Expense Agreements with Buddies?

[Grover]

If you are just getting into riding, I suggest hitting several track days this year, then getting into racing if you feel like it.  You can get away with just taping headlights, learn more from control riders.  While everybody who starts out is usually a rolling chicane for their first couple races, it's important you can keep a line and not freak out.  Learn how to do that at track days.  Buy or rent a trailer to get around.  Foldable trailers are pretty cheap ($400 from Harbor Freight).

[NightHeat]

Think of it as a Marriage without the u know what ::)

Now does that sound like something you would want to do ???

[Jeff]

In case you haven't heard it enough, don't do this...  It's a BAD idea...

One of the two of you will end up getting burned/hurt in the deal and there goes money and friendships...

[numbskullz181]

Come be a spectator for awhile. That's almost free and you can figure lots of stuff out from being at some tracks for the day. And we want more spectators.
Against some people's opinions I'd also say that if you're really new to riding a motorcycle, DON'T get on the track yet. That's trouble waiting to happen for everyone on the track. Take safety riding classes, etc...
If you buy a bike for the track it WILL get crashed. It will be expensive. I hope you're a millionaire if you just want to buy people bikes--that's basically what you'll be doing is buying your friend a bike.

-What's this "I love Yabb" thing on the side of my postings? Is Edgar hacking the system and F'ing with me?

[KBOlsen]

Spectating is good..

But CORNERWORKING is the closest you can get without actually putting a wheel on the track!

You'll learn TONS... and (here in the MW) get paid, too!

[FLNewb]

I am already planning to come check out a race or two and possibly even work to gain experience and meet some people (I hadn't thought about that).  However, I would rather be in the pits or on the track.  I have spent my share of time in the FL sun for little reward and it's not my favorite thing to do.

And I'm far from a millionaire.  There are a couple track bikes with parts for sale on the board for under $3K.  I'll be riding something sooner or later.  :)

[lightweightgp]

I did this my first year or two with a friend.  I bought a bike, bodywork, shock, clipons, tach, etc.   He had a garage, tools, front and rear stands, trailer and truck and the know-how.  We spent many days and nights in his garage race prepping the bike, and I learned a lot.  He paid for his race entries, gas, oil and tires.   I paid for my race entries.  We split gas for the truck.  I had a lot more money invested, but he put a ton of time into it, and I learned a lot.  

When I crashed (minor - a couple of times) i paid to fix the damage.  Once the tank got scratched up, we just left it alone...   When he crashed (big time) he paid to fix all the damage.  It worked out well, and when he moved away, I kept the bike, and bought the front and rear stands from him.  

I think you have to decide if you are ready to go into this, and if you are going to be beancounting the whole way.   You obviously can't do that.   I looked at it as he was my teacher, and his time and knowledge were valuable.   And we had a lot of fun.  I would not do this if I were so broke I couldn't go racing otherwise, or likewise if my friend was so broke that he couldn't afford a new set of bodywork if he destroyed it.    

You can do it if you don't let money and the bike get in the way of the friendship.    And your friend has to feel the same way.    

[OmniGLH]

As already stated - you need to have everything ironed out beforehand.  If you're going to be sharing equipment, make sure it's understood ahead of time whose equipment it is, whose responsibility it is to maintain and repair it, etc.  Keep a written log of ALL expenses and income.  Gas, tires, parts, prize money, etc.  Keep in mind if YOU buy the bike, it's ultimately YOUR bike.  He could crash and destroy it tomorrow... and you're out a bike.  

IMO - it's really not worth it.  Having a pit buddy is one thing (and recommended.)  But sharing stuff is quite another.  It's really better to be self-sufficient, and share the experience - but not the equipment.

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

I travelled for a year with my teammate, from April snows to Daytona sun.  It was an experience we'll never forget.  We both spent every dime we could find.  Many times on a trip home, we'd buy the last tank of gas, throw what money we had left on the truck seat, and see if we could afford something to eat.
My teammate had the truck for the job, and we each had a trailer.  We also each had a bike.  Many racetrack nights, the two of us would be rebuilding the crumpled remains of one bike or the other until dawn.
We both spent all we had, and often loaned each other money to keep going.  It was like, "I owe you $70 from the last weekend, so I'll just pay for all the gas this weekend."  By the end of the year and a hundred times each guy owed the other, we were square!  I guess this would only work if two guys were both really considerate of each other.
The point is, it CAN work out.  On the other hand, I had another buddy stiff me for a grand.  We don't talk any more, and that's a sad way to end a friendship.  So if you think the friendship is strong enough and your buddy is legit, then it might be a good thing.  Or, you might wind up wanting to kill him....