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Pit Board Editorial Feature
SBK and AMA 2004 Superbike Rules

The Graves Formula Extreame R1 Yamaha would be eligible for FIM and AMA Superbike, but Yamaha wouldn't let them loose in AMA Superbike factory teams with a front line rider. Take a good look, it might be the last you'll see of a really modified 1000cc in-line four in a AMA roadracing for a while. This is the type of bike European distributor teams will be racing in World Superbike starting with the 2004 season.

Oct 14th 2003 - The American distributor teams may be unwilling to enter AMA Superbike in 2004 with the new generation 1000cc fours without the availability of trick factory parts like cams and pistons from Japan. They may choose, instead, to race in the AMA's proposed new 1000cc Superstock class should it actually happen. You can also see why we like twins.

Nov14th, 2003 - Just as we predicted, Kawasaki USA has announced they will withdraw fromAMA Superbike in 2004as has released their front line rider Eric Bostrom from his contract with them, The AMA's creation of a 100cc Supersport class in 2004is adding to the demise of tSuperbike class in America.

FIM World Superbike, Supersport Championship
FIM 2004 Tech Rules for Superbike, Supersport
October 4, 2003: The main modifications to the Superbike & Supersport Technical Regulations for the 2004 season have been released by FGSport. These rules will be very similar to those adopted by the AMA and British Superbike Championship, as well as many other counties.(Full text will be available next week on the FIM Internet site):

2.4 Superbike Technical Specifications
2.4.1 Displacement capacities
2 cylinder Over 800cc up to 1000cc 4 stroke
3 cylinder Over 750cc up to 1000cc 4 stroke
4 cylinder Over 750cc up to 1000cc 4 stroke
2.4.2 Minimum Weights
The minimum weight will be 162 kg / 356.4lbs. A). 1% tolerance will be allowed after the race. (The machine's weight after the race may not be less than 160.38 kg)
2.4.4.1 Carburation Instruments for 1000cc 3 and 4 cylinders
* Carburation instruments refers to both throttle bodies and carburettors.
* The original homologated carburation instruments must be used un-modified.
* The uses of optional homologated carburation instruments are not allowed.
* The fuel injectors may be replaced, they must fit without modification to the homologated throttle body.
* The carburation instruments intake insulators may be modified.
* Bell mouths may be altered or replaced.
* Variable length intake tract devices that function while the engine is operating are not allowed, unless such a system is used on the homologated machine.
* Modifications to the fuel pump and the pressure regulator are allowed.
* The fuel injection management computer may be changed.
* The use of flash memory (flash RAM ) is allowed.
* Vacuum slides may be fixed in the open position.
* Secondary throttle plates and shafts may be removed or fixed in the open position and the electronics may be disconnected or removed.
2.4.6.15 Carburettors
Variable-length carburettor/fuel injection intake tract devices that function while the engine is operating are prohibited, unless such a system is use on the homologated machine.
2.4.6.16 Fuel Injection System
The fuel injectors may be replaced, however they must fit without modification to the homologated throttle body. Vacuum slides may be fixed in the open position. Secondary throttle plates and shaft may be removed or fixed in the open position and the electronics may be disconnected or removed. Variable-length carburettor/fuel injection intake tract devices that function while the engine is operating are prohibited, unless such a system is used on the homologated machine.
2.4.6.18 Engine
All engines in the Superbike class must be 4 stroke type. The following engine components may not be altered from the homologated machine except as noted. 4 cylinder engines with a bore / stroke ratio of 1.5 to 1 or greater will be subject to an RPM limit of 14,000 RPMs. This will be controlled by an electronic device issued by the FIM. Please note rules specific for the 1000cc multi-cylinder machines (3 & 4) will be found in the article concerning the component in question. Other than noted, components may be modified or changed as allowed the following articles.
*1000cc 3 and 4 cylinders: aftermarket or modified cam drive components are allowed, however the cam drive must be in the homologated location.
2.4.6.19 Cylinder Head
1000cc 3 and 4 cylinders: Aftermarket or modified valves, springs, retainers and other valve train components are permitted. The original number of valves must be maintained.
A. Valve diameter, including stem, must remain as homologated.
B. Valves must be made of the same basic material as the homologated valves.
C. Valves must remain in the homologated location and at the same angle as the homologated valves.
2.4.6.22 Crankshaft
1000cc 3 and 4 cylinders: The homologated crankshaft is allowed the following modifications:
A. Bearing surfaces may be polished or a surface treatment may be applied.
B. Balancing is allowed but only by the same method as the homologated crankshaft. (for example heavy metal i.e. Mallory metal inserts are not permitted unless they are originally specified in the homologated crankshaft.) C. Attachment of aftermarket ignition components or sensors are permitted.
D. Balance shaft may be removed.
2.4.6.30 Transmission/Gearbox
Primary gear ratios must remain as homologated for 1000cc 3 & 4 cylinder machines.
2.4.6.31 Clutch
1000cc 3 and 4 cylinders: Aftermarket or modified clutches (wet-type cannot be changed to
dry-type) with back torque limiting capabilities are permitted. (slipper type)
2.4.6.34 Exhaust System
The noise limit for Superbikes will be 107 dB/A, with a + 3dB/A tolerance after the race.

