Messages

2896

General Discussion / REVISION OF AUSTRALIAN VMX MACHINE ELIGIBILITY RULE FOR SUSPENSION TRAVEL LIMITS

« on: August 18, 2009, 04:29:26 PM »

THIS IS AN OPINION POLL ONLY
This poll relates to Australian VMX only, and is an attemp to guage feelings in our country.

It would be appreciated if our international freinds refraimed from participating in the vote, therefore to hopefully gain a more truthfull opinion from the Australian VMX community.

The poll is set for a duration of 7 days.

Thankyou and kind regards, Mick.

2897

General Discussion / Re: Clearing my name and my bike

« on: August 18, 2009, 03:36:46 PM »

I actually believe that we would  prelong the life of the pre-75 class(es) if we didn't restrict the LTR models (Maico, MAG, Stormer, KTM etc) & ALSO allowed non-LTR models to run longer stroke shocks.

And wouldn't we all want those classes lives prolonged?

Most non-LTR pre75 bikes ran a leverage ratio around 1.25:1 (wheel travel to shock stroke), so if a 4.5"/5" stroke shock was allowed for them we'd have a reasonably level playing field of about 6-6.5" rear travel for all, which is much more agreeable to aging bodies than insisting we pummel said bodies w 4" travel.  Longer stroke shocks were readily available pre-75.

I also agree w allowing pre78 Husky/Maicos etc to run what they were sold w back them w'out restrictors.

Great thoughts JC

I am sure that survival of our sport is as paramont to the survival of our valuble darlins(machines) and battle weary bodies.

2898

General Discussion / Re: Clearing my name and my bike

« on: August 18, 2009, 03:08:48 PM »

This is Australia VMX we are talking about. A gift to our next generation. Why not make it easier on them and ourselves. 
A truer depiction of our VMX history is from bikes that were commercially available in Aussie Shop fronts at the time, and were raced as such in that era. Do we need all of this carry on rules from other countries that basically say we have to find the resources to molest our once politically correct machines to comply with their thoughts on the matter?
It is hard enough to find time; money and recourses to just make it to the line. Who wants to disassemble and cut down precious damper tubes, weld and braze, then true between lathe centres? Fit restrictors? Well? Not this little white duck I can tell you! All in the end to change the manufacturers intended geometry of suspension design, that was standard and accepted in the era.

I thank you Firko for your following post. It is worthy of Websters! I now know how we were lumbered with the present system.

Use any machine available at club level. Who cares? Until you are holding a trophy, at the nationals. Lookout if you haven’t taken the time to molest your darling first(bike that is)!

Why, and irrespective of any brand, does MA fix the suspension at mandatory limits? If a bike WAS MANUFACTURED AND SOLD with suspension of a particular length why in hells name should the travel be limited by the fitting of spacers/restrictors? Surely if a bike could be taken from a crate back in '77 for example and have shall we say 235mm in stated factory literature it was OK to race back in the day, or did MA tell owners to restrict the travel (they didn't) ? The suspension travel rule should simply state that bikes should NOT EXCEED the original specs of any given model - easy!

Dave I can offer up a bit of history as to how the pre '75 7" and 4" came about.
In the late 70's/early 80's The Brits started pre 65 motocross racing and they used suspension limits based on the average for the era which came at 7" front and 4" rear. A few years later Dick Mann was formulating a usable set of rules for his proposed Dick Mann Vintage Rally events (the birth mother of AHRMA racing) and he used the already in place British rules including the suspension limits and those of the California Vintage Racing Group (CVRG) who had previously been running low key pre '75 events including the legendary "CZ World Championships" in Southern California. The big mistake in Dicks master plan was to assume that all pre 75 bikes had around 7" and 4" of travel. He had been mistaken in his belief that the LTR Maico was a 75 model so as a stopgap measure they insisted that all bikes must conform to the suspension limits and that Maicos and any other bikes with more suspension (KTM/Penton, AJS Stormer, Montesa, CCM and more) must be fitted with limiters. This was initially intended as a stopgap measure until something better was thought of but....as these things often go, 25 years later the limiter rule is still in place in the USA and Australia. The Poms in forewarned wisdom created their cutoff as pre '74.

