Future of 125s in NZ?

[bigreddog]

Be interesting to hear the view of experienced racing types on the above subject.

I am wanting to move my son onto the next stage in his racing, he runs consistently at the front on his RG150 in development class and has 3 years experience under his belt now.

125's do seem to struggle for entries and I don't want to buy into the class if it has no future...I do however believe that it is one of the last pure race bike classes and makes for exciting racing.

Pro-twins is another option, but that could happen anytime (you're not 55kg and 17 years old forever!)
250 production frankly doesn't do it for me (or him), bit hard to get excited about a 250 ninja...

All thoughts welcome...

[Kickaha]

125's do seem to struggle for entries and I don't want to buy into the class if it has no future...I do however believe that it is one of the last pure race bike classes and makes for exciting racing.

Pro-twins is another option, but that could happen anytime (you're not 55kg and 17 years old forever!)
250 production frankly doesn't do it for me (or him), bit hard to get excited about a 250 ninja...

All thoughts welcome...

125 will most likely be gone the way of 250GP in the next few years, awesome bikes to ride though and it is as you say the last pure race bike class

250 Proddy might not do it for you or him but it is a logical step although if you could get him a ride on a pro twin and see how he goes it might be worth considering

You could do a father and son sidecar team:msn-wink:

[ac3_snow]

125's do seem to struggle for entries and I don't want to buy into the class if it has no future...


It needs more people like you and your son to race and help ensure they will have a future


125 will most likely be gone the way of 250GP in the next few years,


Why does it seem a lot of people are so negative re the 125 class. I love everything about them. I also know someone who is/was looking at getting one and everybody he talked to tried to talk him out of it because it was a 'dying class'.
If everyone does their best to discourage new riders then it defintly will die out


Btw the way i am not an experienced race type, just a two stroke fan :)

[Kickaha]

Why does it seem a lot of people are so negative re the 125 class. I love everything about them. I also know someone who is/was looking at getting one and everybody he talked to tried to talk him out of it because it was a 'dying class'.
If everyone does their best to discourage new riders then it defintly will die out

Realistic rather than negative, they no longer build any new 125 GP bikes and they're being replaced by four stroke classes, people prepared to learn how to run and maintain the 125GP are also getting thinner on the ground

250 proddy are a lot less work and an easier class for most people even though they're not real race bikes

[bigreddog]

It needs more people like you and your son to race and help ensure they will have a future



Why does it seem a lot of people are so negative re the 125 class. I love everything about them. I also know someone who is/was looking at getting one and everybody he talked to tried to talk him out of it because it was a 'dying class'.
If everyone does their best to discourage new riders then it defintly will die out


Btw the way i am not an experienced race type, just a two stroke fan :)

good comment, could'nt agree more.
Thanks for that

[bigreddog]

Realistic rather than negative, they no longer build any new 125 GP bikes and they're being replaced by four stroke classes, people prepared to learn how to run and maintain the 125GP are also getting thinner on the ground

250 proddy are a lot less work and an easier class for most people even though they're not real race bikes

good points,well made

[blackdog]

125's aren't going to be dead in NZ next year or the year after. Give it death, and move on from there!

[bigreddog]

125 will most likely be gone the way of 250GP in the next few years, awesome bikes to ride though and it is as you say the last pure race bike class

250 Proddy might not do it for you or him but it is a logical step although if you could get him a ride on a pro twin and see how he goes it might be worth considering

You could do a father and son sidecar team:msn-wink:

he has ridden a pro twin a couple of times and enjoyed it, that I think would be our preferred option after the 125..
not sure about the sidecar idea, mind you I love watching the chairs when there out there..

[bigreddog]

125's aren't going to be dead in NZ next year or the year after. Give it death, and move on from there!

that's what I like to hear..

[Shaun Harris]

The class IS DYING sadly, and has been said already they do not build them any longer, but parts are still availlable, look at the 2 stroke forum on www.wera.com for example.

Pro Twins would be my personell choice though, 4 strokes and heavier bikes are the future and now is the best time to start learning them.

Spend your money on the future mate, not the past

[blackdog]

that's what I like to hear..

Weigh it up with the Pro Twin. Both excellent classes to really learn your race craft. Both a legitimate stepping stone to the Supersports and Superbikes.

The proddy is going to be less maintenance intensive, but at 55kg which one is going to be more fun screaming round on?

No contest really.

[bigreddog]

The class IS DYING sadly, and has been said already they do not build them any longer, but parts are still availlable, look at the 2 stroke forum on www.wera.com for example.

Pro Twins would be my personell choice though, 4 strokes and heavier bikes are the future and now is the best time to start learning them.

Spend your money on the future mate, not the past

Yes Shaun, I know where you're coming from.
Thanks for your comments.

[bigreddog]

Weigh it up with the Pro Twin. Both excellent classes to really learn your race craft. Both a legitimate stepping stone to the Supersports and Superbikes.

The proddy is going to be less maintenance intensive, but at 55kg which one is going to be more fun screaming round on?

No contest really.

Oh yes agreed,and it should be about fun,should'nt it?

[ac3_snow]

Realistic rather than negative, they no longer build any new 125 GP bikes


The class IS DYING sadly, and has been said already they do not build them any longer,

Uh oh, u guys needa talk to the post classic club asap and let them know they stopped building pre 89 bikes 25 years ago!!
;)

Haha i know they arent built new any more but thats no reason to dismiss them so easily.

[bigreddog]

Uh oh, u guys needa talk to the post classic club asap and let them know they stopped building pre 89 bikes 25 years ago!!
;)

Haha i know they arent built new any more but thats no reason to dismiss them so easily.

be such a shame if the 125's were allowed to die out here...

[Kickaha]

be such a shame if the 125's were allowed to die out here...

It would be, but numbers have been steadily dropping,when I first crewed for a 125 guy you'd see 20 on the grid

I know two guys this year who were drafted in just to get the numbers to have a class this year

[bigreddog]

Yes I heard they were very short on numbers and class was close to being scrapped at this years nats..

Just searching the MNZ rules to see if they are F3 eligible, dont think so tho as I seem to remember f3 was 126 and over

[Kickaha]

Just searching the MNZ rules to see if they are F3 eligible, dont think so tho as I seem to remember f3 was 126 and over

They used to be but the F3 guys got tired of being smoked by 125GP bikes and whinged until the rules were changed

[Shaun Harris]

There's nothing you can learn on a 125 that you cannot learn on a pro twin. And the more fun you have as a growing rider, the longer you will hang in there through the hard times.



Best wishes to both of you.

[bigreddog]

They used to be but the F3 guys got tired of being smoked by 125GP bikes and whinged until the rules were changed

oh OK shame about that...I suppose what will happen is that the 125's will continue at nats with the moto3 type 4 strokes gradually taking over, shit those things would be out of the reach of us normal folk tho

[Shaun Harris]

oh OK shame about that...I suppose what will happen is that the 125's will continue at nats with the moto3 type 4 strokes gradually taking over, shit those things would be out of the reach of us normal folk tho











Sure would be! Prod based man and go hard.

