Talk me down, Oppo?

"AntiSpeed" (AntiSpeed) 09/15/2016 at 01:16 • Filed to: None

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Last weekend I bought a MotoGP game and I’ve become sort of obsessed with it. I’ve never given motorcycle racing much thought but now of course I’m starting to wonder if I shouldn’t give it a try. And it’s amazing how much cheaper it is than car racing.

But I’m convinced that motorcycles are broken-bone factories, if not outright death traps. And I like being a living, able-bodied person.

But... but... it’s soo pretty....

What do I do?

:(

CRider > AntiSpeed 09/15/2016 at 01:50

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Do you have any experience on motorcycles? If not, an R6 probably will be a broken bone machine. You’d want a Ninja 300/CBR250 or similar, although I’d recommend a Supermoto. They’re cheap, relatively low powered and great fun.

AntiSpeed > CRider 09/15/2016 at 03:13

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I dunno abotu Supermoto, I’ve always been more of a sportbike-roadracing guy. That said I definitely wouldn’t start in a 600, but that’d be the goal. The 300 looks pretty cool, I’ll keep it in mind!

CRider > AntiSpeed 09/15/2016 at 04:23

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A Sumo will walk all over a <300cc sportbike. Consider this: a Honda CBR250R weighs 357 lbs. A CRF250R (non street legal- could be converted in some states, or used as a track only bike) weighs only 231 lbs. That’s a massive difference, even before you realize how much more power the dirt bike has. There is a reason supermoto is exploding in popularity. There are even schools that teach you how to ride them.

t_s > AntiSpeed 09/15/2016 at 07:31

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The only form of racing which is cheap is the racing you watch on TV. It might end up costing less than car racing but it will still rape your bank balance. Those tyres aren’t cheap and an R6 is going to chew through plenty. And that’s before we get into the race bodywork, the spare wheels with wets (do motorcycle races in the USA take place in the rain?), the appropriate clothing, the fuel, oh the list goes on! I don’t want to piss on your parade, but there’s no cheap racing.

Manny05x > AntiSpeed 09/15/2016 at 07:53

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I was at a road racing even this weekend and there was a class for the ktm rc390. People here will tell you to get a 250r but I think the r3 is sexier. I believe you can ride a r6 as long as you practice throttle control they are not so torquey.

AdverseMartyr > CRider 09/15/2016 at 08:38

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So you tell Antispeed that the R6 is gonna be a broken bone machine, then proceed to tell him to go with a supermoto because it is lighter and has more power than the 300cc “sportbike.”

You do realize this reads a little strange if you aren’t familiar with motorcycles. I know that the power difference you are talking about is nothing like the gap between either of those and an R6, but it still reads funny when you are writing to someone who’s username is Antispeed.

nermal > AntiSpeed 09/15/2016 at 09:05

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Do you want to do racing or just trackdays?

Assuming racing, go to the classifieds section of the roadracing org in your area and buy a Ninja 300 or R3. You should be able to get one that’s already set up with the goodies you need to race for <$5k.

Get all your safety equipment, meaning suit / boots / gloves / helmet / back protector. Budget around $2k for decent stuff but not extravagant.

Budget another $2k for your pit equipment - Tire warmers, Pit-bull stands, a Honda or Yamaha generator, and a canopy. Do not buy a generator that isn’t one of the little Honda or Yamaha ones. You will be shunned by everybody at the track.

Have a way to get the bike to the track? You need a dually and a new toy hauler, so budget around $150k for that. If you want to save a bit of cash here, you can rent a U-haul trailer for <$100 for the first weekend, but you really should start saving for the dually and toy hauler, as you will need one eventually. You can get a smaller open trailer for $1k or so, or an enclosed one for $2k. Don’t forget a Pit-bull trailer restraint. Obviously you need something to tow with as well.

To summarize, you need about $10k to buy everything you need to start. Only buy Honda or Yamaha generators and Pit-bull stuff for stands and trailer restraints. There’s a reason why everybody in the paddock (that isn’t shunned) has them. Start saving for a dually and toy hauler. Also, budget $500 - $1k per weekend in running costs (fees, fuel, tires, etc).

Dru > AntiSpeed 09/15/2016 at 09:06

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If you've got the funds for a bike that's strictly track, I'd say give it a go. A 600cc bike is a lot for a beginner, and I feel confident in that assessment as I had one, after many years of riding dirt bikes and quads, and it was beyond my skill set for at least the first two years, and I only kept it for three. But on the track, I think it would be more reasonable to pursue. You could probably get a ready made used track bike, full leathers and protective gear, as well as many track days for under 10 grand. I am kind of assuming you have a tow vehicle or a pickup. Go for it!

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > AntiSpeed 09/15/2016 at 09:19

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Go take an MSF course to get a feel of riding and learn the basics. If you like it and don’t want to street ride, buy a cheap track bike. 250-600cc will be plenty. Next, go sign up for a track day in Novice. The Novice track days by me, run by Sport Bike Track Time, have instruction all day as well as class settings. Starts out super basic, and moves on to body position after lunch. You’ll learn a ton, have a shit ton of fun, and be nice and safe on the track. Track riding is much safer than the street, no traffic, no passing in Novice (until the end, and only on the straights) and you get to practice the same corners over and over until you get them perfect. Trust me, its a fucking blast.

