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Buell Forum » Buell RACING & More » Racing - Circuit/Road Racing » Archive through August 18, 2009 » AMA Superbike vs World SBK Superbike Tech Regs « Previous Next »

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Lemonchili_x1
Posted on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 01:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

With all the talk about the release of the 1125RR, there was some discussion on the Quick Board about AMA vs SBK Superbike technical regulations.

For those who are interested here is a table of the main differences I've found in the 2009 regs. Please note I'm not a racer or an official, just a curious spectator with an engineering background.

(I do have experience in reviewing and "interpreting" ; ) mechanical and electrical specifications, and a little bit of experience working on race cars and bikes)

AMASBKDifference
HomologationMust be homologated by AMA. Must be street certified in the US and available through US retail dealers. AMA can withhold or withdraw homologation in interests of competition.Must be mass produced street certified motorcycle. Minimum build of 1000 units (3000 in 2010). Must be equipped with all road equipment at time of FIM Homologation inspection.No minimum build numbers in AMA.
Minimum weight4 cylinder 375 pounds. 2 cylinder 390 pounds1000cc 2 cylinder – 162kg. 1000cc 3 or 4 cylinder – 162kg (357 pounds). 1200cc 2 cylinder – 168kg (370 pounds) with 50mm air restrictorAMA bikes heavier - 1000cc by 18 pounds. 1200cc by 20 pounds. SBK 1200 twins restricted.
BodyworkMay be modified or replaced*. Must resemble approved parts in design and dimensions. No carbon composite or carbon fibre. Must conform in principle to the homologated shape as originally produced by the manufacturer. Material may be changed.Carbon bodywork ok for SBK?
WheelsCan be changed*. Must be 17 x 3.5 front. 17 x 6.0 rearMax width: 4.0” front and 6.25” rearSBK have wider wheels however both series on control tyres.
BrakesMay be modified or replaced.*May be modified or replaced.No difference.
Front suspensionOriginal fork inner and outer tubes. Internals can be changed. Fork triple clamps can be changed.May be modified or replaced. Fork triple clamps can be changed.SBK can run pure race forks like Ohlins etc.
SwingarmAs homologated. Some modifications allowed. Buell chain drive conversion allowed.May be modified or replaced.SBK can brace swingarm. I think this means SBK can change wheelbase too.
FrameAs homologated. May be braced/strengthened. Must have identification number. (Must have 17 digit production vin from 2010). Steering head inserts to change steering angle allowed. Adjustable swingarm pivot only allowed if featured on homologated frame.As homologated. May be braced/strengthened. Must have identification number. Steering head inserts to change steering angle allowed.No difference.
Compression Ratio (CR)FreeFreeNo difference however SBK has more options in how CR is changed.
Cylinder headOriginal. May be modified. Must retain standard valve sizes.Original. May be modified. Must retain standard valve sizes.No difference however SBK has more options in how CR is changed.
CamshaftsMay be modified or replaced. Duration unrestricted but lift unchanged.May be modified or replaced.SBK has more freedom.
Pistons & ringsStandard or replaced with approved substitute. Approved substitute same weight or more. Standard rings pin etc.1000cc – may be altered or replaced. 1200cc 2 cylinder – Standard or piston kit. Piston kit must be freely available for same price as standard.SBK 1000cc bikes can run any piston.
Connecting rodsAs homologated.1000cc – can modified or replaced. 1200cc 2 cyl – as homologated.SBK 1000cc bikes can change to race rods and alter length and material.
CrankshaftAs homologated. No modifications except oil gallery’s and polishing bearing surfaces.1000cc 2 cyl – may be altered or replaced. 1000cc 3 or 4 cyl and 1200cc 2 cyl - As homologated. no modifications except polishing bearing surfaces.Effectively no difference.
TransmissionTransmission as homologated. may be undercut shimmed etc. Final drive ratios can be changed. Can change to chain final drive. Electronic quick shift kits allowed.Gear ratio’s and primary ratio and final drive is free. Must retain same number of gears. Quick shifters allowed.SBK able to change gearing to suit track.
ClutchMay be modified or replaced*. Must remain same type as homologated (wet or dry).May be modified or replaced. Must remain same type (wet or dry) and actuation (cable or hyd) as homologated except 1000cc 2-cylinder .Effectively no difference.
AirboxAs homologated. internal flaps etc may be removed. All incoming air must pass through the original unmodified airbox inlets.May be modified or replaced(50mm restrictor for 1200cc twins)AMA bikes restricted to street bike airbox inlets. SBK able to enlarge airbox and inlets however 1200cc twins still have 50mm restrictor.
Radiators/Oil coolersMay be modified or replaced.*May be modified or replaced.No difference.

* Items must be on AMA approved Equipment List.

IMHO, I would say AMA Superbike rules are about halfway (or a bit more) between Supersport and World SBK rules.

Please feel free to comment and let me know any mistakes.
cheers,
chili
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Blake
Posted on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 02:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

AMA allows gear chages.
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Lemonchili_x1
Posted on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 06:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If you mean changing individual ratio's, not from what I read, only final drive ratio can be changed.
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Blake
Posted on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 09:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My bad. You are correct.
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