New VMCC Class for 2015

[Bob B]

This courtesy of David Sykes:



The proposal: The launching of a new class of sidecar racer, the bike to be broadly based upon the current BEARS solos and the sidecar to be a mandatory “bolt on construction” of tubular steel similar to the pre 59 class but with a minimum17” wheel size on all wheels.
Background: When vintage sidecar racing began the bikes raced were plentiful and inexpensive resulting in cheap, affordable racing. This is no longer the case so as a corollary to the bikes’ rarity and hugely increased value it has become increasingly difficult to build or buy a vintage outfit. The formula of “cheap and plentiful” need not be a thing of the past however, for a group of current “big wheel” racers including this season’s champion and a twice champion of recent years have come up with a formula designed to be affordable which may yet fill the grids with “big wheelers” at BHR meetings. The class proposed will not oust the incumbent pre59 bikes – in our opinion the “Blue Riband” class - rather it will complement the genuine pre59’s by allowing crews who would like to race big wheelers but cannot afford to, the opportunity to race outfits of a similar makeup but not vintage and therefor relatively inexpensive. The aim of this proposal is to introduce an “entry level” class to tempt both novices with enthusiasm but little money and maybe experienced drivers who have found higher level racing just too expensive. Big wheel racing is a thrilling and exciting spectacle. This class will bring both new and experienced racers into the club, it will bring valuable publicity from the bike press, bigger crowds through the gates and very importantly more money into the club for a zero outlay.

Detailed Specification of “Big Wheel Bears” Proposal. David Sykes (proposer) Adam Pope (seconder) 2013 AGM
Donor bike & parts: Must be a production road bike, mass produced and freely available to buy, built in Britain/Europe/America before 31st December 1987.
Frame: Made by the same manufacturer as the engine. Some leeway allowed for similar frame, different year. Bracing allowed. Frame loop to remain intact, i.e. no cutting away of lower frame rails etc. Fabrication of sub frame allowed to attach sidecar to bikes built without lower rails e.g. Laverda twins/ BMW K100/K75/MZ
Forks: Must be of a similar type to the bike when it left the manufacturers. Upside down forks not allowed. Forks from any BEARS eligible bike allowed. Fork brace allowed. Forks can be modified to leading axle by welding/fabrication to achieve desired trail
Swinging arm: Must be retained and at standard length but suspension can be made rigid. Complete new sub-frame “hardtail” not allowed.
Yokes: Custom made/modified std to bring about suitable trail, allowed.
Wheels: Minimum diameter 17”, rim width as solo BEARS. All alloy wheels must be unpainted i.e. left as bare metal to facilitate their inspection for cracks at scrutineering.
Tyres: As solo BEARS, maximum tyre width 160mm.Must use inner tubes.
Fuelling: Any BEARS eligible carbs allowed. Injection if fitted as standard from new allowed.
Brakes: Any BEARS eligible discs/callipers allowed. Only ONE calliper per disc.
Fuel: Post 72 outfits must use petrol, pre 72 can use methanol.
Sidecar Spec: Minimum diameter for sidecar wheel is 17”; sidecar must bolt to bike as pre 59’s do. Only streamlining allowed is a small nose cone. Sidecar brake not allowed. Sidecar chassis must be made from steel tube. Choice of front/rear exit. Minimum of four anchor points on bike, two upper, two lower. Sidecar wheel suspension not allowed.
Streamlining: If fitted to the donor bike from new, fairings are allowed
Eligibility: Any doubts over eligibility refer to eligibility committee before building. All pre 59 “Big Wheel” outfits are eligible.

Sump Tray : All wet sump machines must have fitted a sump tray filled with absorbent material. Tray to conform to ACU regulations.
Exhausts: Must be under 105db. Turbocharging NOT allowed.
Engine: Must be normally aspirated. Tuning allowed. Supercharging NOT allowed.
Points Scoring: Usual allocation from 15 for first to 1 for tenth with these provisos- under 500cc one place above, 500cc to 800cc as earned, over 800cc one place below

[dick hawes]

Great news....let the sport be the winner. The antics of the big wheel sidecars are awesome...bring it on.

[SlowPhil]

David Sykes was on the show talking about this and his life in big wheel SideCar racing a couple of weeks ago. This week I'm joined by Tony Banister , twice VMCC champion and another proponent of this new and exciting class. Tune in to http://www.bikerfm.co.uk at 21.00 on Wednesday and 12.00 on Friday. Soon on the show and in MotorCycle Racer magazine I'll be covering the construction of my very first Big wheel SideCar project!