2 Smoke or SV?

[tzracer]

That's interesting.  I didn't realize the 125s didn't need  PM-ing as frequently as the 250s.

But I just can't picture myself being comfortable on a 125.  I picture it as me on a CRF 50.

Well, we've eliminated 1 bike from the list of 4.  Now it's SV, Yami or Honda.

Do they each crash well.  NOt that that'll be my aim or anything.

There are fewer parts for a 125 and things like cranks are significantly cheaper. Pistons, rings, cranks have to be replaced on about the same schedule. Also uses less fuel, tires are cheaper and last longer. After a while it saves quite a bit over a 250.

They do tend to crash well due to less weight. 125s are better than 250s, at least from what I have seen - I haven't crashed either of mine (touch wood).

[tzracer]

First year on the SV, I put fairings on it, a shock, revalved the front and put new springs in it, put on a steering dampner, brake lines and pads,  and a pipe. Took it to a Dyno and rejetted. Then I changed the oil after every race weekend. End of maintenance...

Don't forget the complete rebuild at the end of the season. Also small things like having the transmission undercut (made a huge difference on mine).

The bill for the engine work on my SV at the end of last year was more than all the parts I purchased for my 125 (including crash spares, extra bodywork, etc).

[Super Dave]

SV is great.  Currently, it's the closest you can get to spec racing.

And RS250 is not a GP bike.  It's a Suzuki souced engine in a frame...then sold by Aprilia.  Riding a GP bike and an RS250 Aprilia are different.

I don't think the reliability and parts availability of the Aprilia are the same as the Honda and Yamaha GP bikes.

250cc GP bikes?  Well, 125's are great.  Probably the most fun out there, bar none.  250 GP bikes require more effort.  Probably squared the amount of effort of a 125.  

What's wrong with the F2?

[H-man]

Sorry I don't always put in a  ;). But a 4 stroke is better for people who procrastinate.

No problem, mon.  No harm, no foul.

[H-man]

SD, the F2 is fine and still running strong.  In fact, I've decided to keep it forever.  Thunderbike, V7 (over in WERA-land) and some races with Fasttrax (whatever did go wrong with that collaboration between CCS & Fasttrax?).

I just keep wondering about a 2nd race bike.  If I'm gonna race, then given my current skills, I'm sticking with the LWs.

If I was getting a track day bike or my skills (and confidence) make a hyper-space jump, then maybe I'll look at a R6 or GSXR-750.

Street bikes are a whole 'nuther matter.

BTW, Dave, I need to send you a note re: 7/29. I'll get to it after the w/e.  

[Super Dave]

H, cool on the F2.  It would be on my short list of second race bikes.  Next for me would be a 125 GP bike all day long.

The only bad thing about it is that it isn't as versatile as a street based race bike, because it just can't run in as many classes.

Some taller and larger people are concerned that a 125 GP bike is too little for them.  Seems like the models produced after 1995 were more "spacious".  Yes, small, but it can be done.  I fit ok at 5'9".  PJ Thornton was still racing and winning with an RS125 at 5'11" and 200+#.

I think about an SV once in a while too.  

Hope that gives you ideas...

No problem on the July thing.  I'll be traveling to KC and Topeka early next week.  Should have e-mail access, I hope.  Keep in touch.

[ekraft84]

H - SV, no brainer.

Cheap to maintain.  A blast to race.  Definitely a ton of parts available, and other SV racers out there to compete against.  Not to mention you can run in a load of races per weekend if you want.  *And* Suzuki supports the SV with contingency and it's own SV Cup Race.  

[H-man]

Suzuki supports the SV with contingency ...

Contingency money?  Me?    You crack me up Eddie ;D ;D

But your points are well taken. 8)