what class should i race in?

[Dan151]

im 16 years old, 5'11" and 145 pounds, ive been riding for about 4 years. im going to race next fall and i was wondering what class do you think i should race in? im thinking about the 125cc 2 stroke, because i love 4 stroke but its just gunna cost to much to maintain and ive always wanted to race 2 smokes since i started riding.


what do you guys think? any suggestions from you racers out there?

[jhendrix]

Are you asking what class to race in, or what kind of bike to get?

If you are asking what class to race, it depends on bike size and skill level.

Just trying to get it cleared up.

[Dan151]

Originally Posted by jhendrix

Are you asking what class to race in, or what kind of bike to get?

If you are asking what class to race, it depends on bike size and skill level.

Just trying to get it cleared up.

i guess i should start with what kind of bike do you guys recommend? 125 2 smoke or 250 four poke? what company?

im a low budget racer and im just looking to race for the fun of it. Im intermediate at riding, been riding for awhile, and i have a good knowledge of 2 strokes and would be able to work on them my self (i.e. top end rebuilds and other maintenance)

[JS89]

Just get a 125 and ride two stroke classes and 125 B Or whatever Classes the tracks have that you will race at

[Dan151]

Originally Posted by JS89

Just get a 125 and ride two stroke classes and 125 B Or whatever Classes the tracks have that you will race at

yeah thats what i was thinking! anyone else have any input?

[Freak]

How would we know what class you should ride in? Are you good? Can you hang with b riders? Have you gone to the track and ran with any class riders?

[Dan151]

Originally Posted by Freak

How would we know what class you should ride in? Are you good? Can you hang with b riders? Have you gone to the track and ran with any class riders?

im totally new to racing, i guess i have my mind on a 125 ill have to check out a few track locally a see what class i could start in....

[Freak]

That's a good idea. Get on the track during practice sessions and try to hang with some of the other riders. Next step will be to find out what class riders your hanging with are in. I'm not a racer, I like to ride the tracks, but just from doing that, I know what class I need to be in. Good Luck Dan, and let us know how when you find out. Lot's of people here are avid racers and can help you a ton!

[MXtras]

I have NEVER seen an individual that has never raced do very well in his/her first few races. The intensity has to be experienced.

With that being said, I strongly suggest getting a bike you are comfortable with and then start going to the local tracks on open practice day as Mr. Freak suggests. His suggestion is spot on.

I have always said - you will learn more in a single moto than you will in weeks of riding by yourself.

I would plan on running 125C to start with, or even D class (beginner) if it's offered. Run a few races until you place in the top 10-15% of the field then move yourself up if they don't do it for you. The C and D classes are dangerous, so be careful - especially in the first few turns of each moto.

Scott

[Dan151]

Originally Posted by MXtras

I have NEVER seen an individual that has never raced do very well in his/her first few races. The intensity has to be experienced.

With that being said, I strongly suggest getting a bike you are comfortable with and then start going to the local tracks on open practice day as Mr. Freak suggests. His suggestion is spot on.

I have always said - you will learn more in a single moto than you will in weeks of riding by yourself.

I would plan on running 125C to start with, or even D class (beginner) if it's offered. Run a few races until you place in the top 10-15% of the field then move yourself up if they don't do it for you. The C and D classes are dangerous, so be careful - especially in the first few turns of each moto.

Scott

thanks for the advice guys!

i guess its time to start my hunt for a 125

[MXtras]

Don't hesitate to try a 250F. Ride both and decide which you prefer.

I race the 250 class and I run 250 2 strokes. I am usually the only 250 on the gate. I have ridden and raced numerous 450s but I just enjoy riding the 2-strokes. The 4-stroke is easier to ride, though.

You know - you can run a 250 2-stroke in the "125" class...... Makes no sense to me but the AMA allows it. I have considered running a "125" class race on my 250 just for fun but haven't yet. I have too much fun running with the 450s for now.

It's not the bike that makes you better. It's the rider.

Scott

Scott

[VET393]

I would start in D if they have that, move to C then B. You can always move up, but most districts dont let you move back.

[Dan151]

Originally Posted by MXtras

Don't hesitate to try a 250F. Ride both and decide which you prefer.

I race the 250 class and I run 250 2 strokes. I am usually the only 250 on the gate. I have ridden and raced numerous 450s but I just enjoy riding the 2-strokes. The 4-stroke is easier to ride, though.

You know - you can run a 250 2-stroke in the "125" class...... Makes no sense to me but the AMA allows it. I have considered running a "125" class race on my 250 just for fun but haven't yet. I have too much fun running with the 450s for now.

It's not the bike that makes you better. It's the rider.

Scott

Scott

thats very interesting, i own an 07' crf450r now, but im not nearly experienced enough to race the 450s and it would cost much more then i can afford to keep up with valve adjustments, top ends, etc.

i definetly want to race a 125 or 250 2 stroke. im gunna have to call some tracks near me and find out if they will let me run a 250 in the 125 class. i had a yz250 for awhile and it was one of the funnest bikes ive had, but the 125 might be better for me to learn on and eventually get a 250 2 stroke

[MXtras]

If you struggle to maintain that 450 then you are not going to get along well with a 125 2-stroke!

Scott

[Dan151]

Originally Posted by MXtras

If you struggle to maintain that 450 then you are not going to get along well with a 125 2-stroke!

Scott

if anything i do to much maintenance on my 450, i don't struggle to maintain it, i meant to say that i wouldn't be able to afford it if i raced it.....

is there a considerable size difference between the 250 and 125 2 strokes, ive only owned a yz250?

[MXtras]

The two bikes are very close in physical size. The 250 is a bit heavier.

Scott

[Duran676]

hey dan you ever get in a race, i have never raced in an organized race, just fooling around with friends at the local tracks. I've been tosing the idea around for a year or so now, still not sure. Maybe ill do it just for fun and see what its like. I'd like to hear from your experiance

[Budlite]

The common unwritten rule for motocross is that if you have to ask what class to ride, you are a beginner. Don't let the name fool you, the front runners in the class are usually pretty fast and quite often lap first time beginners. I'm not saying that this will happen to you but you never know.

[Freak]

right on, way to many sand baggers out there. I hate that crap.

[Ekholm]

Originally Posted by Freak

right on, way to many sand baggers out there. I hate that crap.

Amen brother!!!! I hated in my racing days when some hot shot "B" class rider would come in from out of town and run in "c" class. When I moved up to "B" class I couldn't even imagine running in a lower class!!! It just doesn't seem right. Obviously, It would be like the Steelers coming to town and playing a local community college team.

Besides, riding with FASTER riders will help you get faster. My .02 worth anyway.