I've change my thoughts over limiters as the sport has progressed. At first I was in favour of the limiters as I considered it'd create a more level playing field. I was worried that without the limiters we'd get fields full of 6" rear travel Maicos, destroying the 4" travel concept and dominating the class. As it turned out, as good as the Maicos are, they didn't dominate with or without restrictors. I now feel that these bikes should be allowed to race as manufactured, my reasoning being that parity will never be able to be achieved. There will always be bikes that are better than others, that's the way racing's always been. Should we limit the performance of the CR125 Honda M because it is so much better than the opposition?  Of course not so why penalise Maico and the others because they were a tad more advanced than their peers?  Having said that, the rule is still there and for that reason I respect it and have fitted limiters to my '74 Maicos.

I believe the 9" limit in pre 78 was introduced by the AHRMA (and later MA as the pre '78 rules are literally lifted from the AHRMA book) for thre same parity reasons. Once again I don't thing enough research went into it which left a number of bikes ineligible unless restricted. A far more reasonable limit would be 10" to allow the majority of pre 78 bikes to easily comply.

Rules aren't just made to be broken, they also exist as a base point for amendment

2899

General Discussion / Re: Funnies/Jokes

« on: August 17, 2009, 06:27:54 PM »

THREE THINGS A KIWI WILL TELL YA!
I tried out for the "All Blacks".
My mother was a Maori Princess.
No, I was only helping it through the fence.

2900

General Discussion / Re: Clearing my name and my bike

« on: August 17, 2009, 04:11:28 AM »

I HATE LONG POSTS! SO MAYBE I SHOULD WRITE A BOOK ON
             *** “HOW TO LOOSE FRIENDS AND CREATE ENEMIES” ***
IF IT WAS NOT PROTESTED ON THE DAY? YOU WIN SIMPLE! TIME TO MOVE ON! BUT POSSIBLY THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR "MA"TO PROGRESS!
       There is nothing to be gained from harbouring "I’ll will" in our sport! It will only serve to eat a hole in the soul of VMX Australia. Imagine that energy spent instead addressing our inadequate and incomplete progression of GCR’S since the post POST PRE 1975 era! (GCR’S pre78, evo, and pre85 need to be finally finished and clarified). Submit your recommendations and proposals to MA please, instead of wasting every body’s time and bitching this forum!
       Brads 77AW400 was “as purchased” and not protested on the day, and therefore probably should have not been mentioned! But you entered the oreana first Brad! Although I have never met “Maico Stu”,  I believe he is an MA official of some sort! And although he may lack in computer expression, he certainly shows he has a clear comprehension of the present GC RULE’S and  I think for one he should be respected for his forum restraint!
       “Nathan S” gave an initial post that is still PERFECT and indeed needed no reply, in the first place from any body! Let alone the usual "Guru" poop stirrers! (But we all knew that wouldn’t last!) Be honest, didn’t we?
        You know Brad, I believe you just bought a great pre 78 bike, that being an 77AW400 for the obvious pre78 VMX race class. Just to enjoy as is, a well-sorted package, with no intention to flaunting any rules. We all know you haven't been here in VMX that long! You probably didn't even realize that they have 9.5" front and back travel in standard trim, but I can assure you that the brochure is correct. I doubt that many would know that most 1977 model bikes actually exceed the pre 78, 9"(229mm) front and back suspension 9" limit rule. Indeed, even the front suspension of a 1977 RM125B in standard trim is 9.1". And by the rules should be limited to 9" with no allowable margin of error to be considered into calculation.

IT IS TIME FOR OUR POST 74 GCR'S TO BE FINALLY “COMPLETED” AND CLEARED UP. AS IS THE SAME CASE FOR EVO GCR'S AND PRE 85 GCR'S.

 MAYBE IT IS A GOOD THING ALL THE CONFUSSION FINALLY COMES TO A HEAD AT LAST.

A DIRECTION NEEDS TO BE CHOSEN!

AND OBVIOUSLY NOT BY ME!

IF IT WERE UP TO ME?       THIS IS HOW I FEEL!

I have always thought it would be far more simple to solve eligibility by simply accepting a VMX bike, by when a bike was or wasn't in production of that era! Rather than make it so difficult and complicated for people to overcome ignorance and the suffer cost of complying buy transforming a once politically correct machine to a so-called “even playing field”. Especially when most of us are on a budget! Arguably money that may be better spent on safety! Or actually covering the cost of attendance and competing! Which would add to the number of competitors and actually facilitate the survival of our sport! EXAMPLE: a Maico long travel 74.5 was factory produced and eligible in the latter period of 1974! So why is it unacceptable in that production state in pre 1975 races now? If you want to have a crack at a low HP, poor tranny ratio, gutless but good handling MC250 Maico? Get yourself a Spaniard Sanga or a Sarky sceamer and smoke the Maico! The same descision we all made in the so called "DAY". So why should it be any diferent now?

