Long time listener, first time caller. Great site here, great people, great information. Really enjoying it. I've participated in track days for cars in years past, and moved on to bikes last July. I have about 6k street miles under my belt as well as the MSF new rider program. I regularly ride a Kawasaki Versys as well as my wife's Ninja 250 on the street. Here's my question: If I choose the Ninja for my first track event, will I be a danger to myself and others in the Novice group due to my potentially lower average speeds? I corner much more confidently and more quickly on the Ninja as opposed to the Versys. I know that people do track the Versys with some success, but it's tall center of gravity makes me somewhat apprehensive as to it's appropriateness as a track bike. I'm hoping to do an event sooner than later, before the year is out. I have access to Putnam, Gingerman, Grattan and Autobahn as I live in Indiana. My schedule looks to only accomodate the October 2nd event at Gingerman for now. I realize that a lower powered bike is better to learn the fundamentals, and the Ninja 250 is ideal for that for the street IMO, I just don't want to be a living chicane on the track. Plus, if I wad up the Ninja I'm out way less than the Versys (own both free and clear). Both bikes have full coverage with State Farm. All geared up with a Teknic Chicane suit, Taichi gloves, Alpine Stars boots, Scorpion helmet and Knox back protector... the only question is... which bike? I personally prefer doing this on the Ninja until I can put together a 600 track bike, most likely next season, so we'd only be talking 1 or maybe 2 events max this year on the Ninja. All thoughts welcomed and appreciated!
You'll be fine on a Ninja 250, we have many who ride them. The novice is broken up into sub groups, so you'll be riding in a group of riders with similar speed. Groups will be passed by faster groups and the passing procedure will be explained at the first novice class. Ride what you feel the most comfortable on.
ninja my wife did a whole season on the '08 ninja 250. she was as fast or faster in corners as anyone else, then got smoked on the straights. you'll love it. keep it revved! http://s1121.photobucket.com/albums/l516/zenpixel/ninja/?action=view¤t=Ebarberjune.jpg
Nice photo! Yeeeeah, I weigh a bit more than her, so I'm gonna get smoked on the straights even worse, lol... Oh well, I'm doing it to learn to corner, not to be fastest on the straights.
ninja dmason, we did no mods (other than better tires), since we had decided to sell it when she was ready, but I believe there are some available that may increase your umph. I feel you'll be fine. good luck. I found this: http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Main_Page btw, she's gone from my old '05 600rr to an '07 600rr. the ninja was just right for learning.
Yeah, that Ninja site has been a godsend since before I even bought her bike. I bet I've read every page. I also really enjoy the Versys forum. Can anyone recommend some other track oriented forums? This one is great but maybe not as active as some? I'm obsessed with all things track at the moment and would like to do more reading.
other forums you will find forums for practically each bike out there. maybe not as track oriented as you like, but lots of discussion about riding. as well, LOTS of nonsensical, squiddish bullshit. I've found that lots other forums are good for the odd technical thread, but useless for much else. there are exceptions, of course. still, I don't think you'll find much better than STTforum for solid advice, good stories and focus.
I'll go on record for a track bike for you in the future - find a used gen1 or 2 sv650 that has been used as a race bike or track bike...1) it will take years to get the smile off your face, 2) they cost less to maintain than a 600, 3) if you like learning "how to corner" a well setup sv650 is hard to beat as a learning tool 4) the svrider.com forum is the most active one I've seen since mongo dumped the parts section of wera hehe
Duly noted, thanks. A used SV650 track bike was already on my radar, especially since it looks like they can be had for well under $3k. Let's see what's available come November! I've also been considering Honda F4i's, but I bet I'll find the SV to be more economical from the sound of things. I'll get registered over on the SV forum.
Buy the sv before the f4i - and yes around or under 3k for one in decent to good shape, they also don't eat tires like mad either hehe, if you go that route ping me here or on svrider - same user name, can give you some pointers on setup and such
6'8", +250#s on a 2004 ninja 250: yes, it looks hilarious, but passing GSXR-1000's in the corners? priceless!
Haha, wow, Zombie Thread! I'm really quite happy I did my first track day on the 250 - kept me out of too much trouble and I learned a lot. That said, at 6'3" and 210lbs I'm very happy on my 600!