Are Replicas really Classics?

And that is exactly how it should be.

This is somewhat different from what wilkey is talking about. Rules allow replicas and wilkey's assertion is/was some are passing off replicas for originals.

I just have not seen that.
 
Actually, I should be clear, I don't recall ever being straight up lied to from someone with a replica bike. I want to make sure I speak correctly.

I simply think that a replica, should be an actual replica, a faithful reproduction of the original. I take the biggest issue with the replica bikes that also have all these "upgrades". If someone is racing, let's say a replica Manx, then it should have a magneto, an Amal GP carb and a gearbox that matches original spec. etc.
To me, things are misleading with electronic ignitions, concentric or Mikuni carbs and 6 speed TTI gearboxes. I don't think that a replica, with those "upgrades" is actually replicating an original. Those things start to fall into the world of speculative fantasy that some like to consider "development".
I also think the a replica Manx should have 19" wheels.

A real replica Manx would be more than just a cosmetic representation of the original.
For obvious reasons of track and rider safety, I absolutely make room for belt drive primaries, modern tires and even enclosed valve springs. While those aren't original spec, I feel that rider safety, certainly outweighs originality.
 
If folks didn't think they could build a better mousetrap, we'd all still be riding penny farthings.

I don't know, i don't want to see racing stuck in a rut from 50+ years ago, even if it says Classic or Historic on the ticket.
If everyone raced things EXACTLY as they were back then, we'd know precisely who would win, and by how much.
Where is the fun in that...
And for folks who actually race them, getting that extra bit out of them is where those improved mousetraps come from...
 
wilkey113 said:
Actually, I should be clear, I don't recall ever being straight up lied to from someone with a replica bike. I want to make sure I speak correctly.

I simply think that a replica, should be an actual replica, a faithful reproduction of the original. I take the biggest issue with the replica bikes that also have all these "upgrades". If someone is racing, let's say a replica Manx, then it should have a magneto, an Amal GP carb and a gearbox that matches original spec. etc.
To me, things are misleading with electronic ignitions, concentric or Mikuni carbs and 6 speed TTI gearboxes. I don't think that a replica, with those "upgrades" is actually replicating an original. Those things start to fall into the world of speculative fantasy that some like to consider "development".
I also think the a replica Manx should have 19" wheels.

A real replica Manx would be more than just a cosmetic representation of the original.
For obvious reasons of track and rider safety, I absolutely make room for belt drive primaries, modern tires and even enclosed valve springs. While those aren't original spec, I feel that rider safety, certainly outweighs originality.

It is an unfortunate fact of life that technical development of old bikes is the fun part of road racing. My feeling is that the rules should prohibit replicas in the Landsdown Series and Goodwood Revival type meetings. At all other events the race classes should be based on relatively liberal technology limitations and engine capacity . To have fun 'the best rules is no rules'. The only problem I have with any kind of classic racing is with the mixed grids of radically different technology bikes. The races sound wrong, and the racing lines taken are often dangerously different.
 
72Combat said:
Why are superchargers not allowed? Is it due to BMW winning the TT with them? :roll:

Probably more like Norton and Velocette and AJS were NOT winning with them...
??

It is quite noticeable that superchargers, and turbos, are not too popular in bikes,
whereas quite a few cars have them these days, and have had for quite some years.
PRODUCTION versions, that is....
 
Rohan said:
Probably more like Norton and Velocette and AJS were NOT winning with them...
??

It is quite noticeable that superchargers, and turbos, are not too popular in bikes,
whereas quite a few cars have them these days, and have had for quite some years.
PRODUCTION versions, that is....

The Classic Racing rules look to have been drawn up in the late 70's and one club excludes Japanese bikes completely, even the club that encompasses all bikes has cuts off and exclusions. The 'grandfathering Rule' allows bikes built in a later time to enter earlier classes EG Honda 750/4 and the 850 Commando.
Both clubs are now struggling to pay for track hire and get the punters but they are pretty infexible on " The Rules" ......that is unless you have a nearly new Manx :roll:
I'd be keen to fit a blower on a BMW, just for the fun of it. The fun Police might not approve.
 
I think a Rennsport look-alike with a crank mounted Zoller type blower up front, built from an R100 or bigger would be an excellent racer. We get bound up with so many rules which stifle creativity and I think that is pretty ridiculous - 'we are here for a good time, not a long time'. There must be room for development, otherwise why are we doing this stuff ?
A 1000cc version of this ? :
http://thevintagent.blogspot.com.au/201 ... -sale.html
 
You could take it to an historic meeting, swap the scrutineers tag or sticker from another bike and take it out in practice and give the fellas a big thrill.
 
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