I want a track bike Pre '89 or what?

**Mystic13** · 8th May 2009, 12:33

I want to have a bit more fun at track days and explore the option of doing club racing. I'm after your opinions where to start.

- I want to keep the price down (3-6k)
- I want to be able to sell the bike easily if it's not me
- I want to be able to repair the bike pretty readily

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I was initially thinking a smaller bike around the 400cc and the pre '89 appealed.

For pre '89 I was thinking a ZXR, VFR or FZR. I'm after recommendations and comments on which bike.

- I was thinking of buying road legal and then put the rego on hold
- which bike is more reliable
- which is cheaper to repair
- which can i do more with if I get more serious?

I like the USD forks on the ZXR and the single sided swingarm on the VFR.

- someone pm'd me on the zxr and apparently there is a kit that you can buy out of the UK that gives you an extra 20hp.

Is there really that big an hp difference between the 400's out there?

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Is there another class option that I should consider. My main aim is to have fun.

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I see in the pro twins 650's that the two bikes are sv650's and ERN-6's. Which is better and why? I like the look of the Kawasaki better and see the field is dominated with Suzuki.

The price of these seems not too different to the 400's. Which is the better bet for a bit of fun. I'm wondering if a more modern bike will be more reliable than a 20 year old bike and does that mean a little more on purchase price would mean less on maintenance?

I didn't consider pre '82 because I wanted a more modern frame and suspension.

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Thanks.

**Benk** · 8th May 2009, 12:42

You'll have a shitload of fun on any of the 400s. Pre 89 is great fun, and crossentering in f3 means you can learn everything twice as fast, as if just racing in one class.

I probably wouldnt recomend a track/road bike especially if you are new, because crashing is part of the game (and fixing is the shit part of the game).

Single sided swing arms look great, but there not ideal for racing. ZXR's are probably easiest to get hp out of, and parts seem cheaper than the VFRs. Id get another nc30 though, they seem to get more of a cult following (

)

400s arent really 'serious' bikes anymore, unless you are an absolute demon rider. They are a bloody good learning curve, and relativly cheap fun. Just buy somone elses cast off. 3 grand and you will be racing.

**DVS 69** · 8th May 2009, 12:43

Hey i went thru the same thing a couple years ago. I found a zxr 400 1989 for 2500 and spent another 1000 on it (tyres, chain, sprockets, brake pads, oil). I had a ball on it and it was fast when geared right, better than a vfr400 as the zxr has 17" rims so you can get a good range of tyres for them verse's the vfr they have a 18" rear rim and a 16 or 17" front. I mustve done bout 10-12 trackdays on it and it just took the thrashing no worries (fresh oil etc every 3rd trackday tho). Im glad i got the zxr as i did actualy want a vfr but they seem to hold their price abit better. Photo of my old zxr in my album i think. Now ive got my lil gsxr and i wouldnt go back but for me it was the perfect starting point. If i was to do it again id still go zxr400 if i couldnt find one id go cbr400 (cam gear and 17" rims)

**Deano** · 8th May 2009, 12:46

Originally Posted by DVS 69

If i was to do it again id still go zxr400 if i couldnt find one id go cbr400 (cam gear and 17" rims)

I think you will find the 89 CBR400 has an 18" rear wheel.

But yes, I'd go CBR or ZXR400 - should be able to set a bike up with spare rims and wets for under $4000.

My SV pro twin owes me 10k. I have spare rims and wets.

**Mystic13** · 8th May 2009, 14:11

Thanks for the replies.

What year and model ZXR am I limited to? I assume the H1 - 1991.

What year and model CBR am I limited to?

Anyone know of any raced prepped ones (able to be converted back to road) for sale or potentially for sale?

Cheers.

And this wouldn't be my road and track bike it'd be pretty much the track bike i just want to be able to convert it to road or have the option to for selling.

Thanks.

**DVS 69** · 8th May 2009, 14:17

nicolas.creech@gmail.com ........ This guy brought my bike maybe email him and see what hes up to, havnt seen him or the bike in awhile ..... Maybe he may wanna sell it ........... Dont quote me tho but no harm in asking. An yeah i was thinking more f3 in regard to 400's (cbr 18" rear etc)

**sinfull** · 8th May 2009, 14:27

Originally Posted by DVS 69

nicolas.creech@gmail.com ........ This guy brought my bike maybe email him and see what hes up to, havnt seen him or the bike in awhile ..... Maybe he may wanna sell it ........... Dont quote me tho but no harm in asking. An yeah i was thinking more f3 in regard to 400's (cbr 18" rear etc)

If it's still the same paint, i seen it at the CD track day a few weeks ago !
Still had missfit racing on it lol !

**Sonykid** · 8th May 2009, 14:33

How about this one on trademe??

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-214180485.htm

**Mystic13** · 8th May 2009, 14:37

Originally Posted by Sonykid

How about this one on trademe??

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-214180485.htm

Yep, nice and wouldn't qualify for pre '89 as I understand it. So what could it be raced in.

**Benk** · 8th May 2009, 14:38

Originally Posted by Sonykid

How about this one on trademe??

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-214180485.htm

Enough of that. I dont need another ZXR kicking my arse.

**Benk** · 8th May 2009, 14:39

Originally Posted by Mystic13

Yep, nice and wouldn't qualify for pre '89 as I understand it. So what could it be raced in.

formula 3.

**Sonykid** · 8th May 2009, 14:52

Originally Posted by Mystic13

Yep, nice and wouldn't qualify for pre '89 as I understand it. So what could it be raced in.

Sorry a spot of dyslexia on the year there! 98 / 89.
Could race F3 but!

**sinfull** · 8th May 2009, 15:13

Originally Posted by Sonykid

Sorry a spot of dyslexia on the year there! 98 / 89.
Could race F3 but!

If that model first came out pre 89 isn't it still able to be raced in posties ?

**Benk** · 8th May 2009, 15:33

Originally Posted by sinfull

If that model first came out pre 89 isn't it still able to be raced in posties ?

Pretty sure its based on manufacturing date.

**mossy1200** · 8th May 2009, 16:18

Im just finishing a cbr600 1987 postie for sale.
Its getting paint on tank and tail today and completed tomorrow.
Aprilia rs125 tail,naked with front number board and 17inch wheels,85hp claimed factory and has ally sports can.message me if keen.Not the top bike but good entry level to post classic juniors.Lockwired,fluids and catch bottles done,Anti freeze removed,harness reduced etc etc.
Still on road tyres though so better rubber needed to go fast.
$1600