how many track days a year

your bike and trailer are WAY safer at the TRACK vs at the hotel. I can't tell you how many people i know personally, and have read/heard of, over the years have had bikes and/or trailers stolen from hotels. It's as bad/worse with dirt bikes. At Sumpter SC national enduro 2 years ago, 17 dirt bikes were stolen from various hotels in the area on Saturday night before the race on sunday. Some were out of locked trailers in the parking lot... none stolen from the property where people were camping at the race.

 

mind taking a peek at the 650 for sale on this forum, "2013 SV650 Gen 3 south Florida" anything I need to know?
Id love to consider the 300 series.... been advised by a few that since I'm nit a little guy (6' 210lb") a SV would be the way to go to get started for more than a few years. After I advance and if wanted then you can consider getting a built R6 or the like...... but of course thats way down the road and well after many weekends on the the SV ( if thats what I get) but I guess its hard to beat the SV for someone like me that is just staring. Plenty of parts, easy to work on, reliable, down on power but nimble and fits a bigger guy well.
thanks again. you all have been very helpful
Jmack

 

Plenty of 210 pound and up guys going fast on 300's........not that there is anything wrong with SV's,but don't be too quick to discredit a 300.Its a great learning tool or for the life of this hobby if you don't give a rats ass for ego. Plenty of 300 "heavyweight" guys can catch up to SVs in combined races,so it can be done.

 

I've never done a track day in my life. Started racing at 45, won 2 class championships. Now I find out it's a terrible idea...

 

It certainly looks nice. I know very little about suspension in general, and even less about what's best for a late-model SV, so I'll let someone else comment on it.

FWIW, I'm at your height but a bit lighter than you at around 180-185 weight. The 300 has honestly been a godsend for me on track. I have some ergonomic issues that required me to bump down to a 300, but I'm glad I did. I feel in complete control of the bike and have learned far more in one track weekend on the 300 than I ever did on my old GSXR.

 

The key is to park next to the guy with an HP4 Race or V4R. Ain't nobody grabbing my 300 over those bikes.

 

I did 1 TD before I started racing because I was told that BS I "HAD" to do them before even being allowed to race. I found out soon after that,that was BS so I did the school and went straight to racing. Started off in vintage so grids were smaller and less hectic........but it was V7 so plenty of speed to royally screw the pooch,but not so many people out there I felt over pressured to impress anybody but myself...........most of them left me in the dust anyways. I'd say to anyone wanting to race ..........if you want a larger grid and a good mix of speed/talent or lack thereof, start out on a 300-SV.If ya just gotta do a 600+........do it in a vintage/classic class to cut your teeth on a 12 year old or older sportbike and support V7 and V8. 'Murica!!!

 

I cant think of an event, outside of Homestead, that didnt allow for camping overnight inside the paddock.
You can make a decent, weather resistant shelter out of an enclosed trailer and some EZ ups. Climate controlling optional...lol. The nuclear approach is an RV...lol. Ive never been to a facility that didnt have showers or toilets.

As for power... sssume most places dont have it. You can buy some pretty decent generators for about $700 new. Doesnt have to be Honda or Yamaha but buying those you wont be disappointed. Containing your cost(s) can be done with some planning which adds alil satisfaction to the hobby.

 

sounds good I may just do 1 TD as well who knows gotta start thou. Sounds like Racing would be fun with great people. I have a old buddy (worked with him) of mine that has been telling me to do this for years.... Kirk McConnell....im sure some of u may know him... he's hard to forget.... I hope to surprise him at a track one day once I get in the groove.

 

I guess it depends on which region and tracks you race. I probably wouldnt grid up in a novice 600 SS race with 25+ entrants if you couldnt consistently hit apexes or at least come within 2-3 seconds of the previous year(s) lap times.
The biggest thing is being able to seperate emotion... which some master before putting a motorbike between their legs.

 

haha... Kirk is good peeples! :up: He needs to spend more time in the gym! Hes a skinny toothpick!

 

Ha! thats Kirk

 

I think/hope emotionally I am ready Im a old man, 47, probably would have been a issue 20 years ago.... those days have past.... i think. ill certainly put myself thru the paces, probably too much, before grinding up... thats just me. Ill get there not in a hurry, gonna enjoy the journey

 

You sound like a vintage racer already! Welcome to the club...........

 

i got a 75 Norton.... maybe I should get that track worthy LOL that would put me in the poor house too quickly thou

 

I’ll hook you up with a nicely preped Ninja 300 thats street legal too

 

I did one track day wknd, did the Team Chicago racing school at a GLRRA event and went racing.
But, i had a lot of laps at the Gap by then so there's that.

 

You're already failing with that comment about work. This is about motorcycles and the track....You must miss work for that wknd at JGP and never look back. If your job is still there, great, if not, maybe even better.

 

GLRRA
Ya 15-20years ago