Cutoff age for starting racing?

[wbks]

I was at the mx track today and realised how much fun it used to be even though I haven't ridden in about a year because of my patella that just loves to shimmy its way around to the back of my knee. But the reason my KX is on sale is because I wanted to sell it to get some money to start streetstock. But seeing as my kx isn't selling fast I thought I kinda want to keep with mx for another year and then do streetstock the following year.

But now I'm wondering if there is some common cut off age at which most reasonably good racers started road racing? 'Cause I don't want to be that guy competing with himself and someone years younger than him for last place because he put off racing for too long and is now not going to ever manage top 3 in an average local race meet. Any opinions, people? Wish I could afford to do MX and streetstock

[Sketchy_Racer]

How old are you?

[Tony.OK]

I'm 36 and started racing this year in SBK.
You're never too old too learn dude.................same as other things in life, if you can still get a leg over, you can still (ahem) ride :whistle:

[Coyote]

You'll start off as the dude that's racing himself to begin with. But get over it. After a while you'll become good and you'll have an awesome time.

I don't race, but I do a bit of MX riding with my brother (who is a racer) when he's out practicing. I was lucky enough to start when I was 13 on a CRF150. I was hitting the tabletop in second gear and I wasn't getting enough air to put a flat palm under my wheels, whilst 5 year olds on their 65's were flying above me.

It was daunting, and I decided to do road riding since the surface was more predictable. My brother stuck at it and though he's not as good as the top guns yet, he doesn't get lapped (which is pretty farken quick). I'm also getting pretty good. Because of my wrecklessness, I can keep up with my brother until I crash and wreck the bike for the day. Only a matter of time before I break my neck.

[wbks]

I'm 15. I just figured because all the top road racers started 125s when they were 13 and so on...

[jrandom]

I'm 15. I just figured...

<img src="http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/too_old_for_this_shit.png"/>

[wbks]

My point was if keep doing mx for much longer I won't have the advantage of starting young...

[sharky]

My father-in-law started this year in his 60's.
In Europe they start pretty young but in Kiwiland probably not the case. Depends on your aspirations I suppose. World Champion? Then start now.

[wbks]

Lol not enough dough to guy a late model rs125 and my own mechanic and coach to go to the track every weekend so no, world champ isn't an aspiration. I would like to hear Shaun's opinion on this one...

[lostinflyz]

i beleive the god like Mr. Bayliss started racing in his early 20's.

you either got the skill or you dont to be a runner. In the end you have to start behind somewhere to know when you have reached the front.

[wbks]

Yea there are always random 'mirracle' guys like that in sport. Jeremy McGrath, best sx racer in the 90's, only started even riding mx bikes when he was like 18. Most champs start mx at 4-5

[lostinflyz]

some guys got talent. other put in the hard yards. they usually end up pretty close. the guys who put in the yards and got the talent are the gods of most sports.

[eelracing]

I would like to hear Shaun's opinion on this one...

Get down to taupo track tomorrow if u can coz Shaun is sposed to be there for the motott trackday.You can ask and watch the man in person,maybe it will help to make up your mind.

[wbks]

Will do if he's there on jan 17th when I'm riding there. Don't really want to go for a 3 hour drive when I don't even know what to ask...

[eelracing]

Will do if he's there on jan 17th when I'm riding there. Don't really want to go for a 3 hour drive when I don't even know what to ask...

Like the previous dude said "some put in the hard yards"

[wbks]

I'll make the drive no prob if its worth it but like i said im not even sure what to ask.

[puddytat]

Im 44 & just started racing,.....my reasoning being that its never to late to have a happy childhood:yes:

[steveyb]

Gidday WBKS.
Have a look at our website www.motoacademy.co.nz
Riders like yourself are just who we are looking for.
You never know, you might just find yourself in Portugal in November if you are any good!
My contact details are on the website.
PM Sketchy Racer, Mudboy and Quallman also to get the inside info.

