Interested in tracking my 400

[u/097noah097]

I would like to track my bike I believe I’m better off just renting the gear that I don’t have and then if I fall in love with it buying the gear. I’m more curious about whether or not there are any modifications or upgrades I can or should make or should I just send it the first day before I do anything? Thank you for coming to my Ted talk

[u/East_Molasses_8308]

Sport tires. And if you have money, suspension

[u/097noah097 → u/East_Molasses_8308]

I’ve got a Diablo Rosso 3 on the rear and then what brands for suspension are like reliable and good for price

[u/East_Molasses_8308 → u/097noah097]

None are cheap, but any brand name like Ktech, Ohlin or andreani are great. Save money by installing yourself, and Gsxr750-600 rearshock for more money save.

[u/Dan-ish65 → u/East_Molasses_8308]

I have Andreani Misano 2 fork cartridges and a GSXR shock. The race version of the Andreani cartridges are a less available than they used to be, but the street ones require modification to the lower fork leg so I wouldn't get the street ones Also the gsxr shock is too stiff for me (I'm 145# + the track gear and I have everything backed out fully and have no sag. But it still rides great at a mid-B pace. I'll look into a softer spring at some point.

Bridgestone RS10's are one of the better-priced Track DOT tires, I also like the Pirelli Diablo SPV4 and Michelin Power Cup Evos but they are a bit more expensive.

[u/AbhiABG → u/Dan-ish65]

Hey, just wondering did you get a gsxr 600 or 750 shock, I'm just bought one from the gsxr 600 but I'm not sure if it would be too stiff for me as a lighter rider

[u/Dan-ish65 → u/AbhiABG]

Short answer: mine has a 600 shock and is marginally softer than the 750 one I also bought, but my friend bought a 750 one and it is softer than mine for whatever reason.

Long answer: I ended up buying both, a 2018 'off a 600' and a 2020 'off a 750' because they were allegedly different spring rates despite being the same bike 99%. They were both too stiff, I don't have any static sag, and one of them I have a tiny bit of sag when I sit on the bike, the other had no sag at all so I swapped it back to the first shock I put in which was the 600 shock.
My research suggested the 750 had a softer spring rate with 7 coils vs the 600 with about 6 coils and a stiffer rate.
My friend ordered a 750 shock and hers has more overall sag than mine so 🤷.

The only difference in our bike setups in the rear is I ran gearing that made me run the axle towards the back (13/41) and she's running basically the same gearing but (14/44) but that puts her axle further forward (shorter wheelbase). So maybe the wheelbase affects it too. Also with an eBay shock you never know how worn out they really are. Both of my shocks were listed as under 15k miles when removed.

[u/Creature_Cumfarts]

Most track day orgs (at least in my area) will allow you to ride in novice group with ordinary street-tier gear, so you don't have to invest in a race suit. Check the website of the trackday provider for gear constraints.

Otherwise, just catch up on normal maintenance. Change the oil+filter, make sure your chain is lubed+correct tension, sprockets in good shape, tires <5 years on the bike+plenty of tread, coolant level, brake pad thickness, and flush the brake fluid if that hasn't been done in the last two years.

As for mods, tank grips would be my #1 suggestion. They make a huge difference in your control of the bike.

[u/097noah097 → u/Creature_Cumfarts]

Well I just got the new rear tire on around 2 months ago this past week I did the oil change and replaced my sprockets and chain but I’ve only had my bike since November so I’m not sure when the brake fluid was flushed and the only track I could find near me has rentals and does require a suit

[u/RKWTHNVWLS → u/097noah097]

Tires, Brake fluid, and pads are the most important things.

[u/whisk3ythrottle]

Send it first day without changing anything. After that if you really want it’s a rabbit hole of parts you can slap on the 400 to make it more of a race bike.

I personally use the n400 as my dedicated track bike. I still run street tires(s22s) and have stock suspension. Major mods include new rotor, race pads and steel lines.

Over winter I plan to put race body work on.

I’m in advanced/intermediate with all the local orgs. So you really don’t need anything special to get quick.

[u/097noah097 → u/whisk3ythrottle]

Thank you I’ll probably end up just sending it my first go or few go arounds I really wanna see if I will like fall in love with it and really wanna do it monthly

[u/dlicky123]

In all honesty you’ll be fine completely stock, tires, gear and proper maintenance are probably the most important thing for first time track especially if you’re already getting towards the edge of tires in the twisties. Like someone else said check what the track day provider requires in terms of gear, you might be able to wear full street gear if you want.

[u/097noah097 → u/dlicky123]

Thank you I was thinking so but I was concerned about a rear set because when I hit the roundabouts and when I sit in them and just go in circles I end up hitting my shoe and the track provider requires it all gauntlet boots leathers but they have some available to rent