Hi-Jacked thread - now about spec racing little goats...

[oldtimer]

Don't forget, our February General Meeting is this Wednesday night at 7:00 pm at The Walnut Room in LoDo.

Go here for info and the 2010 General Meeting Schedule, location and directions:

http://www.mra-racing.org/index.cfm?action=meeting_minutes

Also - NEW FOR 2010!!!!! All MRA Novice Racers can earn 1 hour towards their Novice Hours service requirement for each General Meeting they attend! Wow, such a deal! Just check in with MRA Secretary JenJen at the meeting to make your attendance known.

See you there!

General Meeting Location: Walnut Room 3131 Walnut Street, Denver Colorado, 80205, (303) 292-0529, www.thewalnutroom.com

[Throttleroller277]

Bump!!.....

Just a reminder! 8)

[DarkKnight]

Good turn out. Thanks to the board for all you do and to everyone who showed up.

[N1K]

Yeah good times. So anyone gonna run a 160 next year :-s

[T Baggins]

Gallant and I were making googley eyes at each other last night during the presentation... don't be surprised if we buy up ALL the 160's in the region and create "Stable" of rental steeds! 8)

[dave.gallant]

Gallant and I were making googley eyes at each other last night during the presentation... don't be surprised if we buy up ALL the 160's in the region and create "Stable" of rental steeds! 8)

If we are in the 20HP range, I wouldn't mind a spec class on one of these either:

http://image.sportrider.com/f/editorials/kawasaki-ninja-250-racing-a-small-bike-on-the-big-track/10765138+cr1+re0+ar1/sport-riders-2008-kawasaki-ninja-250r-racebike.jpg

[N1K]

I'd be very interested in running a spec class like that I think.

[marty]

spec class moriwaki 250s would be fun :twisted: and you can get two into a minivan

[T Baggins]

Ninja 250R = $4,000

Moriwaki 250R = $12,500

CB160 = $2,000

Maybe we should look at a "HP Spec Class" for 2011? Run whatever you want, but it must be less than "X" horsepower...?

[dave.gallant]

Ninja 250R = $4,000

Moriwaki 250R = $12,500

CB160 = $2,000

Maybe we should look at a "HP Spec Class" for 2011? Run whatever you want, but it must be less than "X" horsepower...?

I have wanted to be a part of a spec class ever since the Aprilia Cup days, but I am obviously in the minority in wanting to find ways to have the same amount of fun with less $$ every weekend.

With all things being equal, I bet running a 250R (even with a higher cost of initial purchase) would be comparable to a CB160 with maintenance costs associated with a bike produced in the 60s. Race prep would cost similar amounts I imagine, but a 250 chassis would probably stomp a CB160.

(no offence to the CB160 folks. I like any form of roadracer.)

[dave.gallant]

Oh Tony....

http://www.racebikerentals.com/

[dragos13]

How do we enforace an HP regulation tho? Dyno tester onsite at the event?

It would be a good time for sure :)

[T Baggins]

Oh I know... I would love to put together a small stable of bikes for people to ride. We considered it with the 125's, since they're cheap, easy to maintain, and a blast to ride...

Unfortunately (or fortunately?) I'm finally in a place in my life where I have too much to lose over a frivolous lawsuit or other such nastiness. And operating such a venture at a "net zero" (which is probably the best you could do) doesn't fit my current business model... :lol:

[gsnyder828]

Oh Tony....

http://www.racebikerentals.com/

Interesting pricing model... what a deal :roll:

[dave.gallant]

Nah.

Just call it Lightweight Supersport and limit the CCs to something obnoxious. :)

[dave.gallant]

Oh Tony....

http://www.racebikerentals.com/

Interesting pricing model... what a deal :roll:

$250 per day with a new set of tires is a bad deal??

[oldtimer]

Ninja 250R = $4,000

Moriwaki 250R = $12,500

CB160 = $2,000



I've thought a spec Ninja 250 class would be a blast to run too. And IMO $4000 would be a nicely set up one. They're for sale on CL for $1500, you could put together a basic racer for little more than a CB160.

