View Poll Results: How Legit is the Interest in The Ninja 250 Spec Class?

Voters
54. You may not vote on this poll
  • I will not participate in it.

    9 16.67%
  • I will participate, and rent a bike.

    2 3.70%
  • I will participate and buy a prepped bike.

    6 11.11%
  • I will participate and build my own bike.

    10 18.52%
  • I am interested, but undecided on the above.

    27 50.00%
Page 1 of 10 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 244

Thread: Low Budget Racing... yes Virginia, there is a way...

  1. #1
    Resident T-Bagger Expert T Baggins's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Somewhere between here and Elizabeth
    Posts
    5,164

    Low Budget Racing... yes Virginia, there is a way...

    So it's been discussed a zillion times on these forums, but nobody's ever actually stepped up and done anything about it.

    I think maybe it's time... for "Ninja 250 Spec Racing".

    With some quick initial cost estimates I think you can run AN ENTIRE SEASON, including tires, gas, entry fees AND BIKE for between $4500 and $6500. :shock:

    For the past several years COST has continually come up as a big deterrent to racing, and has cut people's racing seasons (and even careers) short. You spend $6500+ on a used 600, then $500 - $1000 per weekend, and then have to continually spend more and more to keep it competitive. If you could have the same amount of fun, on a playing field which is substantially leveled (you can only trick out a 250 so much...), for less than half the cost - would you do it?

    I am contemplating putting together a small fleet of these bikes which would be available for rent/sale so people can see what the fun and excitement is all about... As the interest picks up, I'd get and prep more bikes for rent, and maybe we could eventually see grids like the 25 - 40 bikes they routinely get at AFM and WSMC in California.

    So, the questions I'm curious about are:

    Would you have interest in participating in a Ninja 250 Spec Race series?

    Would you buy/build a Ninja 250?

    Would you rent a Ninja 250 if it cost only $250 - $350 per weekend? (That's less than most of you spend on tires, by the way...)

    Would it be an additional race to your current program, or would it replace you current steed?

    If there is enough interest, I "might" possibly even be able to have them put together in time for the final round of the year at HPR to do a Demonstration Race and let people check them out up close and personal like...

    So what do you say? Way Cool, Sorta Cool, Totally Gay (not that there's anything wrong with that), or what...?

    There's room on the current raceday schedule to run them as a second wave to two classes, and they're already Colorado Class Legal... so there's nothing but more bikes on the grid and no downside that I can see.

    Please chime in ..... now.
    Tony Baker #21

    Sponsored by:
    Vickery Motorsports, Short Bus Race Team, 406 Racing Michelin, Vortex, PitBull, Driven, Third Bridge Wines, Imodium A-D

  2. #2
    Senior Member Expert
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Denver
    Posts
    4,077

    Re: Low Budget Racing... yes Virginia, there is a way...

    Quote Originally Posted by T Baggins
    Would you have interest in participating in a Ninja 250 Spec Race series?

    DG: Yes.

    Would you buy/build a Ninja 250?

    DG: Maybe.

    Would you rent a Ninja 250 if it cost only $200 - $300 per weekend? (That's less than most of you spend on tires, by the way...)

    DG: Yes. Only if I can put the tires of choice on it.

    Would it be an additional race to your current program, or would it replace you current steed?

    DG: Both.

    So what do you say? Way Cool, Sorta Cool, Totally Gay (not that there's anything wrong with that), or what...?

    DG: You are totally gay. But, I am in.

    Or, do this with 1999-2001 R6s and lets do a MV R6 Cup.
    dave@MotoSix DOT com | MRA #31, WERA #311

  3. #3
    Senior Member Expert
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Denver
    Posts
    4,077
    dave@MotoSix DOT com | MRA #31, WERA #311

  4. #4
    Senior Member Expert
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Parker
    Posts
    527
    I'd be interested! I was even contemplating a CB 160 for kicks...
    Boulder Motor Sports - RhinoMoto - American Express

  5. #5
    Mohammer Time! Expert
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Posts
    1,253
    What class would you run them with?

  6. #6
    Senior Member Expert
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    seventh circle of board hell
    Posts
    1,100
    Dave that is the 650 not the 250. :lol:

  7. #7
    Senior Member Expert
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Denver
    Posts
    4,077
    Quote Originally Posted by Bartman
    Dave that is the 650 not the 250. :lol:
    Sshhhhh!!!!
    dave@MotoSix DOT com | MRA #31, WERA #311

  8. #8
    Senior Member Amateur
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    187

    Re: Low Budget Racing... yes Virginia, there is a way...

