Buying a track bike?

[caboteria]

I've managed to convince the SO that a track bike would be a worthwhile investment and I've started looking at a few options.  Some of the bikes I'm interested are street bikes, so I can take them for a ride before I buy them, but some are track-only so I wouldn't be able to take them on the street to check them out.  What are some good tips for checking over a bike that I can't ride before I buy it?  Thanks!

[ducpainter]

Take it to Eric...

[Triple J]

Where are you? I just happen to have a well sorted '03 R6 race bike for sale.  

Check them out just like any other bike. However, ignore minor road rash, as most track-only or race bikes have been down at least once. That doesn't mean they aren't good bikes though...many are taken care of better than street bikes. For instance, my R6 has a full motor build (supersport build...done mainly for reliability, but also for a little more power) and has had the oil changed every other race weekend.

Look for heavy damage to the frame, swingarm, wheels, forks, etc.

[Greg]

What TripleJ said.
Also make sure that if buying track only bike that it comes with a title, and that the VIN's match. Seen more than 1 track bike for sale where the VINs were erased.

[MadDuck]

What TripleJ said.
Also make sure that if buying track only bike that it comes with a title, and that the VIN's match. Seen more than 1 track bike for sale where the VINs were erased.

+1  ABSOLUTELY!

[caboteria]

Take it to Eric...

Yup, definitely part of the plan.

Where are you? I just happen to have a well sorted '03 R6 race bike for sale. 

I'm in MA but I'd really like a v-twin.  Been looking at SV650's and air-cooled Ducs.  Thanks for the advice, though!

Also make sure that if buying track only bike that it comes with a title, and that the VIN's match. Seen more than 1 track bike for sale where the VINs were erased.

Good tip, thanks.

[Greg]

I'm in MA but I'd really like a v-twin.  Been looking at SV650's and air-cooled Ducs.  Thanks for the advice, though!

As much as I like Ducs, I was always too afraid of dropping mine at the track due to the high cost of repair. I'd probably recommend you go the SV650 route for a first track bike

[Triple J]

My R6 doesn't have a title, and I know a LOT that don't. VINs haven't been scratched out or altered though. Personally I wouldn't worry too much about a title. Just run a check on the VIN. Usually, it's just been a track bike for a while so the title eventually got lost...or it was an insurance buy back. Sometimes they were just built from spare parts. If it doesn't look shady it probably isn't.

SV650s are good bikes (if a little boring), and you should be able to find a very well sorted ex-race bike since they are so popular. Tougher to get an air-cooled Duc, and it might be pretty underpowered unless you get it in a super light chassis (think NCR or Pierobon). Whatever floats your boat though.  

[ducpainter]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

This.

My 996 doesn't have one either, and all the numbers are there. If I want/need to ever title it I just have to apply, and most likely have DMV inspect the bike.

The only reason to have a title IMO is if you plan to take the bike out of the country and return with it.

[Greg]

Correct - I didn't mean to imply that a bike without a title should be avoided, just that a little more care should be taken. I saw one bike recently where the VIN on the motor and frame had been removed, that is the kind of bike I would avoid at all costs.

I have a couple of track buddies who say they have been asked for proof of ownership while transporting their bikes to/from track. Anyone else ever experienced this? Also is it even required to have that proof of ownership on you when travelling to/from track?

[ducpainter]

I've been stopped for speeding on my way home from the track and the trooper never asked for proof of ownership.

When I told him that my speed didn't feel fast after riding on the track at high speed he didn't even write me.

OTOH...if I was going to a track in Canada, which many of my riding buddies do, I wouldn't even think of trying to cross the border without proof of ownership.

[Triple J]

I've never heard of an issue. I wouldn't cross the border either though.

[Charlief]

Hey Toby.  The SV is a great bike for NH.   If you don't get one over the winter you're more than welcomed to test ride mine at the next track day this coming spring.

If I had to do it all again I'd get a bike all setup for the track. It's less money in the long run.

Lots of bikes for sale out there.... If you want a Ducati I have a friend selling his track bike


I also know of another guy selling his R6

Both bikes are meticously maintained.

Good luck with the hunt!

Charlie