[mr bucketracer]

They used to be but the F3 guys got tired of being smoked by 125GP bikes and whinged until the rules were changedthink you will find it was a mnz thing , i liked racing with them and smoked them but not much in it

[oyster]

125's are very good for young riders to develop on. Only after they've mastered 150's first thought, and your boy is close. The prob is small numbers, and at club level mixing it with superlite / protwin is a bit scary.
Pro twin is the answer. All round versatile bike. Enough variables (suspension) to allow understanding of setup. Ruapuna has seen 39's so in the right hands so plenty of potential. This is the modern version of the "old days" Proddy 250. Great to see (finally) their own grid at nats. This will let it grow. The Knowles boys are having a great run with Pro Twin. (Jordan 2nd in GP) Feet on the ground family, talk to them.
Consider pretty well all young, high acheiving talent late teens/early twenties today. The've come through Protwin / 125GP. I'd list the names here, but it's too long.
Go for ProTwin

[jellywrestler]

You could do a father and son sidecar team:msn-wink: you could to if ya wasn't shooting blanks...

[jasonu]

It would be, but numbers have been steadily dropping,when I first crewed for a 125 guy you'd see 20 on the grid



When I had my 125 we were put in with F3 and on a good day there might have been 3 of us. The best turnout was at Bay Park when Joey Dunlop and a couple of other micks showed up. There was me, Laurie Love, Chris Pickett, Joey D, some other mick all on RS125's and Ian Lougher on a pukka Aprilia GP 125. The aprilia was fucking fast. I remember seeing it heads up out drag Glen Jeffreys RGV onto the front straight.

[quallman1234]

Well i've raced the last 3 125GP champs in NZ. The numbers are always around the 10 - 11 mark. It hasn't really gone up or down. Due to the absoute massive efforts of Kevin Goddard/Steve Ward/Steve Bagshaw and now this year Team Aspire.

One of the less known lessons about racing 125's. Is that you learn prepartion is very important. They are not the friendlist bikes to run. But if done properly completely reliable. If done inproperly, then well it will cost you more in the long run. I still strongly believe that there are things you learn running one that you dont learn on another, not necessarily in riding technique.

There are plans in motion to at least see another field of 10 next year. There are still plently of parts for them. I believe MNZ are very keen to keep this class going.

[jellywrestler]

Well i've raced the last 3 125GP champs in NZ. The numbers are always around the 10 - 11 mark. It hasn't really gone up or down. Due to the absoute massive efforts of Kevin Goddard/Steve Ward/Steve Bagshaw and now this year Team Aspire.

One of the less known lessons about racing 125's. Is that you learn prepartion is very important. They are not the friendlist bikes to run. But if done properly completely reliable. If done inproperly, then well it will cost you more in the long run. I still strongly believe that there are things you learn running one that you dont learn on another, not necessarily in riding technique.

There are plans in motion to at least see another field of 10 next year. There are still plently of parts for them. I believe MNZ are very keen to keep this class going.

for a small feild the racing is fucking awesome most of the time too.

[steveyb]

While it is an unfortunate truth that 125cc GP bikes are no longer being manufactured, new or near new bikes are still available from global markets, and there are plenty of bikes in NZ that are being raced, ready to race or being thought about to race.

If the idea that the 125cc two-stroke bike is not the future for you, then consider the 250cc GP Mono 4-stroke, or if you win Lotto, Moto3.

The prototype IMD250 is demonstrating that it is perfectly comfortable in an NZ level 125GP field, and in March will be even more so as development continues on the prototype machine. The Innovative Moto Developments are able to accept orders. Check out our website www.imd250.com. The bike won't be cheap, but it can be new, or re-purposed. Sorry, but I really need to make plugs when I can!!

Another GPMono option is available in the form of the Moriwaki MD250H also available on global markets.

I have been around this game in NZ for as long as most that are still active in the sport and helping to assist young and novice riders on their pathways, and to my mind there is no substitute for the skills and racecraft development that you gain from racing in this 125GP/GPMono class, after you have done the basic learning in Streetstock or 250Production. If you are small, then make the most of that in the small bike class, if you are a bit bigger, then maybe yes, consider the bigger bike classes.

Pro-Twin is all well and good, but it must be remembered that the bikes are big, heavy, expensive to repair, not designed to race (but do surprisingly well all things considered), expensive to build if starting from scratch and not suited to small riders.

Don't let the thought of 2-stroke GP bikes or any of that rubbish talk you out of the next logical step. It is only a machine. Done right it will be fine. Done wrong, it won't. But I'll tell you one thing, I would rather have the 125GP/IMD250 repair bills than an SV650 one!

[oyster]

With you on every word, stevey and qualman. Always a "but" tho, and that "but" is the low numbers just now. When asked about 4 years ago, I said NZ needed about 15 new young riders of national potential each year to keep classes like 125GP in good health. And at that time Canterbury was producing around 70% or more of this "budget". We'd be lucky today if a third of this budget is met, there's the problem. It's a straight business issue of club focus and culture, nationally.
And I really do love 125's, I own 3, none for sale!!!

[steveyb]

With you on every word, stevey and qualman. Always a "but" tho, and that "but" is the low numbers just now. When asked about 4 years ago, I said NZ needed about 15 new young riders of national potential each year to keep classes like 125GP in good health. And at that time Canterbury was producing around 70% or more of this "budget". We'd be lucky today if a third of this budget is met, there's the problem. It's a straight business issue of club focus and culture, nationally.
And I really do love 125's, I own 3, none for sale!!!

Oyster is of course right.
So, the only way to make sure the class continues is for people to encourage likely and appropriate riders into it, rather than keep telling them that it is dying yadda yadda yadda.
Self fulfilling prophecies become that if people let them.

Everyone contact Oyster and badger him into leasing you his bikes (well two of them anyway, the special one can remain just that!).

[Deano]

Pro-Twin is all well and good, but it must be remembered that the bikes are big, heavy, expensive to repair, not designed to race (but do surprisingly well all things considered), expensive to build if starting from scratch and not suited to small riders.

Don't let the thought of 2-stroke GP bikes or any of that rubbish talk you out of the next logical step. It is only a machine. Done right it will be fine. Done wrong, it won't. But I'll tell you one thing, I would rather have the 125GP/IMD250 repair bills than an SV650 one!

Ok I have to have my 2 cents worth now.....

My SV is a pro twin. Bought at 10,000KM on the road. Cost me 8K plus another $750 for extra rims. It already had all the suspension fruit done. It then did another 5 thou race KM before new rings, then checking the bottom end - put new rods and bearings in just to be sure....even though it could have carried on for more KMs most likely.

