Looking for my first Track Bike in INT cat.

1. Should my first track bike be a Liter (1000+cc) bike or 600cc? Bcz I am not sure if everyone uses a 1000+cc bike in A-group (will enter it one day) and I am not sure how easy it would be to buy a 1000+cc track bike after I am done with a 600cc bike in INT category?

--- Don't worry about a 600cc in Adv. You'll be just fine. Lots of guys in Adv running 600s, and at nearly the same lap times as a liter bike. You may give up a little speed at the end of the straights compared to the liters, but nothing to worry about, in my opinion. Just brake later into the next turn and make that difference up.


2. Looking for something cheap, less than 4K. Something Which can be taken further with more mods or whatever to be carried through IMT & A-category?If 600cc, then should it be a R6, ZX6R, GSXR, CBR, etc.?

--- All the supersport bikes you listed above will work just fine, an I would add a 675 to your potential list. The R6, CBR, and GSXR seem to have the most aftermarket and spares for sale on the forums, and seem to be the most popular in the pits, so keep that in mind in case you need an emergency repair. If you were closer, and your budget was slightly higher, I would have a well sorted CBR for you.

The main selling points, for me at least, would be something already sorted with the standard goodies, ie suspension, crash protection, and controls (rear sets, clip ons, etc.). Everything else can be sorted as you go, but comfort, protection, and control are the three most important, in my opinion.

3. What all should I be inspecting in a used track bike when I go check one out? I have a list of things to check about buying a used 'stock' motorbike, but does track bikes have a unique list I should not be missing, given they are modified with after market parts which may make situation unpredictable sometimes?

---Just like a street bike, check all the main points you would normally check. Ask for service records/history, as most track riders are extremely thorough with servicing. Nothing too out of the ordinary, just look it over VERY well.


4. Any other thing I should be thinking about when buying a 'used' 'track' bike?

---Don't worry about getting the latest and greatest with all the bells and whistles. Get something you're comfortable with, within the constraints of your budget, and get as much track time as possible.

 

1. Should my first track bike be a Liter (1000+cc) bike or 600cc? Bcz I am not sure if everyone uses a 1000+cc bike in A-group (will enter it one day) and I am not sure how easy it would be to buy a 1000+cc track bike after I am done with a 600cc bike in INT category?

There are certain riders that are roding 300's in A group that are faster than me on my 1000. Do not worry about size..... once you get to A group.. you'll be fine on nearly any size bike as speed will come with seat time.

2. Looking for something cheap, less than 4K. Something Which can be taken further with more mods or whatever to be carried through IMT & A-category?If 600cc, then should it be a R6, ZX6R, GSXR, CBR, etc.?
3. What all should I be inspecting in a used track bike when I go check one out? I have a list of things to check about buying a used 'stock' motorbike, but does track bikes have a unique list I should not be missing, given they are modified with after market parts which may make situation unpredictable sometimes?

Hardest thing for me mentally about buying a new (to me) bike is ensuring I will be comfortable on it. Maybe swimg through a dealership that sells used bikes and sit on a few. Get in the tucked position and see how the bars, rearsets, seat height feel. But remember.....when you do buy a used track bike, mosy likely those itemes will be changed to after market adjustable ones....


4. Any other thing I should be thinking about when buying a 'used' 'track' bike?

I'd ry to look for a bike that is well sorted and has has some sory of freshen up on motor and or suspension. Check out the WERA forum classifieds. Some deals to be had over there. Yesyerday I saw a 08 GSXR 600 with all the bells and whistles for less than 5k. All depends on your spending ability. I think TLR67 (username?) Is helping his freind sell his 05 GSXR 600 for less than 3k. A great entry level bike. Buy what you need for it and go fast.
Just remember that its always more cost effecyive to buy a bikr that already has the things your looking for rather than spending full price on them and having to get them installed and setup. That gets exspensive....

While you just got bumped..... remmember that I group is guys like yourself just coming out of N and guys who are on the verge of going into A. Enjoy your sessions, be predictable and practice, practice, practice. Seat time is the only thing thats going to push you to the next level.

Congrats in the Bump!

 

So in reading your post, the thing that strikes me is that you are trying to approach this like solving an engineering problem or writing new code for an application. There is no set formula for deciding what to do as far as purchasing a dedicated track bike. A lot of it is personal preference. Each bike has its own characteristics as far as rideability. If you are riding a ZX6R now, you are familiar with it and there is nothing wrong with getting one as a track bike. A different bike R6, GSXR etc would take some getting used to as they will feel different than your Kawi. Nothing wrong with that, just something to consider. The 1000 vs 600 debate has been around forever. My personal opinion is you will learn more about corner speed with a 600 and this comes from a person who rode high HP bikes on the street before going to the track. As others have said there are many of both in A group, including smaller displacement bikes as well.
As far as what to look for, as was said maintenance records are very helpful. I look for aftermarket suspension on ones I buy.Do I need that, probably not as I am not doing this professionally, but it does help make the bike more manageable to ride. I stick with stock motors, built motors mean maintenance costs. Nice things, but not required are aftermarket exhausts/fuel mgt, aftermarket master cylinders, slipper clutches, quick shifters, aftermarket rearsets, etc. Cool things if they are there, but not truly needed to go fast. My personal preference on bodywork is I buy "rat" bikes. Ones that are not painted all nice, but are mechanically sound, the reason? I will eventually fall down and tear something up, one less cost is worrying about having the bodywork repainted. I did that once, fell down a couple weeks after it was painted, that was the last time. Again personal preference.

 

Full disclosure: I am a liter-cheater

There are plenty of riders faster than hell on 600's. The bike is lighter, turns in and turns easier than a 1000...but passing 600's on the front straight IS a LOT of fun - you just have to be careful about getting too heavy handed on the throttle coming out of the turn. I actually think riders who start out on a 600 learn to be better riders faster than on a literbike, because you HAVE to learn how to maintain corner speed better than just point/shoot.

You will find PLENTY of good bikes within your price range in the years 07 and up, especially Gixxers (IHMO). The 750 is also a good consideration between the two. It seems here in the South you see a lot of Gixxers, and more R6/R1's out west. The advantage is a plethora of used spare part availability, and there's always SOMEBODY in the paddock that knows how to work on them or has spare parts. The engines are pretty near bulletproof. And you will find plenty that are already halfway race prepped for a good price because they have already depreciated down to their 'bottom' value (as in, they don't go any lower unless damaged as all sportbikes have SOME residual value....

In 2010, I paid 6K for a 07 GSXR 1K, with 1200 miles on it and the nubs still on the tires, 50% off basically because it had just been sitting. Can't beat that with a stick. I'd still be riding it if I hadn't blown the engine; I just can't decide if I should part it out, or try and find an engine, put it back together and either sell it or ride it...

PS: Scroll down, there happen to be several GSXR 600's currently for sale in your price range listed...

 

Lol, thought I smelled some engineer in that post.