Rules for North American Vintage Observed Trials Championship

    FIM / NAMU 2004 

    A)     Eligibility
     

    1. All riders must be either a current AMA or CMA member to compete. An FIM license is also acceptable at Gunstock. 
    2. A rider may not ride more than one machine or compete in more than one class at any one meet.
    3. No rider under the legal age of majority in the state in which the trial takes place may compete without the written consent of his/her parents or legal guardians present at the trial. 
    4. The minimum age for youth riders is 10 years old.
    5. Each rider is responsible for the actions of his family and pit crew.
    6. A competitor who rides in a way that endangers officials, other riders, or the public will be subject to immediate disqualification. This applies to riding in the pits, in the sections, and between sections.
    7. Every rider is bound by the applicable rules described in the 2001 AMA Sports Rules Governing Amateur and Youth Competition and by the applicable USCRA rules.


    B)     Motorcycle Classes
     

  • Classic Twin Shock: This class is aimed at later machines from the late 1960's to the early 1980's. Examples are Bultaco Sherpa including the six-speed 199B, Ossa MAR and Yellow Gripper, Montesa Cota, Honda TL 125-250, Honda Reflex, Suzuki RL, Kawasaki KT, Yamaha TY 80, 175 and 250, Hodaka, SWM, and Fantic. Bikes must have twin shock rear suspension; no monoshock suspension is allowed. Motors must be air cooled. Brakes must be drum brakes. Disc brakes are not allowed. All components,including frames, engines, forks, and brakes must be from the period. The Twin Shock class will include Expert, Intermediate, and Novice divisions. 
  • Vintage Heavyweight: This class is aimed at pre-1967 250cc and larger four-stroke machines such as the Ariel HT, Triumph Twins, and Royal Enfield Bullet. Unit and non-unit construction are acceptable. Modifications and major components are limited to those of the era, typical of machines prior to 1967. The Vintage Heavyweight class will include Expert and Novice divisions.
  • Vintage Lightweight: This class is aimed at pre-1967 four-stroke and two-stroke machines smaller than 250cc such as the Triumph Cub, BSA Singles, Villiers-powered Greeves, DOT and Cotton. Other machines will be allowed in this class at the discretion of an official. Unit and non-unit construction are acceptable. Modifications and major components are limited to those of the era, typical of machines prior to 1967. The Vintage Lightweight class will include Expert and Novice divisions.
  • Rigid: This class is aimed at early machines with rigid or plunger-type rear suspension. The frame must not include a rear swingarm. Front forks must be telescopic or girder and must originate from the same country of origin as the motor and frame. Modifications and major components are limited to those of the era, typical of machines of the 1950’s. There will be a single division for all Rigid machines.
  • Sidecar: Any pre-1980 twin shock sidecar trials machine is eligible for the Sidecar class. There will be a single division for all Sidecar machines.

    C)     Competition Categories
     
    1. Riders must decide which class to enter during registration and are encouraged to walk the sections to gauge their ability.
    2. Line 1 will be similar to a NETA novice section.
    3. Line 2 will be suitable for riders with current vintage trials experience who are not comfortable riding the expert sections.
    4. Line 3 will be suitable for older machines and riders with limited off-road or trials experience.
    5. Classes and lines: 
        Classic Twin shock:   Expert line 1; Intermediate line 2; Novice line 3 
        Vintage Heavyweight:  Expert line 2; Novice line 3 
        Vintage Lightweight:  Expert line 2; Novice line 3
        Sidecar:  line 3 
        Rigid: line 3


    D)      Technical Inspection and Modifications
     

    1. Tires/wheels: Trials tires are required for all classes except for the Novice class at the promoter's discretion. No studs, spikes, or chains may be used. Any pre-1975 hub and rim from the proper era is acceptable. Only Twin Shock Class machines may use pre-1985 components.
    2. Suspension: No single shock machines shall compete except the Vincent and NSU.  Front and rear dampers may only be replaced with units using technology available to the end of 1974. Only Twin Shock Class machines may use pre-1985 components. Suspension travel is limited to four inches in the rear and seven inches in the front. Ossa Bolger long-travel machines may compete with rear wheel travel limited to four inches.
    3. Noise: Silencers are required - No open exhaust systems
    4. Components and Modifications: No major components later than 1974.  Specifically, engine, frame, gearbox, forks, braking systems and hubs. Twin Shock Class machines are limited to pre-1985 components. All modifications must be consistent with the spirit of the class. Excessive modifications or non-period modifications will be disqualified or required to compete in the next higher class. Specials made of components (i.e. engines/frames) spanning across different classes and/or eras must compete in the latest class that either of the components dictate.
    5. All motorcycles must comply with all applicable AMA trials safety rules. Helmets are required and must be worn at all times when riding. Only DOT, Snell 90, 95, or any of the FIM approved certifications. 
    6. All machines must have a front number plate (Min. 5" x 5" square) with a white background and a black number at least 3" high indicating which line will be ridden. Number plates will be provided at the Gunstock FIM/NAMU event.


    E)      Scoring Procedures and Sections
     

    1. Scoring is done with the "marks lost" system
        0 - Clean 
        1 - One dab 
        2 - Two dabs 
        3 - Three or more dabs 
        5 - Failure 
        10 - Failure to enter section
    2. Ties - The rider with the most number of cleans will be the winner. If the tie still cannot be broken, the riders shall have a ride off on a predefined section per the discretion of the promoter. The section will be ridden 3 times by each rider with the winner scoring the least number of points.
    3. It is the responsibility of the rider to insure his scorecard is properly marked and turned in on time.
    4. Each section is divided in lines or splits with the number 3 Novice line being the easiest (entry level) and the number 1 Expert line being the most difficult.
    5. Riders must ride their line chosen at sign up and may not ride the more difficult line in the section.
    6. Section shall be marked with ribbon or markers with Red on the right, Blue on the left, yellow for splits. 
    7. Start markers to be red. End markers to be green.
    8. Sections will not be ridden or practiced on prior to the event. Riders may walk sections prior to riding, but shall not change or alter the section in any way.
    9. Riders who do not finish the event or do not complete it in the allotted time, will be scored as DNF with no points.


    F)      Definitions for Trials Rules
     

    1. Clean: No errors in a section
    2. Dab: Any intentional contact between the rider's foot or other part of the body and a supporting surface or object.
    3. Footing: More than two dabs, dragging a foot or paddling with both feet.
    4. Failure: Out of Bounds - riding outside boundaries or riding a different line; crossing own tracks. Stop - A complete loss of forward motion, whether intentional or not. Displacement of markers/ribbons – any disturbance of markers or ribbons requiring them to be reset. Dismounting - both feet on the same side of motorcycle.
    5. Failure to enter a section - refusal to cross the section entry markers with the front axle.
    6. Start/Finish of a Section: Start - front axle passes start gate. End - front axle passes end gate.

 
 
Last Updated: 01/03/04