New Bike for me as well :)

[bigsheep_imp]

As I've shared my track experiences on the CB1100 before, I finally pulled the trigger on a dedicated track bike. The CB was a lot of fun on the track, but I didn't like putting it through that kind of wear and tear, and I would be broken hearted if I watched its beautiful paint and chrome slide across the blacktop or worse....

With some research and expert advice I decided to keep my eyes out for a 2001-2006 CBR600 F4I. Last weekend after the Toronto Motorcycle Show I went to see a 2002 CBR600F4I with 48km on it. The bike starts right away, sounds good running and the brakes and tires are in good condition.

As I'm a new rider most insurance companies won't touch me on a 600 super sport and those that will want serious $$$$. So I've decided not to plate or insure it and to bring it to the track on a trailer. I've already booked a track school and a few track days here in Southern Ontario.

Can't wait for the weather to get here!

[the Ferret]

Wow that will be very different than the CB1100, but no doubt a lot of fun on a track. Congrats!

[tinboatcapt_imp]

You will have a much greater experience with the dedicated race bike than flogging a street bike around a track. I have been touring on liter+ bikes for many years, but the Suzi GS500 I rode in the Ultralight class was a blast. One word of caution, Middleweight Novice class is organized madness. It is a combination of very fast bikes, and inexperienced riders. Your choice to take the track school is exactly the right path.
Jim

[Nortoon_imp]

I rode with a chap that had a CBR600 F4I when I owned my CB500X. He kept offering to switch bikes. But telling me the fun started at 8,000 RPMs made me pause.

At a gas stop, he offered again and I was tempted. But a young squid jumped out of his pick-up and ran over to tell us he had one of these and loved it. Then he went on to say he hit a young lady driving a small car and killed her. I can't image how fast he had to be going to do that.

He claims it was her fault. But her family sued him and takes a large part of his salary every month. The Providence of Ontario has no fault insurance, so obviously he was at fault and criminally responsible for the accident. He went on to say it took two years and many surgeries to repair his body. But I noticed he still limped.

Needless to say I never rode the CBR600 F4I and the owner never asked me again.

[tinboatcapt_imp]

My son bought a GSXR 600 as a first bike when he was living in LA. He survived the experience riding the canyons with only scratched leathers. He is currently searching for a low mileage FJR.

The real issue is common sense. Jumping onto a machine capable of, in excess of 160 mph, places some responsibility on the rider. Remember, that bike will also run very nicely at 30 mph.

Just my two cents. I'm off my soap box now.
Jim

[Jvanvuren_imp]

You will learn a lot on the track that will make you a better street rider as well. Glad to hear you've booked the track school too!

[PowerDubs_imp]

When I was in my 20's the 600 class sportbikes were very popular, and if you had a 750 it was hot stuff- much less the rarely seen 900.

These days I see a *TON* of young kids on 1000cc rockets- which are only going up in power and down in weight.

[bigsheep_imp]

I rode beginner class last year. There were a couple 300’s, a few sv650’s a ton of 600cc super sports and a Ducati Panigale. The CB would lap the 300’s, hang with the SV650 and get passed by the 600’s. I didn’t really care that I was being passed, I was having the time of my life on The track. The closest thing to a super sport I’ve ridden so far is a Honda VFR 800 which compared to the cb had quite a bit more power and grip and was feather light to steer. The cbr600 makes similar power and is lighter than the vfr.

The riders at the track are great. Very helpful and knowledgeable and very great riders. The track is clear of gravel. There are no trees or guard rails, traffic coming the other way, speed limits or cops.

I have no desire to get the cbr600 on the street. The cb is already more than I can use on the city streets and highways. Even 20km/hr over the posted limits for corners comes no where near the limit of the cb’s handling. Why would I need more of what I cannot use? Also at the track sessions are short, 15-20 minutes for the most part around here. I like that I can get on the cb and just ride for a few hours and be quite comfortable. I think 40 minutes would be my limit on the cbr for comfort.
I’ll post some pics when I get out there scraping knee pucks.

[SCCBrider_imp]

I have done many track days on a CBR600RR. You are doing yourself a favor by not plating it, plus taking on a trailer is a great idea. If you do lay it down, you have a way to get home. I miss doing it, and have thought about doing it again, but I don't have a lot of time these days.

[bigsheep_imp]

The savings on insurance over the year is paying for my track days. I’m a school teacher so July and August I can hit the weekday track days that are cheap and less attended.