At Nats 2012, Quallman spent more time working on his 125 than racing it. I started the key and away we went.

A 125 is a genuine race bike - more finnicky to set up and probably less room for rider error.

An SV is pretty easy to ride, but also heavier - enough torque to be fun, but not so much outright speed.

I'd be very interested to see running costs compared to a 125 Stevey.

I also know of guys who have bought SV's in road trim for $2000, on the track for $4 or 5k.

There has been talk of CBR500RR (EJC type of class) here, but I can't see any benefit of that over the pro twin class ??

[ellipsis]

Ok I have to have my 2 cents worth now.....




A 125 is a genuine race bike - more finnicky to set up and probably less room for rider error.


T

...and learning the whole of the game from the bottom, start of the big learn for so many riders past and in the present...still a relevant and worthy class to have...not taking anything away from those who want easy, but real race bikes are quite important to the sport along with the foibles of the racing of them...makes champions shine...

[steveyb]

Ok I have to have my 2 cents worth now.....

My SV is a pro twin. Bought at 10,000KM on the road. Cost me 8K plus another $750 for extra rims. It already had all the suspension fruit done. It then did another 5 thou race KM before new rings, then checking the bottom end - put new rods and bearings in just to be sure....even though it could have carried on for more KMs most likely.

At Nats 2012, Quallman spent more time working on his 125 than racing it. I started the key and away we went.

A 125 is a genuine race bike - more finnicky to set up and probably less room for rider error.

An SV is pretty easy to ride, but also heavier - enough torque to be fun, but not so much outright speed.

I'd be very interested to see running costs compared to a 125 Stevey.

I also know of guys who have bought SV's in road trim for $2000, on the track for $4 or 5k.

There has been talk of CBR500RR (EJC type of class) here, but I can't see any benefit of that over the pro twin class ??


All of the classes we have currently, have their place. Pro-twins included. As you say, your bike was used and had some stuff already done to it. Of course you can go silly on a 125GP bike and buy all the fruity stuff and spend a house deposit and more.
If a 125 engine fails it is generally not terminal, but when an SV650 con-rod lets go, oh boy!!!
Quallman (and what the F does that name mean anyway????) was working on it so much cos he crashed a lot that season, sadly (or was it 2013 season, I forget, they all roll into one in my misty memory).
Running a 125GP bike at a novices level in NZ is very inexpensive. Working on them is part of the fun, at least I think so.
But the OP is looking for a class for a young rider to step from Streetstock and is small, ish at least.
I think it is asking way too much of young inexperienced riders to get on these big bikes (I mean in size rather than power) and expect them to manage them.
There is no hurry for riders to get onto big bikes, I just can't see why people think there is.

[Kickaha]

There is no hurry for riders to get onto big bikes, I just can't see why people think there is.
Because people are dumb

[jellywrestler]

Because people are dumb

monique thinks you're dumb!

[Racey Rider]

I would be interested in options for leasing a GP125 bike for the Vic winter series if anyone could help me out?
Anyone have a bike available?

Cheers.
Racey.

[budda]

There's nothing you can learn on a 125 that you cannot learn on a pro twin. And the more fun you have as a growing rider, the longer you will hang in there through the hard times.



.

AGREED - just sounds like a long way of saying 250 Production to me Shaun:motu:

[Shaun Harris]

AGREED - just sounds like a long way of saying 250 Production to me Shaun:motu:






Not quite buddy, the pro twin also allows you to learn a bit about suspension set up and chassis geometery, and that is a very serious part of the learning curve with racing bikes, very serious part!

[budda]

Not quite buddy, the pro twin also allows you to learn a bit about suspension set up and chassis geometery, and that is a very serious part of the learning curve with racing bikes, very serious part!

Again, agreed ....... but until the Rider is running consistent fast laps, fiddling with the boingers and clickers is exactly that, just fiddling. Improvements are measurable, and without a reasonably consistent baseline, theres no telling whether the changes WORK

This is where lap after lap of racing helps ( as you of all people know ) and 250 Proddy is where they can learn, on a budget, the racecraft that will let the rider maximise the benefits that adjustable suspension and chassis dynamics bring - one feeds the other

[Shaun Harris]

Again, agreed ....... but until the Rider is running consistent fast laps, fiddling with the boingers and clickers is exactly that, just fiddling. Improvements are measurable, and without a reasonably consistent baseline, theres no telling whether the changes WORK

This is where lap after lap of racing helps ( as you of all people know ) and 250 Proddy is where they can learn, on a budget, the racecraft that will let the rider maximise the benefits that adjustable suspension and chassis dynamics bring - one feeds the other










Fuk the world is screwed man, You and I Both AGREEING

[budda]

Fuk the world is screwed man, You and I Both AGREEING

Is the Moon FULL ?:wacko:

[budda]

...and learning the whole of the game from the bottom, start of the big learn for so many riders past and in the present...still a relevant and worthy class to have...not taking anything away from those who want easy, but real race bikes are quite important to the sport along with the foibles of the racing of them...makes champions shine...

Egg Zachary .... and while the demise of REAL racebikes will inevitably come, there's NO HURRY.

In fact, this is why the then Road Race Commission came up with the changes to the rules to allow people to begin developing a diesel substitute - from memory this was 4-5 years ago?

To my knowledge, to date only 2-3 people have followed up and begun the process - No doubt when the day arrives and 125's get canned through lack of entries it will all be MNZ's fault :laugh:

[Ducati981]

I was one of the riders that helped out to make up the grid for nationals and I run a 125gp bike for steve ward Racing.
It had been over 11 years since I last run a 125gp bike at nationals and I was way off the pace for the meeting. but I will say the race craft and corner speed you learn from racing one of these purpose built races is amazing (look at our champs and up and coming riders in the bigger classes some of whom have come thru the 125gp system and been under the guidance of the amazing Steve Ward)
I agree that the numbers are down these days compared to when I raced them and there were 26 on the grid at Ruapuna many years ago.
But there is a place at nationals for these machines as they are a great stepping stone for younger riders they teach them bike set up, bike maintenance and also some bike sympathy as you cant over rev them ( or you chip the reeds if over revved to much)
And with people like Steve Ward running and maintaining the bikes and helping the young riders out lets hope it keeps going for a few more years.
And lets hope we see more of these IMD 250 bikes coming thru as the people who run the one at nationals should be proud of the amazing piece of engineering that it is and it is a credit to them to how it performed and imagine 10 or so of these machines on the grid as well as 125gp bikes (would be very exciting racing).

[quickbuck]

Again, agreed ....... but until the Rider is running consistent fast laps, fiddling with the boingers and clickers is exactly that, just fiddling.........



Totally agree. 250 Production is a great class to help a rider work on his laps to get the consistency required....

I get the impression that some riders don't realise the importance of this... Much less how to achieve it....



I was so stoked on Sunday when my last 3 laps in race 2 were all within 0.018 seconds of each other. 0.525 for all laps in the 6 lap race....

