Rules question; literal vs spirit

[bbb]

New rules changes query:

97, 7.B.24, Ballast:

New sentence:

All ballast must be mounted ahead of the rear axle (except streamliners and sidecars).

If my ballast is mounted on the external swingarm main tubing section in front of the rear axle, (like most A & M BF Hayabusas) but extends several inches rearward beyond the rear axle, am I still legal? The statement above reads that I am, but only in the literal sense. If the spirit means "mounted or extending" then I am not.

[Sumner]

The way I would read that, no you wouldn't be legal.  I read it to say the ballast itself must be ahead of the axle and they aren't talking about mounting or attachment points.

c ya, Sum

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Yeah, good question.  My ballast is on the swingarm, all mounting fasteners are located well ahead of the axle, but the ballast itself might hang a bit beyond the rear axle. (I forget, and the ballast isn't on the bike right now to measure).

Clarification, please.

[bbb]

The way I would read that, no you wouldn't be legal.  I read it to say the ballast itself must be ahead of the axle and they aren't talking about mounting or attachment points.

c ya, Sum

mounted ahead

exactly though. literal or spirit. on principal, literal IMO.

[Malcolm UK]

What those making the rules need to do is define the word "mounted".  

I feel sure that what is intended is to have any ballast ahead of the rear axle line, apart for the types of vehicles given exception from the rule.  If that is the case, why not say all ballast must be located between the front and rear axle centrelines or some such?

I would have thought you can 'attach', 'secure', 'fix', 'bolt on' the additional weight material known and defined as "ballast" but to me you would not necessarily ever "mount ballast" to any vehicle.  

Hey, but what do I know when my English differs from most of you folk!

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Hey, but what do I know when my English differs from most of you folk!

"Yes, I speak English, and I understand American, too."

[1212FBGS]

the new rule is because of the guy that crashed at speed week this year. His ballast was mounted behind the axle and the powers to be decided it was the cause of the accident instead of the course conditions. and there ya go, a new rule to protect us from ourselves. just make sure everything is ahead of the axle and no problems. In interpreting the other rules in the book nothing but the exhaust, and a seat/tail cannot extend beyond a vertical plain drawn through the axle.

[bbb]

so the fact the front tire was traveling assumedly several miles an hour slower than the front in watery conditions had nothing to do with it huh?
OK.
Pendulum effect has been talked about by several riders and assumedly this was the same issue with this rider?

[bbb]

wow. I went back to correct a mis-spelled word and I received 0.0020000000070 points for it!
I promise not to spend it all in one place! :lol:

[JackD]

The worst thing you can do to a bike in terms of weight distribution is put a rider on it.
They all weigh too much, put it exactly in the wrong place and make it too big.
I think that area needs a little more work.
At this point you must mount the lead to the swing arm ahead if the axle
but you can put a 400lb seat assembly 3ft in the air and 8in past the tire.
"Run Forest, run ! "
I think I got it.

[Salty Blaster]

Actually ... probably not.

Take your pick, but you might want to give some thought to the new rule:  Page 96, 7.B.14  which says; If a technical inspector OR THE CHIEF STARTER judges a motorcycle unsafe, it will not be allowed to compete.

If you push the envelope beyond these fellows judgment you might find yourself watching.

Perhaps a direct Email query to the SCTA main motorcycle man might prove beneficial for either the long or short run. It's worked for me.  

[1212FBGS]

pretty much every race organization I have seen, has a statement simular to that one. I dont think I have seen a vehicle denied runs rxcept mine, and thats becaue I wouldnt make a change they wanted so I withdrew my entry (my decision not there's). Unless you show up with a frame of conduit or black pipe and ya do what they want, you'll race.

[bbb]

my balast design is 17" long and extends past the rear axle by 2 1/2" from center of axle hollow. I will send an email in with pictures to clarify my point and see how it goes. I wont be racing at bonne this year with my move to Va in June, but since the other racing org's always look to "big brother" for direction on technical aspects and rules, it pays to be safe around the country with good technical design.
thanks.

[1212FBGS]

Ya may get lucky to get approval in righting. If it is legal at 1 meat the very same vehicle may not be legal at the next. Cut it now and never wory about it in the future.