[dave.gallant]

They're for sale on CL for $1500, you could put together a basic racer for little more than a CB160.

My thoughts exactly.

Only one problem: We need at least 3 bikes to have fun.

[gsnyder828]

Oh Tony....

http://www.racebikerentals.com/

Interesting pricing model... what a deal :roll:

$250 per day with a new set of tires is a bad deal??

No... not at all. From the racer standpoint it looks like a deal.

I was referring the price he's asking for the business...

http://www.racebikerentals.com/forsale.asp

[dave.gallant]

Oh Tony....

http://www.racebikerentals.com/

Interesting pricing model... what a deal :roll:

$250 per day with a new set of tires is a bad deal??

No... not at all. From the racer standpoint it looks like a deal.

I was referring the price he's asking for the business...

http://www.racebikerentals.com/forsale.asp


OHH! I didn't see that...

[oldtimer]

My thoughts exactly.

Only one problem: We need at least 3 bikes to have fun.

I actually think this class has merit, but someone will have to take the plunge and be the first 250 racer. To convince the rest to follow. :lol:

[dave.gallant]

<embed src="http://blip.tv/play/6zv5r0kC" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="390" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed>

[dave.gallant]

<embed src="http://blip.tv/play/6zv5r0kC" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="390" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed>


Hrrrmmm. Damn HTML wripping code is not allowing this to be embedded.

Here is the link to a 250r spec race:

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http://www.federmoto.tv/video.asp%3Fv%3D172&sl=it&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

[Desmodromico]

More for Ninjaheads to chew on....

http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=198385

[freddiewest]

I would definitely be in for a 250 Ninja spec class..... My only worry with the CB160 class is availability of motorcycles and parts..... In the meeting I listened to people say they had a more then 1 but what would they sell one of there spares for????

[dave.gallant]

250 Supersport!

http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00366/Yamaha_YZF250R_366970a.jpg

[dave.gallant]

More onboard fun:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_Xt3EpbOgo

[dragos13]

250 Supersport!

http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00366/Yamaha_YZF250R_366970a.jpg

I thought it was only Kawi's :) Now I'm sold!!!!!!!

[dave.gallant]

250 Supersport!

http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00366/Yamaha_YZF250R_366970a.jpg

I thought it was only Kawi's :) Now I'm sold!!!!!!!

Actually, the Yammi is only a 125 which is too bad.

[dragos13]

The links says YZF250R whats up with that???

[dave.gallant]

The links says YZF250R whats up with that???

Cheaters are everywhere.

[elvis8310@hotmail.com]

I would for sure buy into that class. Cheap racing with bikes all using the same parts. They do it in Europe with a spec R6 class, all bikes have a list of parts to use and discounts are set up for the class riders who buy them. It works well for sure over there.

[Desmodromico]

http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=242893&highlight=250

[racedk6]

It would be cool to have a spec class similar to the GSXR Cup or the R6 Cup.

I would be in!

[marty]

i think the yamamaha 125 is a spec bike series in canada

[T Baggins]

New Class Proposal for 2011:

Formula Short Bus

"Handicapped" by practice times (ala bracket racing) - too fast and you break out.

Start staggered by lap times - fastest guys are held at the line and must go last.

Riders are "released" from the line in such a way that "all" riders have equal shot at checkered flag based on cumulative race time.

Limited to 250cc, four stroke only

I'll sponsor the trophies and field a bike (or two)...

Who's in!?!?

[marty]

New Class Proposal for 2011:

Formula Short Bus

"Handicapped" by practice times (ala bracket racing) - too fast and you break out.

Start staggered by lap times - fastest guys are held at the line and must go last.

Riders are "released" from the line in such a way that "all" riders have equal shot at checkered flag based on cumulative race time.

Limited to 250cc, four stroke only

I'll sponsor the trophies and field a bike (or two)...

