Hi,

First post in the forum, looks like there is lots of good info here

I've owned a few bikes in my past mostly 125s a ZXR250 and an NC24 and I'm got this burning feeling I want to start racing.

I've always wanted an NC30 and I'd like to start racing. I'm in the process of sorting out an ACU license but I'm not sure what club to join for 400 racing?

Has anyone else been in this situation before and give any tips for first time racers, specifically using an nc30?

Thanks in advance!

Most clubs run a 400 class auto 66 would be a good start cheap(ish) racing but the grids arent very full. next step would be derby phoniex theys some propa fooking quick lads they then theys thunder sport GB. they is other clubs but i havent been with um so you'd have to ask some of the other lads on here.
Have you done a track day before?? if you havent i'd say you best do i year of going to different tracks and learning the bike and tracks cause believe me its like night and day when you do your first race meeting.
you'll need spares aswel incase you lob it down the road i dont mean a spare bike or a truck full of spares i mean the things that normaly get damaged when you crash. break/clutch levels, engine cases spare set of fairings clip ons fairing braces you get the idea.
get yourself a tool chest with all the tools and equipment you'll need to do minor repairs tyre changes at meetings torque wrench socket set pilers tyre pressure gauge tyre warmers lock wire have a list of torqe settings for wheels nuts and pinch bolts as you dont want your wheels/brake calipers coming loose.
as for the bike spend your money on tyres and suspension firstly thats were you find time and speed no point in having loads of bhp if your tyres and suspension cant put the power down just end up with a wobbley mess.
if you've already got that look at a exhaust system tyga system are common as muck and are fairly cheap dont go on looks either the sp1/twin stack look good but if you bin it you gotta fork out for 2 cans and pipes which aint gonna be cheap same for body work having rcv style stuff with a bling paint job is great but it wont make you any faster and if you bin it its going to cost. spend the money wisely.
As for tuning dont do anything until you know you getting the max out the bike as it is then look into tuning gas flowed heads and a rick oliver (member on here) carb kit would be a good start. then it depends on how deep your pockets are really and what skills you have. if your not into playing with engines you could have a word with aly (abrmoto) hes got a super trick RLR motor on ebay and could prob sort you somthing out or if your confident you could skim the heads shim the cam holders up do the HRC open air box mod gas flow the heads remove silencing gears full exhaust system that would prob give you a pretty good engine. hope i havent told you suck eggs or anything hope some of this helps

Thank you so much for the reply, that is so much information! I haven't even done a trackday yet so that would be a good place to start I know, I'm very keen to get into racing. I've heard that trackdays arn't particularly good high speed and practice race days are better?

Is it worth buying a NC30 that's already been raced or buying a standard NC30 and converting it to a race bike?

Cheers.

bemsee (bmcrc) are also good for 400's the are always massive grids and good close racing all down the field and the all seem to be a friendly bunch aswel

Where are you based?

Have a read of my CMSMJ1 race bike thread...pretty much does it from start to finish.

My advice - buy a bike already prep'd, do some trackdays, join your local club, get your ACU licence and do some practice, get racing.

it is great.

Thanks again for all the replies.

I'm in Southampton, Hampshire.

I'm not sure what my local club is, there is this website http://www.southerncentreacu.com/ but they don't list any roadracing clubs. Been scouring eBay for a race prepped bike, nothing on there at the moment!

How are these races for beginners coming in, with a lot of racing what realistic standard can I aim to get to?

You will get spanked in your first race...

You will get better each time..

Scummer eh? Hmm - Probably looking at North Gloucester or Bemsee for a "local" club.

Get a bike from here...and join motoforum too

Lol! Not a native, originally a Bristol boy although I'm not sure what's worse. I'll keep an eye out on the for sale section.

Looking at the bikes from a technical perspective, I'd like to get my hands dirty although I know very little about mechanics but can follow instructions, is there any good resources to start learning this stuff? I imagine it's going to become very costly if I have to pay a mechanic each time I come off!

If your just into playing with bits and bobs just grab yourself a haynes and do the daft stuff yourself. if you want to start playing with the engine though thats down to how confident you are. read CMSMJ1 no.9 bike build thread and others that will give you an idea on what to do