new 2018 equipment requirements?

[Jac Ryann]

So I'm thinking about signing up for NRS and doing some racing this year. Went over the 2017 Rulebook on AFM site. From talking with people, I understand there are some new requirements for 2018 that's not in the 2017 Rulebook? Such as:

- brake-lever guards
- case guards
- sprocket covers
- etc.

Anyone has a link to where I can find the "official" list?

Thanks

[csik magnet]

I don't think an official list of changes has been published.
From digging around here on BARF and emailing Paul Kieffer (AFM chief tech inspector), the only tech changes from what's published in the 2017 rule book are:
*Brake lever and rear sprocket/toe guards are now required. (from Paul: "We don't have any set requirements on brands, but they do need to be functional.")
*Oil filters must be OEM

Everything else tech-wise is the same as 2017. The case guard requirement is in the 2017 rulebook as well, see the Appendix A checklist on page 60 for what makes/models require them.

Hope that helps, I'm starting racing this year too and I went/am going through all this same stuff.
I do wish the information was all easily accessible in one central webpage or document or something though. I wonder how many people won't be 2018 legal at Rd 1 because the AFM hasn't published these changes anywhere obvious.

[KazMan]

Some of it has come out to members via e-blasts. However, we started last year and will be continuing the practice of using tech bulletins throughout the years to update and archive any changes which will be available on the soon to be rolled out website. fwiw

[Jac Ryann]

Originally Posted by KazMan

Some of it has come out to members via e-blasts. However, we started last year and will be continuing the practice of using tech bulletins throughout the years to update and archive any changes which will be available on the soon to be rolled out website. fwiw

Not sure if that can help make it easy for new racers like me since I've just developed interest in racing. So I wouldn't have been member on any sites or have registered on any email-lists to have received these bulletins before becoming interested in racing.

Kinda like Terminator's retroactive abortion idea...

[KazMan]

Originally Posted by Jac Ryann

Not sure if that can help make it easy for new racers like me since I've just developed interest in racing. So I wouldn't have been member on any sites or have registered on any email-lists to have received these bulletins before becoming interested in racing.

Kinda like Terminator's retroactive abortion idea...

This webpage can be a lot of help http://afmracing.org/contact-us

[csik magnet]

Originally Posted by KazMan

This webpage can be a lot of help http://afmracing.org/contact-us

Eric, I'm not saying that contacting the AFM and getting the answer "straight from the horse's mouth" is a bad idea, but I don't think new racers should be expected to know that they need to ask if the rulebook currently published on the AFM website is accurate. It's not obvious at all that there are changes to it. Maybe a note under the rulebook download link with 2018 changes would be helpful.
Hell, the website has a "Getting Started" section! That might be a good place to post info that new members like Jac and myself would need to know.

[KazMan]

Hey Nick, There's going to be a new website released very soon and I think that we did address your issues above. However, I think the current link at the website says 2017 Rule Book, and yeah...we're late releasing the 2018 rulebook and trying to answer as many questions as come into email.

[velazcod]

I have previously raised concerns about this with the BOD and the confusion potential new riders have these days.

If the AFM needs to get new riders to stay afloat, this needs to be prioritized and fixed as soon as possible.

[cg_ops]

I've been working with seasoned racers to get my WR250 sorted for my first year in AFM and it's STILL confusing as hell.

[jtiisto]

Originally Posted by cg_ops

I've been working with seasoned racers to get my WR250 sorted for my first year in AFM and it's STILL confusing as hell.

You aren't alone. I've raced for year and half now, and I am still confused and haven't managed to get answer to questions I've had along the way. I just stopped asking. I know people who have volunteered to help with the rulebook have been turned away too so I guess that's the way it is.

Err on the side of caution, bring extra parts, just do what others are doing.

[jaybocc2]

My strategy is to just race, and worry about whether or not i'll get disputed/disqualified for when i stop coming in last place...

[stangmx13]

Originally Posted by jaybocc2

My strategy is to just race, and worry about whether or not i'll get disputed/disqualified for when i stop coming in last place...

good idea, with one caveat. still worry about the things that'll stop u from passing tech. that way u have a smooth morning and don't have to run around the pits asking random racers to borrow a brake lever guard or an oil filter hose clamp or something.

[jaybocc2]

FYI, here was the word as sent in Dec/17/2017 from chief tech inspector

Hi All,

Below please find the confirmed rule changes for the 2018 season.

8.1.1 Motorcycles that are equipped with a spin on type oil filter may only use OEM oil filters.

8.1.7 Motorcycles must be equipped with brake lever protection, intended to protect the handlebar brake lever from being accidently activated in case of collision with another motorcycle. The Chief Technical Inspector has the right to refuse any guard not satisfying this safety purpose.

8.1.13 A chain guard (also known as a Toe Guard or Shark Fin) must be fitted in such a way as to reduce the possibility that any part of the riders body may become trapped between the lower chain run and the rear wheel sprocket.

These rules will be incorporated in the 2018 Rule Book.

The 2017 Rule Book, with these 3 additions can be used to prepare for the 2018 season.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

pkieffer@afmracing.org

****There will be rules changes to accommodate the new Ninja 400.

We are working to get those to the membership as soon as possible, and will send a detailed E-blast once confirmed.

[jtiisto]

Originally Posted by stangmx13

good idea, with one caveat. still worry about the things that'll stop u from passing tech. that way u have a smooth morning and don't have to run around the pits asking random racers to borrow a brake lever guard or an oil filter hose clamp or something.

Caveat comment is fair. However, it's the best you can do with messed up _2017_ rulebook.

[DannoXYZ]

One thing I haven't seen posted here is slight modification of 2017 rulebook Appendix-A. CASE GUARDS are now required across the board for all bikes, not just the models listed in 2017 Appendix-A. You see numerous references to Appendix-A in 2018 rulebook. Go to end and where's Appendix-A????