Them's the Rules

Like any good builder, I sat down and read the rules. Twice. Then I re-read them and made notes on the items that I thought needed a bit of emphasis in the grey matter. In fact, I even setup a spiral notebook with a page (or two) dedicated to several key areas of the build. Knowing I would be a rookie, I didn’t want to make too many rookie mistakes. I figure if I attempt to follow the letter of the rule, I’ll have less grief. Yes, following the letter can be slower than following the “intent” and running into some grey areas, but again, I’m not wanting to get yelled at by the chief Tech Inspector. I’m hoping to use this notebook as a source for drawings during the build, and will ultimately send a packet of information off to the Chief Tech Inspector to get “buy off” of the many little items that need to get built.

Some of the parts I’ll be building, and rules I’ll be building too are listed below. It isn’t a complete list of rules, more just a sample of the specific parameters I need to keep in mind when construction begins. So in no particular order, and cut and pasted from the AMA Supplemental Regulations, for the BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials:

2.D. FUEL SHUTOFF AND ENGINE KILL SWITCH
Motorcycles must be equipped with a positive ignition off switch
to terminate engine power. The riders must be able to use the
switch without their hands leaving the handlebars.
Gasoline class motorcycles must have a fuel shut off, activated
from the riders position.

Meaning: I need ignition and fuel shutoff switches…

2.G. HAND/ FOOT CONTROLS
Hand controls (clutch and brake) must have a minimum 1/2” ball
on the end. Flattening of the ball end is acceptable, however all
edges must be rounded. All control ends must be an integral part of
the lever. Foot operated controls must pivot independently. Foot throttle
must have toe clip with return throttle. All controls are subject to
scrutinizing. Riders in the riding position must have 10” between
thumbs. All handlebars must extend outside the fork tubes at a
minimum of 6” (streamliners excluded). Riders may be asked to
demonstrate their ability to navigate with the current controls.
Stops to steering must limit riders hands from touching the fairing
or tank at full right or left turns. A hydraulic dampener cannot act
as a fork stop.

Meaning: Custom handlebars may be built, but must have 10” between thumbs, and at least 6” of bar extending out past the fork tube.

2.M. SAFETY WIRING
Transmission oil drain plug, and engine oil drain plug must be
safety wired. Axle nuts must be secured with safety wire or castle
nut and cotter key. Locking compounds are prohibited.

Meaning: wire and key important bolts/nuts

2.N. STEERING DAMPER
Required in all classes.

Meaning: gotta run a steering damper!

2.Q. TIRES
It is recommended that tires are rated for the appropriate speeds
and, use is at the sole discretion of the owner/participant. The rider
has the sole responsibility of inspecting the condition of the tire
before and after each run.

Meaning: I never even thought about speed rating for tires on a 50-60mph bike, but it makes sense. I’ll have to research brands and sizes.


MODIFIED FRAME CLASS
This section is designed to advance the efficiency of motorcycles
attempting records and increase the strength and stability. Overall
construction of the modified frame must be based on the original
production design and geometry and not purpose built.
Acceptable alterations include modifications of steering head angle
and removal of miscellaneous brackets and braces.
Half of the original cross structure members must be retained from
the transmission forward to insure structural integrity. Modified
frame class may be subject to special scrutineering of structure
welds. The lowest part of seat and handlebar grips must not exceed
an imaginary line drawn between the tops of the rims.

Meaning: Modify a stock frame to go faster. I thought it was interesting the seat and handlebar rule was thrown in this general section, as it seems like it could get lost. It basically says the handlebars can’t be below the top of the front wheel rim.

5.A. AXLES AND WHEELS
The minimum, non-stock wheel replacement size is 15”. Front and
rear axle material must be of Titanium or steel alloy only.

Meaning: no super small wheels/tires to reduce drag.

5.B. BRAKES
Rear brakes (required) must be actuated from the handlebars or
foot peg position. Front brakes are not required in this class.
Hydraulic Drum/ shoe and disc brakes assemblies are acceptable.

Meaning: no front brake required, but since it specifically says “Hydraulic” how does that affect the stock mechanical rear drum?

5.E. FOOT PEGS
Foot pegs must be a minimum of 6” ahead of rear axle.

Meaning: Foot pegs can’t be located way out in Superman land. As it turns out, the passenger foot peg location is 6.5” forward of the rear axle centerline.

5.F. FRONT AND REAR FENDERS
Front and rear fenders may be removed. Generic, replacement type
fenders may be substituted. Rear fenders may not extend beyond
the centerline of the front or rear axle. Elongated seat may act as
rear fender and is subject to scrutineering.

Meaning: I can run a different front fender that isn’t as bulky. In fact, I can run without, but it’s obvious a front fender will help to reduce the amount of salt thrown on the bike. Also, if I wanted to chop the rear sheet metal fender off, I could build a new seat to act like a fender.

5.H. GASOLINE TANK
Aftermarket gas tank is permitted with a minimum capacity of 1.32
gallons, mounted in the original position.

Meaning: I had to read this twice. If I replace the stock gas tank, the aftermarket unit must be 1.32 gallon in volume. However, the stock tank is quite that size, so perhaps I’ll use the stock tank in the build…

5.J. OPEN CLASS
Open class motorcycles do not permit streamlining. Streamlining is
anything forward of the rider that has the perceptible purpose of
directing, controlling or limiting the airflow around the motorcycle
and/or rider.

Meaning: No fancy fairing, or air diverters in the open class. If I want to throw on some fairings, I can run in Partial Streamlining class.


So, as you can see, it isn’t just a matter of throwing the bike together and driving to Wendover, Utah. I want to make sure the custom bits I build follow the rules, at the same time take advantage of the speed enhancing tricks. This should be fun!

Chris H.