Frequently Asked Questions

Who typically races AMRA events?

People of all ages and skill levels race AMRA. The races and courses are designed specifically to allow riders of all ages and skill levels to have a good time. There are kids as young as 4 years old at the beginner level, all the way up to 14-year-old advanced kids riding 85cc motorcycles. For the mini bikes, the courses are modified so that each skill level has a course appropriate to their riding abilities (i.e. the 50cc riders course is different than the 85cc advanced course).

For the big bike series, you'll find ages as young as 12 years old on full size bikes racing in the C class, to riders over 60 years old riders on a C course that is friendly for riders of the beginner category. In the A and B classes, there are courses that have sections that are more challenging for the higher skill levels and endurance required for these more advanced classes.

What do I need to get started with AMRA?

The New Rider Info Sheet covers just about everything you need to know. After reading that, follow the steps detailed in the getting started section.

What are the requirements for my bike?

In general, the bike requirements are based on common sense and safety. It's in each rider's best interest to ensure that their bike is safe and well-maintained, so that they can complete the race without causing harm to themselves or other riders.

Bike items required for tech inspection:

Kill switch
No sharp edges or broken levers
Fuel lines clipped off
Fully functional brakes (Front and rear)
Sound test 96db (depending on venue)
USFS-approved spark arrestor (depending on venue)
Transponder (for Hare Scrambles and GPs)

These items are recommended (but not required):

Hand guards
Skid plate
Disc brake protection
Tool kit & spare parts

What gear do I need with me for a race?

Required:

DOT-approved helmet
Chest protector
Hydration system
Boots and gloves
Goggles (depending on venue)
Transponder (for Hare Scrambles and GPs)

These items are recommended (but not required):

Riding pants and jersey
Knee & shin guards
Elbow guards
Tool kit & spare parts

What class and division should I race?

The AMRA big bike races are grouped into Classes and Divisions. The class is an indication of skill level on the bike as follows:

C class - Beginner or Novice level - If there's any question, start here. You can always move up your second race if you want.
B class - Amateur level - B racers aren't always faster than C racers but the course is definitely longer and usually tougher so endurance becomes much more important.
A class - Expert level - These guys and gals are FAST, tough, and go hard the entire race. Occasionally, the A/AA racers will have a particularly tough section of the course that only they do.

Divisions are based on either bike displacement or age class as follows:

Youth - 12-14+ years of age, races the full adult course with the C class
Open - Bike with displacement of 251cc or above
200cc - Bike with displacement of 86cc to 200cc
250cc - Bike with displacement of 201cc to 250cc
30+ (Veteran) : Ages 30 and up, no displacement limit
40+ (Senior) - Ages 40 and up, no displacement limit
50+ (Super Senior) - Ages 50 and up, no displacement limit
60+ (Masters) - Ages 60 and up, no displacement limit
Women
Women's Beginner - Any cc two wheel motorcycle, Age 15+, rides 85cc Course, no series points awarded for this class

The AMRA mini bike races are also grouped into Classes and Divisions as follows:

Pee Wee : 50cc Ages 4-6: 50-90cc 4 stroke, 50cc 2 stroke, max 12" rear wheel
Pee Wee Sr : 50cc Ages 7-9: 50-90cc 4 stroke, 50cc 2 stroke, max 12" rear wheel
Micro Mini : 65cc Ages 7-9: 60-111cc 4 stroke, 60-65cc 2 stroke, max 12" rear wheel
Micro Mini Sr : 65cc Ages 10-11: 60-111cc 4 stroke, 60-65cc 2 stroke, max 12" rear wheel
Girls : 65cc to 85cc Ages 11-14: 60-150cc 4 stroke, 60-105cc 2 stroke, max 16" rear wheel
Mini : 85cc Ages 9-11: 80-150cc 4 stroke, 80-105cc 2 stroke, max 16" rear wheel
Mini Sr : 85cc Ages 12-14: 80-150cc 4 stroke, 80-105cc 2 stroke, big wheel
Mini Open/Super Mini : 65-85cc Ages open: 60-150cc 4 stroke, 60-105cc 2 stroke, big wheel

Refer to the Getting Started page for more information.

What are the requirements for minors racing the Bike Bike series?

Minors racing the AMRA Big Bike Off Road Series have two options:

Option A:

Both Parents must be onsite and complete and sign the AMA (not AMRA) Minor waiver at each event. If only one parent will be present, this form will need to be completed ahead of time, and the parent not attending will need to sign and notarize their signature beforehand. Forms will also be available at registration, no notary will be required if both parents are onsite at race registration.

Option B:

The AMA manages an annual (calendar year) minor waiver system. You may follow the process from the AMA at this link, and receive a card from the AMA. Presenting this card at each race will meet your waiver requirement.

Note:

must be printed in color, double-sided
must be signed by both parents
must be sent in to AMA per instructions on the form
needed for everyone under 18

How much does it cost to start racing?

Big Bikes:

AMRA 1 day is $20 or a yearly membership - $40 (annual memberships run from Jan - Dec)
AMRA transponder - $10
AMA 1 day is $20 or a yearly membership - $49 (annual memberships run for 1 year from date purchased)
Race fees - $75 (if pre-entered online) or $85 (if signing up onsite at the race)
Gate fees - vary by venue (gate fees are usually charged for venues on private land or at tracks)

Mini Bikes:

AMRA membership - $10
Race fees - no more than $35

How do the championship points work?

To be eligible for series points and end-of-year championship awards, big bike riders must:

Compete in and finish at least 50% of the season races
Volunteer to work at one of the races of the season. Riders cannot work and race in the same event.
Club bonus points will be added for riders who are members in good standing with one of the AMRA clubs

For full details of the points schedule and points rules, please consult the AMRA rulebook.

What should I expect at my first race?

The thought of race day can be pretty overwhelming, whether it's your first time or your 50th time. The most important thing for your first race is to come with your bike and gear fully prepared. Arrive early to ensure you have sufficient time to ask questions. You'll find the other riders, the club officials, and AMRA officials are very friendly and very helpful, as we've all been first-time racers before.

The first thing to do is check in with the sign-up desk (whether you've pre-entered or not) where you will sign any necessary waivers, get transponders checked and get any other instructions.

There is also usually a riders' meeting where officials will discuss important notes about the course or the race format. This is also a good time to ask questions.

For Hare Scramble and GP races, riders will start lining up at the starting line at least 15-20 minutes prior to the race start. There should be staff there to guide you to your starting row, depending on your class and division.

Results are usually posted the same day for Hare Scrambles and GPs, while Enduros may take more time. All results will be posted online and you can sign up for SMS/text message alerts to be notified when results are posted.

How can I get involved?

AMRA and the clubs are all volunteer organizations, and as such, your involvement is crucial to the continuing development of the sport and the series. Getting involved in a club is as simple as contacting one of the clubs and inquiring how to become a member and/or get involved.

What kind of transponders do you use and how can I get one?

AMRA uses a UHF RFID-style transponder. All racers need a UHF RFID-style transponder. (The old, cigar-style transponders from years past will not work).

Transponders are available to purchase for $10.