I posted this in my "house fire" thread, but maybe not the best of ideas.

I have some money to burn and I'm really interested in getting on a track. My concerns:

My bike is junk, I would not race it on a track - so a school that provides bikes would be necessary.

I only have 1000 miles under my belt....am I wasting my time going this soon?

Talk amoungst yourselves......

Maybe my money would be better spent on some bike upgrades? New suspension, engine tune up, etc???? How much would a decent suspension be....I should be able to install it myself.

 

buy a track bike for a few grand, and just hit the track on a track day

 

Do a trackday with an organization that can provide a motorcycle, such as California Superbike School. They have ZX6Rs you can borrow for their classes (it costs more, of course).

The problem with that is you have to acquaint yourself with a new bike (unless you own a 6R or 6RR), so that's one hurdle to face.

For a track school, you doesn't always have to have the latest/greatest machine to ride. The point is that you're out there riding and learning techniques. Some bikes are just a lot more work to ride (Goldwings, cruisers), but you do see them out there.

There are also schools for racers. That is something you don't have to worry about it for awhile, but know that it is out there if you want to progress further in your racing career.

It's never a waste to do a professional school. But, if you've only ridden for 1000 miles, you may benefit more from more riding experience before taking the class. 1k miles is barely taking off your training wheels (unless you're a gifted rider).

I think your money would be better spent on gear. As you say, your bike is crappy. The modifications you make to it and the money you put in won't be recovered when/if you sell the bike. Gear (and riding skills) transfer from bike-to-bike. And depending on how much you want to modify the suspension, you can spend anywhere from $200 to $10,000. If you're really far from the "average" rider (~5'7" 140lbs), then you might want to upgrade your fork and shock springs. That makes a world of difference. It's not for the faint of heart to replace on your own, though.

 

I have no idea if I'm a gifted rider....and I'm not going to pretend like I know I am. So for now lets just assume that I'm not.

The reason I say put money into the bike is that I've never ridden a motorcycle before this one so I don't know how its supposed to feel. For all I know both shocks could be blown and any number of other things could be wrong with it. I just don't think its all it could be right now. I don't want to sell it...its just too perfect of a begginers bike - plus I'm in the process of painting it so with all the fairings different colors I wouldn't attract the same crowd as I would if it were all freshly painted.

I basically just want to update the bike so its solid. Not awesome, not a race bike, just good. Cheap replacement shocks that are a proven product - some new rotors and pads and SS brake lines, engine tune up, slip on because mine has a leak and sounds like doo-doo. Tires, chain, sprockets and cables are all new.

Edit - I am 6' 180 lbs

I've swapped an engine into a car that it wasn't suppose to go in with barely any knowledge of cars at the time - by myself. I've also replaced every other imaginable part on a car - full suspensions, etc. I would hope I could handle some shocks on a bike - is it that hard?

 

If spending the money on your bike makes you more comfortable and happier, then go for it. I would suggest to do the bare minimum to do so, though.

You don't necessarily need a new shock. A new rear spring and having a company recharge/rebuild your shock is inexpensive. I believe the '94 F2 came with cartrdige forks, right? So you wouldn't need a cartridge emulator, but new springs and fork oil will help immensely.

I think you'll be able to handle the swap and most any other modifications. Do you have a service manual?

 

I have a new(er) F4i rear shock spring combo that I've thought of throwing on there, but I've heard it raises the rear of the bike changing the geometry. I've heard its not horrible, just a little more twitchy....and as a begginner, thats not what I'm really looking for.

Any insight on this? I was thinking maybe raising the front of the bike the same distant therefor keeping the geometry the same?

I'm getting a service manual in the next couple weeks. Its too cold here to be working on bikes right now anyway, so I have time.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hybridcrx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have a new(er) F4i rear shock spring combo that I've thought of throwing on there, but I've heard it raises the rear of the bike changing the geometry. I've heard its not horrible, just a little more twitchy....and as a begginner, thats not what I'm really looking for.

Any insight on this? I was thinking maybe raising the front of the bike the same distant therefor keeping the geometry the same?

I'm getting a service manual in the next couple weeks. Its too cold here to be working on bikes right now anyway, so I have time.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I didn't know the F4i shock goes on, but yes, I would also want to raise the front. How much does the F4i shock raise the rear? There's a more scientific way than just raising the front the same distance, but it should be fine for 8/10ths riding. Do you have that much room left to raise the triple?

 

hybridcrx

First and for most get the bike look at by a professional to make sure it is street and track worthy. Next make sure you have all the appropriate safety gear. Then sign up for a school in your area like marmaladeboy mention (California Superbike School). It doesn't matter what skill level you are they can teach you the basic and up. Some say it's a waste but realize that you are in a controlled environment with experienced teachers. You will walk away with a very big smile on your face.
Like you, I have only 1,400 miles under my belt and I signed up for school (22Feb06 @ infineon). For that hole day I can focus on breaking, corning, accelerating, and more without worry about a vehicle or pedestrian in the way.
Remember all the money you spend on your bike wouldn't be ideal because you don't have the skills to maximize the bike or those parts.
Lastly, be safe no matter what you do and have fun with the new addition

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hybridcrx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I posted this in my "house fire" thread, but maybe not the best of ideas.

I have some money to burn and I'm really interested in getting on a track. My concerns:

My bike is junk, I would not race it on a track - so a school that provides bikes would be necessary.

I only have 1000 miles under my belt....am I wasting my time going this soon?

Talk amoungst yourselves......

Maybe my money would be better spent on some bike upgrades? New suspension, engine tune up, etc???? How much would a decent suspension be....I should be able to install it myself.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RoAdK1LL &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">hybridcrx

First and for most get the bike look at by a professional to make sure it is street and track worthy. </TD></TR></TABLE>

+1

Most track schools want their students to have a few thousand miles under their belts to ensure that they have full control over their bike. Ride around for a little longer and get the gear you need for the track (if you dont already have it).

For now, you dont need to do much to your bike (other than some new tires, tune up, suspension set up right, brake pads & maybe some SS lines). Once you get faster and decide that you like doing trackdays, either buy a new bike or upgrade your current suspension (if you're keeping the bike). For suspension work, have a reputable suspension shop revalve + respring the forks and rear shock to your weight. Should cost about $450-650. Will make the bike handle a lot better since the stock suspension is good for someone about 150lbs. A new rear shock is not really needed at the pace you'll be running (and you wont feel/know the difference).


On another note, cant wait for my trackday at Thunderhill on 4/9 (www.keigwins.com is holding the trackday)

 

I'm not trying to upgrade my bike here, just wanting it to be very solid, reliable, etc.

I think once it warms up I'll take her to a bike shop (if I can find one) and get a professional tune up of everything.

Maybe I'll do a track day later this summer.......I can't wait!