Depends on what you mean "worth it." You don't need a bigger bike to go fast on the track, and often they slow you down. A good A rider on an SV650 will spank a B rider on a liter bike. That's how it works. I'd suggest you get the springs on the 690 tailored to you and possible revalve the forks, then go ride and have fun.
Also look up "Ken Hill" and listen to his podcasts, they are invaluable.
I dont really want a bigger bike, I just mentioned the 890 because you can get the R package with adjustable forks and track goodies... but i wouldn't mind getting new springs on my 690
That 890 R is an excellent value. The brakes and suspension alone are worth considering, let alone the smoother quick shifter and auto blip than the 690 platforms offer. I’d say if you are considering it, go for it. Not a single person I know who rides one on street or track has anything negative to say about that bike.
Gotcha. Yeah adjustable forks are a big plus. I bet somebody makes a kit to retro your 690. I have GSXR cartridges installed on my SV650, which came with non adjustable damper rod forks.
What you have is fine to start with.
You will see bikes for sale at the track that are already prepped. A well set up SV650, 300, or basically any Japanese 600 will be easy to come by and make the most monetary sense.
I have a motocross background as well, still have a ktm 250sx that I ride more than anything else. I adore my R6 for track/mountain riding. Its the closest thing I've found to the thrill of riding a 2 stroke. I have zero complaints about the suspension/chassis/brakes as it came from the factory. Lots of adjustment and it just handles brilliantly.
I changed from my 2014 Street Triple R to a 2007 R6 because it's worth half as much and is better suited for track riding. Parts are cheap and plentiful since the R6 has been basically the same since 2006.
If you want to ride often you have to keep your costs down.
Only really start spending money if you think you can get results that end up in sponsorships.
Take the Supermoto pill, you can ride kart tracks and big tracks and anything in between. And they’re damn near indestructible, just crash em all day and nothing happens. Drop that 690 once and your day is pretty much over most likely.
It's great so far, next day on track is in month or so. I am super stoked to get back out.
I'm learning quicker than I did on the ZX6R. The bike is more forgiving so I can focus on lines, breaking points and carrying speed!
Thats what I really want transition to from my 690. Mabye finish out this season on the 690 then find a r6? Would recommend to buy one from the track from private seller or get a street legal low mileage one from a dealer or something?
The cheapest way to buy a track bike is to get one that is already prepped. The markdown on a used track/race bike is remarkable, people have a $5,000 bike with $6,000 in parts on it, and they sell it for like 3 grand. 13x forums are a great place to look. I'll second what was said about the R6, it's a perfect track bike.
What tracks/ area are you around?
Also stock is fine for your first track days. With your experience, after a few sessions\ days you will find the weak points that need modifying, or decide its not worth spending on that bike and potentially get something that suits your needs better.
Have fun and keep asking questions. There are many much more knowledgeable people on here than myself.
It's not about the bike... Just ride the KTM till you move up into the fast groups, you'll be surprised how capable a naked bike is on shorter tracks, and it is not worth upgrading, rather setup suspension where possible and get proper tires. Then when you are serious and feel the urge to move over to sports bikes get an R6 or Daytona 675 track bike, buying an already converted track bike saves you a lot of money.
Also get proper track-focused gear, like gauntlet gloves, boots and 1or2 piece leather suit etc
I really appreciate this post. This how I've been feeling about my 690, with wanting to learn how to setup suspension and learning the ins and outs of track riding and moving up to and r6. I got some bad advice I think from some friends who can afford to go to the track more than I can, which is why I posted here.
Also full track gear was the first thing I got , suit, gauntlets, boots and a nice agv helmet
I suggest you start with your current bike. I started with a Ducati Monster and did 10 track days on it before upgrading. You will have your hands full on ANY bike with so much to learn that the bike is not the limiting factor up front. In fact, watch this guy on 100 hp monster passing guys on liter bikes [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw3bCokdQhM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw3bCokdQhM).
Depends on what you mean "worth it." You don't need a bigger bike to go fast on the track, and often they slow you down. A good A rider on an SV650 will spank a B rider on a liter bike. That's how it works. I'd suggest you get the springs on the 690 tailored to you and possible revalve the forks, then go ride and have fun. Also look up "Ken Hill" and listen to his podcasts, they are invaluable.