-2001 R6 owner.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > nermal 09/15/2016 at 09:23

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To be fair, PitBull is the shit. You can find their stands on CL all the time.

Also, having been to track days, I like the way you think ;-)

just-a-scratch > nermal 09/15/2016 at 11:48

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I'm with you until you start talking about dually trucks and toy haulers. Yes, they're nice. They are, however, complete overkill here. You don't need a tow rating over 10,000 lb for 1,000 lb (or less) worth of bikes, gear, and stuff. I get that the big trailer with the indoor space is nice if you want to overnight at the track before or after an event. It's just not necessary for bikes.

just-a-scratch > AntiSpeed 09/15/2016 at 11:50

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If you have ridden some. Go to some track days with what you can afford. I assume you can afford decent safety gear.
If you like that experience, and you think you would enjoy trying to go faster, racing might be for you.

Nisman > AntiSpeed 09/15/2016 at 12:20

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I know a few guys that ONLY ride on the track because it’s safer... I can’t say they’re wrong. You don’t have to worry about four-wheelers and massive trucks running you over which is really the biggest concern on a bike. If you’re wearing the right gear, worst case ontario you are looking at some broken bones and new parts for the bike if you do lay it down. At the amateur level the risk of serious injury is pretty low IMO.

AntiSpeed > nermal 09/15/2016 at 12:24

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Thanks for the write-up! I’m about to start racing a Formula Ford so I’m all set up for support equipment, except for the bike-specialty stuff. That’s one reason why I figured I could get another toy to play with for less than the cost of my Formula Ford engine.

AntiSpeed > StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 09/15/2016 at 12:29

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I’m terrified of riding on the street, mainly because of all the idiots we allow to drive. The consensus seems to be start with a Ninja 300 or R3. Is it possible/easy to buy a street bike and convert it for racing? Are absolute beginners allowed on the track or should I have some basic experience first?

I have a lot of experience racing cars, but I’m aware there’s not much if anything that converts into motorcycles.

CRider > AdverseMartyr 09/15/2016 at 16:09

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I said that because a sumo is usually faster than a sport bike of comparable displacement, even without going into that they corner faster.

nermal > just-a-scratch 09/15/2016 at 16:11

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The dually and toy hauler bit was meant to be both humorous and accurate. Do you need one? No. There are people that show up with everything from a beater car towing a Harbor Freight open trailer or U-haul and sleeping in a tent, all the way up to massive motorhomes that cost more than the average house (and are nicer).

Everybody who’s budget allows ends up with a dually and a toy hauler eventually though. It makes the track experience much better.

just-a-scratch > nermal 09/15/2016 at 17:00

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True enough. I just didn't want any potential newbie to be scared off by the idea/cost of a whole rig like that.

AdverseMartyr > CRider 09/15/2016 at 23:31

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I know, I just found it funny to read.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > AntiSpeed 09/16/2016 at 09:09

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Starting on a smaller bike isn’t a bad idea, just know that at most tracks you’ll be maxed out on the straight at about 80-95mph. You’ll get some more practice going through the gears though than a 600 (at Gratten I’m in 3rd for the whole track, up to 5th 135mph on the straight). Either way, those bikes are fun to chuck around and easy in the corners.

To run in Novice group, you need to tape up all lights / pull the fuses, tape you your wheel weights and take the mirrors off. Thats it. Obviously need gear as well, but its really easy to get into Novice. There should be some instruction in Novice as well that is geared towards someone who has never seen a race track before. I’d say at least know how to ride before going, parking lot practice and you’ll be good. You’ll learn a ton at the track.

As far as converting a street bike to the track, you can go the easy route like I said up top or go full out. Buy a set of race plastics and go from there. This will delete the mirrors and all lights, plus are easier to fix / replace than stock plastics if you go down. A good place to start is to pick up a used track bike so the work is done for you. Search around for a local track group on FaceBook too, tons of good advice can be found there as the people will be local to you and know the tracks / groups that run. Also, check out www.sportbiketracktime.com to see if they have anything in your state. If they do, everything I said about Novice group would apply. Great group to run with. $175 a day for about 7-8 20 min sessions.

AntiSpeed > StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 09/16/2016 at 11:53

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Thanks for the info! It seems all the MSF courses near me are sold out for the rest of the year so I’ll have to wait until the spring. Which is just as well since right now all my money and effort are going towards my formula ford. I’ll keep this in mind and see where I am when the winter thaws.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > AntiSpeed 09/19/2016 at 09:01

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They always sell out quickly, because they are a great value for the money as well as a learning experience. They teach the basics of riding a motorcycle for anyone who has never swung a leg over one before. Great place to learn to ride safely, then go to the track and learn to ride fast safely.