class to start out in

[fullmetalF4i]

I'm looking to get into road racing but dont know what class to start off in.  Money is relativly tight so a class without that many mods would be good.  We dont know what bike to run since we cant figure out what class to run in.
Any class you guys suggest to start off in?

[Jeff]

Well, the statement of not knowing what bike to run because you don't know what class to run in about opens it up to everything.

Let's start out by asking what bikes do you have available to race?

A class with "mods" doesn't mean you have to have all of the available modifications.  Most people run the same bike in supersport/superbike, and most still run DOT tires in superbike races although slicks are allowed.

A lightweight bike will be easier on tires than a MW/HW/UL bike.  In my humble opinion this would probably be the place to start.

Personally I would tell a new rider to stay away from supersport classes.  They have the largest grids and are the most competitive.  Especially in the Amateur ranks.

GP classes are decent, and GT classes can give you a LOT of track time.

Start with 2-3 classes per weekend and see how you like it.  At least you'll be out and gaining experience.

[fullmetalF4i]

we were thinking of either an SV650, RS250 (Aprilia) or modding an XR or CRF to work.  
we really wanted to try for a class that we could enter with a pretty stock engine setup, and just have to tweak suspension and gearing to not get blown out the othe water.  
we hope to run in 2 different classes with one bike so that the two of us get plenty of seat time.  I'd take a more competitive class than my partner since i have more experience on the race track but we both hoped to be at least a little competitive.
does the rs250 qualify for GP and GT? I dont have the GT specs in front of me so I'm not sure of whats in that class.

[Protein Filled]

I would stick with the SV. You can be competitive right away, parts are easy to come by and very little maintenance. Let's you concentrate on riding.

The RS250 is Ultralight SB and GP legal, but you get smoked pretty good by the 750 Ducs. Also, the GT race for them is GT lights, were you have to compete against Buells, SV, Ducs, etc.
To be competitive with an RS, XR or CR you would usually have to do some serious engine work.

[Super Dave]

I don't think the RS250 has been as reliable as owners have wanted them to be either.  

SV is good.  You can start on about anything.  Bike, belly pan, steel braided brake lines, very good tires, and springs to support you weight are the absolute basics.  Knowledge will help you too.  Then you can develop from there.  

An XR or CRF might be fun, but I'd recommend going with something a bit more conventional.

[fullmetalF4i]

yeah I've got a really good deal on a 2000 race prepped sv.
does the sv qualify for 2 different classes that are about the same in competitivness?

[tigerblade]

yeah I've got a really good deal on a 2000 race prepped sv.
does the sv qualify for 2 different classes that are about the same in competitivness?

Get an SV and build it to supersport spec.  It will be competitive in LW Supersport, LW Superbike, and GT Lights at the very least.   ;)

[Brooks]

What exactly does supersport spec include? remember, were new to this stuff  ;D

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

Remove lights and license plate.  Add pipe, jet kit, air filter, braided lines, clip-ons, rearsets, shock, valve kit in the forks, fiberglass bodywork, DOT race tires.
That's the standard supersport setup.  Then there is the Ed Key setup.... ;D

[Brooks]

Thanks! thats what i needed to know  ;D