I don't really know how to start this thread or even if it's appropriate. In any case, I don't want to stir trouble, but it's about the FIM world Records recognition.
I have nothing against the FIM but, to me, their criteria to obtain a World Record on 2 wheels favor streamliners. Looking through the history of the World Motorcycle Land Speed Record, it seems that since the last Henne's record in 1936 (?), and even more since the record of Johny Allen on a Triumph in 1955, no world record has been taken by a 'conventional' bike (I choose the term carefully as not to offend anybody). Henne broke the record on a bike completely enclosed. With Allen started the fashion of streamliners where riders are feet first in an anclosed 'cigar'. Since that sime, every holder of the FIA record was riding a streamliner - Johnson, Leppan, Vesco, Rayborn, Campos - and every present contender has adopted that layout too - Lambky, Wheeler, Ack Attack, etc... As far as I can see, and I don't really mind being corrected, the last holder of the world record on a 'conventional' bike was Briton Eric Fernihough on a Brough.
To me, by only retaining the engine capacity as criteria, the FIM has handed the record for ever to streamliners and completely obliterated the chances of 'conventional' bikes, also called 'sit-on' or 'open' bikes. I don't think that an 'open' bike will ever beat a streamliner for aerodynamic reasons alone. The frontal area will always be larger, the wheelbase shorter and so on... They are 2 completely different types of 2 wheelers, yet for the FIM, they are amalgamated in the same category.
The speeds achieved at Maxton and Bonneville by John Minon, John Noonan or Scott Guthrie to name a few make me think that maybe, it's time for them to get some 'official' recognition, namely a FIM World record. The SCTA, ECTA and BUB meetings witness astonishing speeds and intense competition from the latest APS/MPS bikes (maybe I am slightly confused about the exact classes, but it seems that the name Hayabusa keeps coming again and again!), but all they can obtain is a local/national record.
Ao, my question is this (are you still following me?):
-Through your clubs, national sporting association, organisers, etc... have you ever thought about lobbying the FIM to obtain a different class for 'open' bikes?
My definition of an 'open' bike is one where the rider sit astride, get on without having to remove any part of the bodywork, and where he/she is completely visible from either side, with the exception of hands and forearms - partial streamlining in the SCTA rules book. It looks like APS and MPS are just that. John Noonam's bike with an Airtech fairing, or Ed Mabry's Triumph is what I have in mind.
Dealing with an intrnational body is not easy, and I suppose that it would take time for the FIM to accept the argument and alter its rules. Anyhow, I just thought these guys deserve better than 'just' a SCTA record and certificate. I know which bikes I like to watch, and which riders I admire most!