Motorcycle Racing Forum

Racing Discussion => Racing Discussion => Topic started by: GIOVANNI23 on July 15, 2004, 10:42:16 AM

Title: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: GIOVANNI23 on July 15, 2004, 10:42:16 AM
Well, ever since I did my first trackday last December I have been thinking about getting into racing. I guess I caught the racing bug. Recently, I've been looking for a good track bike and I think I found one that could be a great starter for me. I'm going to post all the information I have on this bike, so please let me know what you guys think? I need to know if $9,500 is a good price or if i'm being overcharged? Thanks for the help guys!!!

PS. What else do you guys think I need to start racing in CCS?


***This is a 2004 R6 that was purchased in Jan.04 with plans to race the WERA endurence series this year, well our plans did not work out and we are selling the bike.

The bike had 250 street miles put on it before it was brought in and built to race spec. We did 2 practice days on the bike, about 125 miles, the bike runs and handles great. THIS BIKE HAS NOT BEEN RACED, IT'S JUST BEEN PREPPED FOR RACING

We installed sharkskinz body work, painted orange/white/dark blue, very good quality paint job., Ohlins steering damper, Traxxion Dynamics built forks, Top Line Penske tripple adjustable rear shock, Akrapovic Ti exhaust, Billet engine case covers, Did-ERV2 520 chain conversion, Vortex Rear Sets, Vortex clip-ons, Vortex fuel cap, Stainless Steel brake lines, Vesrah Race pads on the front. Over 13,000 invested at dealer cost to build this bike, not including labor.

This is a Brand New Ready to race Machine, also comes with all the street bodywork, easy to convert back to street use.***
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Sunny on July 15, 2004, 11:01:28 AM
I think the price is good for what it is.  However, it may not be the best first race bike for you financially though.  I would say go for it if you have the money as I too spent quite a lot on my first track/race bike.  There is nothing that would make you ride better knowing that your bike is nice and will work right!  

Not having to worry about anything after you spend sometime dialing in the suspension is what you need to enjoy and learn about racing quickly!  You do not want to spend any time on getting the bike ready and/or fixed during the race weekend if possible.  Try to be prepared ahead of time so that you can concentrate on learning the track/race line and racing (talking to experienced racers help)!  

If money is not an issue, make sure you have both front and rear stands, and get a set of tire warmer.  Tire warmers will increase tire life and boost your confidence in traction from the "go" (still got to feel it out though)!  
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: tigerblade on July 15, 2004, 11:03:28 AM
What's your riding experience beyond the trackday you did in December?  A 2004 R6 is a pretty expensive, fast bike in a tough class.  Personally, I think you can't go wrong with an SV650 to start.  IMHO   ;)
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: GIOVANNI23 on July 15, 2004, 11:12:55 AM
Honestly, that was my only track experience last December but I want to start on a bike that I feel more comfortable in.  I know you probably hear this all the time from newbie racers but I beileve that I am pretty fast and if I start on a SV650 I will get bored of it quikly.  Then that would be a waste of money.  IMO (Which doesn't really count)
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: sanee on July 15, 2004, 11:19:35 AM
i can race anything and i don't think i will ever get "BORED" racing it ;)
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: GIOVANNI23 on July 15, 2004, 11:32:26 AM
You're right sanee.  Let me re-word that.  I won't get bored of it.  I would just want more out of the SV650 that I won't be able to get unless I get different bike (better bike).  
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Dawn on July 15, 2004, 11:33:00 AM
Quote I know you probably hear this all the time from newbie racers but I beileve that I am pretty fast and if I start on a SV650 I will get bored of it quikly.  Then that would be a waste of money.  IMO (Which doesn't really count)


Whaaaa Haaaaa Haaaaa Haaaaaa!!!!!!!!

If you get board racing a LW bike, your not riding it to its full potential.  

Dawn
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: duc995@aol.com on July 15, 2004, 12:05:20 PM
Giovanni:

This going to sound blunt, and rude, but I have only the best intentions for you...

The bike, for what it is, sounds fairly priced.

