Classic Endurance: ECS Update Rules

Posted: 28th November 2017

New EVO Class for Pre-1991 750s plus Ducati 851 and, 888 – Honda RC30, Kawasaki ZXR750, Yamaha OW01, Suzuki GSX-R750M – End of the Air-Cooled Bruiser?

The European Classic Series have quietly released the technical regulations for the 2018 season. As expected, there is now an 'Evo' class for liquid cooled four cylinder 750cc bikes such as the Honda RC30, Kawasaki ZXR750, Yamaha OW01 and the air and oil cooled Suzuki GSX-R750.

These machines mark a step-change in performance levels from the previous Maxi Classic and Classic 1000 bikes; that ten year leap forward in eligibility saw the introduction of liquid cooling, fuel injection and – perhaps most importantly – the aluminium beam frame.

We think this marks the end of competitiveness for the big air-cooled bruisers that have come to symbolise classic endurance racing and that have made it into the spectacle it has become over recent years. Those machines will still able to take part, but to win the series now will mean entering a hugely expensive RC30 or OW01, or a ZXR750 with modern running gear. It'll be a different championship in 2018, that's for sure.

Download the official regulations here: English Version, French Version

Rules in Brief:

Evo Class

Bikes must have been built between 1/1/1983 and 31/12/1991

Engines between 400cc and 750cc, two stroke or four stroke.

Air cooled four stroke twins can be up to 1000cc

Ducati 851 and 888 are also allowed with specific bore and stroke

Up to four piston brakes, “quick brake systems” are allowed. Looking at the French version of the rules, we think this means quick-change brake systems using dry-break couplings.

24 litre fuel tank.

No quick shifters.

Maxi Classic

Bikes must be built before 31/12/1984

No four-pot calipers, “quick brake systems” are forbidden.

Classic 1000

Bike must have been built before 31.12/1981 (as before)

No four-pot calipers, “quick brake systems” are forbidden.

Tyres

“The promoter reserves the right to impose one single supplier be it for the entirety of the series as also for a specific class.” This leaves open the possibility of a series-wide tyre sponsor.

Others

Ship to shore radio not allowed; this is probably in reaction to it now being permitted in the FIM Endurance World Championship.

Words: Martin Gelder, Photos: Archive