    Double post
    Jon #80
    2011Sponsors: ABATE, All Pro Science, Armour Bodies, Aurora Honda, LeoVince Exhaust, Renthal, Un!nk Printworks, Woodcraft, XBam

  9. #9
    Senior Member Amateur
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    187

    Re: Low Budget Racing... yes Virginia, there is a way...

    Would you have interest in participating in a Ninja 250 Spec Race series?
    Definitely YES

    Would you buy/build a Ninja 250?
    YES

    Would you rent a Ninja 250 if it cost only $200 - $300 per weekend? (That's less than most of you spend on tires, by the way...)
    Probably

    Would it be an additional race to your current program, or would it replace you current steed?
    Additional
    Jon #80
    2011Sponsors: ABATE, All Pro Science, Armour Bodies, Aurora Honda, LeoVince Exhaust, Renthal, Un!nk Printworks, Woodcraft, XBam

  10. #10
    Senior Member Expert
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Denver
    Posts
    1,534
    Duh, I would totally rent one!!!! I can race a lightweight bike for an entire weekend for $200-300? I'll try it and let you know after wards whether I think it's gay or not! Who WOULDN'T try it? :shock:


    If we had an Ultra Lightweight class the winner would make back most of that cost in tire money. :-k
    #145 Wyeth Jackson
    Wyeth Homes Real Estate www.WyethHomes.com
    G-Force Powersports, Pirelli & Sol Performance, CT Racing, Kawasaki, Bell Helmets, TCX Boots, Vortex, Racers Edge, Un!nk Printworks, Motul, Vortex, Rising Sun Cycles, CHR, Attack Performance, NinjaTech

  11. #11
    Member Amateur
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Posts
    54
    YES - I would race in the 250 Spec class

    YES - I would likely buy/build one

    YES - it would be in addition to my 160 - watch out - there are 2 of us now!

    I think this is a great idea - and like my 160 - altho its proven to be the slowest bike in the MRA - or very close to it - I am hooked - love it and want to do more and Im starting my racing at 43 yr old - it could be a great low cost entry point - or a saving grace for those who can no longer - or want to - spend the big dollars!

  12. #12
    Junior Member Novice
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Posts
    2
    Would you have interest in participating in a Ninja 250 Spec Race series?
    Absolutely.

    Would you buy/build a Ninja 250?
    Depending on how quickly I become hooked.

    Would you rent a Ninja 250 if it cost only $200 - $300 per weekend? (That's less than most of you spend on tires, by the way...)
    Yes, especially as a means to determine if it would be something I would want to proceed more aggressively with.

    Would it be an additional race to your current program, or would it replace you current steed?
    As of now, an addition to classes I am currently running.
    Adam "Swift" McCarty MRA 147
    Think Tank Tattoo, Lithium Motorsports, Northern Colorado Euro

  13. #13
    Senior Member Expert
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    NoBoCo
    Posts
    547
    My first thought is that we try to field lightweight SS & SB grids before an ultra LW class, but if someone else is willing to risk capital to get it running - I say go for it.

    That said, I won't run it.

    I suspect it'll be a bit of a novelty... until people try to climb the hill out of T11 and realize it's quicker to dismount and walk the bike up the hill. What do those things make, 20-25hp? My 70hp SV can't accelerate up that hill... (of course, if I lost some weight it might...)

    Running my bone stock motored, SS prepped SV will cost me less than $6k this year - for the full season... including the bike. (knock on wood... assuming I don't crash the shit out of it next round) - so I think anyone interested in cheap racing could feasibly run a Kawi 650, SV650 or other LW bike for small money and have way more options for spare parts, etc. And over 2x the HP. And 4 classes to run in if we add LWSS and LWSB. I can't imagine hanging around with a Ninja 250 to run 1 sprint each day.

    And quite honestly - those things would be dead dangerous to include in LWEnd with the size/speed of the MWEnd field. Someone will get cornholed...

    If it does run... please cut the race to 5 laps. 7 laps will take almost 30m on those things. :lol:

  14. #14
    Senior Member Amateur
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    173
    The CRA started one of these classes this year. So far it was a bit of a slow start but has been gaining momentum throughout the year as people saw it become a reality and have started purchasing and entering bikes. A new company just formed and started renting 250's to support the series there as well. So far it seems as though they are well received and at one of the fastest tracks in the country (Brainerd). So...

