Why is a Can Am MX1 not pre '75 legal ?

[Husky500evo]

If the Can Am MX1's were designated '74 models , why are they not legal in pre '75 classes in the M.A rulebook ? I can't say that I have ever seen one in the flesh , but I don't know why they wouldn't be allowed . The rulebook says that TNT models only are permitted .   

[holeshot buddy]

because everyone knows they would win
so they banned them

[squirtmoto]

Nah thats only caus they found out you have one Rusty!!

[JC]

Mark,,

Its a good question - one I've often wondered myself. There are copies of magazine tests of the 250 MX1 in July, Nov & Dec 74 issues (Motorcyclist, Cycle World & Cycle Guide respectively).

The problem is, I think that it was sometimes designated a 75 model, & it was stamped w a 75 Vin # (5863), like the GP (5860) & MX2 (5864). The 1st # in the early canam system GENERALLY indicated year, but there were exceptions. Some websites list it as a 75 model, but the best one (vft.org/CanAm/vftCanAmNumbers.html) lists it as one of the exceptions.

It seems to me that its in the same unfortunate position as the YZB - available & racing in 74, but sometimes designated a 75 model (as the YZ was in the US) & so excluded. But now I've probably re-opened another can of worms!

Seems to me tho that the MX1 was clearly pre75 technology. And hasn't Boagy raced an MX1 in pre75? Or was it a TNT?

[firko]

That's one of the weird ones in the book. Like John says, most MX1s are indeed stamped with 1975 designation. There was a bit of a problem at the Barrabool Nats in '95 where we inspected every Can Am entered and every one of them was post '75. Ted Rootes from West Wyalong used to race a genuine '74 MX1 and he had no hassles (until he turned up with an MX6 400 engine in her!) If I owned a genuine MX1 even if it had 1975 stamped on the frame, I'd enter it in pre '75. If I was eligibility steward I'd let it through. No MX2s though. They were a very different bike.

[Maicojames]

Firko, are there any "like design" eligibilty exceptions. Here in AHRMA we allow the 75and even 76 KX250 and 400 in with "Sportsman" ( pre-75).
Also, the 75 "high breather" KTM/Pentons are alloed-though all these must meet the 7" front and 4" rear travel rule. Surely the MX1 75 Canned Ham is allowable-and I have to say that one would slip right by me.

In my class of "Historic" ( pre-78) we allow the 78 KX125 and KX250. Recently, the 78 Mony VBs were aloowed( as they should be).