So I guess the question for Walter will be can we run a 390 single in the series, and if so where? Because right now, unless I'm reading it wrong, the rules cap singles at 250.Originally Posted by Ty Howard
So I guess the question for Walter will be can we run a 390 single in the series, and if so where? Because right now, unless I'm reading it wrong, the rules cap singles at 250.
David Tiede
Pretty Hate Machine
To be honest I would like to see at least the 500 class become a spec class. FYI Honda paid contingency on the CBR250 and CBR500 in 2013. $750 for a win in select classes at 6 events.
Walter Walker
Director of Competition
254-717-6848
walter@cmraracing.com
CMRA Ex #43r
Member since 1990
(NOT mean and unapproachable)
If the goal is to "port up" the affordable, spec-like nature of the 250 classes to 500cc bikes, allowing the KTM would be a mistake, in my opinion.
As I understand it from some quick googling, the KTM 390 Duke makes only slightly less power than the CBR500R but weighs 90-100 pounds less (stock for stock). Maybe I'm missing part of the picture, but that seems like a towering advantage in a class where 45-55 hp is probably going to be the norm, and the strictness of the rules precludes any substantial weight loss for the competing bikes (500 twins) that the class was clearly conceived to support.
-A
The 390 is almost 40KG lighter. I guess if I rode a heavy slow Asian bike I would not want a KTM in any class I raced either. Thank god I ride KTM's. That's ok the KTM 250 motard is legal and its lighter than the 390.
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I am pleased with ESS being broken up, if only because I can run a WR250X in four sprint classes now. Actually five, if the motard class is still around.
The figures I see put it a bit more than 40kg lighter, but whatever--in race trim that's probably close to correct as the Honda would likely be able to lose more weight from stock than the KTM. At any rate, I agree with you: the 390 looks like a great bike that would have a substantial advantage on the track over something like a CBR500R. Which absolutely means that, if the club's intent for the class is to keep it spec-ish for "heavy slow" 500 twins like the CBR500R (which seems obvious from the rules that are posted and Walter's remarks), it would be a mistake for the club to allow the KTM 390 in.
As for the KTM 250 motard, I can't find anything about this bike...is there a street-legal version on the way for 2014? If not, you might need to clarify with Walter whether that's actually a legal bike for the class. Motards are mentioned, but it's still a "Superstock" class and that may mean only motards that were originally street legal bikes (example: Yamaha WR250X) are allowed into it. As the motard rule is worded the same across all three (250/300/500) classes, one would think the same philosophy applies that kept the "real" dirt-bike based motards out of E Superstock.
Nothing against you or KTM at all--they are very impressive bikes. It's just that it's hard not to see a specific intent and spirit in this class as presented, and folks who want to bust it open to allow the machine they'd rather ride seem to be working against that. In addition to the 390, I've at least one call for 400cc multis and requests for two strokes. I don't know if those would be class killers or not, but all that sounds like Clubman, or the Formula 3 class that was created for 2013 that hardly anybody bothered to race in this season. If that's what Danny and Walter (who seem to be the driving forces behind this idea) were envisioning, they could have just moved F3 to Saturday, maybe trimmed out some of the bigger machines in that class, and called it a day.
This is just my take on it (I could be wrong about the intent here). It looks like a fun, affordable class, and I am glad to see the rules posted so early, as it gives those of us who are considering something like this but working with limited options more time to get something together (assuming it doesn't mutate into something else entirely). Thanks for that, Danny/Walter/others involved.
All the best,
-A
I totally support the concept of supporting a spec class, but wonder if it is too soon in the creation of a new spec class to exclude what may be the perfect spec class bike of the CMRA's future. The Duke 390 is the naked version of the RC390, which will have it's own spec class in Europe. We will probably not see the RC390 in the States in time for us next year, but it's light weight seems better suited to racing (and the development of our younger riders) than the CBR500. Watching the KTMs dominate Moto3 this year, I would hope that the street bike which seems to flow from that development effort could find a place in our classifications.
David Tiede
Pretty Hate Machine
look at Ty getting all catty
that KTM is sex no doubt... of course, i am scared to even ask what the price tag is... or what the parts bill may be... or any of the other things that the prom queen requires...
personally, i would love to see the LWT Endurance to include all of the builder bikes, prom queens, and rat bikes that are similar in performance... if that is in a seperate F3ish class then so be it... it would not impact any of the superstock classes, but, allow the overall to be much more interesting...
IMHO... FWIW... and all that jazz
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the KTM needs to be legal. not just because i want to build and ride one...but because it would add one more good, new, fuel injected bike to the class.
Lets see if KTM offers up any kind of contingency on either the Duke or the RC.
Walter Walker
Director of Competition
254-717-6848
walter@cmraracing.com
CMRA Ex #43r
Member since 1990
(NOT mean and unapproachable)
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