Worth buying a cheap track bike to try it or just run my MT09

Nick7774

Active member
Lacking in power doesn't mean lacking in fun. Buy that 250 and ride the wheels off it. If you get hooked by the track experience, you can sell the Ninja and move up to an older but well set up 600. You'll never outride that.

That's my thoughts. Ride something small like I stole it instead of something too fast for my own good learning.

I'm mostly a dirt rider and some of my most fun I've had was trying to run down my friend on her WR250F with the TTR125 I owned at the time. She could beat me in the straights, but if you have no intention of ever touching the brakes you can catch the big bikes in the corners :laughing
 

Holeshot

Super Moderator
Staff member
One of the more important things to learn when moving up through the CC's of bikes is how to use the brakes, FWIW. Not that you meant that for your road course riding, but wanted to clear that.

If you're mechanical, I do know of an R3 that needs some pieces to put back together which would sell CHEAP.
 

Nick7774

Active member
One of the more important things to learn when moving up through the CC's of bikes is how to use the brakes, FWIW. Not that you meant that for your road course riding, but wanted to clear that.

If you're mechanical, I do know of an R3 that needs some pieces to put back together which would sell CHEAP.

I'll shoot you a PM.
 

Shaggy

Zoinks!!!!
I am definitely still considering bringing my street bike but I am mighty fond of it. I'm gonna look at an older Ninja 250 this weekend. A 250 has some unique advantages for me, namely that I can take it to the kart track 35 minutes from my house and practice.

I know it's going to be lacking in power, but I really want to learn how to corner better and I think it'd be good bike for that. Also it's cheaper to just let the bike go rather than even a slow speed get off of my MT.

I'll think about it more. Track day March 28th at TH with Z2 (Novice School). I'm excited.

Lacking in power doesn't mean lacking in fun. Buy that 250 and ride the wheels off it. If you get hooked by the track experience, you can sell the Ninja and move up to an older but well set up 600. You'll never outride that.

As much as I like the 300s, I don't like the increased cost. I love the R3s even if they aren't the new hotness. I plan on riding a smaller bike for only a season or 2 and then either sell it for what I can get, or just keep it as a spare for my friends.

Don’t worry so much about upgrading to a faster bike. Wringing out a smaller bike is way more fun IMO and will save you money on tires as you improve.

Some of us weirdos take middle weight bikes and turn them into light weights.... :laughing

I’ll also be there with Z2 also!
 

superhawk

B Group Sandbagger
Took my cbr to the track with 150 miles on it. I just took it easy all day.
For sure have you suspension set up. The thing to remember is that just because you are on a race track doesn't mean you have to go fast. The track is about 30' wide so there is plenty of room for error. Definitely get some instruction from the ZZ coaches, they have many years of experience:thumbup
on a side note my sv may be for sale in a couple of months:teeth
 

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Nick7774

Active member
Took my cbr to the track with 150 miles on it. I just took it easy all day.
For sure have you suspension set up. The thing to remember is that just because you are on a race track doesn't mean you have to go fast. The track is about 30' wide so there is plenty of room for error. Definitely get some instruction from the ZZ coaches, they have many years of experience:thumbup
on a side note my sv may be for sale in a couple of months:teeth

I'd love to pick up an SV650 in a season or 2 if I love this. Just like them a lot, and I'm familiar with them. Owned a 2005 naked and put about 10000 street miles on it.
 

Tally Whacker

Not another Mike
I'd love to pick up an SV650 in a season or 2 if I love this. Just like them a lot, and I'm familiar with them. Owned a 2005 naked and put about 10000 street miles on it.

There's a well set up SV650 in the BARF classifieds right now for $2300.

It's a hard deal to beat.
 
Sounds like you're well on your way, but just for one more perspective, I vote that you bring what you have and focus on absorbing as much information as you can. You don't need flashy leathers, a 24 foot trailer, or a race-prepped R6 to have fun - you DO need a focused mind and some awareness that the Moto GP scouts are not there to try and recruit you.

