GN250 on a track day? [Archive]

MikeyG

29th August 2006, 09:01

Some KBer's have been telling me I should go on a track day to get more experience even though I only ride a GN. What do you think, genius or insanity?

McJim

29th August 2006, 09:14

You would obviously have to go on the track when the novices are there regardless of your own ability coz your straight line speed can't be much over 110kmh. The handling on a Ginny is not fantastic so you may have to be a bit slower in the corners but it's a safer environment for finding the limits of a bike and your own skills than the open road.

I say go for it - you might as well try - nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I've never ridden a ginny though so don't know really what 20bhp feels like.

frogfeaturesFZR

29th August 2006, 09:17

:rockon: Give it a go......

kiwifruit

29th August 2006, 09:24

Do it!
gotta be the most fun you can have on a gn, within reason.
:rockon:

McJim

29th August 2006, 09:29

Do it!
gotta be the most fun you can have on a gn, within reason.
:rockon:

Charlize Theron sitting on the tank of a GN250, naked, facing you....now THAT's the most fun you can have on a ginny.....

Rashika

29th August 2006, 09:29

Why not? Some track days have opportunities for the buckets to have a go, and they would be the same speed as your GN, just do it!
You may find a huge improvement in your riding, best and safest way to learn new techniques

inlinefour

29th August 2006, 09:31

Some KBer's have been telling me I should go on a track day to get more experience even though I only ride a GN. What do you think, genius or insanity?

As long as you stayed right outta the way, or remain in the slower group, never used any of the racing lines on the track and could cope with the felling of going backwards due to bikes going past at a more normal speed... :shit: (pt).

Although I reckon it has to be worth a go eh.

twinkle

29th August 2006, 09:31

shit, thats a good idea. I might take mine out too :Punk:If we got enough gn riders we could have a gn race :yes: cheap to fix if someone crashes :first:

Freakshow

29th August 2006, 09:32

Most Definatly!!! :scooter:

I went on the track day at Manfield earlier in the year and I was in the back of the slow group doing my thing. I could only get 140 out it in the back straight but I learnt so much that it helped me to stay at it and think of the next sport bike to get when I get my Full.

JUST DO IT!!!!:rockon:

onearmedbandit

29th August 2006, 09:35

Forget what inlinefour says, just go in the novice class and enjoy yourself. Take whatever racing line yoiu want, there is no pressure on a 'have a go day', so don't worry if you're holding someone up in the novice field, if they want to pass on corners they should be in a class up. The entry level class is exactly that, just a chance for you to get out there to get a feel of being on a track and how you and your bike handle.

dawnrazor

29th August 2006, 09:39

have a ball, track days should be for everyone

kiwifruit

29th August 2006, 09:47

As long as you stayed right outta the way, never used any of the racing lines on the track and could cope with the felling of going backwards due to bikes going past at a more normal speed... :shit:

i disagree,
take the racing line, do your own thing, enjoy it!
people who want to get past will get past
who gives a shit if bikes are passing at twice the speed :whocares: :scooter:

SARGE

29th August 2006, 09:48

shit, thats a good idea. I might take mine out too :Punk:If we got enough gn riders we could have a gn race :yes: cheap to fix if someone crashes :first:

mate .. i suggested this months (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=17845&highlight=gn250) ago..

You would obviously have to go on the track when the novices are there regardless of your own ability coz your straight line speed can't be much over 110kmh. The handling on a Ginny is not fantastic so you may have to be a bit slower in the corners but it's a safer environment for finding the limits of a bike and your own skills than the open road.

ride em like a motard.. seriously (the shit tires need to be replaced though..)

I've never ridden a ginny though so don't know really what 20bhp feels like.

20 hell... 11.5 bhp.. they really are fun to ride though..

The_Dover

29th August 2006, 10:04

fuck man, they let hondas on the track, what harm can a GN do?

it's probably got more guts than most direblades

Sniper

29th August 2006, 10:15

Fucken aye, get the bike on the track. Who cares if its a GN? You learn things about your bike on track days that you would never learn on the road.

Zed

29th August 2006, 10:15

fuck man, they let hondas on the track, what harm can a GN do?

it's probably got more guts than most direbladesI'll take the Honda bait...when were you last on the race track Dover?? :shutup:

And imo MikeyG, I wouldn't recommend taking the Ginny on the track unless you are quite confident in your own abilities and don't get fazed when there are other bikes screaming past you within cm's as though you were parked up! The track is more suited for sprotsbikes than cruisers, you'll be scrapping all that lovely chrome work on all the tight corners if you lean over too much...then again, I have seen a Harley on the track, but he was riding rather sedately. :scooter:

The_Dover

29th August 2006, 10:21

I'll take the Honda bait...when were you last on the race track Dover?? :shutup:

I don't race Zed.

