Why on earth would you track a GS500?

[Mk1inCali]

I have pretty giant feet, so I can shift to the stock shifter just fine.  I've got the linkage in storage somewhere, but storage is 300 miles away and I don't care that much.

Your setup looks pretty good though.

[Chanse]

I do need to get a longer shift rod but this was cheap (already available) and easy to do.

[krypto35]

Gs was a LOT of fun on the track.... did my first 3 ever over the last month.  Smudged up the Conti Road Attacks pretty well!  I rode 3 different courses.... NJMP Lightening, Summit Pt Shennandoah, NJMP Thunderbolt.  All three were a blast, and after the first few rounds I was hitting the race line nicely and passing a lot of 600's in the turns....

It feels pretty lame to be getting swollowed in the straights even though you're gunning the throttle... barely enough distance to reach my 110-115 top speed.... so recently I picked up a GSXR 600 for $1800 and I plan to wring the piss out of it.  My goal for doing track days is to precision and lap-times.... I'd LOVE to race someday, but being that I'm already 25.... my years are limited.  For now, trying to work my way up the experience ladder at track days, and don't feel safe doing that on the 500... and I don't imagine taking my RSV to the track anytime soon......

Other than that.... fatter rubber, higher footpegs, and a real front end would give you a great track experience on the GS, and an efficient commuter on Monday morning

I'd love ANY imput from ANYONE regarding getting into racing at my age/ experience level

[tt_four]

I would love to try a track day sometime, but I would only consider it if I knew I could get into a group of people who are also on their first time, or at most their 2nd or 3rd time. Not that I'm a bad rider, but I'd much prefer to know I'm not going to be in anyone's way, or having anyone pass me in a corners when I'm not too comfortable with it yet. I'm not looking to get competative or aggressive. I would just like to know the turns were free of gravel and there weren't any cops ready to pass out tickets.

I'd have a good time on a GS, but I think I'd have more fun on a 600. I definitely wouldn't even want to think of anything bigger than that on a track though. The only reason i'm interested in getting a bigger bike now, is because I'm not really looking to go quite as fast anymore.

[krypto35]

thats exactly what track days are for..... they are run in groups, heats, classes... whatever..... you are grouped by experience..... first timers/beginners are grouped together... there's usually even a group-class you can attend that discusses riding on the track and has an instructor that will lead you around the track your first couple sessions of the day.  NO ONE is allowed to pass in corners until they reach the Experienced Group.

You might get the wrong idea.... No way in HELL do they just open the track for free practice to anyone that shows up.... the track events are structured, monitored, and rules are enforced for safety.... so suck it up and get your ass on the asphalt!  Stop waiting for your friends and DO IT!  I've just done my very first 3 track days, and all alone not knowing anyone until part-way through the day!  Its EASY to make friends at the track... especially when you ride a POS GS500 and can keep up with their egoes

[RyanMidd]

I live in Calgary, Alberta, and the GS is my first bike here so far.

We have a pretty decent track (although its license is being negotiated, with a considered migration elsewhere in the city). However, I am around many more experienced riders who at some time or another were riding a GS -- to the track, on the track, and back home again.

There also used to be a "GS Cup", which got me pretty excited until I learned they stopped doing them around the year 2000, since there weren't enough of them around anymore. Can you imagine, though, entire races composed of GS500 bikes? Gorgeous.

[drowningbird808]

i dont know how good or bad i am at riding but me and my biddies trailored our bikes to deals gap and i found my self with thier license plates in my face the whole time. its funny becasue they always rag on me for have a gs. they all ride newer 600's and one has a newer 1000 and i could of passed them on jsut about every corner. GS POWER

[cstilt]

I've wanted to track my GS for a long time. Finally got at Kat FE that Buddha put on for me, now just need the rear shock and footpegs.
I'm sure it'd do fine for a time or two w/o them, but it's just something on the to do list.

Anyone know any tracks near Johnson City TN. I tried to look but didn't have much luck. When I was in WV I wanted to go to Summit Point but never had the free time. 

And since Deals Gap was brought up. I finally rode rt421 the snake yesterday. It's a very fun road across 2 or 3 mountains near me. I used to run down the 600 in the curves on roads like that one only to be left on the straights. Now I've calmed down. I realized it might suck to highside in the curve with the senic overlook.lol I just keep up a good fun safe pace now.

[The Buddha]

I've wanted to track my GS for a long time. Finally got at Kat FE that Buddha put on for me, now just need the rear shock and footpegs.

Now that you have run it, and sorted it (sorry about that) ...

The kat one I have with your name on it ... well after the construction guys piled it all high against the far wall ... I found it ...
$50 shipped ... its been opened and tested and its got funny functional rebound (tested for sensitivity) and all 100%.

Its relatively new as well. Maybe as new as this century ... 

Cool.
Buddha.

[rohde88]

buddha,
if he doesn't want it, i'll take it!

Ron

I've wanted to track my GS for a long time. Finally got at Kat FE that Buddha put on for me, now just need the rear shock and footpegs.

Now that you have run it, and sorted it (sorry about that) ...

The kat one I have with your name on it ... well after the construction guys piled it all high against the far wall ... I found it ...
$50 shipped ... its been opened and tested and its got funny functional rebound (tested for sensitivity) and all 100%.

Its relatively new as well. Maybe as new as this century ... 

Cool.
Buddha.

[badguy]

Anyone know any tracks near Johnson City TN. I tried to look but didn't have much luck. When I was in WV I wanted to go to Summit Point but never had the free time.  

VIR is a great track and not too far.  Definitely worth the drive.  

Here's their website.

[bill14224]

I agree with ecpreston's opinions completely, but I disagree about one little thing.  Two of my friends have late model Gixxers.  One has a 600, the other a 750.  The 750 is only a few mph faster than the 600.  The 750 has more grunt and weighs a little more.  Other than that, there's barely any difference.  They're both insanely fast.

I think he's taking a good approach to racing.  Until he can wring all the performance possible out of the GS, there's no point in getting a faster bike.  Once he does, he should, and he'll be a better racer for it.  There's no point in biting-off more than you can chew, and learning to ride fast without being able to cover mistakes with the throttle will make you a faster rider.

[Strider]

I'd LOVE to race someday, but being that I'm already 25.... my years are limited. 

So?  I just turned 31 and started racing 2 weeks ago.  If you want to do it go for it!!  There are 40 and 50 year olds out there!!!