Which class would it be best for a rank amateur to try racing in?

[Pace Cadet]

Hi all, apologies if this topic has been done to death, I searched but found nothing...

I've recently decided that the race track is the best place to ride motorbikes. Therefore, to maximise my opporunities to get onto a race track, I think I need to buy/build a race bike.

My question is, what class should I be looking to get into?

Budget is fairly limited (approx $4-5000 to buy a bike) and I've got no experience with high powered machinery, so I was thinking of getting into the shallow end of the F3 pool with a 400.

A bit more reading suggests that I would be at best a mobile chicane and at worst dangerous as I wobble round at the back trying not to get in my own way. Whilst I appreciate that I will be slow, I do not want to be so slow as to be a nusiance. I would also like to be close enough to others that I can learn from what they are doing.

Can anybody suggest a class that would be cheap to get into and suitable for a novice?

I do quite fancy the idea of a bucket, but would also like something that can do a reasonable lick around full size tracks.

[Smifffy]

Following this with interest, I'm kinda keen on a 250 ninja or something myself, but uninitiated in the ways of racing/trackdays.

[Corse1]

Arrh Errr lets see, Umm no I thinlk I will look at the new replies to this post! I am like you where I am beginning to think about getting into some track time....Track days are ok but competition would be better.

You say rank amateur...done any track days before? If so which group would you be comfortable riding in? Just might make it easier for other members to answer if they new some history or experience level.

[Mental Trousers]

Clubmans is where most people start. They can make sure this racing thing is for them before they get serious about it. The rules mean it's inexpensive (unless you crash of course)

Posties is a good, competitive class that's relatively inexpensive and has a great community. There's a large amount of machinery you can run so your choice of bike is much more flexible and costs tend to be lower.

F3 is a great class, but on a 400 you're looking at going up against modified SV's on a bike that's 20+ years old. Great fun though.

There's also the Street Stock class where you can race a 250 twin. Cheap racing and still lots of fun.

Only problem you'll have is you'll probably spend about $4000 on getting setup for racing so your budget could be a problem.

[=cJ=]

Buckets or street stock would probably be the two classes to look at starting in. Also have a look at the VMCC Lite class.

I'm starting out (in fits and starts...) racing buckets (AKA F4)

www.bucketracing.co.nz

[woodyracer]

250 twins mate, get a ninja or gtr250 and go racing, $5000 all set up,
400's are good....but alot of work as ive heard from everyone ive spocken to that owns one-so probualy not the best

[Smifffy]

250 twins mate, get a ninja or gtr250 and go racing, $5000 all set up,
400's are good....but alot of work as ive heard from everyone ive spocken to that owns one-so probualy not the best

Which class?

[xr-rider]

just buy my street stock. well under your budget, teaches ya heaps, damn cheap and lots of fun
Heres the link http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-292698722.htm

[CHOPPA]

If your not to big id suggest finding a cheapish Rs125 Aprilia and race it in streetstock.

[steveyb]

My opinion is that the 250 twin Production Light class (which will have a name change soon) or the Streetstock 150 class is the best place to start if you are, as you say, a complete beginner.
Clubmans is not the place to start learning to race, it is too mixed up. 1000cc bikes ridden too fast on the straights by road riders and slow around the corners.
The only problem right now is that the 250's are still new and therefore expensive. But if you want to race at Victoria Club meetings at Manfeild it was recently shown that a VTR250 is pretty fast around the track in the Vic Clubs Mini-lite class (The Streetstock 150, Pro-Light and Mini-lites all race in the same race). There are a few RG150s around, but they are all getting old and parts are harder to get hold of. A 250 4 cylinder bike is also an option for the Mini-lite class.

The best advice therefore, is start at the beginning, not halfway along.
Get an entry level bike, in an entry level class and learn from there in a much cheaper and safer manner.
Bike racing is not a place for showing everyone how big your balls are by getting into it halfway up the ladder then ending up on your head showing your balls to everyone.
Take it a step at a time.
By the way, the actual racing in the Streetstock etc class will be better than most classes.
Don't forget that you also need budget to buy GOOD racing gear on top of the bike purchase.

