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Who has Tracked their Triple?

2K views 18 replies 6 participants last post by  RME 
#1 ·
Was thinking about getting a dedicated track bike like a used SV650, or just using the Speed Triple. I've only ridden road, not track, so I'm wondering if the Triple may be a little overpowered to really enjoy it.
 
#2 ·
You only use as much power as you need ? You may "grow" out of the SV pretty quick so take your time and "grow" into the Speed. I've tracked a Daytona 955i and more power would have been great once I was used to everyone going the same way and no tin tops lol

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#3 ·
I take my S3 to the track all the time while also having a dedicated SV650 track bike. The SV is a great learning tool to develop fundamental skills that translate directly over to bigger bikes. They can be bought and made track ready for almost nothing. Be warned, the SV is grossly under powered and can make track riding pretty frustrating at times.

The S3 has way more power but honestly, I still feel like the S3 is still pretty under powered, even compared to something like an R6. I flog mine pretty hard but compared to the current generation of bikes, its pretty far behind. Its still an enjoyable bike, take it to the track, you'll definitely like it.
 
#4 ·
Interesting. I've been riding street bikes for twenty years now and have logged considerable miles, so I'm thinking the S3 will likely work as a ride improvement tool, rather than dropping down to an SV. I feel like I've got adequate midrange when I ride, so I'm thinking that it will be good for doing reduced radius corners, etc. Maybe it's a matter of going to a heavier weight fork oil in the front, stiffer shock in the rear?
 
#7 ·
The speed is a perfect track bike. I dnt have a problem keeping up with the 600 in the straights. All the litre bikes pass u but it's not about going fast in a straight line.

Make sure u stiffen the suspension up if u havnt will make a massive difference
 
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#8 ·
I've only ridden road, not track, so I'm wondering if the Triple may be a little overpowered to really enjoy it.
Overpowered? If anything the Speed is a bit UNDER powered for the track. The Speed is a fun track bike, but its strong mid range is better for road riding than track riding. I ride my Speed on the track because I don't have the money for a track bike, and enjoy it very much. I'm no where near the limit of what the Speed can do, and don't have great track form/technique like some of my buddies.

One pic with clip ons, one with standard bars.
 

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#10 ·
Hi - I do several track days a year (NY Safety Track in western Catskills) with my 955i, and a long time ago raced a bit at Sears Point in the Bay Area.

If you havent been on track before, suggest you tape mirrors and headlights on your triple and do a novice track day somewhere. If you like it then get your own track suit (two piece ones easier to get on if you are tall then one piece - partially unzip waist zipper.) Check eBay for used ones and note they are mostly Euro sizes, 58 is US 48, and they are sized to fit tight.)

If you are really wanting to race first dedicated track bike should probably be a 400. Easier to corner hard so you will improve faster.

I am just there for fun and to improve my street skills. And am not trying to drag my knee and am fine topping out at 80 or 90 in straight sections. So relatively heavy and underpowered 955i (compared to e.g. CBR 1000) is fine. And if that's all you want to do your triple is fine and you dont need to make it a dedicated track bike. For novice and intermediate classes most tracks just want taped mirrors and headlights, not permenant mods that make bike not street legal.

As others have noted, set your suspension as stiff as it can be adjusted.

Google Kieth Code and Nick Iensatach for some good track tips. And have fun...the occasional track days get my need for speed out of the way so am less tempted to do stupid things on the street.

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