Who's in!?!?
do we all get first place trophies also? :lol:

hmmm, one of them moriwaki's would whip the sh#t out of a ninja 250

[dave.gallant]

250cc four-stroke
no restrictions on frame or engine or rider or anything
minimum weight requirement of <something> to keep it reasonable?

(I imagine a 250 motard might actually be the bike of choice if one could keep the chassis from chattering like a 13 year old girl. Or, like Marty.)

[marty]

:lol:

[T Baggins]

hmmm, one of them moriwaki's would whip the sh#t out of a ninja 250

yeah, if they started at the same time... The mori's would sit at the line for a minute or so... THEN they'd get the green light.

Imagine the entire field coming together as a pack on the last lap. Too fun!

[dave.gallant]

hmmm, one of them moriwaki's would whip the sh#t out of a ninja 250

yeah, if they started at the same time... The mori's would sit at the line for a minute or so... THEN they'd get the green light.

Imagine the entire field coming together as a pack on the last lap. Too fun!

Oh, we'd "come together" alright.

In a big pile. Right at the start finish line.

Bob would love it!

[dragos13]

The only problem here is that someone could sandbag practice. I mean, I could go out and practice at 80% so that I dont have much of a handicap.

Maybe we would need to make a certain rule that would DQ riders that ride XX% faster in the race then in the practice?

[T Baggins]

I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!!! :shock: :lol:

[dave.gallant]

The only problem here is that someone could sandbag practice. I mean, I could go out and practice at 80% so that I dont have much of a handicap.

Maybe we would need to make a certain rule that would DQ riders that ride XX% faster in the race then in the practice?

We can solve this with not giving them practice.

Practice is for cheaters anyways.

(So I am told at least. Right Tony?? :) )

[gsnyder828]

I thought this idea was contrived when Trackaddix tried it...

Maybe we should add a "no strikes" T-Ball game to the mix? :lol:

[dave.gallant]

I say screw it all.

Lets do some real 4 hour endurance racing. :)

[T Baggins]

I thought this idea was contrived when Trackaddix tried it...

Maybe we should add a "no strikes" T-Ball game to the mix? :lol:

Already in the works... it will be in the kiddie area next to the petting zoo, across from the diaper changing station.

Why "contrived"? Brewer has seen it done, AT A VERY HIGH LEVEL whereby the top 3 from 600, 750, and Open ran the "big race" and they sent them out "hanidcapped" based on "likely total time". It provided some very cool racing, and a very exciting last couple laps.

Vanmar did it at their Pony Express Endurance a few years ago and it was a success!

Casey - you would be penalized for sandbagging. If you run faster than you qualified, you would have that time deducted or some such penatly.

[rybo]

They're for sale on CL for $1500, you could put together a basic racer for little more than a CB160.

My thoughts exactly.

Only one problem: We need at least 3 bikes to have fun.

It might not happen this year, but I would be totally in for 2011. There is nothing I would like to see more than a spec class in the club. Racer against racer. I don't care if it's 125's, SV's or EX250's. I think it would be a total kick in the pants and I would be on the grid.

scott

[T Baggins]

So if, for example, something like Racebikerentals.com were to come to Colorado - there would be interest?

[rybo]

I totally be interested. Two years ago I was looking for a small fleet of "track prepped" SV's to offer as racebike rentals for Chicane.

I lost my real job and the income necessary to do such a thing, so that idea went on hold.

My thought was that the SV actually had some merit in other classes, a racer who had a mechanical or a wreck COULD rent an SV and race it in their MW race if needed, same with the LW guys. It would also give the possibility of creating an SV spec class. The bikes would have been available at my trackdays for riders who wanted to come ride, and also available at race weekends for qualified racers to rent and use.

I'm all for racing smaller bikes, I loved racing my 400 and think our club would be served well by having more "little bike" classes.

Like I said, I don't care what bike it is, I'd be stoked to see a production or spec class in the MRA

s

[cromer611]

did someone say mini bike?
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j12/codman123/Stockton7.jpg

[Desmodromico]

Holy crap, there is nothing 'mini' about those two on that bike....

