I wonder what the re-sale is like on the Kramers. Low production runs and they're not former street bikes.

 

Fairly high still. It’s a niche bike, and if you want one, you’re willing to pay the premium. The local guy sells them used from time to time and they’re better priced but still high. I’ll try to find an ad.

As others have said, a lightly crashed bike with upgraded suspension and a tune is a better buy financially for a travel junky unless you REALLY want the top notch track experience.

Found this on their website:

Used Inventory — Krämer Motorcycles USA - Race-Ready Motorcycles

www.kramermotorcyclesusa.com

 

KTM I think sells one and now the Yamaha R6 and R1 are being sold as race bikes only, if I recall right.

 

Another thing about the Kramers is they crash really well. Track-prepped Ninja 400s (I have one) don't have a subframe- it's all one-piece. (Same for the new 400rr, which I think is a terrible decision). You bend the tail section you’re buying another frame and/or welding.

And those Kramers are SO LIGHT. I chase a couple 690s racing my Aprilia and it’s wild how they launch outta the corners despite a 20hp deficit!

So there’s something to be said for the experience.

All this to say I had a blast racing a ‘08 R6 I bought for $4k, but… I think Kramers are rad and I’m rooting for the Kramer Cup

 

To me the Kramer thing just doesn't make any sense.
They have pretty good if not excellent small bike racing now. I like watching the small bikes better than anything else. In a class were they are already cost efficient somewhat.
There are so many guys going to Ninja 400 at the track it's becoming the trend. They are about 1/4 the cost of the big bikes taking them to the track.

 

I read about a cost comparison of the Ninja and the Kramer Moto America spec bike. The Talent Cup series bike is $24k, but an off-the-shelf, full-spec built Kaw is about $18k. The Kramer is really close to a Moto 3 bike which is of course the goal of the TC. The Kramer is purpose built race bike with all the adjustability for rider and the mechanic to get a footing as a professional racer. The Kramer 690 S-model is a bit cheaper at $18k and more club oriented I would guess.

 

I've been mighty tempted by the 400RR to be a track bike. What's not to like about a high horsepower, small 4-cyl screamer?? However, I do love the torque big bikes, 2 or 3-cyl have....

 

I wonder what the dollars and cents amounts to when building a street bike for the track vs purchasing a purpose track bike? I suppose that's why most track bikes start out as wrecked street bikes gotten cheap?

I just bring this up reading about the "Talent Cup". This Kremer company modifies KTM engines and builds a production, scratch built track bike. The cheapest bike is the 690S, 80hp and 280lb, WP suspension and Brembo brakes, $17k. The Talent Cup (350MA) bikes are $22.5k, 55hp and 240lb. Krämer Motorcycles USA - Race-Ready Motorcycles

 

I signed up for several days at VIR out my way (Black Friday special, saved like $400). Will be doing the North course twice and the Full course once. The organization only has the full course one time the whole year! While I miss the West coast, I live 3 hours from 3 tracks and then 4.5 from another. It's not too bad!

 

I miss the West Coast also (Eugene Oregon). However here in Ireland the Mondello International track is only 2 hours away and runs 13 to 15 track days a year. Bishopscourt is a bit farther, but easily accessible. I'm signed up for 10 weekends and will do a couple in Portimao with these fellas this summer EVENT BOOKING — MOTOCRAFT Life is good.

 

I agree, the Oregon Raceway is in shall we say challenging condition but still a fun Camp-out. The guy that owns it certainly doesn't put much into it anymore.
The Ridge is fun and if I had a favorite it would be one of the top choices.
Now that Laguna Seca and Sanoma have been repaved they are very good to go to, we had taken a year or two off from Sanoma it had gotten so bad.
We have a group of buddies (mostly small Girls) riding 400 and they are pretty quick on the Thunderhill tracks. I can almost keep up with them on the Supersport making up down the straights, but it's a lot of work trying.

 

I have enjoyed my time with the Ninja 400. For me, Thunderhill and its big sweepers did not suit this bike. I took the (street legal) Supersport to the track at Portland in 2021 and it was just OK. I find the lighter bikes are non intimidating and their flickability in the tight stuff is intoxicating. Also, I'm 62 this year and just out there for the sheer joy of it. Right now I'm in the process of building a (track specific) 2025 Kawasaki ZX400RR. It should be track ready by mid summer. It is an inline 4 cylinder screamer.

 

We are also planning a trip North around Moto America at the Ridge. Will most likely do Oregon Raceway out by Grass Valley Oregon on the way back home. Like to ride with 2Fast and Aprilia Race Day, always fun to try out the Aprilia's.

 

I found The Ridge to be the best of the best for my style of machine and riding. I'v been running a Ninja 400 race bike for the last 5 years and Thunderhill was not nearly as enjoyable as The Ridge. Portland International is just OK in my opinion.

 

Fantastic looking schedule. When I lived in Oregon ,Thunderhill, Portland International Raceway and The Ridge were my stomping ground. You are living my dream with Sonoma and Laguna!