1. General Provisions

1.1 Authority

1. These rules are issued by Vintage Motocross Victoria (VMV) and shall apply to all events conducted by clubs for VMV promoted events.
2. These rules operate in conjunction with the Motorcycling Australia Manual of Motorcycle Sport (MoMS), and in the event of conflict, the MoMS shall prevail.
3. All riders, officials, and members acknowledge that participation in VMV events is conditional upon full compliance with these rules.

1.2 Purpose

1. The purpose of VMV competition is to celebrate and preserve vintage motocross motorcycles and competition in an environment that is safe, fair, and historically authentic.
2. The 20-Year Rule exists to ensure that only motorcycles at least 20 years old compete, preserving the spirit of the sport.

1.3 Definitions

2. Machine Eligibility

2.1 Age of Machine

1. The motorcycle must be at least 20 years old, calculated from the manufacturer’s model year, not the registration or purchase date (notwithstanding of a vintage motorcycle from 1.3 above).
2. Proof of age must be provided via manufacturer compliance plate, serial/frame number verification, or verifiable factory documentation.
3. Reproductions, replicas, or aftermarket frames designed to replicate vintage motorcycles are not permitted due to safety reasons concerning the structural capabilities of the material selection and fabrication.

2.2 Classes

1. Classes will be defined by both engine capacity and model year (e.g., Pre-1995 250cc, Pre-2000 Open).
2. Event organisers may create additional classes (e.g., Evolution, Pre-2005) provided they remain within the 20-year rule.
3. The Open Special class allows modified machines, provided they remain safe and broadly consistent with the vintage ethos. No points or official standings shall be awarded in this class.

3. Technical Requirements

3.1 Frames

1. Frames must be original to the manufacturer and model.
2. Frames may be reinforced, but alterations to geometry (head angle, swingarm pivot location, suspension mounts) are not permitted.
3. Hybrid machines (e.g., modern Aluminium frame with vintage engine) are prohibited with the exception of the Open Special class.

3.2 Engines

1. Engine must be of original type and design for the nominated model/year.
2. Internal modifications (porting, compression, piston changes) are allowed provided the external appearance remains period correct.
3. Replacement parts (e.g., crankshafts, pistons, rods) must match the original Design. Modern replacements are permitted only if they replicate the original specification and function.
4. Overboring is permitted within manufacturer tolerances; big-bore kits must have been available during the period.

3.3 Carburetion & Induction

1. Carburettors must be of period-appropriate design. Flat-slide units are only permitted if available during the motorcycle’s production window.
2. Lectron, SmartCarb, and billet carburettors are prohibited in all points-scoring classes.
3. Reed valve modifications are permitted only if period correct.

3.4 Suspension

1. The suspension architecture fitted to a machine (conventional or USD) must remain the same as that supplied on the original model.
2. Later-model suspension swaps are permitted provided they are of the same architecture (e.g., USD replaced with later USD, or conventional with later conventional) and dimensions.
3. Fork length, travel, and mounting must remain consistent with the safe operation of the motorcycle.
4. Internal upgrades (springs, valving, coatings) are permitted.
5. Any suspension swap that changes the fundamental design of the machine (e.g., USD replacing conventional, or vice versa) is prohibited unless the model was originally available in that architecture within the same model lineage.
6. All suspension swaps must use mounts that are compatible with the original frame, with no alteration to frame geometry permitted.

3.5 Brakes

1. Braking system must match the type originally fitted (drum or disc).
2. Oversize brake discs and calipers are permitted if they are commercially available upgrades specifically manufactured for that motorcycle model.
3. Modern aftermarket oversized brakes not designed for the model are prohibited.
4. Drum brakes may be upgraded using period-correct oversize drums if available.

3.6 Wheels & Tyres

1. Spoked wheels are mandatory.
2. Rim sizes must conform to original manufacturer specification.
3. Tyres must comply with current MA motocross tyre regulations.

3.7 Exhaust & Silencers

1. Expansion chambers must be period correct or a faithful reproduction.
2. Aftermarket exhaust pipes are acceptable if available in the original period.
3. All exhausts must incorporate an effective silencer; excessive noise (i.e., above 112 dB(A) using the SAE J1287 test procedure) will result in exclusion.

3.8 Controls & Ancillaries

1. Kill switch is mandatory.
2. Handlebars must be of motocross type.
3. Fat bars are permitted across all eligible motorcycles. Bar mounts must be securely fitted and safe.
4. Levers must terminate with ball ends.
5. Plastics must be original design or faithful reproduction.
6. Helmets must comply with AS/NZS 1698 or the United Nations ECE 22.05 or ECE 22.06 standards and have a certification mark indicating this compliance.

4. Scrutineering

4.1 Pre-Event

1. All motorcycles must be presented to scrutineering before competing.
2. Scrutineers may reject any motorcycle deemed unsafe or non-compliant with Section 3 above, regardless of apparent legality.
3. Competitors must provide proof of machine eligibility when requested.

4.2 Checks

• Frame & engine numbers verified.
• Brakes, throttle, and kill switch operation.
• Leak inspection (fuel, oil, coolant).
• Number plates legible and correctly displayed.
• Protective guards in place (chain guard, sprocket cover where required).

4.3 Post-Event

1. Random post-race scrutineering may be conducted.
2. Competitors must comply immediately when requested for inspection.

5. Conduct & Behaviour

5.1 On Track

1. Riders must ride in a controlled, sportsmanlike manner at all times.
2. Blocking, weaving, brake-checking, or aggressive contact is prohibited.
3. Riders being lapped must yield safely.

5.2 Off Track

1. Competitors must respect officials, fellow riders, and volunteers at all times.
2. Threats, abuse, or intimidation will result in immediate exclusion.
3. Alcohol or drugs are prohibited.

5.3 Paddock

1. Machines must be pushed (not ridden) at walking speed in pits.
2. No open fires, unsafe refuelling, or hazardous behaviour is permitted.

6. Event Procedures

1. Riders must sign on and attend the rider briefing — failure to attend may result in exclusion.
2. Starting method shall be as declared in supplementary regulations (gate, band, or flag).
3. Jump starts incur a penalty at Clerk of Course discretion.
4. Race duration, laps, and results will be determined by event control.
5. Protests must be submitted in writing within 30 minutes of race end.

7. Penalties

1. Breach of technical rules = exclusion from results.
2. Dangerous riding = warning, relegation, or exclusion at discretion of Clerk of Course.
3. Abuse of officials = immediate exclusion and referral to MA disciplinary committee.
4. Repeated rule breaches may result in suspension of VMV membership.

8. Rider Safety Equipment

Riders must wear the following MA-approved gear:

• Helmet (AS1698 / ECE 22.05 or better).
• Goggles.
• Motocross boots.
• Gloves.
• Riding jerseys and pants in good condition.
• Body armour, knee and elbow protection (mandatory for juniors, recommended for all).
• Neck brace strongly recommended.

9. Amendments

1. These rules may be amended only by the VMV Committee in consultation with MA.
2. Updates will be published to all members prior to events.