Small displacement bikes

[zabz]

For the past 2 years I have been riding small displacement machines. I have a 40cc 2 stroke pocketbike that can reach almost 60mph and a 125cc 4 stroke single motard with clip-ons. I have to say that racing these bikes has really improved my skills on bikes. Of course a large part of this is due to regular riding and track time in a competition environment, but I also believe that another major factor in my development is the small displacement machines. With the smaller bikes you can ride them on the ragged edge knowing that with the slower speeds even a high side won't be that bad which gives you the confidence push the limits. Decreased cost is also a huge factor as cheaper racing and track time allow for more track time and more rider development. And as I got better on the small bikes, I got better on the big bikes.

I bring this up because I have always wanted to get a liter bike. Those of you who know me know this would be a GSX-R1000. At our last SCminiGP event Richard Barnett of Racebikerentals.com brought out and rented his fleet of race ready Ninja 250Rs.

Being a kart track it was a little tighter than running them wide open at big willow. I rode the bikes on Saturday and Sunday and it was a blast. I was fourth in the race as I wanted to be really careful to not drop the bike and have to pay for damages, but it was still major fun.

So after this experience I have to reevaluate the liter bike option. Big power does equal big fun, but does it really help rider development for the regular guy?

What do you think?

[Pacifico]

I'd have to say 80- 90% of the reason people ride litre bikes on the street is ego. That from a litre bike rider. More than a few modify the motor (exhaust, PCM, etc) as soon as possible, putting an exclamation point on misinformed if not necessarily ego.

I can ride a 750 fastest without a doubt. Depending on the road, second would be either the litre or a 600, the tighter the terrain the more the 6 shines.

But your question seems to be related to learning and given that there's no doubt bigger isn't better. I'd think that's intuitive but it's not.

Over 30 years riding the fastest thing I could either get my hands on or afford (times weren't always good) and I'll say this; my current bike which is a couple generations old now (2003 GSXR1000) is the second bike I've owned that scares me and that for the sheer insanity factor. The other was years ago and tended to get the death wobbles at odd times - more of a pucker factor that one.

I ride the 1000 in part because I'm at an age where having it wound up to 12 grand just to start the day doesn't entertain me any more. I can handle the power, appreciate the torque and once in a while, scare myself doing it. I've modified the suspension completely and the motor only with a slip on because the stock can is the size of a moose and, well, pfffft.

As to the rider development, there's one nasty flaw most 600's have, peaky power. A lot of them are kittens at 10K RPM and lions at 12. Coming on the power in a corner exit could get one more than they bargain for. Litre's are more linear, which is good considering the amount of power on tap. I'd guess a majority of the sport bikes ditched into gravel up the 33 are 600's, 50% plain inexperience on too much bike and 50% more power came on than the rider was ready for.

No matter the mount, and there are a zillion bike types for a reason. Learning one's particular quirks before setting out at warp 9 is a good idea. Is a 600 safer than a Litre? I don't believe so. A GS500 is but just about any modern race rep sport bike is an expert only machine regardless the displacement. Time and experience will dictate which you prefer and why.

Small bikes at the track are just plain fun. Good call that.

Pacifico

[Pancho]

BIG BIKE-little bike ?? That is the question. In my opinion there is knowledge to be gleaned from riding both types of bike. As was previously mentioned,the smaller displacement 600 has a very narrow/peaky powerband. the "sweet spot" really requires the rider to pay attention to detail in order to carry the smoothest/fastest laps around the track or rides through the canyons.

And then there is the "BIG BIKE". Lots-O-fun for sure. Just think wheelie and voila you are up on one. Or twist the throttle and see 150 before you shift into 5th. G-Force's have an addicting quality all their own.

The reality is. you have to run before you can walk and the smaller bike is a great teacher. But once you have gotten on to the higher levels of learning. You can refine such skills as Throttle control,hard breaking(at times necessary because of the faster acceleration),power slides and of course keeping ones self in check(Common Sense).

Personally. I started out on a mini bike as a young kid and worked my way up through displacement as I grew and learned. The majority of my experience has been in the dirt. And the skills learned there,have helped me with this whole Crotch Rocket errr Sportbike thing no doubt. But even back then. The Open class bikes were a great teacher. After learning to ride on smaller bikes that is.

In summation. There is fun to be had on whatever bike a person chooses to ride. And the lessons to be learned may change depending on displacement. But final outcome will always lay in the hands of the rider....

[Pacific1000]

The big bike I ride isn't JUST because of my ego. I prefer the big power for the power of take off when even in lower gears. In summary I prefer the liter bike because I want to keep my ego and the ass attached to it after getting sqeezed in traffic.

For the track I think all the classes of bikes are great. I'd take a smaller bike lower than my personal bike. I know every time I've got the bike leaned over the thought of my leg under my bike sliding is there. Funny thing is every time I think of getting another bike to abuse its a bike one too. Last retired race bike a 93 gsxr1100WP got disappered out of he shop it was stored at while deployed. They said since they couldn't get ahold of me and they were going out of business..... I wan't the only one hit by that one.

Big bikes or lower cc bikes? As long as its fast for the course conditions its for it works.

[Pacific1000]

You know any bike is going to have you adjusting to its characteristics. After a break in period it doesn't take any time at all to realize twisting the throtle for fun has its limits with a liter bike. More important with bigger bikes is knowing what you are getting into. The newer GSX-R1000's is always great for linear power so that you aren't getting the lumps in the power curve that might need extra caution working around certain rpm's. It all boils down to just being a ride you are in control of. Just be extra cautious messing around on a 1000 because simple things like putting a little extra speed on before entering a turn is lightening fast speed increases that need to be regulated. It's just a fast bike and good at manuevering. Staying on the road is a good habit

If you get one take care on it and all should be well.