In April I turn 30 and I finally finish Grad School. I want to commemorate this experience by putting my 80cb750c on the track. Right now it runs. The carbs need to be sinced but it looks pretty regular. What I would like to know is how much would i need to invest to get a bike like this track worthy for a beginner. From my limited track understanding, my focus should be on brakes, tires, and suspension. If i can get it to handle well I will go faster. I has mag wheels and single disc in the front and a drum in the back. The suspension is stock and the tires are dry rotted. Any Ideas?
Building my 80 CB750c for a track day
- Thread starter thaglyde
- Start date
New tires. Other members might have some recommendations on that. I've never taken mine on the track.
Rear suspension: Look at Hagon shocks or Progressive 1204s
Front suspension: Progressive 1106 springs, or Racetech springs and fork emulators. Also consider a steering damper.
Replace the bearings in your wheels and steering neck with quality components. Also look at the swingarm bushings and needle bearings. These components have more of an effect on handling than most people think. If yours are worn, expect it to wobble at speed.
Along with syncing the carbs, tighten the cam chain and adjust your valve clearances.
This bike is a pig, at over 540 pounds wet. Do what you can to trim off some of that weight. It's not exactly an ideal track bike, but at the very least you will have a much better handling machine if you do the above recommendations.
Rear suspension: Look at Hagon shocks or Progressive 1204s
Front suspension: Progressive 1106 springs, or Racetech springs and fork emulators. Also consider a steering damper.
Replace the bearings in your wheels and steering neck with quality components. Also look at the swingarm bushings and needle bearings. These components have more of an effect on handling than most people think. If yours are worn, expect it to wobble at speed.
Along with syncing the carbs, tighten the cam chain and adjust your valve clearances.
This bike is a pig, at over 540 pounds wet. Do what you can to trim off some of that weight. It's not exactly an ideal track bike, but at the very least you will have a much better handling machine if you do the above recommendations.
I would blow as much money as you can on suspension. Rear shocks: Ohlins, Ikons, maaaaybe Hagons. I'll respectfully disagree with flatcurve and say Progressives are shit. But a big +1 on Race Tech up front, especially cartridge emulators.
Shave as much weight off the bike as you possibly can...
And...boy I could go on for days. Ya know, setting up a bike like this for the track proper is going to be a lot more work than just customizing it to your tastes... just saying.
Shave as much weight off the bike as you possibly can...
And...boy I could go on for days. Ya know, setting up a bike like this for the track proper is going to be a lot more work than just customizing it to your tastes... just saying.
Ringo,
I already have a Harley in the garage and im limited by my Boss to only two bikes. I already have this cb that I havent put on the street yet so i decided to do this one up and ride it around on my day to day instead of riding the harley all the time. I understand progressives are the first step in suspension and there are much better out there but since my budget isnt endless I may go that route and upgrade at a later date. I have stock bars on there which made me feel like a dork when i took it around the block the first time. Is there a suggested bar? Do i have to go clip ons or clubmans or would a street tracker bar due fine?
I already have a Harley in the garage and im limited by my Boss to only two bikes. I already have this cb that I havent put on the street yet so i decided to do this one up and ride it around on my day to day instead of riding the harley all the time. I understand progressives are the first step in suspension and there are much better out there but since my budget isnt endless I may go that route and upgrade at a later date. I have stock bars on there which made me feel like a dork when i took it around the block the first time. Is there a suggested bar? Do i have to go clip ons or clubmans or would a street tracker bar due fine?
Eh, bars are a personal preference thing. Clip-ons are ideal, but then rear sets would be nice with low bars. I've seen track bikes with all kinds of bars. Heck, if it passes inspection, you might be able to take it on the track (almost) as is. If budget's tight, start with the free stuff: a diet. Lose everything you don't need. Everything.
You've got a good start with your desired changes, "brakes, tires, and suspension", just add weight loss, bracing (frame and forks) and of course, power ($). The further you can take each of these ideas, the more fun you'll have and the better you'll do. Dedicated track bikes come about by heavy modding, and that equals money most of the time...
You've got a good start with your desired changes, "brakes, tires, and suspension", just add weight loss, bracing (frame and forks) and of course, power ($). The further you can take each of these ideas, the more fun you'll have and the better you'll do. Dedicated track bikes come about by heavy modding, and that equals money most of the time...
My suggestion is, make it safe first, and then just ride it. If it needs shocks... fix them. Needs tires... replace them.
You can sit and pick out all the "go fast goodies" you want, but the fact is, if you've never been to a trackday, you're not going to notice much (if any at all) difference between good operating stock shocks and aftermarket shocks. Or good street tires and race spec tires.
Go get some seat time on the track, and as your skills progress, upgrade parts as needed.
I've been to a few bike trackdays, and I autocrossed cars for several years. The above is just my .02, take it for whatever you think it's worth
You can sit and pick out all the "go fast goodies" you want, but the fact is, if you've never been to a trackday, you're not going to notice much (if any at all) difference between good operating stock shocks and aftermarket shocks. Or good street tires and race spec tires.
Go get some seat time on the track, and as your skills progress, upgrade parts as needed.
I've been to a few bike trackdays, and I autocrossed cars for several years. The above is just my .02, take it for whatever you think it's worth