Yes I was stuck in 3rd place with nobody around from the end of the first lap, so I tried to get a few constant laps going.

Mission accomplished.











Sent from my Nokia using Tapa talk.

[steveyb]

And lets hope we see more of these IMD 250 bikes coming thru as the people who run the one at nationals should be proud of the amazing piece of engineering that it is and it is a credit to them to how it performed and imagine 10 or so of these machines on the grid as well as 125gp bikes (would be very exciting racing).

You're making me cry...

Cheers!!! :yes:

[Robert Taylor]

Not quite buddy, the pro twin also allows you to learn a bit about suspension set up and chassis geometery, and that is a very serious part of the learning curve with racing bikes, very serious part!

The class rules as they stand for Pro twin dont allow for externally adjustable front suspension, and in fact still run stone age technology damper rod forks. ( Its supposed to be 2014 for gods sake! )Front end weight loading and geometry on the SVs is also very ''wanting''. So aside from the rear end adjustment possibilities the very poor front end on the SVs doesnt actually prepare you so well for a step to 600 class. At least on that count.

That is just one of several reasons why an EJC type 500 class has some merit. Better chassis allied with cartridge / externally adjustable inserts. The Andreani cartridge insert kits proposed are in fact extremely affordable for such components and if anyone cares to talk to Jake Lewis about this he was delighted with how they worked, and their responsiveness to adjustment on a bike with weight loading and geometry that doesnt ''dilute'' that response to such adjustment.

But without any desire to hijack the thread / deviate off the core subject it is a shame that the 125 class is languishing. Steve Bagshaw has a smart head on top of his shoulders and I sincerely hope all of his endeavours dont come to nought

[steveyb]

But without any desire to hijack the thread / deviate off the core subject it is a shame that the 125 class is languishing. Steve Bagshaw has a smart head on top of his shoulders and I sincerely hope all of his endeavours dont come to nought

Oh, now I am blubbering.......

:yes:

But I take issue with this part of your statement: Steve Bagshaw has a smart head on top of his shoulders

[wharfy]

Oh, now I am blubbering.......

:yes:

But I take issue with this part of your statement: Steve Bagshaw has a smart head on top of his shoulders

Nek minute ?

[Robert Taylor]

Oh, now I am blubbering.......

:yes:

But I take issue with this part of your statement: Steve Bagshaw has a smart head on top of his shoulders

Sorry I forgot the non smart corner of your brain that harbours socialist fantasies

[steveyb]

Or the part that makes him believe he can actually make something successful out of his foolish endeavours rather than just pouring money into a black hole.

[Shaun Harris]

Or the part that makes him believe he can actually make something successful out of his foolish endeavours rather than just pouring money into a black hole.









No point in having a flash house and clothes and dying a rich man Steve. Now is the time for living

[steveyb]

Done a lot of that, hence nearly 50 and no house, old van and 20 year old mountain bike!
Still, good things take time eh?

[Shaun Harris]

Done a lot of that, hence nearly 50 and no house, old van and 20 year old mountain bike!
Still, good things take time eh?












DITTO, but i only just also realised its not to late grow up haha. Booked into a NEBOSH course in ch ch starting 17th of next with a job to go to in Oman for an oil company I have just finished working for after passing the tests.

Then I will finally have some money again to waiste away on the sport. I would love to be able to buy 4 Kawi 250,s for young riders

[bigreddog]

Awesome replies..... Thanks guys for your thoughts.

Its a tough one and I am still undecided, but I know this ,if I'd had the choice of two classes to race when I was my boys age
I'd have been like a dog with two dicks!

[RDjase]

Awesome replies..... Thanks guys for your thoughts.

Its a tough one and I am still undecided, but I know this ,if I'd had the choice of two classes to race when I was my boys age
I'd have been like a dog with two dicks!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=669431170

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/294902317.jpg

Joel Dykstra's old bike, its a good one and had lots of work done to it. He is on a Ozzy GSXR450 now

[Kickaha]

Joel Dykstra's old bike, its a good one
That'd make a good Bucket

[RDjase]

That'd make a good Bucket

It had to happen....................you just stick to the R1 with the wicker basket/wheel thing on the side ;-)

[steveyb]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=669431170

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/294902317.jpg

Joel Dykstra's old bike, its a good one and had lots of work done to it. He is on a Ozzy GSXR450 now

I had forgotten about that one. I had it with Moto Academy NZ for a while, prior to that it was with Flea Willacey.
It is absolutely mint and a great bike.
I am sure price will be negotiable.
Bucketeers, hands off!!!

[Shaun Harris]

I had forgotten about that one. I had it with Moto Academy NZ for a while, prior to that it was with Flea Willacey.
It is absolutely mint and a great bike.
I am sure price will be negotiable.
Bucketeers, hands off!!!








some one buy it for me please and giz a go in the last 2 rounds. I can supply info and specs to make one of these babies haul arse big time, just ask Pete Jones. My mans 125 bikes in the uk a few years back always were the fastest 125 bikes through the speed traps with these specs. It would be cool to race a stroker again, been a few moons

[steveyb]

Just an example of what bikes are available in the USA and the prices currently.
Perhaps NZ sellers need to reasses their prices.

http://www.usgpru.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11465

They can almost not give away pre-98 bikes in the US.
No uncommon to see '95, '96, '97 and even '98 bikes for $2000-3500 incl boxes of spares sometimes.
But, you just know that that won't last forever.

In 2009-10 when I needed to sell my Honda RS250 '98 I could not give it away and had to part it out.
Now? You can hardly get one for love nor money, I sold my '89 RS250 for nearly $20,000 in early 2013. RS125's will go the same way soon enough.
So get one now while you can!!!! Hehehe

[F5 Dave]

. . . Steve Bagshaw has a smart head on top of his shoulders and I sincerely hope all of his endeavours dont come to nought
But not a pretty one.

Indeed the the last real race bike. Pity to see them held by collectors. Race bikes were made to race. When the power isn't easy to access it teaches you to make the most of what you have.

[jasonu]

some one buy it for me please and giz a go in the last 2 rounds. I can supply info and specs to make one of these babies haul arse big time, just ask Pete Jones. My mans 125 bikes in the uk a few years back always were the fastest 125 bikes through the speed traps with these specs. It would be cool to race a stroker again, been a few moons

What 'info and specs to make one of these babies haul arse big time' are you referring to?

[Shaun Harris]

What 'info and specs to make one of these babies haul arse big time' are you referring to?







info from the man who built the fastest 125 bikes in the UK according to speed traps. And as used by Cameron jones against a hot rod ridden by midge smart here years ago.

[jasonu]

info from the man who built the fastest 125 bikes in the UK according to speed traps. And as used by Cameron jones against a hot rod ridden by midge smart here years ago.

Frank Wrathall by chance?

