[LowRyter]

I've been mighty tempted by the 400RR to be a track bike. What's not to like about a high horsepower, small 4-cyl screamer?? However, I do love the torque big bikes, 2 or 3-cyl have....

I wonder what the dollars and cents amounts to when building a street bike for the track vs purchasing a purpose track bike? I suppose that's why most track bikes start out as wrecked street bikes gotten cheap?

I just bring this up reading about the "Talent Cup". This Kremer company modifies KTM engines and builds a production, scratch built track bike. The cheapest bike is the 690S, 80hp and 280lb, WP suspension and Brembo brakes, $17k. The Talent Cup (350MA) bikes are $22.5k, 55hp and 240lb. Krämer Motorcycles USA - Race-Ready Motorcycles

 

[LowRyter]

To me the Kramer thing just doesn't make any sense.
They have pretty good if not excellent small bike racing now. I like watching the small bikes better than anything else. In a class were they are already cost efficient somewhat.
There are so many guys going to Ninja 400 at the track it's becoming the trend. They are about 1/4 the cost of the big bikes taking them to the track.

I read about a cost comparison of the Ninja and the Kramer Moto America spec bike. The Talent Cup series bike is $24k, but an off-the-shelf, full-spec built Kaw is about $18k. The Kramer is really close to a Moto 3 bike which is of course the goal of the TC. The Kramer is purpose built race bike with all the adjustability for rider and the mechanic to get a footing as a professional racer. The Kramer 690 S-model is a bit cheaper at $18k and more club oriented I would guess.

 

[LowRyter]

Many street bikes don't come with track-worthy suspension, or at least race-worthy suspension, so that's a big expense right there. And myriad "smaller" expenses add up to make a street-track conversion cost prohibitive. My race bike ('21 Aprilia RS 660) cost me about $16k used, but was likely about $25K to build. From good race bodywork, to Ohlins, to brakes, to full titanium exhaust... WAY better to let someone else take that hit and buy used.

That's the advantage the Kremer is selling. Not only does it have race spec suspension and brakes, so is the multi adjustable frame and engine. The race spec bike 690 is $25k, 80hp and 275lb. The track spec bike is $17k 80hp and 285 lb. I have no idea how that compares to your 660. I've already posted the difference in an off the shelf Kaw 400 and the MA Talent Bike.

But certainly for track days a used bike makes a lot of sense. Most of those were wrecked street bikes rebuilt for the track.

I have no dog in this fight. Just posting as matter of interest. I don't know why so many of the manufacturers don't sell race bike versions of their street bikes. I remember when Yamaha sold all those TZ-250 and GYT kits for street bikes.

 

[LowRyter]

I just read that Moto 3 will be changed to 500cc twin spec engine. This blow a hole in the Kramer deal.

 

[LowRyter]

I'm actually pretty happy with setting up the Supersport for Track Days. While it will never be a race bike it has turned out to be a very good Track Day bike, probably why I haven't sold it since I bought the S1000RR.
I haven't had to do a lot to the Supersport to get it where it performs to my liking. Working with Dave Moss has helped tremendously. Rear sets, Front fork springs N set-up and rear tire size change is about it. The only thing I'd like now to do is the exhaust but that's a warranty issue with Ducati. Since I have already had an engine replacement I don't want to void my warranty but saving 9 LBs sure is enticing. I'll be paying close attention to what Teabowman thinks with his changes on his bike with Termi exhaust installed.

What tires size are you running, I assume you're running full sport street /track tires?