2.5 Technical Specifications for Supersport
2.5.2 Minimum Weights
600cc 4 cylinders: 162 kg / 356lbs • 750cc 2 cylinders: 170 kg / 374lbs
2.5.6.2 Front Forks
The original surfaces of the front fork tubes (stanchions, fork pipes) may be changed. Additional surface treatment is allowed.
2.5.6.24 Oil Pumps, Oil Lines and Water Pumps
The internal parts of the water pump may be changed or modified. The drive ratio may be changed. The external appearance must remain as homologated.
2.5.6.32 Clutch
Aftermarket or modified, stock-type clutch with back-torque limiting capabilities (slipper type) are allowed. The use of electro-mechanical or electro-hydraulic actuating system are not allowed.
2.5.6.35 Exhaust system
The noise limit for Supersport will be 107 dB/A.
2.9.2 Minimum Production Quantities
1) Supersport Manufacturers producing more than 75,000 motorcycles per year must produce 1'000 units for homologation. Manufacturers producing less than 75'000 motorcycles per year must produce 500 units for homologation.

Everything You Wanted to Know about running
World Superbike 2004 Spec Tires and More

SBK Press Office, November 13, 2003:Superbike & Supersport World Championships Changes to the Technical Regulations - Tyres. The following amendments to the Superbike and Supersport Technical Regulations have been approved:

2.4.6.7 Tyres (Superbike)
1) Tyres may be replaced from those fitted to the homologated motorcycle.

2) The use of tyre warmers is allowed.

3) At each event, during free practices, qualifying practices, Superpole, warm up and races, a maximum of 15 rear and 11 front tyres may be used. Front and rear wet tyres will be included in the total quantity count. A Technical Steward must mark all of these tyres. During free practices, qualifying practices, Superpole, warm up and races, no motorcycle may enter the track without the front and rear tyres being marked. If the riders are given a red flag during a race (or during the Superpole for reasons beyond rider's control) the FIM Technical Director may allow an additional set of tyres to be used. For each race, one extra set of tyres can be put on the second motorcycle to have it ready for substitution on the grid in case of failure of the first motorcycle.

4) The competitors must use only the tyres distributed during the event by the Official Supplier.
All tyres to be used must be easily identifiable with a colour marking or a numerical system to be applied by the Official Supplier at the time of manufacturing. At the beginning of the event, the Official Supplier must deliver to the FIM Technical Director 4 samples of each type of tyre which will be used at the event. When the Official Supplier delivers the samples of the tyres to the FIM Technical Director, he must also give a written explanation of the marking and the general characteristics of the different types of tyres.

The FIM Technical Director may, at his discretion, require the exchange of one or more competitors' tyres for a tyre sample under his control. The tyres exchanged remain under his control and he can exchange them for the ones of another competitor.

2.5.6.7 Tyres (Supersport)
1) Tyres must be a fully moulded type carrying all size and sidewall marking of the tyres for commercial sale to the public. Tyres of V and Z rating must be used. The depth of the tyre treads must be at least 2.5 mm over the entire tyre pattern width at a pre-race control. The tyres must have a positive and negative tread of 96% positive and minimum 4% negative (land and sea ratio). The maximum distance from the external edge of the tyre to 50% of the tread elements is 35 mm. One size for the front and two sizes for the rear are allowed. Each size, front and rear, must be available with the same tread pattern as the commercial tyres for the road use. The manufacturers may only submit one front and rear pattern for approval. The previously approved tyre pattern will remain valid until one year after the introduction of a new approved tyre pattern.

