How to start track racing

[x01660]

Greetings!

So I've got a question. I've got an 84 GS 1150, and I'm REALLY interested in doing some track racing. But I'm a little confused as how to start. I can't seem to find any races that allow the combination of my bike's year, displacement and engine type. I'm not looking for anything competitive (at least not for now); I just wanna take my aggression and need for speed to a safe venue. I also would like to take a course, but it seems that they all use modern bikes, and I want to learn and race MY bike. So, any ideas or direction I can look? I'm in Santa Barbara, CA, and I'm willing to travel within a 350 mile radius from my location. And if you have any recommendations about preparation, techniques, etc., I'd love to hear 'em. Thanks so much!!


-x01660

P.S. As good as our bikes are for the purpose, I am not interested in drag racing. At all. I am seeking advice for road racing.

 

[CivilRock]

I started by doing a track day. It's not a race, and you can ride whatever you want out there. They usually include some basic instruction or more if you want personalized tutoring. Your local track might also have a "taste of racing" which is a 20 min $20 turn on the track during lunch on a race day.

I don't know the Santa Barbara area at all, but if there's a track, there's a racing club. And by all means they'll find a class for you. Even if it's some Unlimited Vintage class, you'll have a race. Plan on getting completely smoked on that bike. At our track, "Vintage" is like 10 years or older. And a 2004 GSXR1000 will lap you by the 5th lap.

It's going to be absolutely fun no matter what. And I fully support you taking that bike to the track. Just don't plan on finding a field of 1150's to race against. You'll probably be put into the "run whatcha brung" class. You might find more competition and fun in a SV650 class or one of the "clubman" classes, whatever it might be.

I road raced for 6 years, Supermoto for 7 years, flat track for 2-3 years, MX for 4 years, and I'm just getting into drag racing. You might give it a shot with that bike. It's way more fun than I thought it would be.

-Kevin

 

[CivilRock]

Ok, I just did some quick Google work and you have 3 tracks within 150 miles of you.
Buttonwillow 138 miles away.
Fontana 144 miles away.
Willow Springs 132 miles away.

Go find a track day at one of those tracks. You'll find out a ton more about racing if you visit the track and start asking around. Lots of times these old time race clubs won't have a website that answers all the questions you'll have. And there's no substitute for actually going there.

They'll tell you how to prep your bike for the day. Tape up the lights, remove the mirrors, etc. They'll also inspect your bike for oil leaks, good tires, brakes work, etc.

-kevin

 

[Big T]

You'll need a full set of leathers, a newish helmet, boots, gloves, etc

Keith Code has a race class, I'm sure it runs at Willow Springs

But, I'd start with one of Keith's schools, or one of the many others available

Check rioadracingworld,com for a directory of track days and schools

 

[gs58]

The chances are you will feel completely overwhelmed the first time out, as I did. There is really so much to learn so check out youtube for some of Keith Codes riding tips, or there are also some very good books with fast riding techniques and tips for road and track. Don't try to implement everything you see or read about at once - just pick three things (perhaps braking, changing down gears, and changing body position to start with) until you are doing them correctly and unconsciously. Then try three more things (perhaps turning in, apexing, and transitioning to getting on the gas out of the corner.

A Twist of the Wrist is a very worthwhile read/watch,and you can quicken your lap times from learning from the masters. One of the biggest improvements I made was to deliberately relax the outside arm when cornering. The first time I tried it it tightened my line so much that I almost rode off the inside of the track.

 

[storm 64]

I think there is a little track to the north of you. Laguna Seca. I would bet they have track days.

 

[RichDesmond]

You're not going to be able to race that bike, in the sense of lining up on a grid of roughly similar bikes and finding out who the best rider is. Just not enough vintage bikes out there.
Definitely do a track day or three and see how you like it. If you're really a racer the bike won't matter as much as you think it does. You'll be more interested in finding a class with people to race against.

 

[x01660]

This is all fantastic advice! I think what I'm gonna do it track days and get myself in tip top physical shape (The rider is the most efficient thing from which to cut weight, and trust me, I've got PLENTY to cut... ) along with taking a racing school... That sounds like a plan.

