My Suzuki GSX-R 750 a complete history: Trackbike Conversion 2003
Transformation into a track bike January, 2003.
I finally got the Ohlins shock I had been wanting in January 2003. I went ahead and had Curtis Pell from California
Suspension Works set the shock up for my weight, and rebuild the forks with the correct flat-rate springs and
Cartridge Emulators from Race Tech. Now why would I want to do this? After 12-years of owning her I was
putting her on a roadrace track.
Turn 7 hard on the gas. The bike ran extremely well, especially with the stock motor. My skills on the other hand, well they were lacking a bit. I took it intentionally slow during all of the sessions, only turning lap times in the 2:30 range (top club riders are in the mid to high 1:50's). I wanted to get used to the bike at those speeds with the new suspension setup, brakes and tires. I managed to get her rolling real well in the afternoon. I finally packed it in when I was so exhausted I couldn't stand up. I quickly realized I would have to start training if I wanted to club race with the AFM.
Early in the morning with a cold track and cold tires, such a newbie. 
By April '03 I had learned a lot. Look at the improved body position. I still had work to do. With the AFM New Racer School and races completed in March at Infineon Raceway, I still wanted some more seat time so we headed back to Thunderhill in April. My teammate Rick and I packed up our Ninja 250s and I brought the GSXR along just in case. I was glad I did. My 250 was having some serious overheating issues. I would have basically wasted a track day if I hadn't brought her along. I rode the Suzuki for most of the day, until it started raining in the afternoon. I was focusing on my right-handers and better body position. The photos above tell the story. By body position was getting a lot better.
My '87 and Rick's '87 shod with '85 bodywork. This was right after his initial test run.
Well, I finally put all of the street parts back on the old girl in May in preparation for attending the
annual AMA Superbike races at Infineon Raceway. During this time, I also helped my AFM 250 prod
teammate Rick Williams build a vintage GSX-R for his collection. I gave him my spare '87 frame and
title to my blown motor parts bike I picked up in Mountain View, CA. He worked on it all winter
getting it cleaned up and ready for a motor. We finally finished it just in time to head down to
Sears, uh, I mean, Infineon. Caveat, he scored some '85 bodywork from Japan.
Official ticket from the event. 
At Infineon Raceway May '03 for the AMA superbike races. The races were a lot of fun as usual. Got to see some phenomenal racing. The weather was questionable that weekend, and it rained on Saturday. Many of the Saturday races had to be run on Sunday. It was an extra treat for us because we didn't get tix for Saturday. Rick and I got our fair share of gawking at our twin 750s while we were there. Did spot a few older GSX-R's, but they were few and far between. There were no other first generation models that I saw.
My friend and old riding buddy Scott. We go back to 1988 when he almost saw me die on my Interceptor 500 in Big Thompson canyon. Have we left the 80's yet?
I actually got in a lot of street riding this season. I have had more fun on the 750 since I had her back in Colorado in
the late 90's. And, it is finally set up correctly and handles like it is supposed to. Really increases confidence when riding quickly in various
street conditions. Had a reunion of sorts when I got to go riding with an old friend of mine who now lives in Reno. Scott and I rode like freaking maniacs
"back in the day" when we were students at the University of Northern Colorado.
Ready to improve my skills at another track, Buttonwillow Raceway. 
Buttonwillow Event Pass. Well, I had not intended to run her on the track again anytime soon. But, my 250 Ninja racebike was at the shop for dyno testing, and it wasn't finished for a track day in late June '03. So, it was take the 750, or ride a backup 250 that wasn't running right. I hastily threw on the lower, drilled the oil-fill cap, oil drain bolt, wired the oil filter, wired some of the header bolts and taped the taillight. Off to the track again. This time to Buttonwillow Raceway, touted as the "most technical track in California." After spending a day in 105-degree heat, I agree.
Entering the Bus Stop at Buttonwillow Raceway, June '03. Rick and I were under the instruction of one Dr. Robert Kennedy. He is one of the top racers in our club, and a wonderful teacher. Needless to say, he made the day go by quick. He also took my 750 for a few laps. It was kind of funny to see the current '03 AFM 750 production points champion kick it old school. Maybe I should just leave this bike in track trim for now . . .
She's looking more and more like a track-only bike.
With the AFM racing season on a bit of a hiatus due to Infineon Raceway being repaved, I decided to get in some more seat time at
Thunderhill in August. My folks came down on their way back from Alaska to celebrate my birthday. I added a new upper which I picked
up in Colorado. I also added the '88 1100 rear wheel, and the Marvic magnesium front wheel with the Brembo full-floater rotors from
the 1100 track bike. Oh yeah, the bike handled great! The lighter front wheel made a huge difference turning into corners.
Back at Thunderhill on my birthday Aug. 2003. It was real hot out there in August. Ambient temperature was 110-degrees plus. I was really sweating my butt off. I am glad that my folks were there with their motorhome. A/C was nice that day. Pavement was in the 145-degree range. I delaminated the new Dunlop D-220's I installed for that track day. I actually made them work for two track days (tech let me squeeze through a week later), but honestly should have just thrown them away.
Dad and I at Thunderhill. My Ninja 250 "Jinx" is in the background. My folks really enjoyed the trip, and were excited to be at the track again. It was a great time. We topped off the day with a stop at one of the local restaurants for some killer grub. I was physically exhausted by day's end, but an ice cold beer helped bring me back to life.
Sept. '03 at Thunderhill. 
I took the her out a week later in September for another Thunderhill track day. Bike ran great, but is noticeably more smoky on up and
downshifts. I think this junkyard motor has finally run its course. That is OK though. I have already dropped off the original motor
to the shop with a new head for some more work. You guys didn't think that I would leave that motor in mothballs forever did you?
I'll see what I want to do later on with this one once the initial inspection is finished. I am planning one more track day on the
old girl in December and then will put her up until the motor is finished.
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