@Friday, oh man, tires were the killer for me too. I used Michelin's Pilot race tires, but preferred the Dunlop rains for wet weather. I could get two race weekends out of a set, or four races. I always used take off's in practice just to save the new tires. And I know all about the suspension guys, lol. I would tell my guy, no, I'm done, leave me alone, haha. And you're so right on suspension or motor work priority. My motor was stock, and I only added a pipe, jet kit, and K&N drop in filter. 520 o ring chain, and different sprockets depending on what track I was at. All the motor in the world won't help if you can't get it to go round the track, lol.
Motorcycle racing on modern tracks is fairly safe, from a fatality perspective. Modern protective gear and track design has helped a lot. This is what makes Irish road racing and the TT look so crazy, as that is in fact horribly dangerous and there's real possibility you won't come home. To think Michael Dunlop is out racing the TT after having lost his father, brother, and uncle to the sport is pretty insane.
But even fatalities and Irish road racing aside, when you consider the non-fatal injuries, it is pretty mind boggling. These little guys get beat up and broken constantly. They're tough little bastards. Consider Pedrosa, a small 120lb dude. This is just the list of major injuries:
Of course, this is pro racing. I feel track days and track riding in general is far safer than street riding. Have lost quite a few friends doing that.
