ot Buell XBRR Illegal?

[gigantic]

Dueling Boilerplate: Is The Buell XBRR Legal In AMA Formula Extreme?
undeniable fact: there is no such animal as an XBRR streetbike

by dean adams www.amasuperbike.com

Wednesday, January 25, 2006
The 2007 Buell XBRR which debuted this week is an interesting bike, no doubt, and signals a serious intent by Buell to become competitive in racing. It is assumed that this long-rumored model will be Buell's entry into the 2006 Formula Extreme class— (it's nearly the biggest rumor in racing that Buell has Jeremy McWilliams, Pascal Picotte and Mike Ciccotto lined up to race this motorcycle in Formula Extreme).

However, the boilerplate attached to the press release announcing the XBRR and the AMA Pro Racing rule book would seem to be at odds.

The 2005 AMA Pro Racing rule book states on page 21 under the heading of Equipment Standards--Formula Xtreme: AMA Formula Xtreme motorcycles are based on production four-stroke street motorcycles.

And, on page 27 of the 2005 AMA Pro Racing rule book it states: Formula Xtreme competition is restricted to motorcycles (engines and frames) produced for US street use and available in the US through retail dealers.

Buell PR says that the XBRR is "a modified XB engine and chassis".
There is no such animal as an XBRR streetbike.
Clearly, to race Formula Extreme in 2005, a motorcycle needed to start life as a production street model.

For example, when Jake Zemke's Honda Formula Extreme bike goes to the grid, it is clearly based on the CBR600RR streetbike.

However, on the bottom of the press release announcing the new Buell, the following is stated, "It is illegal for anyone to ride this motorcycle on public roads. The Buell XBRR motorcycle does not meet NHTSA or EPA regulations for on road use. This motorcycle may only be used on closed courses."

The Buell press release infers that this XBRR is a new model, "a limited-edition production racing motorcycle designed exclusively for closed course competition". Using the phrase "designed exclusively" in this context would seem to mean this is not a hopped-up machine based on a production streetbike. Buell PR says that the XBRR is "a modified XB engine and chassis".

There is no such animal as an XBRR streetbike.

Erion Racing's Kevin Erion had a copy of the 2006 AMA Pro Racing rule book and said both passages noted above read virtually the same in the 2006 editon.

Erion, whose two riders, Aaron Gobert and Josh Hayes, will race the Formula Extreme class in 2006, was disturbed that the Buell XBRR may be raced in Formula Extreme, "Based on the language in Buell's press release, their bike is not legal for the Formula Extreme class. The rule book states two times that motorcycles for the FX class are based on production street motorcycles; it's like the first sentence," Erion said.

If the new Buell is legal for Formula Extreme, it may fundamentaly change the class. Previously a Formula Extreme racer had to start life as a production streetbike. Now, if the new Buell is legal, it's a sign to the other manufacturers that they can assemble 50 lot kit bikes—for which there is no clearly discernable production streetbike—to race Formula Xtreme. For example, what's to stop Ducati from building a short production run, "designed exclusively", Franken-racer consistening of a 999R or 749 chassis powered by their 1000cc air-cooled, four-valve engine, to race the Daytona 200 with?

AMA Pro Racing sources said this week that based on the fact that the rules for an air-cooled Twin in Formula Extreme are so wide, and allow for so many modifications, that it is their belief that the XBRR is legal for the Formula Extreme class.

The relevant question seems to be this: where is the XBRR streetbike this machine is based on?

[5axis]

Keep bending, changing, or ignoring the rules until one of those dinosaurs has a chance to win. NHRA did that with prostock. There is such a huge fan base of lemmings, that they (orgs) will bend over and do nasty things to reach that fan base.
Someone on WERA posted something like " it's not what you want to race, it's what fans will pay to see race." Kind of makes a very good point, eh?

[5axis]

[Anton]

It’s funny to watch Beemer guys make fun of Buells. I supose when Buell doesn't make it in Formula Extreme, they'll just have to start there own series.

[5axis]

Hey now, I ride a Aprilia cup bike. I keep looking this one to go with my RS 250. http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74416
HWT twins here I come?

I think the Buel will be in FX. It is good for the sport and the big twins do sound very nice at the track.

Hey Anton, see you at RA for the AMA races?

[SCOTTinNJ]

"what's to stop Ducati from building a short production run, "designed exclusively", Franken-racer consistening of a 999R or 749 chassis powered by their 1000cc air-cooled, four-valve engine, to race the Daytona 200 with?"
--------------------------------

Build one, please!!

[5axis]

[Dbltailexit]

thanks 5axis- that's funny x two ingmar

[SCOTTinNJ]

I guess that's as close as we'll get...

[roger albert]

> "what's to stop Ducati from building a short production run, "designed exclusively", Franken-racer consistening of a 999R or 749 chassis powered by their 1000cc air-cooled, four-valve engine, to race the Daytona 200 with?"

Nothing. They should.