[Shaun Harris]

Frank Wrathall by chance?











Nope, my old crew chief sponsor kevin stevens. He is not a prffessional race enging builder, just a very cleaver man that loves 2 strokes and is very very good with them.

[steveyb]

KS is well known for good stuff around the 2-stroke GP traps.

[Shaun Harris]

KS is well known of good stuff around the 2-stroke GP traps.






Any thing Kevin turns his hand too is brilliant. He is a very gifted man. His 2 stroke passion started with Racing Go Carts, he was UK champion many moons ago.

He designed a set of bell mouths for my GSXR600 that put out more tourque and more HP than any other brand availlable on the world wide market, Proven with buying them all and doing dyno tune runs on all of them.

Ducati told him to leave a 5 day course on electronics for Ducati race teams after 2 days only, he knew as much as they did that quickly hahahaha

He also builds extremelly fast and reliable BMW race bikes, he loves the internall quality of them, but hates the gearbox as it comes, but knows how to modify them to stop any issues with them.

[quallman1234]

I had forgotten about that one. I had it with Moto Academy NZ for a while, prior to that it was with Flea Willacey.
It is absolutely mint and a great bike.
I am sure price will be negotiable.
Bucketeers, hands off!!!

I would hope so. Thats overpriced really. Piss poor spares, no spare wheels (Which alone is at least a 1000$ loss).
There are heaps of 125's for sale in NZ, just not advertised as usually its word of mouth in this class for selling bikes.

[Mattr]

How many 125s are turning up a club level in Auckland?

[sharky]

How many 125s are turning up a club level in Auckland?

About 3, but they run in F3 and/or 2 stroke Gp so there's plenty of other bikes to race against on track.

[Mattr]

About 3, but they run in F3 and/or 2 stroke Gp so there's plenty of other bikes to race against on track.

What a shame, such a great bike. Maybe I need to help change that.

[bigreddog]

Some great info, thoughts and comments on this thread from some very knowledgeable people.
125's are quite a subject it seems.

I have decided to get my boy on one for his next racing step, was undecided until King of Ruapuna round 4.
It was the sound that did it.....oh yea and the smell!

Thanks to all for advice and comments.

[budda]

Some great info, thoughts and comments on this thread from some very knowledgeable people.
125's are quite a subject it seems.

I have decided to get my boy on one for his next racing step, was undecided until King of Ruapuna round 4.
It was the sound that did it.....oh yea and the smell!

Thanks to all for advice and comments.

Good move - take the experienced advice of some of your locals re maintenance, and enjoy !!!!!!!!!!

[steveyb]

Choice!!!!!

Go for gold, just don't get lost in fiddling with it too much.

[quallman1234]

Good move - take the experienced advice of some of your locals re maintenance, and enjoy !!!!!!!!!!

Excellent move, talk to either Kevin Goddard or Steve Ward. They will set you in the right direction.

[oyster]

I guess after 9 years we can spill the beans... He said "Honda are very clever people and the 01 model is excellent out of the box. Don't complicate it with kit gear and all the add ons people tell you are needed. Just set it up as they intended, and PERFECTLY. It's like production racing, you get very good results optimising what you have." He told us what head volume suits our fuel and circuits. After that it's step by step to set jetting and timing. Use the detonation counter, absolutely essential for set up, later to monitor. Critical maintenance is burning out the pipe carbon and shimming the engine mounts EVERY meeting. Dominic only took one win off Midge Smart "'(called midge for a reason, he could tuck in with his elbows in front of knees!) But Midge had some special stuff, spannered full time by one of NZ's best and his bike never really "blew away" the Kev Stevens formula. Boring eh, lesson is: don't dick with it, just set it up well. This bike now has quite a number of NZ titles, and leading the current championship.

[Shaun Harris]

I guess after 9 years we can spill the beans... He said "Honda are very clever people and the 01 model is excellent out of the box. Don't complicate it with kit gear and all the add ons people tell you are needed. Just set it up as they intended, and PERFECTLY. It's like production racing, you get very good results optimising what you have." He told us what head volume suits our fuel and circuits. After that it's step by step to set jetting and timing. Use the detonation counter, absolutely essential for set up, later to monitor. Critical maintenance is burning out the pipe carbon and shimming the engine mounts EVERY meeting. Dominic only took one win off Midge Smart "'(called midge for a reason, he could tuck in with his elbows in front of knees!) But Midge had some special stuff, spannered full time by one of NZ's best and his bike never really "blew away" the Kev Stevens formula. Boring eh, lesson is: don't dick with it, just set it up well. This bike now has quite a number of NZ titles, and leading the current championship.






Got a spare 125 anywhere I could have a go on mate, Im still small enough

[Billy]

Some great info, thoughts and comments on this thread from some very knowledgeable people.
125's are quite a subject it seems.

I have decided to get my boy on one for his next racing step, was undecided until King of Ruapuna round 4.
It was the sound that did it.....oh yea and the smell!

Thanks to all for advice and comments.

Good choice Cliff,

Theres some knowledgeable people in your area re 2 strokes,Have you talked to Stu Holdaway,If you can get him interested he has a wealth of knowledge,But the one piece of advive I would offer is,Pick one of the experienced people AND STICK WITH THEM,Don't be jumping from 1 expert to the next,Nothing pisses them off more,I know who I would run with down there,But its your choice

[oyster]

Got a spare 125 anywhere I could have a go on mate, Im still small enough

I have 3 here, Cam's bike is now never for sale or use. The other two I sponsor young ones on. Scout and angela rode them at Hampton Downs, Barry Sheene event. The one Scout rides is Dom's old one. Do remember that boy feeling down, on that obsolete bike, against a big feild of late model kit. We asked you to have a word with him, a few hours later he put down a '41 and on the podium for the GP title!!!! Yep, come on down for a ride any time. Still have you leathers here.

[Shaun Harris]

I have 3 here, Cam's bike is now never for sale or use. The other two I sponsor young ones on. Scout and angela rode them at Hampton Downs, Barry Sheene event. The one Scout rides is Dom's old one. Do remember that boy feeling down, on that obsolete bike, against a big feild of late model kit. We asked you to have a word with him, a few hours later he put down a '41 and on the podium for the GP title!!!! Yep, come on down for a ride any time. Still have you leathers here.




It was that day with Dom sitting in your guys tent that Proved to me his attitude and spirit was in the correct place Pete, I remember it weell, it blew me away big time!!


Thanks re the 125 ride, I will have to arrange a trip down for the inter series

[bigreddog]

Good choice Cliff,

Theres some knowledgeable people in your area re 2 strokes,Have you talked to Stu Holdaway,If you can get him interested he has a wealth of knowledge,But the one piece of advive I would offer is,Pick one of the experienced people AND STICK WITH THEM,Don't be jumping from 1 expert to the next,Nothing pisses them off more,I know who I would run with down there,But its your choice

Cheers Billy, have spoke with Stu and he has been most helpful.
Lewis is very excited about riding the 125.