Cheers

Steve Bagshaw
Moto Academy NZ

[Biggles08]

Hi all, apologies if this topic has been done to death, I searched but found nothing...

I've recently decided that the race track is the best place to ride motorbikes. Therefore, to maximise my opporunities to get onto a race track, I think I need to buy/build a race bike.

My question is, what class should I be looking to get into?

Budget is fairly limited (approx $4-5000 to buy a bike) and I've got no experience with high powered machinery, so I was thinking of getting into the shallow end of the F3 pool with a 400.

A bit more reading suggests that I would be at best a mobile chicane and at worst dangerous as I wobble round at the back trying not to get in my own way. Whilst I appreciate that I will be slow, I do not want to be so slow as to be a nusiance. I would also like to be close enough to others that I can learn from what they are doing.

Can anybody suggest a class that would be cheap to get into and suitable for a novice?

I do quite fancy the idea of a bucket, but would also like something that can do a reasonable lick around full size tracks.

Hey Pace Cadet, great choice to get off the road and onto the track! As Choppa has already suggested, alot depends on your size. If your a big fella then I would be looking at minimum a SV in F3 class as your 'goal' class. If your a small fella then this opens up a few more doors with regards to what class you could eventually be competitive in. Regardless, the first race meeting I would suggest you enter into clubmans (bring what you ride class - no limitations to size/type) to get a feel for what a race actually feels like. It will give you a chance to try starts, get your head around flag colors and still provide some competition with other people of similar pace. You will have a blast! Good luck

[Pace Cadet]

Thanks for the replies people!

At 1.78m and 80ish Kgs I'm on the smaller side of average, so I think a street-stock would be do-able and is the way I'm kinda leaning now.

I've done a couple of the AMCC ART days at Pukekohe in the slow novice group and I'm hopefully going to be at Hampton Downs for the ride day next weekend, in the slow group again. Being as I'm based in Auckland those two tracks would be where I would do most of my racing, which leads to my next question...

If I've understood it right, Street stock is for bikes up to 150cc (or 250cc 4 stroke twins? I'm a little confused). Either 2 or 4 stroke (for the 150s), but at that capacity a 2 stroke is surely the way to go. Both Pukekohe and Hampton Downs seem like quite fast, open, tracks. Does a 150cc bike cope ok?
It's not a case of crack the throttle wide open, brake twice a lap and hope nothing blows up?
I only ask because my VFR400 hits an aero-dynamic wall about three quarters of the way down the back straight at Pukekohe. I can only imagine a 150 is even worse?

[Pace Cadet]

Thanks for the replies people!

At 1.78m and 80ish Kgs I'm on the smaller side of average, so I think a street-stock would be do-able and is the way I'm kinda leaning now.

I've done a couple of the AMCC ART days at Pukekohe in the slow novice group and I'm hopefully going to be at Hampton Downs for the ride day next weekend, in the slow group again. Being as I'm based in Auckland those two tracks would be where I would do most of my racing, which leads to my next question...

If I've understood it right, Street stock is for bikes up to 150cc (or 250cc 4 stroke twins? I'm a little confused). Either 2 or 4 stroke (for the 150s), but at that capacity a 2 stroke is surely the way to go. Both Pukekohe and Hampton Downs seem like quite fast, open, tracks. Does a 150cc bike cope ok?
It's not a case of crack the throttle wide open, brake twice a lap and hope nothing blows up?
I only ask because my VFR400 hits an aero-dynamic wall about three quarters of the way down the back straight at Pukekohe. I can only imagine a 150 is even worse?

[koba]

If I've understood it right, Street stock is for bikes up to 150cc (or 250cc 4 stroke twins? I'm a little confused).

I'm confused too.

It's in a transitional phase, the 150s have been the biz but now it is changing towards 250 4stroke twins, they are both very close in how fast they are capable of going.
Most of the 150s are old and flogged out BUT the parts support is good on them because they run so many down south. Peter Jones is the man to talk to about that.


They all to about the old Ton. (160Kph) They seem a bit slow to watch but if you are racing against someone on an equalish bike it i really good fun.

I'm not sure how much support there is for streetstock (or if they even run it) up your way, someone who knows more about this may want to contribute.