However, if you start racing in the 600 class (aka "axe-murderer class") you are going to get your ass handed to you on a skewer!  You will get to experience hand to hand combat at high velocity, with people trying to take each other out on a pure adrenoline high, laced with a good dose of ego!  Now if that sounds like fun to you...go for it.

I will echo again what Dawn said...if you get bored racing a LW bike, you don't know how to ride, and are using the HP of your R6 to mask the deficiences in your riding skills...sorry...sad but true.

What ever you decide to do...Play it safe, and enjoy! ;D
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: RADRB8 on July 15, 2004, 12:06:17 PM
If you consider yourself "Pretty Fast" be prepared to get humbled, and I don't mean that in a bad way...Just that you have alot to learn in terms of limits of your equipment and yourself...MW in anything is tough...I am a 1st year (am) and the MW classes are dog eat dog...Go fast or stay home!!!

 If you are used to riding Inline 4's then stick with it..If not go the SV route...The SV is just flat out fun to rride... ;D
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: GIOVANNI23 on July 15, 2004, 12:23:56 PM
Thank you to everyone for your opinion's of what you believe I should get for my first race bike.  

But I want to hears your opinions on this particular bike.  Would you consider this as a good deal?  Or should I keep looking?

Thanks again!
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: dsb on July 15, 2004, 12:43:47 PM
QuoteThank you to everyone for your opinion's of what you believe I should get for my first race bike.  

But I want to hears your opinions on this particular bike.  Would you consider this as a good deal?  Or should I keep looking?

Thanks again!

Having built an '03 R6 I can tell you that that is a steal. Especially if it has all the street parts and a clean title. Provided it was assembled by someone with reasonable mechanical skills.

Now, as someone who just recently walked the path you're on ('00 R1 -> '03 R6 -> '04 RS250, with a corresponding drop in lap times by the way...), please don't discount what these people are saying, if for no other reason than a financial one. A good 'starter' Sv can be had for $5K or less. How are you going to feel when you see your brandy new $9500 R6 wadded up in a ball? And no, I'm not picking on you, _EVERYONE_ crashes, sooner or later...

Dave
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Speedballer347 on July 15, 2004, 01:04:53 PM
I am selling this Honda 929 that would be a perfect starter racebike for you.

Lower fairings have been removed for better ground clearance.  
Mirrors removed for better aerodynamics.
Bike has been geared -1/+10 for better accelleration.
110mph Top speed bouncing off the revlimiter...so you will learn cornering speed.
Slip-on pipe ensures a cool 'racey' sound from the engine.
Reduced capacity (2.5gal) gas-tank for lighter weight.
Pirelli blue front and bald cheng-sheng rear tires.

Gonna go fast, so better hurry Make an offer...I am negotable  :)
I can even throw in a 1989 shoei eddie lawson replica helmet!  8)
(http://www.gixxer.com/uploads/juhg.jpg)
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Sunny on July 15, 2004, 01:05:01 PM
QuoteAnd no, I'm not picking on you, _EVERYONE_ crashes, sooner or later...


This is a very true statement!  Everyone crashes sooner or later due to equipment failure, and/or their own or other's mistake/s.  
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: spyderchick on July 15, 2004, 01:08:24 PM
Racing involves more than just the bike.
Hints:
Buy a really good race helmet. You can't put your brain back together.

Buy really decent gloves. I hear skin grafts are painful.

Buy boots that fit and are meant for racing. Your feet are your foundation.

Buy the best made leathers you can afford. Make sure it has quality armour. Knee replacments suck, and elbows don't heal well after they've been broken. Again, skin grafts will hurt.

Get a decent back protector. No it won't prevent you from "breaking your back", but is there for impact and abrasion resistance.

Then spend what's left on a bike.

I've been advising people to get the best they can afford, and consider it an investment in your health. Tires run aprox $350 a set. If you spend $1200 on a set of leathers that will last you 5 years, that's equal to 3 1/2 sets of tires. You will go through that many sets of tires in your first few weeks of racing. Thinking this way will change your perspective on your gear. There are lots of costs involved in racing, and the money is only one part of it.


Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Super Dave on July 15, 2004, 01:27:02 PM
SV is still better.

If you're really fast, then you'll be doin' in tires on the 600 at a great pace.  Best part of the tire is good for about 12 laps or so.

So, to be competitive, you're gonna drop a bundle in tires.

One of my students is a rider named Jesse Janisch.  Last year, he was doing 1:16's to 1:15's at a local race track.  His fast time on a 600 was only a couple of seconds faster.  

Bored?  Race a 125.  Race a vintage bike.  Racing is about racing.

If you've got the budget to buy a $9500 600, put tires under it all the time, and repair it.  You should do it for yourself.

Still, guys like Janisch, myself, DiSalvo, the Wood's, the Bostrom's, Mladin, Rossi...you recognize the names...did still start out road racing on "smaller" machines.  The Wood's come from a father that was a road racer himself.  Dave Bostrom owned a motorcycle dealership.  Rossi's dad was a 500cc World Championship Grand Prix competitor.

You might be special.

Regardless, bikes are a sum of their parts.  The reality is that are they set up or do they have a history of set up that makes it valuable?  

You can have all the same parts as a Larry Denning or a Robbie Jensen (guys that make their living racing for Yamaha money), but if you don't have their actual set up...what are you really paying for...

parts....
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: stephenr928 on July 15, 2004, 01:49:00 PM
Giovanni,
Welcome to the board.  It's good to hear you asking for input before jumping into racing.  Sometimes I feel like I should've asked a few thousand extra questions before I began racing last season!
To answer your initial question, I'm not sure if it's a good deal (it could be)......It just sounds like a lot of money for a first race bike.  Try going to www.superbikeplanet.com to compare prices in their classified section.

That being said, may I throw in a word (or three) of caution?
1)  Racing is ungodly expensive.  I spent almost $13,000.00 for last season racing Thunderbike in the Great Plains region.  That included my Honda F2 race bike, but did not include going to Daytona at the end of the season.  Don't fear "wasting" money on an sv650.....Racing is one giant waste of money already.  Starting your career on a smaller/cheaper bike will help you enjoy racing before the credit card bills prevent you from racing more than 2 weekends.  (Even in my Sportsman class, I struggled to make a pair of tires last through more than one weekend.  At $325 per set!)
2)  I met a fellow last year who was also a newbie racer. He started the season on an R6, but traded away his entire package for an sv650 after the third race weekend, when the truth of racing became apparent.....Nothing is more humbling than thinking you're fast when you're not.  The 600 cc class was the "beginner" class in the 80's and early 90's, it is not a beginner class anymore.  Please don't confuse going fast at a track day as you're a fast racer.  (Or worse, you're a fast street rider......)
3) Racing can (& should) be enjoyed over a lifetime.  I bought my racebike from a 62 yar old guy who raced with his older brother!  On the other hand,  nothing is worse than a guy or gal who jumps into racing all starry eyed (having blown their entire budget on a gee-whiz yzcbgsx600rrr), go out their first race weekend, try to keep up with more experienced racers, crash & don't have any $ to fix the bike and quit.

I look forward to seeing you at the track for a long time.  Get an sv650, come enjoy yourself for a season or 2, then move up to the 600cc class.
Just my humble opinion, but I'd like to see more racers.  (Especially in Thunderbike!!)
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: spyderchick on July 15, 2004, 01:49:36 PM
Not to mention the skills, Dave... ;)

Do I hear a promo coming? ;D
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: spyderchick on July 15, 2004, 01:50:47 PM
Quote3) Racing can (& should) be enjoyed over a lifetime.  
Amen!
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: tigerblade on July 15, 2004, 02:16:02 PM
Believe me, you won't really "outgrow" an SV650.  You may decide you want to try something else, but these can still be quite entertaining.   ;)
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Bernie on July 15, 2004, 08:46:18 PM
You may go fast on an R6, but you will learn to BE fast on an SV.  They are more fun and rewarding than bikes with twice the HP.  Welcome aboard.  ;)
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: GSXR RACER MIKE on July 15, 2004, 09:05:06 PM
     GIOVANNI, welcome and prepare yourself for uncontrollable spending in the very near future. :o ;D

     I realize that your not looking for advice in general, just merely on this particular bike, but I feel obligated (like the others here) to make sure you are fully aware of what you are venturing into. There are alot of very knowledgable racers (and support crew) who post here and their advice should not be taken lightly. This advice is being offered to you with your best interests in mind and is meant for you to benefit the most from your racing experience and so hopefully you will last for awhile.

