Hi MNimum! Actually... I am up to page 25 and it is proving quite helpful! My Japanese is not bad but there are sooo many technical words used in this sport that my learning curve is not as acute as I want it to be. There have been a few pearls of wisdom I am appreciating reading in my own language. My personal journey started on an old Honda VT 250 with oversized rear/smaller front sprockets. Next was a Honda CB-1 400cc bike. Now I am on a DRZ 400 SM although I did have a couple of years on a KTM 690 SMC. The DRZ is my choice now for sure and is a very popular one in many gymkhana clubs. If you are into supermotos they really are great... easy to ride and maintain, loads of used parts on the auction sites and take a crash very well with just axle sliders and handle bar crash protection. Guys with more cash and far more talent are on Husqvarna SMR 450s if you are into supermotos. If supermoto isn't your thing, I'd recommend something like an old late 80's or early 90's CBR 250 or 400 if you can find them. Many, many riders here use them as it is the kind of bike that can take you all the way to A class. They are very nimble and the engines are very, very tough... especially if you are anal about oil changes. The top guys here use 0w 50 or 10w 60 oil and change it after every other full day practice and before each race. I am not that hardcore but I am not at that level, either. More than happy to answer whatever you throw at me. It was interesting to see Gymkhanaman mention a few top riders' names. I have met Shiga san and Tominaga san and have seen them ride... they truly defy gravity.
5 Years later, and the thread is still alive. Holly crap!!! Moved from NYC to Florida, St. Pete. Anyone in this area interested in joining up for some Gymkhana action? Got myself a beat up EX500, 2006. Should be fun. I'm scouting for fields now.
I just saw your post and don't know where you are in Alabama but Bamarides is hosting a gymkhana in a couple weeks. Link
Good see you there. The wife and I will most likely be on our Tiger 800's with a friend hopefully joining on our Bonneville.
For anyone in Central Alabama or anyone else for that matter. THURSDAY NIGHT GP8 ARE BACK! Where? Hoover Alabama. When? Starting THIS Thursday! June 1st 2017. Time? 6:00pm until????? Map linky: https://www.google.com/maps/place/33°21'22.3"N+86°50'49.7"W/@33.3561865,-86.8493387,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!1m2!10m1!1e1!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d33.356182!4d-86.84715 If you are coming down HWY 150 west bound, go past the Hoover Met intersection, and start looking for the Shell gas station on the right. Take the NEXT right at THIS sign; If you are going down HWY 150 east bound, start looking to your left after you go under the I-459 interchange. Turn left BEFORE the Shell station or turn left right after the Shell station, go about a 1/2 block and turn left into the old shopping mall. Hopefully we can make this a regular Thursday night thang.
That 2-Stroke was sweet. Wish i could have gotten a chance to talk to the guy but he left pretty quick! Great event put on by Bamarides!
That 2-stoke was cool but you were going just as fast as he was on your much heavier bike. It was nice seeing you again. I can't wait until the next Gymkhana
Was talking to a guy here at work and asking why he wasn't there on Saturday and I got a lead on a possible location just off HWY 53 just north of Huntsville. Two lots one about 50x200 the other about 80x125. I'm going to speak to the owner about it tomorrow over lunch and will update with his response.
Those of us who were there had a great time but I expected a bigger turnout given how much we advertised this event. I guess either people are afraid or just have no clue how much fun it is
Yup, I've tried to arrange a couple of wee get together's down here but the turn out did not reflect the promised attendance. Reading between the lines I think a number of riders I know are uncomfortable with the challenge and fear making a tit of themselves and possibly dropping the bike despite my emphasis on riding within your limits.
Another Motorcycle Alabama Gymkhana (Formerly Bama-Rides) in the books! Lots of fun and learning going on! @ohgood tried out any bike that had a key in it! Lots of unique bikes and riders of all ages and skill levels! It was truly a fantastic event!! More pictures! https://dmetallo.smugmug.com/Ride-Reports/2018-04-21-Gymkhana/n-hc9pJw