    Yes to all of the above.

  15. #15
    Senior Member Expert HAMMER's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    DENVER
    Posts
    725
    I'll build one in a heartbeat and come whoop some arse :lol:

    Has to be stock motor ( no upgrades except air filter and pipe ) no supersport bs just stock motor . And chassis mods. Like suspension brakes and gearing ect ... gotta be close as far as motor goes ......

    That makes good racing
    #213, still droppin the hammer, butt holes!!! ( 2016 RIDER REP )

    SYNDICATE RACING, SOAPOINT GRAPHICS, BLOODNICKEL LEATHERS, PIRELLI / SOL ,SCORPION HELMETS, MAD-MOTO, SPEARS RACING , AMSOIL, VORTEX, SIDI , ROCKY MOUNTAIN MINIMOTO, THE ALTAR BRIDAL, BLU CRU , COYOTE MOTORSPORTS

  16. #16
    Senior Member Expert
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Denver
    Posts
    4,077
    Quote Originally Posted by gsnyder828
    Running my bone stock motored, SS prepped SV will cost me less than $6k this year - for the full season... including the bike.
    I preached this right along side you Geoff. The problem lies in that you are not racing against other 650s. You are racing against 673s or 690s with megacycle cams and falicon cranks. You might have 160 DOTs on your bike, but the 749R next to you on the grid is setting on 16.5 slicks.

    The point of the 250s is that it would be so ridiculous to overbore the thing or put Marchesinis on it that this might be a class that actually has a decent chance of staying "Supersport".

    Yup; the bikes are ridiculously slow, especially at altitude. Yup; I would rather ride a bone stock SV650. Unfortunately, no one can resist not spending themselves into bankruptcy even when they race a ladies sport tourer.

    I will race a damn tricycle if someone will line up against me and I can afford to do so, and if it takes a 250 for me to be able to do so AND AFFORD TO DO SO COMPETITIVELY, sign me up.

    (this is also why the 50/100cc minis have always been so appealing to me, so possibly I am odd man out here...)
    dave@MotoSix DOT com | MRA #31, WERA #311

  17. #17
    Senior Member Expert HAMMER's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    DENVER
    Posts
    725
    Quote Originally Posted by dave.gallant
    Quote Originally Posted by gsnyder828
    Running my bone stock motored, SS prepped SV will cost me less than $6k this year - for the full season... including the bike.
    I preached this right along side you Geoff. The problem lies in that you are not racing against other 650s. You are racing against 673s or 690s with megacycle cams and falicon cranks. You might have 160 DOTs on your bike, but the 749R next to you on the grid is setting on 16.5 slicks.

    The point of the 250s is that it would be so ridiculous to overbore the thing or put Marchesinis on it that this might be a class that actually has a decent chance of staying "Supersport".

    Yup; the bikes are ridiculously slow, especially at altitude. Yup; I would rather ride a bone stock SV650. Unfortunately, no one can resist not spending themselves into bankruptcy even when they race a ladies sport tourer.

    I will race a damn tricycle if someone will line up against me and I can afford to do so, and if it takes a 250 for me to be able to do so AND AFFORD TO DO SO, sign me up.

    (this is also why the 50/100cc minis have always been so appealing to me, so possibly I am odd man out here...)
    Race minimoto , 20 doods on the same bike , what's the difference between 12 and 14 HP , just my ballzz
    #213, still droppin the hammer, butt holes!!! ( 2016 RIDER REP )

    SYNDICATE RACING, SOAPOINT GRAPHICS, BLOODNICKEL LEATHERS, PIRELLI / SOL ,SCORPION HELMETS, MAD-MOTO, SPEARS RACING , AMSOIL, VORTEX, SIDI , ROCKY MOUNTAIN MINIMOTO, THE ALTAR BRIDAL, BLU CRU , COYOTE MOTORSPORTS

  18. #18
    Senior Member Expert
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Denver
    Posts
    4,077
    Quote Originally Posted by HAMMER
    Race minimoto , 20 doods on the same bike , what's the difference between 12 and 14 HP , just my ballzz
    Your nutz are worth 2 HP? :shock:



    (You are right though. Nothing sucks more than getting beat by a 11 year old kid like Nicky Wimbauer used to do to us at IMI on a 50. Or Tracy S for that matter.)
    dave@MotoSix DOT com | MRA #31, WERA #311

  19. #19
    Senior Member Expert HAMMER's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    DENVER
    Posts
    725
    Come on Dave , I know yu want to , ..... plus I'm sick of me and schram kicking everyone's butt . We need more " fast " doods to show us some tire .( turtle and ara are actually rippin it up these days ) . Trust me. It's fun and super competitive. And cheap.


