Anybody ride their 954 on the track? I'm thinking of buying one but would like some input on how they perform in a track setting. Any comparison to a f4i?

 

The 954 handles great on a track. I've been to both big (Road America, 4mi) and small (Blackhawk Farms Raceway, 2mi) tracks, and the 954 is powerful enough to handle a 155mph straight and nimble enough to handle a quick chicane.

You won't be disappointed - there are plenty of track goodies for the 954 (bodywork, rearsets, etc.).

Some people recommend steering dampers, but I haven't found much of a need for one so far. The steering is nimble but not overly squirrely if you're not too heavy on the controls.

 

Did about 10 trackdays last season on my 954. Ran Michelin 2CTs. Rearsets, exhaust, PCIII, etc. Not as nimble as a 600, but nimble enough to have a blast on!

Some of the tracks you needed a damper, some tracks/organizations require the bike has a damper.

Bought a 600RR this season, will start racing again. 954 got my track addiction going again.

Here's a video of the 954 on the track up the street from me.

 

i did 1/8 drag last year but plan on doing some track days this year, the first being april 11th at the new bluegrass track in sparta ky

 

I have not done the track days with my 954 yet, because i just own it.
I did a day with my YZF600R and liked that tho.


I wont go up the track with my 954, i am too scared to crash it. Since the bike is expensive over here (8.5k) i will try to buy a 1999 R6 for the track (those are still 5.200-5.800).

yet i also dont know if the 954 is the best bike to learn how to ride.
I went pretty fast with the 600 thundercat, but also made some mistakes exloring my skills. With the fireblade those mistakes would result in a highsider.

Yet you can still take it easy, just dont push too hard.
Have fun!

 

I am planning on tracking mine this year.

 

Took my (then) 929 to VIR and it was a beast!
Just be smooooooooth when driving out of the corners. I sent mine into full-on drift action in the wet out there.

Keep in mind that the extra CC's means nothing if you're parking it in the corners. If that's the case, stick with a 600 and learn on that. I went from a 1000 down to a 600 (an F4i, actually) for racing and instantly noticed how much more forgiving the smaller bike is.