a little over $20K for a brand new one yes. Or you could pick up a very nice used one for $20K with so much trick stuff, it would make Andy's poser list look unimpressive

My RS250 started out less then $20K (well say a little less) and I have some rather unobtainum parts with it (really, they are). Of course now that I have a second RS250, my investment has gone up a bit

As for the $500.00 a day to run? Could be done for less, but to keep it in top condition yes, that's a very close run rate.

As for the 50cc mini race bikes? I raced a YSR50 for a year. Talk about a kick in the pants! Nothing like going around a corner wide open, holding the bike up with your knee and the person your racing against is doing the same thing. It becomes a question of who's going to throw it away first needing to run and pick it up so they can continue on. Of course wide open isn't as impressive as it is on a full size bike, but it's still fun

I would say go get a mini. You would be surprised how much it can teach you in the way of going fast on big bike. You can find used ones for a good amount less.
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Charles Gallant