[dave.gallant]

Here at altitude, a supersport spec SV650 spec class would be a real hoot.

[gsnyder828]

Why "contrived"?


contrived –adjective; obviously planned or forced

race –noun; a contest of speed, as in running, riding, driving, or sailing.

A "contest of speed" implies that the fastest wins. Any contest where everyone has an equal shot at winning is contrived IMO...




Brewer has seen it done, AT A VERY HIGH LEVEL whereby the top 3 from 600, 750, and Open ran the "big race" and they sent them out "hanidcapped" based on "likely total time". It provided some very cool racing, and a very exciting last couple laps.



I know it's been done and I'm not saying it wouldn't be a hit... it just feels gimicky to me.

It feels like the kind of racing the Boulder City Council would advocate (if it was done with renewable energy of course). Maybe some of the entry fees should go toward buying carbon offsets? :lol:

[gsnyder828]

Here at altitude, a supersport spec SV650 spec class would be a real hoot.

Agreed. =D>

I think it'd get more participation than a Ninja 250 class too.

[dave.gallant]

Here at altitude, a supersport spec SV650 spec class would be a real hoot.

Agreed. =D>

I think it'd get more participation than a Ninja 250 class too.

I agree.

[oldtimer]

So if, for example, something like Racebikerentals.com were to come to Colorado - there would be interest?

250's or SV's either would be fun to rent or get a group racing. SV's would be more competitive but the 250's are probably cheaper. These are the bikes to win the clubman championship on, and the tire bill would still be little.

Do it Tony! :shock:

[dave.gallant]

Completely side topic:

In a few years, I suggest we run a class for all electrics:

http://www.motoczysz.com/images/photos/news/e1pc.jpg

Some of the stuff from the eGrandPrix and TTXGP are completely amazing (and homebuilt), and I would kill to race one!

http://www.egrandprix.com/index.php

http://www.egrandprix.com/gallery/thumbx.php?img=1255092157.jpg

http://www.egrandprix.com/gallery/thumbx.php?img=1255092714.jpg

http://www.egrandprix.com/gallery/thumbx.php?img=1253616533.jpg

http://www.egrandprix.com/gallery/thumbx.php?img=1253715499.jpg

[vort3xr6]

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m275/VoRt3Xr6/threadjack.jpg

[JimWilson29]

hmmmm http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=39473

[dave.gallant]

And, my point being this:

It is easier to retain an already existing racer than it is to create a new racer.

Viva la Little BIke!

[snay]

If we get a 250 class I'm in and my son the guy I got my 1k from started racing the 250r class last yr and he has alot of track records on the big bikes says he is back to having fun. He and a lot of guys that are fast and race the big $$ bikes Have gone to this class and it has brought the fun back for them. Not that im fast or not having fun I just think it would be fun as hell class and not a shit ton of $$ on the bike I missed a 2008 250R sell on are KSL ADDS IT SOLD for $1300 with 1640 milels on it

[hcr25]

Here at altitude, a supersport spec SV650 spec class would be a real hoot.


Man you should have thought of that idea years ago :lol:
Is this like the movie ground hog day?

[dave.gallant]

Here at altitude, a supersport spec SV650 spec class would be a real hoot.


Man you should have thought of that idea years ago :lol:
Is this like the movie ground hog day?

DON'T DRIVE ANGRY!!!

http://www.alienminds.org/ajt/pix/groundhog.jpg

(I have given up entirely on remind people of history Mikey.)

[elvis8310@hotmail.com]

hmmmm http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=39473

Now we need to do something along those lines. If it turns out I will buy one this winter so I can build it to race for sure.

[dave.gallant]

Completely side topic:

In a few years, I suggest we run a class for all electrics:

http://www.motoczysz.com/images/photos/news/e1pc.jpg

Some of the stuff from the eGrandPrix and TTXGP are completely amazing (and homebuilt), and I would kill to race one!

http://www.egrandprix.com/index.php

http://www.egrandprix.com/gallery/thumbx.php?img=1255092157.jpg

http://www.egrandprix.com/gallery/thumbx.php?img=1255092714.jpg

http://www.egrandprix.com/gallery/thumbx.php?img=1253616533.jpg

http://www.egrandprix.com/gallery/thumbx.php?img=1253715499.jpg

Damn it.

