Thoughts on a mid-size bike/class for AFM

[Joezilla916]

Hi, I'm planning to start Racing in the next year. I have a KTM 390RC CUP which I will be using for NRS and Clubman. I have prior racing experience more than 10 years ago in the 600 supersport class.

Based on the dying 600 class and that I'm, uh, getting up there in years, I'm looking for a class that is running bikes in the ~100HP (Or less) range similar to the Aprilia RS 660. Where do you think race classes are evolving? Should I look at twins? I prefer classes that have multiple manufacturers with bikes that are available widely on the consumer market.

400cc bikes appear to be catching on as well and might be a good way to go.

What have you heard? Where do you think the sport is going?

Thanks in advance.
--Joe

 

[Clutchaclese]

So it sounds like you just want to get through the NRS and Clubman on the RC390 and then buy a different, more 'permanent' racebike?

 

[Holeshot]

We don't have a good handle on what the dominant classes will be in the next 5 years. 600's will remain relatively strong as will 1K's. 660/ 400RR's will be a decent class as well, IMO. We haven't seen much from R7's. 400's are decently strong as well.

IMO: a 600cc bike can run 6 non-chapter optional classes. That's a lot to chose from. in 2023, 3 of of the 6-10 plates were from 600/750 classes.

 

[Clutchaclese]

We don't have a good handle on what the dominant classes will be in the next 5 years. 600's will remain relatively strong as will 1K's. 660/ 400RR's will be a decent class as well, IMO. We haven't seen much from R7's. 400's are decently strong as well.

IMO: a 600cc bike can run 6 non-chapter optional classes. That's a lot to chose from. in 2023, 3 of of the 6-10 plates were from 600/750 classes.

Berto just wants another 600 in his classes so he gets another point when he beats you. JK buddy

I think the 660 would be a cool bike to race, its obviously competitive since it does so well in MA. But I also have to agree with Berto, you'll always have lots of classes to race in with the 600, but steep competition to go with it.

 

[Joezilla916]

Berto just wants another 600 in his classes so he gets another point when he beats you. JK buddy

I think the 660 would be a cool bike to race, its obviously competitive since it does so well in MA. But I also have to agree with Berto, you'll always have lots of classes to race in with the 600, but steep competition to go with it.

Lol. I am very beat-able.

The 660 is very tempting, but it's basically the only bike in it's class. The R7 doesn't seem competitive unless it gets a TON of expensive upgrades or Yamaha decides to beef it up a bit.

600s are fine but who's making new bikes? Almost nobody. Might not be the worst decision to get a used trackbike in the 600 class and just suck it up while the industry tries to figure itself out.

Maybe the better way to look at this would be to review the AFM classes and figure out where I'll have the most fun. (Given Berto lapping me...)

 

[Clutchaclese]

Another thought I just had was to look on Speedhive and see the AFM championship totals. You can see how many entries each class has had over the past year(s). Then its easy enough to figure out which bike is most competitive. Either by just knowing what bike fits in that class, or you can even go to oxymoron and get pics of the bikes that are championship winning.
It would take a bit of detective work but I think it would be worth the time spent.


https://beta.speedhive.com/organizations/280994/championships

 

[Ricebowls]

Sounds like a Super Hooligans bike is just what you need. It's middle weight....


(Sorry just trying to promote a new class)

 

[Starpower]

Perhaps the new Ninja 400 4cyl.?

 

[markermck]

Getting up there in years....
Looking for a fun class that's middleweight or equivalent...

Get a Vintage Superbike (most Vintage Superbikes wont outrun a modern 400cc twin)! 1982 or older, twin shocks, carburetors, etc.

Most fun I've had in years of racing, and a fantastically supportive group of riders. Plus most of us are (well) over 50 nowadays!