Got a z125 for track practice

[kcfcycle]

I finally did something that I've been thinking about for a while. Got my self a little z125 pro to hit the kart tracks with as practice for my big bike on the big tracks.

Since I live within in 30 minutes of Sonoma - I'll probably take advantage of the open practice days during the week. Taking a few hours off work and ripping around there sounds like a blast.

Is there anything specific that I should be aware of when trying to get out for those days? Or is it just show up with a prep'd bike and have fun?

 

[Junkie]

since you're in Concord (I guess), come on out to Dixon tomorrow for the practice day. $40.

make sure their calendar lists it as open to bikes, show up on a prepped bike is all I've ever done.

 

[kcfcycle]

since you're in Concord (I guess), come on out to Dixon tomorrow for the practice day. $40.

make sure their calendar lists it as open to bikes, show up on a prepped bike is all I've ever done.

hmmm...I was supposed to weed my backyard tomorrow but that sounds like way more fun.

Is there a calendar of practice days for Dixon, similar to what simraceway has? I wasn't able to find anything on their site or in the thread from manimal. Or is that only info that members get?

 

[kcfcycle]

oh I see now - just follow the race series around and I can jump in on the practice days on each track. I had assumed those practice days were for race participants only.

 

[Junkie]

Correct, although Dixon has been open to bikes the last couple Saturdays I think

I don't know of a good calendar for Dixon or Stockton. Stockton membership lets you go whenever you want if things aren't happening, and is fairly cheap ($300? that might be out of date)

 

[FXCLM5]

the minibikes have a lil different riding styles vs real bikes, still ton of fun though, but riding my grom didnt help improve me with riding full sized bikes on the track, maybe if i did a full clipon conversion

 

[HadesOmega]

You'd need/should put sliders on and unplug or tape up the lights. Those little bikes are so much fun in little spaces. I'd only ridden the Z125. Got to ride it at WSBK Laguna Seca, they had a tiny little track they chalked and coned up.

BTW I've never seen anyone ride a grom/z125 size bike at Sonoma. Don't be surprised you'll be on the track with monster 500cc bikes.

 

[Junkie]

I've seen 4 guys on minis show up and insist on (and get) their own group vs a dozen+ guys on big bikes, so it happens

Stockton and Dixon are more likely to do groups

 

[Chachi_Monster]

I would love to learn more about the open practice during the week at sonoma.

You need a full suit? Is there a cc limit?

I checked the website and there doesnt seem to be much info on this.

 

[kcfcycle]

BTW I've never seen anyone ride a grom/z125 size bike at Sonoma. Don't be surprised you'll be on the track with monster 500cc bikes.

Is it analogous to riding a 300 on a full size track?

I started on a RC390, rode that through C and to the front of B group. I got pretty used to getting swarmed by liter bikes any time the track straightened out a bit.

I'm an A group rider, good at holding consistent lines and being predictable.

 

[HadesOmega]

I guess so but they'll be lapping you and doing wheelies and drifting haha. It is fun to see them do that stuff on the track though =P

 

[Manimal]

Congrats, kcfcycle! ort

I have a Z125 too! not long ago, picked it up (used) to specifically run with the Grom's (and alike). I call mine the Grom Chaser Although, I'm still in transition of preparing it to race with (gearing and after-market exhaust [Yosh RS-2]). I've only got 1 track day on it. Time hasn't been on my side, these days. Wanted to attend this last race at Dixon, but the Z isn't quite ready.

Attending mini-moto track days is pretty informal - just show up with your bike (and track gear), sign the liability waiver, pay your track day fee, ride and have fun! Just be sure to do basic bike prep (see below or see Track Day thread)

As for prep, I removed the stock headlamp assembly (really easy; remove 2 screws and undo wiring), removed the rear eliminator kit (4 screws), un-plugged the rear brake light, and removed mirrors. That easy and simple!

As for on-line track day or race schedule, Sonoma has one, as you know. Stockton lil 99 may have one too. But, I get all my info from their FB group page, NorCal Mini Racers.

