Historic Race Bikes in Australia
Australia uses historic classification common to the United Kingdom, Ireland, the USA and New Zealand. Where there are subtle differences, race entry can accommodate bikes that meet the period rules in their country of origin.
The Australian classification of historic bikes is found in Chapter 7 of Motorcycling Australia’s General Competition Rules, which is updated annually by Motorcycling Australia. Members are responsible for ensuring they remain informed of any changes.
Eligibility and Technical Regulations
For fairness of competition, bikes must be in a condition that is visually compatible with the period of racing being portrayed. To be found eligible for a Motorcycling Australia Log Book, a bike is assessed on its major and minor components history. These components must be indistinguishable from those of the era. Major components must appear externally the same as on a bike of the era.
Some notes on eligibility to remember:
it is up to you as the competitor or entrant to provide evidence that the bike is eligible
the period of the motorcycle shall be the period of the latest major component
for a race motorcycle, the year in which the machine or the latest major component first
appeared in open competition.
Major components are:
All engine and gearbox external castings
Frames
Swingarms
Brakes
Forks and fork yokes
We strongly advise that you refer to Section 8.14 Technical Regulations in the Manual Of Motorcycle Sport.
Race Day Scrutineering
Motorcycles will generally be scrutineered each race day. The Log Book for the bike must be presented with the bike at scrutineering. Scrutineering does not determine the eligibility of the motorcycle. An eligibility scrutineer may be available at scrutineering.
Log Books
Log books are mandatory if you wish to race. Applications for Road Racing Historic Log Books are made through Motorcycling Australia and there are three categories:
Historic Log Book – new owner application
Historic Log Book – interim approval application
Historic Log Book - application to use overseas historic machine
Assistance is available to ensure that you provide the right information and that the bike you propose is eligible. We can assist with questions about eligibility. The best advice we offer is to read Chapter 8 in MoMs regarding historic eligibility and take specific note of the requirement that the motorcycle’s major components are compliant.
International Competitors and Log Books
Rules in Section 8.4.3 of Manual of Motorcycle Sports state:
8.4.3.1 - Bona fide International competitors riding machines from countries other than Australia do not require a log book, but are required to complete an “Overseas Usage” application form and approval granted by Motorcycling Australia.
8.4.3.2 - Overseas competitors’ machines must comply with either their own competition rules or those of Australia, and not be a combination of both to gain a competitive advantage.
Simple!