     Having started racing back in '96 I have seen many racers come and go in the MW/GP/GL regions and have learned some basic things about what keeps and loses participants. The average length of time alot of racers stay in this is about 2-3 years before they quit. The majority of people now racing were not around back in the late 90's when I was a front runner in the HW & UL classes. I made the same mistake that you may be on the verge of making now, which was starting with a powerful 'status symbol class' bike because I thought that I would be blazingly fast right out of the box and I wanted to be in the 'fast guy' classes. But as was already said previously I too was shown just how slow I was!

     Starting with overkill power will do nothing but destroy tires very quickly and ultimately slow down your learning curve, which most likely will end up causing you to crash more often and have more repair costs. The inline four 600 classes are dog eat dog as said before and your experience there will more than likely be about survival than learning how to corner well. Learning how to corner is an art / science in itself, doing it well usually requires experience and guidance. Adding speed to this equation is a whole different animal and requires the basic knowledge of how to corner properly in the 1st place, which is why most people will suggest a somewhat lower power bike to start off on. Having started off on a brand new 750 at the time I had a slower learning curve because I was always so focused on not breaking the rear tire loose while cornering (from too much power) which resulted in not concentrating on what I was actually doing with the whole the turn.

     Would this R6 be a good race bike? Well that question seems like it has a rather obvious answer. But I think the more important question is whether this is the right bike for accomplishing what you want to accomplish? Be prepared for substantially more overall cost to race this bike than something like an SV650. That extra cost is very substantial and should be a serious factor in your decision. Lack of money / very serious debt is the #1 thing that causes people to quit racing. If you plan on staying in this sport longer than a couple years than you really should learn to walk before you try and run! But if you think you will only be here for a couple years then I suppose it really doesn't matter which bike you start out on:)
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: quicktoy on July 16, 2004, 05:04:50 AM
Giovanni welcome to the world of racing and debt...your gonna love it ;-)
That being said, the bike your looking at is in itself a great deal for what you are getting, but liek everyone else has said, your gonna spend a looooot of money racing, so get the BEST safety equipment, make sure you have a tire budget (why buy a 10K dollar bike if your gonna tray to extend tires lives)
I started off last year as an amature in the heavyweight classes on a 750, and my biggest problem was the guys on 600s who came up to our classes.  Im an expert this year, and the most fun ive had all season, was at a trackday, when a buddy of mine lent me his crappy street SV650..I didnt know how much fun those damn things were and if i had the funds, would buy one to race right now
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: R1KILLER on July 16, 2004, 05:50:28 AM
BUY AN SV!
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Mark Bernard on July 16, 2004, 06:33:47 AM
QuoteBUY AN SV!
No... buy a Buell!  ::)
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: GIOVANNI23 on July 16, 2004, 06:46:23 AM
Well, after reading all your opinions on what you experiance racers think I should do.  I decided not to get this bike as my first race bike.  I am considering a SV650 because that seems to be a better starter bike as per everyones advice.  I'm still young and I just started riding a bike about 2 years ago (wasn't allowed before that until I moved out).  I am going to the CCS races in Moroso next weekend and I am going to talk to some racers.  I'm eager to get started but I am going to get as much information as possible before I make my final decision.  Thanks for all the advice and I hope to see some of you in the near future at the track!

Thank you,
Giovanni
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: MELK-MAN on July 16, 2004, 08:46:59 AM
QuoteYou might be special.

Regardless, bikes are a sum of their parts.  The reality is that are they set up or do they have a history of set up that makes it valuable?  

