[atr911]

Okay, so the I've been bitten by the track bug and I'm DEFFINETLY going to register to race next season.

Here's the issue though, I'm debating between getting a 600 track bike or converting the 929 for the track. Being as it's my first year (even though i'm pretty confidant on the 929) and the track is pretty technical 1min20sec is a good novice time It's been suggested that I get a 600. What do you guys think?

For anyone who may know the track it's Mission Raceway in the Vancouver BC area.

Adam

[WetShrub]

Neither. Keep it as a street bike or sell it to purchase an already sorted out track bike.

Around here racing in the 600's class is more dangerous than doing stand up wheelies on the freeway. Seems like half the races end on red flags. The race class is nicknamed 600 Supersquid or 600 stupidbike. I would highly suggest as a beginner race bike choosing something like an SV650 (as I have) or something else that is as cheap to fix, easy on tires, won't get you into serious trouble, and generally has less squids in the race with you. Everyone and their mom has a 600, crashes it, and then decides to take it to the track even if they aren't ready yet.

Also, buying a bike that is already modified for track use will save you a truckload of cash and headaches.

[Nickelii]

I know someone who is selling a 748 that you could race in the twins class, makes about 95hp and would be a great race bike

[atr911]

Up here it isn't nearly as bad although there are a fair share of accidents. You do make an interesting point about the squids and the mentality in different classes. Do they generally become more skillfull in the superbike class?

[WetShrub]

No, superbike is defined as some one who has an aftermarket exhaust. There are other mods but 90% of the 600 racers, new and old have aftermarket exhausts. They put novices and experts in the same race in the club out here.

You seem like you are being pretty realistic about the whole process of getting into racing. For sure check the ego at the door and get something that makes the most sense for your budget, ability, goals, etc. Racing is a totally different level from track days. You will see dudes on Ninja 250's flying by guys on GSXR1000's.

Out here the 600 superbike class regular fields around 80-90 riders. They start in 2 waves because for safety reasons they can only start 65 riders at one time. The SV650 field has around 30. Much more managable starts, no huge bunches in the first few turns, etc. A lot less crashes per capita too as some of the guys who choose bikes like that have a different mentallity besides, "I crashed my 600 on the street, the insurance Co. totalled it so now I'm goin racin!"

If I were you, I would go to a race at your local club and check it out. Hang out there for a day or help some one pit and get a feel for it. Most of the guys out there would be more than happy to give you advice on what classes are good to start in and where to find a deal on a race prepped bike. Usually there is some one who knows some one who is selling their suped up race bike.

You also better HATE money. Kiss it goodbye. Without crashes I'm at about $500/month. That's on a cheap bike. Bigger bikes means more tires and that's were a lot of the money goes. If you crash, get used to being in debt.

[BlaZin -=929=-]

wetshrub,

if you dont mind me asking...how much do you race per month?

backround on myself and situation before i ask another question:
i just purchased my old 929 back from a buddy who wrecked it and plan on turning it into a track only bike. i am a 21 year old student soon and will soon only have a few "minor" bills until 6 months after i graduate...i re-worked my student loans and whatnot to free up some money; i figure might as well have fun when im young. so on to my second question.

what would it cost to race maybe 5 times come next year and do you think i could afford it? i am a server and during the summer work prob on average 5 days a week...making prob $1200 a month.

what you think ?

[atr911]

Based on the research I've been doing, a decent race weekend is worth about $300-500 if you don't have to stay overnight. I've spent a few days at track day and have progressed myself through the ranks where i'm running with the fast guys (mostly race bikes) but by NO MEAN am I passing anyone yet

I've found several decent track bikes between $2000 and $5000 (Canadian $'s). I'm starting the first day of track school tommorow and with any luck (and/or skill) should have my license by the end of next week.

As a rule, I'm a pretty competitive guy and I'm not affraid to crash. I've had a couple let downs and every time I couldn't wait to get back in the saddle and correct the mistake that put me down.

The class leaders up here are all riding 600's even in the open class as they're best suited for the track. What are some of the advantages/disadvantages of putting the 929 on the track... this will be the bike I get my race license with.