OMRRA beats us to it!

http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=39615

[N1K]

How many of you guys would really do these 250 cup bikes. The only thing I don't like is there wont be many other class to ride it in. I could ride my r6 in other classes. But wont be learning as much as I will on the 250. Right? Could there be double headers for the cup class 2 races a day 4 a weekend or something like that. That would be cool.

[dave.gallant]

I'll take a step back from my sarcasm and be serious for a minute to benefit the people out there that don't know me:

I have preached this for far too many years: in my humble opinion, a class that limits the financial exposure may actually benefit a club racing environment. I know we all like to believe spending more and more $ is the secret to being competitive (trust me, I have had some expensive motorcycles!). While some may have proven that to be true, it is not the secret to having fun and actually being able to continue to do this sport year after year decade after decade. Most of us do not have the talent of Clarkie or Shane, but it doesn't mean spending $5000 on a supersport motor will somehow provide us the zen moment when that $5 plastic trophy is put in your hands. So, in my humble opinion, having the most amount of fun for each dollar spent should at least be an obvious alternative to chasing racing glory into the financial poorhouse.

With this said, I am not sure the 250 is the best choice. Anything that limits the financial outlay while providing a an environment that is reasonably level and entertaining really is the end goal. Just the fact that there is enough discussion around this topic means finances are on the minds of many.

So, it could be a 1999-2002 R6 Cup. Those are cheap and parts are everywhere.

Or, an EX250 or even 500 cup.

Or, (in my humble opinion), the best one of the bunch would be a SV650 cup. Ask Applehans what a BONE STOCK SV650 with bodywork can do, even on stock suspension.

Who cares which one is chosen really - most of us will race tricycles if there are enough people to race against. Just do Supersport rules on the engines to keep you nutjobs from overboring the piss out of it, and make the rest unlimited origins to allow most anyone to play.

The real gig here is to get enough people interested in these types of ideas. The CB160s even have a following...This is not a new idea, and I absolutely loved racing SVs with WERA in years past.

OK - back to my normal level of sarcasm and the MRA-normality where $45,000 motorcycles compete for $5 trophies....

[rybo]

I'll take a step back from my sarcasm and be serious for a minute to benefit the people out there that don't know me:

That's kind of you Dave...usually you make us learn the hard way :)



Or, (in my humble opinion), the best one of the bunch would be a SV650 cup. Ask Applehans what a BONE STOCK SV650 with bodywork can do, even on stock suspension.

Who cares which one is chosen really - most of us will race tricycles if there are enough people to race against. Just do Supersport rules on the engines to keep you nutjobs from overboring the piss out of it, and make the rest unlimited origins to allow most anyone to play.
.

=D>

[Louden]

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/photogallerys/2010-KTM-125-Race-Version-Concept.jpg[/quote] 2010 KTM 125cc race bike. KTM wants to lure young riders to its brand. You want to bring new racers to the MRA. I really want a spec class. Lets make a deal with KTM.

[kamper11]

This is a great thread - not sure why I hadn't seen it before - maybe I've spent toooooo much time in my garage trying to get my 160 ready for this season (it's currently at Faster - and hope to make the appearance this weekend at PPIR - GO BART)

First off - I'm a newbie - but after the MRA race class weekend - I have the "bug" - not sure why it didn't happen before I hit my 40's but none the less - cant wait to get out there.

Second - the "appeal" of the 160 - for a guy like me - was limited financial outlay - and frankly - didnt want to roll onto a track on a bike I felt could be more "risky" from a speed.hp perspective - kind of a crawl (probably literally on the 160 :) ), walk, run approach - and believe that starting with something manageable and with a fun factor - to work on my race skill would be a great option - Ive yet to race - but believe this will be the case in spades - have you seen pix or footage from the Portland AHRMA race?? 52 bikes - 160's/175s on the grid at one time!! And some great race action!!