    But a 250 at high planes .... its fkn on
    #213, still droppin the hammer, butt holes!!! ( 2016 RIDER REP )

    SYNDICATE RACING, SOAPOINT GRAPHICS, BLOODNICKEL LEATHERS, PIRELLI / SOL ,SCORPION HELMETS, MAD-MOTO, SPEARS RACING , AMSOIL, VORTEX, SIDI , ROCKY MOUNTAIN MINIMOTO, THE ALTAR BRIDAL, BLU CRU , COYOTE MOTORSPORTS

  20. #20
    Junior Member Novice
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    MN
    Posts
    5
    I've raced a 250 starting last August with the CRA in MN. I'd love to come out there and kick your asses on it. So please put together a class. 8)
    CRA #177.

  21. #21
    Senior Member Amateur
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    118
    Im game for it, I weigh 150lbs after ive eaten. Not my worrie if someones eating too many strudles and dougnuts to have fun on a 250. Id rent it cause beating on rental cars has prepped me all my life for this event. (really cause im a cheap bastard)

    Yes its gay, but who cares if we are all doing it.
    Anyway to couple this with some kinda superstreet thing? I would have been in long before this year if I could have rented a small bike racing against other similar small bikes.

    just my 2.13 cents worth.
    MRA#420
    01 R6

    Macro Mellon Recording Studios
    Rockymtnphots.com
    DBA Construction LLC

  22. #22
    Junior Member Novice
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    MN
    Posts
    5
    Quote Originally Posted by davy4575
    Im game for it, I weigh 150lbs after ive eaten. Not my worrie if someones eating too many strudles and dougnuts to have fun on a 250. Id rent it cause beating on rental cars has prepped me all my life for this event. (really cause im a cheap bastard)

    Yes its gay, but who cares if we are all doing it.
    Anyway to couple this with some kinda superstreet thing? I would have been in long before this year if I could have rented a small bike racing against other similar small bikes.

    just my 2.13 cents worth.
    I weigh 195 pounds and race against all you girl weight types. And the weight makes a little difference, not much....
    CRA #177.

  23. #23
    Senior Member Expert
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Denver
    Posts
    4,077
    Quote Originally Posted by svracer177
    I've raced a 250 starting last August with the CRA in MN. I'd love to come out there and kick your asses on it. So please put together a class. 8)
    HELL YEAH!!
    dave@MotoSix DOT com | MRA #31, WERA #311

  24. #24
    Senior Member Expert
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    NoBoCo
    Posts
    547
    Quote Originally Posted by dave.gallant
    The problem lies in that you are not racing against other 650s. You are racing against 673s or 690s with megacycle cams and falicon cranks. You might have 160 DOTs on your bike, but the 749R next to you on the grid is setting on 16.5 slicks.
    All true - but that's a function of the LWGP and STGTU rules, a LWSS class would solve all those problems... no middleweight 749s, no overbores, no Marchesinis, etc. And especially no cheater F042s! :shock: :lol:

  25. #25
    Senior Member Expert
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Denver
    Posts
    4,077
    Quote Originally Posted by gsnyder828
    Quote Originally Posted by dave.gallant
    The problem lies in that you are not racing against other 650s. You are racing against 673s or 690s with megacycle cams and falicon cranks. You might have 160 DOTs on your bike, but the 749R next to you on the grid is setting on 16.5 slicks.
    All true - but that's a function of the LWGP and STGTU rules, a LWSS class would solve all those problems... no middleweight 749s, no overbores, no Marchesinis, etc. And especially no cheater F042s! :shock: :lol:
    :shock:

    WHY DIDN'T WE THINK OF THIS SOONER?????
    dave@MotoSix DOT com | MRA #31, WERA #311

Page 1 of 10 123 ... LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. 2007 R6 Budget Racer
    By Jakeracer in forum Bikes For Sale
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: December 15th, 2010, 10:24 PM
  2. Yes Virginia, there is a better way...
    By JohnGarc in forum General Discussion
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: October 20th, 2010, 01:36 PM
  3. low budget transporter
    By marty in forum General Discussion
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: March 23rd, 2008, 12:28 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •