Bike Parts Question

[BrianC]

As some of you know, I'll be doing my first race weekend this April, and I'm looking for advice on how to spend my money. Basically, I have about 1500 left to spend on parts and I know if left to my own device, I'll buy shit I don't truly need! So the bike is my 06' R6, bought last March w/650 miles on her. I put about 6000 miles on it and have done basic maintenance like oil changes, air filter, and lubing cables, etc... . The bike is bone stock w/only things like a steering damper, frame sliders, case covers, swingarm spools, ss brake lines, bodywork, and the bare necessities. Chain and sprockets are still ok, brake pads are good, so I would like to know, based on experience at the races, where should the money go? Here is the stuff I've been eyeballin':

-Woodcraft Rearsets
-Woodcraft shark guard
-ASV levers
-New chain/sprox (for gearing)
-Tank sliders
-Motion pro throttle
-Exhaust, pcIII, block off plates, exup eliminator
-Suspension (at least a service)
-Extra knee pucks
-Extra helmet
-Spark Plugs
-Tire warmers
-Full Spectrum or Shorai Power lightweight Battery
-etc...

Basically, should I save most of the money for down the road, spend it on maintenance stuff like new plugs, suspension service, etc..., or buy only things I'll absolutely need like tire warmers? It is hard to id exactly what is must have. Will I really need the extra clearance the rearsets will give me? Do I really need to change the stock gearing? I know I don't need the exhaust, but I'd like to spend all my money on that just cuz, ya know?

Anyway, thanks in advance, and I won't be able to respond for a few days as I'm going for a long drive to Philly to pick up a work truck. Lots of time to think it over but I can definitely use the advice.

[Pittenger5]

1. Tire Warmers
1. Suspension. (yes, 2 1s is on purpose)
3. Rear sets

[Kurlon]

Look at the bike, and think about what's going to break if you drop it on it's left and right sides. Levers bend or snap, peg brackets like to break, etc. That's the type of stuff to have in your spares bin ahead of time, as you'll pay more to get it at the track on a race weekend. Well designed sliders that'll protect without causing more damage are also something to consider.

Most of the other stuff can easily wait, although I agree with Richie that some suspension TLC is never a bad place to spend money. Then, keep as much as you can in your pocket as you'll find you'll need to spend it while racing, no matter how well you plan ahead.

[OreoGaborio]

Don't listen to Richie. He has no idea what he's talking about. I'd go with:

1. Suspension
1. Suspension
1. Tire Warmers (yes, 3 1s is on purpose)
3. Rear sets

Oh and Tank Sliders so your bike don't essprode if you fall over on pre-grid. I've watched it happen (turn 5). It's not pretty.



FORGET everything else for now. Especially the fancy levers that don't really do anything for ya compared to what they cost. If you wanna spend money on levers, buy spare stockers.

Spend your money on seat time.

And a spare helmet is nice if you've got the cash.

["Dangerous" Dan K]

I'm with pete and db. Suspension and warmers are a must. I also agree with Kurlon, the bike will end up on it's side to try to plan for it. I don't do this myself, but I'm pretty sure S&C has everything that could possibly brake on my bike.

What are you running for tires? Good rubber is a must as well.

I'm a big fan of an extra helmet because I know if I crash and hit it, and am still able to ride, I'm going to want to make my next race. I always keep a "b" helmet around.

Fancy levers? Why? They're just going to break anyway. I'd go with spare levers of minimal cost.

[Degsy]

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Good tires, suspension. That's $1500 already (and some)

[FireboltEric_MA]

I'm with Degsy and others.

Suspension....your money plus Visa card

[Awesome]

Tank sliders, rearsets, spare stock levers, save the rest.

Stock 06 suspension is good for 15's with the right rider. Buy the fancy stuff when you need it, it won't help you until you do.

[Trouble]

Start watching for used gear (ez up, tire warmers, etc). Even spare parts. Rain tires. An extra set of wheels. They are all things that you'll want eventually. I'm a big advocate for suspension too. Shoot, that's why I got my little Hawk. Little motor but great suspension and because I'm not buying a new set of tires each weekend I have a little bit of extra $ to put towards upgrades. But I digress. Good luck this year and I'll see you out there!

[OreoGaborio]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8520/4.6.1.314 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

Tank sliders, rearsets, spare stock levers, save the rest.

Stock 06 suspension is good for 15's with the right rider. Buy the fancy stuff when you need it, it won't help you until you do.

Most of me agrees. But at least get your stock suspension rebuilt so it's fresh.

[lrrs182]

Take the bike to someone like GMD and say I have $????? to spend, what can you do for me. S&C has most of what you might need if you break, so just save alittle green and have it on hand, you never can predict what you might need and can have a ton of spares and still not have the part you need. You really have no idea how mediocre your suspension is until you've ridden better setup. Find and pick a supplier/tuner for your suspension, stick with him, buy shit from him even if you can get 10% cheaper online! He is the person who can do more to help you win races than anyone but a rich uncle.