If you are Auckland the Bucket racing scene would teach you HEAPS about racing, a write off FXR150 straightened up with a new cab and slicks is capable of doing the biz, and its way more intense than you would give such "slow" racing credit for as it is all happening in such a small space.

I also wouldn't bother with Clubmans, as Steveyb says its to broad in bike spec, a 400 in F3 is a better idea.

[CHOPPA]

I think 80kgs is too much for street stock, id be getting an Aprillia Rs250 and racing it in F3 or just race the 400 that you have already?

[budda]

dont let the weight issue put you off StreetStocks - the bigger mainland guys who came up for Minefield this year were from 82 to 93kg's, and didnt disgrace themselves

You're on exactly the right track, look for something thats affordable but remember, the most important factor is FUN - aparently humans can go for days without food

[xr-rider]

I think 80kgs is too much for street stock, id be getting an Aprillia Rs250 and racing it in F3 or just race the 400 that you have already?
80kg for a ss is fine. i was 90kg last season and done alright on it

[Pace Cadet]

just race the 400 that you have already?

My VFR is... aged. 70,000+ kms. I have wondered about this though. Spending the bike purchase money on a set of quality suspenders and some set up advice, learning to go round corners properly and then worrying later on about power for the bits in between. I just don't want to get in the way too much.

Sounds like buckets or street-stock would be a better starting point for me. Is there a street-stock series in Auckland?

[Str8 Jacket]

80kg for a ss is fine. i was 90kg last season and done alright on it

The guy's who won SS150's the past 2 years weighed substantionaly more than 80kg's!!

SS is a great class as you are racing against a rider not $$. I race SS150's at the Vic CLub winter series and we have one of the fullest grids of all the classes. Great fun and lot's to learn. I also race buckets which is pretty much the same thing except alot more technical on tighter tracks (go kart tracks). You can learn alot by racing a smaller bike!

[Benk]

My VFR is... aged. 70,000+ kms. I have wondered about this though. Spending the bike purchase money on a set of quality suspenders and some set up advice, learning to go round corners properly and then worrying later on about power for the bits in between. I just don't want to get in the way too much.

Sounds like buckets or street-stock would be a better starting point for me. Is there a street-stock series in Auckland?

Ask Chrislost on here, 70000 is just run in for a viffer! They go better with stock suspension, and engine rattles haha. Racing pre89 and f3 is great fun. Probably not the best way to streamline yourself into the ultimate racer, but if your just out there to have some fun, then it might be a good option for you (as it was for me).

[scracha]

My VFR is... aged. 70,000+ kms. I have wondered about this though. Spending the bike purchase money on a set of quality suspenders and some set up advice, learning to go round corners properly and then worrying later on about power for the bits in between. I just don't want to get in the way too much.
Sounds like buckets or street-stock would be a better starting point for me. Is there a street-stock series in Auckland?
Pick up a Honda 400 for <2K. Spend 1K on tyres, pads, oil, filters, fork oil etc and off you go. They are cheap and bomproof. My CBR's are probably all well above 70,000 Kms. The likes of Billy on a well ridden CBR250 will dick most trackdayers around Taupo. You learn so much when you're not relying on power.

[Henk]

Not a lot of streetstock in Auckland but a very active bucket scene.
If you are keen check out the amcc website and give John Connor a call. Usualy possible to have a go on somebodys bike for a look at the track if you turn up with gear.

[Bert]

I'd say give streetstock (minilites inline4s) a go.
then if you don't like it or want to go racing bigger bikes then flick it on, they don't loose their value (they are cheap as chip anyway).

but if you really want to learn racing skills, find a bucket; they madness (even on larger tracks) and you will soon get hooked.

[quickbuck]

I think 80kgs is too much for street stock, id be getting an Aprillia Rs250 and racing it in F3 or just race the 400 that you have already?

Hell Choppa, I hope 80 isn't too much... I want to give it a go at 95!!! Okay, I will be taking the Avanti to the road, and not drinking beer (or wine) all winter... But keen to get out there on a 250.
I see you have been told several times already though....

i must say, there are some little guys, and girls in the class... so I will have my work cut out for me.