In comparison to riders overseas you have done all the right things so far.
I don't know how long you have been riding MX or what level you are at, but transitioning to Roadracing at 14-15 is the right way to go about it after a few years of MX racing. In Europe they can start serious roadracing younger than we can in NZ (due to our rules/laws) at 12-13, but if you have good MX experience then that is not much of a handicap.
What you do need if you do want to aim high, is drive, realistic ambitions and goals that you can modify as you attain them (ie aim to be VMCC champ then aim to be NZ champ then aim to get into Rookies Cup etc etc, don't just say, I want to be world champion, it is too lofty and not realistic when you are starting out). You also need to be small and light. 5' 6" and under and 60 kg and under seem to be required at the higher levels. Nick Cain of Chch was knocked back by Rookies Cup almost soley because he is too tall.

The cost of being part of Moto Academy NZ might just let you continue to ride the MX bike (preferred actually).

Anyway, give us a call

Cheers

Steve
Moto Academy NZ

[wbks]

Yea I was very interested in motoacademy a couple weeks ago and I was actually PMing you about it but decided that the travel might be too much. But looking at it now I might be able to manage it. Just working everything out, really. As for me physically: I'm 5'6" right now and definately not at a competitive weight but I was 55kg same height this time last year so I could get there easily haha. If I email you, would you be able to give me some rough idea of how freiquent racing and training is in motoacademy and when it runs from? Cheers,

Kristian

[CHOPPA]

There basically the same, keep racing whatever you can afford road racing is like mx on a smooth track, its great!

[wbks]

Well mx is fun with sliding everywhere and jumping all over the show, but roadracing is more gracefull, more scary (which equals a rush) and what I have always wanted to do since I got a 50 racing at ardmore...

[Mishy]

some guys got talent. other put in the hard yards. they usually end up pretty close. the guys who put in the yards and got the talent are the gods of most sports.

Nothing more true than that ! talent alone isn't enough, you gotta work hard and be driven too.
There is just no substitute for getting started learning eary - look at all our young talent, and many seem to have come from 125's, and started as soon as they legally could. Sam Smith, Jay Lawrence, Dom Jones, and even Nick Cole did 125's young, and the new group of hot shots are doing the same - starting at 14 or 15 and just working as hard at it as they can.
There are exceptions of course - like Craig Shirriffs and Dennis Charlett, but even those guys had bucket racing experience before going to the big tracks.

And besides, road racing has got to be easier on your knees than MX . . . .
;)

[racerhead]

If you look at alot of the top racers in motogp and wsbk most of them have come from an offroad background in either mx or flat track in the US and this helps because your comfortable with a bike moving around underneath you and your also used to racing other people so your racecraft is already there aswell.

Im 21 now and only starting to look into racing so you have plenty of time to start and like what other people have said already if you have the talent and are prepared to put in the effort you will do well against whoever you choose to race against.

[wbks]

So you guys think it wouldn't matter much if I carried on with mx for one more year and I could still have a good chance at racing?

[lostinflyz]

not at all. i mean your not gonna make a career of it so its not gonna matter fiddly squat. it just means in 5 years youll have 4 years experience rather than 5. which is more than most people.

[roogazza]

Ok , thats all good for starting out , but whats the cutoff for finishing ? When you can't take the hurt anymore or your eyes go ? Gaz.

[racerhead]

Ok , thats all good for starting out , but whats the cutoff for finishing ? When you can't take the hurt anymore or your eyes go ? Gaz.

Id say that depends alot on the person.
Like how much interest they have to stay racing, are they still quick enough etc. etc.
At some of the road races over here there are stil some real old guys riding in classics, there stil riding the same bikes they were 40 years ago. I love the idea of it because its like they have never grown up and just show up to chat with friends and then go as hard as they dare once the flag drops:woohoo:

[Tony.OK]

Ok , thats all good for starting out , but whats the cutoff for finishing ? When you can't take the hurt anymore or your eyes go ? Gaz.

When the money runs out.............:shit::bye:

[CHOPPA]

So you guys think it wouldn't matter much if I carried on with mx for one more year and I could still have a good chance at racing?