[BrianC]

Thanks everyone! I really value the advice and it makes my decisions much easier! See you in April!

[CEO]

The tank sliders for the 06-07 are (I believe) a requirement, not an option, as they can and will burn.

At least for other orgs they are (AMA, etc). You need those.

[Chippertheripper]

Don't listen to Richie. He has no idea what he's talking about. I'd go with:

1. Suspension
1. Suspension
1. Tire Warmers (yes, 3 1s is on purpose)
3. Rear sets

Oh and Tank Sliders so your bike don't essprode if you fall over on pre-grid. I've watched it happen (turn 5). It's not pretty.



FORGET everything else for now. Especially the fancy levers that don't really do anything for ya compared to what they cost. If you wanna spend money on levers, buy spare stockers.

Spend your money on seat time.

And a spare helmet is nice if you've got the cash.

sticky this under: what you need to start racing. if you can't afford to have the real fancy bits for your boingers, at least get it setup properly.

[DuncanMoto]

Suspension (GMD)
Woodcraft Rearsets & Tire warmers (DuncanMoto)
Tires (BostonMoto)

Talk to me about levers.
ASV on sale right now and I have them for your bike. $62.50 ea.

[csmutty]

Suspension (GMD)
Woodcraft Rearsets & Tire warmers (Woodcraft)
Tires (MTAG)

Fixed.

[DuncanMoto]

Fixed.

You have a problem with me?

[BrianC]

Suspension (GMD)
Woodcraft Rearsets & Tire warmers (DuncanMoto)
Tires (BostonMoto)

Talk to me about levers.
ASV on sale right now and I have them for your bike. $62.50 ea.

My plan now is to get the bike to GMD and maybe I'll swing in your store if it's not too far away.

[Rambunctous]

1.Personal safety equipment
2.Brakes/Handling
3.Horsepower
Bear in mind that schooling would go under #1

["Dangerous" Dan K]

Suspension (GMD)
Woodcraft Rearsets & Tire warmers (DuncanMoto)
Tires (You're going to burn through plenty, try different brands and see what you like. Takeoff's don't hurt either.)

NOW it's fixed, preteen.

[DuncanMoto]

1.Personal safety equipment
2.Brakes/Handling
3.Horsepower
Bear in mind that schooling would go under #1

Brian did the Penguin school in the rain last fall.
He should have a pretty good foundation to work with.

["Dangerous" Dan K]

Brian did the Penguin school in the rain last fall.
He should have a pretty good foundation and plenty of raw talent to work with.

Since we're fixing things in this thread now...

[lrrs182]

Rambuctious hit it dead nuts so that reminds me. Brain, do you have a GOOD helmet, with a date less than five years inside? LRRS will not just accept Snell rated helmets, they can NOT be polycarbonate. Fiberglass or other fiber only. Penguin would let you do the school with Snell alone, but you will get Jammed up race day if you have a plastic HJC, Joe Rocket, etc.
As expensive as it might be to replace parts, getting injured, being out of work and medical bills can really ruin your race budget.Some may disagree with me but if youre money is short then I would surely by used hi quality leathers helmets,boots and gloves than new cheaper stuff. Gloves are highly overlooked and I've been guilty of using some cheapies after ruining good ones.There are racing websites that gear sells cheap every day.

[RyanNicholson]

A ton of good advice in this thread, stuff that I wish I had known before my first weekend haha. I'm personally in the boat with jay (Awesome)... while stock suspension certainly isn't ideal, its still pretty damn good for what it is. I'd say save your next wave of "I have $XXXX to spend on my bike" for a full suspension overhaul. Until then... focus on protecting what you've got (both body and bike).

I don't know what you run for times, but until you're in the teens... you can get by without the suspension. Esp if you don't have take sliders yet, holy crap buy them I don't care if they're required or not. Rearsets and clipons are handy as hell when you drop the bike, everything is replaceable easily. Tire warmers would also be my other suggestion. Lrrs182 made a great point as well, make sure your gear fits everything thats required by LRRS (not just penguin).

Performance based stuff like a PCIII, light weight battery, etc aren't really going to have a great cost vs. benefit ratio until you're running pretty quick lap times, at that point every tenth counts.

So my advice for now would be...

- Rearsets/Clipons
- Tank sliders
- Tire warmers
- Spend whatever is left over on tires and/or more races

As far as the good starter stuff, seems like you've got a lot of it covered already.

EDIT: While I do mention using stock suspension, definitely work with someone to set it up reasonably well with what you've got.

[csmutty]

You have a problem with me?

Nope. Just with Contis.