The FIM/CCR will grant the approval. The manufacturers must submit the tyre for approval 30 days prior to its first use. Templates proving the land and sea ratio must be included. The tyres must have a DOT and/or E mark. The DOT and/or E mark must appear on the tyre sidewall. Only when a race or practice has been declared "wet", the use of a special tyre commonly known as a full wet tyre is allowed. Wet tyres must be a fully moulded tyre, no hand cutting is allowed on moulded tyres. The use of hand cut tyres is not allowed. Wet tyres do not need to carry DOT or E marks; however these tyres must be marked "Not for Highway Use" or "NHS". At each event, during free practices, qualifying practices, warm up and the race, a maximum of 11 rear and 9 front tyres may be used. A Technical Steward must mark all of these tyres. During free practices, qualifying practices, warm up and the race, no motorcycle may enter the track without the front and rear tyres being marked. If the riders are given a red flag during the race, the FIM Technical Director may allow an additional set of tyres to be used. For the race, one extra set of tyres can be put on the second motorcycle to have it ready for substitution on the grid in case of failure of the first motorcycle.

2) The competitors must use only the tyres distributed during the event from the Official Supplier.
All tyres to be used must be easily identifiable with a colour marking or a numerical system to be applied by the Official Supplier at the time of manufacturing. At the beginning of the event, the Official Supplier must deliver to the FIM Technical Director 4 samples of each type of tyre which will be used at the event. When the Official Supplier delivers the samples of the tyres to the FIM Technical Director, he must also give a written explanation of the marking and the general characteristics of the different types of tyres. The FIM Technical Director may, at his discretion, require the exchange of one or more competitors' tyres for a tyre sample under his control. The tyres exchanged remain under his control and he can exchange them for the
ones of another competitor.

2004 AMA SUPERBIKE RULES FINALIZED
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 18, 2003) -- The AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors has ratified technical rules for the 2004 AMA Superbike Championship season and have approved, but not released a preliminary set of rules for support classes including Supersport, Superstock and Formula Xtreme.

Here are the principal tecnnical regulations for AMA Superbike:

Fuel injection throttle bodies:
Multi-cylinders – Restricted to stock throttle bodies and air intake boxes.
Twin-cylinders – In addition to the stock throttle bodies, one alternate, AMA-approved throttle body type/set is permitted as well as aftermarket air intake boxes.
Engine modifications:
Multi-cylinders – Limited modifications are permitted but such items as stock camshaft lift, stock valve sizes and lightly-modified stock crankshafts are required.
Twin-cylinders – The same limited modifications as multi-cylinders are permitted except for the following items:
o Valve sizes and material are unrestricted.
o Camshafts are unrestricted.
Gearboxes:
Multi-cylinders – In addition to the stock set of gear ratios, one alternate, AMA-approved set of ratios is permitted. Primary drive ratios must remain stock.
Twin-cylinders – The same rules as multi cylinders apply.
Frame:
Multi-cylinders – Limited modifications to the stock frame are permitted such as gusseting for additional strength.
Twin-cylinders – The same rules as multi-cylinders apply.
Minimum weight:
Multi-cylinders – The minimum total motorcycle weight (less fuel) is 370 lbs.
Twin-cylinders – The same 370 lbs. minimum weight applies.

Scott Hollingsworth, AMA Pro Racing CEO is confident the new technical rules will help achieve the objectives of continuing to deliver close competition and quality entertainment, maintaining adequate control of costs, and encouraging increased participation from major motorcycle manufacturers. “With the input of all major stakeholders, we have created a set of rules that will provide the ideal marketing platform for continued growth,” said Hollingsworth. “The United States represents the world’s most important motorcycle market and we’ve opened up the door for more companies to use motorcycle racing as a means to promote their products.”

Development of the final AMA Superbike rules included measures taken to improve parity among the two primary engine configurations. “Keeping the twins competitive and opening the door for increased manufacturer participation was a primary goal for 2004,” said Hollingsworth. “We expect performance of the next generation multi-cylinder models to advance even further and it’s imperative that we adjust the rules structure to account for this ongoing development. We have created an environment that provides opportunity for all manufacturers to showcase their products and remain legitimately competitive.”

