[deez]

8/18/2003
AMA Finalizes 2004 Superbike Rules, Which Require Stock Throttle Bodies

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

2004 AMA SUPERBIKE RULES FINALIZED

Preliminary Support Class Rules Also Announced

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 18, 2003) -- The AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors has ratified technical rules for the 2004 AMA Superbike Championship season and approved a preliminary set of rules for support classes including Supersport, Superstock and Formula Xtreme. A refinement to the 2004 class structure has also been approved. An overview of the rules changes can be viewed at www.USSuperbike.com.

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.”

In addition to finalizing the 2004 AMA Superbike rules, the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors has approved a preliminary set of rules for support classes. AMA Pro Racing licensed riders and credential holders may comment on proposed support class rule changes during a 30-day comment period beginning Monday, Aug. 18 through Tuesday, Sept. 16. Comments can be made on AMA Pro Racing’s RIDERS ONLY website at www.amaproracing.com/ridersonly. After the 30-day comment period concludes, AMA Pro Racing will review suggestions before sending the package to the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors for final ratification.

Hollingsworth confirmed that the 30-day comment period, specifically for support classes, will yield final technical rules for AMA-sanctioned road racing in the United States. “With AMA Superbike complete, we can now turn our attention to the support classes,” concluded Hollingsworth. “At the end of the process, we’ll have created a class structure and set of technical rules that best serves the needs of the entire racing community, including our fans, and allows for continued growth and commercial development of our series.”



Summary Of Superbike Rules Changes For 2004:

The following technical categories indicate the level of modifications permitted effective January 1, 2004. Actual 2004 rule book language will be posted on www.amaproracing.com at a later date.

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:

Valve sizes and material are unrestricted.
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.

[nedro]

I foresee big throttle bodies on the new Honda.

[abtech]

'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.'

This couldn't possibly refer to overall ratio (primary drive ratios), could it? Imagine running some of the current tracks with stock gearing . . .

[BDA116]

I see loopholes.
Multi-cylinder means more than one cylinder, correct?
So, twins also would fall into the multi-cylinder rule, unless the AMA changes the specification to three or more cylinders.

Yeah, the primary drive gear ratio thing is a head scratcher.

[deez]

BDA116 : I see loopholes.
Multi-cylinder means more than one cylinder, correct?
So, twins also would fall into the multi-cylinder rule, unless the AMA changes the specification to three or more cylinders.

Yeah, the primary drive gear ratio thing is a head scratcher.

If you reread it, they differentiate between twin cylinder and multicylinder.

[BDA116]

Um, where?
If you mean stating different rules with the terms multi-cylinder and twin-cylinder that doesn't mean jack from a legal standpoint, unless multi-cylinder is defined as meaning three or more at the beginning of the rules.
Yeah, it's obvious what they mean, but unless they change their designation there is a massive loophole that any of the teams could exploit if it ever became necessary. It won't, but for a 'professional' organization to not make their rules solid is beyond stupid.

[Baketech]

Primary drive is the crank to trans input gear....ie 73/48 (1.521) for 929's.....

It's not easily changed anyway...

[luvtolean]

Baketech : Primary drive is the crank to trans input gear....ie 73/48 (1.521) for 929's.....

It's not easily changed anyway...

Correct, on the first part.

Actually, it's my understanding on the RC51 (based on a very good source), Honda had a trick set-up that allowed them to change primary drive ratio easily by swapping dry clutch set-up....

[Baketech]

Interesting......how did they change the trans gear....its hobbed into the input shaft....?

Edit:
The above sentence is incorrect. I had cranial rectal inversion and mean to say 'crank gear' where I said 'trans'.

[luvtolean]

At least, that's what it sounded like. The gear is on the back of the clutch basket. I've never personally seen it.

[Baketech]

Mix up in my previous post....meant to say crank gear......how do they quickly change that one...?

[Baketech]

The crank gear is inside the outer crank journal on a 929.....is it outboard on the RC51 maybe?

[abtech]

I understand about the overall reduction inside the engine/trans, but final drive ratio is also the term used to describe the overall final drive ratio that includes the chain drive subsystem.

[luvtolean]

Baketech : The crank gear is inside the outer crank journal on a 929.....is it outboard on the RC51 maybe?