New bike/Track Day Dilemma

**Leong** · 16th January 2006, 18:40

Yesterday - I'm really enjoying my motorcycling at the moment. The VTR 250 is a great bike, especially with the new Pirelli Speed Demons, and after fiddling with tyre pressures yesterday, it's going even better. Much happier with my riding, but still regard myself as a newbie. Really looking forward to my first trackday with the Honda Riders Club.

Today - In December while browsing the bike shops I found a runout deal on the K5 SV650S, so put a deposit on one, to pick up when I got my full license in early February. In the meantime, they brought our CBTA course forward, I passed, and today I got my CBTA exemption letter which in effect means I'll have my full license tomorrow and therefore can pick up the SV650.

My Dilemma.
I'm booked in to do the Honda Track Day on 25 January. Should I do this on the VTR250 or SV650?

I'm thinking the ride down and back would be more comfortable with the bigger bike with fairing - though this may be negated by any aches and pains I may get given the more crouched riding position compared to the VTR250. Sometimes it feels like I'm getting on a bit and I'm more likely to get aches and pains than a younger bloke. Any comments on this??

Also I'm not sure if I would be comfortable enough riding the SV to get the most of a track day yet, whereas I'm very comfortable on the VTR and really looking forward to doing the track day on it. So the VTR may be more fun, but I may learn more by using the SV. Also, would I want to ride the SV hard this early in it's life and in my riding career given the step up to the 650?

Part of the training/instruction provided on the day relate to suspension setups and if this means they help setup your particular bike to your size and riding then I'd prefer to use the SV . Has anyone here done the Honda Riders Club Track Day, and if so could you comment on how they do this? Ie theory or practical and bike specific?

Complications
Talking to the Sarge, he says the first 250km are critical for running in, and the whole run in distance would be 1000km. While it wouldn't be a problem for me to do 1000km by Monday, weather permitting, It would be awkward to get it serviced before the Taupo trip unless they have a pick up and delivery service!!

So, YES I'm a lucky "*****" , and would like to make both this first track day, and the new bike experience good memorable events! Any comments appreciated.

**madboy** · 16th January 2006, 19:06

Tough call. New bike has the advantage that you'll get some quality time on it, and in a safe environment, to get the hang of things. Downside is that the little man on your shoulder will constantly remind you that it's brand new and you don't want to biff it.

I'd take the new bike

**RantyDave** · 16th January 2006, 19:18

Take the VTR. A proper send off for a good friend, give it the thrashing it deserves.

Dave

**chickenfunkstar** · 16th January 2006, 19:33

I'd take the SV out and get the run in done first. Then make the decision closer to monday. If you're comfortable on it then take the SV to the track. I'm not sure I would have taken my SV to a track day a week after getting it. Its a reasonable jump from a 30ish hp 250 to around 70 odd.

Don't worry about getting getting the suspension set up by the guys at the track. I'm not sure if things have changed since '99 but i've got rear preload adjustment only and even then i've got the choice between soft, saggy and bottoming out the exhaust or firmish and bouncy, like a pogo stick.

I'd aslo bet the SV would be better for longer distances, the fairing helps and its a reasonably upright position.

Decisions decisions...

**NinjaBoy** · 16th January 2006, 20:30

So the exemption came early ... looks like we're up for a couple more early morning rides this weekend ?

Take the SV to the trackday ... run it in and get it serviced before you head down.

If you want to know what an uncomfortable hunched position is, you have to get a leg over my machine some time. I didn't think I was feeling my age until I got my latest bike.

Taupo is a good first track and you'll really regret not taking the SV down.

**Leong** · 16th January 2006, 21:01

So thats SV 3 vs VTR 1. Thanks for the good replies

Madboy - I have a reasonably careful nature, and that little man on my shoulder welds a big stick - you're right, I might be overly cautious, and may learn more by pushing the VTR harder

RantyDave - I love the VTR and it will always be a special bike to me - won't keep it though, but have taken many photos recently. I'm very tempted to do what you said. Theres plenty of time to enjoy the SV later. And yes, I'm quite happy to thrash it, and can do so relatively safely....I'm sure it loves it too!!

