So...I'm going to sign up for a track class (see my near-ticket experience thread if you want to know why ). Do any of you have frame sladers on your GS's? Where'd you get 'em, which are best, where'd you mount 'em?

Also, would you recommend getting a sandcast engine casing cover? I've heard that the stock ones can get ground down pretty quickly in a slide (not that I'm planning to lowside) and can leak fluid on the track.

What else do I need to do? The track has a list of stuff (i.e.: tape mirrors, brake light, etc.), but I want to get the bike in the best shape for my class.

I'll take the class this summer and think about turning it into a real race bike if I like the experience (which I will) and when I get another street bike to replace the GS with.

spend the $50 and get the factory Suzuki case guards
no sand cast items

spend money in order below...

good tires
good front brake pads
SS brake line
fork springs/oil
gsxr shock

what I learned many yrs ago
ride it....
when YOU notice a problem....
fix it

I have seen frame sliders, KevinC had a set on his bike. I may have the web link at home. They mounted at the upper front motor mounts, replacing the stock bolt. The best bet would be to put on a aluminum case cover on the right side (about $70). It will protect the ignition rotor as well. Don't worry about the left side, they are thick enough for a few grinds.
Who are you taking the track day with? They should have the minimum requirement for bike prep. Safety wire oil drain plug & oil filter are usually required. Good fresh rubber and good brake pads. Take off mirrors, turn signals, center & side stand. Remove anything else you don't want to get damaged. If taping over lights, unplug the bulb, the tape will come off easier. If you are planning on converting your GS into a track only bike, there is a lot more street crap that can be removed. Don't forget about your gear as well.

Wild Hair has some frame sliders for the GS:

http://www.whaccessories.com/Fairing%20protector%20met%20list.htm

There has been talk of the Suzuki frame protectors touching down, not sure if that is real or not. They are big and heavy in any case.

The little round ignition cover is pretty vulnerable, and it is possible to damage your ignition system if it breaks. There are nice machined ones for sale in the For Sale area. I don't think there are any other heavier engine cases available for the GS, and it doesn't really seem like they are required.

I have a tested set of the Strada sliders. It replaces the front engine mounting bolt. One slider has been ground down. I cleaned it up the end and installed a 1/2" thick piece of HDPE. $30 plus shipping if anyone is interested.

anywhere else i can get sliders for the GS???
i want to protect the engine in case of a spill...but dont' want the ugly black frames...

hey Kevin...what are the sliders you're talking about??

If you click the link in my post above, they have a photo of them on a GS.

They are nice looking sliders. If Veg doesn't want them, I will take them. I forgot about them. If/when I start racing I would have to list you as a sponsor..."Spares by KevinC"  

I was going to take it with 2-fast.org (at Pacific International Raceways).

I'll get frame sliders, a caseguard, new tires (but a set that will still work on the street), and front pads.

Later (since I'm taking a class, not racing), I'll look into ss brake lines, a rear shock and prog. springs. Thanks All!

Quote from: werase643spend money in order below...

good tires
good front brake pads
SS brake line
fork springs/oil
gsxr shock

Because this will be your first track day, I wouldn't worry about spending much unless you're already aware of a problem.  If you're like most, you'll be fairly slow your first few times on the track so decent tread on your present tires will be fine.

You'll find out what I mean about 'slow' when you're in the middle of a corner going about as fast as you think possible when some kid comes sailing by on a street enduro with knobbies going about 30 mph faster, waving and smiling.  

My first track day happened many years ago at Willow Springs in Calif.  One thing I remember was that they required having the drain plug safety wired.  Things may have changed on  this point.  Back then, it more common for things to fall off motorcycles.

Have fun.  

OS

question here, i dont want to sound like a total dumba$$, but,i was thinking about setting mine up as well for racing/track usage. pertaining to safety wiring , correct me if i am wrong, but the wire goes through the bolts yes?, so does one use the factory bolts or get new bolts with bigger/taller heads.
thanx

Quote from: yamahonkawazukiquestion here, i dont want to sound like a total dumba$$, but,i was thinking about setting mine up as well for racing/track usage. pertaining to safety wiring , correct me if i am wrong, but the wire goes through the bolts yes?, so does one use the factory bolts or get new bolts with bigger/taller heads.
thanx

Generally, you'd use the stock bolts.  I used a drill press to drill the hole through the drain plug head and a hand drill to drill the hole in one of the cooling fins.  I've seen people drill the holes using a vice to hold the bolt.  

There is an art to safety wiring. Nice safety wiring looks very cool.

Check this site for details:

http://www.whizwheels.com/Tips/safetywiring.html

I would bump getting the front forks set up for track riding above the sliders or guards.

Doing something to avoid falling down in the first place, is better than dealing with it afterwards...

hey thanks for the quick reply oldsport, and vegbiker, when you go, post some pics when you return

If anyone needs a pair, I have a box of safety wire pliers for sale at $12 each plus shipping. They are the larger 9" pliers.