AFM tech inspection?

[sihondalove]

the 2008 AFM race season will be my first race season....

is there any place that i can go to have my bike tech'ed or looked over b4 the begining of the season?

i dont wanna end up going to the first race of the year and end up not passing tech.

any help would be great thanks!!:ride

[Zerox]

Here's the page with Tech contact info:
http://www.afmracing.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=45

David lives in Santa Rosa so maybe he can check your work.

[afm199]

Well in a sense all of us face the same problem. You can not take your bike to an AFM tech inspector and ask it to be passed prior to the first tech inspection. So all of us wonder if we will get a tech inspector that misses something or knows something that someone else does not. Even if one inspector passes it, another may not. So in a sense it is a crap shoot, in practice it works out quite well.

A mentor can help you there.

[afm223]

Way back when I started racing with the AFM I had the same concerns, so I called the (then) Chief Tech Inspector Ross Wells and what he told me was the anything that had fluid behind it and was held on with two or lest bolts needed to be safety wired as well as all hose clamps. the caliper bolts and axle pinch bolts will need to be safety wired as well as the front axle. One thing that I found that helps is to paint your master link so it is easy to find, some red nail polish on the outside plate works great. A clean bike also helps.

[afm199]

Hose clamps can be RTVed now. Good post.

And most AFM ers probably don't safety wire or RTV the neutral indicator assembly that plugs into the case at the end of the shift drum , is held by two screws and has oil behind, nor the starter motor, nor the rear cam chain tensioner on an SV or other V twin.

[Jello_Biafra]

If you do a ZoomZoom day you can ask Ed to tech your bike to AFM regs. :thumbup

[afm199]

If you do a ZoomZoom day you can ask Ed to tech your bike to AFM regs. :thumbup


No you can ask Ed for his OPINION. Who ever techs the bike at the AFM inspection determines if it passes or not.

[Jello_Biafra]

I fail to see where my statement was inaccurate..

[AFM535]

The odds of Ed personally tech-ing your bike at an AFM weekend are very low. All of the inspectors vary in their level of detail and interpretation of the guidelines that were described above.

Bring extra RTV :-)

[duh_ave]

Hose clamps can be RTVed now. Good post.

And most AFM ers probably don't safety wire or RTV the neutral indicator assembly that plugs into the case at the end of the shift drum , is held by two screws and has oil behind, nor the starter motor, nor the rear cam chain tensioner on an SV or other V twin.

hose clamps have not been required to be wired or rtv'd in the AFM for the past three years (at least-- thats all I have been a member).

[afm199]

I fail to see where my statement was inaccurate..



The OP wants to know if his bike will pass tech. The AFM does not have a pre inspection tech service. The first time you can get a bike teched is at an AFM race weekend. You can get an AFM tech inspector to LOOK at it and give you an opinion. That does not mean it will pass tech, it means one inspector has passed it.

Second, I am not sure of the ethicality of an AFM inspector giving tech inspections at a paid event. His decision is ONLY an OPINION and has NO validity at an AFM inspection. The AFM is a CORPORATION that holds race events. The only inspection that PASSES is one held at a race event, not one held by an inspector working at a trackday. So it is an opinion, nothing more. ZZ is not an AFM tech certifier and frankly there may be some moral hazard should a zoom zoom employee venture an opinion on the safety of a motorcycle.

Why not read the rule book and ask a mentor, or pay one of the shops like Buds for an opinion, rather than put an afm inspector and zz on the spot.

BTW a first inspection can take five minutes, so it is not particularly courteous to ask for one at a trackday when there are people lined up to go through inspection. AFM inspection are much more strenuous than trackday inspections.

I may be in SR this week, would be glad to take a look. Most racers who prepare their own bikes know the requirements fairly well. However, reading the rule book is really a good thing.

[Tazman]

The OP wants to know if his bike will pass tech. The AFM does not have a pre inspection tech service. The first time you can get a bike teched is at an AFM race weekend. You can get an AFM tech inspector to LOOK at it and give you an opinion. That does not mean it will pass tech, it means one inspector has passed it.

That's all you can hope for pre-season. While I am trying to maintain a level of consistency in Tech there are occasions when someone finds something another has missed. All of the inspectors will ask me if there is anything questionable. I also do the same with the Board if I have questions regarding the rulebook.

Second, I am not sure of the ethicality of an AFM inspector giving tech inspections at a paid event. His decision is ONLY an OPINION and has NO validity at an AFM inspection. The AFM is a CORPORATION that holds race events. The only inspection that PASSES is one held at a race event, not one held by an inspector working at a trackday. So it is an opinion, nothing more. ZZ is not an AFM tech certifier and frankly there may be some moral hazard should a zoom zoom employee venture an opinion on the safety of a motorcycle.