Try and watch the other groups when you're not on track (and not in the classroom) just to see how and when they do what they do. From when they put their helmets on to head to the track (in relation to the various calls you'll hear over the PA) to how often they check their tire pressures, etc.

Ask questions, have fun, RELAX, and stay hydrated. Odds are you'll be back..
 

Nick7774

Active member
Sounds like you're well on your way, but just for one more perspective, I vote that you bring what you have and focus on absorbing as much information as you can. You don't need flashy leathers, a 24 foot trailer, or a race-prepped R6 to have fun - you DO need a focused mind and some awareness that the Moto GP scouts are not there to try and recruit you.

Try and watch the other groups when you're not on track (and not in the classroom) just to see how and when they do what they do. From when they put their helmets on to head to the track (in relation to the various calls you'll hear over the PA) to how often they check their tire pressures, etc.

Ask questions, have fun, RELAX, and stay hydrated. Odds are you'll be back..

I ended up picking up that 2000 Ninja 250 in the classifieds last weekend. Decided I'd be comfortable on a bike that absolutely worst case scenario I won't shed a tear if it goes down like I would with my MT. I decided that would be best for my focus.

As for leathers, someone from this thread is actually donating me a set which is incredibly kind.

Going out in old leathers with an old bike feels like the right way for me to approach this. I just want to learn some things and have fun. I'm very excited. I'll be sure to watch the others and see what they're doing. I chose Z2 largely because I've heard their novice school is one of, if not the best in the area.

Thank you to everyone who has chimed in.
 

Tally Whacker

Not another Mike
I ended up picking up that 2000 Ninja 250 in the classifieds last weekend. Decided I'd be comfortable on a bike that absolutely worst case scenario I won't shed a tear if it goes down like I would with my MT. I decided that would be best for my focus.

As for leathers, someone from this thread is actually donating me a set which is incredibly kind.

Going out in old leathers with an old bike feels like the right way for me to approach this. I just want to learn some things and have fun. I'm very excited. I'll be sure to watch the others and see what they're doing. I chose Z2 largely because I've heard their novice school is one of, if not the best in the area.

Thank you to everyone who has chimed in.



Cool. Go out with a positive attitude and remember- you can't win at a track day, but you certainly can lose. Ride your own ride and don't let your ego override your sense.
 

Holeshot

Super Moderator
Staff member
Going out in old leathers with an old bike feels like the right way for me to approach this.

An old multi #1 plate AFM'er told me and a friend when he was struggling (a 5X #1 plate AFM'er): "Go get some old leathers and old body work and FIGURE IT OUT".

Your comment made me smile!
 

SVJ

That Looks About Right
I ended up picking up that 2000 Ninja 250 in the classifieds last weekend. Decided I'd be comfortable on a bike that absolutely worst case scenario I won't shed a tear if it goes down like I would with my MT. I decided that would be best for my focus.

As for leathers, someone from this thread is actually donating me a set which is incredibly kind.

Going out in old leathers with an old bike feels like the right way for me to approach this. I just want to learn some things and have fun. I'm very excited. I'll be sure to watch the others and see what they're doing. I chose Z2 largely because I've heard their novice school is one of, if not the best in the area.

Thank you to everyone who has chimed in.

Perfect start! For even more bang for your buck, take it out to Stockton and ride until you can't walk for like $40.
 

Maddevill

KNGKAW
Make sure the bike is ready. Good tires, chain and sprockets good ,lubed and adjusted, brakes looked over and bled etc. 250 Ninja is a great choice. If you can't have fun on one of those, you're not trying hard enough.
Mad
 

Nick7774

Active member
Make sure the bike is ready. Good tires, chain and sprockets good ,lubed and adjusted, brakes looked over and bled etc. 250 Ninja is a great choice. If you can't have fun on one of those, you're not trying hard enough.
Mad

Tires have about 5 rides on them, most of which weren't very fast days. I think they're good. Chain and sprockets look basically new and will get cleaned and lubed. Lubed the clutch and throttle cables. Will be bleeding the brakes. I pull the caliper off and checked the pads. I thought they looked good, but a second opinion is appreciated.

Eventually I'll probably change the brake lines, but it can wait for a track day or 5.
 

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