2000 CBR600F4 w/ 20K on it...convert to track bike?

[BillyVT]

Hey, ya'll, I was gonna' move the 2000 CBR600F4 (carb) with 20K on it for $2000 just so I don't have to store it over winter. Was planning on using my ZX-14 for trackdays since that's the bike I LOVE riding. But what do you guys think...honestly. Should I spare my new '14 from trackdays for now (since I may certainly lay down a bike on a track) and convert the CBR to track only use? Or should I just go ahead and use the '14? The ZX-14 is just a fantastic bike and I love her dearly. Handles awesome, 'bit underdamped up front, but gobs of torque all over rev range and in ANY gear. I dunno. Input from experienced folk, please.

[butcher bergs]

I had my FZ1 up there and had a great time! Had to be aware of my inputs but it was very manageable.

That 14 might be a bit much if you're looking to truly learn something. They say a rider can learn more by riding a smaller bike as the smaller cc bikes tend to be more forgiving.

Additionally, if you can actually ride that 14 to the limit, you will likely be loathed by many. There's some kind of underlying disdain for anything bigger than a 600. I'm not the only who's picked up on this notion on a few occasions.

Apparently it's fairly common for riders on big bikes to park it in the corners and hammer it in the straights (which pisses some people off).

I'd say start track-prepping that 6.

[BillyVT]

Oh, yeah, I've noticed that. I take a ton of pride in losing folks in the twisties. Straights with almost 200BHP any idiot can do. As you know from previous posts, I demand full use of ALL the tire. But the 600 wouldn't make me cry if I lay her down, ya' know?

[BillyVT]

Hmmm, and that being said by you, my plan to pickup a Gixxer Thou for track only use STILL may be a bad idea. Damn!

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

Prep the 6 All you really need to do Is have the suspension freshend With some fresh oil. Have it adjusted By a Tech (Like GMD) Do the safety stuff (depending on the track org) and Ride it. The more your ride it the more you will learn The faster you get then You want to add rearsets and other stuff. The cool thing is those F4 Hondas are great at the track They are very predictable and are known as the easiest bike to get on go fast.

[Doc]

Oh, yeah, I've noticed that. I take a ton of pride in losing folks in the twisties. Straights with almost 200BHP any idiot can do. As you know from previous posts, I demand full use of ALL the tire.

I like this guy.

[BillyVT]

Yeah, I'm thinking the same...predictable, no "holy shit" after 6 grand, etc.

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

Please see my Avatar,

[BillyVT]

Thanks, Doc.

[BillyVT]

Yeah, I'm with ya', Black Squirrel 441. BTW, on side note, ever see those damn South Florida Fox Squirrels? Think you'd be damn impressed.

[butcher bergs]

As you know from previous posts, I demand full use of ALL the tire.

I heard that!

When people see the tires on my street bike they say "wow, you really lean that thing over"...I always respond with "Yeah, at 250 bux for tires, I like to get my money's worth".

Please see my Avatar,

the fuck are you doing on my bike??!

The cool thing is those F4 Hondas are great at the track They are very predictable and are known as the easiest bike to get on go fast.

The man does not lie...

[BillyVT]

Hell, that's good enough for me. Guess I'll drag the CBR in and start tinkering. She's bone stock, suggestions?

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

the fuck are you doing on my bike??!

Dat Be Wookies Bike

[butcher bergs]

She's bone stock, suggestions?

You are doing trackdays only, correct?

IMHO, concentrate on suspension first. You know the saying "Power is nothing without control" (I think that's Pirelli's current slogan as well).

Dat Be Wookies Bike

wookie in blue??

[BillyVT]

Never been on a track, Bergs, the CBR has zero mile street tires. Swap 'em for slicks? Suspension, to my knowledge has NEVER been serviced. Should I rebuild and replace as needed? Oh, and yeah, track only, I'll trailer it with the 'Benz. I dunno' if you read my post, but I found a wicked nice tandem axle trailer that's small (usually they're big ass hulks). Perfect for my quads and two or three bikes.....either or, not both!

[Doc]

Ya don't need slicks just good street rubber.

Stock suspension will be ok, Just set you sag and replace the oil to start and go from there. (unless your a portly SOB then it is off to GMD computrack for you)

Look at some of the trackday organization websites for what you need to do to get it track ready. It is different than to go racing (much less)

[BillyVT]

Roger that.

[Doc]

Not so much... but good for you.

[BillyVT]

Roger.

[butcher bergs]

Never been on a track, Bergs, the CBR has zero mile street tires. Swap 'em for slicks? Suspension, to my knowledge has NEVER been serviced. Should I rebuild and replace as needed? Oh, and yeah, track only, I'll trailer it with the 'Benz. I dunno' if you read my post, but I found a wicked nice tandem axle trailer that's small (usually they're big ass hulks). Perfect for my quads and two or three bikes.....either or, not both!

No slicks needed. Sport-oriented DOT's do quite well.

Service that suspension! Holy crap! I do my forks every year. Pull 'em apart, new seals, clean the internals, fresh oil...the whole 9. Gotta send my shock out this year though. Got 41,000 miles on it.....I'd say it's about due.

Basically, trackday-prepping involves safety wiring the drain bolt, filler and oil filter. Tape/ remove anything with lenses (defeat the lighting too). Remove mirrors and center stand. Some organizers prefer no coolant.

Obviously, some of this does not pertain to you.

35 and 17? It's your choice bro.

[BillyVT]

Yeah, I'm rich, right....? Put Ohlins on an old CBR?

[BillyVT]

No pics....for now

[BillyVT]

Guys, gals, have a great night. I'm gonna' crash.

[wookie]

I...



the fuck are you doing on my bike??!

Dat Be Wookies Bike

wookie in blue??

f-ing hilarous....

When you see all red leathers and no bike you know it is me...that is definately not me.

Yep, that f4600 is a great bike. I miss that bike.

BTW - go with what ever bike you want. I never thought I wanted more power when I was on a 600....but you can do the track on a 1000. Also, the difference in the track record on a 600 vs. 1000 is about 0.01 seconds (and the 600 might be ahead, I don't know what the status is right now).