Preparing a track bike

[gsxrboy]

After a blinding track day on monday at Silverstone (in the wet for the first few sessions) I have decided to get a track bike! It was a real eye opener for me as I used my TRD250 and right royally kicked some ass, usually on my 600 I just bimble round scaring myself.
I managed to pick up a 1988 gsxr400 on ebay for very little and am prepping it up but need to know a few things, I really want to take the bike out of the equation and make me the only reason why I'm not the fastest thing on the track.

1/ The tyres are 110/17 and 140/18 what are the tyres of choice for this kind of use? I will only be using the wheels that are on it so the tyres have to do wet and dry.
2/ I dont have a fairing for it, do I actually need one, it is only going to do about 120 flat out ffs.
3/ Do I leave the standard gearing alone?
4/ many more silly little things........

Any help very much appreciated, from G especially as not only is he a racer but he can get his elbow down
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www.predatorsport.co.uk Paintball arena located between Northampton and Milton Keynes

[Frost]

Tyres: Choice is very limited due to the 18 inch rear wheel. you can get a 17 inch rear for them, but they are expensive, but essential for a track bike.
Fairing: Not essential, but worth getting at some point for tart value.
Gearing: Not essential to change it, but downgearing it will only help.

Have a look on ebay and see what you can pick up!

[G]

[Sparks!]

GSXR boy, my track bike is slightly different to yours, but same principle.

>> sticky tyres
>> removed all lights/electrics and switch gear will be gone when I get around to it
>> geraing is important.. going 1 down on the front, SM tracks generally don't need high speeds so gear your bike to suit what tracks you'll be riding...

You can do the usual lockwiring and stuff if you want, not sure it's neccessary for track days but might sa well if you have the stuff?

Oh and don't forget crash bobbins!!

I have crash bobbins on the axels + peg sliders !!

Have fun.

Oh and altho my bike is prepped for track it still doesn't have an engine so it's not much good at the minute
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Current Toys: 06 Yamaha WR250F | Nissan 350Z GT | Tech 4 Homes

[gsxrboy]

Do you think the 18 inch rear really is a big deal, I mean these bikes really did cut the mustard in their day? what I'm trying to say is if with an 18 incher it can still get everything on the deck I cant see it makes a lot of odds.

Thanks for the other advise, I will digest it bit by bit!!
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www.predatorsport.co.uk Paintball arena located between Northampton and Milton Keynes

[Sparks!]

[gsxrboy]

Are you allowed to use wood to make the front fairing and rear pod or would this be frowned upon? I recon I could do a good job out of a nice bit of pine, I might even varnish it.
Secretly I have a bit of a thing about wood on motorcycles, my mates 1986 cbr400 rear pod is held on by a bit of 2 x 4 and a big screw, it makes me feel so good when I watch him own thou's.
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www.predatorsport.co.uk Paintball arena located between Northampton and Milton Keynes

[G]

The only issue I can see with wood, would be splinters.

Could be nasty if it left a load of sharp bits sticking up in the track after a stack.

I had various bits on my zx9 held on with wood, but moved to computer case cut with an angle grinder .

[gsxrboy]

[gsxrboy]

Here's a few pics of it
It has fully adjustable suspention front and back, and red lines at 15,000
It is complete acept for the front and rear plastics, although pictured in a mid-prepped state. It runs well and has no damage, how much do you think I paid for it?

https://www.alexbrown.f2s.com/gsxr400/DSCF0140.JPG
https://www.alexbrown.f2s.com/gsxr400/DSCF0141.JPG
https://www.alexbrown.f2s.com/gsxr400/DSCF0142.JPG
https://www.alexbrown.f2s.com/gsxr400/DSCF0143.JPG
https://www.alexbrown.f2s.com/gsxr400/DSCF0144.JPG
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www.predatorsport.co.uk Paintball arena located between Northampton and Milton Keynes

[Gazdaman]

£1k.

Gaz

[Silver]

[Sparks!]

£200?


Hope you didn't pay much more than that anyway
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Current Toys: 06 Yamaha WR250F | Nissan 350Z GT | Tech 4 Homes

[EuropeanNC30R...]

Can't see major problems with the 18 incher. Don't think you can get a rear 090 in that size, you could get a BT90 (predecessor) if there are still some knocking about.

I'm confident you could get a set of Dunlop GPR70sp's for it. Very grippy in dry conditions, they seem quite slippy on wet roads but not wet tracks I got on with them quite well when I did a wet Silverstone.

[iCraig]

According to Bridgestone BT92's fit your bike.

[Kickstart]

Hi

Think the BT010 is also available in those sizes.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[EuropeanNC30R...]

Pretty sure you can't get a 140/18 010. Smallest width is a 150/18, which I guess may squeeze on. (You can also get an 014 in that size if that way inclined). Personally I'd stick with sticky track rubber for a track bike.

[G]

[Frost]

They take the same size tires an an RGV. That had BT92 on the back.
Standard size is a 18" 140/60 i think, though you can put a 150/60, 140/70 or even a 150/70 on it. No ideal, but then thats why everybody replaces the rear wheel with a 17"

Bike looks tiny, provided it all runs okay i'd have paid £500 for it

[gsxrboy]

Thanks for the replys it looks like I have a small selection to choose from anyway I think I might pop up the track and have a chat with the tyre guy, he might have a deal on something.

None of you guessed the correct amount I payed for it, it was £150, I feel pretty smug
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www.predatorsport.co.uk Paintball arena located between Northampton and Milton Keynes

[G]

[scottiel]

Not sure if you can get them for that bike but if you can try Rennsports, great tyre.

[gsxrboy]