[atr911]

Blazin, I think it depends on you. One crash and it could cost $10 or $10,000. Some guys are hard on tires, some not so much. Even something as innocent as getting off and dammaging your leathers can cost you a pretty penny!

My favorite quote that someone told me was 'If you want to make a million dollars racing, start with 3 million'

[WetShrub]

Originally Posted by BlaZin -=929=-

wetshrub,

if you dont mind me asking...how much do you race per month?

backround on myself and situation before i ask another question:
i just purchased my old 929 back from a buddy who wrecked it and plan on turning it into a track only bike. i am a 21 year old student soon and will soon only have a few "minor" bills until 6 months after i graduate...i re-worked my student loans and whatnot to free up some money; i figure might as well have fun when im young. so on to my second question.

what would it cost to race maybe 5 times come next year and do you think i could afford it? i am a server and during the summer work prob on average 5 days a week...making prob $1200 a month.

what you think ?

The AFM (race club I belong to) runs one race weekend per month. It's $225-ish for Saturday practice entry+2 race entry fees. In total it's less track time than a typical track day and it costs more. I get tires every 2 race weekends at about $300/set. The SV has a 160 rear tire so it's cheaper than if I was running a 180 or 190 like the 600's and liter bikes. Then you factor in gas, food, and anything else required. Hotel stays, etc. I like to think I go pretty bare minimum and it still averages out to around $500/mo. Start up is a little more expensive as the transmitter that you rent from the club is $200 and a year license is like $100. For new racers, the school is $175 and the list goes on and on. You want tire warmers? You want a generator? You have an easy-up and all the other junk? If it wasn't as addicting as crack I would say it wasn't worth it. It's certainly something that not many people even attempt and most people think you are crazy for doing but damn is it fun. I couldn't even imagine attempting to afford it when I was in college. I worked as a computer tech support person while going to school and I probably made around what you make. If you REALLY want to do it, I would almost say try running the credit card bill up and then pay it off when the snowy weather hits your area. That's a dangerous thing to do financially but I know many racers that do it that way. Makes for some crappy x-mas presents for your family.

The other alternative is try mini-motorcycle racing. I started that way and it was SO much fun. I would still be doing it if the club hadn't folded. YSR50's are the way to go to teach yourself all about momentum, race lines, late braking, etc. They have about 5 horsepower so you have to rely on skill to do well. It's awesome and you can go a whole season on one set of tires. If there is anything like that in your area I highly suggest it. Check out the link below for more info. Like I said, check your ego at the door. There are some 200 lb dudes on these little bikes that will show you how to ride. It's pretty amazing.
http://www.teamcalamari.com/dox/wisc.html

When you graduate college, race the big bike so you don't have to live out of a dumpster.

[WetShrub]

Originally Posted by atr911

Based on the research I've been doing, a decent race weekend is worth about $300-500 if you don't have to stay overnight. I've spent a few days at track day and have progressed myself through the ranks where i'm running with the fast guys (mostly race bikes) but by NO MEAN am I passing anyone yet

I've found several decent track bikes between $2000 and $5000 (Canadian $'s). I'm starting the first day of track school tommorow and with any luck (and/or skill) should have my license by the end of next week.

As a rule, I'm a pretty competitive guy and I'm not affraid to crash. I've had a couple let downs and every time I couldn't wait to get back in the saddle and correct the mistake that put me down.

The class leaders up here are all riding 600's even in the open class as they're best suited for the track. What are some of the advantages/disadvantages of putting the 929 on the track... this will be the bike I get my race license with.

The class leaders are generally looking to turn pro too. They run those bikes because the AMA runs those bikes. I know I will never be that good. If I was going to be that good, it would have already happened so I race for fun.

I'm a competitive guy and I never THINK about crashing when I'm riding but I also don't bomb into a corner way faster than I have gone before. I take the baby steps approach and it has kept me out of trouble so far. 4 years on the track (2 just track days and 2 racing) with zero mishaps. Granted I did crash a handful of times on the minibike (YSR50) but those things top out at 50mph and most full lean, toe dragging, fairing scraping corners are taken around 15-20 mph. One of the fastest guys in the AFM rides a GSXR1000 in the fastest race class we have. He regularly finishes in the top 5 and 2 years ago he was racing a YSR50.

