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racing move

Discussion in 'General' started by newbieidiot, Feb 20, 2000.

  1. newbieidiot

    newbieidiot Guest

    Unfortunatly I live in Ohio now, though that is going to change to Tampa in July. I have never raced before and I am doing it this year, I have put it off long enough for a "career" that sux. I have a few Questions though.

    #1) I was thinking of starting on an EX500 or an FZR 400. What did u start on? Why?
    #2) What friggin school should I attend? I want the best one possible.
    #3) Who makes the best reasonably priced one-piece leathers in your opinion? reasonable=$0-1000.
    #4) Would u buy an EX500 that has an older frame(87) with a newer motor(95), that has been raced? (alot,probably)
    #5) Would u just convert your FZR 600 to race?


    Anyone who replies to these questions and makes a wish in 45 minutes will have thier wish come true.hehe
     
  2. Shannon Huffman

    Shannon Huffman Well-Known Member

    1) Either of these bikes would probably be great for starters, I started on a GSXR 750 last year in endurance but that's not the route most people take.

    2) Ed Bargy is the man for race schoolin'

    3) AGV Rage suits can be bought for around $500 to $550 and mine seems to be pretty good. I had a 110 mph lowside in mine last year and I'm still racing in them and I didn't have a scratch on me after the crash.

    4) You might be buying trouble with this bike, maybe not, it's hard to tell. If it's been raced alot it's lead a hard life and it may not have much life left. If you can get it cheap enough though it might be worth it and it should already be race prepped since it's been raced already.

    5) If you already have an FZR, yank off the street plastic, buy some race glass, and race the thing.

    Whatever you do make the plunge and get on the track, you'll hate yourself for not doing it years ago. I promise you'll love it.

    Shannon Huffman
    DRS Racing
    Endurance #73
     
  3. TX racer

    TX racer Well-Known Member

    I started on my FZR600, and if you have one do like Shannon said and just get new uppers and fairing and go race! You may need to do a few race things that you would have to do anyway to anybike( brake lines, shock, fork springs maybe if they need to be replaced), but you'll enjoy the FZR it's much more competitive than you think.

    If you cant take the race school take either the Star school or the Team Hammer, I've done
    both and really liked them and learned some good stuff, but you can't be just hooking up w/ and Expert and talking them into taking you under their wing for the year.

    As far as buying a bike w/ that combo, forget it just race your FZR since your already comfortable with it and know what it will do in certain situations.

    For leathers, the AGV's are good, but I recommend Syed, for under $1000, you can even
    get it made to fit instead of off the rack. And they are based in FL. since you'll be going there also I think it's a plus.

    Last, I totally agree w/ Shannon after the first up to speed laps, you will hate yourself for not doing it sooner!!!

    Ronnie Reyes
    Reyes Racing #130
    ON THE GAS TV
    Exec. Producer
     
  4. TX racer

    TX racer Well-Known Member

    I started on my FZR600, and if you have one do like Shannon said and just get new uppers and fairing and go race! You may need to do a few race things that you would have to do anyway to anybike( brake lines, shock, fork springs maybe if they need to be replaced), but you'll enjoy the FZR it's much more competitive than you think.

    If you cant take the race school take either the Star school or the Team Hammer, I've done
    both and really liked them and learned some good stuff, but you can't BEAT just hooking up w/ and Expert and talking them into taking you under their wing for the year.

    As far as buying a bike w/ that combo, forget it just race your FZR since your already comfortable with it and know what it will do in certain situations.

    For leathers, the AGV's are good, but I recommend Syed, for under $1000, you can even
    get it made to fit instead of off the rack. And they are based in FL. since you'll be going there also I think it's a plus.

    Last, I totally agree w/ Shannon after the first up to speed laps, you will hate yourself for not doing it sooner!!!

