This message is for all you vintage guys, I know you're out there lurking in those salvage yards. Just got newsletter and see that Formula RD rules have changed. I now have an "outlawed" motor. In big bold letters it states "written with the interest of increased longevity and decreased expense". I had 1 dnf in 18 races. If you guys know someone who can make a 22 yr. old 2-stroke last longer, please put me in contact with them, I would like to buy 1. Second, I just checked with an RD motor builder for an estimate on another top-end. 1 set pistons, used cyl. and heads, bore job and stage 2 port job with cleaned up heads-$ 941.00 plus shipping. How does this decrease expenses? That's more than I spent on entry fees and hotels last season! Last question, If Formula RD is vintage racings entry level "spec" class, why are there so many "Experts" listed on the sign-up sheets these days. I am interested in others views on these subjects. Write me at [email protected] Yes, webtv, I'm so poor from racing I can't even afford a real computer!
First off, I don't think the novice/expert status means much in vintage. I was just advanced to expert status after my first season of racing at the back of the pack. I'm sure the move was by default and influenced by the low number of entrants in any given vintage class (or WERA suggesting I'm an expert "caboose"). As far as the rule changes are concerned, I honestly feel for you. I started building a new bike for the 2000 season just a week after the GNF. Since then I've invested a lot of money (a relative term) and especially time in research and fabrication. On Jan. 3rd I received the newsletter with the rule changes. I instantly felt my insides vaporize as my jaw dropped to vent the acrid steam. I thought one of the new rules would disqualify the bike I put my heart and soul into the during last few months. Luckily this was not the case. I certainly feel that receiving a notice of rule changes this close to the new season penalizes those individuals who plan ahead and don't wait for the last minute to slap a bike together. I'm sure WERA Vintage would, at the very least, be sympathetic to your plight if you contacted them. Lynne, Rick, John and Harold are good individuals... it's Royce, who rules with an iron fist, that you need to steer clear of!
At the GNF last year, there was a lively discussion regarding Formula RD. Yes, more rules were formed, but you can still ride your RD in Formula 500. Unfortunately, there are folks that "lost" with the change. I was going to be a victim if 43mm forks were outlawed in Vintage 5 and 2S. However, I took the time to write to Rick Breckton to voice my concern ... I didn't want to be illegal, but already had 43mm forks on two bikes that were slated for Vintage racing. Not to mention a back up set of forks already in my garage. Apparently, a lot of others wrote in, and the forks are still legal. The process is in place to contribute to rule changes. Take an active part. You have to admit, we WERA racers are fortunate to have opened minded folks running the show. Not to mention things like this board, e mail, and the WERA web site to both send and receive info. Now if I can get my bikes back together and running, I'll be happy. Funny how things come apart alot easier than the assembly.
I have a 74 RD 350 that I bought this past off season and I'm trying to get it up and going for this upcoming season. I know there is a new rule that all bikes must have belly pans. Does this apply to the RD's? The RD doesn't hold oil per-say like my EX but does contain transmission fluid. If the rule applies for RD's, won't the rule of no fairings have to change for formula RD? Thanks-Chris
Diesel, I understand what you are saying. And yamaharick, I was at that meeting at the gnf. And I did voice my opinion on all of the subjects brought up. None of my suggestions showed except leaving stock chain size alone. I could move to formula 500 as you suggest and get spanked with my 28mm carbs and stock steel rims. Bigger carbs and manifolds to hold them will cost $400 from Sudco. Again, where is the decreased operating expense, that was spoken of. I won't even get into the cost of chassis upgrades, alum. rims, new tires for them, etc...I still don't see why the rules were changed when there have been no protests or disqualified bikes in 2 years!
PIE...for discriminating racers like CraZy JOe... Never,never go backwards in time, and if you do, if you see someone coming at you at 300 MPH, try not to look. PIE...for thos in the know.
Outlawed engine already illegal If the engine was using non-RD/RZ pistons, the configuration was already illegal. Anyway, Formula RD is still alive and well, just build an RD to the existing vintage-2 spec, and you will have what F-RD is/was suppose to be. Merry Christmas
