LDBandit

James, If those are the stock tires on that 250, please be careful leaning way over. They are not very good tires, imo, so take it easy. Couple of 250-centric recommendations: 1.) Pirelli Sportdemons - GOOD tires. Have done 1 track day on a 250 with these tires and they are really good. 2.) http://www.ninja250.org - The FAQ is awesome. Make sure you search before posting a question. That group is truly FAQ happy and will point it out to you without a second thought. The skill range of riders that frequent that site is truly diverse. LOTS of noobs (which is expected) but also a 250 racer in California and a couple of Iron Butt Rally finishers. Give it a shot. Sorry to the school for the off topic plugs. Hope that wasn't stepping on anyones toes. Hugh

The one BIG problem with taking the 250 onto a track is that since you WILL be going slower on the straights, virtually everyone will pass you. That is all fine and dandy if they wouldn't park in the turn. What you'll find is that you will be held up in some turns by the people that had just passed you. Then when you get back on the straight, you'll watch them walk away from you, then you'll be back to them at the next set of turns. *sigh* Now that probably sounds like I'm being all competitive, egotistical and stuff, but when you are paying for a school where you need to practice on track what was just taught in the class and someone is holding you up in the turn where you are trying to work on your skills, it gets very frustrating. On a positive note, it REALLY is a lot of fun to out drive big bikes (like Aprillia 1000's ) through turns on Ninja 250's. I've ridden a 250 at a track (Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, SC) after doing Level 1 on a Suzuki Bandit. There is MUCH you can learn on a 250 at the track, BUT, I'd recommend you carry the 600. It sounds like you have a decent head on your shoulders and are truly interested more in learning to ride smart rather than just blindly grabbing a handful and hoping for the best. Your CBR was BUILT for the track and as much as I like the little 250's (I've got 2 of them), they just don't do as well. Your learning experience will be just as good, if not better, on the 600. EITHER BIKE WILL DO FINE, but I think the 600 would be the better weapon of choice. Good luck!

There is still hope for you yet! You WILL come out of a Level 1 class knowing more about motorcycles, understanding the dynamics and riding better/faster. There is NO doubt about that. Age has little to do with those. I know some 70 year old guys that are far faster than me (not that that's too hard or anything to brag about) so don't let age stand in the way of you having a GREAT motorcycle experience with the benefit of gaining some very critical motorcycle knowledge that you can apply always. Will it be as fast as humanly possible for someone your age? Probably not as there is almost always someone faster. But guaranteed you'll go fast enough to get a few shots of adrenaline. Do it...you'll love it!

Yes, without a doubt you'd know.

Mark, You will do FINE and I strongly encourage you to take the class. The coaches are awesome and the school is setup so you succeed. You even KNOW you are riding better. I do disagree with your assessment about learning on the road, but the track is a far better place to learn, no doubt. Sign up with your bud (it's really cool having a friend on the track or even at the track with you), give 100% concentration to what is being taught and do NOT worry about being too slow. You'll be fine. It is a school, not a race. Hugh

You will do fine. Yes you'll be nervous and concerned, but guaranteed you'll do fine and come away with a MUCH better understanding of what the hell is going on. Might I suggest reading Twist of the Wrist II before going to get a good understanding of what you'll be practicing. It is EASY to be overwhelmed with information/experiences. Reading it ahead of time will help you learn what is being taught in the class (at least for me it did). One warning though, you'll get spoiled being on the track. Street riding will forever be changed when you get back from that course.

Thanks for the responses guys. Tire pressure was 34, so it was ok.

Just wondering what the long term effects of the heat cycling from one school (5 sessions) would have on brand new Sport-Touring type tires (Avon 45/46). If you look at the tires used at the Sept 3 school at Barber (Level 1), the right side rear is blu'ish/purple at the edge where chicken strips reside. That tire has only been used for commuting/mild canyon carving since the school. What is going on with the tire?

Was my first time on the track and what a great introduction. Learned a ton, had a ball, wish I could do that every day. Anyways, many kudos to Keith and the staff. You folks are wonderful and I'm looking forward to taking a class next year. Hurry up and get the 2006 schedule out so I can start planning vacation and stuff! Thanks again. Hugh

Cool. Thanks! Spoke to one bud that has taken all four of the courses as well as raced at Barber and he recommended the Bandit. He did say that either would probably be fine and that the learning experience (which is the ultimate goal) would not be hindered by one vs the other. Another bud raced 250's in California and he also recommended the Bandit due to suspension (or lack thereof) on the 250. Both commented that nothing is worse than not being able to pass someone who has a bigger bike that can blow you away on the straights, but parks in the turns and honestly, I'm taking the course to learn about the turning part, not the going fast on straights. Thanks for the response. Now if there are any spare openings at Barber (signed up today), I'll finally get to ride on a track! Hugh

Pondering signing up for Barber in Sept and was wondering if a Ninja 250 would be ok. Have a Bandit 1200, but would prefer the lighter, smaller bike. What preparation should I expect to make on the bike to pass a tech inspection? (the link provided in a previous post is no longer available). Has new tires already. Thanks! Hugh