FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are some of the more commonly asked questions from first time riders or those new to
the Arizona Motorcycle Riders Association series.

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.

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.

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 the rider can finish the race and not cause harm to themselves and 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

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

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 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

See the getting started page for more details.

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 form
  • needed for everyone under 18

All riders in the Mini 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 form
  • needed for everyone under 18

Big Bikes:

  • AMRA membership - $20
  • AMRA transponder - $10
  • AMA membership - $49
  • Race fees - $65 (if pre-entered online) or $75 (if signing up onsite at race)
  • Gate fees - varies from $5 per person to $10 per person (gate fees are usually charged for venues on private land or at tracks)

Mini Bikes:

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

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 one race of the season. Riders cannot work and race the same event.
  • Club bonus points will be added for riders who are a member in good standing with one of the AMRA clubs

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

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. Show up early to make sure you have 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 before the start of the race. 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.

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 inquire how to become a member and/or get involved.

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.

If you have additional questions you can post on the riders forums.

Additionally you can submit questions via our contact page.