Same question the hundredth time?

[will#224]

Sorry if its same old stuff for you guys but i wonder if you could help a little?

Firstly let me give you back ground then you can maybe advise better..

Done 3 years of supermoto, wasnt particularly fast, mainly i feel due to me being scared to death on the dirt on slicks. So now fancy F400.

Im looking at f400 for cost, chance to ride practically every weekend and that it seems a good place to start for a new to proper circuit racing rider. I'm fed up with the kart tracks lack of facilities and the airfields we ride at.

Been looking at getting an L model kwak zxr400 preferably race prepped. Whats the minimum i want engine wise?

I've ridden 65+hp 120kg supermotos so i'm ok with decent power. Second reason for that bike is i understand Roger Middleton is pretty handy with the zxr and is only in York, relatively close as i'm in Pontefract. Is he a good choice for engine refresh etc?

If i can split the 5k i have i'd like a wet and a dry bike. Sensible option?

I think i've read about f400 folk using the michelin cut sm slick? Is it a legal tyre?


I'm ok with working on bikes, got a decent garage and kit and a pikey caravan and van to get my bikes to circuits etc so i guess not a complete newb, happy to run at back till i find my feet.

Final question is i had novice acu licence last year, i've missed this year due to injury, will i need to through the acu course thingy?


To those that are looking to sell a bike, sorry my supermoto is up for sale so i dont have cash yet plus i've smashed up my wrist and foot on the last track day so i'm out of action for 4 months too. rolleyes.gif Ah well gives me time to learn about my new method of spending every penny i have .gif

Cheers for any advice folks, the cards behind the bar, although this might be a one off as my insurance has just paid out.

[zimm]

Whats the minimum i want engine wise?

one that's reliable ! there's quite a few running stock engines with only airbox/pipe/dyno time, should see you at 65bhp ish..(which is better than those skanky NC30's with £££ thrown at them.. lol) you wont be challenging for the lead but shouldnt disgrace yourself either. There's a lot can be done to zxr lumps, and upwards of 80bhp can be had, but its up to you how much you spend, and how often you refresh.

I understand Roger Middleton is pretty handy with the zxr and is only in York, relatively close as i'm in Pontefract. Is he a good choice for engine refresh etc?

i'd use him if he wasnt the other end of the country from me and i had any money to give to a tuner, as it is im skint and build my own.

If i can split the 5k i have i'd like a wet and a dry bike. Sensible option?

if you can transport them both, then aye, wet bike's (almost stock) can be had for about 1k, so it depends on how trick you want your dry bike to be.

I think i've read about f400 folk using the michelin cut sm slick? Is it a legal tyre?

most folk run super corsa's, although i know one bloke running 090's

im sure someone else will be along to fill in what i've missed out or correct me i dont race, but am planning to and have spent the odd day in the F400 paddock. Dont forget the H1's are eligible for the pre-1990 (forgotten era?) classes as well as F400 if you want more track time from a bike.

[scooter916]

RMKD
Is very well Know For his tuning work, but the question is can you afford it, His motors are very very fast, but come to bits after a meeting, Or during if your names Josh.....
As zimm has said, a reliable bike would be better. Get one that has a decent suspension set up, that will have you going much quicker than a tuned motor.
Shame your not in the market now as I have 2 bikes Dry and wet that Im considering selling, £2750 would take the lot.
We are not too far away either in cleethorpes, So if you want to pick our brains feel free,
Glyn

[jake]

incendently, you can race your supermoto in the f400 class. we have a aprilia 550 who races with us at the w100. that thing is fast, and go's around corners to fast for my liking

For tuners, rmkd does know his way around the zxr, thats for sure. There is other tuners tho, and everyone will have there fav. One that you get on with, gets you out racing when your desperate with a blown engine is worth using i say.

as zimm sez, supercorsa's on most of the bikes. supermoto cut slicks on a few of the fast boys bike aswell, they love em they say!...they do look cool i must say, might try some next season. bit cheaper than corsa pros too.

if it was me, i would bother with a wet bike yet. your money would be better spent on tyres, tracktime and beer money! it does tends to cost a bit more than, what im told,supermoto meetings cost.
Id say 2k will get you what you need with sorted suspension, good spares package, wow, solid engine tune/ramair. there has been a few gooduns up recentley,
look on motoforum for racebikes too.

your licence is fine mate. you only have to redo the course bolox if you have a break for 3 years. your sigs will carry over too.
sounds like your in a good position to be in mate, if i see some one coming past me on a zxr with there leg out sm style, ill know who it is

[will#224]

Cheers for the replies, should have about 5k for wet and dry bike so hoping i can get a good setup. My cousin is planning the same so we'll probably have 4 bikes between us. Cant wait!!

I did consider the sm, this year i've run an '08 ktm 450smr and i dont think it'd be well suited on larger tracks. I had an sxv450 last year and it was awesome round cadwell. Only problem is like most Italian stuff its very very maintenance intensive so i got shut.

You might be right about the riding style... foot out, backing it in, would be amusing at least

I'll try get along to some meetings over next few months and come have a chat with you guys.