Some newbie questions

[Newracer225]

Hi,
I am currently looking for a new bike to get for racing, either a 600 or a SV650.

How often do you have to replace the tires for the SV? how about the 600? Say I do all the practice sessions for both days, and all the races I can enter.

I had a EX500 before, and the tire lasted about 2 track days and a couple CCS races.  I'm leaning towards the SV because of the cost factor, but the 600s are appealing too because they are ready to race.

Thank you for any help

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Depending on how you ride, your suspension setup, how fast you are, tire compound.... all affect tire life. I could go a season on 2 sets on a F2. Some guys I know only got a weekend out of them on a similar bike.

[chaplain220]

Welcome newbie!  As a 2nd season racer myself, I'm still new enough that I can relate to your questions.  As you pick up speed and skill, you will go through tires!  No way around it.  I started using a new set every three or four events, but now I get through 2 events, or 1 full weekend of track days plus races.  You'll start to feel your bike out as you race, and you can tell when they gotta go.  I also have both the SV and 600.  The SV will really help ya learn turns, but there is nothing like the feel of the 600, so it is gonna be your choice.  But make the time to do it, and budget for it!  Racing is something you really cant appreciate or explain to anyone else properly, you just gotta experience it.  You'll meet some of the best folks in your life on the track.  See ya soon, Art. #220

[LilJayRR]

I'll make a suggestion too, make sure you have health insurance! As a new racer you will crash! You will prolly get some bumps and bruises. And in some cases a few things broken as well. I am not saying it WILL happen but it is a very good possibility. It took 4 crashes for me to break my hand, and the ins. company paid out about 15k all said and done.  Glad that didnt have to come out of my pocket!

The biggest thing for me starting out last year was how fast $'s go out. The faster you go the faster the $'s go. Hope you have fun, and be safe.

Jason Mid-Atl Am #62