Allah forbids hedonistic activities like that. My motorcycle is purely a form of transport to the mosque and back.

MikeyG

29th August 2006, 10:22

you'll be scrapping all that lovely chrome work on all the tight corners if you lean over too much...

Chrome? none of that left on my bike, just rust.

Zed

29th August 2006, 10:23

Chrome? none of that left on my bike, just rust.Oh well - GO FOR IT THEN!!!! :Punk:

Big Dave

29th August 2006, 10:32

I think it would be a bit of a waste and something that the bike is not designed to do.
I've never let that stop me doing something in the past though.

Kendog

29th August 2006, 10:34

Go for it! I mentioned after the trackday I went to and watched, that I would have loved to ride my old GN around, just for experience for a first time like, and every bastard within ear shot laughed at me (F*#kers!!):laugh: Go hard mate:Punk:
Mrs KD.

Zed

29th August 2006, 10:35

I don't race Zed.Yeah didn't think you'd been on the track before son...we'll just dismiss your Honda-track-bashing post as utter twaddle then shall we.:blink:

Squeak the Rat

29th August 2006, 10:35

Go for it. A ginny on a track would be a laugh.

I think it would be a bit of a waste and something that the bike is not designed to do.
I've never let that stop me doing something in the past though.

Big Dave on a ginny on a track would be even funnier! :scooter:

The_Dover

29th August 2006, 10:38

Yeah didn't think you'd been on the track before son...

sorry Dad.

Shaun

29th August 2006, 10:44

Fucken aye, get the bike on the track. Who cares if its a GN? You learn things about your bike on track days that you would never learn on the road.

What he says, you will learn heaps and have a ball

clint640

29th August 2006, 10:44

And imo MikeyG, I wouldn't recommend taking the Ginny on the track unless you are quite confident in your own abilities and don't get fazed when there are other bikes screaming past you within cm's as though you were parked up! The track is more suited for sprotsbikes than cruisers,

You're just afraid he'll pass ya :second:

If you've been to a trackday you'll know that there is usually a novice class where putting around on a GN is perfectly acceptable & a great way to improve your riding skills. Anybody 'screaming past' should be in a faster group.

Cheers
Clint

Rashika

29th August 2006, 10:52

And imo MikeyG, I wouldn't recommend taking the Ginny on the track unless you are quite confident in your own abilities and don't get fazed when there are other bikes screaming past you within cm's as though you were parked up! The track is more suited for sprotsbikes than cruisers, you'll be scrapping all that lovely chrome work on all the tight corners if you lean over too much...then again, I have seen a Harley on the track, but he was riding rather sedately. :scooter:
guess you better not watch the buckets racing then eh Zed?
One of the fastest in recent years was a GN125....and having 27 or so buckets take off in a race is not for the fainthearted. But like others have said, novice classes only allow passing on the straights, which is no worse that being on the road really

Crisis management

29th August 2006, 10:56

Go for it!
You will learn more by trying to get a slow, poor handling bike around the track than a sportsbike.
Teaches you about maintaining corner speed (you cant afford to brake) and dealing with handling limitations.
You can't damage the bike, go and have a ball:scooter:

MikeyG

29th August 2006, 13:01

Thanks for the comments everyone. I've PMed FROSTY to see if I can get into the 5 Nov trackday at Taupo.

McJim

29th August 2006, 13:08

Yep - Go for it - there is a BIG difference between a Track day and a race. As some have said - if people scream past you then they're in the wrong session.

pritch

29th August 2006, 13:15

As long as you stayed right outta the way, or remain in the slower group, never used any of the racing lines on the track

Sorry John I also disagree with that, he should ride the racing line
consistently that way everybody knows what to expect.

MikeyG

29th August 2006, 14:27

Spots are still open for KB track day 4. Taupo here I come!

gijoe1313

29th August 2006, 14:33

The_Dover

29th August 2006, 14:52

Man, go for it! You can dine out on that experience for years! If its a bike you can race it and ride it to find out what it can do! I would love to get my 2 fiddy racing around!:scooter: Get someone to take piccies for posterity!

