What is STT's age limit for riders? I have a 15yo that wants to come out and play and quite frankly I prefer the structured format and instruction for novices here than any of the other orgs. (it doesn't hurt that it's included in the track fees) 8) And rather than start a second thread, I'm looking for a 500 for him to start out with, what is everyone's opinion on an ex vs. a gs? Reliability, parts upgrades etc.
you might want to check out the wera boards, there is a lot of guys that race both gs's and ex's. There are actually a few for sale right now in wera classifieds. As far as the minimum age...sorry can't help ya. Only thing I do know is that since he's a minor you'll have to be there to sign all the paperwork
Can't help you with an age requirement, but to really benefit from the novice class he should not be a first time rider and needs to already know how to ride a bike. Think of the novice classes not a substitute for the MSF classes, but an extension. To be able to get the most out of the drills he should be comfortable on the bike he will riding at highway speeds. An exception to this would be if he has been riding dirt bikes for awhile.
I'm partial to the EX over the GS, for a variety of reasons. EX makes a few more ponies, and is liquid-cooled. They are extremely reliable. I rode one for over 30,000 miles without a failure, and those were hard miles. On the other side of that, I'm biased, because I know a lot of the tricks to do with an EX, and what parts interchanges work, and I don't have the same experience with the GS.
Ditto on the EX for the same reasons. Get a later one with 17" wheels, or you'll play hell getting rubber for it. I raced an EX in 98 & 99, and even won my first few trophies with the old girl! Those bikes are solid and strong, take crashing well, they reward skillful riding, and they sound really cool with a Muzzy pipe! Parts (stock and go-fast) are also much more plentiful, both new and used. Contact STT directly to find out about the age thing. I'm pretty sure 16 is OK with a parental wavier, but not sure about 15. I coach many of the novice classes, so maybe I'll have the chance to teach your kid, and he can later mention me as his mentor when he takes his first MotoGP podium! (THE SHIT would be an old FZR 400 race bike....)
At the Gingerman Trackfest, Monty announced over the loudspeaker that 18 was the min. age to be on the track. I don't know if this was just for this event or an overall rule.
I think one of the coaches (John) at the last Pocono and Beaver events has a FZR400 race bike that he wants to sell. I don't have any contact info, sorry. Chris Hunsicker