You can have all the same parts as a Larry Denning or a Robbie Jensen (guys that make their living racing for Yamaha money), but if you don't have their actual set up...what are you really paying for...

parts....


AMEN.. i bought Robbie jensens 03r6.. this is a great bike, but stil with me aboard it somehow goes 3 seconds a lap slower at JenningsGP >:( ;D
The rider makes the thing go. I was only 1.5 seconds per lap slower on my 2000F4 that was a tank compared to this bike.

PS>..  Check the classifieds of RRW.. my friend Dave White is selling a 2003R6, NEVER crashed, 500 miles, with brand new set of spare wheels, LOTS of spares including full wired subframe, Cams, milled head, 5 angle valve job, GMD suspension optimization (1,000$ or so).. shock/forks redone, etc. He is asking $9,800 or so.
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Speedballer347 on July 16, 2004, 11:16:25 PM
SV's are OK....but a literbike is the best.

We just shot it w/ new paint so she be lookin whip, know what I am saying???
25K on da clock says yoube learning to do a rebuild soon...ai'nt even have to go to MMI...do it at your crib....no middle man 8)

peep dis, digitdy...many offers on it already but I want you to have it.  So holla back, trick
(http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TAAHA0MXboCKYtytT*aWSMX27VztBPvrXpBbW7ay77sRYe4cvd7ts3IfjbP8FLSpNALadwe3FKyhAjPHGZLiJXdvv!rJPY0tCGweHUOJCurmr94WR5vExg/929stunna.JPG?dc=4675480873935435983)
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: quicktoy on July 17, 2004, 04:39:01 AM
LOL, I have ridden in Daytona for years, and have ridden with all the stunt groups around here and the most props i give was when this kid was 12ing and doing circle wheelies on an SV
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: cuda on July 17, 2004, 05:35:58 PM
Good job on the smart decision.  As an SV rider who started on an R1 then went R6 and now SV I can tell you that you will be happy.  And don't worry about getting bored.  If you are a fast guy you will run up front of the novice pack right out of the gate, but the top few guys will still give you a spankin so you will have the carrot to chase and not finish 23rd right away.  Plus, as you get faster, you will be scratching your head at the times the fastest experts are turning wondering how it is even possible.  It is a great class.  


Also, if you are running Novice SV you should consider running both WERA and CCS.  CCS actaully has a better class structure, but all the competition in WERA is much stronger on the SV.  I don't know why but WERA has twice as many novices as experts and CCS has the exact opposite.  As an expert either would be fine, with CCS maybe even a little better.

QuoteWell, after reading all your opinions on what you experiance racers think I should do.  I decided not to get this bike as my first race bike.  I am considering a SV650 because that seems to be a better starter bike as per everyones advice.  I'm still young and I just started riding a bike about 2 years ago (wasn't allowed before that until I moved out).  I am going to the CCS races in Moroso next weekend and I am going to talk to some racers.  I'm eager to get started but I am going to get as much information as possible before I make my final decision.  Thanks for all the advice and I hope to see some of you in the near future at the track!

Thank you,
Giovanni
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Super Dave on July 17, 2004, 09:05:38 PM
Quotebut all the competition in WERA is much stronger on the SV.


Ok, silly statement since the Suzuki SV Cup winner was a student of mine that never saw Road Atlanta and raced CCS more than he ever raced WERA.  And it was a lot of work for him in the local CCS stuff.

Racers race no matter where they are.  
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: dylanfan53 on July 18, 2004, 04:59:35 AM
Quote CCS actaully has a better class structure, but all the competition in WERA is much stronger on the SV.  I don't know why but WERA has twice as many novices as experts and CCS has the exact opposite.  As an expert either would be fine, with CCS maybe even a little better.

Uh oh. Here we go.  Threadjack!

