I'm looking for a good first track bike to do a few races in the future. I don't want to start with the VTR, just cause it's a 1000 and i would like to hone my skills with something smaller to start. I was thinking of possibly a Aprilia RS125 or 250, a TZR or NSR250. They are really hard to find and when i have found them they are way overpriced! What do you track day regulars think? And does anybody know of where i could find one besides craigslist and ebay? Thanks!

-Miles

 

A couple of suggestions.....probably one of the best starter track bikes out there right now is the Suzuki SV650 twin, decent handling and power, but it won't get you in big trouble, reliable, very available, and there is a good aftermarket for upgrades. A sorted, and well ridden SV can rail through the corners. The SV essentially replaced the Honda Hawk NT650 in this category. You had to build the Hawk to get 75 HP, the stock SV get's you close.

Honda F2/3/4 600 are also good starter bikes, and can often be found at reasonable prices (sometimes in track trim)

The bikes you mentioned are all good bikes, but can be a little high strung and require more constant fiddling and even rebuilding on a regular basis. Not neccessarily the best way to start out. As a somebody just starting out, I would think you would want to find something as close to bulletproof as you could.

Good luck, track days are alot of fun, but they can be addictive, and a huge drain on your bank account.

Ron

 

what do you guys think of like a suzuki drz-400sm ? Any chance this would be a good starter bike for a guy not looking to go crazsy fast?