So, I'm new to this forum and have a couple questions :lol: ... I've been reading all kinds of other forums about track riding and racing and such and I thought I'd just go ahead and join one and post for my own. First of all... I'm 18, which I suppose could be considered young lol ... I have a really really super slow Honda nighthawk 250 that I ride around the street with. From what I hear, it doesnt matter how fast the bike is, but how much you learn. I recently went and watched the AMA RRGC at mid ohio last month and loved it.... I only live 15 minutes from that track and visit lots of events every year (Indy car was awesome)... I'm totally interested in doing a track day next year... actually, as many as I can... but since my bike is so slow would it be a bad thing if I took it too the track? It's only got 20 hp and will barely do 65 in top gear!!! I'm thinking about looking for a ninja 500 and taking it instead... what do you guys think? I'm also interested in getting started in racing (yeah go ahead and laugh)... so lots of advice would be greatly appreciated!!!
Get an SV 650. It'll cost a little more than a ninja 500- you can find them for around $2500, but you won't out grow it nearly as soon.
The nighthawk would have clearance issues also (center stand). Have you taken an MSF course? Not a track day but a good learning experience. Alternatively you could do a school that includes a bike. Schwantz in Atlanta or Freddie Spencer out west come to mind though there is likely others. While expensive you could learn a LOT and find out if you enjoy track days in a more controlled and focused environment before buying a bike. Also I would recommend you go to a track day and hang out and watch. You could see what folks are running as far as bikes AND safety gear. If you do this get in contact with STT as I think you need a rider to reference as a spectator at some gates (Barber did I think). Bring a camera and notepad, some will laugh but so what. If you do this I would contact one of the control riders (yellow/orange jersey) and they can likely point you toward lots of helpful people. Most of them are nice and really enthused about new people.
Yeah, I was also thinking about the SV650 as well... I just dont want to start out on something that will scare the crap out of me I havent taken an MSF course but I'll think about it... I dont think I'll be able to go to a riding school such as the freddie spencer school or any others, yet... but if I do I'm sure it would be very useful... I know some track organizations require safty wiring, but I heard somewhere that it's not required for the novice class in stt. Is that accurate????
Yes, that is accurate: STT does not require safety wiring in the novice group, although next year they will require that the oil drain plug have RVT silicone on it. Clean the plug really well, put silicone around it, put it back in. You should really do more than think about taking the MSF, you should definitely do it. The skills learned will be invaluable, and you should do this before attempting a trackday. The things you learn at the track will build upon the basics taught in the MSF. Before going to the track, operation of all controls should be second nature, and you should be comfortable at highway speeds. You've been riding, so hopefully this is already the case. Welcome!
another vote for the sv 650 here. It is a super fun bike. I rode one for a little more then 2 seasons at the track. It is a user friendly bike. ps I'm 6 ft over 200 lbs and the bike is more then good enough for me. I'll be racing it next season ccs#555.
All great info. The msf course is ok for street riding but wont help much with trackday stuff. You will learn more at a trackday for street and racing then a MSF course will ever teach you. Not saying any that the MSF course is not good its just been my expierence. I also took the Michigan State Police riding course for the public. That is with out a doubt one of the best riding schools in the country. You will dump the the bike at least 10 times in one weekend. That course will save your life on the street. Its put on at woodstock Harley Davidson. I can tell you this as can many. Once u start doing trackdays there is a very good chance u will not ride on the street anymore. I was a avid street rider until track days. This is only my 2nd year of doing this and ive only put about 40 miles of street riding on my bike this year. You will understand once u start this stuff. Good luck and this org. has the best beginners program IMO.
Very good info here, but the bottom line remains the same...Buy an SV and take the Novice class! We will find a group that best suits your needs and, like we have done NUMEROUS times in the past, give you some personal one on one instruction. You'll be satisfied with both decisions
You may want to look at a used DZR400sm. You'll be able to pick up a very good used one with basic mods for under $3,500. Much lighter than an SV, and lot less intimidating. Plus, it'll serve double duty as a trail bike and it you do lay it down, there's very little to brake. It'll teach you all about corner speed and braking. 40HP has a way of doing that. Don't let the low power fool you, Iv'e seen quite a few people embarrass 600s with those things. IMHO, street motards make much better first bikes that sportbikes. More comfortable, easier to manage, better field of vision, and are much more forgiving. The only problem is getting the stupid grin off your face after riding one.
