I've ridden since dinosaurs roamed, but never on a track. Got bit by the bug but didn't feel like throwing my $10K Speed Triple down the asphalt (much less trying to explain it to the insurance company).
I spent nearly six months researching different bikes and then watching Ebay and the classifieds, keeping in mind that I didn't want to drop a HUGE wad of money for two reasons - I might crash the bike, and I might find I just don't enjoy it.
I wanted something that handled well and had enough horsepower to get out of its own way (though it didn't have to be a complete monster, since I'm more interested in working on bike handling and lean angles than banzai runs).
Used GSXRs, Ninjas and the like of the 600 variety are a great way to start, but they tend to be either completely trashed or "garage kept" examples that are priced WAAAY too high.
The Suzuki SV is about perfect, but since they are EXTREMELY popular nowadays, they are priced accordingly, with even older examples going for $3500 and up.
Now, if you've got that much to spend (and don't mind risking tossing that much money down a long stretch of pavement), cool. Get the SV.
The 500 Ninja is also a good option. They've been around forever so there's lots of parts available. They were the hot ticket for track days back in the old days, before the SV came along, and if I'd found one close to home, I probably would have bought it.
Instead, I ended up with one of the better kept secrets around:
Found it here on TRat. 2001 model. Minor dings on the right side. 4000 miles on the motor. Carbon fiber pipe and off-road tune.
I read a lot of road tests at the time -
HERE'S ONE and it sounded perfect: razor sharp handling, but down on hp compared to the Japanese competition.
Translation? Perfect first track bike.
So far, I've
installed Skyking frame sliders and a set of Pazzos (since the stock clutch lever isn't adjustable). I also got a new set of Pilot Sports.
I still need to buy leathers for the track, but even after that, I've spent less than $3K on the whole project.
Great fun on the street, and I can take off the mirrors, tape the lights, pull the fuse for the bulbs and take it to
Jennings about an hour from here.
If you have any questions about the TT, or the pros and cons of any of the other bikes (I researched 'em all and rode a few), shoot me a PM or e-mail.
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