AMA Pro Racing Changes Road Race Class Structure for 2004! Tries to eliminate one class fiasco, creates 2 more in its place.
AMA Press Release - PICKERINGTON, Ohio, April 21, 2003: Reflecting the changing motorcycle marketplace, needs of the manufacturers, benefit to racers and the interests of fans, AMA Pro Racing has revised its class structure for the AMA U.S. Superbike Championship. The new class structure will be implemented beginning with the next racing season.

“The task of developing an all-new class structure is an extraordinarily complex process and it is impossible to satisfy everyone,” said Scott Hollingsworth, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “Our primary objectives are to deliver the best possible show to our fans while focusing on the market development of professional motorcycle racing in the United States.”

The new classes include Superbike, Supersport, Formula Xtreme and Superstock and are outlined as follows:
Superbike: 900cc-1000cc four-stroke, any number of cylinders.
Supersport: 600cc four-stroke, twin and four cylinders.
Formula Xtreme: 600cc four-stroke, four cylinders; 750cc four-stroke, twin cylinders;
250cc-330cc two-stroke. All highly modified.
Superstock: 750cc-1000cc four-stroke, four cylinders; up to 1350cc air-cooled twin cylinders

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2004 SBK CHAMPIONSHIP TO RUN PIRELLI
SPEC TIRES

Editor's Comment: The withdraw of many of the major motorcycle manufacturers from the FIM World Superbike Championship in 2002 -2003 has required the series owners, Flammini Group FG Sport, to develop rules to start with the 2004 season that will put privateer and distributor teams on more of an equal footing with any competing factories. The new rule change requiring the use of one brand of spec tires -Pirelli ,will help privateer teams compete against factory teams. Not to mention, FG Sport needs the income provided by Pirelli to be the Championships exclusive contract supplier to maintain the profitability and exhistance of the World Championship.

FG Sport Group
Press Release
August 4th: In its continuing development efforts for the Superbike World Championship, the FGSport Group, Organizer of the Championship, in collaboration with Pirelli, has defined a program for supplying tyres for the three categories in the Championship: Superbike, Supersport and Superstock.
Starting with the forthcoming season, Pirelli will be the exclusive supplier of tyres for all the teams that take part in the 45 races in 10 countries for the title of World and European Champion. The program will enable all the participants to compete under the same conditions with respect to tyres, which makes the performance of motorcycle manufacturers, team members and riders all the more important.

The agreement with Pirelli guarantees the supply of tyres for the Superbike World Championship for at least the next two years, 2004 and 2005, in addition to offering the teams additional advantages, such as:
• Guarantee of continuity and quality of the tyres supplied and the relevant services to all the teams and riders, in all the nations hosting the championship;
• Continuity of the technological development of the tyres;
• Tyres supplied will be of uniform high quality and available at advantageous and identical prices for all teams;
• Availability, for the entire duration of the partnership, of a Pirelli prize fund dedicated to riders, also to attract young talented riders to participate in the Championship.

In compliance with the pledges of the Superbike, Supersport and Superstock Championship and in compliance with requests submitted by the FIM - International Motorcycle Federation to return the Superbike World Championship to its original vocation, that is as near as possible to the characteristics expressed by the production motorcycles, Pirelli has accepted the supply proposal offered by the organizer of the Championship.

The President of the FGSport Group, Maurizio Flammini, commented: “The agreement with Pirelli, a world leader in the manufacture of tyres, guarantees the development and the continuity of the Superbike World Championship, which has been the primary thought behind our Group that has been committed to the organization of the Championship since 1988. Moreover, the agreement strictly adheres to the philosophy of the Championship that is to offer equal racing conditions to all participants. In this respect, we would like to thank Pirelli for the significant organizational and technological efforts that it will undertake over the next few years which, we are certain, will create the ideal conditions for new, important developments for motorcycle manufacturers, teams and riders in the Championship and in racing itself.”

Ugo Forner, General Manager of the Pirelli Motorcycle Business Unit, stated: “For our Tyres Department the Superbike World Championship represents a challenge from both a technical and technological development point of view the maximum expression of live trials that support and finalize advanced research and development carried out in our laboratories all over the world. It is further confirmation of the importance that Pirelli has always attributed to the competition for two- and four-wheel production vehicles, in order to experiment innovative solutions and accumulate know-how that can be implemented in producing our high-performing tyres.”