I don't know how to start a poll so this will have to do.

To set this group apart from most others I think we should develop a FC track bike. This would/could also be a wrench bike and ride bike, advertisement for sponsors and publicity.

I think we could build one up for under 4k (748 style) or less if we bought a tracked SS.

Members could rent it for a nominal fee to cover costs of running. Insurance would be the riders responsibility as well as wrecks. Someone would have to manage the bike for the club but would be compensated by having the bike available to them.

So my questions are:

1. Do we want to pursue this?
IF SO-

2. How do we raise initial capital? (Possible to incorporate in sponsorship?)

3. Who could manage the bike?

4. What bikes would be ok to track (cost and durability)?

Great idea for those of us who can't afford a track bike yet who want to get their feet wet. Here are a few questions/concerns that I would have:

Storage- where are we gonna keep it? [sponsors facility, member/owner garage/property] We are also pretty spread out and our track choice will probably vary (Miller, PR, Spokane...)
Transportation- how are we gonna get it to the track? [purchase/build trailer...could partially solve storage concern]
Liability- in order to protect FCD members we would need to incorporate
Repairs- how do we ensure that whomever lays it down will pay to have it fixed and in a timely fashion? [normal personal insurance will NOT cover any damage done off-road... should we require each rider to be bonded?]
Availability- How would the ride time be managed? [I would suggest selling shares of the bike similar to that of exotic car coop's]

Bike choice is probably the biggest kicker of them all... is this bike intended for education and experience or is it meant to be competitive? If it is the former I'd say go with a 750/800 Supersport. They are decently priced and old enough that parts/spares would be available (maybe purchase two so that we have a spare motor, skins...) If its the latter, I'd say a 74x since it isn't too much power, but still capable. A little higher admission price, but overall probably more satisfying. We could always start small (get a older supersport), see how it works, and go from there (SBK).

This could be an opportunity to have wrenching sessions for those who want some to share/gain experience with Ducati maintenance and track prep. Rather than relying on a sponsor shop to fix it- we could work together to maintain it. True privateers! We can utilize parts manufacturers/resellers for sponsors rather than Ducati dealers- that is unless one of them ponies up a cheap bike....

Ok here is my idea for you to digest and argue.

A group of members puts $$$/parts together to build the bike. (they are the coop owners of said bike which they could sell to others) They can secure additional $$$/parts/labor from sponsors in relation to the club which would add exposure for them and the club. This would also help offset initial cost and future maintenance. Said coop members (as part owners) would get to use the bike at a nominal fee ( to cover expendables, tires oil etc.). Other members could rent/purchase the bike for use at a higher rate.

One way to get around liability would be to sell the bike to a person for the day and then buy it back on return minus usage fee.

My thought would be to start cheap (748 or ss) and if popular expand.

The club would be a sponsor of the bike not owner so liability/$$$ could be low but exposure high.

Personally for maintenance costs and usability...I'd say a 620.  But Surveyor started a thread on DNW that there is a 999 at Bent Bike that ran into the dumbasses garage door for $6500.   Though a 999 may be a bit much for most beginner track folks   A 620 under a good driver can take most rider's in the beginner sessions at PR.



To be covered by insurance we may need to pursue status as a riding school.....I bet I know a member (Zak) who could introduce us to the right guy to help us with this !!