Ideas on Racing...

So I decided that next year is a good time to begin racing for a couple reasons. I will be done with school in a couple months, which will free up a ton of time. I will also be getting away from retail, which will free up those retail weekends that I am working now. So I think now is the best time to begin planning....

So I found a series here in Ohio and the surrounding states. It is a 10 weekend series held in Ohio, Penn, Indy, and Mich. The website says they use Mid-Ohio, Nelson Ledges, BeaveRun, Putnam Park, Gingerman, and Grattan. This year I think they only used 3 of the courses. They have the usual 1000 superbike, 1000 twins, 600s, 650s, multiple vintage classes, 3 hour endurance, and iron butt categories. Of course the 1000 and 600 sprint races run double headers every weekend.

I figure the best place to start out is either the 650 twin or 600ss category. I'd just eventually sell the Honda and pick up a nice race ready bike. But this guy Ed on the racing Series forum posed a question. Why not race the baby viffer??? Hmmm.... never really thought of that. It's already payed off, so I'd just have to go out and get some extra parts. But the immediate thoughts that come to my mind are, A) The tires are TINY. Like scary small. Is there anything I can do? Is there a better size to go to for racing. I know guys have done the F2 swap, or use Hurricane wheels, but that seems like way too much work. B) Can I find parts for the thing. I mean shit, the bike is like 4 years older than me!!! The guys seems pretty confindent that those old bikes are just as reliable. And I could race it in 3 categories a weekend. Vintage sport, vintage classic, and vintage light. I'm just not sure at this point. I know its early, but I really need to be ready come spring.

Do you race it faired, do you race it naked? Is there a source of aftermarket bodywork for things this old?

What do you guys think?? Any advice, any insights, any problems? Anybody race these baby viffers?

Thanks a TON!!!! :cheersaf:

 

Ride the 500 and enjoy it, DONOT RACE IT! The engine is not up to the task and to many other bikes are ready and waiting to be thrashed with spares growing on trees. My 2 cent opinion.

 

I would say that it depends on the condition of your 500. IF it is one of those rare, beautiful, perfect condition 500s I would never race it. But, if it is anything like my mid 80s, viffer, I would entertain the idea. And if I did race it, I would take off all the plastics and might buy a damaged seat and windscreen just in case it went down. (we all crash on public roads, so I figure racing will surely do it if you race consistently.)

Good luck though! I'm thinking about taking my 86 700 to the track next year....keep us informed

 

Crashing is a part of racing (and riding for that matter), so expect it.

I would agree with Toe, just go get something that is ready to race; cheap, easy to find parts (including tires), and most importantly, with a fully adjustable suspension. In my opinion, this is the area most neglected, with the highest payout for a novice racer.

There are usually experienced racers that can help you set it up.

I used to live 15 minutes from Gratton, it's a fun track. I know the series your talking about, you should enjoy it.

 

Nelson was my home track for years. Fun coarse and fast. I would use a bike that you can get plentiful spares for and be able to modify easily. You will want to go faster. One main thing make sure you have HOSPITAL INSURANCE! You may be a great rider, but the guy in front or next to you is not. They will take you out along with durbus on the track. Like oil from blown engine or the like.

 

Here's something that you will probably find interesting, a fellow that went racing for the first time, the learning curve he went through, the naysayers that said it couldnt be done......makes for good reading, and may have some insights for you

I wanna race! - BARF - Bay Area Riders Forum

I wouldnt bother trying to race a VFR500...but good luck to you bro in whatever you decide.

 

use the 500 for the class to get license and to feel the water.
If you really get into it you want to pick up a used track bike.
insurance insurance INSURANCE!!! make sure you have it.
it is a blast to race, I did it for 4 years and loved every minute of the $35,000 I shelled out of my own pocket to run each season.
oh dont forget Insurance, and make it clear to ins co that you are racing, it sucks to find out after you crash it doesnt cover you.

 

What would you say? Something like an SV650? Or more like a built F4i because of the suspenstion bits??

01 CBR f4I track bike - Ohio Riders Motorcycle Forum

Thanks for the link, ill look into it!!!

I thought there was no insurance for racing. I thought you were on your own???

 

SV650 is one of the best ways to get into racing/trackdays out there. Really depends on how much experience you have had. If you've done plenty of trackdays, and are ready to get your license and start swapping paint for real, maybe go for something a bit sharper; but, if this is really your first foray into racing, you can't beat a SV to start. Really good bike to learn the business on, keeps the price down, and lets you get your feet wet without getting that second mortgage... Always room for that later.

 

Hoblick's bike would be a great choice! I'm just surprised to see him getting out of doing trackdays. He's a good guy that takes good care of his stuff.

 

You could keep the VF500 for the street, then!

 

I want the bike... BAD. I just dont have that much cash to dump on a bike that I wont be racing until late spring. That is unless I sell the vf, which I dont really want to do.

If I'm being honest with myself, I would most likely be better served starting on a 650 or smaller. I know just like on the street, the bigger bike that you have, the faster things happen and the more trouble you can find yourself in. Plus a smaller bike will help me develop better habits with carrying corner speed. Rather than just whacking the throttle open to make up for my mistakes.

 

Couple weeks ago on craigslist near me there was a fellow selling an 01 sv650 with a hotbodies race fairing, fork worked by traxxion dynamics, steering damper, gsxr rear shock, full exhaust and jetted, two sets of wheels and tires, and spare stuff. He only wanted 2500 for it. If I wasn't still in school i would have it.

 

Thats what I'm thinking. It would have to have a gixxer front end and rear shock. But SV's are all over the WERA board.

 

You'll have fun with an SV. After I retired from Superbikes I got the itch again and the SV was a blast! Lots you can do to them to make them better/faster for not much $$. I started with a GSXR1000 front but it never felt right so I switched to one from a 600 . WAY better.

 

your insurance should cover you, but it is best to check with them first.
when I raced my insurance covered me as long as I was in the amateur class.

it is a must have.