Craig (Regular)

Tue Sep 30, 2008 1:30 pm

I have both EX250 and SV650 track bikes...

I have both a 2003 track prepped SV650 and two track prepped 2002 EX250s. I ride over 20 track days a year at various West Coast tracks. I have a blast on my 250 while my SV650 mostly sits in the garage gathering dust. I can't remember the last time I even hauled it to the track. That being said I would highly recommend you start with an SV650 as a first track bike.

1. You are comfortable riding an SV650.
2. People go to the track to ride fast and an EX250 will only do 100 miles per hour.
3. SV650s handle well stock and quality upgrades are easy to get, while EX250s need hard to find parts to handle their best.
4. It is easier to run at a track pace on a 650. You will be getting passed by 1000's on your 250 even when you can ride at a fast race pace on it. It's not unsafe on a 250 it is just that most people have more fun passing than being passed.

No matter what bike you pick get the best tires you can for it!!!! I run Dunlop slicks on my SV650 and Pirelli Supercorsa race DOTs on my EX250.

Yes you can run either bike naked at track days however you should consider getting full race bodywork for any bike. If you have a get-off that bodywork is like a big bumper protecting the expensive bits underneath.

The following are lists of mods I have done to my bikes to make them good track bikes. Stuff to consider if you really get into track days or are considering racing. The prices are approximate as I tend to find deals on most of my stuff.

My SV650:
Tires $350
Penske shock $900
GSXR750 front end $500-$1000
Race bodywork $800
EBC brake pads $90
Exhaust - optional

My EX250:
Tires $350
17" wheels $1200
Fox shock - no longer made $200-$400
Shortened dogbones $75
Aftershocks modified front end $400
EBC brake pads $90
Dynojet carb kit $100
Race bodywork - optional
Exhaust -optional
428 chain - optional

As you can see a race winning SV650 can be bolted together in a weekend whereas a high end EX250 needs lots of custom parts.

You are probably thinking right now if the SV650 is so much better why do I prefer the 250 Ninja? On a 250 you can't just twist the throttle and go. Most of the time on the track I have the throttle pinned. Finding the correct line, shift points, braking points are critical for going fast. I enjoy exploring the absolute limits of what a motorcycle is capable of without the extreme speeds of bigger bikes. Perhaps the fact that I am older (started racing in the early '80s) is why I prefer a more sedate ride. I also like the upright riding position of the old school 250 Ninja. No rearsets or clipons for me.

Whichever bike you choose get good tires and go have fun.

Craig

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• Better to Race an EX250 or an SV650? — poorfatjames, Mon Sep 29, 2008 6:00 pm

  • I have both EX250 and SV650 track bikes... — Craig, Tue Sep 30, 2008 1:30 pm

    • Re: I have both EX250 and SV650 track bikes... — DMCCOY, Tue Sep 30, 2008 3:03 pm

  • Everything's better naked... — ithaca00, Mon Sep 29, 2008 7:26 pm