SPman
8th August 2003, 18:34
Interesting article from AMA superbike .com about the possible future of Sbk racing. As people dont like using links ,here it is. (the AMA site gets a bit tetchy about cut & paste efforts from there site...!)
The Future of AMA Superbike Rules
<B>fewer mods or less displacement?</B>
by evan williams
Thursday, August 07, 2003
The AMA will have two heavily revamped classes next year: Superstock --which will be open to 1000cc four cylinder machines with very limited modifications on treaded tires -- and Formula Xtreme -- 600cc fours and 750cc twins on slick tires with Superbike-style hotrod modifications allowed. Insiders are looking to these two classes to help determine the future of Superbike.
With the inevitable development climb of the manufacturers, the bikes are always getting faster. Lap times always fall, corner speeds inevitably rise. Racetracks, on the other hand, remain relatively static, so what may be "safe enough" this year might not be next year. Therefore, one of the main goals of a sanctioning series is to come up with rules that promote safety by having the rules match the available tracks. Usually, that means slowing things down.
To paraphrase the apostle Mark, "For what shall it profit a series, to gain the whole world, yet obsolete it's own racetracks?"
Market forces also are a huge factor in determining a motorcycle racing formula because manufacturer involvement is pivotal to the sport. The economy, insurance premiums, oil prices, and other factors all play a role in the types of motorcycles the manufacturers want to market through racing.
During a wane of factory involvement like the Superbike class is currently experiencing, private teams are called upon to fill the grids and add excitement to "the show". The Superbike formula of the future needs to assure their race machinery is both readily available and affordable.
Although the final rules are yet to be announced, 2004 looks to be very similar rules-wise to 2003 in the Superbike class. What happens over the horizon is anyone's guess, however. Which way will things go if the AMA decides to reduce speeds further, toward big bad bikes with fewer mods or high tech machines with smaller displacements?
Some favor the big thousands, figuring the Superbike class should be filled with nasty, hard-to-ride behemoths that separate the men from the boys. Others think the 600 route is the way to go, since Superbike should be all about relating racing to street machinery and 600s are very popular products with the sport motorcycle buying public.
Seeing as how the Flammini Bro seem intent on kneecapping WSB in its present form, wadda ya reckon is the go? A superstock 1000 series, representing more realistically, REAL road bikes, or a formula more like junior GP, that bears as much resemblance to real road bikes, as a Toad does to a Newt! (No, a WSB Ducati is NOT the same as a road Ducati!, no matter how much you think it is.):done:
The Future of AMA Superbike Rules
<B>fewer mods or less displacement?</B>
by evan williams
Thursday, August 07, 2003
The AMA will have two heavily revamped classes next year: Superstock --which will be open to 1000cc four cylinder machines with very limited modifications on treaded tires -- and Formula Xtreme -- 600cc fours and 750cc twins on slick tires with Superbike-style hotrod modifications allowed. Insiders are looking to these two classes to help determine the future of Superbike.
With the inevitable development climb of the manufacturers, the bikes are always getting faster. Lap times always fall, corner speeds inevitably rise. Racetracks, on the other hand, remain relatively static, so what may be "safe enough" this year might not be next year. Therefore, one of the main goals of a sanctioning series is to come up with rules that promote safety by having the rules match the available tracks. Usually, that means slowing things down.
To paraphrase the apostle Mark, "For what shall it profit a series, to gain the whole world, yet obsolete it's own racetracks?"
Market forces also are a huge factor in determining a motorcycle racing formula because manufacturer involvement is pivotal to the sport. The economy, insurance premiums, oil prices, and other factors all play a role in the types of motorcycles the manufacturers want to market through racing.
During a wane of factory involvement like the Superbike class is currently experiencing, private teams are called upon to fill the grids and add excitement to "the show". The Superbike formula of the future needs to assure their race machinery is both readily available and affordable.
Although the final rules are yet to be announced, 2004 looks to be very similar rules-wise to 2003 in the Superbike class. What happens over the horizon is anyone's guess, however. Which way will things go if the AMA decides to reduce speeds further, toward big bad bikes with fewer mods or high tech machines with smaller displacements?
Some favor the big thousands, figuring the Superbike class should be filled with nasty, hard-to-ride behemoths that separate the men from the boys. Others think the 600 route is the way to go, since Superbike should be all about relating racing to street machinery and 600s are very popular products with the sport motorcycle buying public.
Seeing as how the Flammini Bro seem intent on kneecapping WSB in its present form, wadda ya reckon is the go? A superstock 1000 series, representing more realistically, REAL road bikes, or a formula more like junior GP, that bears as much resemblance to real road bikes, as a Toad does to a Newt! (No, a WSB Ducati is NOT the same as a road Ducati!, no matter how much you think it is.):done: