Cut out lanyards for trials bikes

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Twinshock200
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Cut out lanyards for trials bikes

Postby Twinshock200 » Wed Jun 19, 2013 10:45 pm

In the latest set of MA Trials Commission minutes from their last meeting, April 26th 2013, there is an "interesting" minute refering to the proposed introduction of a lanyard engine cut off system for trials bikes to be adopted in the 2014 MOMS, see the following;
MA Trials Commission Minutes
Item TL 563
Raised by the MV Mototrial Sub Committee
Existing rule states: "All machines must be fitted with an effective ignition cut-out switch operating on the primary circuit and attached to the handlebars."
The proposed rule change is as follows; "All machines must be fitted with an effective ignition cut-out switch operating on the primary circuit secured to the handlebars and attached by a lanyard to the rider while the machine is in operation such that separation of machine and rider will activate the ignition cut-out circuit."
The MA trials Commision has Supported this proposal; "The Commission support this recommendation"

I hope I am interpreting this proposal incorrectly,? this tells me that anyone riding a trials bike in an event in 2014 has to have a lanyard fitted.
Do we need Lanyards, we already have cut off switches which are checked at every event.?
Do we travel around at high speed endangering spectators lives.?
Do we move slowly amongst bushes, trees and lantenna that will get caught in lanyards, rip them out and stall our engines.?

I would be interested in what others think of this proposal as comments are requested by MA to be sent toTina Alderman by email , PersonalAssistant@ma.org.au by Monday July 15th

My lanyard would have to be a piece of string on my plug cap attached to a buckle on my boot
Galps


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riffraff
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Re: Cut out lanyards for trials bikes

Postby riffraff » Thu Jun 20, 2013 7:39 am

Hmmm seems a Tad to far to me I mean after the rider come off the bike rarly travels far..



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paulm
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Re: Cut out lanyards for trials bikes

Postby paulm » Thu Jun 20, 2013 8:31 am

I think it’s to bring us line with FIM rules.
They certainly do work in saving the engine from self-destruction in an ‘off’ – personal experience here. The only drawback I’ve experienced, apart from the cost ($25 from Hell Team) is frantically trying to start the bike with the damn thing hanging from my wrist for the first couple of rides… Dohhhh…



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Re: Cut out lanyards for trials bikes

Postby Steve Holzhauser » Thu Jun 20, 2013 10:52 am

Good you have bought this to our attention Roger,

A lanyard is without a doubt a very effective engine immobiliser.

I would support the introduction of a lanyard being a requirement for A graded and Expert riders in MA sanctioned events.

The sections at this level now require such massive thrust and high speeds which can turn an out off control bikes into very dangerous weapons for all near them.

A blanket ruling to cover all Trials machinery is surely bordering on overkill and give more fuel for an excuse to not participate in our specialised sport.

I can clearly envisage the hold ups from a simple lay down of a machine in a tricky section and the resulting effort needed to see them on their way out of the section.

The multiplier effect on a difficult section which all grades are riding will soon see markers become lanyard connectors as riders try to restart their bikes and this will have the potential to cause chaos and unneeded line ups.

I think a more gently gently introduction would be a much better option for the higher graded riders as mentioned earlier, hopefully this is MA”s intention.



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Re: Cut out lanyards for trials bikes

Postby Twinshock200 » Thu Jun 20, 2013 5:43 pm

I would agree that a lanyard cut off is a highly effective system and probably a good idea for the higher grade riders and bikes but at the moment the wording is applicable to all machines and needs clarifying ASAP by the MA Trials Commission.
With my interest mainly in Classic and Twinshock machines I am not sure these days if most other riders set a decent carby tickover on their bikes which is also relevant, ie. no tickover, let go of the throttle, engine stalls, lanyard not needed !!

Riding a Tiger Cub most of the time my tickover is set at about 5000 RPM so its probably a 100kg block of steel ready to wipe out a dozen spectators at any given moment.