[RDjase]

Who is racing in GP125 this Nationals?

[Billy]

Who is racing in GP125 this Nationals?

Can I use my shifter Kart?

Its got an RS125 engine,I know it's got 4 wheels, But it doesn't have suspension which should even things up and I promise not to have all the wheels on the road all the time?

[Kickaha]

Its got an RS125 engine,I know it's got 4 wheels, But it doesn't have suspension which should even things up
It wouldn't even anything up, if it is a good RS125 engine it should beat them all and probably most of the 600 field

[Billy]

It wouldn't even anything up, if it is a good RS125 engine it should beat them all and probably most of the 600 field

Hahaha,

So is that a maybe ???? Don't forget I'm really old and fucked as well

[jasonu]

Hahaha,

So is that a maybe ???? Don't forget I'm really old and fucked as well

Not to mention bitter and twisted...:msn-wink:

[Billy]

Not to mention bitter and twisted...:msn-wink:

WTF?????

Bitter and twisted as well as sour, Woe is me. FML and all that stuff:yes:

[RDjase]

So that makes it three 125s, and a shifter kart for the Nats

Anyone know where a shifter kart minus engine is? A shifter kart and RS bucket coming to my shed shortly with these 125 numbers for Nats

[Bert]

So that makes it three 125s, and a shifter kart for the Nats

Anyone know where a shifter kart minus engine is? A shifter kart and RS bucket coming to my shed shortly with these 125 numbers for Nats

The low numbers are quite disappointing Jase.
We Kinda though that a few more people might have shown interest in 250mx conversions, but no...
It would be a crying shame to see this type of class disappear, but the machines are getting old and no cheap options provided from the factories...

So, what do we have now as a logical progression for riders?
250 -> protwins -> 600s

Starting to like the idea of the restricted 600 class...

[chrisc]

I'm not attending the SI rounds but am tempted on Hampton and Taupo on the RS125. Busy time of year for me so I haven't committed to it yet, I definitely need to re-look at where the hell I'm going to be in March.

I truly believe a F4 bucket is the right starting platform for NZ youth. You get as much track time as you can handle, accelerated racing development and all for barely a sniff of $.
Next step either onto a 250 production or RS125 depending on how long and how well they've done on a bucket.
The 250 proddy in my opinion is the long way around and you're better off getting onto a RS125 because again, there's accelerated learning there.
600s would be a leap from a 250 proddy but I could imagine a reasonable way to go for someone coming off a RS125. No need to go the long way through pro twins if you're a serious rider trying to climb the racing ladder.

Having just jumped onto a RS125 I think the cost for running one is grossly exaggerated. Relative to other bigger bikes they are very affordable and crazy easy to work on. Yes they require some maintenance effort and early advice on how to treat them will go far but this is RACING, not public lawnmower go karting. You could probably do a full top end swap on a RS125 in the time it takes a hyosung to change a rear tire :lol:.

[Yow Ling]

6 125s entered for Ruapuna
17 development Class

[Billy]

6 125s entered for Ruapuna
17 development Class

Thats hardly indicative though Mike,

We had people trying to enter as late as the Saturday at NZSBK 2014, Whatever there are listed as confirmed entries to date will mean little, I'm picking there'll be 10, But it's still a stretch at National level, I would hope that entries are up even further for all classes as more NI competitors realise how much more user freindly the new format is for the average racer.

[RDjase]

Thats hardly indicative though Mike,

We had people trying to enter as late as the Saturday at NZSBK 2014, Whatever there are listed as confirmed entries to date will mean little, I'm picking there'll be 10, But it's still a stretch at National level, I would hope that entries are up even further for all classes as more NI competitors realise how much more user freindly the new format is for the average racer.

Do you know what happened to the online entry system from last year? has to download, fill out , scan and send the entries this time. and no web page with entries on to look at

Here is last years entry list, maybe I just cant find the 2015 version

http://www.nzsbk.co.nz/

[Billy]

Do you know what happened to the online entry system from last year? has to download, fill out , scan and send the entries this time. and no web page with entries on to look at

Here is last years entry list, maybe I just cant find the 2015 version

http://www.nzsbk.co.nz/

No, Sorry mate, You'll need to talk to Greg about this years series, Ive had nothing to do with any of it, Or Ian Dawson, He seems to be up with the play, Probably won't appreciate the intrusion though as it's not really his role.

[RDjase]

No, Sorry mate, You'll need to talk to Greg about this years series, Ive had nothing to do with any of it, Or Ian Dawson, He seems to be up with the play, Probably won't appreciate the intrusion though as it's not really his role.

Didn't think Ian was doing any bike media stuff,

Heres the entry list off FB






NZSBK Round one Christchurch Entry List as of today. Some more entrants yet to be shown.

Superbike
CHARLETT Dennis CHRISTCHURCH
MAGEE Lindon AUSTRALIA
HAMPTON Ryan CHRISTCHURCH
TELFORD Dillon WELLINGTON
ORNSBY Dan OXFORD
SCOTT Aaron CHRISTCHURCH
MOIR Scott TAUPO
FITZGERALD Hayden NEW PLYMOUTH
CLEE Ray KUMEU
HASSAN Jaden AUCKLAND
SMITH James CHRISTCHURCH

Supersport
EVANS Andy CHRISTCHURCH
HOOGENBOEZEM James CHRISTCHURCH
DIPROSE Nathanael AUCKLAND
HOLMES Jeremey INVERCARGILL
MINCHER Rex TAUPO
METTAM Daniel AUCKLAND
HASSAN Aaron WESTMERE
HUDSON Cameron CHRISTCHURCH
HOOGENBOEZEM Alastair CHRISTCHURCH

Pro Twin
BENTLEY Dean LOWER HUTT
SMITH Nicki NEW PLYMOUTH
FLETCHER Scout CHRISTCHURCH
GORE Gareth CHRISTCHURCH
RUTHERFORD Steve METHVEN
JAMES Dean CHRISTCHURCH
SHRAL Aaron CHRISTCHURCH
MUNT Phillip WHANGAREI
WHITTALL Rob RAGLIN
BRADSHAW Ryan CHRISTCHURCH
MESSITER Karl AUCKLAND
SOUTHERWOOD Nick AUCKLAND
KNOWLES Jordan CHRISTCHURCH
RANGI David NELSON

Superlite
AGATE Zayne CHRISTCHURCH
LENNOX Nigel AUCKLAND
FINDLAY Scott AUCKLAND
NAIRN Jason NEW PLYMOUTH
BIDDLE Avalon OWERA
TALBOT Mike CHRISTCHURCH
RUDD Andrew ASHBURTON
KNOWLES James CHRISTCHURCH
GARVEN Brent TIMARU
HOOGENBOEZEM Matthew CHRISTCHURCH

