View Full Version : Getting into racing 125's?
I've heard in other threads that you cannot ride trackdays on a restricted licence. Is it true? Are there any age/engine restrictions?
I thought maybe 125's would be a start into racing, and perhaps a cheap trackbike like this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aprillia-RS-125-track-race-bike_W0QQitemZ220398577009QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Mo torcycles?hash=item220398577009&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318
would be suitable? How easy/hard is it to get into?
Don't think there is a power or engine size restriction on track days. But i may be wrong.
There are only a few tracks and track day organisers that won't let you on track. I know you can't do the Motorsport Vision tracks(Snetterton, Oulton Park etc) but most places will let you on with a restricted license. I wouldn't recomend going with a 125 though, even in Novices.
HTH
Owenski
29-04-09, 02:24 PM
Theres a difference between a track day and a racing licence anyway.
Track days I assume are catagorised so obviously you wont be able to cause superbike riders problems like you would if they let a scooter out there at the same time.
But racing has all sorts of catagories and ppl too young to ride on the road are racing big machines on tracks.
correct me if im wrong pls.
SVTristan
29-04-09, 03:30 PM
your not
mister c
30-04-09, 05:26 AM
Get your ACU Race licence done, then you can get yourself a trackbike & ride to your hearts content :)
Get your ACU Race licence done, then you can get yourself a trackbike & ride to your hearts content :)
How would someone go about doing this???
How would someone go about doing this???
I think what you meant to say was 'How can I go about doing this' :D
An ACU licence is relatively easy to obtain. Once you have one there is nothing stopping you riding anything you like on a track day, restricted or otherwise.
You have to fill in a form from here http://www.acu.org.uk/Resource/Licence-and-Forms.aspx. You'll need an eyesight test and have to attend and complete a introductory training day, its a classroom day (costs £50! ouch).
Pay the fee, get the licence and then crack on with it.
***There is no riding test at all.*** - I've just checked and although this is true you do need to provide some basic evidence of your competency to ride a motorcycle. If you have a CBT certificate that seems to be enough, alternatively a certificate from a recognised track training school. CBT is likely the easy and cheap way to do this if you dont already have one.
Leopard_lily
30-04-09, 01:04 PM
[quote=Magnum;1887907]
I thought maybe 125's would be a start into racing, and perhaps a cheap trackbike like this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aprillia-RS-125-track-race-bike_W0QQitemZ220398577009QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Mo torcycles?hash=item220398577009&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318
would be suitable? quote]
As soon as I was handed my CBT certificate I went straight out there and bought the fastest 125 I read there was - a spains No.1 RS125. Sure it's fast (eventually) for it's class, I managed to clock UP 86mph out of it but the power was SH!T, but then what do you expect for a 125 eh
Owenski
30-04-09, 01:08 PM
I'd be getting a road bike thats road worthy before thinking about a track bike.
tbh Id rather get into Moto-x as a lot of ppl who start racing the tracks end up not riding on roads, i've heard it becomes an anti-climax and its not worth the hassle.
[quote=Magnum;1887907]
I thought maybe 125's would be a start into racing, and perhaps a cheap trackbike like this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aprillia-RS-125-track-race-bike_W0QQitemZ220398577009QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Mo torcycles?hash=item220398577009&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318
would be suitable? quote]
As soon as I was handed my CBT certificate I went straight out there and bought the fastest 125 I read there was - a spains No.1 RS125. Sure it's fast (eventually) for it's class, I managed to clock UP 86mph out of it but the power was SH!T, but then what do you expect for a 125 eh
No V5 for it, why is that then I wonder? Best thing is take a look at the racing clubs that race near to you and check out the classes they run.
...as a lot of ppl who start racing the tracks end up not riding on roads, i've heard it becomes an anti-climax and its not worth the hassle.
that really depends on why you ride on the roads. If you go out for speed fixes then what you say is true, why bother when you can ride faster in a legal, relatively safe way on the track.
Its a lot of fun. I no longer ride a road bike but thats just purely out of choice....and of course because when you race you tend to divert every spare penny you have at racing :-) instead of tax discs and insurance. When I get another road bike i guess its more likely to be something that isnt a missile, you tend to not be that fussed about speed once you get away from the track.
tbh Id rather get into Moto-x as a lot of ppl who start racing the tracks end up not riding on roads, i've heard it becomes an anti-climax and its not worth the hassle.
Moto-x is a completely different kettle of fish though? I can see why people give up road-riding to do solely trackdays or racing but giving up road riding to do moto-x is completely different. You'd get completely different kicks from riding a normal bike on the road (however fast) than doing moto-x :confused:
Posted at the same time as Flymo! Seems we have similar views on the subject!
So if i were to obtain an ACU license then would that mean i would be allowed on track at the motorsport vision tracks (Oulton, Snetterton etc) even though i'm still restricted???
