Getting into 250 racing: Difference between revisions

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You'll need a minimal set of tools to take to the track. Duct tape makes for acceptable temporary fairing repairs.

Plan to strip everything off the bike that doesn't hold it up, make it go faster, or make it slow down very quickly ([[Reducing weight on a track bike|see here]]. This should include lights, fenders, unnecessary bodywork, gauges, stands, locks, and more. For most people this will also include an aftermarket exhaust, as the stock cans are heavy. Check ~~yor~~ regulations before you spend that kind of money~~, though~~. To give you an idea, see IanJ's [http://obairlann.net/reaper/motorcycle/servicelog/race-ninja.html racebike log].

Plan to strip everything off the bike that doesn't hold it up, make it go faster, or make it slow down very quickly ([[Reducing weight on a track bike|see here]]). This should include lights, fenders, unnecessary bodywork, gauges, stands, locks, and more. For most people this will also include an aftermarket exhaust, as the stock cans are heavy. Check the regulations before you spend that kind of money or make any major bike changes. To give you an idea, see IanJ's [http://obairlann.net/reaper/motorcycle/servicelog/race-ninja.html racebike log].

If you know your way around a Ninja 250 pretty well, it's probably two solid weekends of work to get the bike stripped, and get everything race prepped, with safety wire in all the right places. Again, check the regs for the series you're going to be riding.

If you know your way around a Ninja 250 pretty well, it's probably two solid weekends of work to get the bike stripped and get everything race prepped, with safety wire in all the right places. Again, check the regs for the series you're going to be riding.

Being at the race track is a lot more pleasant with a pop-up shelter, some chairs, a cooler with food and beverages, and other creature comforts. Those are things you may already own, of course. You'll want to have a large (5 lb+) fire extinguisher close by. You'll need some variety of fuel can, as a lot of tracks don't have a gas station and are BYO. If you don't have a truck or trailer, you'll need to get one, or rent one every time. And so on.

Have fun. Racing's a blast.

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 You'll need a minimal set of tools to take to the track. Duct tape makes for acceptable temporary fairing repairs.
-Plan to strip everything off the bike that doesn't hold it up, make it go faster, or make it slow down very quickly ([[Reducing weight on a track bike|see here]]. This should include lights, fenders, unnecessary bodywork, gauges, stands, locks, and more. For most people this will also include an aftermarket exhaust, as the stock cans are heavy. Check yor regulations before you spend that kind of money, though. To give you an idea, see IanJ's [http://obairlann.net/reaper/motorcycle/servicelog/race-ninja.html racebike log].
+Plan to strip everything off the bike that doesn't hold it up, make it go faster, or make it slow down very quickly ([[Reducing weight on a track bike|see here]]). This should include lights, fenders, unnecessary bodywork, gauges, stands, locks, and more. For most people this will also include an aftermarket exhaust, as the stock cans are heavy. Check the regulations before you spend that kind of money or make any major bike changes. To give you an idea, see IanJ's [http://obairlann.net/reaper/motorcycle/servicelog/race-ninja.html racebike log].
-If you know your way around a Ninja 250 pretty well, it's probably two solid weekends of work to get the bike stripped, and get everything race prepped, with safety wire in all the right places. Again, check the regs for the series you're going to be riding.
+If you know your way around a Ninja 250 pretty well, it's probably two solid weekends of work to get the bike stripped and get everything race prepped, with safety wire in all the right places. Again, check the regs for the series you're going to be riding.
 Being at the race track is a lot more pleasant with a pop-up shelter, some chairs, a cooler with food and beverages, and other creature comforts. Those are things you may already own, of course. You'll want to have a large (5 lb+) fire extinguisher close by. You'll need some variety of fuel can, as a lot of tracks don't have a gas station and are BYO. If you don't have a truck or trailer, you'll need to get one, or rent one every time. And so on.
+Have fun. Racing's a blast.