It sorta sounds like you wanna be world champ? which is cool dont get me wrong and if that is the case then it would be better to switch sooner then later and get on a 125 but if your only looking at being a club racer then its never too late...

How fast are you at mx?

[oyster]

Some riders have gone direct from motox to 125GP successfully, but by far the majority of the young riders riding 125GP in NZ just now have served a thorough "apprenticeship" in Streetstock. Is not a necessity, but good economics. A Streetstock rider enjoys very low costs and good feilds thoughout the country (although a bit skinny further north) all year round.
Not so with 125GP. For the same money you're better to ride 3 times more often, all around the country and learn your base skill thoroughly in the first year. Then consider 125GP. Even then, if you're really serious, you'll probably have to commute to the South to get regular feilds at a high level (As Jayden, Kenneth and Avalon are doing just now.)
Get going right now and enter the 3 South Island Nat rounds in Streetstock.
It'll be a ripper with 30 plus youngsters just like yourself slugging it out over
6 (or even 9 ) days of riding. Plenty of coaching and support provided, even bikes if you need one.
PM if you're interested

[wbks]

It sorta sounds like you wanna be world champ? which is cool dont get me wrong and if that is the case then it would be better to switch sooner then later and get on a 125 but if your only looking at being a club racer then its never too late...

How fast are you at mx?Well that would be nice but looking at it realistically, I would like to be world champ at most things but its not what I'm planning for at the moment haha. As for how fast I am...Goes from matching speed with nat number 10 13-16 85cc rider one year (back when I was racing 13-16 85) to...This year being slow as shit in between a wacko stepfather knocking himself off in the mx clubroom shed putting me off mx for a while and a knee going spaz deciding its fun to go walkabout while with freinds and girls around at skateparks...lol what a vent. Really though, I think i should just do mx for one more year. Take it a lot more seriously and be better prepared for streetstock if I decide to race it or...use the year to save up some $$$ to do motoacademy. Of course 125gp would be a better way to go about it but I'm not sure I have the money...
What oyster said about basically getting twice the riding for half the money in streetstock sounds great. Kinda learn road racing before doing more serious 125gp

[CHOPPA]

Well that would be nice but looking at it realistically, I would like to be world champ at most things but its not what I'm planning for at the moment haha. As for how fast I am...Goes from matching speed with nat number 10 13-16 85cc rider one year (back when I was racing 13-16 85) to...This year being slow as shit in between a wacko stepfather knocking himself off in the mx clubroom shed putting me off mx for a while and a knee going spaz deciding its fun to go walkabout while with freinds and girls around at skateparks...lol what a vent. Really though, I think i should just do mx for one more year. Take it a lot more seriously and be better prepared for streetstock if I decide to race it or...use the year to save up some $$$ to do motoacademy. Of course 125gp would be a better way to go about it but I'm not sure I have the money...
What oyster said about basically getting twice the riding for half the money in streetstock sounds great. Kinda learn road racing before doing more serious 125gp

Man that sucks! If you can get top 10 in the nats in that class obviously you can ride, Where do ya live? Id be keen to come for an mx ride with ya and ill let ya know what i know about racing on the road, ive only just started as well and have come from a mx backround ;)

[GaZBur]

I Wish I could afford to do MX and streetstock

You can do both persuasions, its called Motards. Best bet is a 450 like a CRF or WR.
125gp is for serious up and coming riders as its probably the class with the steepest learning curve(I believe you really need mentoring in this class- its technical). You will probably outgrow Streetstocks quickly if you are expecting fast improvements, although there is heaps of racing I guess.
Good luck old codger!

I am one of the old guys at the back of the field like you mentioned - just so long as I keep a few young guys behind me I am happy!

[CHOPPA]

You can do both persuasions, its called Motards. Best bet is a 450 like a CRF or WR.
125gp is for serious up and coming riders as its probably the class with the steepest learning curve(I believe you really need mentoring in this class- its technical). You will probably outgrow Streetstocks quickly if you are expecting fast improvements, although there is heaps of racing I guess.
Good luck old codger!

