New Potential Track rider

[Voltwings]

Hey Everyone,

I've been tracking cars for about 10 years now and am considering the move to motorcycles. Tracking a 1LE Camaro is awesome, but replacing the brakes and tires... not so much.

I've been doing some looking around, but plan to spend a few months watching, reading, learning, and figuring out what a good casual track day / weekend bike could be.

I've done the Miata thing with cars, so I KNOW you start slow, get good habits, etc... and a lot of people have pointed me in the direction of the Ninja 400 for that exact reason. It's cheap, it's well reviewed, it's "low power," etc...
My one concern, again just after tracking for so long, is there just is a certain level of speed I'm accustomed to and comfortable with. I'm in the mid - high 1:40s CCW at MSR-H for anyone that means anything to. I understand a bike is still going to be very different, but just don't want to get "bored" of it too soon if that makes sense.

Let me be clear, I don't think I need a Liter bike, or even a 600-700, but the 102 trap speed of the 400 seems somewhat pedestrian. Be that as it may, it does seem to be the front runner and I will continue to research and learn and maybe pull the trigger next spring. Looking forward to learning more and possibly meeting some of you some day. Thanks.

[SpeedTrip955i]

You'll be going CW at MSRH

[GABRIEL]

Get a 400 and get to the track. You won't regret it and also you can ride at speedsportz almost whenever you want. Just post up when you go and maybe others can join.

[flipstyledsm22]

Welcome to MH!!!

I own a 5th gen ZL1 and know the feeling of spending a load on a car that is still a Camaro

Tracking a car vs tracking a motorcycle at MSRH is two VERY different feelings. You'll quickly learn that once you take the dive and get a bike to track. 1:40's on a bike @ MSRH is kinda nuts. Most people don't have that "natural MotoGP" mode installed in them already. I dreamed it, thought it, felt it... but then I got on the track for the 1st time on 2 wheels and I was slow... like gel drying on hair slow

Nonetheless, I find it extremely fun!!! I also went small CC, like 250 Ninja and it's stupid fun still! I take it to both big tracks and small tracks (go-kart tracks), which is super convenient sometimes to just get a run in at anytime I feel the urge to drag knee.

Also, if you run a 1:40 your 1st go @ MSRH, on 2 wheels and most importantly a 250-400cc motorcycle... you will most likely graduate into a very different lifestyle with tons of racing opportunities and sponsors!

[Voltwings]

Originally Posted by GABRIEL

Get a 400 and get to the track. You won't regret it and also you can ride at speedsportz almost whenever you want. Just post up when you go and maybe others can join.

What's funny is I was actually considering racing go karts and joining their league before someone pointed out I can get a decent bike for the same price as a go kart. Makes you wonder why the the go kart is so expensive.

I didn't realize they did bikes too, they're pretty far from me, but another option is always a plus.

[Voltwings]

Originally Posted by flipstyledsm22

Welcome to MH!!!

I own a 5th gen ZL1 and know the feeling of spending a load on a car that is still a Camaro

Tracking a car vs tracking a motorcycle at MSRH is two VERY different feelings. You'll quickly learn that once you take the dive and get a bike to track. 1:40's on a bike @ MSRH is kinda nuts. Most people don't have that "natural MotoGP" mode installed in them already. I dreamed it, thought it, felt it... but then I got on the track for the 1st time on 2 wheels and I was slow... like gel drying on hair slow

Nonetheless, I find it extremely fun!!! I also went small CC, like 250 Ninja and it's stupid fun still! I take it to both big tracks and small tracks (go-kart tracks), which is super convenient sometimes to just get a run in at anytime I feel the urge to drag knee.

Also, if you run a 1:40 your 1st go @ MSRH, on 2 wheels and most importantly a 250-400cc motorcycle... you will most likely graduate into a very different lifestyle with tons of racing opportunities and sponsors!

I understand completely, 10 years ago I had a pretty well put together 5.0 mustang that I was tracking and my first track day was very humbling giving miatas, mini coopers, BRZs, etc... the point by. I'm not 's gift to racing by any means, so the reality check on the times being very different is appreciated.

[bumblebee]

What sort of motorcycle experience do you have?
Previous bikes owned?

[Voltwings]

Originally Posted by bumblebee

What sort of motorcycle experience do you have?
Previous bikes owned?

Zero. Starting from scratch.