Giovanni,
Good choice. As I read through this thread I was certain the next post was going to be that you went ahead and bought the R6.  Your willingness to listen to experienced advice will be a benefit in this sport. Good luck.
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: cuda on July 18, 2004, 06:26:46 AM
Suzuki cup is expert not novice.  I am not saying that CCS or WERA has faster guys.  I am saying (and I race yellow plate SV in both orgs so I know) that WERA has more novice SV's and CCS has more expert twins (with a lot of buells).   It may change but i am just talking about this year (although I think last year was similiar)  At the last VIR race we had 6 guys line up for the GT light and almost 30 experts.  I didn't even get contingency for the win. :(  So be it.  Wera is the exact opposite with many expert races missing tire contingency and such from lack of riders but the novices manage to get theirs in more often.  I am not telling him, escpecially on this board, to not race CCS.  I am just giving him info if he gets the bike to check out both groups because there is a current diffence in numbers.

QuoteOk, silly statement since the Suzuki SV Cup winner was a student of mine that never saw Road Atlanta and raced CCS more than he ever raced WERA.  And it was a lot of work for him in the local CCS stuff.

Racers race no matter where they are.  
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: CCSRacer114 on July 18, 2004, 06:42:29 AM
Giovanni,

Good choice in bike... I have a 600 and an SV, and the SV is a real blast to ride.

It's also good you said you're going to Moroso this coming weekend to talk with riders... even better choice!

I won't be there (I'll be "out of the country for a bit") but some of the others you've seen here will!  Do stop by and talk with them, they're all a great bunch of people and will truly help you out.

See you at the NEXT Moroso round on your SV  ;D


Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: MJFRacing on July 18, 2004, 07:45:38 PM
QuoteSV is still better.

If you're really fast, then you'll be doin' in tires on the 600 at a great pace.  Best part of the tire is good for about 12 laps or so.

So, to be competitive, you're gonna drop a bundle in tires.

One of my students is a rider named Jesse Janisch.  Last year, he was doing 1:16's to 1:15's at a local race track.  His fast time on a 600 was only a couple of seconds faster.  

Bored?  Race a 125.  Race a vintage bike.  Racing is about racing.

If you've got the budget to buy a $9500 600, put tires under it all the time, and repair it.  You should do it for yourself.

Still, guys like Janisch, myself, DiSalvo, the Wood's, the Bostrom's, Mladin, Rossi...you recognize the names...did still start out road racing on "smaller" machines.  The Wood's come from a father that was a road racer himself.  Dave Bostrom owned a motorcycle dealership.  Rossi's dad was a 500cc World Championship Grand Prix competitor.

You might be special.

Regardless, bikes are a sum of their parts.  The reality is that are they set up or do they have a history of set up that makes it valuable?  

You can have all the same parts as a Larry Denning or a Robbie Jensen (guys that make their living racing for Yamaha money), but if you don't have their actual set up...what are you really paying for...

parts....


A M E N !!! Couldn't have said it better.

. . .oh! Sorry to see you wad your bike at Blackhawk today. At least you were OK!


Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Lowe119 on July 19, 2004, 07:17:15 AM
I'm a little late on this topic, but I know how this guy feels (felt). I bought my R6 on for the street and loved the performance. So I wanted to race. I didn't want to race a slower bike - I wanted to race my R6.

I heard from everyone "start in the lightweight class," "the 600 class is cut throat," and "(in the 600 class) if you give them a couple feet, they will squeeze inside you."  THAT is what I wanted. That is the racing I wanted to do. I wanted my R6 to "make up for my lack of skills." Why would I want to have an inferior bike and have to make up for it?

Well I can't say that I would've done it any different - especially since I already had the R6 and couldn't afford another bike, but I'm thinking my next race bike will be an SV. Right now I'm having to improve my skills greatly, because my bike is inferior to almost all the other bikes in the middleweight class. It is totally stock, except for some springs and valves in the forks and my clipons.  This weekend was my first race weekend of the season and I know where I need to improve. I can probably still drop 3 seconds off my time with more practice - without buying more for my bike. When (if) I figure out what I'm really doing, then I'll try to figure out the suspension puzzle. Maybe it would be a good investment for me to take an advanced school now  :-/ :)

Just my $.02
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Super Dave on July 20, 2004, 06:11:54 AM
Quote. . .oh! Sorry to see you wad your bike at Blackhawk today. At least you were OK!