These inspections are given during the NRS classes given by Z2, which if I recall correctly is an accredited AFM NRS provider. I happen to work with Z2 and teach the Tech portion of the class. The Tech portion takes place during the classroom part of the day so that no regular trackday riders are inconvenienced by it. You are correct in stating that I cannot pass the bike for AFM tech right then and there. What I can do is offer my opinion and suggestions as to how to get their bike through Tech with the least amount of pain.

Why not read the rule book and ask a mentor, or pay one of the shops like Buds for an opinion, rather than put an afm inspector and zz on the spot.

So what you're trying to say is that I am not qualified to be the Chief Tech for the AFM or to teach this part of the NRS?

[afm199]

That's all you can hope for pre-season. While I am trying to maintain a level of consistency in Tech there are occasions when someone finds something another has missed. All of the inspectors will ask me if there is anything questionable. I also do the same with the Board if I have questions regarding the rulebook.



These inspections are given during the NRS classes given by Z2, which if I recall correctly is an accredited AFM NRS provider. I happen to work with Z2 and teach the Tech portion of the class. The Tech portion takes place during the classroom part of the day so that no regular trackday riders are inconvenienced by it. You are correct in stating that I cannot pass the bike for AFM tech right then and there. What I can do is offer my opinion and suggestions as to how to get their bike through Tech with the least amount of pain.



So what you're trying to say is that I am not qualified to be the Chief Tech for the AFM or to teach this part of the NRS?

First go back and read Jello Biafra's post. He suggested that a zoom zoom trackday was the place to get an AFM inspection. I seriously doubt you are willing to give potential racers complete inspections at TRACKDAYS. He did not mention NRS, nor did I. My comments were aimed at asking for AFM inspections at a TRACKDAY not NEW RIDERS SCHOOL.

If you are giving inspections for potential racers at ZZ TRACKDAYS I am surprised.

A. I am not criticizing AFM inspections or inspectors. They do a good job. It is the NATURE of any inspection that the individual inspector makes the call, which can be appealed. I have never had a problem with AFM inspections.Even if I was called on something.

B. ...trackdays not NRS

C. As far as you being qualified to be chief inspector, you pulled that one out of the air completely. I did not say that, infer that, or insinuate that. I suggested that a zoom zoom track day WHICH WAS WHAT WAS SUGGESTED BY JELLO BIAFRA, was not the appropriate place for a rider to ask for an AFM tech inspection.


My apology if my original post was not clear. I did not make those comments about NRS, but about trackdays, which was what was originally brought up.

[Jello_Biafra]

First go back and read Jello Biafra's post. He suggested that a zoom zoom trackday was the place to get an AFM inspection.


Something bad happen to your Cheerios this morning? What I was saying is that if you're at a Z2 event, where the AFM's Chief Tech Inspector is more than likely to be, you could probably ask him to take a look at your bike. Is that unreasonable? I don't think so. In fact it's something that was pointed out to me by a respected vendor, BARF sponsor and AFM racer. I guess we're both idiots.

Perhaps Ed can clear that up a bit better than you can Ernie. Ed, can I ask for your input on the potential legality of my bike next monday at Sears? Or should I wait until we're not at the same race track together and instead call you on your own time while trying to describe my question rather than showing you?

[sihondalove]

The OP wants to know if his bike will pass tech. The AFM does not have a pre inspection tech service. The first time you can get a bike teched is at an AFM race weekend. You can get an AFM tech inspector to LOOK at it and give you an opinion. That does not mean it will pass tech, it means one inspector has passed it.

Second, I am not sure of the ethicality of an AFM inspector giving tech inspections at a paid event. His decision is ONLY an OPINION and has NO validity at an AFM inspection. The AFM is a CORPORATION that holds race events. The only inspection that PASSES is one held at a race event, not one held by an inspector working at a trackday. So it is an opinion, nothing more. ZZ is not an AFM tech certifier and frankly there may be some moral hazard should a zoom zoom employee venture an opinion on the safety of a motorcycle.

Why not read the rule book and ask a mentor, or pay one of the shops like Buds for an opinion, rather than put an afm inspector and zz on the spot.

BTW a first inspection can take five minutes, so it is not particularly courteous to ask for one at a trackday when there are people lined up to go through inspection. AFM inspection are much more strenuous than trackday inspections.

I may be in SR this week, would be glad to take a look. Most racers who prepare their own bikes know the requirements fairly well. However, reading the rule book is really a good thing.


yeh and if you read my first post you can read that i did not ask for a "pre tech" i just asked if i can have it looked at, thats all, i dont wanna go to the first race and not pass tech...

and yes..if you are in SR this week i would he greatfull if you took time to give me the once over, thank you.