[kenup283]

Welcome. You are going to love it. I came into bikes on the road at a later age. Cars drag racing and karting were before that. I will say thou having a dirt bike as a kid was a big help. So look to get the basics down on a dirt bike if you can. Can just be a pit bike you might have a friend with in the paddock to mess around on. Preferably smaller the better.

When I got my street bike after about 6 months I started track with it, and have moved onto minis and 600 for track, but have stuck with the bikes. They offer a different mental experience, something like an art form which expands your mind and confidence the more you practice it. Not that there’s anything wrong about a high strung 125 two stroke shifter kart, an experience like fighting a bull, both are must dos. The bikes come with a lot more mental aspects to go fast along with the physical.

Recommend reading Keith Codes Twist of the Wrist 2. This will be right up your alley with prior track knowledge. Also go to Ridesmart.info and watch some videos. Chances are you’ve seen bikes on track already so know what to expect there. What ever you end up getting, you’ll spend sometime in a parking lot get used to it. I do braking drills, figure 8s, focusing on shifting from left to right smoothly, quite regularly. Speedsportz is a great deal as is a membership at Katy kart track, if you go mini.

What side of town are you on?

[Voltwings]

Originally Posted by kenup283

Welcome. You are going to love it. I came into bikes on the road at a later age. Cars drag racing and karting were before that. I will say thou having a dirt bike as a kid was a big help. So look to get the basics down on a dirt bike if you can. Can just be a pit bike you might have a friend with in the paddock to mess around on. Preferably smaller the better.

When I got my street bike after about 6 months I started track with it, and have moved onto minis and 600 for track, but have stuck with the bikes. They offer a different mental experience, something like an art form which expands your mind and confidence the more you practice it. Not that there’s anything wrong about a high strung 125 two stroke shifter kart, an experience like fighting a bull, both are must dos. The bikes come with a lot more mental aspects to go fast along with the physical.

Recommend reading Keith Codes Twist of the Wrist 2. This will be right up your alley with prior track knowledge. Also go to Ridesmart.info and watch some videos. Chances are you’ve seen bikes on track already so know what to expect there. What ever you end up getting, you’ll spend sometime in a parking lot get used to it. I do braking drills, figure 8s, focusing on shifting from left to right smoothly, quite regularly. Speedsportz is a great deal as is a membership at Katy kart track, if you go mini.

What side of town are you on?

Appreciate the input, I'll be sure to check those out.

I'm in Rosenberg, pretty much right at 59 and 99 on the SW side of town.

[GABRIEL]

If you get some gear you can come do a track day with me. I have a klx140 setup for road racing. I'm finishing up some mods and it will be good to go. Buy some used gear and get to the track. I'm still crashing in my first used suit. It's still holding up and over 10 years old. What gear do you need? I have some boots I've been trying to sell forever and they are pretty new. I tried them on and they didn't fit. The guy before me wore there a fuew times and sold them to me. I have an extra suit but I'm 6foot 196

[Gixxerguy86]

I'm late to the party, but welcome to the greener pastures Wings! It's nice here

As others have already mentioned, making a bike go fast around a track requires a lot more mental and physical aptitude. But that's what got us all addicted here, it's a completely different experience, not to mention big fun. And you'll have Blaine and Ryan to goon around with once they join the party, Aaron too. I'm not sure why they run bikes CW at MSRH, im also not sure why it hasn't been repaved yet

Anyways, im happy to see that this forum is still somewhat active after the Facebook group redirected most of the traffic

[bumblebee]

Voltwings - read "A Twist of the Wrist" as suggested. His approach to riding is spot on and he has helped, literally thousands of riders to be better skilled. If you can find it, read the first one too.
I think they run bikes CW at MSRH because it makes the approach to pit wall a little safer.
It's at more of an angle coming out of the carousel, than it is out of turn 17.

[flipstyledsm22]

As Gabe mentioned, let us know what you need. I have a used leather suit you can have if you need (it'll fit anyone 5'-5" - 5'-8" @ 165lbs.) I also have some medium gloves as well.

[flipstyledsm22]

Running MSRH CCW is dangerous for motorcycles because you can carry way more speed into Sugar & Spice from the Gut Check, which will force you to have to scrub speed while full lean going into Pit Straight. Additionally, the track is more narrow in that area then it is going into Joe Bone from Carousel.