Would You Take Your Ninjette to a Fast Track?

tnr4 · July 24th, 2013, 07:18 AM

Hey folks,

So, I demo'd an R6 at Summit Point Main circuit, which is awesome for a fast bike. Then I took my 300 to Summit Point Shenandoah Circuit, which is awesome for a small bike. Now, there is a cheap track day in August at Summit Point Main, and I have to decide whether to take my itty bitty 300.

So, would you track your ninjette here? http://www.summitpoint-raceway.com/i...id=4&Itemid=21

There's a 3000' straight (slightly downhill!), so I bet the 300 will top out. On the R6 I hit 145 without really pushing it, and the R1's were walking by me. So every lap, I'm gonna' be struggling to hit 105 with guys ripping by at 140-160.

BUT. It's an awesome track. Beautiful, fast turns. AND: it'll probably be $115 (including lunch).

Would you do it?

csmith12 · July 24th, 2013, 07:23 AM

Yep

tnr4 · July 24th, 2013, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Yep

Haha. I thought you might say that. Have you taken the ninjette on a really fast track before? If so, was it nerve-wrecking? Any advice?

Aufitt · July 24th, 2013, 07:37 AM

More importantly,

Why wouldn't you?

just drop down a group if the pace is too hot.

csmith12 · July 24th, 2013, 07:48 AM

It's not a big deal for me, I don't mind getting close to other riders. And they only buzz me on the straights. Mid-Ohio's back straight is also around 3000ft long and slightly down hill with a kink in it. And we ride our 250's out there just fine. Nelson Ledges is also a very fast track even though it's bumpy as all get out. The thing with that track is, it's fast everywhere, even in the corners. When I ride there, it's in the I group, the bumpy corner pace for a 250 is just to slow for the track day orgs to allow it. Beaver is pretty fast too and I rode A group there, getting buzzed anywhere and everywhere except turns 1 and 5. Draggin knee downhill is sick fun!!!!

Tips... hmmm
On the straights, leave room on BOTH sides for bikes to get around.
In the corners, do as you would normally do and hold your line. If they want around they can go on the outside or tuck up under you on exit as you drift wide. Either way, it shouldn't be a problem.
If you feel that the other riders are getting sketchy with you, ask for an orange vest (same as the control riders) or ask to be moved to a different group.
You can also, tell the organizer to alert the corner workers there are 250 riders out there. They may show a flag on the long straight to alert other riders of an "off paced" bike. It's best to do this during the riders meeting and get it all out in the open for everyone to hear and know.
If your pace allows for it and the track org will allow it, ride in the A group. More skilled riders are less likely to hit you.
Draft when you can also.

Above all, ride your ride as normal. Do not worry what others are doing. You know the drill, it's up to them to make a clean, safe pass.

ally99 · July 24th, 2013, 07:49 AM

I've done it. Road Atlanta is a super fast track, but my little ninja and I faired pretty well. Fast tracks leave plenty of straights for folks to get around you and gives you bragging rights when you then pass them in a corner!

tnr4 · July 24th, 2013, 07:58 AM

Oooh, you guys are gettin' me all excited! So who else is gonna' come out and join me in the slow-guy camp?

For anyone remotely local, the formal announcement hasn't gone out yet, but I have confirmed that it will be Monday, Aug 26. Price hasn't been set, but it's being sponsored by Coleman Powersports, and last time they did it, it was $115 with a cookout provided during lunch. I'll be going over with a buddy who rides a Street Triple, but would be happy to meet any fellow ninjetters!

Snake · July 24th, 2013, 08:19 AM

Oh yea I'd love to.

beazy411 · July 24th, 2013, 09:24 AM

Go for it, just be sure to move out of the way. The track down here in New Orleans has a long straight, almost a mile, and one of the guys takes his 250 on there in the intermidiate group. He may top out at 105mph, but he still has fun.

CC Cowboy · July 24th, 2013, 09:34 AM

Do it. What are they having for lunch?

tnr4 · July 24th, 2013, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beazy411

The track down here in New Orleans has a long straight, almost a mile

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snake

Oh yea I'd love to.

