Lots of Questions/ New Racer

[LordLosh]

Going to try Racing this year. I went out and bought a trailer Friday, going to put a deposit down on a very very nice race bike tomorrow. Will still have a little money left over for some gear but not enough for a complete set. I printed out my registration forms. So now i need guidance and teaching. I'm really nervous and excited at the same time. nervous I'm going to suck at the one thing i really want to be good at, and excited that I'm actually going to be able to race.
Little info about me. I'm 23 ride a 2008 gsxr 1000. Started out on dirt bikes. then when i was 18 bought a 2001 SV650S. rode it every day i could. I have always loved anything with two wheels, but i really love sport bikes. when i graduated and got a good job i treated myself to the bike i have now. Next Friday I'm going to go buy a 2007 gsxr600 from a local racer. It is totally ready to race besides needing a new frame slider and some new tires.

I need help with suit sizing? I have gained a little wait over the winter like most people do and I'm trying to lose it. But as i stand now I'm about 5-11" 195lbs with a 34" waist. Where is the best place locally to buy or maybe try on some suits??

Next question is i would like to have some 1 on 1 time with a skilled or experienced rider before i take my MRA classes in April. how much ruffly is this going to cost me and what suggestions do you guys have on who i should ask?

Last i would like any advice, suggestions or tips anyone could offer. Did i miss anything or leave something out that i need to get on right away before its to late. I'm hoping i can buy the transponder with the bike next Friday. I will get suit, boots, gloves, new helmet, back protector soon. I'm going to start going to all meetings and I'm going to volunteer to work at the awards dinner/show to try and get to know some of you and get used to spending my weekends with yea! Thanks for any and all help. Sorry this is so long "did i mention i was excited" :lol:

[dragos13]

Welcome to the MRA!

It sounds like you have everything pretty well lined up. I have a couple suggestions:

Try to get sponsorship. Whether you are going for large companies or local bike shops, start applying. Even if you land 10-20% off for your OEM parts, thats better then nothing when you find yourself in the middle of a rebuild.

Find some other solo riders and pit together. Figure things out as a small group or team, its alot better then doing it on your own. Of course if that isn't possible, you can always ask just about anyone it the pits for help. This club knows how important new riders are plus we all start in your spot at one point.

Save up money and start setting it aside if possible. You might come into a major repair or something like that. Plus racing will almost always cost more then what you imagine. You can try to cover every detail but unexpected expenses are just part of the game.

I hope that helps you out. I'm sure others will post up soon to address your other questions. If I can help anymore let me know.

[oldtimer]

Congrats on deciding to go racing this year, you're going to love it! I think you're being smart by working the banquet and coming to meetings, you're going to make so many contacts by doing so.


To answer your question I recommend Performance Cycle on Broadway for suits, they have a large in house selection. www.performancecycleco.com

Getting riding instruction is the best way to progress, here are some suggestions for you. For sure we'll see you at one of the New Racer Schools in April.


MRA New Racer Schools
www.mra-racing.org
MRA hot line # 303-530-5678

Chicane Track Days
www.ChicaneTrackDays.com

Vanmar Motorcycle School Mark Schellinger
303-944-0334

Ricky Orlando Motorcycle School
www.rickyorlando.com

Go4It Racing Schools Mike Pettiford
www.go4itservices.com

Jason Pridmore’s STAR school
www.starmotorcycle.com

High Plains Raceway Lapping Days
www.highplainsraceway.com
Track hot line # 303-769-4771

Pueblo Motorsports Park Track Days
www.pueblomotorsportspark.net
Track hot line # 719-547-7721

IMI Motorsports track time
www.imimotorsports.com
Track hot line # 303-286-1813


Also know that all of us Rider Reps are happy to ride with you at the track. We'll work with anyone who needs help and offer tips. Look for my number at the track #145 Wyeth Jackson. The other Rider Reps are Casey Dragos #901, Jeff Brown #277, Jim Wilson #28, any of us will help you.

See you at the banquet!

Wyeth

[vort3xr6]

I am in the same boat as you except I have a done a few more track days and mock races. I am picking up some parts for the bike tomorrow and then I will be set up for racing next year. I just need to find somebody to pit with cause I don't have a generator. Although the huge trailer I will be using may have one.

[T Baggins]

Faster Motosports had a decent selection of suits last time I was in there.

[T Baggins]

http://forums.mra-racing.org/viewtopic.php?t=10048

used always costs less...

[Throttleroller277]

Most Suit manufactures have a sizing chart, to help you get a proper fit, you'll need someones help measuring your dimensions.

Also keep in mind that most all of them fit different, even though they say the same size on the tag. So, if an Alpinestars suit fits you great, don't go ordering a Spidi suit of the same size without trying one on first.

