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1865
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6/22/2009
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Brooksville, FL
US
Jakes Dad
2/3/2015 10:15am
2/3/2015 10:15am
Edited Date/Time
2/3/2015 5:09pm
Past weekend at Gatorback Winter Am Jake and I were there with all our friends we met while back on 65's almost 10 years ago. Anyway it was 3 other Dads and sons, whom are fortunate enough to keep new equipment for their boys to race. However this past weekend my philosophy and budget came to light. Jake has one YZ 250 2 stroke and I've figured for now that will work, we sold his two RM 125's which I don't think both were ever race ready (transmission issues). This past weekend the other Dad's had brand new broken bikes left at home. One kid had 2 blown KX 250f's one mod. he couldn't race. Both other Dad's had to use stock bikes both their mod bikes were blown up. YZ and KX 250F's.
This has been common occurrence this whole year, we haven't put half the time on the YZ (injury) but still that's major money to keep their kids riding. Still fun to get out there, drink a few (to many) beers and talk racing. Jake had a decent weekend with good starts and decent finishes, rear brake caliper came apart after 1st moto of the day and he had to deal with it hanging and boiling the fluid the rest of the day. He wanted to fire his mechanic but it still was a happy ride home (in one piece).
Point being I couldn't have fun if I had to deal with fixing blown up 250f's every month, like my buddies have.
Couple of Jake's starts #719
This has been common occurrence this whole year, we haven't put half the time on the YZ (injury) but still that's major money to keep their kids riding. Still fun to get out there, drink a few (to many) beers and talk racing. Jake had a decent weekend with good starts and decent finishes, rear brake caliper came apart after 1st moto of the day and he had to deal with it hanging and boiling the fluid the rest of the day. He wanted to fire his mechanic but it still was a happy ride home (in one piece).
Point being I couldn't have fun if I had to deal with fixing blown up 250f's every month, like my buddies have.
Couple of Jake's starts #719
My son raced for 10 years, I miss those rides to the races and then back home again more than anything else.
He's grown and lives 1000 miles away now but the memories we have from those drives will always keep us close.
Thats what its about, having fun and spending time together
That being said, how does one blow up so many bikes? Enough money for 4 bikes but not enough money to keep up with rebuilds/oil changes?
Congrats to Jake on the good weekend!
The Shop
YZ250 is the way to go in your situation, keep it affordable and fun.
also, i've been running the 719 for about 18 years now, looks good!
But, I know exactly what you mean on the other part of your post. I have been riding with my son for the past 7+ years and it is the greatest thing in the world. We load up the hauler and head out for the weekend. Wife comes too, family time is priceless and the memories will last long after I am gone. We were at round 1 ourselves and had a great time. The results were not where we wanted them to be but it was fun and when it stops being fun it will be time to hang up the helmet. I agree that 2 strokes are making a comeback and it's a good thing. For me though, 4 stroke is the way to go. Like someone said above, why have multiple new bikes in the garage that you cannot fix? Have one and keep up with the maintenance. Either way, ride what puts a smile on your face.
Post a reply to: Amateur racing keeping it fun.