I'm considering running my 900SS in AHRMA this summer. Can anyone convince me that WERA would be a better choice. AHRMA seems to be better aligned with riders on older bikes like mine; however, WERA does allow the 900 to run with the modified SVs. Thanks.
WERA is a lot more focused, overall. Not to say that there aren't some FIERCE competitors in AHRMA but at heart, it IS a vintage racing org. Some guys are there to play with old bikes. In WERA, even the girls in the concession stand want to win... So do what you like. Why not try both and see which works for you?
Raz - Doesn't really tell me much, but I'm sure they appreciate the support. K - My Duc is approaching it's 20yr mark, and easily is over 40K miles by now. I have no intention of racing the whole series. Grattan and Gingerman are close and known etities. As you put it so well, WERA is definately a notch up on the competative level compared to AHRMA. I expect to have more 900SS to run against in the twins class within AHRMA than WERA. My bike is not modified enough to run with some of the WERA heavily kitted SVs. I can run a trackday and get schooled enough by 4 cyl bikes for less money. I guess my motivation is to get a chance to run with the same bike as mine to see where I'm at. (If that makes sense) There's never another 900SS at the trackdays. Thanks
For some reason WERA hasn't been very popular lately in the Michigan area of the northcentral region. Grattan mainly, they do not go to Gingerman. Low attendance may just force them to do away with Grattan, that would be a shame. A friend of mine sold his racing SV650 and purchased a Duc 900 to race in WERA. He did one race I believe. He sold it for a 675. I'm not sure which classes that bike would run in Vintage WERA races, but the Vintage classes are plentiful. You might try the WERA Vintage section of their forum, and see if many 900ss are racing. If you're not a member there and do not want to start a membership, let me know and I'll start a thread. Sorry about the short answer earlier....Bill
I'll bet you have read this before...http://www.castool.com/blog/2009/10...ti-motorcycle-prior-to-his-death-3-years-ago/
It depends on what you're looking for. There are a few of the air-cooled Ducs running AHRMA, but usually the 750 and 800. The 900 just really doesn't fit in a class where it is competitive. You'll run F2 with a supersport spec 748 and we know who should come out on top of that one. Displacement puts you out of the F3 class. I ran AHRMA for several years. The racers are a great group, very helpful, and are out mostly to have fun. But, don't be fooled by the competition level. There are some very fast racers there. They also go to some pretty nice tracks. As mentioned, the WERA forum is a great source of info. I've never raced any of their Vintage classes but you should fit in somewhere. They don't run the Vintage program at all tracks, so be sure to check the schedule. If it's your first racing experience, you may want to factor in grid sizes as well. Ask the folks at WERA or just look at the results posted for the respective classes. For AHRMA, 10 bikes in F2 is large. F3 is most popular because of the SV's. Good luck!
Thanks for the input. The 900 is an odd duck as far a race classes is concerned. Although the 800FI bike is allowed in LWT with the SV, the 800FI was just as strong as the carb 900 with stock displacement. I think the reason the 900's were dropped was that too many 900 were showing up with 944 or 986 kits in them. Although my bike is still 904cc (they all say that), I think I would be able to run BOTF2 with F1 as a stretch class. It looks like sound of thunder is also a possibility. Going from an SS to a 675 would be sweet. I'll bet your buddy likes torque, but was unimpressed with how the 900 runs out of breath at the top end. I'd like to do the same someday. Only thing my bike lacks is an oil catch pan, and I'll have that taken care of soon. If I'm going to race, the handicap logo is going to have to be retired (a source of snickers for many). The only remaining item is getting through an AHRMA approved riding school. They don't accept STT Pro School, so Desalvo seems to be the most convenient for MI residents. I am accepting donations in order to attend Colin Edwards Boot Camp. R - Here's a pic from last summer. I love the 1/2 fairing look as well even if I lose some aero compared to the full fairings.