Whats the difference between a road bike and race prep bike , any main features?

Question

Whats the difference between a road bike and race prep bike , any main features?

Answer 1

I guess like Proc has said, its almost the other way round. Its getting hard to find things are the same, rather then the difference's.

The main items that go from a road bike are the lights, indicators, mirrors, heavy " road " items, like the exhuast, footpegs and so much more.

A MotoGP bike is different again as its a one off protypr machine with almost no connection to road bikes at all.

Answer 2

There are three main elements in preping a

bike to race :

1) Decrease the weight your carrying -

No 'road' safety is required of a race bike,

therefore remove (as Wiggysan said) the

mirrors,horn, indicators, ft/rr lights, seat unit

replaced with a single - you can even remove

the fairing and mud guards if you want to race

a 'naked' bike (but in doing so, will effect the

aerodynamics) You will also want to replace

your existing exhaust (assuming it's standard)

with a racing CAN.

2) Increase speed/horsepower -

In the first instance you'd check what (if any)

the horsepower restricitons are in each class

(or your choosen class inparticular).

This takes its form by engine tuning and

and Gear Changing (which will almost

envitably change as per race circuit and/or

the way in which you ride) - As will the 3rd

element of racing which will, of course be

the Suspension :- How you alter this will

duley depend on factors such as your weight,

your riding style/ability and your braking

strenghs/weaknesses.  

As a sub-category (Speed) - Racing Lines

will also be a major factor - you can enter

track days, attend club meetings & talk with

riders, read and watch professional videos

in order to familiarise yourself with both

'racing lines' and 'the Apex'.

However, as a beginner to racing (as read

by your last post) - I personally suggest that

initally - you get in plenty of track days at a

range of circuits using your R1 gaining some

knowledge and understanding of racing PRIOR

to receiving your novice licence.

Forget about fine engine turning - leave this

untill you become more competative -

spend your money and time on the bike's

suspension first - x*x -

Answer 3

That depends on which level of racing your talking about.

They successfully raced a straight out of the shop Bike at the Suzuka 8 hr race last weekend. Though I assume they ran Slick tyres when it was dry.  Compare that to a full on MotoGP bike and there is a world of difference. everything from Tyres, Exhausts, engine management systems, Suspension, Filters Footrests gearbox.  it would be hard to find anything but the fact they have 2 wheels.