[CHOPPA]

Hell Choppa, I hope 80 isn't too much... I want to give it a go at 95!!! Okay, I will be taking the Avanti to the road, and not drinking beer (or wine) all winter... But keen to get out there on a 250.
I see you have been told several times already though....

i must say, there are some little guys, and girls in the class... so I will have my work cut out for me.

I was told i was to fat for a super when i was 95, im 85 now and still to fat haha 80 will be good..... I wouldnt want to be more then 70 on a streetstock

[quickbuck]

I was told i was to fat for a super when i was 95, im 85 now and still to fat haha 80 will be good..... I wouldnt want to be more then 70 on a streetstock
70? Hell, I would look physically ill... in fact I do at 86!

For me it is just a bit of fun ...... The MotoGP Dream passed me by many years ago ;)

[CHOPPA]

70? Hell, I would look physically ill... in fact I do at 86!

For me it is just a bit of fun ...... The MotoGP Dream passed me by many years ago ;)

Yeah i dont really think it matters to much in streetstock its all about the fun!

[jellywrestler]

The only problem right now is that the 250's are still new and therefore expensive. But if you want to race at Victoria Club meetings at Manfeild it was recently shown that a VTR250 is pretty fast around the track in the Vic Clubs Mini-lite class



that very same 250 he mentions is for sale on trade me at the moment
seller name petersales
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Other/auction-290932207.htm

[Pace Cadet]

Gah! Too many options. I'm increasingly thinking it'll be buckets. That said, I need to start getting along to local race meets and seeing what the level is in the other classes and how healthy they are. Thanks for your input folks.


that very same 250 he mentions is for sale on trade me at the moment
seller name petersales
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Other/auction-290932207.htm

Hah! I learnt to ride on a Spada. It got dynoed at a heady 25hp and did 130kmh flat on the tank. Unburstable though. I treated it appallingly and it just kept on kicking. Sold it with 80,000+km on the clock (it later showed up again on trademe with new paint and 60,000km...).

That thing seems like a bargain at that price, and being a twin, would it also be eligible for street stock?

[Henk]

Pretty sure the 250 minilites need to be a homologated bike so you'd be better off getting a response from MNZ on legality.

[timg]

That thing seems like a bargain at that price, and being a twin, would it also be eligible for street stock? I looked at the Spada option when looking for a 2nd bike to race between bucket races. Production Light class bikes must have been sold new in NZ. The Spada was not sold new in NZ so does not qualify for the class unfortunately.

22.13 Street Stock 250cc 4 Stroke Capacity Group.
This class of motorcycle requires an MNZ Homologation with a minimum of 50 units
sold of that mass produced motorcycle.
This homologated motorcycle must be a street type road registerable and Wof mass
production machine available and sold new in New Zealand.

[Billy]

Hi all, apologies if this topic has been done to death, I searched but found nothing...

I've recently decided that the race track is the best place to ride motorbikes. Therefore, to maximise my opporunities to get onto a race track, I think I need to buy/build a race bike.

My question is, what class should I be looking to get into?

Budget is fairly limited (approx $4-5000 to buy a bike) and I've got no experience with high powered machinery, so I was thinking of getting into the shallow end of the F3 pool with a 400.

A bit more reading suggests that I would be at best a mobile chicane and at worst dangerous as I wobble round at the back trying not to get in my own way. Whilst I appreciate that I will be slow, I do not want to be so slow as to be a nusiance. I would also like to be close enough to others that I can learn from what they are doing.

Can anybody suggest a class that would be cheap to get into and suitable for a novice?

I do quite fancy the idea of a bucket, but would also like something that can do a reasonable lick around full size tracks.

We at Racefairings.co.nz/Autocycle Refinishers have a stable of 5 150 streetstock 150 and 2 Prolite 250s available for people interested in getting into roadracing at an entry level,The bikes will be supplied ready to race and all the riders need do is,Get their licence,Pay the associated running costs (fuel/oil/tyres etc) and turn up and ride.There will be some schooling and testing that is mandatory and rider training.3 of these bikes are spoken for,So if your keen contact me at www.racefairings.co.nz for full details

[Sidewinder]

full prody sbk!