Bodies bend rules all the time. Plus, the XBRR is no further from a regular one than Zemkes is from a regular 600RR. Note that Honda was the only factory FX bike and they were the only bike in the race. I think Buell can claim it to be a regular XB with the allowable type mods pre-delivered/installed. I dont' think it bends the rules as much as it appears to on the surface.
The FX bikes are indeed pretty extreme in allowed mods.
Anyone note they instantly sold out at the dealers meeting.
I think it will be good for the series.

[Highlander179]

Originally posted by roger albert
Anyone note they instantly sold out at the dealers meeting.
I think it will be good for the series.

I noticed and I agree. I'm wondering what the dealer mark-up is going to be, or if there is going to, all of the sudden, be 25 dealers racing FX???

[JonyRR]

paint the thing ornag and black while you're at it, please. Maybe put Jay on it.

[repoe3]

Originally posted by roger albert
> "what's to stop Ducati from building a short production run, "designed exclusively", Franken-racer consistening of a 999R or 749 chassis powered by their 1000cc air-cooled, four-valve engine, to race the Daytona 200 with?"

Nothing. They should.

Bodies bend rules all the time. Plus, the XBRR is no further from a regular one than Zemkes is from a regular 600RR. Note that Honda was the only factory FX bike and they were the only bike in the race. I think Buell can claim it to be a regular XB with the allowable type mods pre-delivered/installed. I dont' think it bends the rules as much as it appears to on the surface.
The FX bikes are indeed pretty extreme in allowed mods.
Anyone note they instantly sold out at the dealers meeting.
I think it will be good for the series.

agree with that...FX bike can have modified frames, and lots of other things changes...i recall zemke's FX bike at laguna two years ago have massively different intakes than even the factory boys. without checking, i thought they can even change up to 40% of the frame, etc. you would easily see the differences when you compared a stock bike to an FX bike...and not just stuff you bolt on/off, but structural changes, etc.

repoe3

[Highlander179]

The difference being that Zemke's bike started out as a "production-based streetbike" as defined by the rules and then was modified. Not modified by the factory and then produced as a "Race ONLY, not legal for street use" machine which is outside the rules.

I'm all for more competition. "Let the boys race 'em", I say

[repoe3]

Originally posted by Highlander179
The difference being that Zemke's bike started out as a "production-based streetbike" as defined by the rules and then was modified. Not modified by the factory and then produced as a "Race ONLY, not legal for street use" machine which is outside the rules.

I'm all for more competition. "Let the boys race 'em", I say

that is you paraphrasing...there is nothing stated about the factory not being able to mod the bike rather then a race team. you CAN buy an XB bike and make the same mods to it and its legal...why not cut to the chase and buy the bike ready to go? aside from it not having a VIN on it...how different is that? an FX bike can't (but probably could be) registered either.

repoe3

[Highlander179]

you're right, but there is language that states it needs to be a street bike

AMA ProRAcing Rulebook
page 21

C. Formula Xtreme®
AMA Formula Xtreme motorcycles are based on production fourstroke street motorcycles.

page 24

5. The following items may not be altered from the originally
approved model on all engine types except as noted:
a. Stock main frame
1. Frame must display vehicle identification number.

page 27

h. Approval of Formula Xtreme® Motorcycles
1. Only approved motorcycles may be used in Formula Xtreme
competition.
2. Formula Xtreme competition is restricted to motorcycles (engines and frames) produced for US street use and
available in the US through retail dealers.

and from Buell's own press release it is not...

Buell Press Release

a limited-edition production racing motorcycle designed exclusively for closed course competition

It is illegal for anyone to ride this motorcycle on public roads. The Buell XBRR motorcycle does not meet NHTSA or EPA regulations for on road use. This motorcycle may only be used on closed courses.

but like I said, I think they should be allowed, and I think BMW should make 50 chain-driven R1200S production racers to make my interest level a little higher in AMA FX, because right now, I'm not as interested as I should be.

sorry for paraphrasing.

[JonyRR]

the bottom line here is that there either are rules that all interested parties abide by or not.
the rules don't have to make sense.
the rules don't have to be fair.
but if there ARE going to be rules, the attending parties SHOULD be bound to abide by them, or toss the frackin' rules and go commando.
Of course, the corrolary to this is that it's a fact of life in racing to 'never get behind on your cheating'...and it didn't start here, nor will it finish here.
I wish Buell all the luck. I wish they'd source or design a modern engine and I'd be proud to buy 'merikan, but not as long as they use a farm implement as a power module.

[RC51DRAG]

Agreed, not that they're right but everyone else cheats, Buell is just more blatant. I guess it's not cheating if you don't get caught. But I for one will go to those race meets to see the Buells not the CBRs etal.

[repoe3]

we all know there are rules and there are politics. even race bikes and off-road bikes have vin numbers. rossi's m1 had a number on the frame...doesnt mean i can register it. and this bike IS based on a streetable bike that you CAN buy from a dealer network. this is not that much of a stretch IMO. not that any of this will make the thing competitive or reliable. but heck, they could easily have a spec class...call it the tractor cup.

repoe3

[N8Kern]

The factory supported race teams that ran CCS cried enough that a 100 + lb. BMW w/ 80 RWHP was spanking their $5000 motors (per weekend) and 380lb. dry Buells.

Currently developing a Boxer for FX.

N8!