Monster or SS for DesmoDue!

**Dan** · 23 Jul 07, 08:43 AM

After my recent virgin trackday (Click Here) I now realise I have no track riding talent at all, so it's time to put in some practice me thinks!

Now this question is for you talented DesmoDue folk. I'd like to buy a Duke that maybe one day might enable me to enter DesmoDue, but for the moment I just want to use it for trackdays so I can gain some experience. The big question is what bike to buy; the Monster or the Super Sport? My heart is set on the SS as I like the fairing look (even though crashing it would cause more expense), however looks aside is there any discernible benefit of one bike over the other?

**zimbo** · 23 Jul 07, 11:30 AM

I've ridden both on circuit Dan, I think I'd probably look out for an SS as well. Fairings aren't expensive, a full race fairing (4 part) from Ricambi Weiss in Germany, in white fibreglass, is £120 delivered. The SS is probably a little less expensive to convert to race use as well, not much init though.
Handling wise the SS is a little harder to turn but holds a very stable line through the faster corners, the monster has more neutral handling and flicks more easily. There's a lot more room to move about on the monster, the SS forces you to either be on the bike or hanging off the side, the tank has corners that get in the way otherwise, not necessarily a bad thing as you're forced into hanging off properly!
Performance wise, very little in it, either would be competitive.
There's a steady trickle of race prepped bikes become available, especially towards the end of the season, this may be an easy option for you? Going rate for a fully race prepped and proven bike is around £1500 - £2000 depending on spec.
You're welcome to have a go on mine if you like!

**Dan** · 23 Jul 07, 04:26 PM

Thanks Zimbo, the price sounds about right for me, but is it wise to buy a secondhand race bike that's been flogged around the track hundreds of times or should I look out for one that's been carefully polished year after year in a nice warm garage and do the modifications over time, after all I wouldn't even consider entering something like DesmoDue for at least a year untill I gain a little more track experience?

Also the reason I'm considering the latter option is because at least for the moment I'd like to be able to ride the bike on the road as well as the track.

**zimbo** · 23 Jul 07, 06:39 PM

If you want it on the road then a road bike may be the better option, most race bikes have been stripped of all that heavy road stuff! It's just easy to get on a prepped bike and ride it, reliability isn't an issue and the suspension and brakes should be sorted for you plus high level exhaust, repositioned foot controls, airbox / filter mods, dynojet kit, race bodywork supplied, all lockwiring etc already done!

**phillc** · 23 Jul 07, 06:52 PM

I can verify that an SS fairing will withstand a number of reasonably low speed crashes. Just tape it up with Duck Tape and away you go again!

**Bananaduke** · 23 Jul 07, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillc

. Just tape it up with Duck Tape and away you go again!

Shouldnt that be Duke tape

Ill get my coat

**Dan** · 24 Jul 07, 06:57 AM

I guess it's going to be the best offer that comes my way first then. Presumably all I need to get the track bike road legal would be some indicators and lights, assuming the loom hasn't been hacked up?

Thanks for the info Zimbo and sorry to hear you have the above advice phillc.

Better start looking for a credit card!

**zimbo** · 24 Jul 07, 07:38 AM

Most of the DD bikes still have their standard loom fitted, just all lights removed plus horn and sidestand, the left hand switchgear is usually also removed (lights, indicators) as it's not required but that is easilly reinstalled! Just make sure the bike you buy has the standard loom intact and just thas the connectors taped over!

**harriebird** · 24 Jul 07, 07:38 AM

don't forget the horn Dan

you dont even need lights if you get a daylight MOT. but you do need a horn

**trouty** · 24 Jul 07, 08:06 AM

horn can be a squeeze honky horn if you wish, as far as mot goes. you'll also need a numberplate and reflector.

i would buy race prepped. dont bother riding it on the road, just get some trackdays in.

**Dan** · 24 Jul 07, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trouty

i would buy race prepped. dont bother riding it on the road, just get some trackdays in.

It does seem like the easier option, just wish I lived a little closer to a track. It's the expense of getting to the track that's the hassle. It would also go months without any track time stuck in a garage, then go from one extreme to the other, not exactly engine friendly.

Does a track bike need an MOT? Obviously it doesn't need tax, and insurance on a £1,500 bike that you're using on the track seems pointless as crashes aren't going to be covered, but do you still require it for third party reasons? And Log-Books, I assume all race bikes have V5's?

**harriebird** · 24 Jul 07, 08:30 AM

you dont need an MOT it just needs to not have bits dropping off it for a trackday, and to get through scrutineering for a race!

i'm not sure on teh V5 position i think. i think an engine number/chassis number needs to be visible but other than that i'm not sure. sadly a lot of stolen bikes end up as trackbikes so i guess its a case of buyer beware.

i am looking at fire/theft insurance for my race bike (i.e. going missing out of my van overnight, especially since someone recently took a crowbar to my van door

fortunately the van was empty and they must have got disturbed because they didnt get into the van) but while some companies will do trackday insurance, i'd guess they are a bit high on excesses and things

i dont think you need TP insurance.... hoep not anyway

**trouty** · 24 Jul 07, 08:34 AM

dont buy a production based race bike without a v5.

the only bikes that would be safe to buy without a v5 are gp bikes, as they arent proddy bikes.

If the seller gives you some spout about the frame having come straight from the factory blah blah blah then walk away. theres loads of bikes out there, dont be the one to buy the stolen bike and have it taken away by the police.

**zimbo** · 24 Jul 07, 12:07 PM

Basically Dan no, a track bike does not require an MOT, tax or insurance. Most are still road registered and kept on SORN, renewed annually.

**Multimental** · 24 Jul 07, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

Quote:

Originally Posted by trouty

i would buy race prepped. dont bother riding it on the road, just get some trackdays in.

It does seem like the easier option, just wish I lived a little closer to a track. It's the expense of getting to the track that's the hassle. It would also go months without any track time stuck in a garage, then go from one extreme to the other, not exactly engine friendly.

Does a track bike need an MOT? Obviously it doesn't need tax, and insurance on a £1,500 bike that you're using on the track seems pointless as crashes aren't going to be covered, but do you still require it for third party reasons? And Log-Books, I assume all race bikes have V5's?

Can't you borrow a 'van' from work. that will help keep your costs down. :wink: