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I'm wanting to start racing next year and was wondering where the best place to start is. I was thinking the EDIasia F400 or the MRO Rookie 600's.

Basically I'd like to hear people's thoughts experiences.

Anyone on here racing in either of these? Or any race for that matter?

The 600 class is win it or bin it, they do lots, smashed bikes in nearly every race. Mostly teenagers. High spec bikes.

The edi asia has probably some of the fastest 400 racers in this country.

IIm sure ive heard somewhere the people race in 400 to actually learn to go fast?

RedexRobB wrote:IIm sure ive heard somewhere the people race in 400 to actually learn to go fast?

Yes

I've done 400s for a few years and doing a few EDIasia bemsee rounds this year. In 2007 I did the Triumph Tripple Challenge and took 2008 out. I'm having so much more fun this year racing the ZXR than I did with the TTC, for all sorts of reasons, nothing wrong with it though, in fact it's excellent, but just not for me this year.

Traditionly, people used to start on the smaller bikes and then work there way up, and 400s were a very popular way to go, it's the way most youngsters go (they're restriced to bike size due to age). Things seem to have changed a bit, a lot of poeple now appear to go straight to 600s. One problem is that 400s aren't made any more, so less interest. There are some serious tuned bikes in Rookie 600s, and probably also some standard bikes, at that level it's all down to rider ability, but as time goes on, a good rider on a tuned bike will always win it and then everyone else want's a tuned bike. Itcan get very expensive.

Having said that, 400s are similar in that respect, the front runers do tend to have the top tuned bikes, but again a quicker rider on a standard bike can still do very well. You are less likely to get spat off a 400. It's all about corner speed, getting the braking right and getting on the power as soon as possible, being precise. If you can master that on a 400, you'll be quick on most bikes. If you jump straight onto a 600, it'll be more about power and using it rather than anything else, you could miss learning about other things. All just my opinion of course. I also think you'd find the 400 riders will be more freindly and bend over backwards to help you if you have a problem. Best get along to a meeting or two and see what it's all about. Good luck whatever you decide.

Greville

Thanks everyone.

Ballsout that's what I wanted to hear! My philosophy has always been about learning corner speed before power. It's why I've only owned a 125 and 400!
I like the almost unlimited regs on 400's. I'm hopefully entering with a mate in a team scenario (share a van etc). Both of them want 600's but I'm going to continue to push for 400's. Especially as I'm used to thrashing a ZXR. I feel very comfortable on them.

Am I right in thinking the 600's can only run for 5yrs, meaning <2004 are not allowed? Because that instantly puts the price up!

Anyway I'll try not to hassle you too much, but expect me to be asking more questions!

f400 all the way.
There has been somewhat of a f400 resurgence ive noticed in the last 2 years, with thanks to people like John Sanders puting good time and money in for bemsee, and similar things in other clubs.
Its up there in the main classes now, one to be in, not a dwindling numbers race as some predicted when i started 2 years ago.
Plus when you look at the time sheets across the country, old 400's not that far off new 600 times. they can still hack it

I've always heard that 600 class is the most competitive, and therefore the most money will be needed to be competitive.
I think it's something to do with people thinking they can't handle a thou on track so opt for a 600.

I'm desperate to race F400, I just need to sort out what money i will have next year, being a student with nothing but my loan and what i earn from the UOTC. Probably not alot lol, but i'm willing to go hungry for a few races

I'd definatly say go for a 400 fact is they are great fun and not so fast as to scare you plus in a year or two you can add a 600 and get out in two classes.

By year 3 you should have your national and be ready for some real racing................on real roads then it' s but a short ferry crossing to the IOM and the Manx GP

Easy really

Go for the 400's mate. They will offer you a good base to start with and give you an easier time than a 600. 600 racing is pretty cutthroat as well. If you're after a third team member......