Thanks...

Really, the Yamaha parts won't cost too much to replace.  The corner workers found my gauge cluster, front fender, and my transmitter Sunday night.  I think I have some new bodywork.  Will probably run it down to http://4and6.com as they will want to check it for straightness, I think.

But it was working awesome.  Never been the guy that had the fastest lap all weekend.  That was nice....
 ;D
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Super Dave on July 20, 2004, 06:23:44 AM
QuoteMaybe it would be a good investment for me to take an advanced school now  :-/ :)

Well, I can't drag anyone across a finish line.  I only have five spots left.
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Lowe119 on July 20, 2004, 09:07:17 AM
QuoteWell, I can't drag anyone across a finish line.  I only have five spots left.

August 26? Darn. I'm doing National Guards duty then.
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: TZDeSioux on July 20, 2004, 09:56:20 AM
Get a TZ250. Not only will it keep you entertained for years and years to come... you get all the chicks if you ride a TZ250. Word!
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Protein Filled on July 20, 2004, 12:39:27 PM
QuoteGet a TZ250. Not only will it keep you entertained for years and years to come... you get all the chicks if you ride a TZ250. Word!

hmm, then how come I only see guys around your pit?

Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: MZGirl on July 20, 2004, 12:47:39 PM
QuoteNot only will it keep you entertained for years and years to come... you get all the chicks if you ride a TZ250.

Eeewww...no thanks.  I'm married.  To a guy.   :P

Hmmm...this is what happens in my pits.

Guy in pits:  "Whoa!  A TZ250!"
Guy and his guy friends start walking up to it, already wanting to take it for a spin.
Guys notice purple seat and purple flowers all over the bike.
Guys think to themselves:  "Purple flowers...not cool."
Guy in pits: "Uh, nice bike."
Guy and his buddies back away slowly.

 ;D
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Steviebee on July 20, 2004, 01:10:37 PM
Just to toss some VP on the fire !

I started on a gsxr 750.  because thats what i had!  
I also converted my street bike to a race bike.

And i crashed every other weekend.

So i spent way to much money my first year, only did 5 weekends of racing.  And are still saving this year to do a full season next year.

My advice,  get a race preped SV,  do as many weekends, different tracks, schools, and track days as you can afford.   Dont get more than 750 points your first year.

Then do a full season next year and try to win championships, so you can go to Daytona and start in the front.
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: TZDeSioux on July 20, 2004, 02:25:01 PM
Quotehmm, then how come I only see guys around your pit?


The chicks are there... they just leave when you come around.  8)
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Protein Filled on July 20, 2004, 02:44:58 PM
QuoteThe chicks are there... they just leave when you come around.  8)


Oh, please... Just because you put a wig on Paul it does not count!

 ;D
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Johnny B on July 21, 2004, 01:29:03 AM
QuoteThe Woods come from a father that was a road racer himself.
What do you mean WAS? Jerry is still racing and still winning.
BTW, Eric and Jeff Wood both started their racing careers on EX500's
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Super Dave on July 21, 2004, 05:07:30 AM
Yeah, you're right.  I see him on his Supermono occasionally at Daytona.

And yeah, there was a time when EX's were the cool lightweight bike to ride.

WERE...

SV's now ARE...
Title: Re: BUYING RACE BIKE, PLEASE HELP
Post by: Johnny B on July 21, 2004, 04:27:52 PM
QuoteYeah, you're right.  I see him on his Supermono occasionally at Daytona.

And yeah, there was a time when EX's were the cool lightweight bike to ride.

WERE...

SV's now ARE...
LRRS has the highly competitive, trash talking Production Twins class, in which bone-stock (not even a pipe) EX's are the main ride. Didn't hurt that the Penguin School had a rental fleet of them available.
This year, in part because Penguin is now sponsored by Ducati, the rules were tweaked a bit so that the new School bikes can compete.
Still plenty of EX's around this year.
The SV is the natural choice for the normal lightweight classes in the tradition fo the RD's, GPz's and EX's that preceded it.