Ducati Monster Forum

Trying to decide if it's worth keeping my 2006 S2R-1000 as a dedicated track bike. If I do, then it's going to need some improvements to suspension, brakes and ergonomics, which will of course cost some money. If I sell it for $5,500 what would you suggest as a track bike? Keep in mind that I love the torque on the S2R and the track I use is short and bumpy, so I don't need huge power, but would rather have better suspension and brakes. So what options are we looking at?

1) Buy wrecked Duc, strip off street stuff and upgrade/fix whatever is needed.
2) Buy something like a 749 already more suited for track
3) Wimp out and get an R6, CBR600RR that will be reliable and cheap
4) Keep the S2R and dump $$ into it.

Opinions?

Thanks

#3...or #2 if you like the feel of a twin. A 748 would be cheaper and just as good as a 749 for a short, bumpy track. Save money on the bike and put it into suspension and an RCS19 master cylinder.

#5...SV650 set up for the track is another option for a twin. Probably the smartest option.

I read somewhere that the SV650 is the most commonly raced motorcycle.  It's like the Miata of the two wheeled world.

used track bike
there's always one for sale

A good used trackbike can easily be found for around 4-5k.  I've recently seen some d675's and cbr600's fully set up for the track for that much.

And a track sv is a great option if you really want to stick with a twin.  I hear that the if you eventually go into racing that the lightweight twin class is a lot of fun.

749s on ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-749S-track-bike-/280886929179?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item41662a671b#ht_706wt_1165)

Not mine but i was looking at it yesterday

Could be wrong, but I think that bike's engine must be unbolted from the frame to get at the top-cylinder valves...  = $$

I never liked my S2R1000 until I had an Ohlins valve kit installed in the fork and had an Ohlins shock installed. In fact Ohlins (at the time) didn't even list a shock for the S2R1000 but Jeff Nash at AMS/Dallas figured out their shock for the S4 would fit and work fine. And it did!

I fitted an Ohlins steering damper but after the boinger upgrade I am not sure it was that necessary. A tire upgrade from stock also made a good difference. Personally, I would have never "tracked" it before the work. I haven't since then but I would certainly consider now. [thumbsup] [Dolph]

Good luck with it all. ;)

A Monster is not a good track bike. I would go the SV route or even look for an SS if you want to stay italian twin. My friend is actually selling his SS750 which he won his class with. I used my Monster on the track after upgrading the suspension, but felt 100% more comfortable on an SS.

If you prefer water cooled, then a Jap 600 will be cheaper and more reliable than running a 74*. Even an 848 would be more reliable, but still $$$ to maintain.

The more I think about it, the most cost effective thing to do is not dump another $2,000+ into a $5,500 Monster and still not have a great track bike. For the same money I can find something much better ready to go  or build something up.

Now I just have to look around and decide if I want to stick with a Duc or go for a 600.

yes.
the first time you toss it down the track, you'll appreciate that decision.

+1

for example;

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/mcy/3037945124.html (http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/mcy/3037945124.html)

Yeah that thought had crossed my mind. I'll start keeping my eye open for 600cc track bikes, but if a Duc comes along at just the right price then who knows  [evil]

Since you look to be in Texas, I'd suggest looking for race bikes on the CMRA board:

http://www.cmraracing.com/mboard.html (http://www.cmraracing.com/mboard.html)

There are a couple sweet bikes on our race board I'd pass along, but I'm in WA.  :-\

Thanks for the link, I will definitely keep an eye on the Ads

 [thumbsup]

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57776.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57776.0)