| Author | Message | ||
     Jbolt |
I've been looking into getting started in the road racing world. I'm not really sure how to get started. I came across this organization "American Federation of Motorcyclists" and was wondering if anyone had any experience with them. I know I would like to keep my 12R as my street bike, and have a dedicated race bike. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. | ||
| Firstbuell |
contact: Terry Parseley/Fireman Jim [JT&S, sponsors here] Zoran at TwinWorks in Reno [top SV guru] | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Slaughter races in CA. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/boar d-profile.cgi?action=view_profile&profile=slaughte r-users | ||
| Buelldyno_guy |
The AFM is the oldest club racing group in the US, they have been around for over 50 years. Most of the west coast AMA guys at got their start in AFM. They are a Northern California club, with one or two races each year at Button Willow. This was their first year trying to coordinate a few races with Southern CA organizations working towards some type of "Golden State Series" and I think that is going to continue into 2011. But do contact Slaughter he has raced from down south for years. Our Shop JT&S Performance is at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma CA and we have several AFM customers, as well as a couple we sponsor. The AFM has a great "New Rider" program using a couple of the track day sponsors such as Zoom Zoom Track Days to handle the hands on new rider training. After that you practice on Sat with your lap time group and race on Sat only with other new riders in a "Clubman" series until you get a podium finish or get your lap times down within a race class standard. Once that has happened you become a Novice and start racing on Sun. As far as race bikes go, an SV650 is hard to beat. Not too expensive to race as it does not go through a set of tires a month, it's easy to set up as a race bike and very competitive in a AFM class called Formula Four. Another plus is there are lots of guys like Zoren at TwinWorks, who are always willing to help someone get started. We would also be available to walk you through the race prep process or do it for you for a couple of hours labor. Best of luck and feel free to give is a call at the shop @ 707 996-6103. Terry Parsley - jtsperformance.com | ||
| Jbolt |
Thanks Terry. That is very helpful. I'll look into the SV's. I actually live about an hour east of Reno, but there's not much for racing out here. I figured the drive to CA every week should be ok (for a while). After I get a trak-only bike, I'll be by the shop to see you... | ||
| Slaughter |
Check the rules and classes. The SV is hard to beat for getting started. Farther south are the other organizations but considering where you are located, AFM makes the most sense. The ONLY problem with AFM is the GYNORMOUS fields they can sometimes run. GENERALLY, any racing organization's Twins classes are less heavily packed than the classes filled out with the inline-4 bikes. Zoran is DA MAN for the SVs TWF (Twin Works Factory - used to be in Reno) AGain, check the classes. SV650 - but maybe the lightweight twins - EX500, another goodie. Now the 250 Ninjas are really doing good in their one-design class with MANY restrictions to keep the costs down. I assume you've done a few track days now? If not, start doing track days at some of the venues AFM Races at: Thunderhill (you'll LOVE the track), Infineon, Buttonwillow. Take their new racer school and just do practice days for a while until you're comfortable being passed and going really fast in a tight crowd to see if it's right for you. | ||
| Jbolt |
No, I haven't done any track days yet. This spring I'll probably do my first one (on the 12R) at reno/fernley raceway. I'm still undecided on what kind of bike to get. Right now I'm waiting for gear, but it's all coming soon. | ||
| Mog |
With an XB9S I started out at a Buell sponsored trackday at Gingerman in Michigan. Oh well, no more I guess. BUT a good one might be to take a Licensing class beginners orientation class. There are AMA licensed teachers such as Frank Kinsey in FL and many out in CA. The smallest (smaller better) and nicest folks for a beginner's track day was my local Ducati group. They were well organized, financed and very meticulous. Also, the group was open to anyone who obeyed the riding laws they set down. Any bike manufacture was allowed (if you passed tech inspection). NOBODY in the Ducati groups ever made me feel unwelcome, just the opposite. Some of the other trackday groups are so big you might get a bit lost but you should try the experience at least once. Read Twisti of the Wrist type books and become knowing of terminology. Take a basic AND Experienced rider MSF course first of anything. A real MSF Experienced Rider Course will get your juices going real cheap and get your street smarts up. Keep the speeding and crazy stuff off the street, at least long enough to be on a track and see the difference between street and track. If you have good teachers you will find great satisfaction on small close knit trackdays and learn to be very leery of street antics (yours or others). Learn to live on the track and live to ride on the street. | ||
| Buelldyno_guy |
Josh I will be at the shop this Friday and I will check our records, as we have two customers from your area who race AFM. Their local practice track is Fernley. I will send you a private message with their contact info. Terry - jtsperformance.com | ||
| Jbolt |
Thanks Terry As soon as the weather cooperates, I want to check out the Fernley track. I've been there before but that was just to watch. That would be good to know someone who's been on the coarse. |
