DRZ-400SM + Barber Track = crazy?

[1moreroad]

Lots of ifs and this is a long way out, but planning for my next bike(s) purchase(s) is almost as fun as buying them.

If I keep up these 350 mile rides to/from work, I'll replace the 6 with an FJR next year for better weather protection, lower maintenance, and lockable hard bags.

I think I've talked my wife into a dual sport second bike to explore all the gravel roads around here (honey, I can go on a fun ride and still be home by lunch).

Then I'd be missing my annual track weekend.  Yes, annual -- once a year is enough to scratch the itch.  Assuming for a moment that my skills are sufficient, could I run something like a DRZ-400SM with sporty tires at a fast track like Barber in the intermediate group?  Is it fast enough or are the turns too fast and it's totally outclassed?  Is this a case where the bike's top speed is truly a limiting factor?

[DogBoy]

A few options with the DRZ.

No reason you shouldn't be able run the DRZ at a track day. It would be really fun. Ask the track day provider about any restrictions they may have on small SM's mixing it up in the intermediate class. You don't want to get taken out by some noob on a GSXR1000. (just joking)

Also, look into track days at Little Talledega (sp?) as I believe that track is tighter and slower than Barber. I'm sure its narrower.    Continuing on the smaller, tighter theme; see if there a SuperMoto practice days at any local go-kart tracks. There is one near me with Super Moto only track days for between $25 and $50. Thats insane fun for low dollars.

Also ask around at supermotojunkie.com in the Suzuki forum.

[stk0308]

A friend of mine did a number of trackdays with Sportbike Track Time on his motard WR450.  A couple at Barber, said it was a real blast!  With the street gearing on the DRZ400SM it should be fine.  Especially at Barber.  Stay just off the fast line in the longer straights though.  But going around the outside of 'racerboy' in many of the turns will be a hoot  

[Windblown]

What's the typical top speeds at Barber?  You can figure that a mostly stock DRZ ain't gonna get north of 100.

No doubt you'll hang (and pass many) in the corners. But the speed differential on the straights would be something to be mindful of.

[Thor]

People (not many) race motards at Brainerd - although re-geared - I would think you would be fine.

Barber isn't close to as fast as Brainerd.  I've been on both.

[Tar Snake]

No advice, but 350 mile commute!

[Jeff N]

People (not many) race motards at Brainerd - although re-geared - I would think you would be fine.

Barber isn't close to as fast as Brainerd.  I've been on both.

Brainerd is undergoing a make over-



Linky- http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2007/Oct/071018bir.htm

As others have mention, a DRZ could be great fun, and if you're going to put some sticky rubber on it, it might be worth the expense to to get an extra rear wheel with a taller gearing attached.

[Mr Sunshine]

As others have mention, a DRZ could be great fun, and if you're going to put some sticky rubber on it, it might be worth the expense to to get an extra rear wheel with a taller gearing attached.

Which usually means a longer chain.

[Mac]

Little Taladega would be a blast on a sm. Its very tight, so the lighter bikes really make up for the lost ground on the 2 longer straights.


Theres also a sm race series in Ms. http://www.edgewise-racing.com/
I have a co worker who was big into it for a while and really enjoyed racing. There is a track in Clinton, Ms.
http://www.mississippikarting.com/

[jed]

What's the typical top speeds at Barber?  You can figure that a mostly stock DRZ ain't gonna get north of 100.

No doubt you'll hang (and pass many) in the corners. But the speed differential on the straights would be something to be mindful of.

AMA guys hit about 150 for a moment.  Longest straight is about 1500 feet so top speed isn't as important as corner speed.

Here's a 'tard in D superbike at the GNF at road ATL.  Watch for his nutty braking in turn 10.

[phoenix]

there's usually one nutjob out there who chooses to take the unconventional ride. Maybe this time its you Greg?

 

I guess what I mean to say is that there are some people who can keep pace with something like the DRZ, but they will lose ground on the straights. I think you said you're in the Intermediate class in NESBA, not sure if you plan to look at any other organization. Anyway, you can pass in the corners in I class in NESBA, but will you be catching up in the corners or just keeping pace? I mean most everyone else is going to be walking away from you on the straights, and TO ME there is some entertainment during trackdays when I'm running with a group, and then there's an empty feeling when others are just leaving me behind so easily. I know this isn't the root purpose for trackdays, but for me I don't think I would want to take that approach.

[Mr Sunshine]

JED THAT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!  Thanks!

[DogBoy]

AMA guys hit about 150 for a moment.  Longest straight is about 1500 feet so top speed isn't as important as corner speed.

Here's a 'tard in D superbike at the GNF at road ATL.  Watch for his nutty braking in turn 10.

That rocked!   Greatest vid evar!  

[Orson]

I think I've talked my wife into a dual sport second bike to explore all the gravel roads around here.

just my opinion but...

I think going from gravel roads to track days is stretching the "dualsport" concept to the limit.

but then I don't see enjoyment in riding 1000 pound beemer GS bikes off road either  

For me, I'd rather have a dedicated dirt bike for off road...something that won't kill me when I have to pick it up 10 times in one day.

And I think I would find the DRZ just a bit limiting on a track. Fun? Yes...but I think the throttle stop would get worn out from having the throttle pinned to WFO all the time  

[kurtw]

Continuing on the smaller, tighter theme; see if there a SuperMoto practice days at any local go-kart tracks. There is one near me with Super Moto only track days for between $25 and $50. Thats insane fun for low dollars.

+1 Cheap fun!!! (relatively)

The tracks around here allow open practice for supermoto, alternating sessions with the karts. I rode last Sunday with two guys on DRZs.

[jed]

That rocked!   Greatest vid evar!  

I should note that the video is from a WERA racer and not from me, not that anyone thought it was me riding or filming!!!!