Well, I'm still track-bike-less as I'm deciding which lightweight bike to go for my first racing year. One person recommends a 300 Ninja, which does look tempting as it gets rave reviews for its chassis and handling. Plus it has fuel injection and a slipper clutch. Another person recommends a 250 since there would be more racers to race against and the 250 class will still be around for a few more years yet. So, does anybody have any advice as to which way I should go?
Ninja 300 - Latest technology - More power - Eligible for 3 classes Ninja 250 -Lots of bikes and parts -Much cheaper than a 300 -Eligible for 4 classes -Can also race/practice at GMR
Ninja 300, better resale down the road. Can be easily converted back to a street bike (250 requires frame modification to be allowed on track). Many parts for the 250 interchange with the 300. It is a current motorcycle at retail and as such may be eligible for contingencies if they ever happen again, 250 not so much. 250 can be used at Greg Moore raceway in Chilliwack if that option interests you.
I forgot about GMR that's a huge plus. Though for my first year as a Novice sportsman is out. Looks like the 250 is the better choice...hmmm. GMR I can buy a years pass and practice anytime on a bike I have 0 experience on. The 300 would be limited to Mission, PMTD, maybe Area 27 or I convert back to street so I can ride street for practice, but that would be too much work. I need a dedicated track bike. If I plan on keeping the lightweight for long term skills practice then the 250. If not, the 300 for easier sale. And it will most likely be a lonely race on a 300? Arrgh decisions
As a new racer the answer is always 'get a 250.' They are cheap, relatively reliable, and you can race the most classes at the most tracks. You wouldn't be alone racing a 300. The faster 250 riders will be in that class as well. There will be more 300s out this year.
Racing on a 300 would not be lonely, the grid is larger than the 250 class and is made up of mostly 250s at the moment. So you would actually be racing the same guys anyway. 250 race bikes sell for 3-5k, anyone could build the 300 I raced last year for around 6k. Cost is a consideration, and if you can find a well sorted good condition 250 with spare wheels etc for under 5k that would be the bang for your buck winner. I have raced on both. I believe that the 300 has an advantage. Stock to stock the 300 has 30kph top speed advantage, slipper clutch, wider rear wheel, better fuel gauge, no side stand tab to deal with, better looking (if that matters), gets off the corner better due to higher torque output. Either way, getting a small bore dedicated track bike is fun!
Thanks everyone for your advice. Lots of valid points for both bikes, so I can't go wrong with either one really. The main reason for starting on a lightweight is to learn how to take corners faster. Will the extra hp and torque of the 300 be a disadvantage in that regard? I know it's not by much, but still..If you take one rider learning on a 250 against one on a 300 will both have learned cornering skills equally? Will the 250 have a slight edge? Or am I overthinking this and I should just pick one and start racing?! If I go for the 300 I can still get a smaller bike later on down the road for GMR and try out that mini racing I keep hearing about. Me too! I can't wait. Though I was seriously considering tracking my StripleR for another year as it's a blast to ride. Buuut, I'm not gettin' any younger and do miss launches! I get a kick out of launches. I love launches.
You are overthinking it, but that's ok as we've got nothing else to do in January. The 300 is no HP monster, you would ride it with the same high corner-speed style as the 250 and both will build skills equally. It is not until you get something like an SV650 where you will adopt a bit of a different style and focus more on standing the bike up and getting on the power. But if you can't decide, get the 250.
The 250 class has been around since 2011 and is one of the most popular and competitive WMRC classes. A 250 rider can enter 4 classes along with the Gold Cup and Race of Champions. PCMRC also have a 250 class at GMR (maximum of 250cc allowed on the kart track). They are a blast, cheap to buy and run... bigger is not necessarily better! You should get a Ninja 250 and race it!
There are some better priced Ninja 300's available now if you want fuel injection and slightly better performance than a 250. Yamaha R3's and KTM RC 390's are also an option but likely more expensive. Ninja 250's are the best choice for new racers being cheaper and having more local places to practice and race. You can find older 600 supersports for less but you will improve much faster starting on a 250 or 300. A SV 650 or Ninja 650 would be better than a 600 supersport if a lightweight isn't your cup of tea. Lower hp bikes are less intimidating and teach new racers important skills that transfer to bigger bikes when ready to move up. A new racer will find it's more about the excitement of racing others than the size of the bike. The smaller bike just costs less, tires last a season instead of a weekend or so and uses less than half the fuel. I know this because I have a 600 and my son a 250, so have a direct comparison. My son used my 600 for his first race season and scared the hell out of me and himself at times. He's now a fast 250 rider and has no interest in a 600 because he's having so much fun on a 250. Used race bikes: http://www.westwoodracing.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?15-Bikes http://emra.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=13 http://www.wmrra.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?3-Race-Bikes-Forsale http://forums.omrra.com/forumdisplay.php?16-Race-Bikes-for-Sale http://forums.13x.com/index.php?forums/bikes-for-sale.48/ http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/ http://www.kijiji.ca/ Salvage bikes are also available if you have the ability to rebuild them. Many bikes are written-off because their fairings are damaged or have other minor damage. Stock fairings aren't used on race bikes so get a cheaper bike that street riders don't want. It's usually more cost effective to get a race prepped bike if you can find one. Race bike parts and gear: http://www.burnabykawasaki.com/ http://hondacentre.com/ http://www.modernmotorcycling.com/ http://www.mspeedperformance.com/ (track vendor - race tires and parts) http://www.svracingparts.com/ (track vendor - parts) Ebay and many other online suppliers Best to establish a relationship with a local shop/vendor familiar with racing. You will get better service, the right parts and gear at competitive pricing, along with great advice. Supporting those who support our club benefits everyone in the long run.
Get 250 --- 300 is great but there just not enough people race it yet. even know so many people talk about it. Anyway all above club member can help you a lot once you decide which one to go for. I have a bike ready to race - come with everything you need turn key (now with 1 spare fuel tank and 1 front wheel )with local Icbc title, usually race bike didn't come with!! (so you can get insurnace for it) http://www.westwoodracing.com/forum...awasaki-Ninja-250r-race-ready-bike-package-29 Good luck!
Thanks all for your input. I made my choice on the weekend and have parts on order. I will post up pics of bike after having it stripped of the street parts and most of the goodies installed. I'll be taking advantage again of the local vendors who helped me last year with parts and advice. I plan on getting tires from Marbod... tire warmers from Blair.... I can't wait to start racing!
Thanks, Sean! I'm getting more excited each day. If you told me 6 years ago that I would be racing a motorcycle on a professional track I would have told you you were crazy. I have found riding track days to be much more accessible and doable than I originally thought. Lots of very helpful people involved with the club and other organizations like PTMD's. Now racing is becoming a reality
Took delivery today! Only 4 km on the odo and I just finished breaking her hard in for another 76 km's. Time for an oil & filter change before continuing the break in and later bringing her back to BK to get race prepped. I had fun winding up that small motor and then looking down at the speedometer: 40-50 kph lol.
