Mini questions

[klx-rider]

I'm beginning my hunt for a mini supermoto. I don't have any experience on these things although I have plenty of dirt experience on full size bikes. I'm 5'9" and 180#. I'm thinking I want a CRF150 or CR85. Ideally I'd pick something that fits into a class with a good number racers ... adult minis? I'm not looking to race right now, just get some time on the track. I guess I'd also consider a 230 but right now my budget is only $1500 so I think that's going to be a challenge. Are there tires that work on the kart track for the stock small wheel bikes? Should I hold out for the big wheel versions? I picture going to 17's eventually but don't have the funds to start out buying wheels. I'm also wondering if I should hold off on buying and build up the budget a bit.

Thoughts and recommendations welcomed.

 

[TWINRYDER]

I'm beginning my hunt for a mini supermoto. I don't have any experience on these things although I have plenty of dirt experience on full size bikes. I'm 5'9" and 180#. I'm thinking I want a CRF150 or CR85. Ideally I'd pick something that fits into a class with a good number racers ... adult minis? I'm not looking to race right now, just get some time on the track. I guess I'd also consider a 230 but right now my budget is only $1500 so I think that's going to be a challenge. Are there tires that work on the kart track for the stock small wheel bikes? Should I hold out for the big wheel versions? I picture going to 17's eventually but don't have the funds to start out buying wheels. I'm also wondering if I should hold off on buying and build up the budget a bit.

Thoughts and recommendations welcomed.

Come out to the track and try out the different rental bikes. So you can form a better opinion.

 

[klx-rider]

Come out to the track and try out the different rental bikes. So you can form a better opinion.

That's a good idea. Are there ever any rental bikes out at Sonoma?

 

[TWINRYDER]

That's a good idea. Are there ever any rental bikes out at Sonoma?

Hopefully someone could chime in. I can only speak for Stockton.

 

[Map8]

SMUSA has two classes for adults on minis:

1) Adult Mini is one of the most popular classes in SMUSA and the grid is mostly CRF150R, CRF230F, TT-R 230, CR85 and KTM 85. All have been on the podium. The 150R dominates the championships lately though there are some VERY fast riders on well setup two-strokes. BARFer Scottiedawg has raced all of these bikes and done really well on each. You could ask him this weekend. Look for #322 KTM in the SMUSA paddock.

2) 230 class: air-cooled 230cc and below.

Both classes have good size grids. You can rent a 230 to race. (reservation needed) Last year's 230 class champion rented a bike for the whole season.

Don't want to speak for Brok but I believe rentals at track days at Sonoma are dependent on reservations ahead of time. If enough people committed to rent, Brok had brought bikes to Sonoma open track days a few times in the past (if he doesn't have a conflict) but I don't know if he still offers that program.

All the bikes listed above make great track day bikes.

 

[klx-rider]

Looking at the SMUSA results for 2013, I see a few people that rode in both Adult Mini's and the 230 classes. Can Adult Mini's race in the 230 class or are 230's racing in Adult Mini?

 

[Map8]

are 230's racing in Adult Mini?

Yes.

You can race a 230cc air-cooled bike in both classes.

230 is for air-cooled 4 strokes under 230cc. (Neither water-cooled 4-strokes or two-strokes are allowed in the 230 class so the other minis can't race 230.)

 

[grindcoreNbikes]

Yes.

You can race a 230cc air-cooled bike in both classes.

DogBoy's advice is 100% right on. For the money in SMUSA, your easiest start is probably a CRF230 for the reason that you can race at least the two classes listed above (Adult Mini and 230SM) and also one of the open skill (likely Open Beginner).

Your competitiveness will vary with the 230, because, as said, the dominant machine in Adult Mini is the 150R which is an actual race bike vs. the 230 as a modified trail bike. A prepped and well ridden 230 can get there, but the competition will be more more even in the 230SM class (or in Open Beginner, depending on the entries and number of larger bore bikes in there).

 

[Judaslefourbe]

One thing to remember about the 230: they are awesome flat track bikes as well.
(but it is true they are not as competitive as the 2 strokes or the 150Rs).

 

[klx-rider]

One thing to remember about the 230: they are awesome flat track bikes as well.
(but it is true they are not as competitive as the 2 strokes or the 150Rs).

Hey Frenchie, I was the guy that was asking questions about your YZ85 on Sunday. You had a good battle going on out there in the Main. :thumbup You kind of have me leaning towards a CR85 Expert with some BT45's to keep it cheap to start with.

 

[grindcoreNbikes]

Hey Frenchie, I was the guy that was asking questions about your YZ85 on Sunday. You had a good battle going on out there in the Main. :thumbup You kind of have me leaning towards a CR85 Expert with some BT45's to keep it cheap to start with.

Solid choice. I'm considering picking up a 85/100cc 2 stroke to add to the mini stable.

 

[TWINRYDER]

I may have a couple rental bikes out at Stockton this weekend.

 

[Judaslefourbe]

Hey Frenchie, I was the guy that was asking questions about your YZ85 on Sunday. You had a good battle going on out there in the Main. :thumbup You kind of have me leaning towards a CR85 Expert with some BT45's to keep it cheap to start with.

Nice to "meet" you online.
Yes it was a fun battle! I will have the videos on YouTube soon (I hope).
Great choice on the CR, you can't go wrong with smokers! :teeth

If you have questions about it, don't hesitate to reach out to Scottydawg since he has one.