That said, in the case that I do decide to start racing, what class do y'all recommend I race? I'm not naieve and think that I can just hop on a liter bike and tear it up. I REALLY wanna focus on technique and pushing the bike to it's limits. I'm 6'2", 240 lbs (I'm working on getting down to 195-210 lbs) and have a 36 inch inseam. What bike/class do you think I should start? I'm thinking an older (early to mid 90's) 500cc bike would be a good start, but I'd love to hear what you guys and gals have to say. Thanks again for all of the advice!


-x01660

 

[rapidray]

The GS 500 twin from the late 80s & up is a good platform to start with & they are CHEAP to buy. You are a huge guy so don't be discouraged that it will be slow. A slow bike will teach you to maximize corner speed & braking techniques. Also, parts are PLENTIFUL for this bike & better front ends bolt right on. We raced a VERY trick one I built out of my shop in Hawaii & it would pull FZR 600s on our front straight! Ray.

 

[gs1197]

Rumor has it 1150's are kinda fun to drag race if that would be of any interest.
Added bonus is you don't get brake checked in the corners.

 

[x01660]

Thanks, rapidray! I've been doing some research, and I think what I'm gonna do is Track Days for the time being. If I do like it, I'm gonna have to get another bike, since my current bike is my ONLY form of transportation. That said, I'm signing up with motoyard.com to do a Track Day at the Streets of Willow in May. Should be fun. Also, I see that your phone number (Remember, I've been reading your posts, and I sent you a PM. hint hint... ) is (714); where in OC are you?


-x01660

 

[x01660]

Rumor has it 1150's are kinda fun to drag race if that would be of any interest.
Added bonus is you don't get brake checked in the corners.

I know they are, lol. I'm good friends with Bill (chef1366), as he's the one who built my bike from the ground up, so I've chatted plenty with him about it. That said, I'm just not interested in going fast in a straight line. If I wanted to do that, I'dve kept my 95 Z28... It's corners for me. Another reason I'll NEVER get a Hardley; I like have a lean angle over 15 degrees...

But thanks for the advice anyways.


-x01660

 

[RichDesmond]

Really hard to beat an SV650 as a starter race bike. Plentiful, cheap, easy on tires, handle great, crash well...

 

[x01660]

Really hard to beat an SV650 as a starter race bike. Plentiful, cheap, easy on tires, handle great, crash well...

I agree with this. But I really like the old GS's. I'll probably end up getting a modern bike at some point and turning it into a track machine, but there's something so alluring about the Suzuki UJM's... It's a machine. No ABS, no steering assists... carbureted... I like a machine I can feel. Something I can tune and adjust... It's the same reason I like older cars. I want to be involved in the riding of my machine. Feel every bump, hear and feel the engine, just being in touch with it. All the new fuel injected smooth stuff is nice for performance, but I don't just wanna ride my bike. I wanna feel it. And I just don't get that from modern machinery...




-x01660

 

[RichDesmond]

I agree with this. But I really like the old GS's. I'll probably end up getting a modern bike at some point and turning it into a track machine, but there's something so alluring about the Suzuki UJM's... It's a machine. No ABS, no steering assists... carbureted... I like a machine I can feel. Something I can tune and adjust... It's the same reason I like older cars. I want to be involved in the riding of my machine. Feel every bump, hear and feel the engine, just being in touch with it. All the new fuel injected smooth stuff is nice for performance, but I don't just wanna ride my bike. I wanna feel it. And I just don't get that from modern machinery...




-x01660

Yep, you can feel it flex and wobble all around the track.

A lot of your preconceived ideas will fall away once you get on the track, it's different than you imagine.
First gen SVs are pretty basic bikes, carbs, no ABS or other electronics. Just a good frame, a solid and fun motor, and wheels that let you run modern tires. Makes for a really fun package.

 

[x01660]

Yep, you can feel it flex and wobble all around the track.

A lot of your preconceived ideas will fall away once you get on the track, it's different than you imagine.
First gen SVs are pretty basic bikes, carbs, no ABS or other electronics. Just a good frame, a solid and fun motor, and wheels that let you run modern tires. Makes for a really fun package.

Fair enough. Looks like I'll be keeping my eyes open for one.


