Less Ordinary Motorcycles for Track Days

A look at track bikes that land outside of the norm

This article comes from one of our very own readers, Kurtis Dobbs. This is his take on a few less common bikes that can make great track day toys. Enjoy!

For seasoned track day goers and novices alike, the choice of track motorcycle can be a difficult one. Of course there are many variables, such as budget, power, parts cost, size, which will certainly dictate which motorcycle we eventually choose.

However, it may come as a surprise that there are a number of, shall we say ‘alternative’, motorcycles which are more than capable on the track. Understandably track days across the country are usually littered with an array of Japanese sports bikes such as CBRs, ZXRs and GSXRs.

Such motorcycles offer a balance of speed, handling and general usability.

Yet, to the more discerning among us, some may have noticed a few CB500s on the track? Or perhaps the odd 400cc showing the big bikes how it’s done? You may even have seen a Supermoto sticking it to the big bikes in the bends.

These are what I would like to call ‘alternative choices’. By that I mean they generally offer something a bit different in terms of their characteristics (and even budget!).

Below is a list of a few ‘Alternative’ motorcycles which all have their merits and should not be sniffed at;

HONDA CB500 (1994 – 2003)

This rag tag, all weather commuter is first on the list and, for many, may not even be deemed an alternative choice. This cheap and cheerful commuter has a punchy little parallel twin engine producing circa 52hp. This may not sound a lot compared with most motorcycles and let’s not kid ourselves, it isn’t!

What this bike lacks in outright power, it makes up with sublime handling and budget running costs. Heck, these bikes even have their own race series, and that’s always a great indicator of riding potential.

Thin(ner) rear tyres means cheaper tyres, smaller engine means less fuel consumption and a full track prepped bike can usually be had for around £1000!

In the right hands the CB500 can certainly upset some newer, bigger machinery on the track.

Yamaha TRX850 (1996 – 2000)

Second on the list is another parallel twin. The TRX850 utilises the hugely reliable Yamaha TDM twin engine with its 270 degree crankshaft. What this means is the parallel twin engine feels much more like a v-twin and what that means is mountains of drive coming out of corners.

Moreover the TRX has no problem in the corners, the narrow and light chassis of the bike make for a nimble track day tool.

The TRX is a bit of a rare beast nowadays and so prices are creeping up slightly at circa £2000 – £3000 for a good example. A fully converted track day TRX will be hard to find, so you’d probably have to invest a little money in to a road going version.

Slap on some grippy tyres and crash bungs and you will have a more than capable track day tool and speaking from experience, it will turn heads.

The TRX is truly is one of the great alternative choices as a track day bike.

Yamaha SZR 660 (1996 – 2001)

My personal experience is limited with the rare SZR however I am reliably informed that this is one of the best kept secrets on the track scene!

The single cylinder ‘thumper’, producing almost, but not quite, 50hp. This featherweight motorcycle has the narrow body and chassis to really push your cornering ability as well as a punchy, lonesome cylinder to power out of the corners.

Outright straight line speed won’t match other motorcycles on the track, however if you fancy a bike that looks different, sounds different and has the ability to sneak past big bikes in the bends, then the SZR is more than capable.

The SZR is perhaps even more rare than the TRX so if you wait for a track converted version to come on the market, you’ll be waiting a long time.

However, this is not a particularly desirable motorcycle, despite how rare it is, so a road going version could be picked up for £1000 to £2000.

Slap some sticky rubber on it and this bike is pretty much ready.

Supermotos

The Supermoto really is a step away from the norm here, although I’m sure many of us have seen these noisy beasts on a track day.

They are essentially motocross bikes with smaller wheels and road tyres. For that reason, they are incredibly lightweight and combined with a 400-600 cc single cylinder engine, it can be very difficult to keep the front wheel down.

The Supermoto generally requires a different riding style hence you won’t see too many people planting their knee on the tarmac on one of these. More often they will be ridden like a motocross bike (think weight over the tank and leg sticking out!).

The Supermoto is often a much easier transition for motocross riders, who are used to the tall seating position and long suspension travel.

Straight line speed will suffer but there isn’t much that can go quicker through a tight set of corners. I have to say I’m no slouch on the track and I’ve been undertaken by Supermoto riders on more than one occasion!

Price will vary depending on usual factors such as age, mileage, condition and so on. However if you fancy something very different for the track, a supermoto could present a new challenge.

Your Road Bike!

Our last choice is your very own road bike (if you have one). The number of people I speak to who are reluctant to try their road bike on track is staggering.

Understandably the apprehension of crashing your pride and joy (and for some, their only means of transport) is daunting and possibly a risk not worth taking.

However, I believe this view is taken with the notion that you have to be quick on track.

This couldn’t be farther from the truth. If you’ve done any track days before, you’ll know that the majority of track days are typically split into three groups to cater to your experience level, so you can join the novice group and just take it easy.

All bikes are fast in their own right and you might be amazed at how capable your daily commuter is on the track. Believe it or not, I once saw a Honda Goldwing tearing up the track!

For me, my first track day was on my road going TRX850, on road tyres. I rode to the Cadwell Park, thoroughly enjoyed myself at a steady pace, and then rode home afterwards.

It doesn’t need to be the whole shabbang (race vans, tyres warmers, £10k race components etc) to engage and enjoy yourself.

The only real danger is that you might get hooked!