Track/2nd Bike Decisions

Thanks! New or used doesn't matter, probably new-ish as I'd like ABS. Budget not important but would like to keep it less than 10k if possible.

Awesome, thanks for the info. I have heard good things about the cbr650 for sure.

Sweet, thanks that helps. I would call myself experienced. Id like to keep advancing at cornering and the track is great for that. I don't have any problems with the MT at all, just don't have experience on the 600 or liter supersports specifically. I do know they're straight up made for the track so I may just go that route.

I borrowed an SV650 for a NC week-long trip, including the dragon, skyway, parkway, and other probably even better less known roads, and have a newfound respect for that bike. It had upgraded suspension front and back (de rigueur on that bike), front brace, Road5 tires, s/s braided brake lines, EBC pads, a Corbin seat, Yoshimura slip-on, and many other cosmetic upgrades (levers, mirrors, sliders, etc). It was all-day comfortable, and without the peg feelers, it had very decent cornering clearance. I still had to watch that, since it's dangerous to touch down on that bike, for some reason. After a couple of times, had to dial back the pace enough to not having to bother about that. But it was still a lot of fun. The engine has a lot of character, sounds and feels really good, and it's super reliable. We don't need 150HP on the streets, period. I was riding much more relaxed (as in safe), so really enjoyed the whole experience. It's not that much lighter than the MT-10, but if felt much lighter than the 23-lb official difference (for the ABS model). I didn't miss my bike much; it was that good.

Finally, neither bike is a track bike, but it honestly makes more sense to track the MT-10, since it's the only (relatively) safe place to use its power, not on the streets. We did 7 straight days of riding between 190 and 310 miles a day. No way you can do that with any super sport, so a bike like the SV or FZ/MT is the perfect compromise for that kind of riding, which is what I do. Something sportier might not get used much, defeating the purpose. You need to determine what kind of riding you'll be doing, then decide which bikes make more sense. Nice problem to have . Good luck man.

Great feedback, many thanks! I have been strongly considering the SV, and have had more than a few endorsements for it. Your suggestion to just track the MT is noted. You're definitely right about not being able to utilize it's power on the street. I've already made many mods that have it near track ready also. Thanks a ton for the input!

I love ergos on SV (I'm 46 btw). For track I bounced between handlebars, clubman bars, and clip ons. In the end I went back to clip ons, but had to modify turn signal brackets to make the bike legal on the street. However, standard handlebars were fine. I had to get some rearsets because pegs would drag, but ones not to high not to mess with efgonomics too much, also did suspension work.  

For those who don't know, the 690 is a thumper, and the 790 a parellel twin, but not sure if 270 (sounds like a V-twin), or 360 crank. KTMs are not very refined engines, so you better like (and be able to take) vibrations .

Well I sure love the looks of the KTM bikes. Awesome styling always on them. I personally have never known anyone who had one. I hear they are finnicky bikes but tons of fun! Good luck if you snag that one!