I am one of the old guys at the back of the field like you mentioned - just so long as I keep a few young guys behind me I am happy!

yeah motards wouldnt be a silly idea, would be the cheapest class to race in.... If you have a kawasaki you could use my motard kit to see what ya think....

[wbks]

I've got a kx125 I would be keen to have a track day on with it but it's a 125...Do they even have motard kits for them? Motards would be cool but I would like to get some reasonably serious racing in before them. Those motard guys at the last race I was at go way more nuts then streetstock. :) I'm leaning towards motoacadmy now...Ahwell I'll decide

[CHOPPA]

I've got a kx125 I would be keen to have a track day on with it but it's a 125...Do they even have motard kits for them? Motards would be cool but I would like to get some reasonably serious racing in before them. Those motard guys at the last race I was at go way more nuts then streetstock. :) I'm leaning towards motoacadmy now...Ahwell I'll decide

Motard is easy! Its like racing at patetonga on a hot day without the bumps! What year is your kx? Do you wanna sell it?

[CHOPPA]

Also if your keen to give streetstock a blast my mate has a kr150 kawasaki you could own for about $900....

[Cr1MiNaL]

I will start racing when I am 25 F2, by 26 SBK, by 27 WSBK, and 27.5 yrs 1st time world champion Moto-Gp.

[wbks]

Yea patty is nasty when its dry. Never tried backing it in, though! hahaha. Its an '07 and I do actually want to sell it, well untill about yesterday now I'm not so sure, might just ride it untill I get all the money I need to do motoacadmy and then sell it if I need to for the money. You looking for one?

[wbks]

I will start racing when I am 25 F2, by 26 SBK, by 27 WSBK, and 27.5 yrs 1st time world champion Moto-Gp.SBK? Friggin pussy just go strait 250mgp-motogp class

[CHOPPA]

Yea patty is nasty when its dry. Never tried backing it in, though! hahaha. Its an '07 and I do actually want to sell it, well untill about yesterday now I'm not so sure, might just ride it untill I get all the money I need to do motoacadmy and then sell it if I need to for the money. You looking for one?

Yeah sorta, im way to big for a 125 but it would still be fun, how much do ya want for it? Ill trade you some motard wheels, then just buy a 450 and you have the best of both worlds....

[Toast]

i beleive the god like Mr. Bayliss started racing in his early 20's.

you either got the skill or you dont to be a runner. In the end you have to start behind somewhere to know when you have reached the front.

Bayliss was riding trail bikes since he could walk. Had his own track on the olds' property (I've got his DVD)

Biaggi, although I think he's a cock, is the man for not even getting on a bike 'til 20ish and then being able to rock it with the top riders in MotoGP.

On topic...seems like Oyster, SteveyB and Choppa have given plenty of good advice. I wish I was having to make the choice you are right now, WBKS...I didn't even get on a bike 'til 20, and still haven't managed to buy an MX bike to practice on.

[wbks]

Hey choppa. Well yesterday the doc finally gave me the all clear to ride mx again so I'm not really too desperate to sell. I was offering it for 4K with everything there and maybe some of my gear (as ratty as it is) if you want it. Don't really want to sell it right now though. Going to patty this saturday, riding for the first time in around about a YEAR! :))))))

[CHOPPA]

Hey choppa. Well yesterday the doc finally gave me the all clear to ride mx again so I'm not really too desperate to sell. I was offering it for 4K with everything there and maybe some of my gear (as ratty as it is) if you want it. Don't really want to sell it right now though. Going to patty this saturday, riding for the first time in around about a YEAR! :))))))

lets go race that 2 man race in auckland, ill pay for everything and ride your bike lol

[wbks]

Is that in Woodhill or something? When's that? You're gona need to use all your nzmx 125 champ skills to make up the time cause I may be a bit rusty!

[CHOPPA]

Not sure where it is...? Heres the thread!

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=85005

[wbks]

Ehhh this sunday. Maybe later lol