We could follow US rules, which isn't too shabby I supose.?
  OR
My Feeling’s ( which are built from feeling’s of my mine and my freinds)
   OR
  “LOZZA’S” proposal of a logbook? THERE IS A VERY SOUND REASON WHY THAT IS THE ROAD RACING “NORM”!     SOUND REASONING. AND IT IS MAKING THE CONSTRUCTION OF MY “PERIOD 4” PRE 1972 MAICO ROAD RACER SO EASY, BECAUSE IT IS DESIGNED TO TEACH ME A COMPREHENSION OF THE RULES! IF I THEN CHOOSE TO VARY MY BIKE SPECS AS STAMPED AND APPROVED IN MY LOG BOOK OUTSIDE OF PERIOD PRECEDENTS? WELL I WILL BE PENALISED AND DISQUALIFIED! AND RIGHTFULLY SO!  

2901

General Discussion / Re: Clearing my name and my bike

« on: August 16, 2009, 11:11:42 PM »

 TECH INSPECTION OF STATED SUSPENSION TRAVEL LIMITS.
a) FRONT SUSPENSION:  The  field check for the front wheel travel, where applicable is as follows:
1) Compression springs are to be removed with the bike on a stand and both wheels off the Ground. 2) A cable tie is to fitted around one staunchion. 3) The bike is then to be lowered of the stand, so that the front suspension becomes fully compressed by the weight of the bike. 4) The cable tie records the maximum extent of full compression position, and cable tie is to be left there in that position. 5) The bike is then raised back on to the stand so that the front wheel is completely of the ground and drops to its lower limit. 6) A measurement will then be taken from the cable tie down to the top of the wiper. That measurement is the exact amount of travel, unless the suspension has been fitted with rebound bump springs! 7) In that case the
front wheel is to be pulled down by an assistant to compress the rebound springs. At this instant the distance will be measured from the cable tie to the top of the wiper. This will then be recorded as the full amount of front suspension travel. In the later case both compression and rebound have been factored into calculation to produce the full sum of total travel.

b) REAR SUSPENSION: The field check for rear wheel travel, where applicable, is as follows:
1) Both shocks are removed from the bike, then one bare (without spring) damper unit is reinstalled. 2) The machine is supported in such a fashion that the rear suspension is at maximum extension, and a measurement is taken from the center of the rear axle to a point marked directly above the axle on the rear fender or subframe. 3) With both wheels on the ground, the rear suspension is fully compressed by the examiner with the rider aboard to compress any rubber bumpers; a measurement is again taken from the center of the rear axle to the same marked point above. 4) The measurement obtained in step 3 subtracted from the measurement in
step 2 is the wheel travel.An alternative method of determining wheel travel may be used by tech inspectors using a pre-programmed computer. The program converts three dimensions—distance from swingarm pivot to rear axle, to lower shock mount and top shock mount—to show the amount of travel of the shock shaft plus 50 percent of the rubber bumper. Due to the use of non-standard or different types rubber bumpers, this
check may be overridden by the tech inspector’s discretion. Manual measurement of shock movement is the overriding factor in determining whether a shock is legal.

2902

Vintage Track / Re: 2009 Australian Classic Dirt Track Nationals - Barleigh Ranch

« on: August 13, 2009, 09:58:24 PM »

quote from supp regs.

Competitors requiring a Senior One Meeting License for this meeting will need to make application, following the procedure detailed below. The cost of the licence is $77.00. Application form can be downloaded from Motorcycling NSW website www.motorcycling.com.au Senior One Meeting Licence Application Place a tick in “One Event” on the normal license application form. Complete personal details including compulsory ambulance cover details and forward to the MNSW as soon as possible, and a minimum of 21 days prior to the event. The licence will be available at the event after completion of the competency test (if applicable). Rule 3.1.2.4: Senior One Meeting National Licenses are subject to the following conditions: a) Licence will be available to all applicants 16 years and older. b) Current club membership is required. c) Applicants who have never held a competition licence, or who have not held a licence within the previous 10 years must undertake a competency test. The competency assessment may be undertaken at the meeting in which the participant intends to compete. No competency test is required if the applicant can prove that they have held an annual competition license within the previous 10 years. 2.2 The meeting will be held in accordance with the current Motorcycling Australia General Competition Rules (GCR’s)

2903

General Discussion / HOME GROWN STONNER WINS ANOTHER GP

« on: June 01, 2009, 12:14:55 AM »

   Great way to finish a weekend, Watching Casey do us all proud

It insn't VMX, But like most he cut his teeth on the MX dirt first, and if it's in your blood and your are a proud Aussie You got to live it and love all of it with 2 wheels Go young Casey Go.