Can I request that someone from the Trials Commission replies to this genuine area of concern at some point to identify if this rule change will be applied across the board.
At the same time to make this concern official we have to write in to MA as I pointed out in my original post.
Cheers


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Re: Cut out lanyards for trials bikes

Postby kevin_zar » Thu Jun 20, 2013 9:01 pm

The MNSW trials committee suggested cut out lanyards be compulsory for all bikes, and it supporting the MA commission minute.

A cut out lanyard is the best engine cut out mechanism currently possible, and is suited to every rider in a trial competition, and when practising.
The reasons are numerous, but a few points.
- everybody has unexpected accidents or situations when they loose control of the bike, and having the engine cut out when the rider parts company with the bike is safe for the rider, the bike, and anyone around them, be they observers, spectators, other competitors, minders etc. Whatever grade, expert to first day on the bike clubperson, the lanyard gives the rider extreme confidence that they can stop the engine quickly, without needing to find a switch on the bars, without needing to turn the throttle off or unjam the cable.
- the cost of a cut out lanyard is now only slightly more than the rec retail of a kill switch, and much lower than even the simplest, lowest cost injury or damage to bike or person that can arise from loss of control of the bike. If a lanyard cost $50, what is the cost of a engine rebuild? what is the loss to the sport of a single person being injured, harmed or even scared by a out of control bike with the engine running without the rider? This could be the loss of a New bikes, classic bikes, sidecars, veterans bikes, they all cause damage regardless of the skill, experience, good history or luck of the rider.
- Yes the lanyard is compulsory in all FIM events, so riders who may wish to participate in such events, such as the Australian World Round, should be experienced in using them.
- A cut out lanyard is ideal for riders who want to increase their level, by challenging themselves to harder obstacles, as it gives the greatest confidence possible that the rider can stop the engine if they get into a situation that requires the engine to stop.
- A cut out lanyard is ideal for new riders, for this exact same reason.
- Manufacturers are now providing cut out lanyards as standard equipment on new bikes, expect that all 2014 models will come with lanyards standard.
- A safety based technical rule must apply to all competitors, regardless of the grade of rider, or what competition they are entered in, be it club day, practise day, or national.

I hope this gives some insight why volunteer committees representing the interests of Trial believe the rule suggestion to be a positive idea.

Kevin Zarczynski.



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Re: Cut out lanyards for trials bikes

Postby oldslowcoach » Thu Jun 20, 2013 9:32 pm

In my opinion not necessary for the classic bikes and a I'm not sure easily done with a 50's magneto ignition where to kill the engine a circuit to earth has to be made not broken

OSC



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Re: Cut out lanyards for trials bikes

Postby David Lahey » Thu Jun 20, 2013 10:02 pm

oldslowcoach wrote:In my opinion not necessary for the classic bikes and a I'm not sure easily done with a 50's magneto ignition where to kill the engine a circuit to earth has to be made not broken

OSC

Modern button-type kill switches and the proposed lanyard type kill switches work by earthing the primary circuit of the ignition so it shouldn't be an issue fitting one to a bike with a 1950s magneto ignition


relax, nothing is under control

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Re: Cut out lanyards for trials bikes

Postby David Lahey » Thu Jun 20, 2013 10:06 pm

I agree that using lanyard type kill switches is a good idea but am not looking forward to the purchase cost and time required to fit one to each bike.


relax, nothing is under control

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Re: Cut out lanyards for trials bikes

Postby sharvie » Fri Jun 21, 2013 6:39 am

I have clear memories of a twinshock event; C grade rider, TY175, throttle pinned, and rider had parted company with bike, people diving left & right . . . . Some trying to get out of the way and others trying to reach the kill switch without getting hurt.

Not having used one, the lanyard sounds like a bit of a nuisance? but have to agree with Kevin, it would improve safety for all.


Sharvie ~ Maitland NSW


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