Third - there are 250 cup classes with the little Ninjas in other states and regions - and seems what everyone else here has stated is spot on - fun, in-expensive, competitive etc... - all positives - and I believe like the 160's - the bike will be a common denominator - and lend to "who has best strategy and skill will win" - not who has the most money into the bike (not minimizing skill - but some peeps have more money and "more bike"...)

If I go back to my opening statements - about the "bug" I have to expand my track opportunities - I have already been following 600cc race bike for sale here and elsewhere - have heard great things about the SV's - quite frankly - I would likely jump on a Ninja 250(or comparable) today and have it track ready ASAP if there was a class/series where we could race them as a class or series - like the 160 classes that have sprung up and put enuff bikes to have their own race and points.

As it goes - I would likely NOT be here or be as excited as I am about racing if not for the 160 class and the promise of "fun, cheap etc..." !! That also goes for my buddy Chris Tittsworth - who's 175 is also down at Faster - So if the MRA could/would promote a class like the 250's or something similar - I believe it would be a great way to allow for new racers to get excited about racing, as well as existing racers - who want more track time - or simply cant keep up with the financial aspect of racing the bigger faster bikes.

Just my .02C here - but will buy a 250 tomorrow if I can race it against other 250's - would probably do the same with an sv650 - and like I've been doing with the 160/175's - will evangelize every chance I can to get others to try it!

Also - yes - make no bones about it - 160's are getting harder to find - and the "cost of entry" has gone up - that said - 175's are great options - as they were produced more years, and hold a similar power/weight ratio - find a cheap 175 and its a cheap racer in waiting if you cant find a 160!

Dan
#161

[dave.gallant]

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/photogallerys/2010-KTM-125-Race-Version-Concept.jpg 2010 KTM 125cc race bike. KTM wants to lure young riders to its brand. You want to bring new racers to the MRA. I really want a spec class. Lets make a deal with KTM.[/quote]

This bike is a concept bike and I have not yet seen anything like it actually for sale.

And, in my humble opinion, a 125cc 4 stroke here at altitude would not be terribly fun as a roadracer even at IMI. It is basically my XR100. Maybe at a really small cart track it would be good...But why not race an NSF100 at that point which already has parts and would probably end up being cheaper?

[dave.gallant]

Oh, but it anyone can strike a deal with any manufacturer, sign me up!

This is still probably our best bet for the cheapest of the cheap:

http://image.sportrider.com/f/15265874+w750+st0/146_0903_01_z+2008_kawasaki_ninja_250+racing.jpg

[Louden]

Your right Dave this is just a concept bike, but what turns a concept bike into a reality is interest. Yes a 125cc bike would not be that impressive at attitude, and this bike would be better suited with a 250cc motor, but clearly looking at the CB160 following horse power is not the goal. The goal is to make racing more affordable to new racers and old racers while providing the fun and excitement of head to head racing. The reason why I think pursuing this bike in particular is a good idea is due to the fact that its not even in production yet. If the bike was for sale in 2010 they would be brand new and therefore have little to no maintenance cost unlike rebuilding a CB160 (not to mention reliable), and likely the bike wouldn't see any major changes for several years. When I read about this bike each article pointed out KTM's interest in bringing new riders to its brand. As you may know the Kawasaki ninja 250 has got a hold on spec racing and a hold on the 250cc street bike market. So its going to be really hard to ask Kawasaki to sponsor a spec race with their bike when they have so many people already using them. KTM on the other hand, is just getting into creating concepts in the small street bike market. If we can convince them that creating a spec class with us could benefit their company. We could benefit the MRA.