And yes, if you see myself or the other Rider Reps that Wyeth mentioned above, we'll glad help you out on or off track.

~Jeff Brown AKA "Brownie", #277

[LordLosh]

OK I'm going to go to some local shops and try some on to see what size fits me. Now next question is where can i get a transponder????? Also what you guys think of these leathers?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Motor...item5ad672c565

Price is nice but I'm afraid i will get what i pay for and end up paying the bill with my skin. say's
Top quality leather (grade A)1.1-1.2mm but i dono wants the specs on say an apline suit?

[LordLosh]

Oh yeah and Tire warmers? Are these something at my riding skill level will notice or even need this year?? If so do you think id be alright if i just ran them off a power converter from my truck?

[marty]

i would say the two places you want to spend the $ will be quality tires and quality gear. those leather MAY be fine, but i would prefer to go tumbling at 100mph in leathers that are name brand and have shown a large commitment to rider safety over several years. rs tai chi, alpinestars, spdi, etc are all great brands. if you want something more custom, i would hit up nate butler

as an aside, it isn't required, but i also prefer to wear a chest protector also. i like the knox and impact armor systems the best

i don't run warmers on my 125, but on a 600 i would think most folks would say they are a must. eric cromer ran his off his truck last year and he seemed to fair okay out on the grids

JMO

[LordLosh]

Great one more thing to my list. anyone know of any good deals? Also this would be a good armor choice right?

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...rmor-Vest.aspx

It just does not say CE Certified so i dont know? So should i just go with one of the alpine star vest's?

[marty]

check out these guy's site. they have lots of video with safety gear, leathers, armor, etc. nice guys to deal with also. as for vests, i tried the dianese full upper torso and it held up great though 10 or so crashes. it was just a bit of work to get in and out of my gear between races.

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/StoreFront.bok

[loujr]

http://stores.303cycles.com/StoreFront.boks

The guys at 303 are good and local. Hit them up see what they can do for you. Always have taken care of me, super fast, and great prices.

[GSXRScott]

Also what you guys think of these leathers?

I think the suit I have for sale is cheaper, tougher and is gaurenteed to make you look more attractive to the opposite sex.

[T Baggins]

Great one more thing to my list. anyone know of any good deals? Also this would be a good armor choice right?

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...rmor-Vest.aspx

It just does not say CE Certified so i dont know? So should i just go with one of the alpine star vest's?

I got my tire warmers from Tenn2Cycle http://www.tenn2cycles.com/ don't know if there is a local distributor though.

Understanding that cost is always a consideration - buy the best protective gear you can find/afford. Also, whenever possible buy from local shops or vendors. They support the MRA, and will stand behind the product. Or buy used from another racer. Generally speaking you'll save money and get good information and possibly a new friend out of the deal.

[Desmodromico]

As mentioned make sure you do a little digging on who might be willing to provide some sponsorship before you lay down a bunch of dough. Saving 15-25% on gear and parts makes it a lot easier and allows you to get quality stuff.

I regret paying as much as I did for lots of parts or tweaks, but I never regret buying good gear. Go to the max for your budget there and stay with proven name-brand stuff, your arse is worth more than fleabay!!

[GSXRScott]

There's probably been a meelion threads on this but how do you go about getting sponsorship when you dont have any races under your belt? I've been told by a few CCS guys that you really need to have a season or two to put on your resume in order to get sponsorship.

[Throttleroller277]

There's probably been a meelion threads on this but how do you go about getting sponsorship when you dont have any races under your belt? I've been told by a few CCS guys that you really need to have a season or two to put on your resume in order to get sponsorship.

You can at least start by Putting together a little something about yourself, past accomplishments, your goals, how you can represent them or their product, season schedule, etc.....

Give me a call if you'd like and I can you some ideas. 303-210-0425

[dragos13]

You can definitely obtain sponsors your novice year. I think I had more sponsors my novice year then any year since then.

The main concept, as Brownie mentioned, is how can you market their product. There are many ways to do this so just get creative and be proactive. Talk about the amount of racers you will see on the race weekends, hand out fliers in the pits, put stickers on your bike and truck, reference their company on forums like the CSC and MRA.

Sometimes, the newer racers are the ones that take time to promote products where as some fast experts get sponsorship because they are on podium. You dont have to be the fastest guy or have years of experience to land deals. Get your resume together, talk about how you can get "THEIR" name in the heads of other potential customers. Be creative and get on the ball now. Many companies have already stopped accepting resumes for the 2010 season but you can still try. There is nothing to loose, and anyone who says you can't do it as a first year novice either doesn't know or just hasn't tried.

