Controlled Testing - on a 250?

[vtec]

Hi guys

I was looking at taking my CBR250RR to a controlled testing day at Pukekohe, cause I want to try out on a track before I buy a race bike. Now, I'm just a tad worried that I'll be the only one there on a 250, and as it can only manage 180kph (190 by the speedo), some big bikes will no doubt be wizzing by pretty swiftly.

My question is, firstly, have any of you guys taken a 250 on a controlled testing day? and secondly do you think I should?

Here's a link to the info about it, in case some of you guys are keen too.
Counties Racing - Controlled Testing

Next one is on the 20th of January I think.

[skelstar]

Whats CTesing? Like a trackday?
Ive had my 250 on the track with (predominantly) 600cc+ bikes and it was fine. With a top speed of 140km/h it kept up with the bigger bikes (some) thrugh the twisties...although that was at Taupo (tight cct).

Go for it.

[onearmedbandit]

It's the responsibilty of the rider passing to make sure the pass is made safely. Just get out there and enjoyyourself, don't worry you're 'only' on a 250, the straights are the boring part of any track anyway. Anyone can twist the throttle open, it's the corners that are where the excitment lies. And a good 250 can corner very well.

[NinjaBoy]

I was at the Puke Open day last friday (6 Jan) and SteveD was the only one there with a 250. He did fine. Maybe 10-12 bikes all up including a a few race bikes.

As OAB said, just concentrate on your riding and hold your line. There will always be someone whizzing past but don't get distracted by that.

Also open days are not like track days ... they are less structured and controlled (no speed groups) but if you start at the back of the pack it will be a few laps before people start passing you.

[vtec]

Alright, thanks for the info guys.

I'm keen as hell now.

[mattt]

Just do it and you'll be stoked. I took my restricted vfr400 out a few months back - only good for 180k's, but i'd re-take the big bikes on the corners before they wheelie back past on the straights. I'll be out on a k4 600 Jan 27th open day

[R6_kid:Me]

took my old ZXR out on puke and had no problems other than one i caused for myself. Sure you max out at 180 and you get there rather early on the back straight, but its the same as usual - hold your line and the faster guys will take care of the rest.

Oh and when i went out i lapped a few other people, and even managed to lap a 636 (okay he wasnt trying but i still get to brag)

[R6_kid:Me]

oh and by the way, thats just a usual track day by the looks of things. If you post up that you are going in the meetings/events forum about a week or two before then you will swell up some interest and probably end up hanging out with a group of KB'ers

[Keystone19]

You'll be fine. My first, second and third track days I was the slowest out there. Now I'm second to slowest and still love it.

As the others have said, just hold your line and assume that every time you come out of a corner a bike will go past you. That way you won't have any surprises.

[justsomeguy]

Just do it, I was out on my old ZZR - thats a 150-160 top speed. Just think of yourself watching a movie on fast forward - cos thats what GSXR1000's and R1's look like at 300kmph...

AND STICK TO YOUR LINE !!!!!

[steved]

You'll be fine. My first, second and third track days I was the slowest out there. Now I'm second to slowest and still love it.

As the others have said, just hold your line and assume that every time you come out of a corner a bike will go past you. That way you won't have any surprises.

I gotta say, I have been reasonably impressed with the somewhat patient riding of the bigger bikes when I have been at Puke. The differential in power is such that they ususally don't mind waiting for a half-straight. Also, as Gareth said, even on a 250, you're not normally the slowest there. Last Friday there was an SV1000 and a Triumph 955i that were terminally slow. Even a Harley (or some cruiser).

Just pray for the

[SPORK]

Ask Alarumba about racing a CBR250RR...

[Coyote]

Ask Alarumba about racing a CBR250RR...

It was a great bike to race. It was real smooth, quick and great fun. It was only after wrecking the bike did I realise if I want to race a 150 would be better as if you crash you aren't writing off $5500 worth of machinery and you can go almost as fast on a 150 (the 250 has an advantage on power). Fortunately the CBR was repairable and I was able to sell it recently and I got a resonably good RG150, only it needs some engine work done to it before I can race it.

So race it if you still want to, just at a low level of racing the 250s are expensive bikes and you're best off at getting a cheaper bike. And don't listen to dealers saying otherwise!

[bugjuice]

hell, i used to take my CBR250RR on puke any chance I could get. Just go for it and don't sweat it. Go chat to someone prior before heading onto the track, who's a fellow biker/racer (like me, or someone who knows what they're doing), and get the lowdown on the track and what to do etc. It's easy. Stick to a line, and forget everyone else (in a nutshell)

[SuperDave]

If I could take my old FXR150 out there and have fun then you sure as hell can do it on your CBR. The larger bikes were passing me at well over double my speed - It's pretty crazy when you have a SP1 and GSXR1000 pass you simulataneously one one each side on the front straight - They know who they are