what class is best?

[pistolpete]

was thinking about getting a race bike, but wanted to know what class and bike i should start. obviously 600 but it looks like the sv 650s get the most races. any suggestions? is the 650 a good race bike, and also whats the average cost of a season if i did go with the 650 and raced as often as possible. thx.

[skidmarx]

The SV would be a great starter bike to get into racing with. Get a used one that's already been prepped, but have it checked out to make sure it's dead. Not counting the cost of the bike, you'll probably spend $300 - $600 per weekend for tires, fuel, transport, lodging and entries. Remember a bad crash can take that nice race bike, and put in the dumpster - so don't get into this unless you kinow you can take that bike and throw it away. There is no insurance...

[mr_excitement]

get a CB160 on the track for less than a grand, and a set of tires will last the whole season!
http://www.groupwracing.com will get you started

#261

[doneplayn]

PistolPete,
Rather than buy a bike and toss out a bunch of stock stuff I would buy one from ebay. You can pick up a 600 cc bike race ready for $3500.00 or less and be competitive in the novice class. I just sold my new R1 (04) and bought a 99 r6 ready to race with tons of extra parts like rain tires spare rims tire warmers and pitbull stands for $3500.00. If it is a track only bike consider getting one without a title that will considerably decrease the price. Just my 2 bits, good luck

Pete

[bikerscum]

The SV is an awesome platform. Setup right, they can go fast enough, but are harmless on the gas compared to superbikes. There is a huge following, so the parts bin is pretty deep, and because they're common, they cost less. Also, 80hp doesn't eat tires like the liter bikes do!

If you're just signing up for novice, however, you have to complete 6 races (I believe) before you can graduate and run other classes. Basically, run what you can get your hands on for novice, and use that bike to figure out what you want to do in the future after graduation.

I pit for a team with seasoned and novice riders. With the GSX-R 750s, we can run in 750 Supersport, Superbike, Open Supersport, and Formula Ultra. As a tire (and full custom, trackside bodywork repair) monkey, I can tell you it's busy prepping for 4 classes, a couple of which are only 20 minutes apart. I rather enjoying wrenching on the novice bikes, since there's practice in the morning, and racing in the afternoon. More my speed. :)

After the race license/WMRRA membership, I believe it's $65 to register for the 1st class, and $45 per class after that (per weekend). In novice, you're only racing one class, so it doesn't add up as quickly.

Hope this helps (and hope I'm accurate). Hope to see you out there on my ZX-10R next year! :cool:

[Speeddealer]

Decide if you want to go with a modern or vintage bike first.

You can race a 160 for dirt and get all the thrills

Or, if you want a more modern racebike go with an SV . The 600 will go through tires and will not have as good a learning curve as a slower bike. Plus! you can actually see the leaders for at least a little while when you go expert on your SV ;)

[Ex Presidente]

600's are fun. However they are a little less forgiving than an SV from what I've heard. I've only raced 600's and have loved almost every minute of it! I started on a CBR F2, and went to an 01 GSX-R 600 and both were awesome! So I'm a little biasis!

Luke

[Luiggispeed]

Start small,dont go and buy a 1000cc super bike,only to be afraid of it.You WILL be faster on one of those SV's or a 600cc I-4.

[overdraft]

125GP all the way.... fast, fun, easier on tires than a 600 and way lighter when it's lying on your leg after you've wadded it up... www.fatbaq.com and www.upgpru.net for starters.... and a tasty pic of a new one... http://www.sp125racing.com/RS125%202005%20Bike%20Specs.htm

[JRachner]

nomatter what you start out on you'll be lumped in with everyone else for your Novice races/practices. But EVERYone know that 600's are the best and there just happens to be a SWEET 600rr for sale in the classifieds. Needs nothing, ready to race+spares :)

But seriously, if i were to do it again, i'd pick up a prepped SV and have the same amount of fun for less $$$.

[infumuzz]

Well if I had it to do again I would go with the advice here and prob get a used prepped SV. Guess I'll have to make do. I already put my deposit on a 06 R6 when I decided to join novice for 06. I think it will be a good bike just not quite as inexpensive as an SV i guess.