NSW Twinshock and Classic Champs

[David Lahey]

There is a rule in the current Motorcycling Australia MOMS that has recently been interpreted by the MA Trials Commission as applying to Twinshock and Classic Trials bikes, requiring guarding of the rear wheel sprocket to reduce the risk of injury by entrapment where the chain runs onto the sprocket.
It is likely that bikes being ridden at the NSW Twinshock and Classic Titles in 2 weeks time will be inspected for compliance with this rule.

Please pass this message on to anyone you know might be intending riding the event. The rule is 12.8.8.6

What follows is a copy of the recent interpretation of rule 12.8.8.6. It is in response to a request for exemption to this rule for the upcoming NSW Twinshock and Classic Trials Champs

This ruling was introduced to the GCR's in 2012 and in 2013 exemption was granted to Classic MX and Dirt Track machines not to Post Classic CMX or CDT.
Mr. Thompson's request was based around the fact that motor cycles of this era had no guard or provision to fit guard to permit entry to the lower side of the rear sprocket. To enable fitting of this guard he would have to modify the swing arm which he feels would compromise the strength of the unit.
After careful consideration and conversation with a number of people whom I consider to have knowledge on Classic and Post Classic MotoTrials competition I am not willing to grant this request at this stage on behalf of the Commission for the following reasons,
This guard has a genuine reason to be fitted as it lessens the risk of a rider, minder or spectator's body parts becoming trapped between the chain and the rear sprocket. Due to the nature of MotoTrials the potential is even greater as all mentioned are very close to the action and in many cases are directly involved in helping fallen riders. If the Commission did decide this guard was not required and an incident occurred where a person was injured due to this decision then the members of the Commission may be held responsible.
To grant this request would mean all Classic and Post Classic machines do not require this guard as none come fitted or with a provision to fit.
This guard does not have to be permanently fitted and can be attached by other means ie cable ties or wiring and then be removed when not in competition. This method is used by many riders in all forms of motor cycle competition to comply with ruling.
If Mr. Thompson wishes to submit a change to this rule he will need to do so by submitting this to MA by March 2014 for a 2015 rule change.

[David Lahey]

The Cota 348 has just gone up a few rungs on my popularity stakes because it will be a breeze to fit a sprocket guard, compared with the others

[brownie]

I'll vote for the 348 if its not too late, mainly because I'd like to bludge a bit of a ride on it

The 49 is pretty easy to fit too and would love those rocks

photo-2.JPG

[TriCub]

I hadn't heard about that one before.
I have to say that is the most rediculous no the second most rediculous rule behind the English carb rule that is being forced upon the classic and twinshock riders in a long time.
There is no way that I would butcher a perfectly good bike in such a maner if it didn't come that way. What is going to happen when some poorly fitted gaurd held on with a zip tie comes loose and sends rider over the bars when it jams up the back wheel. That is far more dangerous to the general public than the chance that they will get part of there body jamed in the chain. Does the top of the sprocket need a gaurd as well just in case the wheel turns backwards.
That sort of thing is going to finish off the sport for me.

[David Lahey]

I'll vote for the 348 if its not too late, mainly because I'd like to bludge a bit of a ride on it

There's two good reasons to ride the 348 now

[David Lahey]

Does my bum err.... sprocket guard look big in this?

[Geoff Lewis]

Hi All, As I asked in another thread, Have you fitted your "sharkfin" yet? When I attended the Australian championships last year in W.A my bikes were knocked back at scrutineering because they weren't fitted with a "sharkfin" (Rear sprocket guard) When told I couldn't compete without one fitted, I must admit I started to lose it! Considering I had already been told, once underway to W.A, that Classics would not be considered a class at the Aussies due to lack of numbers ( a couple of gunnas didn't get their bikes ready in time ) so it was considered only as a display ride, bad enough, but then this, I sort of couldn't believe it! If Phil Whittle hadn't stepped up and bodged something together, I think I would have packed up and gone home at that stage. However, in hindsight the organisers clearly were not at fault and were only applying the rules as they were written (I checked the MOMS don't worry). The fault lay with MA and our own Trials subcommittees for not making it clear to all trials riders well in advance that the rules had changed and would affect our discipline. A short line concerning REAR sprockets was added, I was well aware of the requirement for front sprocket covers. Easy for the average punter to miss. I for one don't read the new issue of MOMS cover to cover to ferret out the changes, do you? Any way get those welders out and modify your machines, especially fun if you have something nice and original. Just watch your fingers when you're doing it! Oh and don't forget to fit your lanyard while you're at it.
Regards Geoff.

[brt650]

Does my bum err.... sprocket guard look big in this?

I think that guard deserves a spot in next years Mom's. But I'd hate to see the guard you make when you have to cover your valve stems?
Cheers
brt650

[katostrom]

All this talk of danger to myself and others that I had never really thought about too much in my 40 years of riding has really got me thinking of what a foolhardy person I am. I may go out the garage right now to fabricate a guard for the front and back wheel so I don't get my fingers caught in the spokes, a guard for the engine so i don't burn myself on the hot fins, a guard for the exhaust again so don't burn myself, a guard for the foot pegs so I don't jam my fingers when they pivot, a guard for the back wheel so I don't get jammed between it and the rear guard (another guard), a soft guard for the top of the tank so I don't slam any bits into it ( now that one does hurt), might even make a guard between the handlebar ends and the tank so don't jam my leg in there on full lock, should probably wear a respirator to prevent me breathing any noxious exhaust fumes, and not forgetting the other great ideas that have been brought up like a guard for the valve caps (they are very sharp), a guard for the top of sprocket, I have been known to come down some hills backwards at a reasonable rate, and must get that lanyard on as well.
I just hope one of these home made guards that I am required to fit doesn't cause any injury as a result modifying my bike away from what the clever folk at Yamaha originally designed.

[Buelligan]

Don't forget your minder needs to enter the section waving a red flag and stay 5m ahead of you all the time to warn people you are coming thru !!! LOL