250 Production
WOODLEY Jock BLENHEIM
WILLETS Richard TIMARU
SIMONS Harrick GORE
McARTHUR Tim BLENHEIM
GODDARD Kevin DUNEDIN
PARRY Daniel NGARUAWAHIA
GARVEN Brent TIMARU
RAMAGE Grant TIMARU
WATSON Dean ASHBURTON

125GP/250 Mono
BANKS Mihi RANUI HEIGHTS
DRAY Lewis ASHBURTON
HARDAKER Brian CHRISTCHURCH
RAJEK Roman TAUPO
McCURRIE Sean KAIAPOI
LINCOLN Tyler Hastings

Development Junior
CONDON Jack CHRISTCHURCH
WILSON Ben PAPAKURA
GUY Kallim CHRISTCHURCH
GODDARD Josh DUNEDIN
GOULTER Sam ASHBURTON
PIERCE Jacob CHRISTCHURCH
COTTON Jackson CHRISTCHURCH
SIMONS Kagan GORE

Development Senior
WALLIS Dallen CHRISTCHURCH
WOODLEY-GILL Vanessa CHRISTCHURCH
GOULTER Gerald ASHBURTON
BOOTH Brendan CHRISTCHURCH
COTTON Brent CHRISTCHURCH
DRAY Cliff ASHBURTON
PIKE Derek ASHBURTON
ASHWORTH Bryan CHRISTCHURCH
McLAUGHLIN Andrew BLENHEIM
Buckets
STEIN Mike CHRISTCHURCH

Clubmans
PARISH Phil CHRISTCHURCH
ALLISON Peter CHRISTCHURCH
BUSS Peter LITTLE RIVER
CLARKE Aaron Aaron ROLLESTON
WILCOCK Gordon CHRISTCHURCH
BOYD Graham CHRISTCHURCH
BOYD Rob WOODEND
GUNN Peter CHRISTCHURCH
BOOTH Brendan CHRISTCHURCH
COTTON Brent CHRISTCHURCH
STEIN Mike CHRISTCHURCH
BEAUMONT Kevin TE ANAU
ASHWORTH Brian CHRISTCHURCH
TAYLOR Mark CHRISTCHURCH
MERRIMAN Karl NELSON

Sidecars
MACDONALD Alex/Andy KAIAPOI
SMITH Barry/Robbie TE PUKE
UNSWORTH Adam/Stuart AUCKLAND
LOVELL Aaron/Tracey TE RAPA
MONRO Philip CHRISTCHURCH
TAYLOR Spike MASTERTON
DEMMOCKS Warwick RANGIORA
McARTHUR David TE AWAMUTU
GOODMAN Peter ALBANY
MATTHESIUS kai DUNEDIN

[The Chow]

Didn't think Ian was doing any bike media stuff,

Heres the entry list off FB Not officially for the series , but I'm there taking up space , check out www.nzsuperbike.com also here is the online entry form for Round two. I'm not part of the organising side of things , I'm just helping where I can , Have no idea what the score is this year but yes I will be at all rounds , in between doing my Archiving work for MNZ.Also our NZMoto facebook page , and MNZ Facebook I manage that too.

[Billy]

Didn't think Ian was doing any bike media stuff,

Heres the entry list off FB

Yip,

Saw that, Looking good, I predict 20 supers, Around the same Supersport and a handful more for each of the others, Pro Twins looking promising.

Yea Ian's still doing NZ Moto and Fastkiwi, But he seems to be up with the play and working in with Greg.

[RDjase]

Not officially for the series , but I'm there taking up space , check out www.nzsuperbike.com also here is the online entry form for Round two. I'm not part of the organising side of things , I'm just helping where I can , Have no idea what the score is this year but yes I will be at all rounds , in between doing my Archiving work for MNZ.Also our NZMoto facebook page , and MNZ Facebook I manage that too.

Cool ! Thanks for your good work

See you at Ruapuna

[RDjase]

So there is 6 125s plus the IMD250?

Will be minus Tyler if the engine parts don't turn up, didn't need a blow up at Manfeild just before nats

[steveyb]

Looking like around 10 at the moment I think.

[Billy]

So there is 6 125s plus the IMD250?

Will be minus Tyler if the engine parts don't turn up, didn't need a blow up at Manfeild just before nats

Got a NF4 Engine here in my shifter kart if you get desperate, Probably not a lot of point with the 1st round being the double header though, Still, It'd get you on the grid.

[steveyb]

There is a perfectly good RS125 sitting in Napier doing nothing (you know where).
You could ask?

[quickbuck]

So there is 6 125s plus the IMD250?

Will be minus Tyler if the engine parts don't turn up, didn't need a blow up at Manfeild just before nats

Yup, that Blow Up sucked the big one..... One of the Cruel things about Motorsport....

[mr bucketracer]

who would moan if i built 2 zxr250 powered gp bikes for the class? i look at it as this is nz , we are diffient ( power wise 40 kind of hp and should last years )would be like a 1960s gp bike of today

[mr bucketracer]

i think forget about putting 600 and 1000 bikes on tv and put buckets ,125 , 250 bike in its place , dads with there sons sitting at home will more likey get there kides and maybe them selfs into the sport , than looking at a overpriced 100+hp sport , face it , its not working whats happing at the moment

[jellywrestler]

i think forget about putting 600 and 1000 bikes on tv and put buckets ,125 , 250 bike in its place , dads with there sons sitting at home will more likey get there kides and maybe them selfs into the sport , than looking at a overpriced 100+hp sport , face it , its not working whats happing at the moment

maybe you should go to a race meeting and see there are actually people there and on a per capita basis we punch well above our weight in nz.
we're never going back to the seventies as there's sunday shopping, people work more hours and so many more sports available to bot compete in and watch than there was in those days.

[mr bucketracer]

maybe you should go to a race meeting and see there are actually people there and on a per capita basis we punch well above our weight in nz.
we're never going back to the seventies as there's sunday shopping, people work more hours and so many more sports available to bot compete in and watch than there was in those days.last meeting i went to was all about howmuch more weight we should put on the britton to stop it winning .sad people us new zealanders . i'm not ever going to push anything i do.it may look like i'm doing it for my own needs but realy i just want to build numbers

[jellywrestler]

last meeting i went to was all about howmuch more weight we should put on the britton to stop it winning .sad people us new zealanders . i'm not ever going to push anything i do.it may look like i'm doing it for my own needs but realy i just want to build numbers

so that's about 20 years ago, it was tough for other competitors racing against a custom built machine whilst others were on superbikes based on road machines, think the same sentiments were occuring in world superbikes with the weights of the twin cylinder thous versus the 750 fours being altered to make the racing more even.
no one likes to go to a race meeting of any type and see one machine dissapear into the distance do they.
Come along to another meeting, they still have the same batch of old hotdogs but other things have changed a bit, and there are disabled stands for people who are one eye'd and have other disabilities...

