World Superbike

Pete · 07-06-2005, 1:00 PM

QuikMike made a comment about how he was surprised to see the Duc 999R keeping up with the others in recent testing of production bikes, which prompted me to bring up something that has surprised me as of late. That which I speak of is the Ducati's performance in recent World Superbike racing. Whereas earlier in the season, I thought they still didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of even running close to the big GSXR, they have been up there battling the snot out of it. I find it pretty amazing that they have taken a 1000cc v-twin up to the same level of performance as the 1000cc inline 4, especially given prior years' 750cc I4/1000cc v-twin limits and "restrictor plate" racing for the inline fours when they were first allowed to compete in Superbike.

[/rambling]

WetShrub · 07-06-2005, 1:04 PM

Doesn't surprise me. The rules are designed to make the racing close as possible.

Pete · 07-06-2005, 1:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WetShrub

Doesn't surprise me. The rules are designed to make the racing close as possible.

Seriously, and with no sarcasm whatsoever, can you enlighten me on what specific rules exist to make the v-twins perform on par with the inline fours? I was under the impression that there were no longer any.

tnarinen · 07-06-2005, 1:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WetShrub

Doesn't surprise me. The rules are designed to make the racing close as possible.

+1. WSBK rules are still very much more allowing for V2's than for I4's, very much "this change is only allowed for V2 engine config" in the specs...

BDA116 · 07-06-2005, 1:14 PM

My view is that it is more to do with traction than anything else right now. With one spec tire manufacturer, there is no tire war to make super sticky tires. The twins have always been better on the tires, and the fours have been smoking them up alot this year. The Ducs are more competitive at circuits that allow for this, while the 'Zuk has been untouchable at circuits that aren't as hard on the tire's ability to lay down the traction.

Pete · 07-06-2005, 1:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnarinen

+1. WSBK rules are still very much more allowing for V2's than for I4's, very much "this change is only allowed for V2 engine config" in the specs...

Care to elaborate on the specifics, or link me to them? I guess I haven't been paying as much attention as I should have.

tnarinen · 07-06-2005, 1:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

Seriously, and with no sarcasm whatsoever, can you enlighten me on what specific rules exist to make the v-twins perform on par with the inline fours? I was under the impression that there were no longer any.

Just to name a few
- V2's can homologate alternative carb system
- V2's can mod cam drive, crank and valves more freely
- V2's can mod primary gear rations
- I4's cannot modify clutch type (eg wet to dry), slippers are allowed
-...

Pete · 07-06-2005, 1:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnarinen

Just to name a few
- V2's can homologate alternative carb system
- V2's can mod cam drive, crank and valves more freely
- V2's can mod primary gear rations
- I4's cannot modify clutch type (eg wet to dry), slippers are allowed
-...

Thanks!

tigerblade · 07-06-2005, 1:28 PM

Pete-

Found this: http://www.fim.ch/en/default.asp?item=26#

WSB rules are there including technical.

tnarinen · 07-06-2005, 1:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

Thanks!

A couple more that are not in the rulebook
- Italian V2's are allowed to have a non-functional bank-angle senser, Japanese I4's are not (Bayliss 2002 vs. Vermeulen 04)
- everyone must run Italian tires (Pirelli slicks are actually ok once you get used to them, they provide no grip whatsoever but when they slide, which is pretty much always, they do it more predictably than just about anything else

)

Pete · 07-06-2005, 2:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigerblade

Pete-

Found this: http://www.fim.ch/en/default.asp?item=26#

WSB rules are there including technical.

Grassyass.

Pete · 07-06-2005, 2:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnarinen

A couple more that are not in the rulebook

colryn · 07-06-2005, 2:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigerblade

Pete-

Found this: http://www.fim.ch/en/default.asp?item=26#

WSB rules are there including technical.

I read the rules for MotGP and was shocked that you are not allowed to use Titanium material in the swingarm, wheels, engine components. Why?

tigerblade · 07-06-2005, 2:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colryn

I read the rules for MotGP and was shocked that you are not allowed to use Titanium material in the swingarm, wheels, engine components. Why?

Maybe trying to keep some of the cost down so teams like Proton and WCM can at least field bikes?