I just got back from my first track day at California Speedway's infield course.  While afternoon rain cut short the day, I still was able to get in several sessions and work with an instructor one on one on cornerning lines.  I could feel my confidence building as I pushed the bike progressively harder throught the sessions, but unfortunately with the day cut short, I only learned about half what I otherwise could have (no rain refund either )

Here are a couple observation:

-  Although the GS is way down on power and most of my Group 1 were riding liter bikes, it didn't matter too much; I could catch a lot of the bigger bikes in the turns, passing some on the drive out onto the short back straights.  Of course they would catch me again on the front straight (not always passing me though ), but in this way I started playing a game of cat and mouse with  some larger bikes which was lots of fun and had me grinning inside my helmet.

-  Pirelli Supercorsa tires kick ass. My tires along with the suspension mods and low clip-ons have really improved the bikes handling.  I am running a 150/60 rear on a stock rim and it wasn't a problem, although I did notice a little fall-in while leaned over in turn 9 (decreasing radius).  Once the tire starts to wear though, I may start looking at the 140 Bridgestone.  (I don't want any Pablo situations!)

-  I am feeling the itch again for more power, which is frustrating because more power equals more money.  Although I love the GS for its great handling in low-midspeed corners, I find that the bike really shows its power deficiency in high-speed sweepers and straights (also, on the street,   the freeway.)  

Now I find I'm in a predicament.  On the one hand, I have a good bit of money and a ridiculous amount of time already into my GS, and I'm about a front fairing and set of rear-sets away from it becoming a real racebike. But on the other, I'd like a sub-500cc bike with maybe 60-80hp. (about what my CBR600 F1 had, but with less weight and better handling)


Adam

BTW, if the SoCal people are interested in doing a spring track day, we should look into it.  Would be a blast to have our own "spec series." [/i]

yeah, it seems to blow mental fuses when a little gs goes flitting on by a hyperbike in corners, specialy when they KNOW their bikes are faster then yours. alot of times it helps them to make mistakes and it rattles thier cages alittle. either way its a ball. the tight tracks are the most fun, thats why i love my cloverleaf play area, i piss off so many 600-750 cc owners in those turns. i out brake them into the turn and start walkin away in the turn and get alittle jump out, but they catch and often pass me in the short straight, but i always pull up next to them again in the second turn, both turns are 270 degree ramp turns, one down, and one up. most of them also tuck in tight at entrance to the turn, as they dont like drifting out where the arrows/signs line the outside of the turn, this is where i get them on outbrakeing them, i can go wider then they can and scrub off alittle speed on outside. i cross them up front and often end up passing another guy on inside comeing out of the turn. its the bomb.

Sounds like a great time Adam. Its fun showing up the big boys on our little gs isn't it?

<< sub-500cc bike with maybe 60-80hp>>
Not sure of the actual HP but doesnt this describe a fzr400?

<<Not sure of the actual HP but doesnt this describe a fzr400?>>

Yes, exactly.  I think my thoughts were influenced by a nice looking orange FZR 400 that I spent some time looking at this afternoon.  I think the FZR makes about 60-70hp depending on tune.  More complicated to work on than the GS, though.  

There is a cool-looking RGV250 sitting at a small motorcycle repair shop near me that supposedly has a street title and has 14K (Km) but I don't think I can afford it.  Although that would also meet the description, be a blast to ride, and interchanges engine parts with the Aprilia 250s.  

BTW One of my instructors today started riding and racing on a 1993 GS500 before moving on to finish 8th overall in WSMC last year.  
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FZR400's make 50hp stock.

From the FZR archives:


When the aluminum framed Yamaha FZR400 made its debut in 1988, everyone raved about the bike's ultraquick and precise handling, its light weight, the crisp brakes--but they weren't as excited about the FZR's motor. Despite revving to a then-astronomical 13,500 rpm, the little 399cc powerplant couldn't crank out more than 65 or so horsepower in stock form, leaving some riders wishing for a bit more in the propulsion department.

How bout the Bandit 400?

From the WERA race forum:

   Question...if you allow a superstock Bandit 400, do you also allow a superstock FZR400?

-- Comparing the Bandit to the FZR is like comparing a SecaII to an R6...

Bandit 400 makes about 54hp stock.  My friend had one with a full Yoshi system and I rode it up the east coast from DC to Boston two summers ago.  It's a fun bike with good handling and more power than the GS.  But parts can be difficult to come by.  You should be able to get one in good condition for a couple hundred more than a comparable GS.  (I think the Bandit was only sold here in 1991 and 1992)  You can also easily put clip-ons on the Bandit's 41mm forks without headlight mods with makes it even more sporty.

Adam

Bridgestone BT090 are an awesome tire. Heat up quick and plenty of stick. Good life out of them as well. Fairly inexpensive, I get them for $236/set mounted. Get an extra set of wheels so you have a set for the street and one for the track. Don't worry about the straights, the fun is in the turns anyway. I have had people come up thinking it's an SV but I love the look on their face when I tell them it's a GS500. I was able to get past several SV riders once I learned the track.

I found this on another forum.  I'm the third rider heading into the turn.

Very cool, I am so jealous
That pic is almost big enough for an avatar.
What group was running the show ?

Fastrack Riders.  

I've been doing some research and it seems that the cheapest company is MTC trackdays, but they seem to only run track days at Willow/Streets of Willow.  Fastrack was convenient for me because Cal Speedway is only 15min away, and I could ride there.  I think I was the only guy who rode in, though.

Quote from: Adam RFastrack Riders.  

I've been doing some research and it seems that the cheapest company is MTC trackdays, but they seem to only run track days at Willow/Streets of Willow.  Fastrack was convenient for me because Cal Speedway is only 15min away, and I could ride there.  I think I was the only guy who rode in, though.

I did 3 track days one summer on my BMW K100RS (inline WC 4cyl 1000cc). Rode it to the track about 40-50 miles. going to the track was easy, but comming home was something else.....Try to do 35-40mph after all day of over 100! Beemer was pretty heavy, but handled great! Awsome brakes and 130mph top end!
During my last track day that summer, a buddy let me ride his race-only Honda Hawk ( seriously built 700cc V-twin) and I was hooked. Within 2 weeks I had a race bike. EX500. After few months of racing, I quit riding on the street.....just kind of lost the thrill.
Its been 5 years now and I'm ready to try the streets again. Finally getting the street/touring bug again.

I came across this Honda Hawk.  I think the front fairing would look quite good on a GS.




Adam