Are the main reasons people take the ACU test for the license to race in minitwins and the like???
What sort of doors could an ACU license open???
So if i were to obtain an ACU license then would that mean i would be allowed on track at the motorsport vision tracks (Oulton, Snetterton etc) even though i'm still restricted?
Yes. Just beware that some trackday organisers assume that because you have an ACU licence you will be fast and therefore only allow you in the fast groups.
Are the main reasons people take the ACU test for the license to race in minitwins and the like???
What sort of doors could an ACU license open?
Minitwins represents only one particular class of road racing. There are all sorts ranging from 125GP, sidecars, superbikes etc etc. I would guess that most get a licence to race with. As far as opening doors, it lets you race, thats about it.
Minitwins represents only one particular class of road racing. There are all sorts ranging from 125GP, sidecars, superbikes etc etc. I would guess that most get a licence to race with. As far as opening doors, it lets you race, thats about it.
What else would you need in order to enter the minitwins championship other than an ACU race license and a bike???
Sorry for the questions, it's just something that interests me and i'd like to do if i get the money together in the future. :D
What else would you need in order to enter the minitwins championship other than an ACU race license and a bike???
Sorry for the questions, it's just something that interests me and i'd like to do if i get the money together in the future. :D
Ask as many as you like, no problem.
If you intend to enter the Minitwins classes it really depends on which club. I beleive that if you enter with the likes of BEMSEE then you'll need a track training day under your belt.
I race with a club called Wirral 100 in North West UK and there are no special requirements over and above those to race any other class. Minitwins obviously limits the type of bike you can ride and the modifications you are allowed to make to those bikes, with the intention of keeping costs down.
Get yourself along to a race club meet and watch, its loads of fun. I'll be racing in Anglesey later in May, pop over and say hello.
Leopard_lily
30-04-09, 01:45 PM
No V5 for it, why is that then I wonder?
Because the bike is not road legal it does not have to be registered with the DVLA
Get yourself along to a race club meet and watch, its loads of fun. I'll be racing in Anglesey later in May, pop over and say hello.
Am i right in thinking that the minitwins is split into two championships, North and South???
Do you race at Donnington, Mallory or Rockingham at all??? They're near me (ish) so would like to pop down and watch for sure. :D
Am i right in thinking that the minitwins is split into two championships, North and South???
Do you race at Donnington, Mallory or Rockingham at all??? They're near me (ish) so would like to pop down and watch for sure. :D
Dont know on the North/South thing as i dont race with those clubs but somebody else may be able to answer that.
I tend to race North West only (Oulton Park, Anglesey, Three Sisters etc)
Dont know on the North/South thing as i dont race with those clubs but somebody else may be able to answer that.
I tend to race North West only (Oulton Park, Anglesey, Three Sisters etc)
I'd be able to come across to the Oulton Park meet on the 24th i think it is if you're there. I know it's a way off.
I'll be racing in Anglesey later in May, pop over and say hello.
What date are you at Anglesey Flymo? Binkster, fancy taking a ride over to Anglesey to watch if it's convenient? Could make a day of it and plan a nice route over? :smt035
What date are you at Anglesey Flymo? Binkster, fancy taking a ride over to Anglesey to watch if it's convenient? Could make a day of it and plan a nice route over? :smt035
Next one is Anglesey on bank holiday monday 25th May. Could even camp over if you fancy, there's a restaurant/bar etc. Anglesey is a great track, brilliant view and good racing.
I'd be able to come across to the Oulton Park meet on the 24th i think it is if you're there. I know it's a way off.
You mean 24th October? I'll be there for that one yes.
Next one is Anglesey on bank holiday monday 25th May. Could even camp over if you fancy, there's a restaurant/bar etc. Anglesey is a great track, brilliant view and good racing.
Sounds like a winner to me. I couldn't camp over as I get back from a week's holiday the night before but I could make it over in the morning - what time do you race? Any charge for spectators?
:cheers:
Sounds like a winner to me. I couldn't camp over as I get back from a week's holiday the night before but I could make it over in the morning - what time do you race? Any charge for spectators?
:cheers:
A typical day would involve practice sessions beginning at 10:00am. Racing normally gets underway about 11:30am. In the past few years minitwins (and Formula 400) are normally the first or second race so around 11:30 or so.
Full days racing through to about 5:30pm if you want to watch everything but luckily as I'm in the first race I normally finish first also, if that makes any sense :-)
There is a charge yeah although I'm not sure exactly what it is. Think its about £10. Costs me over £100 to race though if thats any consolation.
Owenski
30-04-09, 02:55 PM
Moto-x is a completely different kettle of fish though? I can see why people give up road-riding to do solely trackdays or racing but giving up road riding to do moto-x is completely different. You'd get completely different kicks from riding a normal bike on the road (however fast) than doing moto-x :confused:
Excuse my poor grammar, I see how that could have been miss-read. I didnt mean I'd get into moto-x and stop riding on the road. I meant I'd rather get into moto-x and keep riding on the roads, than to race track bikes but no longer ride on the road. It was a personal statement. Not offered to the OP as a suggestion but just a statement. I used to ride off road so its not a big step for me, an honestly I enjoy it more than just going fast on tarmac (but thats my view)
Your previous post makes a lot of sense though. I didnt think of the weekend warrior type who as you say just likes the speed. I'm a commuter I like the conveniance and the freedom so even if I did ride track my reasons for riding on the road wouldnt change ie id still need to get to work. I was been blinkered, please :smt075 me :D
What date are you at Anglesey Flymo? Binkster, fancy taking a ride over to Anglesey to watch if it's convenient? Could make a day of it and plan a nice route over? :smt035
Can do yes. Was thinking about doing a track day at Anglesey soon, so can check out braking points and corner speeds. ;)
Can speak on Sunday anyway.
yorkie_chris
30-04-09, 03:34 PM
A trackbike requires a van. Have you got one?
If you want to race then it seems foolish to jump in with both feet. Better to do trackdays first.
If you're dead set on some form of competition, I think hillclimbs are the cheapest to get into. Racing on track makes no sense if you just want track time.
Also why a 125? If you're on track anything else would make more sense, I doubt you'd learn much with everything else hammering past you on the straights. Better an old and scabby or crashed 600 or something.
mister c
30-04-09, 03:42 PM
An ACU licence is relatively easy to obtain. Once you have one there is nothing stopping you riding anything you like on a track day, restricted or otherwise.
You have to fill in a form from here http://www.acu.org.uk/Resource/Licence-and-Forms.aspx. You'll need an eyesight test and have to attend and complete a introductory training day, its a classroom day (costs £50! ouch).
Pay the fee, get the licence and then crack on with it.
***There is no riding test at all.*** - I've just checked and although this is true you do need to provide some basic evidence of your competency to ride a motorcycle. If you have a CBT certificate that seems to be enough, alternatively a certificate from a recognised track training school. CBT is likely the easy and cheap way to do this if you dont already have one.
One of my sons took this option. He rode an RS125 Aprillia on L plates on the road, then wanted to race, so we both did the ACU course. He rode a steel framed CBR600 last season, so a CBT is probably the cheapest option as Flymo says.
Don't think there is a power or engine size restriction on track days. But i may be wrong.
There are only a few tracks and track day organisers that won't let you on track. I know you can't do the Motorsport Vision tracks(Snetterton, Oulton Park etc) but most places will let you on with a restricted license. I wouldn't recomend going with a 125 though, even in Novices.
HTH
They will let you on for race meets but not practise sessions..
Excuse my poor grammar, I see how that could have been miss-read. I didnt mean I'd get into moto-x and stop riding on the road. I meant I'd rather get into moto-x and keep riding on the roads, than to race track bikes but no longer ride on the road. It was a personal statement. Not offered to the OP as a suggestion but just a statement. I used to ride off road so its not a big step for me, an honestly I enjoy it more than just going fast on tarmac (but thats my view)
Your previous post makes a lot of sense though. I didnt think of the weekend warrior type who as you say just likes the speed. I'm a commuter I like the conveniance and the freedom so even if I did ride track my reasons for riding on the road wouldnt change ie id still need to get to work. I was been blinkered, please :smt075 me :D
I was a little confused but now you've clarified with the above post that makes a lot more sense :)
plowsie
30-04-09, 04:08 PM
I wouldn't recomend going with a 125 though, even in Novices.
Unless your quick as fook! :smt035
Unless your quick as fook! :smt035
+1 , really depends on the bike and who's riding. I've seen some extremely fast 125s (2 strokers mind) around Oulton. Dont turn up on a little CB125 or something :-) but a nice little Aprillia would be good, a 250 would be better though.
I used to race a Yamaha FZR400 and that was pretty handy against bigger bikes, particularly on the twisty circuits. Three Sisters in Wigan has a lap record held by a racing Mz250 I think!
A trackbike requires a van. Have you got one?
If you want to race then it seems foolish to jump in with both feet. Better to do trackdays first.
If you're dead set on some form of competition, I think hillclimbs are the cheapest to get into. Racing on track makes no sense if you just want track time.
Also why a 125? If you're on track anything else would make more sense, I doubt you'd learn much with everything else hammering past you on the straights. Better an old and scabby or crashed 600 or something.
Yes my dad has a van. Sorry, i meant starting with trackdays.
The reason why i asked about 125's was that i heard in another thread that someone on a restricted licence was not able to do trackdays.
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