AdventureTrackers – ADV bikes go Flat Track racing

Following the success of Bagger racing in the US, the next class to be tried out is AdventureTrackers, 1000cc and over adventure bikes being Flat Track raced.

The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) and American Flat Track Racing have just announced the regulations and a list of allowed bikes that can compete in this new event. Currently there is only 1 round planned at the upcoming ‘Sturgis TT’ event on August 11th but like the Bagger series if it’s popular there will be more to follow.

Bikes have to be near stock with changes only allowed to the usual mainly consumable items any rider may change like brake pads, tyres, air filter, oil and oil filter, spark plugs , muffler/end can, etc, and rider aids like anti lock braking, traction control may be disabled, but cannot be added to a bike that doesn’t have them factory fitted.
The only real performance mod is that the clutch can be changed and slipper or other performance clutch types can be added or removed without restriction.
All bikes must use a 19″ front wheel and whatever size rear wheel they come with stock.

The bikes eligible to compete are:

• BMW R 1250 GS
• BMW R 1300 GS
• Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally 1158
• Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
• Honda Africa Twin 1100
• Kawasaki Versys 1000
• KTM 1290 Super Adventure
• KTM 1390 Super Adventure
• Suzuki V-Strom 1050
• Triumph Tiger 1200
• Yamaha Super Ténéré 1200

You can read the Full rules on the American Flat Track website if you are interested.

This could be fun to watch, some big machines getting some serious sideways action while being ridden directly against each other in anger.

There’s quite a few bikes to choose from and I hope it doesn’t end up as a field full of KTM’s and maybe Ducati’s. I’m sure someone will race a Pan America because it’s home territory but could the new BMW 1300GS show a few bikes up? I hope there’s at least 1 each of the Versys, Super Tenere, V-Strom and Tiger in the field so there really get a good showing of the different offerings and some real brand competitiveness and it’s not just a 2 or 3 horse race like the bagger series is.

If you are not familiar with Flat Track racing here’s a promo. It’s run on an oval dirt track and the top class riders get up to 140mph on the short straights and 90mph around the corners.