Track Day Bikes – 600cc Classics

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Dale Vinten

Towards the end of last year we took a look at five classic track day cars that would satiate anyone’s need to go racing. But what if you’re hankering after some weekend fun on two wheels rather than four? Well, you’re in luck because we thought we would write a similar article but feature track day bikes instead of cars. We know what you’re thinking, though; January is hardly the time to be leaning a bike over in the corners of a potentially wet and slippery race track, with all of the low-side disasters that that entails. And you’d be right, but, pick out your steed of choice now and by the time spring comes around – bringing that glorious motorcycling weather with it – you’ll have prepped the thing and got it dialled in, ready for racing.

Of course, there’s nothing to stop you riding your road bike to the track and cracking on but then you run the risk of potentially putting it out of action if you have a (some would argue inevitable) spill, rendering it unrideable. A purpose-built track bike, therefore, is the way forward in our eyes and depending on the initial condition of your weapon of choice there will likely be plenty to be getting on with in the meantime. With everything from a full service to potential repairs, tuning and picking the right tyres you’ll be elbow deep in tools and parts before you know it. That means budget also comes into play and so we’ve curated this list with that in mind. Those dog days of summer, perfect for riding, will be upon us sooner than you realise so go and have a read of our motorcycle track days lowdown and then come back to discover our pick of five affordable 600cc-ish bikes that are fit for the track.

Honda CB500

classic bike, motoring, automotive, car and classic, carandclassic.co.uk, track day, track bikes, track day motorcycles, track day classics, racing, Honda CB500, Suzuki SV-650, Honda CB600F, Susuki GSX-R600, Yamaha R6Honda’s dinky twin cylinder may be getting a little long in the tooth now (OK, very long) but that doesn’t mean it can’t still make for a great track bike. It’s no stranger to racing either with the Honda CB500 Cup – now known as the Thundersport 500 – having its inaugural race way back in 1996. This also means that there are plenty of track-prepped CB500s out there that have had all of the necessary fettling completed already. Even if you’re buying a vanilla bike to set up yourself they are cheap as chips, incredibly easy to work on and there are plenty of parts still available. It may only have 60bhp on tap but thanks to its sharp handling and that famous Honda reliability it makes a fantastic starter track bike and even though they perhaps won’t admit it, many a 1000cc rider has been embarrassed in the corners by a CB500. If it was good enough for James Toseland then who are we to argue?

Suzuki SV-650

classic bike, motoring, automotive, car and classic, carandclassic.co.uk, track day, track bikes, track day motorcycles, track day classics, racing, Honda CB500, Suzuki SV-650, Honda CB600F, Susuki GSX-R600, Yamaha R6There’s a reason why the SV-650 is perennially popular as a learner bike as well as a first ‘big bike’ (I myself took my test on one); they are easy to get to grips with and ride. Predictable handling and lively performance make it a strong track bike contender and there are plenty of decent examples out there to choose from. Much like the CB500 above they are cheap, robust and easy to spanner on. Not only that but race bits are readily available thanks in part to the Mini Twin Racing Series for four-stroke twins under 650cc. From performance exhausts to race fairing and uprated suspension, there are myriad ways for you to prep and set up your SV-650 for the track. It’s a great all-rounder and perfect foe those on a budget.

Honda CBR 600F

classic bike, motoring, automotive, car and classic, carandclassic.co.uk, track day, track bikes, track day motorcycles, track day classics, racing, Honda CB500, Suzuki SV-650, Honda CB600F, Susuki GSX-R600, Yamaha R6Honda’s second entry on the list and more of a mini racer than the CB500 (or indeed the naked Suzuki SV-650), the CBR 600F is a genuinely good 600cc sports bike. The strong and revvy four-cylinder engine likes to be pushed and a fully-prepped track version will be more than enough for most to fulfil their racing ambitions. Either the steel or alloy-framed bikes will perform well but the steelies can withstand a little more punishment and can be massaged back into shape should the need arise after being thrown into the gravel and flipped at speed. Again, there’s nothing to worry about with regards to parts availability (thanks in part to the aforementioned crashing), service requirements or indeed ease of tuning and the CBR 600 is another cheap and reliable way into motorcycle track days.

Yamaha R6

classic bike, motoring, automotive, car and classic, carandclassic.co.uk, track day, track bikes, track day motorcycles, track day classics, racing, Honda CB500, Suzuki SV-650, Honda CB600F, Susuki GSX-R600, Yamaha R6Touted as the daddy of the supersport 600s (and rightly so if you ask us) the Yamaha YZF-R6 changed the game upon its release in ’99. With just shy of 110bhp it was the first 600cc production four-stroke to produce over 100 horsepower and subsequently set the trend for the competition, while also being continually updated and refined over the years. No matter the day or track you’re bound to see R6s in their droves which is proof of their immense capabilities as track day bikes and their popularity means there are plenty available whatever your budget and spec list. Later bikes will obviously be more expensive but then they also come packed with more tech and more power. Whichever one you choose, however, with almost perfect weight distribution, razor-sharp handling and that powerful four-cylinder engine there’s not a lot out there in this class that can beat an R6 with good rubber and a competent rider wringing its neck.

Suzuki GSX-R

classic bike, motoring, automotive, car and classic, carandclassic.co.uk, track day, track bikes, track day motorcycles, track day classics, racing, Honda CB500, Suzuki SV-650, Honda CB600F, Susuki GSX-R600, Yamaha R6The GSX-R, with that instantly recognisable blue and white colour scheme, has plenty of power (there’s always the 750 for those who need a little extra oomph) and a more race-inspired geometry thanks partly to the RGV500 GP bike that influenced it, making it an extremely proficient track bike. Looking like a race bike before even setting rubber on circuit the GSX-R600’s 90-odd horsepower, four-cylinder engine is a fantastic unit and as long as you keep the revs up in that beautifully screamy power band then you’ll be treated to many, many laps of exciting racing. That’s not to say the mid-range torque is lacking though. Far from it. They are very accomplished track day bikes and whilst not quite as bleeding edge as the R6 above it’s a more than capable introduction to four-cylinder racing.

Any one of the five track day bikes on this list will not only be an affordable way into motorcycle track days but also bags of fun to ride when you get there. By keeping costs down and not putting your pride and joy at risk you’ll be more inclined to push yourself when riding, therefore progressing at a faster rate. Before you know it you’ll be one of those riders we mentioned earlier, grazing past 1000cc bikes on the outside of a corner with a huge grin on your face. Speaking of which, stay tuned for our pick of 1000cc options in the future.

Tempted to try one of these? Here’s where you can find our current selection of motorbikes for sale.

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