2904

Tech Talk / Nothing wrong with Maico drum/shoe front brakes

« on: May 28, 2009, 01:25:02 PM »

A small amount of effort in general approch will make/improve, any front expanding shoe type brakes. Including Maico. Especially Maico.

As with Maico clutches a little bit of knowledge and thought can go a long way.

 

2905

For Sale / BULTACO modell 116 1974 350 ALPINA

« on: May 11, 2009, 12:38:39 AM »

Hi All, a life long friend of Mine in Adelaide has asked Me to set up an ebay add this week for his original alpina. It is a reluctant sale for Him. but it is just to good to ride in the bush. Would suit a very fussy collector. It is on current SA vintage rego. It has very low, mainly road miles on it. still has the original "made in spain" pirelli tyres stored, that will come with the bike as well. I have ridden this bike, it is mechanicly faultless from front to back.

Please click on picture to enlarge.

2906

Maico / MAICO LEGEND "REBORN"

« on: March 26, 2009, 09:18:38 PM »

http://maicoaustralia.com/index.htm
New MC250, MC320, MC500 or why not an MC700

or just a plain old NEW 1981 MC490 REPRODUCTION, If the latter is the case, it would mean a source of new replacement parts, some that are currently unavailable.

I supose that would mean a true legend "lives", or is "reborn"

2907

General Discussion / Re: Do you own a road bike as well?

« on: March 19, 2009, 11:15:49 PM »

Now I might get My ebay parcells on time gnomester.

2908

Tech Talk / Straightening n Repairing Maico Fins

« on: March 19, 2009, 01:44:37 PM »

Does anybody know how to go about this?

Or ever had any luck?

Its time for Me to have a go, and I must admit, I am a bit nervous about it

2909

Suzuki / 1969 DUSTER SERIAL NUMBERS

« on: March 14, 2009, 09:37:52 PM »

There seams to be a lot of Suzuki knowledge in this forum. Is it posible that any can help with what engine numbers that I should look for it I were trying to find a 69 duster engine? gratefull for any wisdom on the matter

thanks Mick

2910

Tech Talk / DRAIN FUEL FROM 'BINGS"

« on: March 14, 2009, 02:27:14 PM »

JUST A FEW THOUGHTS AFTER SEEING THAT PAUL IS LOOKING FOR A 36mm BING.
A conclusion based on experience.

Before turning your engine off, turn your fuel cocks off and run the carby out! Over the years I have seen Bing carbies with black floats, white floats and pink floats??(your bike will start easier next time with a fresh dose of fuel in the bowl rather than a dose that has vapoured off it's octance rating! whilst it was standing). 
 
Roughly thirty years ago I was scratching my head as to why my mixture(plug colours kept changing, becoming richer!!! It eventually came down to the fact that the fuel level in the bowl was some how steadily increasing from where I had set it months earlier. In young days I rode nearly every day, only killing the engine when I got home from the scrub, (instead of running it out) as not to annoy the neigbours.

And then it dawned the reason, "BING"O,,,,, old floats and white ones in particular eventually absorb fuel if they are left soaking in it. Therefore becoming heavier and as a result the fuel level in the bowl inreases.

proof in experiment. Weigh Your well dried out floats that haven't seen fuel for a while(gunpowder scales are perfect), then put them in a sealed glass of fuel for a month, get it out, dry the surface of and re-weigh it. There is the proof.

For Bings Black floats seem to be less prone to this phenomenam. I think its possible there may have been no such thing as pink Bing floats. Only black ones and white ones that turned pink because they absorbed the old red super grade fuel! The pink being the red "DYE" that was used as a marker to identify the old super grade(leaded) fuel.

Incidently I have worked for a couple of oil companies. It was considered that the old leaded fuel was alot more stable in retaining it's octane rating(RON or researh octane number) for up to six weeks in fact. Where as the newer unleaded fuels are considered to start loosing their octane value in as little as two weeks.

cheers Mick.