-x01660

 

[CivilRock]

You can absolutely race anything you want. And the guys that race funky machines are some of the most interesting stories out there. But what you'll find is that you'd rather be on a similar bike to a somewhat large group. Road racing is a shrinking sport right now with most bike enthusiasts leaning toward a less competitive and more relaxed "Track Day".

After your track day experience, if you decide you want to go for it, I would find a used track bike. Something already set up (and crash tested) for just the track. You can find a used first gen SV for $2000 read to race. It will be a ton cheaper than building one. And if you've got the itch to build one, don't worry, even if you buy a used race bike, you'll be building (or rebuilding) it plenty.

The GS500 is also a great platform. But I would pick a bike based on what other "clubman" classes you find at your particular track. For instance, OMRRA has this killer CB160 class that's one of the biggest grids of the club. The bikes top out at like 85 mph, but it's a first class lesson on line selection, corner speed, bike set-up, and bike building. Plus when there's 40 guys in a class all racing the same bike, there's a huge supply of spare parts in the pits when you break something. They playfully called the pit area for the CB160 guys "Dignity Village" named after a not so popular renegade homeless encampment in Portland. The camaraderie is immense with that whole class, and it's a total success.

My point is, you'd never know that racing a CB160 is a great entry level bike unless you went to the races and started poking your head around and talking to people.

SV650 is an awesome track weapon. But it won't be any fun if you're the only one out there with one.

For sure let us know how it goes!

-Kevin

 

[x01660]

You can absolutely race anything you want. And the guys that race funky machines are some of the most interesting stories out there. But what you'll find is that you'd rather be on a similar bike to a somewhat large group. Road racing is a shrinking sport right now with most bike enthusiasts leaning toward a less competitive and more relaxed "Track Day".

After your track day experience, if you decide you want to go for it, I would find a used track bike. Something already set up (and crash tested) for just the track. You can find a used first gen SV for $2000 read to race. It will be a ton cheaper than building one. And if you've got the itch to build one, don't worry, even if you buy a used race bike, you'll be building (or rebuilding) it plenty.

The GS500 is also a great platform. But I would pick a bike based on what other "clubman" classes you find at your particular track. For instance, OMRRA has this killer CB160 class that's one of the biggest grids of the club. The bikes top out at like 85 mph, but it's a first class lesson on line selection, corner speed, bike set-up, and bike building. Plus when there's 40 guys in a class all racing the same bike, there's a huge supply of spare parts in the pits when you break something. They playfully called the pit area for the CB160 guys "Dignity Village" named after a not so popular renegade homeless encampment in Portland. The camaraderie is immense with that whole class, and it's a total success.

My point is, you'd never know that racing a CB160 is a great entry level bike unless you went to the races and started poking your head around and talking to people.

SV650 is an awesome track weapon. But it won't be any fun if you're the only one out there with one.

For sure let us know how it goes!

-Kevin

Interesting... I think I'm gonna do quite a few track days and take some lessons for a while before I start competitively racing... I am somewhat of a perfectionist, and I'd wanna get my riding technique/lines much more developed before I start to compete. But the idea of starting on a small bike is exactly what I was thinking. Something in the 250-400cc range (early 90's 400cc, that is). I'm not too worried about top speed, but I wanna be able to push my bike and myself to their absolute limits and feel comfortable doing it repeatedly before I start competing against others...


-x01660

 

[Z32650S]

+1

Rich is on the money. The 1st gen SV650 is a great race starter. Fairly nimble and great fun in the corners. I'd even say it can be forgiving to newbies who are getting a feeling for track riding. The V-Twin engine is powerful enough to get you going even in lower RPMs as you learn to control the forces at play.

I am biased as I own a few SVs but they just are a solid, reliable and affordable platform from which to start.... or stick with it and go race.

Then again, I'm sure there are many more great options. But from experience the SV is a proven candidate. Good luck with your search!

 

[Maddevill]

Contact Stacey at Let's Ride Track Days. They do track days at Buttonwillow and have new rider schools with Doug Chandler as teacher. The AFM used to have a "Dinosaur" class to race vintage bike in. I don't know if they still run that class. Just be clear that you have to accept you may throw your pride and joy down the road. It's not inevitable, I raced 12 years before my first crash, but if that thought distresses you, maybe a dedicated track bike would be a good idea.