Birth of a New Class?

**vnx205** · 10th July 2012, 07:41 AM

Fans of motorcycle racing might have the opportunity soon to be present at the birth of a new Australian road racing class.

It seems that this new class will have its first official run at Wakefield Park on 1st and 2nd of September.

This article on the Formula Xtreme site explains why it is needed and why this concept might be the answer.

Formula Xtreme News Item

If this class takes off and survives the test of time, wouldn't it be great to be able to say to your grandchildren that you were there when that class first started in Australia.

**incisor** · 10th July 2012, 07:55 AM

terryo has been busy it seems

**SuperMono** · 11th July 2012, 03:15 PM

Looks like the SuperMono derived class that has been running in the USA for a while, but more restrictive on tuning. The examples shown all seem to be from the USA.

Maybe I can drag my old 640 Kawasaki out of the shed, although a few of the modifications might be a little over the top for this class (aside from the extra 190cc).

I like the basic idea, don't like the restrictions.
Would be cheaper than GP3 by a long shot I imagine although slower (but easier to ride).
Biggest problem is that this class has no manufacturer participation, so no sponsors likely from the mainstream motorcycle industry. Aftermarket suppliers might weigh in a little and a couple of backyarders might create a mini-industry of converting MX bikes to road racers.

**vnx205** · 11th July 2012, 04:28 PM

I only know what I have read on the Formula Xtreme site, although I did see a bike similar to these earlier this year at Wakefield Park. The rider was full of praise for the bike. He said it was really enjoyable to ride and if you look up the results from Wakefield, you will see that for a rider returning after a long break, he did pretty well.

I believe you are right about it being very similar to overseas classes. I think the idea of all those restrictions is to keep costs down. Some of the comments and the replies by Terry clarify some of the thinking behind the class. Why don't you like the restrictions? If an important reason for the class is for developing riders as opposed to developing bikes, aren't the restrictions a good idea?

I'm not sure what you mean about the lack of manufacturer participation. Since all the major manufacturers have a competitive dirt bike that will become the core of the bike, doesn't that amount to manufacturer participation. Perhaps you meant something different.

It is something new (for Australia), so may need to be fine tuned as time goes on. Having seen the performance and enthusiasm (or aggressive riding) of the Super Mono riders, I would expect that quite a few of them would be keen to take the conversion of their dirt bikes one step further.

**SuperMono** · 12th July 2012, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by vnx205

Why don't you like the restrictions?

Personal preference only.
IMO if you are going to allow some tweaking, then open the gates wide and keep the rules very simple (2 wheels, 450cc 4stroke single, 98octane petrol, safety items). The fast riders on a near standard bike will still win, but the chance is there for those that like to modify more extensively to take part.
To be fair Terry may be concerned about stretching the limits of reliability, nobody likes oil all over the track.

Originally Posted by vnx205

I'm not sure what you mean about the lack of manufacturer participation. Since all the major manufacturers have a competitive dirt bike that will become the core of the bike, doesn't that amount to manufacturer participation.

Manufacturers will not have any reason to get directly involved (IMO).
They don't sell 450cc roadracers and very few people are going to buy a new MX bike to convert when there are plenty of secondhand ones available.
They probably will make money when the engines let go, and some will each season. From experience when one of these engines lets go (they are designed for MX, not wide open RR) the damage is both extensive and expensive.
A few bike shops might have a run but I really can't see the manufacturers handing over cash directly for this class.
Might be wrong and Terry has said they have to maintain the 'brand' look, which is probably to try and get the manufacturers/distributors interested.

Don't get me wrong, good on Terry for opening up another class and potential opportunity.
The bikes will be great to ride and if enough of them get on the grid the races become entertaining for spectators.

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