Advantages of racing the 929:

You know it and are comfortable riding it fast.

Disadvantages of racing the 929:

You have to sink a bunch of money and effort to get it race prepped.
Suspension rebuild, etc.
It will always be down on power to the 1000's.
It's not hard to learn a new bike.

[coderedcbr]

I think it would be best to start out on the smallest displacement bike you can find. You will learn more on a SV 650, FZR 400, or an Aprilia 250 cup bike. Look at the club rule book to see what bikes are eligible for that classes they run. It would be cool to run two or three races during the weekend’s events. You might be able to run to classes with just the change from slicks to DOT’s. The tire cost will be less on a small bike & also fuel the most expensive part of racing. You might just have 10-20 racers in your grid, but if you are running in the top 3 and having fun is all that counts.

[Trackho]

Originally Posted by atr911

Okay, so the I've been bitten by the track bug and I'm DEFFINETLY going to register to race next season.

Here's the issue though, I'm debating between getting a 600 track bike or converting the 929 for the track. Being as it's my first year (even though i'm pretty confidant on the 929) and the track is pretty technical 1min20sec is a good novice time It's been suggested that I get a 600. What do you guys think?

For anyone who may know the track it's Mission Raceway in the Vancouver BC area.

Adam

Its always cheaper to buy a pre-prepped race bike there are a million race prepped 600s out there.

The 929 will cost a fait amount to prep-for-a-never will be competitive bike

Race weekends on a Literbike cost me approx $1K/weekend--(3 races per) and thats on 1 set of tires--many of the top 5 guys use a new set each --race. This does NOT count the cost of race prepping a bike nor any crash damage.

Racing is a BLAST--but it ALWAYS costs more than you think if you take it 1/2 way seriously. Lots of trackdays would be much more cost effective

[Nickelii]

Originally Posted by Trackho

The 929 will cost a fait amount to prep-for-a-never will be competitive bike

it's a bath tub on wheels

[JohnEEE]

I was faced with the exact same question half a year ago.

I liked the 929, and have always felt with better suspension and good set-up that it could be a decent race bike (I met a guy who got a top-ten finish in the Suzuka 8-hr on one too, so they have got some potential).

However, it dawned that it was cheaper to buy a pre-prepped race bike, so I went for an '03 CBR 600. I'm pretty happy with the choice. It's a really friendly first race bike (not as quick as the other Jap brands out of the box or with any sane amount of money spent on it though)

My decision was partly influenced by the fact that in my country you can race a 600 in both F2 (sub-600cc) and F1 (open class), so I get double the track time that I would have otherwise gotten. Bonus!

[firebladetoronto]

If you are interested in getting a track bike that is ready to go, my race 954 is for sale. I even take Canadian money...hehehe...

pics are here... Bike Bits for sale...

[monty69]

Europe is where the racing is at. Try Assen, Spa or Nuremburg Ring then come talk about racing.

P.s. I dont like America/ Americans in general but i do feel for Nicky Haden. He has had a rough ride and i wish him luck.

The rest of you guys suck and the only europeans that go to America and race are the ones that couldn't hack it over here!!

[Atreyu]

Originally Posted by monty69

Europe is where the racing is at. Try Assen, Spa or Nuremburg Ring then come talk about racing.

P.s. I dont like America/ Americans in general but i do feel for Nicky Haden. He has had a rough ride and i wish him luck.

The rest of you guys suck and the only europeans that go to America and race are the ones that couldn't hack it over here!!

you feel froggy???? Jump

[monty69]

Froggies are from France dumb ass!!! Netherlands=Holland you know windmills, tulips, red light hookers in Amsterdam and Assen TT circuit....

[ratchetman]

You know what they say about the Dutch? Wooden shoes, wooden head, wouldn't listen.

How was copper wire invented?

Two Dutchmen fighting over a penny.



A bunch of our volunteer drivers were born there and one of them told me that joke.

