Track Bike...

[SilveradoTX]

I'm starting to play with the idea of getting another bike and having it be dedicated to track use only.

From what research I have done and the people who I've spoken with (who have done track days and racing) the SV 650 seems to stand out as a good place to start. There are plenty of them around, they're pretty simple to work on/maintain and parts support (OE/Aftermarket) are readily available.
Now, I'd like to do something like a 9R or 12R, but, should something happen, I don't want the trouble with finding parts (I've been given mixed reviews on parts availability).

Any thoughts or input from those of you who actually see track time?

[Doc13]

I haven't actually seen track time but I'm at the same crossroads as you. Having a couple XB's in the stall already between my girl and I I'm leaning towards finding another one if the timing is right. But the SV is another good option. From the people I've talked to the SV obviously has the aftermarket capability but you'll find the XB has better parts from stock and a cheaper price generally. At least that has been my conclusion. I think either one would be na excellent first track bike as they're just slow enough to force you to carry your corner speed.

[SilveradoTX]

I think either one would be an excellent first track bike as they're just slow enough to force you to carry your corner speed.

I had the opportunity about a year or so ago to ride an almost brand new '09 (may have been a '10?) XB12R and absolutely enjoyed it. I wasn't thrilled with the idea of it being a commuter, but putting one of them on a track made plenty of sense to me.
Part of the reason that I'm thinking about a 9R, 12R or an SV 650 is that they will have plenty of speed for me starting out and will allow me to focus more on the actual riding and skill. Another reason to stay with an XB is that I commute on a 12Scg, so getting on a 9/12R I'd feel pretty comfortable, and I'm already familiar with the XB's in general.

[Fatty SS]

Sv's will probably allow you to race in more classes, making the most of each race weekend.

A stock SV with a good rear shock, springs and emulators up front and some hard biting brake pads will have you competitive in any class a novice would want to run for several years.

I have a 9r and my wife has a second gen SV. I've said to everyone who's ever asked me for a conparison of the two bikes that they are basically the same. The xb has superior suspension and brakes, the SV a better motor. If you could fit an injected SV motor into an xb chassis, you'd probably have the most fun street/track day bike around. And your leg hair wouldn't catch fire.

[Doc13]

Sounds like you know what you want, in a year or so I'll probably commit to either one, whichever one in track fit comes up first. Keep your Buell options open via the net and you never know.

[Raisingicarus]

I've taken my XB12s on the track many times, and really enyoes it until I lowsided in a high speed turn. After repairing my Buell I bought a GSXR750 that used to be an instructors bike. It rides very differently than my Buell but works better on the track. If you've never ridden anything other than a v-twin, I'd stick to that type of engine for the track. Have fun, stay safe, and always wear your gear.

[Fatty SS]

Just a thought, but a major advantage to an SV is that you'll pretty much never attend a track function without encountering several other SV riders. On the street it kinds of sucks to ride the same thing as everyone else, but at the track it's great to be surrounded by knowledgable owners who are probably stocked up with spare parts in the event of a breakdown or crash. I'd bet you'd see dozens of SV racers for every xb racer you encounter.

It appears as though I'm biased towards the SV, and that's absolutely true. That said, I love my xb as a street bike. I wouldn't run it as a dedicated track bike though, finances and convenience would push me towards the cheaper to run SV.

[SilveradoTX]

If you've never ridden anything other than a v-twin, I'd stick to that type of engine for the track.
That's part of the reason I'd like to get another XB or go with an SV650 for the track. Though, I have ridden a Street Triple and really enjoyed it. Time and budget will tell.



Just a thought, but a major advantage to an SV is that you'll pretty much never attend a track function without encountering several other SV riders. On the street it kinds of sucks to ride the same thing as everyone else, but at the track it's great to be surrounded by knowledgable owners who are probably stocked up with spare parts in the event of a breakdown or crash. I'd bet you'd see dozens of SV racers for every xb racer you encounter.
Very good point.
From what I've seen, folks that will be at a track have a different mentality, and it definitely would be a benefit to have more knowledgeable and experienced riders around who are familiar with your style bike.