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I'm looking for a good bike that's track ready. - Probably a 600
I've got about a dozen track days under my belt - about half and half on an 1199 and a motard. For a reference point on skill level - Last year I was on the faster side of intermediate riders at PRS on the 1199 and this year I've broken into the 1:48's at NYST on the motard (which I guess is pretty good, considering I never hit anything higher than 105 on the front straight)
I'll probably keep the motard 'cause it's a blast but sometimes I just want to get out and get up to 'normal' speed on the straights, etc. I'm getting really tempted to take the 1199 back out, but I figure I can buy a decent track bike for the price of one Pani-lowside.
Also thinking about getting into racing this year or next.
I know I might get a lot of suggestions to get an SV 650, but I don't think I need an absolute starter bike and a buddy of mine recently moved up to an in-line 600 from his SV & was complaining about getting blown away on the straights at Thunderbolt last year.
I don't really care if it looks pristine, 'cause I know it's likely to see the asphalt at some point, but I would like it to have most of the goodies people like to put on a track bike - steering damper, track fairings, rearsets, slipper clutch, quick shift / traction control (I know, I know, when you were starting out traction control was called your right wrist, and probably not necessary on a 600...but it's sooo much cheaper to get a bike with it on already rather than add it later).
I'm thinking something like this...only closer than Wisconsin...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-GSX-R...3D151326482708
Matter of fact, I'm tempted to put in a bid on that GSX-R, but I know how silly that would be sight-unseen....
Let me know if you know anybody who knows anybody. I figure ~$3K for something in the '05 range, but could spend a little more, or a little less.
Also welcome any commentary on what someone at my level should be looking for in a track bike.