Hello All
This is my first post here. Sorry for the longish post. I’m considering purchasing a 2004 VTR from a friend and my intention is to outfit it for track days. I would be in Novice and Intermediate classes. And only approx 3 track days a season(summer). I’m fairly new to track days but feel my skill has improved over the few days that I’ve experienced. I had my 900 Ducati Supersport when I was on my track days. It has suspension valving and proper front and rear springs set to my weight. I feel the bike did fantastic. So that is my baseline , I suppose. I no longer want to use the Duc in that setting.
I’ve been doing my homework on VTR ownership. If I do purchase the VTR, it would receive the standard service and mild mod items to start with. These would include but not limited to … CCT, wheel, steering stem bearings, suspension springs and fork and shock servicing and appropriate springs and maybe valves, some suspension tweaking like rear shock shim and possibly fork tube setting for better turn in, brake caliper upgrade, carb servicing, appropriate track day/occasional street tires.
Looking at vtr reviews, I’m confident the power delivery will be great for what I want. No issues there. But…. What about the rest of the bike? I’ve read about the front end swaps and swingarm mods. These all sound doable eventually but I dont want to go there yet , if not needed.
I’ve read that many people track their bikes but how limited is the bike?
What about this “frame flex” designs and tire choices? Do I have to use the specific Dunlop’s or can I use my choice of relatively “sticky” track day type tire? I would feel better if I can put track day type tires on the bike.
I guess my concern is that I purchase the bike, do all the above general servicing and general mods. Maybe even do the front end swap, then be somewhat disappointed in the fun factor of the bike in a track day setting.
I realize this is a subjective question….
Of course I could just go and pick a gsxr for cheap and be somewhat done with it but where is the fun in that?!
If anyone has done lots of track days with their vtr, maybe they can chime in on what bike , if any the vtr with some basic upgrades, could be compared too?
Again , sorry for the long first post. Hopefully the above question isn’t too complex.
Thanks in advance everyone!
Shayne

 

Hey Shayne, welcome to the group.
I tracked my first Hawk. It will do just fine. Frame flex is a thing. Not sure how much it will affect/bother you till you try. First and foremost, front spring rate is very soft. Swap isn't necessary. I put F4i calipers on w/ your favorite pads (mine are ebc hh). That combo gave me excellent braking all around with little fade. And this is compared to the radial Brembo set-up on my Ducati. Bonus would be a fork brace. After that is sorted, the addition of an adjustable shock and the swingarm brace really firms up the rear, giving better feel and more confidence. You can run any tire you want, no issues at all.

I personally wouldn't compare the VTR to another bike. I'm in the camp that it's 80% rider, 20% bike. On a very short/tight circuit, it was all I could do to keep one guy in sight and he was on a 250/300. I don't remember exactly what it was. That being said, they aren't the best on small tracks. Not that you can't, its just not as fun.

 

Thanks Wolverine. Thats great assurance on the bikes design. I had also spoke to Jaimie at Doherty suspension and he basically gave the same info.
I’m looking forward to the member of the fleet and the track days!!

 

Of course, in Wolverine's case, it's 99% rider, 1% bike.

I'm still trying to figure out if that's a compliment or a jab.

 

Lol, no ex-racer here or anything.


So after thinking on the brakes comments.. if you’re the type to run in on turns on only the front wheel, maybe the upgraded radial front stoppers would better suit you with the inverted fork swap. I’m slowly building up courage to go down this rabbit hole. First decision is what color to make the 6 spoke wheels. It’s a slippery slope…

 

Another thing I should recommend, Tupperware protection. These plastics are getting very hard to find in good condition, if it’s your goal to keep it pretty. (don’t ask me how I know)