CB750 will be a handful for a first timer, but if the rider wants to do it, so be it. Personally, I prefer simple. One cylinder = one piston, one sparkplug, one coil etc. I absolutely hate wrenching at the track and singles seem to have less trouble than multis. I'm not getting any younger, and I want to have more fun on the track than in the pits Been there, done that.
What I recommend to starting racers is to get a bike that they don't really care about. Got that nice Ducati you'd like to race? How would you feel about totally wrecking it in a get-off? Best way from a monetary standpoint, is to get a friend that wants to race and go in together on a bike that you can run in multiple classes. This will wet your whistle as to whether you want to continue and you won't be out thousands of $. For starting out, stock is best. I know, you're really fast and you need that extra power. Believe me, it will take you some time to get good on the track.
Costs? I try to budget $1000 for each weekend of racing. Thats entry fees, fuel (for bike and van), hotels, tires and food and whatever. If I'm by myself, I usually stay at the track overnight and sleep in the van. This saves considerable money that can be used for bike stuff.
This not a pastime to taken lightly. Good medical coverage is recommended, as you WILL need it at some time. Is your significant other comfortable with you putting your life on the line? Are you? I'm fortunate that my wife understands my need to do this and hasn't given me a lot of grief (just some) over the years (26th season this year). Sorry, her sister is married. Her husband races cars.
Hopefully, I'll see some of you at Grattan in April. Team Chicago has been putting on a race school there for years, and I don't see why this year would be any different. Dan (Team Chicago owner) usually puts up the entry form after Daytona, so check his website then.
Hope this info helps out.
Gordon Hamilton
AHRMA 58R