I hope its not too late for track day sign ups... I'm still looking for a good track bike... if anyone has or knows of someone who has an SV650 or an FZR400 track bike for sale let me know... preferably around Ohio....
Check the for sale section on this Site!!! We have an SV for sale. It is in the toy condo in Michigan.
In reply to the original question about the EX500. I had one when I started riding and did at least a half dozen track days on it, all in Novice. Sure, I got blown by on the straights by the bigger bikes, but I could hang in the tighter corners with it. And I learned a lot about corner speed and moving on the bike. I did end up outriding that bike's capabilities in stock trim at the end of those 6 track days. I had to make a decision - upgrade the suspension on the bike or upgrade to another bike. I went with the SV upgrade option (since I already had it for my street bike by then). Depending on your size, and how quickly you take to riding on the track, you may find you need to upgrade the suspension on the SV. The good thing is that there are lots of options to tweak the SV, but not as many for the EX500. Either bike would be great to start on - but the SV is more likely to stay in your stable longer. And since you're already comfortable being on two wheels, I think the SV makes the better option at this point. My vote: Since you've been riding some already and probably have the basics of "this is how I go faster, this is how I slow down", get an SV and come to an STT track day. Find an instructor in the Novice group and don't be shy! Ask questions, ask for them to play lead/follow with you - that's what they're there for. I do think you'd find value in attending an MSF class as well - there's plenty they cover that even an experienced rider can learn from.
Not sure anyone could put any better than Liren post. I have seen Michele SV and it is very nice plus it has all the up grades already done w/ premium parts. http://www.sttforum.com/sttforum/viewtopic.php?t=2605
Yeah I've been scanning the WERA for-sale section a lot lately ... Is it too late to sign up for a track day or can I do that whenever I'm ready??? I know I should do it in advance.... I'll definitely go for mid-ohio... thanks for the advice Liren
No its not to late to sign up 4 a track day. Watch Mid Ohio though as I know it fills up fast. Man u are going to have alot of fun whatever bike u choose. Welcome .
My suggestion is to ride your bike for the first track day as that’s the motorcycle you know. Unless you can buy something new and put some miles under it, but this isn’t critical if its running properly. You know what it is capable of and what it does. You will go faster on the track than on the street but not that much faster in the corners than you are now simply because your brain hasn’t adjusted to the ‘new’ environment. Basically all the fun is in carrying corner speed and 65 is enough in most corners. The biggest issue is that you’ll be on track with motorcycles capable of speeds approaching 200 mph on longer straights. The closing speeds are going to be quite high if you’re only doing 65. If your bike has a center stand, remove it. If money for a new to you motorcycle isn’t going to stop you from buying something then I highly suggest you keep an eye on used race/track day bikes. Keep an eye on the classifieds on this bbs, wera.com, roadracingworld.com and others. If you do track days for any length of time you’ll appreciate the suspension work done that most racers do as the first modification. You can find a good used 600 race bike for less than the price of a new SV and if you price out the bike and all the work done to it you’re usually buying at half price if not better. Don’t buy a piece of garbage because of the price. There are a lot of good motorcycles out there. Don’t forget about ebay too. I’d choose to only bid on bikes I could look at in person. Some aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Good luck and don’t be afraid to ask questions. I have a TZ-125 I’m yet to put on the track. At its best it’ll make 48-52 HP. As you find motorcycles of interest, there are many other good models, don't be afraid to post questions here for other's input. P.S. You can post a Wanted Ad in the Want To Buy: Bikes & Accessories forum. http://www.sttforum.com/sttforum/viewforum.php?f=26&sid=f49829cbad98043dc1b3167e2936461e P.P.S. A $2,600 R6, 2000, http://www.sttforum.com/sttforum/viewtopic.php?t=2729 It only makes as much HP as you ask it to, up to its limit. i.e. You don't have to roll the throttle to the stops. :lol: Good luck, Example SV 650 (I am not endorsing this ad, only showing you an example of what I'm saying) http://www.roadracingworld.com/classified/ad/?classified=30806 2002 SV650 Racebike: Formerly Tommy Dorsey's bike. Cams, flatslides, pipe, Ohlins shock, GSXR forks, 16.5 Dymag front, radial master, Alfani tach, lots of spares. Light and fast, $5000. tngbuild@pacbell.net. (510) 812-8331. (CA)
zephyr, My FZR400->560 is still for sale!! I would sell it for $2000 with spares... that leaves a lot of money for safety equipment and trackdays!! http://www.localriders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11961 Chad