Track bikes for large humans?

[Garandman]

I've been leaning towards the SV650 as a track day bike for a number of reasons. One is that at 6'2, 240 lbs, the riding position seems fairly relaxed and open. I rented a Ducati 900SS from Penguin for a day, and found the footpeg position kind of constrained (although there are probably adjustment options).

Are there other bikes that are good choices for a track day bike? Some have suggested that by the time you upgrade the suspension and brakes on an SV you might as well have purchased a 600, but several that I've tried to sit on seemed tiny and it seems that many of the larger displacement sportbikes aren't much physically larger at all.

Budget is open, as long as my wife doesn't find out or it will cost me a new kitchen....

TIA

[caddydaddy]

Triumph Sprint ST? It's very big for a sport bike, and quite a few are used for track days.

[The Snowman]

600 supersport bikes have even shorter wheelbases than an SV, so you'll feel even more cramped.

And you'll want to upgrade a 600's suspension too.

Why not find a track or race-ready SV that has the suspension done already?

[Chippertheripper]

Motard?!

[Pittenger5]

Busa

[caddydaddy]

Busa

Nah, V-Strom!

[Kurlon]

The rental 900SS bikes felt more cramped because the have woodcraft cilpons and rearsets to put you into a proper race crouch. Those bikes are MUCH roomier with stock controls.

[Garandman]

The rental 900SS bikes felt more cramped because the have woodcraft cilpons and rearsets to put you into a proper race crouch. Those bikes are MUCH roomier with stock controls.

Thanks! I liked the bike otherwise - good handling, good brakes, and torquey.

Triumph Sprint ST? It's very big for a sport bike, and quite a few are used for track days.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Nah, V-Strom!

BTDT. Riding in comfort has some shortcomings.


I looked into before I sold my 05 DL650 last year: I was going to keep both. Track rubber is very limited for 19" fronts, and it's heavier with all the same upgrades required as the SV.

A DL1000 makes a little more sense, because their resale value is weak compared to the 650 and it has more boost. But you run into the same problem: with a unique bike it's difficult to compare your progress.

[OreoGaborio]

If you can fit onto an SV, they make great track toys especially at a tight technical track like Loudon.

I've put my fair share of $ into my SV and although it still doesn't have the power of a 600 I probably wouldn't trade it for one. They're a bit cheaper to maintain, fix and "feed" (fuel) and a LOT cheaper when it comes to tires. Plus they're lighter, easier to flip from side to side, etc. Overall, they just make great learning tools. Better than a 600 in some ways, inferior in others.

You can generally find a very nicely track prepped SV650 for 3-4 grand and they hold their value pretty well compared to the 600's as they make great LW race bikes as well over time. There's guys out there racing SV's that are nearing 10 years old and the bike is still competitive. Can't really say that about a 10 year old 600.


Other options:
EX500 (long "cabin" (but not much footpeg-to-seat room if you get rearsets) and the chassis is so bad it's good... I raced one for years, it taught me a ton)
Duc supersport (800, 900, whatever)
Supermotard (nice & upright, plenty of room for a big guy)
Plenty of other options. I'm sure others will chime in.

[union]

Id offer up my R6 as its sprung for large humans. I ride a heavy spring for my size. Seems to work out for me. You can see it in action this coming weekend with a large human on it. It will have #41 on it.

However like most modern sport bikes its not very big or have the best riding position for large people. At 5'6 I fit on it pretty good. PK is 6'3 and looks a little funny on it but he should get it around the track at a good pace as rusty as he is.

[spydah]

I'm 6' 2" 195 and I was pretty comfortable on my SV (which is for sale). The only thing that I felt more comfortable on the track was my 1098, but there is no way I want to deal with the cost of fixing that if it goes down.

[CEO]

Put the fork down, lunchbox...

[Garandman]

I'm 6' 2" 195 and I was pretty comfortable on my SV (which is for sale). The only thing that I felt more comfortable on the track was my 1098, but there is no way I want to deal with the cost of fixing that if it goes down.

There is an SV650 track bike for sale on CL in Millis that's been raced a couple seasons. I've been told that I absolutely, positively don't want a race bike - to find something that's been to track days only (not races), or to buy a virgin. What do you think?

Put the fork down, lunchbox...

At your age (that would be 31 years ago, when I'd just started riding) I was 6'3 and weighed 230. Suggestions?

What about a Triumph Speed Triple? It seems to be a bit longer (83.5") and higher (32") than the average sport bike.

[Garandman]

What about the SV1000S? It weighs 45 lbs more than an SV650 but has more power.

I haven't ridden an SV1000 but have ridden a DL1000 and that 45 lbs makes a big difference on soft surfaces) but what about the SV? Doe sit have cartridge forks like the DL1000?

