Super street bike class next year in the MRA

[hcr25]

While i like the idea of a Ninja 250 cup or the 450 series. Im not sure how this helps our current situation of the lack of racers showing up.

Seems most new racers turn their street bike into a race bike or purchase a bike that is already in race trim. The 250 cup is cool and would be hella fun if there was 15-20 others to race against. I dont think most people would buy a bike that would only be competitive in one class.

The 450s are bad ass indeed but not exactly inexpensive to build. Also depending on who you talk to they can be expensive to maintain.
Mike

[asp_125]

I saw the 450 race bikes at Laguna and talked with the guy. To build one up and race it will be around $12K, not including tires or top end rebuilds.

[hcr25]

I saw the 450 race bikes at Laguna and talked with the guy. To build one up and race it will be around $12K, not including tires or top end rebuilds.

Thats my point, if we are worried about $$$ $12k++ is going to be very hard to do.

[asp_125]

Whereas a used Ninja 250 with a minimal amount of prep could be doable by a lot more folks.

[Sean]

I'm with ya on the $40, but I thought the license was around $100 and the original post mentioned the class costing $50-$100. I also saw no mention of an endurance race or entry fee cost. Where did you get those numbers?

Maybe I misread the first post, but I thought it would be a $50-100 entrance fee for the actual race. I think endurance races are around $50 anyway?

The rider requirements would be;
current AMA member,
completion of MRA race school,
current MRA license
Cost of a class would be somewhere between $50-$100.

This is how I figured the amounts. MRA license is around $100 if you buy it at the beginning of the year. Current price is $150. I think the next race school is at HPR, which is $300. Pueblo is cheaper, but I don't know when they offer it again there? AMA is pretty straight forward. Then my reading of it, added on a class fee to run in the street endurance. Maybe I'm wrong though?

[hcr25]

Whereas a used Ninja 250 with a minimal amount of prep could be doable by a lot more folks.

True, but what kind of money do you think it would take?

[Sean]

I agree with Mike on the 250 idea. If the MRA were strong, it would be a possibility. It would be hard to field a full grid with having nothing already established. The chances of having 20-30 people show up next season with race prepped 250's is pretty slim. I betcha it would be hella fun!

[Player 2]

Definitely interested to see how the MRA handles these suggestions...

[hcr25]

Definitely interested to see how the MRA handles these suggestions...

I am happy to bring any suggestions to the MRA board of directors.

As far as "these" suggetions, are you refering to

1 The ninja 250 class
2 The 450 class

[Tipys]

I am happy to bring any suggestions to the MRA board of directors.

As far as "these" suggetions, are you refering to

1 The ninja 250 class
2 The 450 class

Others I heard were
-single day MRA memberships fees
..........

[Zach929rr]

Alot of track day riders become racers after they crash their street bike on the track. Its usually cheaper to make it a race bike then to make it a minty street bike again.

I agree with this statement, however the series would really not appeal to me. The 929 has become the "beater" for both street riding and track days. I don't really care about having a flashy bike on the street, my priorities are rather placed on a mechanically sound machine. That being said, I just swap the tail sections out and use my busted up tail section as a nifty trackside helmet holder.

If I want to race seriously, I'll by a used 600 race bike. I'll get more out of a 600 on the track than I will a 1K, at least from a learning (perhaps learning curve?) stand point when (if?) I decide to take it to that level.

[rforsythe]

Others I heard were
-single day MRA memberships fees
..........

That exists now. Buy a weekend license for $50. At least at the moment, if you hold another org's license they are even waiving that.

[hcr25]

Others I heard were
-single day MRA memberships fees
..........

single day membership not a single day license correct?

[rforsythe]

single day membership not a single day license correct?

What's the difference?

[konichd]

True, but what kind of money do you think it would take?

I think it would be reasonalbe to say @ $3,000 dollars. Find a 00-06 Ninja 250 for @ $2,000, some race bodywork, safety wire, case covers (if needed), a set of bridgestone tires (spec tire?) I would think you could easily stick in this price range (or maybe less) and have some $$$ left over for additional tires, gas, brake pads, etc.

[hcr25]

What's the difference?

Well in the past you could purchase an associate membership and have voting rights for a reduced price but not be able to race.

Race license you get to vote and race

From the rule book
MRA Racing License holders are provided free gate entry at all events
MRA Associate Membership (voting, non-transferable) cardholders are provided free gate entry at selected events.
MRA Crew Passes (non-voting, transferable) are provided free gate entry at selected events.

[racedk6]

Why doesnt a class like this get paired with the sportsman class???

I think they are similar and would have the same level of riders. Sportsman only has like 5-7 people racing it... All you get for racing in sportsman is to move up or be bumped out of that class.

