Need help with possible track bike purchase 91 CBR 600

[jhynesrockmtn]

OK, I may be crazy, but after a track school on my VFR I started looking at maybe getting a dedicated track bike.

Can anyone comment on this bike, what I should look for, etc. I'd be basically buying it sight unseen. $1,200 for this package seems like an awfully good deal.

It's posted in the classifieds on a local rider focused website:

http://pnwriders.com/motorcycles/112833-91-cbr-600-f2-race-track-novice-bike.html#post1826646

[porsche4life]

Looks like fun to me. Honda's run really good.

[Rot 911]

3 stands? Tire warmers? Hell those items alone are worth $500. That is the deal of the year. Keep in mind that you will get blown off in the straights by half the bikes on the track, but so what, still a great track bike.

[Gogar]

That seems like a great deal, especially because of all the spares. And it's already wired, etc. That's a lot of work.

I love my F1, I can imagine that F2s are similar, just "one more F."

I don't know if the common problems are the same, but none of them are difficult, just the usual stuff.

[jhynesrockmtn]

Damn, you're supposed to tell me run Forrest run. I told myself I wouldn't get into this hobby in this way but that track day was as fun if not funner than in the car and a hell of a lot cheaper too in terms of tires, gas, brake pads and overall vehicle.

My Fiance will not be impressed either......................

I'm fairly new to bikes and obviously to tracking a bike. Any specific questions I should ask about this bike in terms of parts installed, deferred maintenance, particular weaknesses to this model, etc.???

Thanks, I'll report back what I find and decide to do.

[Rot 911]

Insurance is cheap because the "F" models are seen as quite sensible and less risk than a dedicated race rep (lets not forget though that Honda raced the CBR since its launch)

The only real problems to watch are the regulator/rectifiers going. These then boil the battery. The cure is simply to replace it.

The CBR will take a fair bit of abuse, both riding and ownership wise, Honda's build quality was still excellent then and even a 10 owner bike can Still look very tidy.

Think of it as biking's Labrador, Its not the sexiest dog but is faithful, reliable, no trouble to own and will quite happily play when your in the mood or its just as happy plodding along.

Just do the usual checks that you would do on a bike of this age play close attention to the condition of the chain and sprockets, look for rust on the rear sub frame and check to make sure that the brake discs are not warped.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I got this message late last night from the seller:

Condition? I'd say decent. It is a '91 and it is a track bike, that means it has been down a few times. The frame is good, no dents or cracks, minor bends on some mounting tabs. Radiator is where you'll notice the most "tweeks". The plastic and paint job are new, scratched up on the L side from a gravel lowside at Spokane. Not a rattle-can job. Gears and chain are decent. Front forks have a GP suspension sticker, which leads me to believe they had been serviced/built at one point. Rear is a F-3 shock...more adjustable than the stock F2. Suspension set (Barry-KFG) for someone around 185 without gear.

Mileage?? No idea. Bike only has tach and temp gauge. Temp gauge doesn't work.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

I just replaced the R/R on my VFR after the battery got cooked and will be installing a voltage meter soon.

[MMARSH]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

Damn, you're supposed to tell me run Forrest run. I told myself I wouldn't get into this hobby in this way but that track day was as fun if not funner than in the car and a hell of a lot cheaper too in terms of tires, gas, brake pads and overall vehicle.

Aint that the truth. Since I started going to the track on my bike, I think I've done maybe 1 trackday in the car. I really have no desire to track the car anymore. Doing another trackday next month and can't wait.

I'm looking at getting a dedicated track bike as well. I'm really concerned about stuffing my Ducati so I would like a bike that if I were to ball it up, it wouldn't hurt my feelings.

Looks like that honda would be a great bike to improve your skills on. Don't worry about straight line speed, cornering is what your working on and there are few things better then passing that liter class bike back thru a turn.

[shinrai]

It's a '91 and a couch so don't do it. Technology has come a long way. You should be able to pick up something 10 years newer for 2-3k. Remember that track days can get expensive unless you have already have all of the proper (not required) gear. Better yet it sounds like you're a soon-to-be track junkie so sell the VFR and use the funds for your new setup