[ratchetman]

Oh and I would buy an already been raced bike if I wanted to race. Someday I would like to try it.

[monty69]

The penny wire joke is a good one. Sounds the same they say about people from Scotland.

You should try the circuit racing, its not how fast you are but just being involved in the scene. So many real people having fun and ready to help.

[fireblade3876]

Till your comfortable i reckon you should use a track prepped 600, firstly due to cost and secondly for useability in your rookie year and to be honest if you are riding a real technical track and you have your bike set up properly i.e. suspension, fuelling and gear ratio then the difference between the two is nominal when it comes to amateur racing,you will notice it more on tracks with long straights when the bigger bores have the top end power and speed.

The more trackdays or races you do the more knowledge and experience you will get from the guys in the paddock, here in the UK there is an untapped wealth of guys from mechanical know how and experienced racers who can advise on how to shave time of your laps.

The most important things about track riding or racing is knowing the track and your bike, remember a bike doesn't make a rider, a rider makes a bike.

Anyway good luck with it all and have a blast.

Ride fast keep low

[hotnanas]

...this is why i am racing minis! it cost less. the competition is still fierce. it doesn't hurt nearly as much. and don't run sprints. get on with an endurance team. more track for your money. something like $10/lap for endurance vs. $70/lap for sprints.

i'd goto a smaller displacement. just my $0.02.

my 929 is just for track days.

[Platinum929]

Originally Posted by monty69

You should try the circuit racing, its not how fast you are but just being involved in the scene. So many real people having fun and ready to help.

I don't know what your definition of circuit racing is, but I personally don't agree with that. There are too many of those with that mentallity out there clogging up the circuits as it is. I have no problem with helping up and comming racers; hell I'm an up and comming racer, but if the goal isn't to get better, faster, stronger, then I don't know how much help I can be. As to the title of this forum, If your just beginning and really want to be good at this sport, for the money and performance, I'd recommend the C B R 600RR. The bike is only gonna get faster as your skills get better. IMO. That's what I ride, and I'll have two for next yr.......Good Luck.

[marcelo]

I've got a 929 and F3, both are track bikes.
The F3 has ohlins forks, TZ 250 mag wheels, ISR brakes, and
is set-up for me.

Anyway, I enjoy riding both of them.


I think you would learn more starting on a smaller bike.
Not that I know anything about racing.....
but having both bike sizes and sometimes doing back to back sessions on one and then the other, I've done the comparison in terms
what I get out of riding each one.....

On the F3, I can push the bike and be aggressive.
On the 929, I have to be more careful. On most tracks, I can do a better lap time on the 929 (not all) but I have to think about restrain. With the f3 I have to carry more corner entry speed, have better gear selection and keep good throttle control all the way around the corner.

Good Luck!

[Platinum929]

I know you didn't ask, but when I was in the Army I got stationed in Japan. I bought a cr 500 and broke my collar bone and sold it and moved to the street bikes. I bought a zxr 400; equivalent to the zx 6r, went to the mountains to learn. No it wasn't the smartest of choices, but it was inexpensive. After about a yr and a half I started to get pretty fast; which is easy when you run the same turns everyday, but I was still in the middle of the train that would run in. Usually the first of the four strokes, but I couldn't keep up with the two strokes. So after some creative financing I bought a N S R 250 SP and had to learn all over again the power curve the weight difference and the speed difference for cornering. I truly wish I would've bought that bike first. If you have the oppurtunity to get a two-stroke that's what I would do to begin on. I have a 07 race 600rr, put my order in for an 08' 600rr and with a little bit of creative financing and mercy from my wife I'm gonna try to buya 04' RS 250 from a friend who will finish this yr on that bike and He's gonna give up racing altogether to help his dad build boats........You only asked about the 929 or 600, but if it's an option I'd go with a two stroke to start, believe me you won't regret it.......Good luck with whatever you decide..

[brookester]

I think an SV650 would be a good choice because they are cheaper to operate and the field usually isn't as crowded. I've seen some guys get around a track pretty quick on them.
Racing is expensive. I was spending around $1000/month on a 600.