Chickenfunkstar - sensible and keeping options open.. I'll at least pick up the SV before this weekend, if it's ready, and see how quickly I adapt to it. I really would prefer to ride the SV down to Taupo, do the trackday with the VTR, then SV back home!!

Ninjaboy - Always up for the early rides - really enjoyed both last weekend. Where did you get to anyway? We went back to Clevedon to meet you and rode back via Maraetai to avoid the roadworks ( and get more riding in ). Did you do a real quick pitstop, or decide you could get home on what you had?

Yes, the SV is a good step from the VTR as far as riding position goes compared to a sprotbike.

**Keystone19** · 16th January 2006, 21:50

Congrats on the new bike Leong - I know you will love it.

I have absolutely no suggestions as to what to do about the track day. I think you would enjoy both!

Sorry, that's not very helpful is it...!

**HenryDorsetCase** · 16th January 2006, 22:00

Originally Posted by chickenfunkstar

I'
Don't worry about getting getting the suspension set up by the guys at the track. I'm not sure if things have changed since '99 but i've got rear preload adjustment only and even then i've got the choice between soft, saggy and bottoming out the exhaust or firmish and bouncy, like a pogo stick.

I'd aslo bet the SV would be better for longer distances, the fairing helps and its a reasonably upright position.

Decisions decisions...

my 2004 SV had crap soggy forks and an overly sprung shock for my weight with no adjustment. The first thing the guy I sold it to did was install cartridge emulators and a GSXR 600 shock, and decent tyres.

As for my advice, it would be take the VTR because you wont be so sorry if you bin it, you wont void your warranty by "racing" (I know you arent, but if it lunches itself would you want to argue with them). The SV stock tyres arent too bad, but nothing on your Pirelli's.

**Gremlin** · 17th January 2006, 01:17

Originally Posted by chickenfunkstar

Its a reasonable jump from a 30ish hp 250 to around 70 odd.

Not recommending anything, but I have just made the jump from probably 30hp (zzr250) to 122hp zx7r. Not pushing it yet, obviously, but am finding the jump relatively easy. Confidence is there, and while not going quick quick, I am not having any problems dropping the bike into corners.

If your suspension is going to be set up, obviously it would be better to do it on the sv650.

If you can do the run in, and service before the day, and feel comfortable with your riding level on the sv650, I'd say go for it.

**Leong** · 17th January 2006, 04:49

Thanks for the replies!!!

Keystone: As one whose done the same "upgrade/step up" I value your opinion, and not having one suggests that there is no wrong choice, I suppose...

HenryDorsetcase: I'll look at the suspension once I've got used to the bike, but I'm putting Diablos on straight away, as the stock tyres are worth something as a trade when brand new. Having more grip doesn't only mean you can push it harder, it's safer too, even during the run in period!!

Gremlin: Yup, my anticipated issues may be arriving at the NEXT corner a bit quick - interesting to see how things pan out. Might also ring the HRC and get their opinion - If I'm treating this track day as a learning experience rather than a hoon, then it would be better to take the SV, and as always, ride at my own pace.

**Lou Girardin** · 17th January 2006, 08:00

You've got 8 days, I put 800 km's on my bike in that time. Get out there and use it. The greater power will be more fun at Puke.

**Devil** · 17th January 2006, 08:27

I'd take the SV. A closed circuit is a great place to get to know your new toy, plus if you talk nicely to people they may help you set the suspension up for you.

The SV650 is a great step up from a 250, very friendly power delivery, you wont have any problems.

**Leong** · 17th January 2006, 12:47

So thats two more for the SV!! I pick up the SV tomorrow night and as long as it doesn't hose down from tomorrow till next Monday, doing the miles won't be a problem... it's only three or four rides really.

Colemans can do a pick up and delivery, so it's booked in Tuesday for it's service!!

Won't decide which bike to take to the trackday till Tuesday!! (but I suspect it'll be the SV)

Thanks for the replies!!

**emaN** · 17th January 2006, 12:53

SV all the way!
yes it'd be nice to 'sign off' on the vtr..
BUT
it'd be better to look back on this (in X years time) and think 'my first trackday on my spanking new bike'!