[afm199]

Something bad happen to your Cheerios this morning? What I was saying is that if you're at a Z2 event, where the AFM's Chief Tech Inspector is more than likely to be, you could probably ask him to take a look at your bike. Is that unreasonable? I don't think so. In fact it's something that was pointed out to me by a respected vendor, BARF sponsor and AFM racer. I guess we're both idiots.

Perhaps Ed can clear that up a bit better than you can Ernie. Ed, can I ask for your input on the potential legality of my bike next monday at Sears? Or should I wait until we're not at the same race track together and instead call you on your own time while trying to describe my question rather than showing you?


Actually you said a "afm tech inspection" in your post, a time consuming event, not a "look". Big difference. Works fine at a NRS event, not sure if it does at a trackday. Probably. If there are only a few bikes.

I would like to hear Ed sound in on this. He is the guy on the spot and the guy who has to do the work. And it is the Racer's responsibility to prepare a bike, not Ed's to examine every one prior to a race at a trackday and give an opinion on it. If he wants to do the work, more power to him. Like I said, a thorough inspection means a lot of time.

I also don't think the unpaid job of chief tech inspector requires Ed to look at every bike, it is a courtesy.

Do you have one question or want a complete inspection?

Anyway looks like I am blowing smoke here so apologies, and I butt out now.

[Jello_Biafra]

Thank you. Has anyone ever told you that you're a pedant?

[afm199]

Thank you. Has anyone ever told you that you're a pedant?

Actually no. Do you understand the difference between a trackday and NRS or assume that because ZZ holds it they are all the same?

Pedant: Someone who disagrees with me and tells me why.

[Jello_Biafra]

I don't believe that I ever mentioned the NRS.

[jrace]

I would like to hear Ed sound in on this. He is the guy on the spot and the guy who has to do the work.

Ummm. Ernie, he did a couple of posts up. ^^

http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3734609&postcount=12

-jim

[afm199]

Yes I know, he said he teched at NRS, did not mention trackdays.

In a PM to me he mentioned he will tech at a trackday if asked.

[sihondalove]

again if your coming to Santa Rosa soon i would love for you to take a peek at my bike and tell me where im at...

[afm199]

again if your coming to Santa Rosa soon i would love for you to take a peek at my bike and tell me where im at...



Will be glad to. And if you get to a ZZ trackday Ed says he is looking at bikes at trackdays.

[Jello_Biafra]

Can we hug it out Ernie?

[sihondalove]

is ED go to every zoom zoom trackday? any other inspectors make other trackdays?

like i said i wanna know where im at as far as passing tech goes.....any help would be great!!!! thanks

[eeeeek]

is ED go to every zoom zoom trackday? any other inspectors make other trackdays?

like i said i wanna know where im at as far as passing tech goes.....any help would be great!!!! thanks

I believe Jason Butler is at most PTT track days.

I'm not sure about Keigwins. You can check with each of the providers and see. I know for a fact that PTT, Keigwins and Z2 all have AFM racers at every track day. Even if they aren't tech inspectors, they should be able to give your bike a solid once over. Eric Arnold, at Keigwins, for example, is not a tech inspector, but he knows how to properly set up a race bike. :thumbup

[jrace]

Eric Arnold, at Keigwins, for example, is not a tech inspector, but he knows how to properly set up a race bike. :thumbup
He should. Barb still has some of his old tools. :teeth

-jim

[lokisdog]

He should. Barb still has some of his old tools. :teeth

-jim

Hmm, I've never dropped a tool kit or any tools on track, you sure you got the right guy Jim?

Or is this just an episode of your CRS flaring up? :cool

[firemedic2706]

I should be at a bunch of Keigwin days this year and I'm a tech inspector so if you have some questions you could always hit me up with them.

[Holeshot]

Ed Shamus is the CHIEF tech inspector and a regular at the Zoom Zoom trackdays. If it was up to me, I'd have him take a look if he has time...it's like a 5 minute process AND you have to tech a bike for a trackday anyway! Sounds to me like a Z2 trackday on March 7th at BW will clear up all your questions...

And Ed is the CHIEF tech. What he says goes...he overides his lackeys...Kyle is spot on here IMO....sorry Ernie.

[ZXR400SP]

I know Bud is busy doing prep, for those that want help getting their bke race prepped you could also try Patrick Ho, He builds my motors, does fabrication work. I was talking with him last night about my broken motor and he said he'd be able to do some prep work for those that don't have the time or inclination. He does great work!!! http://www.perf-concepts.com/
Email: info@perf-concepts.com
Phone: 510.222.7684