THRYLLZ
Thrills we thrive on
Thrills we thrive on
Superbikes. Whether you are a fan of MotoGP, WorldSBK or Road Racing, superbikes are considered the premier class. And in our opinion, they are. It is the class that is under pressure at the moment, both in MotoGP and Road Racing.
Engine capacity and power are being reduced. And in Road Racing, the class is even being completely eliminated from the IRRC (International Road Racing Championship).
Will we continue racing without the premier class? The popularity of the Supertwin class is increasing. Could this be related? This new class keeps racing somewhat affordable, even though these are actually outrageously expensive racing machines. It would make it “safer” to create more Supertwin classes and scrap the Superbike class.
But is that really the case? Is riding in a group with the Supertwin class safer – comparable to Moto3 in terms of riding with many riders together with the same power – than riding superbikes? Where the difference in power between machines actually tends to spread the field out more?
And then there’s the question: can racing ever be safe? Or is racing inherently unsafe? And why is that actually so wrong?
The fact that we consider superbikes to be the premier class does not mean that this class is superior to lighter classes such as Supersport and Supertwin. Nor does it mean that this class is the best. But we do consider it to be a magical class. After all, wrestling with a 1000cc superbike is, when all is said and done, in a league of its own. It is something that not every racer can do.
We would be sorry to see this class disappear. We understand that limits must be set for safety reasons. That is fine, of course. So, in our view, imposing restrictions and limits is justified and correct. But completely scrapping superbikes? We don’t think that’s right.
Astronomical sums are spent on research and development in MotoGP to ensure that the machines perform as optimally as possible. And to make them as manageable as possible for the riders.
It is also unfair to participating racers who have already invested in such an expensive superbike in Road Racing. Make no mistake, these bikes are expensive. You can compete with a stock 1000cc, but the front of the field rides on machines costing at least £45,000, with some even reaching £85,000. Imagine investing in such a bike as a rider and team, and then suddenly not being allowed to ride it anymore. We have an opinion on that.
How do you see the future of the superbike class? Is it a thing of the past? Or are we entering a new era, and are we struggling to let go?
What do you think about the new rules being imposed on the cylinder capacity of racing motorcycles at the highest level? And what are your thoughts on removing the superbike class from Road Racing? Join the conversation. We would love to hear your opinion.
