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CONFIGURATION 30 HP

The reduction of motorcycle power to 30 hp aims to limit the deterioration of the terrain and is part of a logic of preserving agricultural heritage and the environment (more info at the bottom of the page.)

For whom?Which motorcycles?Distinctive sign ControlsHow does one set a motorcycle to 30 hp?The reason for this limitationWhy 30 HP?ResultTestimony

For whom?

  • All riders Class 1. In other words, regardless of the motorcycle they use, it must be configured to 30 hp.
  • All riders Class 2 . In other words, regardless of the motorcycle they use, it must be configured to 30 hp.
  • Riders under 18 years old.
  • Class 4 riders

 Riders Class 3 must not limit their motorcycle to 30 hp unless they are using a model listed below.

Which motorcycles?

  • All riders Class 1. In other words, regardless of the motorcycle they use, it must be configured to 30 hp.
  • All riders Class 2 . In other words, regardless of the motorcycle they use, it must be configured to 30 hp.
  • Riders under 18 years old.
  • Class 4 riders

 Riders Class 3 must not limit their motorcycle to 30 hp unless they are using a model listed below.

Distinctive sign 

All motorcycles, whether limited to 30 hp or not, must display a distinctive coloured sign. This will be provided by the organisation. The rider must attach it themselves in a clearly visible manner on the highest part of the front brake hose (or cable). It will be red ( example ) for motorcycles limited to 30 hp and green ( example ) for motorcycles not limited to 30 hp. Wearing this distinctive sign is mandatory.

Controls

No systematic checks of all 30 hp motorcycles before the start of activities, but each rider must run at 30 hp signs on his registration form a text certifying that his motorcycle is compliant.

Here is the text: "I certify that my motorcycle is limited to 30 hp according to the CV requirements. In the event that I have a doubt, I commit to present it on my own initiative during the registration for technical checks in order to obtain its approval. I am informed that in case of non-compliance the penalty is exclusion from the Club."

During the event, regular checks will be carried out. In case of an infringement, the penalty is final: exclusion from the Club.

How does one set a motorcycle to 30 hp?

On 4-stroke carburettor motorcycles, the intervention takes place at the carburettor where the original maximum throttle stop screw is replaced with a longer one to limit the rotation of the lever that controls the slide. The Club provides these screws on site on the day of the event.

On 4-stroke injection motorcycles, the intervention takes place either at the injection point where the original maximum throttle stop screw is replaced with a longer one to limit the rotation of the lever that controls the injection, or at the throttle grip where a spacer is inserted to limit its rotation. The Club provides these screws and spacers on site on the day of the event.

In each case, a deposit of €5 will be required, refundable upon return of the part, regardless of the time elapsed between placement and return (even several seasons).

On the 2 strokes, the process involves inserting a washer between the cylinder outlet and the expansion chamber. This is the technique used by manufacturers to limit the power of scooters and other mopeds as well as 2-stroke enduro motorcycles for their homologation. It therefore poses no risks to the mechanics. If the carburation is original, no adjustment of the jets is necessary. If this is not the case, the main jet must be reduced by a few points. If you are concerned about the installation of a power-reducing washer (see above who and which motorcycles), do not worry, the Club provides and installs the appropriate washers for each motorcycle on site. A deposit of €5 will be required, refundable upon return of the part, regardless of the time elapsed between installation and return (even several seasons).

Attention: our technical service ensures the installation of the various power-limiting devices on site but does not ensure their removal after the event.

For installation, please present with your motorcycle from 8:30 am.

For your information, limiting the throttle opening or using a washer at the exhaust are proven techniques that manufacturers use to homologate their motorcycles. They are harmless to the mechanics and have not caused any technical incidents since 2005.

The main motorcycle models have been tested on the dynamometer to determine the length of the screws and the diameters of the washers. A database has been created.

The reason for this limitation

The degradation of the circuits in the form of bumps, pits and ruts is one of the major impacts related to the practice of off-road motorcycling. The Club has decided to address this issue for brand image reasons but also and above all out of respect for the farmers' heritage. It is increasingly unacceptable that a group of happy-go-lucky individuals comes to let off steam for 4 hours on their motorbikes and leaves behind a devastated terrain. The act of restoring it does not condone these facts.

It is clearly established that the damage is directly proportional to the level of practitioners and the power of the motorcycles they use.

Why 30 HP?

This power was not chosen by chance; it is the ideal compromise between respect for rural heritage, performance and riding pleasure. Since 2003, with the Yamaha 250 TTR Challenge, it has been proven that on our circuits a 30HP motorcycle can compete equally with others of 55 HP. Since 2005, the riders who have lined up on their motorcycle reduced to 30 HP have ridden as fast and sometimes even faster than before with more than 50 HP. In short, those who were ahead with more than 50 HP still are with 30, and this, without damaging the terrains and while having fun. So, why deprive ourselves?

Result

Since we adopted the 30 HP rule, the progress in terms of circuit degradation has been spectacular. Gone are the huge mounds of earth and the long ruts at the exit of corners, gone are the deep holes and bumps. Our circuits remain pleasant to ride until the end of the 4-hour session.

To this good result, we must add another equally important one: the safety of the riders and accompanying spectators. For mastering a motorcycle with more than 50 hp is not within everyone's reach and certainly not for occasional riders. Arm cramps appear very quickly and in these conditions, it doesn't take much to lose control of your motorcycle.

Testimony

Jan Verleysen was our track director, it was he who, at the handlebars of his XR650 (limited to 30 hp), controlled the smooth running of our events. Here is his testimony from March 2004.

When Alain shared his idea of limiting the throttle rotation, I thought, like several other former motocross riders and experienced riders, "he's becoming more and more crazy!". Alain was convinced he was right and to prove him wrong, we tested several motorcycles. First on the test bench to determine the power to keep, then a test lap on the field. The result was (even if I don't like to admit it) more than perfect. The test with a CRF450 even makes me say that quite a few amateurs would go faster with a limited motorcycle than with the same motorcycle at full power. For this reason, I support the modification of our regulations to limit the degradation of the terrain as well as noise pollution. To all the riders who (like myself at the beginning) think this system is more than ridiculous, I ask them to try a limited motorcycle and judge afterwards. In fact, remember that Joël Robert became world champion on a CZ of less than 30 hp.

Why do we, amateur riders, then need more than 50 hp on our lightweight and super well-suspended motorcycles?

Jan Verleysen