Shoot me a PM as well if you need more help then Brownie can offer (which is unlikely as he is the one who got me started my novice year) 8)

[LordLosh]

I just want to focus on my riding then promoting, Although I would take tire sponsorship or discount i think i got just about everything in line. still not 100% on transponder or Suit. But I'm going to go try some suits on this weekend to give me a starting point on at least where in general with most suits i will be, because I'm kinda of a fat kid trapped in a small frame. then i will check for some used ones. So here is what i got so far vs what i need PLEASE tell me if I'm forgetting something Thanks
Have
• Trailer with ramp, straps and fire extinguisher
• 2007 gsxr600 bike needs tires frame slider and my race number on it
• Boots going to try and buy Gripped used boots if they fit
• Back protector/chest armor
• Helmet
• Gauntlet Style Gloves
• Tools
• Stands for bike
Still Need
• Good Suit
• Tire warmers “Got a guy that has them for sale, just don’t know if I got the money right now”
• Transponder
• Tires for bike “I think I have some need to check with you guys 1st tho”
• Battery tender
• Good fuel tanks for race/mix fuel

[marty]

I just want to focus on my riding then promoting, Although I would take tire sponsorship or discount i think i got just about everything in line. still not 100% on transponder or Suit. But I'm going to go try some suits on this weekend to give me a starting point on at least where in general with most suits i will be, because I'm kinda of a fat kid trapped in a small frame. then i will check for some used ones. So here is what i got so far vs what i need PLEASE tell me if I'm forgetting something Thanks
Have
• Trailer with ramp, straps and fire extinguisher
• 2007 gsxr600 bike needs tires frame slider and my race number on it
• Boots going to try and buy Gripped used boots if they fit
• Back protector/chest armor
• Helmet
• Gauntlet Style Gloves
• Tools
• Stands for bike
Still Need
• Good Suit
• Tire warmers “Got a guy that has them for sale, just don’t know if I got the money right now”
• Transponder
• Tires for bike “I think I have some need to check with you guys 1st tho”
• Battery tender
• Good fuel tanks for race/mix fuel

get a canopy and something to tie it down. many of the sporting goods store sell a warranty, you will want to buy one because the wind will definitely destroy one or two throughout the year

safety wire and some wire, zip ties and duct tape are a must

tequila-it will help you make friends after the races

generator for your tire warmers and a good extension cord

tire guage and air tank

not necessary but some sleeved under armor helps get the leathers off and on easier

i'm sure there are others but that is a quick list

[dave.gallant]

Here are some money saving tips:

Don't run race gas. It is a waste of $ at first.

Don't touch the motor of your bike. It is fast enough(!).

Run every single race you are legal for. Seat time is worth more than its weight in gold.

Bring more water and gatorade than you think you need.

Most importantly, remember to HAVE FUN. It will feel hectic at first, so slow down and remember to enjoy yourself.

[LordLosh]

Yeah on the race fuel thing i'm going to get the bike re mapped so i can actually put the regular fuel in it. I might mix or add some treatment to it just so i know the fuel is good.

[LordLosh]

I just want to focus on my riding then promoting, Although I would take tire sponsorship or discount i think i got just about everything in line. still not 100% on transponder or Suit. But I'm going to go try some suits on this weekend to give me a starting point on at least where in general with most suits i will be, because I'm kinda of a fat kid trapped in a small frame. then i will check for some used ones. So here is what i got so far vs what i need PLEASE tell me if I'm forgetting something Thanks
Have
• Trailer with ramp, straps and fire extinguisher
• 2007 gsxr600 bike needs tires frame slider and my race number on it
• Boots going to try and buy Gripped used boots if they fit
• Back protector/chest armor
• Helmet
• Gauntlet Style Gloves
• Tools
• Stands for bike
Still Need
• Good Suit
• Tire warmers “Got a guy that has them for sale, just don’t know if I got the money right now”
• Transponder
• Tires for bike “I think I have some need to check with you guys 1st tho”
• Battery tender
• Good fuel tanks for race/mix fuel

get a canopy and something to tie it down. many of the sporting goods store sell a warranty, you will want to buy one because the wind will definitely destroy one or two throughout the year

safety wire and some wire, zip ties and duct tape are a must

tequila-it will help you make friends after the races

generator for your tire warmers and a good extension cord

tire guage and air tank

not necessary but some sleeved under armor helps get the leathers off and on easier

i'm sure there are others but that is a quick list

I gave up drinking this year to save money for this, but i got a very large bottle of crown I'd be happy to share with some of you guys

[sikwitit]

What up!! go to performance and try some suits on. When you get fit, buy the suit online. Sportbiketrackdear.com is a dope site. Great website, easy to go through. Anyway, my name is Wesley by the way. You can always pit with me and my boy Nik. We can help you out on whatever you want to know.

wEs