I seem to recall thinking I saw a mini flat track race that had a minimum bike and rider weight of 400 pounds on XR100's that was a total riot to watch.
I have my doubts this thing is coming to the US. Apparently Indonesia (where it’s being built) taxes the shit out of anything larger than 250CC, so it makes sense to build as powerful a 250 as you could. It’s also not on Kawi USA’s FB page, and the ZH2 is.
Part of me wants a good middleweight elligble twin. Come on Ducati. Drop it to an 800 or 750 and we got something
You'll never know what it's like if you don't try it. I've seen big dudes SLAY a track on small bikes. The rush is stupid awesome.
But if the big dudes are racing against 90-125lb kids or some of those guys who race CB160s that consume only Marlboros and Hills Bros coffee as their diets all they are creating a draft.
Im sure it is fun, and i have actually thought about it. But it would be a lot of effort to do something where I know I am at a huge disadvantage. As much as I love riding and racing, I hate losing even more. The common equation is 7lbs = 1hp. To some of the littleass men, and kids, that means I would be giving up 10-20hp...on bikes that only make 25-35hp. That would be like racing in C-SS Expert, on a bike that only made 50-60hp. Sure, the right rider, on the right (very small/short) track might be able to hang in there for a little while, but it would be a lost cause.
I have always said I wish they would adapt the oversquare V2 Panigale motor into a 749R (Twins can run up to 749cc in MW/SS classes). It would be narrow, compact, light, and probably be in the 130hp, 65ft/lbs range. Throw the same Ohlins, Brembo, and Marchesini shit on it...and that would be a badass bike.
I think they should build it, but only with white wheels and make you sign an agreement you can't change them. :-: Seriously, the 250 sounds like fun. Nothing like wringing the neck of something like that. I've had a lot of fun riding under-powered bikes like an RC390.
Math doesn't always predict race results. At 200lbs without gear I've beaten many a lightweight youngster considered "fast" on a bone stock NSR50 over the years. It's definitely a battle of skills and wits, that's what attracts so many to mini and small displacement racing. Occasionally a rider with very good skills and light weight will kick your ass, sure. Meanwhile it's fun to get out there and teach kids to respect their elders, especially mid-corner.
Still have mine. Commuted on it today actually. [emoji1303] There’s no way this 250 is putting out more than 50 at the wheel. My guess is a bit below 55 at the crank.
I beat Jigalov on my FZR.........then he cleaned my clock when I tried to keep up on an ex500. That’s a great kid and my personal favourite out of all the young up and coming kids. I was totally impressed with him when he made his dad drive through the paddock to find me just to shake hands and he was really intrigued by the FZR and was asking all kinds of questions about it. Such a genuinely polite and well mannered kid. That’s one of my most favourite race weekend memories right up there with any podium finishes. But back to the point I hover between 205-225 average nowadays and do fine on a little, yet heavy inline 4.........so I’m all in on the minimum rider weight class
Thought about starting a thread on this ninja 250 about a month ago but thought it was not coming to the states. I hope it does. If so I’ll buy one for the wife being I love playing on her bikes so much.