Thinking about racing next year

[dougiefresh411]

I was thinking about doing a track day / race school early in the year then maybe racing the rest of the year. Just wondering what class you guys would recommend. Ive only been riding a year, started out with a 2002 F4i(trying to sell it) but Im buying my friends gixxer 1k this week. I was thinking about getting a used sv650 over the winter, think that would be a good class to start in?

[Kurlon]

Don't do it!

I can provide 99.9% of the racer experience via mail. Just send me all your spare cash after each pay check, plus another $200 that you didn't plan on spending, and I'll write up witty ride reports for you each race weekend.

[Pittenger5]

SV if you got a good amount of cash. EX500 if youre a cheap motherfucker.
Dont get a 1000 to race

[dougiefresh411]

haha

[dougiefresh411]

ya the gixxer wont see the track, Im a college student so cheap always sounds good

[Sheppo]

Don't do it!

I can provide 99.9% of the racer experience via mail. Just send me all your spare cash after each pay check, plus another $200 that you didn't plan on spending, and I'll write up witty ride reports for you each race weekend.

+1

About 10 years ago I decided I wanted to race stock cars. I had an old racer give me the same advice you spewed here. I didn't listen. I should have. I can only add. Remember it's all about the fun and when that stops time to get out. Took me 4 years and I have no F'n clue how much money I spent to learn that lesson. If my wife knew 1/3 of it I wouldn't be typing this.

[Pittenger5]

ya the gixxer wont see the track, Im a college student so cheap always sounds good

Theres a large following of EXs up there, and Kurlon though he wont admit it, runs with the EX. They have a specific class PTwins that only EX and GSs can run in, very strict rules to keep costs down. I got my race prepped EX for 900 bucks, 1 set of tires can last a full season. Spares are everywhere. Theres a good following on NESR for the EXs and a bunch elsewhere.

[Crash Dummy Denno]

EX's are like racing bicycles, except the brakes are better on a bicycle - do the right thing and get a 600, 750 or 1000

[Pittenger5]

EX's are like racing bicycles - do the right thing and get a 600, 750 or 1000

No Busa?

[Crash Dummy Denno]

No Busa?

[dougiefresh411]

Don't think Ill have the money for a 600, just trying to get started in racing and get some experience.

[Pittenger5]

EX500 for the win. Then you can upgrade later.

[QuarterGig]

whatever you get make sure there are a bunch of other people racing them. the SV is a good choice..

don't be stuipd like me and try to race something that no one else has and you have to blindly figure out why you suck.

[dougiefresh411]

How little is an ex , Im 6'3 like 185 will I fit haha

[Pittenger5]

How little is an ex , Im 6'3 like 185 will I fit haha

Yes. Theres been bigger on them.
If you're not sure of an EX or an SV talk to Pete (OreoGaborio) he started on an EX and just moved the middle of last season to an SV, he can give you some pros and cons of both.

[OreoGaborio]

Theres a large following of EXs up there, and Kurlon though he wont admit it, runs with the EX. They have a specific class PTwins that only EX and GSs can run in, very strict rules to keep costs down. I got my race prepped EX for 900 bucks, 1 set of tires can last a full season. Spares are everywhere. Theres a good following on NESR for the EXs and a bunch elsewhere.

+1 SV650's and EX500's make great first track/race bikes, ESPECIALLY if you're on a tight budget.

A FULL lrrs season (with no crashes) on an EX500 can cost as little as 5 grand.... And that's including the bike! (1500 for the bike, 400 per race weekend)

A FULL lrrs season (with no crashes) on a 600 can cost upwards of 6-8 grand and that DOESN'T include the bike.

An SV is somewhere in the middle.

Although I'm super glad I finally made the switch from the EX over to the SV, I wouldn't trade my time on the EX for anything. The EX taught me some invaluable lessons about being smooth and so far it's really paid off.


Like Dollah said, I'll be happy to talk to you more about it if you've got any questions.

[dougiefresh411]

Thanks for the advice guys, think Ill look into it more tonight. Gotta go ride the f4i for possibly the last time, too nice a day to pass up.

[Kurlon]

One thing to consider is weather or not you suffer from bling-itis. If you find you like to pour money into things to dress them up, bling them up, one up your neighbor, etc, consider Production Twins for your first year. The three bikes currently running, EX500s by the dilapidated bucket full, my GS500, and a couple Duc 620SS are all bone stock, so there's no drive to buy x widget to keep up. Plus, the class rules restrict just about everything, so even if you do get the urge, the rules will keep you in check.

So, if you're looking to try to race on a budget, stow that idea 'cause it's not possible. Once you realize and accept that fact, PTwins is by far the CHEAPEST way to get into full on road racing. As a bonus, by learning corner speed on a 'slow' bike, you'll rail when you get actual HP between your legs down the road. : )

[Gecko]

I'm a college student so cheap always sounds good

A college student? In college I didn't have two nickels to rub together. Because if I did, I would've spent them on two nickel drafts.

Unless the colleges have started paying students to attend, I'd just come up hang out at the track watch some races, help in the pits, etc., and do an occasional trackday here and there. Then when you graduate, get a decent job, save some money . . . then look to jump in and blow it all on racing.

But if you must do it now, then an ex500 or an older sv650 is probably the way to go.

[pangerang]

I'd definitely agree with doing a trackday here or there first. You don't need a track specific bike and you can find out if you actually like riding the track.

[Pittenger5]

I'd definitely agree with doing a trackday here or there first. You don't need a track specific bike and you can find out if you actually like riding the track.

Has anyone ever ridden the track and NOT liked the track? And that includes people who have crashed.

[Kurlon]

you can find out if you actually like riding the track.

That implies that there are people who...

...don't?

[Pookie]

SV is a good choice to start. Much cheaper to run than a 600 and far better to learn on. A better choice than the ex if you plan on riding anywhere besides loudon.

[pangerang]

I'm sure there are a few people who don't enjoy it... but i guess the bigger thing is, trackdays are cheaper, give you more tracktime, and can be enough.

just figured i'd throw out another option

[dougiefresh411]

Ya I got like 5 months to think about it so Im sure something will get figured out. Whats everyone do in the winter???