I am interested in getting into ridding again. It has been about 15 years since I was on a bike and I was wondering about classification for races and bikes? I don't really know where to start? Any help is appreciated.
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I am interested in getting into ridding again. It has been about 15 years since I was on a bike and I was wondering about classification for races and bikes? I don't really know where to start? Any help is appreciated.
Welcome back to riding. You can find the classes in the rulebook.. http://www.cmraracing.com/content.ph...Book&tabid=123
There are classes for pretty much any bike. The rule book will help you figure out what classes it works for. Before you race though you will need to take the cmra racing license school with lone star track days, ridesmart or fast line. Once you complete that you can apply for your prov nov license and start racing. Another pro tip, I would corner work or show up to a race weekend and hang out and see what it is all about. Getting your first exposure and seeing what it is like with out the added stress of riding is nice.
In Y'all's opinion what size of bike should a 43 year old rookie start out on?
Welcome to the forum. You are the perfect fit for F40... See you at the grid!
1400cc hyabusa....... I kid. I'd say ride whatever you did before, you'll be comfortable and there should be several classes you can run. What did you ride before?Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Kyle
Whatever you are comfortable on. 250/300 bikes are easy to ride. Just kinda depends on what you are comfortable on and what your budget is. I won't even selfishly suggest an Aprilia rsvr(selling one)Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Kyle
Sportster 883 in one direction.....straight! I had a Seca 400 25 years ago.
Well, Pearson runs an xr1200, he's no spring chicken. +1 on the 250/300 route. Little bike would be good to dip your toes back in.
WELCOME BACK!
The rule book is a good source and so is the 2015 Class Courtesy Guide on the Forms page our race director Walter Walker puts together every year.
Ninja 250 fits into 4 classes/3 races on Saturday morning, ESS (E Superstock), ESB (E Superbike), ULWGP (Ultra Lightweight GP) and 500SS (500 Superstock).
500SS and ESB classes run together but are scored separately.
Get a 250 and a Grom. Worth it! Welcome back!
15 years since you've been on any bike?
what was your previous level of experience?
Nothing compared to what you guys are doing on YouTube! WOW!
I am thinking a 250 to get my feet wet and learn and then step up to a cbr500 or Yamaha 600 in future.
Does that sound reasonable?
Yes! Very reasonable, and welcome! The 250 is the cheapest and by far the most fun you can have on 2 wheels at the track.
Have you had much track experience? If not you can start with track days, which can usually be a very good learning environment that will help you learn the lines and how to go faster.Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Kyle
I would agree with david.
I'd start with a little ninja 250( but truly, 90 percent of the fun is there no matter what you are on), do a bunch of track days, talk to some racers for feedback, be sure your level of fitness is intact, throw away your ego, then make a plan.
I'd also meet nancy and alan in person, watch how the whole program works and take baby steps towards an achievable goal.
don't worry about your age. its just a number.
Yup. Start the the small ones. Ton of fun and can learn to carry the corner speed which transfers to anything.Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael De Simone
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael De Simone
Definitely!Quote:
Originally Posted by David Tiede
Also hang around with some racers...they will be glad to show you some ropes. :burnout:
I think Felio nailed it awhile back ago so I will just put this here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Felio
Hard to beat Felio's advice...
From another old timer (age-wise; 45, but just started racing late last season), welcome. I didn't listen to good advice, and I started on a 600. Tons o fun, but would have been better starting on an SV or a 250. (PS, I've got a Ninja 250 commuter for sale if you PM me.) Now I'm riding both a 600 and a 250 (different one), and the 250 is more fun.
Also, I rode track days (classes) for almost 2 years before I started racing. Well worth it.
Hope to see you out there.
I took off 30 years between stints. It took me awhile to be comfortable again. I endurance a race a 250. Well, I am out there. Tons of fun and least expensive racing there is. The racers in this E Superstock class are fun to race and hang with. They tolerate my slow, old, and rather large tail...and sometimes my dumb old man (reference for Kasey here) jokes.Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Kyle
I saw a post to corner work. That in its self is a great suggestion. Come hang at a race local to you. Don't be afraid to ask questions at the track. Endurance racers are usually bored between stints and love to help. If you are ever at a Lightweight Endurance event, look for a pink EZ Up with "58" on it. That's me and my crew.
Love the new Avatar, Brandon...
You might want to add a special Torch-authored entry to the list as well ?
I raced my RMZ450 motard at my first CMRA event last year at Cresson, had a blast and scored a second in class, some faster guys fell off, but came away wishing I had a Ninja 250/300, bigger classes and looked like a lot of fun. I had previous race experience in AHRMA Thruxton series and UK supersport and gp 250 classes in the 1990s, but had about 15 years off due to work, travel, family etc, its great to be back out on the track. I found the CMRA folks to be really friendly and well organized, my advice would be to get a bike that does not scare you and spend money on decent tires and suspension
The sv650 is a pretty good bike to start on. And there are 4 or 5 races you can run it in and be competitive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Kyle
Great advice and input on here, welcome back. I'm in same boat- over 40 and wanted to get back into it. I picked up a ninja 250 that I'm getting ready and looking for classic/ modern classic 600 also.
Good luck and hope to see you at track.