Hi there, another newbie here. I am really looking forward to my first bit of track time this year, but I was wondering what you experienced folk thought about which of my two bikes to start with. I have an '08 Aprilia Tuono which I love, has decent rubber on it, and definately feels more track ready, but I can also use the wife's still fun and cheaper to repair '07 Ninja 650R. The Ninja is still a lot of fun, seems (maybe only in my mind) to be more forgiving to a learner, but has rain friendly sport touring tires. Any thoughts?
starting with the 650 would not be a problem at all. there are several guys that run those or SV650s in levels other than novice and have lots of fun. I started out running a sport-tour tire on my 600 Triumph and was fine learning how to go faster. After a few track days, you'll probably want to go with a better tire.
Sign up for a sat/sun event and ride one during each of the days to decide which you want to motor on with. You will most likely find that the 650 will be a better bike to learn on.
I keep hearing that over and over. To start small. I see the same thing happen with the carguys. Theygo for big engines and never learn a proper line, but they're quick on the straights. But the spin out a lot and are worse drivers for not starting small. The fact of the matter is I have a 1000, and she's old, and fat. I'm scared to get her on the track. The power when I'm at full twist is shocking. I'm looking for a dedicated 600 for track duty. So speaking not from experience, but from reading and word of mouth. I'm gonna cast my vote for the 650R. I hear a lot of greatthings about their handling and ability to let YOU learn to ride instead of fight the bike.
I started on a 600....decided to go racing and picked up a sv650...wish i would have started on a 650 and went to the 600 later hehe - a well set up sv650 is a riot on all but a few tracks So here's one other track thought for you - take a look around for a cheap already track prepped sv650 in your area and ride the crap out of it for the next few years Just for the sake of giving you a reference point (as per above) I'm running around in the Advanced group on a nicely tweaked sv650 Supersport bike - might be making 65 HP at the rear dunno for sure (granted when the 1ks go by you don't usually have a chance to even say hi lol)
The FZR isn't bad for running on the track. They are fatty fat fatties, but then again so am I. While I'll still be using the FZR this year to be honest I'd much rather have a 600 or 750 for the track. Personally, I'd use the Ninja. Not that we ever wish for it to happen, but in the event of a slide I think you'd rather have to fix up the Ninja compared to the Tuono. Of course it might be cheaper to fix the Tuono over the cost of showering your wife with gifts until you get her bike repaired. :lol: Another thing...once you're out there (especially your first time) you won't really give a crap what you're on. The joy of the track is all that matters. I could've been on a friggin Big Wheel at Gingerman and still had a good time. ETA: Forgot about a picture a friend of mine Photoshopped for me. See, I look happy...