[dave.gallant]

Call up KTM and ask. I will back you with support! :)

[davy4575]

Kamper, Good to hear ya, hope to see you at ppir.
Id gladly race a spec class, as im on limited income for racing like all of us. Just the luck of the draw that I got into a track bike for so cheap, but then again its 13 years old, and was a gamble, I could have bought a 500 dollar pile of parts.
KTM would probably be pretty keen on the idea of getting their product out there as they are trying to make inroads to this discipline. I would think anyway. After having owned a KTM dirtbike (200EXC), I doubt Id be inclined to go back to other brands (and ive onwned most of them at one point or another) the bike was that good. truely impressive machines. Most katoom riders seem to share that same thought.

[Louden]

Hey Davy I'm working the night before PPIR, but I'll just sleep through the riders meeting. JK. I'll be there so call me if you want to meet up. Well guys I would love to call up KTM or another manufacturer and just ask about starting a spec class with them, But lets get real, I'm a first year super street racer with no credit and I'm not exactly backed by a large number of riders bedside Dave. There is only one way anyone of us could start convincing KTM to consider a spec class with us. We would have to conduct some research which provided a solid number of riders who would consider such an idea as well as prove to KTM we could make them the new ninja 250 if they gave us the chance. So if your serious about a manufactured spec class with KTM now is the time to reply. If enough people reply maybe I could use my down time at the races to inform current racers and possibly new racers of the idea and continue to build the survey. I'm willing to put the effort forth to make this happen if the MRA is willing to start something new. I believe Ayn Rand would place this question before us: "Ask yourself whether the dream of heaven and greatness should be waiting for us in our graves - or whether it should be ours here and now and on this earth."

[Desmodromico]

I like the discussion going on, and while that KTM looks like sex, I agree a 125 4 stroke is not going to cut it at altitude, or even at sea level for that matter, especially considering these are not going to be $2000 bikes. Basically anyone over 140 pounds could take a pass with that one, it seems more geared to young racers just starting out. All us fat arses would be left out in the cold...

I would think to get a manufacturer on board we would need to work together with a couple other clubs so there would be a bigger crop of potential racers. It is all about visibility for them, and while we are lucky to have such a great organization to race in, the MRA doesn't extend very far out of Colorado. Maybe if we got USBA, CMRA, and CCS together we could have enough power for some buy-in?

[dragos13]

I really hope we see some rule change suggestions in regards to a new spec class....

:D

[dave.gallant]

I really hope some entrepreneur strikes up a deal with Rocky Mountain Kawasaki (or the like) to purchase 10 Ninja 250s, then rents them out to riders in the 2010 season. That is how the business would get done.

[rforsythe]

I really hope some entrepreneur strikes up a deal with Rocky Mountain Kawasaki (or the like) to purchase 10 Ninja 250s, then rents them out to riders in the 2010 season. That is how the business would get done.

Has someone put serious race-pace laps on one to see how it handles at altitude on the track? I know they race the piss out of them at sea level, but I also took my street 250 out to VIR and the difference was substantial. Granted mine is the older model (not the newer engine with actual midrange), but still the comparison matters. I have not put mine on a track yet, but could I guess. Comparing to a new one would be useful however.

Or put another way, will someone running a bit slower in the turns still have enough motor to have a good time? I'd like to see the results of an experiment like that, since I think that's been a big question preventing this idea from taking off for the multiple years it's been proposed. SV650's make great bikes here because they still have the power to go. Not sure on the 250's - not saying it won't on a track, I just truly don't know.

[dave.gallant]

Lets not bring reason or facts into these discussions....:)

[gsnyder828]

How much hp do those Kawi 250s make?

[dave.gallant]

How much hp do those Kawi 250s make?

Very little.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lam_T3bDcBk

[gsnyder828]

Our IT department is on to me... I'm blocked from Youtube @ work. 8)

Can you just give me a #?

[dave.gallant]

Our IT department is on to me... I'm blocked from Youtube @ work. 8)

Can you just give me a #?

42!