I reckon you got the right stuff to do it straight up :Punk:

Have you signed up for the trackday yet Justin?

And shouldn't you be teaching kids right now? You know, increasing the standard of education to get some of these fuckers off the dole?

FROSTY

29th August 2006, 14:59

Mikey --in this particular case (and only this one mind you) only three peoples opinion matters.
You--are you happy to take ya bike on the track?
Me---well I started this whole track day thing for people just like you.
I think at the last track day we had some slow as heck south islander on a bucket and a gal on a KR 150 and a couple of other "slower" type bikes
The rule though is ya stick to your line.The WORST thing you can do is try to be conciderate of other riders. If theyre on a faster bike theyll get past ya no worries
The third person is the scrutineer.-- Your bike and gears gotta be up to scratch-so check the rules -its about post 4 under TD4 --read it and make sure Youll have wasted $100 if it isnt

MikeyG

29th August 2006, 15:21

Bike has WOF and Rego so should pass scruitineering. My gear is two-peice cordura, leather boots, leather gloves, full face lid. So should pass scruitineering fine.

Fub@r

29th August 2006, 15:22

your straight line speed can't be much over 110kmh. The handling on a Ginny is not fantastic so you may have to be a bit slower in the corners .

Hey my mighty Ginny was the only one that took the lefty on Saturday :Punk: As for 110kph, I still had 2,000 rpm before redline be good for at least 120kph with good tailwind :gob:

As for going out on the track I'd say go for it, the Ginny is nothing fantastic but they can still be fun

WarlockNZ

29th August 2006, 18:04

Hey my mighty Ginny was the only one that took the lefty on Saturday :Punk: As for 110kph, I still had 2,000 rpm before redline be good for at least 120kph with good tailwind :gob:

I can vouch for that .. he was trying to catch me .. hee hee .. dude .. get out on the track .. if anyone gives you shit .. tell them to piss off .. the only thing that matters is that you enjoy the machine you ride :)

MikeyG

29th August 2006, 18:09

I've had PMs from FROSTY and Chris and I'm definately doing Taupo. Only decision is KB trackday 4 or KiwiRider Suzuki track day. Will try to do both if I can.

WarlockNZ

29th August 2006, 18:10

I've had PMs from FROSTY and Chris and I'm definately doing Taupo. Only decision is KB trackday 4 or KiwiRider Suzuki track day. Will try to do both if I can.

We want to see video man ... VIDEO!!! ...

MikeyG

29th August 2006, 18:12

We want to see video man ... VIDEO!!! ...

I'm going to be too busy riding. Normally someone turns up and takes photos.

FROSTY

29th August 2006, 18:15

Fuggit man--Give it to me for the lead bike in the fast group--lets give loosebruce and dss3 a scare

WarlockNZ

29th August 2006, 18:21

I'm going to be too busy riding. Normally someone turns up and takes photos.

Who's going down ?? .. come on you guys speak up ... we need video of the ginny round the track ... VIDEO!!!! .. hee hee .. i for one would love to see it ... and love to see it posted on youtube. that would kick ass.. ha ha

Kickaha

29th August 2006, 18:46

I think at the last track day we had some slow as heck south islander on a bucket and a gal on a KR 150 and a couple of other "slower" type bikes

The "slow as heck" South Islander on his FXR150 was faster than a lot of bigger bikes in the slow class"

Do it, you wont regret it :woohoo:

SuperDave

29th August 2006, 19:05

I guess it depends on what track, something twisty like Taupo then go for it mate. I took my FXR150 to Pukekohe once and I had great fun. The big bore bikes passing me on either side on the straights at 100kph above my speed didn't put me off at all.

McJim

29th August 2006, 19:07

Hey my mighty Ginny was the only one that took the lefty on Saturday :Punk: As for 110kph, I still had 2,000 rpm before redline be good for at least 120kph with good tailwind :gob:

As for going out on the track I'd say go for it, the Ginny is nothing fantastic but they can still be fun

Be sure to eat beans before you ride next time to ensure the quantity of tailwind you need.

madmal64

29th August 2006, 19:15

Hell its one of the things that really helps you to learn your limits on the machine your on.
I know that you will gain shit loads from a track day or two. go for it!

Leong

29th August 2006, 19:22

Yeah, go for it. There was a ginny at my first trackday - she enjoyed it and was no problem for the rest of the slow group. Honda Riders Club do good "rider development" days with instructors, and the groups tend to be slower than the KB ones.