I think Dixon has one specific to karts (Kinsmen Kart Club), but not Moto's. Although, they announce their Moto track day activity on their FB group page as well. At times, it can be within two days of the up-coming weekend. cost is typically $40, per rider.

Stockton is the only track that offers membership for riders, as Junkie stated previously - any time access. If attending on a scheduled Open Track Day, member track day fee is $30, non-members is $40.

As for sessions, Sonoma typically has two - Karts and Moto's. Rarely, will they break it up any more than that, that I'm aware of. Stockton and Dixon will break into sessions (A, B and C), depending on attendance, displacement differences and rider experience, to keep the track time fun and safe for all.

I typically will do my best to pass it along here (and supermoto forum), as I know not everyone is on FB.

As for bike prep. See the Track Day thread (sticky) for general prep. Stockton and Dixon are not as strict as Sonoma. However, do your diligence to comply to be within general / typical bike prep, as suggested within the Track Day thread.

See you at the track soon :ride

 

[Maddevill]

Brings back memories when the YSR50 first came out. Me and 3 friends bought the first ones the dealer got. Spent many a fun summer night racing in a parking lot in front of the School for the Deaf in Fremont.

Mad

 

[kcfcycle]

Congrats, kcfcycle! ort

Thanks Manimal! I appreciate all the information you post on here, I definitely read those over many times already.

I'm working on prep'ing my Z also. I'm trying to resist buying a bunch of stuff for it, since I just built my RSV4 track bike. It's hard to resist since the prices of each upgrade as so small compared to an Aprilia.

Other than crash protection the only things I'm planning on doing for the short-term are:
- Dunlop TT93 tires
- EBC HH brake pads
- KawasakiBrad GP shift conversion for the stock rearsets

I guess I'll have to re-activate my FB account so I can stay on top of mini Moto days.

 

[Manimal]

Brings back memories when the YSR50 first came out. Me and 3 friends bought the first ones the dealer got. Spent many a fun summer night racing in a parking lot in front of the School for the Deaf in Fremont.

Mad

I bought my YSR in '93, as a first bike. Bought many Calimari after-market bits for it. Many times they had attempted to convince me to race it at Prairie City, way back then. It wasn't til I met a fellow YSR located in Antioch, on another popular YSR forum. IIR, back in 2001 / 2002. He raced his two YSR's at Prairie City. One, which was street legal. We hooked up and rode some of the back roads of Antioch, and had convinced me to come watch some racing. In 2003, the wife gave me a thumbs up to buy a race prepped YSR. That's where it all started for me :ride

 

[klx-rider]

Is it analogous to riding a 300 on a full size track?

I started on a RC390, rode that through C and to the front of B group. I got pretty used to getting swarmed by liter bikes any time the track straightened out a bit.

I'm an A group rider, good at holding consistent lines and being predictable.

Yes, it'll petty much be just like riding your 300 on the full size track against bigger bikes just without the "B" group craziness you probably see. You should be fine out there.

 

[Maddevill]

I bought my YSR in '93, as a first bike. Bought many Calimari after-market bits for it. Many times they had attempted to convince me to race it at Prairie City, way back then. It wasn't til I met a fellow YSR located in Antioch, on another popular YSR forum. IIR, back in 2001 / 2002. He raced his two YSR's at Prairie City. One, which was street legal. We hooked up and rode some of the back roads of Antioch, and had convinced me to come watch some racing. In 2003, the wife gave me a thumbs up to buy a race prepped YSR. That's where it all started for me :ride

Yep , my first track races on the YSR was when the Prairie City series just got started. At first it was a turkey shoot. We had many, many hours of scratching around tight parking lots. Then Calamari started showing up with riders and their $2500 motors. Had to get creative. Put a 1993 YZ80 motor in my YSR.:teeth But still only could finish 3rd and an occasional 2nd. I've never been able to compete in the Wallet Race.:x

Mad