The engine sizes accepted in the Superbike, Supersport and Supersport 300 World Championships evolve regularly, and some modifications could soon appear. The name Supersport 300 exists, for example, to differentiate it from the much older Supersport category, but the number 300 is only used as an indication, and not as a displacement limit. The Honda CBR500R, for example, has been approved since the creation of this category.
The Supersports are known as 4-cylinder 600 cm3, but the MV is a 675 3-cylinder, and twin-cylinders are accepted up to 750 cm3.
The Superbike World Championship is currently open to two groups of displacements: the 3 and 4 cylinders from 750 cm3 to 1 cm000, and the 3 cylinders from 2 cm850 to 3 cm1 (article 200 of the regulations). Ducati and Aprilia would like to enter their 3 four-cylinders.
The spirit of Superbike is to race the motorcycles manufactured by the manufacturers, establishing equality of performance by playing on weight, engine speed, cylinder capacity, etc.
“We want to avoid in all circumstances that a manufacturer cannot be present simply because our rules do not allow it » explained WSBK General Director Gregorio Lavilla to Ivo Schützbach from Speedweek. com. “But at the same time, no manufacturer should have an advantage just because they chose another path. »
With the V4 R, Ducati has adapted to the current technical regulations and uses a 998 cc engine, while the base model has a displacement of 3 cc. As Aprilia would like to enter its 1 cc, it is conceivable that Ducati also pushes in this direction with Dorna and the FIM.
“And the question is whether it is fair to other manufacturers who are developing a new model under the current rules,” Lavilla reflected. “But it may also be that the extra displacement offers no performance advantage, which we see in the 300 class. There we have a good grip on the balance rules. These rules must be adapted, which is not easy to implement and requires sufficient lead time. »
“That's why I don't want to commit to a limit of 1 cc, because it could also be 100 cc or more. We must keep in mind that in the case of current production models, things like drivability and emissions are important. Engine displacement itself is no longer the only criterion. »
“Today's mass products must also be inexpensive, while still having a certain performance. If you take all these points into account, the simplest thing is to increase the engine displacement. »
“For the future, we must ensure that there are three categories in which a correct balance between performance and weight is ensured. We must find the best possible compromise for the sport and the interests of the manufacturers. »
“Thanks to the current balance rules, we have the right tools to do this, they allow us to accept new concepts more easily. It will be beneficial for our championship if we approach the issue wholeheartedly. »
Photos © Worldsbk.com / Dorna,