Road trip!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

What are they having for lunch?

The REAL important question, right? Last time they grilled burgers and dogs. I'm sure it will be the same. More importantly: they kept water and gatorade flowing all day!

Snake · July 24th, 2013, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnr4

Road trip!

:

Oh yea definitely planning a road trip.

rojoracing53 · July 24th, 2013, 09:43 AM

No

Would Laguna seca be considered a fast track?

sprinter · July 24th, 2013, 10:18 AM

I would avoid a Supermoto or any single on a fast track to keep from blowing it up, but these little Ninja's should do fine pinned for a mile. Good advice above, just make sure you're riding straight in the fast sections (not zig-zag) so the fast bikes can rip by with plenty of room, and then see how many you can catch back up in the corners. I had my 300 out at Mid-America Motorplex last week which is a moderately fast track, and it did fine.

TGRIFF · July 24th, 2013, 05:49 PM

Ive taken mine to Road Atlanta as well which is a really fast track. Lots of fun

cookiebug79 · July 24th, 2013, 06:18 PM

I have taken my pre-gen to Willow Springs International Raceway and Buttonwillow, which are both very fast tracks. I still passed people in the turns no problem. It really gets your cornering speed up!

JohnnyBravo · July 24th, 2013, 06:26 PM

Would I? Heck ya!!!
Have I? Nope

choneofakind · July 24th, 2013, 06:51 PM

Would I? hell yeah.
Have I? I guess I have.

I must be the only one, but I think it was damn cool getting buzzed on the straight at Mid-O. Those bikes sound SO MUCH BETTER under load at 130+ when the rip by you. Plus, it's pretty cool to not have to brake until much later than the big bikes because of how slow you're moving. Idk. It was a bit unnerving the first time, but after that it was a non-issue when I knew how it felt to be passed.

Chris's advice about riding the middle of the straights is spot on. That's also what the control riders told me.

NevadaWolf · July 24th, 2013, 09:05 PM

Not sure if RFR is considered a fast track or not, but I know the straights allow everyone to pass me. I just stick the line that I ride and let everyone flow around me on either side. I've had a few instructors get right along side me to help get used to people being closer, but everyone else just goes and then I catch them again in the corners. Love our Ninja!!

zvonler · July 25th, 2013, 09:06 AM

I ran my EX250 at Texas World Speedway, which is about as fast as the tracks get in Texas. On the front straight the big bikes are hitting 165 or so. I ran in the intermediate group (I run advanced on a big bike) and found that I was fairly competitive. Here's a clip where I run down several big bikes on everything but the front straight. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8eONZF6a28

tnr4 · July 25th, 2013, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zvonler

I ran my EX250 at Texas World Speedway, which is about as fast as the tracks get in Texas. On the front straight the big bikes are hitting 165 or so. I ran in the intermediate group (I run advanced on a big bike) and found that I was fairly competitive. Here's a clip where I run down several big bikes on everything but the front straight. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8eONZF6a28

Dude. That was BRILLIANT. I was literally laughing out loud as you repeatedly toasted that S1000rr in the first half. That must have been disheartening for that dude, to be riding one of the fastest production bikes in the world and to be poached by a 250 so hard that you couldn't even stay in front with that crazy-long straightaway.

sprinter · July 25th, 2013, 11:43 AM

Awesome video!

Jiggles · July 25th, 2013, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aufitt

More importantly,

Why wouldn't you?

just drop down a group if the pace is too hot.

But they don't have a D group

tnr4 · July 25th, 2013, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

But they don't have a D group

You're not wrong, but still:

burningscooter · August 6th, 2013, 01:33 PM

@tnr4 I will be out there. I was also at the last Coleman's track day at summit main and it was very crowded, but still fun.

tnr4 · August 7th, 2013, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burningscooter

@tnr4 I will be out there. I was also at the last Coleman's track day at summit main and it was very crowded, but still fun.

Awesome! I *think* I will be there, but have an appointment to sort out. I'm also not sure whether I'll be on my 300, or whether it will have sold by then. But $130 is a great deal.

July 24th, 2013, 07:18 AM	#1
tnr4 ninjette.org sage Name: Travis Location: Washington, DC Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Suzuki GSX650F! Past: Kawasaki Ninja 300 (Sold); Triumph Street Triple (Sold); Kawasaki Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: 664	Would You Take Your Ninjette to a Fast Track? Hey folks, So, I demo'd an R6 at Summit Point Main circuit, which is awesome for a fast bike. Then I took my 300 to Summit Point Shenandoah Circuit, which is awesome for a small bike. Now, there is a cheap track day in August at Summit Point Main, and I have to decide whether to take my itty bitty 300. So, would you track your ninjette here? http://www.summitpoint-raceway.com/i...id=4&Itemid=21 There's a 3000' straight (slightly downhill!), so I bet the 300 will top out. On the R6 I hit 145 without really pushing it, and the R1's were walking by me. So every lap, I'm gonna' be struggling to hit 105 with guys ripping by at 140-160. BUT. It's an awesome track. Beautiful, fast turns. AND: it'll probably be $115 (including lunch). Would you do it?

July 24th, 2013, 07:23 AM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Yep __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

July 24th, 2013, 07:48 AM	#5
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	It's not a big deal for me, I don't mind getting close to other riders. And they only buzz me on the straights. Mid-Ohio's back straight is also around 3000ft long and slightly down hill with a kink in it. And we ride our 250's out there just fine. Nelson Ledges is also a very fast track even though it's bumpy as all get out. The thing with that track is, it's fast everywhere, even in the corners. When I ride there, it's in the I group, the bumpy corner pace for a 250 is just to slow for the track day orgs to allow it. Beaver is pretty fast too and I rode A group there, getting buzzed anywhere and everywhere except turns 1 and 5. Draggin knee downhill is sick fun!!!! Tips... hmmm On the straights, leave room on BOTH sides for bikes to get around. In the corners, do as you would normally do and hold your line. If they want around they can go on the outside or tuck up under you on exit as you drift wide. Either way, it shouldn't be a problem. If you feel that the other riders are getting sketchy with you, ask for an orange vest (same as the control riders) or ask to be moved to a different group. You can also, tell the organizer to alert the corner workers there are 250 riders out there. They may show a flag on the long straight to alert other riders of an "off paced" bike. It's best to do this during the riders meeting and get it all out in the open for everyone to hear and know. If your pace allows for it and the track org will allow it, ride in the A group. More skilled riders are less likely to hit you. Draft when you can also. Above all, ride your ride as normal. Do not worry what others are doing. You know the drill, it's up to them to make a clean, safe pass. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

July 24th, 2013, 07:49 AM	#6
ally99 Ninja chick Name: Allyson Location: Athens, GA Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 4 MOTM - Dec '13, Feb '15	I've done it. Road Atlanta is a super fast track, but my little ninja and I faired pretty well. Fast tracks leave plenty of straights for folks to get around you and gives you bragging rights when you then pass them in a corner! __________________________________________________ Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. ~Drake Check out my Appalachian Trail journal, 2015! Postwhores are COOL! ~Allyson

July 24th, 2013, 09:24 AM	#9
beazy411 ninjette.org member Name: Aaron Location: New Orleans Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 159	Go for it, just be sure to move out of the way. The track down here in New Orleans has a long straight, almost a mile, and one of the guys takes his 250 on there in the intermidiate group. He may top out at 105mph, but he still has fun. __________________________________________________ ~B.

July 24th, 2013, 07:37 AM	#4
Aufitt The A Team Name: Aufitt Location: Western Australia Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): Z50, CB125, RZ500, MC22, R3. Posts: 394	More importantly, Why wouldn't you? just drop down a group if the pace is too hot.

July 24th, 2013, 07:58 AM	#7
tnr4 ninjette.org sage Name: Travis Location: Washington, DC Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Suzuki GSX650F! Past: Kawasaki Ninja 300 (Sold); Triumph Street Triple (Sold); Kawasaki Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: 664	Oooh, you guys are gettin' me all excited! So who else is gonna' come out and join me in the slow-guy camp? For anyone remotely local, the formal announcement hasn't gone out yet, but I have confirmed that it will be Monday, Aug 26. Price hasn't been set, but it's being sponsored by Coleman Powersports, and last time they did it, it was $115 with a cookout provided during lunch. I'll be going over with a buddy who rides a Street Triple, but would be happy to meet any fellow ninjetters!

July 24th, 2013, 08:19 AM	#8
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Oh yea I'd love to.

July 24th, 2013, 09:34 AM	#10
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	Do it. What are they having for lunch? __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

July 24th, 2013, 09:43 AM	#13
rojoracing53 Fast-Guy wannabe Name: Jason Location: Brentwood, Ca Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '13	No Would Laguna seca be considered a fast track?

July 24th, 2013, 10:18 AM	#14
sprinter ninjette.org member Name: JJ Location: USA Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2018 Ninja 400 Race Bike (in progress...) Posts: 126	I would avoid a Supermoto or any single on a fast track to keep from blowing it up, but these little Ninja's should do fine pinned for a mile. Good advice above, just make sure you're riding straight in the fast sections (not zig-zag) so the fast bikes can rip by with plenty of room, and then see how many you can catch back up in the corners. I had my 300 out at Mid-America Motorplex last week which is a moderately fast track, and it did fine.

July 24th, 2013, 05:49 PM	#15
TGRIFF ninjette.org member Name: Tyson Location: Fayetteville, NC Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R Posts: 72	Ive taken mine to Road Atlanta as well which is a really fast track. Lots of fun
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

July 24th, 2013, 06:18 PM	#16
cookiebug79 n00b with the b00bs Name: Jen Location: Southern California Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2007 EX250, 2008 EX250, 2001 ZR-7S, 2010 ZX-6R Posts: 470	I have taken my pre-gen to Willow Springs International Raceway and Buttonwillow, which are both very fast tracks. I still passed people in the turns no problem. It really gets your cornering speed up!

July 24th, 2013, 06:26 PM	#17
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Would I? Heck ya!!! Have I? Nope __________________________________________________

July 24th, 2013, 06:51 PM	#18
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Would I? hell yeah. Have I? I guess I have. I must be the only one, but I think it was damn cool getting buzzed on the straight at Mid-O. Those bikes sound SO MUCH BETTER under load at 130+ when the rip by you. Plus, it's pretty cool to not have to brake until much later than the big bikes because of how slow you're moving. Idk. It was a bit unnerving the first time, but after that it was a non-issue when I knew how it felt to be passed. Chris's advice about riding the middle of the straights is spot on. That's also what the control riders told me.

July 24th, 2013, 09:05 PM	#19
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Not sure if RFR is considered a fast track or not, but I know the straights allow everyone to pass me. I just stick the line that I ride and let everyone flow around me on either side. I've had a few instructors get right along side me to help get used to people being closer, but everyone else just goes and then I catch them again in the corners. Love our Ninja!! __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

July 25th, 2013, 09:06 AM	#20
zvonler ninjette.org member Name: Zach Location: Texas Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 250R Posts: 70	I ran my EX250 at Texas World Speedway, which is about as fast as the tracks get in Texas. On the front straight the big bikes are hitting 165 or so. I ran in the intermediate group (I run advanced on a big bike) and found that I was fairly competitive. Here's a clip where I run down several big bikes on everything but the front straight. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8eONZF6a28

July 25th, 2013, 11:43 AM	#22
sprinter ninjette.org member Name: JJ Location: USA Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2018 Ninja 400 Race Bike (in progress...) Posts: 126	Awesome video!

August 6th, 2013, 01:33 PM	#25
burningscooter clutch Name: nameless Location: Maryland Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): L1 GSXR600 Posts: 543	@tnr4 I will be out there. I was also at the last Coleman's track day at summit main and it was very crowded, but still fun.

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