If you are into racing....

[axiom-r]

This video has generated quite a bit of discussion on other forums....  check out the Ninja 250 against the big bikes at Laguna Seca.  Impressive stuff!!

Cheers- tim

Ninja 250 vs. the big bikes at Laguna Seca

[The General]

Very Interesting Video Tim. Obviously also two different classes of riders (as well as bikes) and a good example of a not too serious, fun track day. My head was leaning into every corner.

[Dan Filetti]

Cool, he really knew the track well.  His breaking markers were waaaaaay later than the rest, his lines through the corners were good and he was able to pass much bigger bikes as a result.  If that track had less straights, and more curves, he would own that track. As it is he pretty much does already.

Dan

[oz.fj]

  Geez hes really riding the wheels off that Ninja.
  Goes to prove the old saying -
  its up to the bike in the straights and the rider in the corners

   Darran

[axiom-r]

Its kind of long at 10+ minutes but over that time he does get away from all the bigger bikes and catch up to the pair of big bikes that is turning the faster times.  My guess is that this is the course instructor or some other pro..  It takes some experience to hold it on approaching the top of the corkscrew like that....

The corner entry speed and the ability to pass guys at the apex - ON THE OUTSIDE!!!   The guy is putting on a clinic!  I was impressed and amazed so I thought I would share.

The trade of for horsepower is weight. Less weight = higher corner speeds.  So bigger is not necessarily better.....

Cheers - tim

[ApriliaBill]

I have a friend of mine, he's about 5'5" maybe a buck fifty wet, and rides an Aprilia 125, every time my buds go to track day, all I hear is about how he destroys all the big bikes. There was also a kid (unfortunately he was hit by a slower rider and killed at Indy last year) I think he was twelve, He regularly had videos on that showed him lapping big bikes all day, It was like watching a video game, I'm pretty sure it was also an Aprilia 125.

There is a lot to be said for smaller bikes, less mass to move around and try to slow down. Most of you guys are so used to riding the big dogs, would be surprised how quick you could ride a smaller bike. I've always heard it's easier to ride a small bike to it's limits than to tame a big dog so it doesn't bite you in the ass...

I think this was the kid, there is a better video, but I can't find it right now. This kid could ride the wheels off that Aprilia. #64 Anthony "Krazy Cid" Alonso

[axiom-r]

Your are talking about Peter Lenz Bill, his death was a shock and a tragic loss. Anthony Alonso raced with him many times.

[ApriliaBill]

I'm sure your probably correct... All I know is the kid was legendary in my circles... I've seen videos of him doing amazing things, he had amazing talent...

[MyFirstNameIsPaul]

A few years back friend of mine went to an AFM race at Sears Point just to watch and talk with old friends. He had just sat down and watched some racer work through nearly the entire grid to win the race. Unfortunately she was disqualified for racing a 250 in the 500 race. I believe that was Elena Myers.