My introduction, and request for input!

[DocSean]

Hey guys! I am new to the site, but have been trolling around for a little bit just to get my feet wet. I am currently a student in North Dakota, but recently took a job as a pharmacist in Tucson AZ (part of the reason I relocated was to be able to ride/race!) From what I have gathered, it seems like the most convenient series for me to get involved in is the CCS in the roadrace south west region that takes place entirely in Arizona. (correct me if I am wrong here)

One of my main concerns is that I am getting ready to buy a track bike, and don't really know where to go. I am very familiar/comfortable on two wheels, but have no motorcycle racing experience. Initially, I would like to race a stock machine and stay in a class that is relatively inexpensive to race in...furthermore, a class where rider skill determines how you place, as opposed to how much money you can sink into an engine build and susp. setup. For this reason, I am considering starting in the amateur supersport category. From my interpretation of these rules, it seems like the good setup would be newer 600cc four or 1000cc twin. I have been a Honda guy for some years now, so I've been considering an older 600rr or RC-51...would these bikes be able to hold their own in a division such as supersport?

Also, any pointers anyone can give me...at all, or any heads up on what I can expect??? How many people will I be racing with? How competitive is this series? etc. etc. I have zero racing experience! I plan on attending the new racers clinic and trackday to get things off to a start...and then just jump in! Any info you guys could offer up would be awesome. Thanks again, and I look forward to becoming a part of the community here!

Sean

[Super Dave]

Well, anyone that is starting out in road racing should probably consider an SV650.

First, it's based on two generations built from 1999 to current.  Even the first generation models are competitive.  Parts are plentiful in the pits, the internet, and even from your local Suzuki dealer.  You can run it stock, mildly modified in supersport trim, or even go crazy in superbike.  It's a platform for everything.

Second, it's cheaper on tires than 600s.  Yeah, if you get really fast on an SV you'll use more tires, but you still won't go thorugh as many as a fast guy on a 600 compared to a fast guy on an SV650.

Third, the skills you build in the lightweight classes apply to middleweight (600's) and other classes above (RC51, CBR1000RR).  It just won't cost as much money. 


Yeah, I do belive that CCS has a whole series in Arizona.  I don't have the link for it, but, hopefully, someone will come up with one.  The CCS website should have some links there for you via http://www.ccsracing.us


How many people will you race against?  It can depend upon the class, the region, the track, and the time of year.  Usually, the beginnin of the year is the most active when everyone is uninjured, has money, and it's neither too hot or too cold.  Grids can be as big as twenty plus bikes and as small as a few bikes. 

I'm sure my answers will prompt some discussion and some alternative ideas.  I've been at this for a long time, and I usually look at this from a financial point of view.  A lot of riders go hard for two years and then go away.  Seems like riders learn a lot more about four years into it when the sensory overload is gone and some important lessons have been learned.

[RCR_531]

+1 for the SV is a great place to start.

[Jason748]

I agree, SV's are a great starter bike.  But if you're set on a 600 (middleweight) the 600RR is solid bike, then agian I'm a little bias.  Stay away form the RC51.

You may want to get a hold of user Loc_dogg on here.  He raced the CCS southwest series the last two years.  And can probably give you a good idea of who to talk to, where to go, and what the competition is like.  I know he has a 05 CBR600RR race bike up for sale.

[DocSean]

Hey guys, thanks for the input so far. I will certainly not rule the SV out, but to be honest I had never considered it before. I am a bit biased on the RR's, I have owned a 954rr and a 1000rr and thought they were great bikes.

One question regarding class; Judging from the rules it appears that you aren't really allowed to do 'any' modifications to a bike and remain in the supersport class, I'm I correct in saying that? Also, from supersport to superbike, it appears that the only difference becomes being able to make modifications to the frame?

[Super Dave]

Well, you'll have to read it over closer.

Supersport, in a nut shell, allows you the opportunity to replace the rear shock, the complete fork internals, remove the starter, and other things.  The air box must remain in place, and the internal engine configuration must remain "basically" stock.  Stock wheels are allowed.

Other things too, yes.

Superbike you can completely replace the forks, huge internal engine changes (cams, pistons, porting, etc.), aftermarket wheels, brakes, and you can use slicks when you can only use DOT based race tires in Supersport. 

Does that make a difference?  Well, first it will hit your pocket book as each thing, potentially, costs money.  Higher HP doesn't mean dramatically faster lap times.  I'll usually pull lap times out of my head where very fast, capable riders riding two similar chassis bikes, let's say a GSXR600 vs a GSXR1000, with similar weights may only show a reduction in their lap times by about a second on some tracks even though they have a 30 to 40% increase in power.  You won't get that kind of power increase from a lot of modding on a regular bike. 


Best investments are starting with brake lines, brake pads, crash stuff (like Woodcraft solid pegs/rear sets, frame sliders), correct chassis support through springs that are rated for your weight, and then decent dampening through internal fork modifications and rear shock body replacement, which usually will also offer more chassis opportunities through the ability to change rear ride heights.

That's kind of a basic run down, and I could ramble for hours. 

I think Mark Weiss might have something to do with CCS SW...might want to look for his name on this board or in some circles down in your area. 

[wolf44]

+2 on the sv650.  Because of the lack of power it will teach you how to be fast in the corners.  I think if I was going to build one I'd start with front and rear suspension.  Traxxion rods with emulators and springs that are correct for your weight, and an afermarket rear shock with adjustable ride hight so you can set your geometry.  Then brake lines and depending on your budget rearsets or jack up plates. 

[gpz11]

+3 for the SV650. It's an awesome bike to start out on. Parts are cheap and plentiful. Easy on tires.

[Jeff]

Dear sweet Jesus, do NOT buy an RC-51 as a racebike...

And I'M a Honda guy...

The SV-650 is probably the most logical choice for starting racing for all of the reasons listed above.  (and again, I am a Honda guy).

[resurection]

Boy did you guys say it all , and it reads well Dave.

Maybe my two cents but can't A fella take any bike to a track day maybe two,before he decides weather he likes racing or not?
  Does he weight 220+lbs? SV's? maybe another mild manerd good track bike a little bigger .I'm a big fella and I'd like your opinion in that regard.
  Thanks Gus

[DocSean]

Alright, I'll keep the RC51 OFF the list. The twin honda has just always had a little place in my heart, but maybe it belongs better on the street!

I am going to keep my eyes out for a good deal on both SV's, and the typical 600's. To be honest, money isn't a HUGE concern, not to say that I just want to throw it away, but fortunately I have been saving/looking forward to this for a couple years now.

Dave, thanks a lot for clearing up between the two classes for me. You really have to look at the rules, and see what's NOT there and interpret it. For first modifications I think clipons, rearsets, sliders, and they other things you mentioned seem great, and also like things I can do myself. Where can I guy go to, to get his bike properly equipped and setup for his weight. I am about 165-170 equipped. Also, are there any things that a stock bike would be REQUIRED to have for safety purposes to race that I should know about when shopping around?

[Ducmarc]

sharkskinz bodywork.. not cheap but real tough . penske shock. save money for tires. go to the races and see who you got for tire guys in AZ. I like bridgestones but the track support sucks in FL.