[chrisc]

There were 8 (including the IMD250) in GP125 over the weekend

[roogazza]

There were 8 (including the IMD250) in GP125 over the weekend
that'll be 7 then ?
I had a look at ctas , clubmans was biggest !!!
pro twins had about 16/17 ?
10 or 11 superbikes, and 600s similar .
Nice to be able to see what's going on down there.
(commentators sounded like they were on 'P')
But I think I'd still be jumping on a 250 prod or Pro twin is I was a youngster.

[quickbuck]

that'll be 7 then ? Yup
I had a look at ctas , clubmans was biggest !!! A shame really, but good for them to get out there...
pro twins had about 16/17 ? 17 until Duncan had to give up his bike to loan the motor out...
10 or 11 superbikes, and 600s similar . More entered, but it was a crash fest on Thursday... well all weekend really.
Nice to be able to see what's going on down there. Sure is, Thanks Grant and CTAS!
(commentators sounded like they were on 'P') May have been...
But I think I'd still be jumping on a 250 prod or Pro twin is I was a youngster. Hell yeah, they are fun. Dan Parry has my old 250.
Replies in red

[Mental Trousers]

Watching Tim McArthur destroy the field and records in the Production 250's with pure corner speed shows the value of the 125GP class.

The class is needed for the development of future riders who are able to ride GP type machines rather than Production type bikes but at the moment there's only the IMD250 and that really only exists because Stevey B is a stubborn bastard.

[jellywrestler]

(commentators sounded like they were on 'P')
I certainally wasn't, however i was given a 330mm 4% beer by the meetings major sponsor and took it up to finish during the very last race of the day and had it confiscated.... it was back to water from the toilet from then on.

[Yow Ling]

that'll be 7 then ?
I had a look at ctas , clubmans was biggest !!!
pro twins had about 16/17 ?
10 or 11 superbikes, and 600s similar .
Nice to be able to see what's going on down there.
(commentators sounded like they were on 'P')
But I think I'd still be jumping on a 250 prod or Pro twin is I was a youngster.

Have another look , Clubmans had 17 in qualifying , development had 23

Clubmans is really just for guys wanting a ride without the whole Nationals thing, development is the feeder class where 125 and 250 racers come from, well the junior development class is the feeder, senior is mostly dads and buckets

[roogazza]

I certainally wasn't, however i was given a 330mm 4% beer by the meetings major sponsor and took it up to finish during the very last race of the day and had it confiscated.... it was back to water from the toilet from then on.

:laugh: great to be able to see and hear whats going on down there tho.
You two give a wealth of info and history on the racing and seem to have your finger on the pulse.
Could hear you running out of breath trying to get it all out is all.
Maybe a beer is a good idea ? or a doobie ? ;)

[jellywrestler]

Maybe a beer is a good idea ? or a doobie ? ;)

it was one beer for christs sake, i't was a stiffling hot day and it was either tap water or Coke etc but got sick of that.
I drink like a fish but certainally wouldn't when commentating anything except the cold kiwi, too easy to get into party mode and forget the racing, the other thing is I swear like a old lady at housie when sh'es lost, but don't on the mic. that little gate in my brain would dissapear once i've downed a few brown powerades i'm sure.
Doing the weekend solo at levels, there maybe a few keen to help but in my opinion the national level commentating is a two person task minimum, with the class experts like seth as well. there is so much going on around you that needs a fair shot of your time which one can't easily manage when alone.
glad you like it and it keeps you following it all.

[chrisc]

Watching Tim McArthur destroy the field and records in the Production 250's with pure corner speed shows the value of the 125GP class.

Agreed



But I think I'd still be jumping on a 250 prod or Pro twin is I was a youngster.

How boring. So much learning to be done on a GP125 bike!

[jellywrestler]

Agreed



How boring. So much learning to be done on a GP125 bike! yip but how accessable are they and how much do some people want to bother, another thing is sue to their size how many people can actually fit on them...

[quickbuck]

yip but how accessable are they and how much do some people want to bother, another thing is sue to their size how many people can actually fit on them...

Very true.... There is no way I would have been able to learn to race on a little bike if it wasn't for 250 Production.
Roman Rajek asked me if I wanted a go on his the other weekend at Manfeild.
I said I would love to, but there was very little chance I would be able to tuck into it... That said there used to be this really big dude called Nick who did pretty well on one a few years back now.

Accessibility, yup, a little difficult. Also I shudder to think what RDJases credit card looks like and the season is only 1/3 done track time wise, and 1/4 done traveling wise.
The engine blowing up in the Suzuki Series was a real kicker!
I mean, heck for the price of a barrel you can get a whole engine for a 250 Production bike....

I do admire the guys who are pouring their hearts and soles into the class though. The youngsters are clearly learning a lot of race craft on the 125's.

Watch out for Tayla Ralph on the IMD250 this weekend though! Second weekend on the bike, so all she has to learn is the track this time!

[Shaun Harris]

Steve, congrats on results dude

[RDjase]

Whos in for the North Island rounds?

[steveyb]

Steve, congrats on results dude

Thanks Shaun.

[steveyb]

Whos in for the North Island rounds?

Team Biggles Racing with Tayla Relph Racing on the IMD250 rocketship chook chaser bike.

[RDjase]

The IMD is getting well and truly sorted now !

Might head to the Taupo round for a watch

[quickbuck]

The IMD is getting well and truly sorted now !

Might head to the Taupo round for a watch

Might join you... Actually, did I hear they are looking for Marshalls with experience?

Yeah, yeah, before I took to picking up my own crashed bike, I used to pick up some others...

[RDjase]

Might join you... Actually, did I hear they are looking for Marshalls with experience?

Yeah, yeah, before I took to picking up my own crashed bike, I used to pick up some others...

What club is running it? Or MNZ doing it?

[quickbuck]

What club is running it? Or MNZ doing it?
Apparently Canterbury....
I found it on NZSBK 2015 Facebook Page... "Hidden" under the announcement about there is no double points for the final round.

[Kickaha]

What club is running it?
The best one

[chrisc]

Whos in for the North Island rounds?

National licence just arrived. Need to register still but I'm in

[steveyb]

Sweeeeet!!!!!! Just come ask any questions you need answering.

[chrisc]

Cheers! :scooter:

[chrisc]

I just remembered this thread. 125 racing is still alive and I've seen a small growth in interest over the past year of riding them!
There's a number of us riding 125s in Auckland now, 2 at most rounds with potential for 4 or 5 if everyone turns up.

I started a facebook group a while back for those truly interested, feel free to join and ask questions for anyone interested. The community is incredibly supportive when you start chatting

https://www.facebook.com/groups/125GPNZ/

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7646/16850340308_c80ac2494c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rF1p7L)
_MG_0942 (https://flic.kr/p/rF1p7L) by Chris Cain (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sonscc/), on Flickr