Like the DL series, the resale values are very soft.

[Doc]

I don't think there is much wrong with a race bike if it is taken care of. Plus they are usually cheaper and if you are not going to street it then

A motard is by far the most comfortable bike I have ridden on the track... Don't rule one out.

[Chippertheripper]

Already suggested the turd...you definitely should ride one before you rule one out. Plus latebraking sportbikes is über fun.

[Kurlon]

Already suggested the turd...you definitely should ride one before you rule one out. Plus latebraking sportbikes and then having Martire blow by you without bothering to brake is uber fun.

There fixed that for you based on personal experience. : )

[ɹǝʍoןandɹǝʍoן]

I suggest a vtr1000 not only the fact that it's a honda, they are considerably cheaper than the tl1000 or sv1000s out there and I hang right with those guys. I overall don't see why they aren't used more often I can throw this thing around like my ol sv650. plus suspension upgrades are easy to do.

also to add I'm 6'4" 200 and have driven this thing comfortably 600+ mile days unusually frequently without a single comfort issue.

[Garandman]

I don't think there is much wrong with a race bike if it is taken care of. Plus they are usually cheaper and if you are not going to street it then

A motard is by far the most comfortable bike I have ridden on the track... Don't rule one out.

Thanks, I've ridden one as several friends have them. I even considered "SM-ing" a 2006 KLR650 I had with a 17" front and some other work. And I've been entertained by the lean angles and cornering speeds they generate at NHMS. But they're not a bike I'm interested in, at least for my next bike.

[tls25rs]

Well, being of the larger famed variety (6' 4" 330 lbs), I feel your pain. If you are only going to do track days then the SV1000/TL1000 wouldn't be a bad option for you. I have a 97 TL1000S and I am relatively comfortable on it and found it to be a great track day bike. You may not find a ton of aftermarket stuff for it but there is a large following of riders that put a ton of information on tlzone.net about these bikes.

I would also second the vote for a motard. My "race" bike, that I haven't raced in quite some time, is a Husqvarna motard. The motards are very roomy, you don't get the bodywork hitting you in the knees and the more upright seating position is more comfortable for the larger framed rider. I would temper that with the "racier" motards are pretty maintenance intensive in regards to the motors and keeping them running long term. You could go with something more street biased like the KTM690 and have a ton of fun with a reliable motor to boot. Maybe a speed triple fits the bill as well.

Joel

[Chippertheripper]

You seem to have you mind made up, which is fine, but a klr does not compare to a real moturd. Enjoy your search for a sv.

[Garandman]

Well, being of the larger famed variety (6' 4" 330 lbs), I feel your pain. If you are only going to do track days then the SV1000/TL1000 wouldn't be a bad option for you. I have a 97 TL1000S and I am relatively comfortable on it and found it to be a great track day bike. You may not find a ton of aftermarket stuff for it but there is a large following of riders that put a ton of information on tlzone.net about these bikes.//

Thanks, they're pretty neat bikes.

You seem to have you mind made up, which is fine, but a klr does not compare to a real moturd. Enjoy your search for a sv.

The KLR does not compare to a real dirt bike or a real road bike, either. It was sort of fun riding around Boston on a giant green Preying Mantis, though. I also discovered that the Kawasaki green is the same color as the old Ford "Grabber Green" that some Boss 302's were painted with.

I've never ridden one bigger than the Suzuki SRZ 400 SM, but thought that was a lot of fun. So I haven't ruled one out, but they're not at the top of my list for other reasons. I may attend the Skip Barber course next Spring and they have KTM's: not sure if they are still using the SM's or not, but I bet I can get a ride on one then. I'm waiting to see what the 2011 schedule is.

There are a couple of Ducati 1000S (bikini fairing) bikes for sale on CL. What's the deal with those? And what about the Ducati Monsters?

[SVRACER01]

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I'm 6-2 240lbs......

[SVRACER01]

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SVs hold their value because there isn't anything replacing them in the LA field. A newer, faster, lighter, better 600 seems to come out every year.

[Garandman]

So, assuming I get an SV650, given my immense mass I'll have to upgrade the front springs and rear shock/spring.

I did this on my DL650 (Sonic linear 1.0 springs, Ricor Intiminators, Elka 3-way shock) but it was over winter and took me a few days.

Assuming it's a stocker, should I just take it to GMD Computrack and let them minister to it? Or just let 'er rip first? Seems like higher rate springs, Race Tech emulators, and a Penske rear shock is the dial tone.

Also what are the OEM tires? Are they respectable, or not?

Should OEM brake pads be replaced, or should I let them wear out?

Do folks change the countershaft or rear sprocket to gear down for NHMS?

Are aftermarket exhausts just for fun, or do they bring something to the party?