No more KTM Cup, open to all. http://www.roadracingworld.com/news...anufacturers-will-replace-ktm-rc-cup-in-2018/
How much more will this cost to be competitive in and how many race dads are gonna go broke (broker? brokest?) chasing their kid's dreams.
Good move. Now combine the 600 class into one and add in a middleweight naked class as a stepping stone and watch the series grow with more competitors. Cap that shit at 100hp and get like 6 brands in the mix immediately. This isn't fucking rocket science.
I heard somewhere they were considering a middleweight twins class. SV's, FZ07, 650 Ninja, not sure what others maybe eligible.
Well at least one Honda 500 and one Kawi 300 are giving the R3 a good fight in WSS 300 so hopefully we will see a mix here too. Also WSS 300 have the KTM at this point, so I am imagine they will be competitive too. As to RBs comment - 3 classes is probably enough imho. Jr. Cup, 600, 1000. Let's say they do this 100hp cap naked class, what bikes are you thinking? What constitutes a "naked" bike? How large and aerodynamic are you allowed to make the catch pan? Duc 821, CB 650F seem like good fits for 100HP cap. Is the GSX-S750 naked enough? FZ-09 detuned? FZ-07 would have to be a SBK build to compete. Street 3 detuned? Ah, I see a LW twins class maybe. So do you let the Monster 797 in along with the SV, Z650 and FZ-7? No Ninja 650 as the bodywork would be an unfair advantage at tracks like Road America. You don't want to be building these things to 100HP at the rear wheel. That would be pricier than a 600 Superstock.
Depends on what the final rulebook ends up saying. Reading their press release, it seems like they are going to try to keep costs at a similar level to the RC cup.
I agree on curbing the outrageous superbikey stuff, but the FZ07 will make 100hp with stock rods and crank.
AP Motoarts-Andy Palmer has some dyno charts up in facebook, hitting 100HP. Ported head, cams and pistons, plus a bunch of tuning.
Sounds like a Superbike to me. I would think they would want to keep a class like this as Superstock rules.
IMO, they would have to allow some allowances to even the playing field, The FZ07 and the EX650 have a pretty significant hp disadvantage in SS trim compared to the SV650. The FZ07 has awesome brakes and is quite a bit lighter. For sure making it a pro thunder type class with an open rulebook would be bad.
Dont forget about them nasty old Honda Hawks rumor has it there is one ready to hit the grid at any minute with a rider that is 20 years ahead of his time on talent.
The FZ07 is plenty competitive in SS form. Yes it's down a few peak HP to the SV, but the mid-range is better and as you mentioned it's much lighter. I loved my SV's but the FZ07 is going to catch on in a massive way. But I'm just glad to see the possibility of a national LW class!