Just a quick thought

[mtnairlover]

So, here's what I got as far as costs if I were to take my 750 to the track and race in the street bike class...if it becomes a reality next year:

Scotts Steering Damper - Kawasaki Z750
$431.10

Scotts Damper Mounting Bracket Kit - Kawasaki Z750S
2006 to 2008
$139.00

R&G Racing Products
Engine Case Slider - Carbon Kevlar
£34.04 -- dunno what the conversion to US$ is

XPO Streetfighter Inc.
Big Bike Kawasaki Z750/Z1000 Belly Pan
$300.00

So, right there, I'm spending close to $800. Then, we have the costs as mentioned before. So, add another $600. Now, it's more like ~1400 to race my street bike.

Am I wrong with this thinking? Is there something else I'm missing?

Just trying to see what kind of vacation I'd be missing out on...a weekend trip to Trinidad, or a weekend at the beach in the Mexican Riviera.

[rforsythe]

Well in the past you could purchase an associate membership and have voting rights for a reduced price but not be able to race.

Race license you get to vote and race

From the rule book
MRA Racing License holders are provided free gate entry at all events
MRA Associate Membership (voting, non-transferable) cardholders are provided free gate entry at selected events.
MRA Crew Passes (non-voting, transferable) are provided free gate entry at selected events.

Fair enough, but nobody's going to buy a one-day associate membership, so really we're just talking about a single-use race license / membership, which exists now.

[rforsythe]

I think it would be reasonalbe to say @ $3,000 dollars. Find a 00-06 Ninja 250 for @ $2,000, some race bodywork, safety wire, case covers (if needed), a set of bridgestone tires (spec tire?) I would think you could easily stick in this price range (or maybe less) and have some $$$ left over for additional tires, gas, brake pads, etc.

I would say less than 3K if you shop around, especially considering the 250's are raced all over in the coastal areas since their power doesn't completely suck balls at sea level.

[eklew]

So, here's what I got as far as costs if I were to take my 750 to the track and race in the street bike class...if it becomes a reality next year:

Scotts Steering Damper - Kawasaki Z750
$431.10

Scotts Damper Mounting Bracket Kit - Kawasaki Z750S
2006 to 2008
$139.00

R&G Racing Products
Engine Case Slider - Carbon Kevlar
£34.04 -- dunno what the conversion to US$ is

XPO Streetfighter Inc.
Big Bike Kawasaki Z750/Z1000 Belly Pan
$300.00

So, right there, I'm spending close to $800. Then, we have the costs as mentioned before. So, add another $600. Now, it's more like ~1400 to race my street bike.

Am I wrong with this thinking? Is there something else I'm missing?

Just trying to see what kind of vacation I'd be missing out on...a weekend trip to Trinidad, or a weekend at the beach in the Mexican Riviera.

Since we are all in financial strains these days, please search ebay, WERA, AFM, or any other avenues and look for used items. You will save a ton of money. The first item you listed is a steering stabilizer. You can find those for half of what you listed for a used piece in perfectly good condition. You may have to pony up for new brackets however. Just my opinion on trying to find bargains out there.

[hcr25]

Why doesnt a class like this get paired with the sportsman class???

I think they are similar and would have the same level of riders. Sportsman only has like 5-7 people racing it... All you get for racing in sportsman is to move up or be bumped out of that class.

Just a quick thought

That would be a good fit and if there was 1 or more people that had a ninja 250 right now all they would have to do is sign up.

[Sean]

So instead of bitching about things (me, not you) lets try and be proactive. What would it take for some of us to get out there on a race weekend? Not the season, just one or two weekends. In order to keep the MRA going; what can we do?

The rider requirements would be;
current AMA member
current MRA license
completion of MRA race school

I understand being an AMA/MRA member for insurance. AMA there is nothing we could do. But what options are there for one race memberships? Because we would only be competing against other street people, could there be an alternate/condensed race school for a lesser fee? One that would not apply to racing in other categories?

Bike requirements;
no antifreeze
engine case guards required
lenses or glass taped off
steering dampener

Would it possible to make this closer to a track day tech. While case covers and a damper are important, would they be necessary for a one of two time use this season? Could there be any flexability with this?

Gear requirements;
helmet (latest snell rating)
back protector
one or two piece leathers
gloves
boots.

Seems pretty fair and pretty standard.

Cost of a class would be somewhere between $50-$100.

$50 will get more people than $100. Plus, other endurance races are $50, correct?

As of now the idea doesn't include scoring each class so no trophies, points, contengency, or championships. And the MRA rulebook would be followed in terms of racer conduct and any other issues!!!!

Maybe not having an overall effect on the MRA, but it would be good to have recognition among the category? Somesort of acknowledgment per weekend (if it happened more than once). I bet many people would love some sort of certificate if you placed top 5 etc.

These are just ideas. I'm just trying to think of a few ways to get more people out on the track to keep the MRA going. The last thing I want to do is belittle or undermind the real racers. If things are accesible and affordable, people will do them. Again, just my .02

[hcr25]

I would say less than 3K if you shop around, especially considering the 250's are raced all over in the coastal areas since their power doesn't completely suck balls at sea level.

We are talking about the kawasaki ninja 250 not TZ or RS 250's right?