    Ronnie Reyes
    Reyes Racing #130
    ON THE GAS TV
    Exec. Producer
     
  5. cb500

    cb500 long hair hippie freak

    hey newbie
    your fzr would probably be the best from the way it sounds.
    you all ready have it
    and over all its a good bike
    put some platic on it and a damper
    and you ready to go.
    For the school ed bargy was very good
    about every thing needed to know to
    race and riding in general
    about the leathers
    depending on how much
    you are wanting to spend
    on all riding gear
    get the best helmet,gloves and boots
    the rage is probably the best leathers for the money.
    teknic,make some good leathers
    but I will agree with both the other guys too, that you wish you did it years ago.

    if have any other questions
    fell free to ask
    [​IMG]
     
  6. WERA 16

    WERA 16 Guest

    It seems that all the other fellas are spot-on with their advice. If you are trying to save money, which, hell , we all are, stay with your FZR, and i will tell you this from a lesson I was taught from an expert my first season:

    "Forget everything you learned about going fast on the street, because out here it doesn't exist. Looking cool doesn't make you faster, it just makes you spend more money on crap that helps people notice the really cool bike in last place."

    I tell you this because it is the truth. My first year I got walked by not only an FZR, but an EX as well. And I was on a ZX-7. Take it to heart because cc's will only save you on the straights, but you spend much more time in the corners, and that is where the race is won.

    Best of Luck

    Ben Napier
    RMS Racing
    WERA 16
     
  7. alienator

    alienator Well-Known Member

    1. An EX, FZR, or a Hawk are great ways to start: handle well, plenty fast.

    2. Try Fasttrax w/ Bob Stanley at Nelson Ledges: easy track to learn racing on; Bob puts on a good class wif lots o' personal attention; it's close to Columbus...2.5 hrs.

    3. For Leathers: I dig my Vanson's--great fit, quality, protection--but Syed's hold up well, too. Iffin you want the most for yer limited buck, you just might give Barnacle Bill a call. I believe he's cheaper than Vanson and Syed, but from what people have said, he's equal to them in quality. Don't scrimp on the leathers: get the best possible.

    IMO, regarding race schools, Mid-Ohio may not be the best place to take a race school: it's a complicated track wif lot's o' elevation changes, pavement changes, and it may be a bit of an overload on someone also trying to learn the basics 'bout racing.
     
  8. kidgixxer911

    kidgixxer911 Member

    Jus remember once you decide what ya gonna race dont try to skimp on ya saftey equipment remember its the only thing between you and the asphalt. I like Vanson leathers myself ive crashed in em so i know they work . Held gloves arent cheap but they saved my hand more than once. And dont buy into using used tires no matter how good a deal ya better buyin a new set straight up.But these are jus my opinions.

    Randy Adams
    911 Racing
    Wera # 911
     
  9. Diesel

    Diesel Well-Known Member

    Hey Newbie,

    When it comes to the bike, go with what ya got (that is if you're not too attached to it 'cause it will get abused).

    Leathers - go with the best you can afford. In the moderately priced range is the AGV Rage one peice. Mine have saved my ass already yet hardly show any abrasion wear.

    School - Ed Bargy of course.
     
  10. JEM Racing

    JEM Racing New Member

    Skip the EX of FZR if you are going LW, and go straight to the source, an SV. I bought a race ready EX only to outgrow it in 3 months, sell it at a loss and buy the SV that I should have bought right off the bat. My lap times dropped by 5 seconds after the 2nd weekend on the Suzuki. I wouldn;t by a bike that is dying a quick death, if you are going for wood. If you must choose beween FZR and EX, all things being equal get the FZR. My EX was a mechanical nightmare, and a lot of other guys who had raced theirs hard echoed my sentiments, plus the stock FZR is faster than the stock EX. Buy a good set of tools.

    I started with AGV's crashed em a few times and liked them a lot. They held up well. I got all fancy this year and bought Syed, but the AGV's were just fine
     
  11. newbieidiot

    newbieidiot Guest

    THX for all your comments! honestly i didnt know if anyone wouldf respond. I will see u guys on the track with my FZR. It was damn nice of you to post. thx

    -tony-
     

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