Getting the Right Startup

Discussion in 'STT Main Site Account and Forum Account Support' started by Kevin Dion, May 24, 2017.

  1. Kevin Dion

    Kevin Dion n00b

    Joined:
    May 24, 2017
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hey everybody,

    This is my first season riding and I want to start doing Track. As there are just too many restrictions on the street to get the full thrill enjoyment out of riding. I own a 2007 kaw ninja ex250 with Pirelli Sport Demon tires (F 100/90/16, R 130/90/16). Will this be good bike for Track day or should I sell and upgrade?
     
  2. tigerblade

    tigerblade What's an apex?

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2015
    Messages:
    209
    Likes Received:
    78
    I'd recommend starting with that bike, especially if you are new to riding.
     
  3. svpauly

    svpauly What's an apex?
    STT Staff

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2006
    Messages:
    404
    Likes Received:
    76
    Hi Kevin, welcome to STT! Bring your bike out and have some fun on the track. We have several people who ride 250's and 300's at the track from Novices to Expert racers. Keep your bike and ride some events. Then you can decide what suits you best.

    What track(s) are you planning on attending?
     
    TheRabbit likes this.
  4. Kevin Dion

    Kevin Dion n00b

    Joined:
    May 24, 2017
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    I'll be at Grattan Raceway Mi on 6/3.

    What bikes have you other riders started on, for track days?
     
  5. Prufrock

    Prufrock traffic

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2014
    Messages:
    187
    Likes Received:
    76
    I did a lot of days on an SV650 and I feel like I learned a lot from it. The whole "slow bike fast" thing is great.
     
    #5 Prufrock, May 25, 2017
    Last edited: May 25, 2017
    tigerblade and svpauly like this.
  6. svpauly

    svpauly What's an apex?
    STT Staff

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2006
    Messages:
    404
    Likes Received:
    76
    Great to hear Kevin. I'll be at the Grattan events that weekend as well. I'll be pitted underneath an orange ez-up tent with a white Daytona 675R. Feel free to stop by and say hi.

    FYI, my first street bike was a 250 and then traded in for an SV650 which I ran at the track from Novice into Advanced. The smaller displacement/cc bikes teach you great corner speed and how to set up others for passes.

    See you out there!
     
  7. tigerblade

    tigerblade What's an apex?

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2015
    Messages:
    209
    Likes Received:
    78
    I had my first track experience at STAR School on my CBR900RR, then went racing with an RC51. Sold that and got an SV650, which I learned much more on than when on the bigger bikes.
     
  8. Ogre

    Ogre Body, brake, shift, look, lean, believe
    STT Staff

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2006
    Messages:
    537
    Likes Received:
    32
    Kevin, take full advantage of the staff like Pauly here. They are there to help you learn. They are there because they love the sport and love sharing their knowledge and helping others grow in the sport so don't be afraid to ask questions. "The dumb question is the one you don't ask".
     
    svpauly likes this.
  9. Kevin Dion

    Kevin Dion n00b

    Joined:
    May 24, 2017
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hmm interesting, a lot of SV650 riders. I don't know much of bikes yet, as I never been much of a motorcycle geek. Until, I did my first lean that is, and instantly, I fell in love with the whole experience. I'm reading up the specs on the SV650; it would seem more riders would agree it is the ultimate beginner track bike.
    I'm researching different bikes, so I can make a decision on what would make a great track bike to purchase over winter. So, that I can have it track ready once I outgrow the 250. In consideration to track bikes, would ABS necessarily be a bad thing to have?

    Pauly, I'll definitely stop by and say hello. I'll be the fella asking a ton of questions on knee dragging haha.
     
  10. indy

    indy What's an apex?

    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2014
    Messages:
    628
    Likes Received:
    147
    Hi Kevin, welcome to the addiction.

    My first 4 track days on a Triumph tiger 1050.
    Played around with a Speed Triple then decided on a ZX6RR I picked up from a forum member.

    If you have loads of talent, bike won't matter.
    If your like most of us, get a bike that makes you learn to get the most out of it, then move to a larger cc bike.
    A nice young lady cleaned my clock on a 125cc bike at Barber. Watching a 10 year old pass me then 5 other riders in ONE corner is tough on the ego.
     
  11. Prufrock

    Prufrock traffic

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2014
    Messages:
    187
    Likes Received:
    76
    They are cheap to run and parts are everywhere. An SV will force you to get better at the important skills in order to pass slower riders on faster bikes. It's kind of fun reeling them in one corner at a time and then finally passing them.
     
  12. 05superblackz

    05superblackz Rides with no training wheels

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2014
    Messages:
    50
    Likes Received:
    5
    I rode a 2007 GSXR 600 for my first track day. But I had owned the bike for 4 years at that point. It's what I was comfortable on. I had the pleasure of taking the new r3 out for a session as a demo, and I had an absolute blast. Ride what you are comfortable with. There is a huge following of people racing the 250/300's. Go out ready to learn and ask questions. Hydration is key.
     
  13. The BrockStar

    The BrockStar Conquistador of Life

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2017
    Messages:
    11
    Likes Received:
    7
    That is one of the best bikes to start on. You will first learn corner speed and throttle maintenance on that type of bike. It will also teach you a lot of little skills that you will be able to apply to a bigger bike when you upgrade. I hate to say this....but they are a lot cheaper to repair if you crash.
     

Share This Page