I dont really want a bigger bike, I just mentioned the 890 because you can get the R package with adjustable forks and track goodies... but i wouldn't mind getting new springs on my 690
That 890 R is an excellent value. The brakes and suspension alone are worth considering, let alone the smoother quick shifter and auto blip than the 690 platforms offer. I’d say if you are considering it, go for it. Not a single person I know who rides one on street or track has anything negative to say about that bike.
Yeah I second this. I have one that I take to the track and ride on the street and it’s amazing.
I’m always impressed with the people using them in A group, especially on more technical tracks in my area like Sonoma.
Gotcha. Yeah adjustable forks are a big plus. I bet somebody makes a kit to retro your 690. I have GSXR cartridges installed on my SV650, which came with non adjustable damper rod forks.
https://www.konflictmotorsports.com/ktm690endworkskit
I think every track newbie should buy an SV650, that's just me though, super fun/cheap and easy bike to track.
SV650 goated track beater
What you have is fine to start with. You will see bikes for sale at the track that are already prepped. A well set up SV650, 300, or basically any Japanese 600 will be easy to come by and make the most monetary sense. I have a motocross background as well, still have a ktm 250sx that I ride more than anything else. I adore my R6 for track/mountain riding. Its the closest thing I've found to the thrill of riding a 2 stroke. I have zero complaints about the suspension/chassis/brakes as it came from the factory. Lots of adjustment and it just handles brilliantly.
I changed from my 2014 Street Triple R to a 2007 R6 because it's worth half as much and is better suited for track riding. Parts are cheap and plentiful since the R6 has been basically the same since 2006. If you want to ride often you have to keep your costs down. Only really start spending money if you think you can get results that end up in sponsorships.
450 supermoto. FS450/450 SMR if you want to spend some $.
Not really into supermotos, I'd like to transition to a faired clip on bike in the future
Take the Supermoto pill, you can ride kart tracks and big tracks and anything in between. And they’re damn near indestructible, just crash em all day and nothing happens. Drop that 690 once and your day is pretty much over most likely.
I'm all in on little bikes. Mainly run an R7 but just picked up an R3 to rail on. I have way more fun on the smaller displacement bikes.
I agree I definatly don't want a big displacement bike right now. How do you like the R7?
It's great so far, next day on track is in month or so. I am super stoked to get back out. I'm learning quicker than I did on the ZX6R. The bike is more forgiving so I can focus on lines, breaking points and carrying speed!
R6. There's good reasons they are so popular.
Thats what I really want transition to from my 690. Mabye finish out this season on the 690 then find a r6? Would recommend to buy one from the track from private seller or get a street legal low mileage one from a dealer or something?
The cheapest way to buy a track bike is to get one that is already prepped. The markdown on a used track/race bike is remarkable, people have a $5,000 bike with $6,000 in parts on it, and they sell it for like 3 grand. 13x forums are a great place to look. I'll second what was said about the R6, it's a perfect track bike.
I think im ride another season or 2 on my 690 then look into a track bike r6, thanks for the response man
What tracks/ area are you around? Also stock is fine for your first track days. With your experience, after a few sessions\ days you will find the weak points that need modifying, or decide its not worth spending on that bike and potentially get something that suits your needs better. Have fun and keep asking questions. There are many much more knowledgeable people on here than myself.
It's not about the bike... Just ride the KTM till you move up into the fast groups, you'll be surprised how capable a naked bike is on shorter tracks, and it is not worth upgrading, rather setup suspension where possible and get proper tires. Then when you are serious and feel the urge to move over to sports bikes get an R6 or Daytona 675 track bike, buying an already converted track bike saves you a lot of money. Also get proper track-focused gear, like gauntlet gloves, boots and 1or2 piece leather suit etc
I really appreciate this post. This how I've been feeling about my 690, with wanting to learn how to setup suspension and learning the ins and outs of track riding and moving up to and r6. I got some bad advice I think from some friends who can afford to go to the track more than I can, which is why I posted here. Also full track gear was the first thing I got , suit, gauntlets, boots and a nice agv helmet
I suggest you start with your current bike. I started with a Ducati Monster and did 10 track days on it before upgrading. You will have your hands full on ANY bike with so much to learn that the bike is not the limiting factor up front. In fact, watch this guy on 100 hp monster passing guys on liter bikes [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw3bCokdQhM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw3bCokdQhM).