam. I have a triple, it's a 1050. Forget who I read a while back who went to a 675, he had a problem with torching engines. His problem was mine in reverse. I spent 7 years LISTENING to my engine, get on a 600RR and the redline I HAD was the beginning of my power band. I THINK i'm hitting redline (by ear) and I'm no FAR from the redline and shifting hurts my drive. In reverse, your killing the redline. Don't get me wrong, LOVE the triple what a fantastic engine but it is NOT doing 16,500 RPM. Moving up to a bike 2 or 3 years old, already setup, depreciation taken and safety wiring done is the way to go. IMO.
I concur. If you want something other than what you have now, a used bike already tricked out in good condition is your best value.