Justin
I think that the rules are very clear and that the ERMA Gold Cup series is designed to be a true "production" class. I could not find the 2012 WRMC rules on line, but I found the 2011 WRMC rules on line. The WRMC 250 Production class existed in 2011 and there was mention of WRMC 250 Gold Cup. It must have been introduced in 2012, since they now have a 250 Gold Cup and a 250 Production class. Their rules have likely evolved based upon rider interest and discussion.
Although I won't be racing in the 250 Gold Cup this year, I really like the idea of the 250 class. It would really reward no mistakes, ie. you can't make up lost corner speed w horsepower. It would be a class that I would consider in the future. PS. If I bought a used 250 bike w stock exhaust and that is all the money that I was prepared to put into it, I would have no objection to other riders making the following modifications: (a) race bodywork (currently allowed) (b) aftermarket exhaust, power commander, front suspension internals (using stock forks), aftermarket rear shock, rear sets (not currently allowed). But no engine modifications (too much $$$$$ for this class and should never be allowed).
(We have a Honda CBR125 but it has all of the (b) mods, so it would not be legal in the 250 Gold Cup. That is not the only reason that we are not planning to race it in the 250 Gold cup. We can ride our SVs in other classes that will on on grid @ same time.)
I want to make it clear that the purpose of my posts is not to criticize the EMRA rules. My intention was simply to focus attention on the differences between the WRMC approach and the EMRA approach.
I truly respect and appreciate all the work that you, Ian, and all the EMRA executive put into the club. Thanks to everyone.
Earlier on the thread that was some mention of the small Aprilia bike. Is the Aprilia RS125 (two stroke) considered a GP bike? "GP bike" is mentioned in the rules, but not defined. I am guessing that although a "street legal" kit is available, since the Aprilia RS125 comes as a race bike in stock form, that it would be considered as a GP bike.
Kent