Doug Punches
Junior Member

Hi everyone. I'm new here. I guess I'm considered a Novice. I've been riding motorcycles for 60-years. I began racing at 8 and turned pro at 16. First knee surgery @ 18, 2nd one @ 20. A raced off and on for a few more years, but by the time I turned 25 I was done. Married 40-years to a wonderful Woman that understand that I like wings, and wheels, and things that go fast. I have 4-grown kids and it's time to have some fun again. Knee replacement is Monday. I figure by next season I'll be fully recovered and ready to go. My plan is to race Super Hooligan's in '25, but I'm looking for a little bike to hone my skills again. I rode a little KTM RC390 today. Although it was dreadfully slow, it fit me and handled well. And at $5K brand new (including a rebate), it wouldn't be the end of the world if it was destroyed in a catastrophic crash. And, I'd rather crash a $5K bike instead of a $30K bike. My question is this, what would you guys start on in the $5K range.