Motorcycle racing is an exciting sport. It takes skill, bravery, and dedication. For beginners interested in motorcycle racing, there are some key things to know. This helps get started. The Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Racing provides key information for beginners looking to get started in the sport. FZS 25 make ideal starter bikes.
Choosing a Motorcycle
The first step is picking the right motorcycle for racing. Key factors matter. These include engine size, weight, suspension, and handling. Common motorcycle racing classes exist. These include sportbikes, supermotos, and mini motos. Beginners often start on a 250cc or 300cc sport bike. It’s important to pick a bike made for racing. Do not pick just a street production bike.
Getting Proper Safety Gear
Proper safety gear is essential for motorcycle racing. This includes a full leather racing suit. It also provides racing boots, motorcycle racing gloves, and a full-face helmet. More padding and armour provide impact protection. Don’t cut costs on safety gear. This gear protects in a crash.
Finding a Nearby Track
Most beginner motorcycle racers start with track days. Track days involve practising on a racetrack without actually competing. This allows new riders to learn tracks and get better before racing. Many organizations host track days across the country. Searching online reveals options nearby.
Getting a Competition License
To compete in motorcycle races, a license is needed. The permit must be endorsed for racing. The main organizations providing licenses include WERA and CCS. Getting a permit involves submitting paperwork and passing a skills test. Completing a few track days is often required, too. Rules vary between sanctioning bodies.
Inspecting the Motorcycle Before Each Race
Racing motorcycles need consistent inspection and maintenance. It’s critical to inspect key components before each ride thoroughly. Look for issues that could cause failure at speed. Bring tools, fluids, and spare parts in case repairs are needed at the track.
Understanding Racing Flags
Corner workers use flags to communicate with racers. Flags signal track condition details during an event. Riders need to know each flag’s meaning and obey them. Flags include green, yellow, red, blue, white, and checkered. Penalties exist for ignoring flags.
Entering Races
Getting started competing is exciting. Most organizations have different categories based on many classes and skill levels to choose from. Review each to decide the best fit. Fill out entry forms, pay fees, and review event rules. Arrive early on race days to unload, tech inspect the bike, attend meetings, practice, and prepare to race.
Modifiable Components
Many beginner classes limit major mods to control costs. But changing some parts makes production bikes much more competitive. Prioritize those with big aftermarket parts availability. Examples include Suzuki SV650s and Kawasaki Ninja 300s.
Cost Effectiveness
Most new racers start as a hobby with limited budgets. So, it’s wise to search for affordable options that leave room for other costs, like safety gear. Older Ninja 250s, 500s, Yamaha R3s and Honda CBR500s offer incredible value.
Easy Maintenance
Routine maintenance is critical when motorcycle racing. Beginners should pick bikes known for being simple to work on at home or trackside. Less complex options with ample aftermarket support fit this criterion well. Yamaha fzs 250 price offer an affordable entry point before advancing to more powerful race machines.
Tyres
Focused street tyres last longer but don’t grip as well. Get sport-touring or racing rubber for better grip. Softer compounds overheat quickly but accelerate and corner better. Medium compounds balance longevity and grip.
Gearing
Adjust gear ratios by changing rear sprockets. This alters acceleration. Add teeth for higher straight-line speed. Remove teeth for quicker acceleration off corners. Match gearing to powerband for each track.
Brakes
Improve brake performance with steel-braided lines and higher-friction pads. Stainless doesn’t expand like rubber under hard braking. Race pads bite harder but require more heat than street pads.
Fluids
Use high-quality synthetic oils, coolant, and brake fluid to protect the engine and transmission. Replace fluids before race weekends. Add external oil coolers, filters and accumulators to handle heat and debris.
Controls
Consider rear sets to allow legs to hang off easier for better position and control. Replace stock handlebars with adjustable rear sets for proper ergonomics. Install shorty levers for easier two-finger pulling.
Mastering Fundamentals of Going Fast
Technique and mental approach are just as important as bike setup. Focusing on mastering a few fundamentals helps starters improve time and consistency.
Body Position
Hang off aggressively in corners with the inside knee indented into the tank and the outside arm straight. Press the inside bar end and outer foot peg. Get a rearward saddle position with the chin above or behind the inside mirror. Practice body steering, not just counter steering.
Throttle Control
Don’t just pin the throttle. Control it smoothly with measured rolls to maximize drive. Use the rear brake to settle the bike, allowing earlier throttle application without upsetting the chassis.
Braking
Most use too much front brake pressure, locking wheels or exceeding grip. Use two fingers, squeeze callipers, and press both pedals. Modulate pressure based on lean angle, downshifting first. Trail braking is essential.
Upgrading to a Full Race Bike
Once licensed and gaining race experience, upgrading to a true race bike offers big performance gains. These allow for full exploitation potential beyond converted street bikes.
More Powerful Engines
Race engines make far more peak power for higher straight-line speed. Aftermarket parts like porting, race cams, velocity stacks and ECU tuning customize power exactly where needed. Larger bore kits exceed cc limits.
Lighter Components
Race bikes shed unnecessary street parts to reduce weight. Items like lights, kickstands and mirrors just add pounds. Every 10 lbs. removed increases acceleration, braking and direction changes.
Sticky Racing Slicks
Racing slicks feature softer rubber compounds that warm faster to provide incredible grip. Just a few degrees of temperature change alters traction dramatically. So heat cycling is vital.
Advancing to Faster Classes and Series
As skills progress, riders advance through categories based on competition success. Higher levels require better fitness, precision and bravery.
Expert Class
When winning most amateur races, try the expert class with the fastest amateur competitors. The pace is higher; mistakes get bigger, requiring more precision. Upgrade bike setup for the increased demands.
Regional Championships
Many organizations hold regional series with points towards amateur championships. Consistency earns top amateur titles, opening doors to contingencies and sponsorships.
Conclusion
Some regions allow fast experts semi-pro licenses for the class, bridging amateur and pro ranks. Semi-pro demands full team and travel commitments rewarded by contingency payouts.
