www.SEMRA.org

[mcjohn]

my 11 year old son wants to start racing street, we have a klx110 and I was wondering if I would be best to just set that bike up for him to race street or sell it and get a thumpstar so he can race the spec class and the novice a class on one bike?

thanks for any input

John


edit: sorry this is my first post, also want to say hello and looking forward to seeing everyone at the track.

[HONCHO]

Either bike is a viable bike. The spec bike is legal for more than one class and the KLX110 is as well. Review the rulebook and you will see the classes that both are legal for. The thing that he will not be able to do is race Novice and expert unless it is the Kids spec bike 90cc. The Lightwieght and Heavywieght classes are much to fast for a Novice racer. SEMRA will allow Novice kids to race Kids Spec due to the typically slower speeds in these events. I would reccomend the 4 speed conversion for the KLX to make the bike more competitive. The Kids Spec would get a novice racer more track time. As your child progresses He will be allowed to move up to the expert classes. We watch this on a case by case basis. I certainly welcome new faces to our sport and hope to see you at the track soon.

[KAK324]

Well, I don't know much, but I do know a little about this subject. My opinion would be to get him a spec bike or a 65cc 2-stroke.

At 11 years old, he will adapt to either bike quite quickly. At least enough to start having fun and building confidence. Either of these bikes are eligible for multiple classes once he is ready. Until then, he can race the Spec Bike in Adult Novice and the 65 in either Adult Novice or Kids Novice A.

The goal would be to start him out on a bike that he is capable of learning on, and that he will also be able to race competitively with, if and when he decides that he likes it. ...who am I kidding, of course he will like it.

There is a lot more to this discussion. If you would like to ask questions I will do my best to answer them either here on the forum or on the phone.
_________________
Kerry Kling
Kling Racing & Development
706-513-6393
www.cobraofaugusta.com
www.PalmerKling.com

Thanks to or 2010 sponsors:
Cobra Motorcycles, Arai, 4Feathers Racing, Motul, Pit Bull, Next Moto Champion, Vortex, Chicken Hawk Racing

[KAK324]

Oh yeah. Welcome to SEMRA.
_________________
Kerry Kling
Kling Racing & Development
706-513-6393
www.cobraofaugusta.com
www.PalmerKling.com

Thanks to or 2010 sponsors:
Cobra Motorcycles, Arai, 4Feathers Racing, Motul, Pit Bull, Next Moto Champion, Vortex, Chicken Hawk Racing

[mcjohn]

We have a 110 and a kx 65, he is a little gun shy on the kx due to the hit but I'm sure he'll get used to it over time.

I'm assuming I can get a new wheel/tire set for the KX and maybe gear it or put a flywheel weight on it and not have to buy a new bike or spend money on hopping up the 110 (may actually sell the 110 as we are eyeballing the new 110L). I'm assuming the 110L will be legal in whatever class the 110 is legal in.

We had really bad luck with a pitster pro and I'm a little reluctant to go the chinese pit bike route again. I'm assuming everyone is happy with the thumpstars or they wouldn't be so popular within semra, maybe we just got a bad apple.

Thanks for all the insight, I'm going through the rules and classes now trying to figure out what is best. Mainly I want to make sure we have a bike that he can race in a few classes competatively as showing up for a race an only being eligable for 1 class makes for a long day.

Are there any practice days coming up where we can meet some folks and get some track time in? Are there any trainers that work with the kids going over fundamentals?

Thanks Again,
John

[KAK324]

If you have the KX65 already then you should start with that bike. He will get used to it quite quickly. A lot of people race them. You can get a set of used wheels for that bike for $500. In fact, you could have them by this weekend if you really wanted them. Ask me how I know...

The Thumpstars are great little bikes, and Hendo on here can get you set up with one if that is the route you want to go. My boys have both learned a lot from their Spec bikes.

The next SEMRA event is at CMP on August 14th and 15th. Saturday is an all day practice day so he will get lots of track time. If this is something he wants to do, you have plenty of time to get him and the bike ready for that event.

I can help get you leathers and gloves if needed also. Just give me a call.

As far as trainers, I would be more than happy to help him out and get him started. I can at least show him the fundamentals. My older boy will show him some lines on track and work with him too.
_________________
Kerry Kling
Kling Racing & Development
706-513-6393
www.cobraofaugusta.com
www.PalmerKling.com

Thanks to or 2010 sponsors:
Cobra Motorcycles, Arai, 4Feathers Racing, Motul, Pit Bull, Next Moto Champion, Vortex, Chicken Hawk Racing

[mcjohn]

I just sent Hendo and email. John is still a little put off by the 65 but really pumped about the Thumpstar. Since he is the one ACTUALLY riding the bike I guess it's best hook the kid up with what he wants to ride and let him figure out where to go next as he learns the sport.

I'll give you a call over the next few days regarding leathers and trying to find a way to get him onto a track to get some riding in.

-John

[KAK324]

The Spec bike is a great option. It's race ready and he will get used to it fairly quickly. Then when he is ready, you can set-up the KX65. BTW, that will probably take about 1 weekend.

Welcome to the madness. You will have a lot of fun.
_________________
Kerry Kling
Kling Racing & Development
706-513-6393
www.cobraofaugusta.com
www.PalmerKling.com

Thanks to or 2010 sponsors:
Cobra Motorcycles, Arai, 4Feathers Racing, Motul, Pit Bull, Next Moto Champion, Vortex, Chicken Hawk Racing