(but that is not how much horsepower they make)

[dave.gallant]

( 25-27ish with the latest 2008+ generation making a bit more)

[rforsythe]

Lets not bring reason or facts into these discussions....:)

Sorry, I forgot the audience here for a second. :oops:

[OUTLAWD]

( 25-27ish with the latest 2008+ generation making a bit more)

I was under the impression the newer ones were a bit less because they don't spin them as high...

an early 2000's with a full exhaust put down 29 at OTD last year...my roommate had an 08 and the altitude effected it a ton compared to what it felt like in NJ

[dave.gallant]

( 25-27ish with the latest 2008+ generation making a bit more)

I was under the impression the newer ones were a bit less because they don't spin them as high...

an early 2000's with a full exhaust put down 29 at OTD last year...my roommate had an 08 and the altitude effected it a ton compared to what it felt like in NJ

Lots of threads on the WERA Board about this. Long story short; the old ones can't keep up with the new ones in race settings.

[gsnyder828]

( 25-27ish with the latest 2008+ generation making a bit more)

42 sounded better

[T Baggins]

Can you just give me a #?

How 'bout 1-800-BUY-VANMAR

That should be a good number for ya... :shock: :lol:

[gsnyder828]

Can you just give me a #?

How 'bout 1-800-BUY-VANMAR

That should be a good number for ya... :shock: :lol:

:shock: I take it you've dialed that # a time or 2!!! (\00\)

"$1.99-$4.99 per minute..." they wouldn't let me bill it to Tbag - said your account was overdrawn!

:lol: :oops:

[dave.gallant]

Great! Lets turn this thread into another damn commercial like all the rest!

http://www.carbuyersnotebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/pirelli.jpg

[gsnyder828]

Great! Lets turn this thread into another damn commercial like all the rest!



:lol: :lol: I was thinking about all the Vanmar threads that turned into Dunlop infomercials... then I got curious and called the #.

Now IT has me on another list... #-o ](*,)

[T Baggins]

Great! Lets turn this thread into another damn commercial like all the rest!

http://www.carbuyersnotebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/pirelli.jpg

Davey G - you've obviously never called that number... but methinks maybe you should.

No Michelins available there, that much I guarantee! :lol:

[dave.gallant]

No Michelins available there, that much I guarantee! :lol:

Will I find a Happy Ending there???

[T Baggins]

No Michelins available there, that much I guarantee! :lol:

Will I find a Happy Ending there???

Yes, but you have to provide your own ketchup.

[dave.gallant]

No Michelins available there, that much I guarantee! :lol:

Will I find a Happy Ending there???

Yes, but you have to provide your own ketchup.

Got 'er!

http://adsoftheworld.com/files/images/arielKETCHUP.jpg

[dave.gallant]

back on topic.

watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG210GgSyT4

[dave.gallant]

....part II of the above:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6214BYQJxI&NR=1

Great drafting dog fight.

[peteremsley]

....part II of the above:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6214BYQJxI&NR=1

Great drafting dog fight.
A great watch! I'm sure many of us could learn a lot on these bikes.

[dave.gallant]

....part II of the above:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6214BYQJxI&NR=1

Great drafting dog fight.
A great watch! I'm sure many of us could learn a lot on these bikes.

btw, I love GB Fish & Chips. Great sponsor!

[Scored51]

Great race!

If there is anyone really interested in cheap racing in the MRA here is your blueprint. Find a race prepped EX500. They still exist as organizations on both coasts still have classes to race them. Right now there are two for sale on the WERA boards:

$1,200 http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=250621
$1,000 http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=245719

Use street tires (because you don't really have a choice) that will last more than one weekend. Tire warmers are no longer necessary, and therefore neither is the generator to power them. If you sold those two things most of us already own, you'd have nearly enough to buy an entire race bike!

Run it in Colorado Class! The EX's are already legal as are GS500's, Hawks, RD400's and any four stroke with only one cylinder. If enough riders show up, we could start a separate class for the 500's. Run it as a GP class but control the cost by establishing a claiming rule that says anyone with a current MRA license can buy any bike in the field for like $2,500 (end of season). That would prevent anyone going nuts with front end conversions, wheels, etc.

Done.