Back to the Bad Old Days?

[gregness]

Spoiler Alert...

It may be to early to infer much based on one race weekend in WSBK, but it is looking like another championship romp is underway for Ducati. Not taking anything away from Bautista; he is a great rider and takes full advantage of his light weight- as has Ducati, which changed ergo's on the bike this year to let him get more of his weight over the front wheel. Watching the Ducati's blast past the other bikes on the straights tells me the horsepower/RPM advantage conferred by Dorna on the Ducati remains intact. Four of the first five bikes were Ducati's, with the two factory machines crossing the line long before the only non-Duc in the first five (Locatelli riding his Yamaha superbly) appeared on the final straight. (Kawasaki's miserable weekend was due to more than the Duc domination, but that's another story.) In addition, the Ducati is now sporting 6" long wings on its fairing, as some of their Moto-GP tech gets sent downstream. Makes sense- you can't use that big power advantage if the bike is trying to wheelie all the time.

Meanwhile, the Kawi, Yamaha and Honda are now looking pretty equal. But this is starting to look like the 1990's, when Ducati's huge rules advantage let them own the sport for most of the decade. Only when Honda gave up trying to beat 1000cc twins with a 750 four, and took two titles with the RC51, did Dorna finally level the displacement playing field. But I guess they got sick of Ducati not winning again, so here we are once more with rules that favor the Italian marque, and a bike that has been clearly faster for the past several years. However, I think and hope they will only let this period of Duc domination continue for another year or two, and then the power levels might get equalized again. We will see.

Of more concern to me is the worry that the Superbike product marketplace has shriveled up so much that only Ducati will be motivated to keep advancing the technology (and cost) of their Superbike, as the others might decide it is just not worth it. If the endgame of WSBK is selling bikes, and the sportbike market is disappearing, how do the makers justify the cost to shareholders? The scenario that may develop might look even more like GP racing in the 1960's than WSBK racing in the 1990's...

Back in the 1960's, there was only one bike manufacturer that was serious about road racing, MV Augusta. They hired the best rider they could find in Agostini, and together they won 15 world championships. They won so often and so easily- sometimes by several MINUTES- that Ago some seasons would not even attend the last races of the year, having sewed up the title with room to spare. (And given how dangerous the tracks were, who could blame him for not racing if he did not have to?)

So I ask myself, are Honda and Kawi and Yamaha going to build new-generation Superbikes, with a V-4 and downforce aero, if that is what is needed to match the Ducati? All to try to capture sales that are not there? If not, the gap between the desmo's and the rest will continue to widen and Ducati will continue to win WSBK titles by default, just as MV did all those years ago. And I think that is kind of likely- especially if the other makers conclude that even if they put in the resources, Dorna will keep tilting the rules to favor one firm.

I have a similar worry for MotoGP. There, Ducati has earned their leadership position by spending tons on R&D, fielding eight bikes, and leading the MC world in using AI and F-1 style aerodynamics. Will the others make the same committment to catch up? Or was Suzuki just the first firm to throw in the towel? I hope not, but time will tell.

[NATURALBORNKILLAR]

The Ducks always seem to have an edge. For a small company, they spend a lot of dough.

[mehush]

You gotta give praise to Ducati for their dedication to racing. They have done a ton of development work over the last 2 decades. Maybe the rules makers have left the door open for them, but you can't fault Ducati for barging right on in.

[gregness]

You gotta give praise to Ducati for their dedication to racing. They have done a ton of development work over the last 2 decades. Maybe the rules makers have left the door open for them, but you can't fault Ducati for barging right on in.

Absolutely! In MotoGP they have 100% earned their success, and suffered through a very long period of NOT winning championships to get there. In WSBK they have done similar work and brought the knowledge gained in MotoGP to bear, resulting in a fabulous machine and a well-run team. What they do not need is a rules advantage that is so glaring. It cheapens their success and discourages the other makers, who may already be wondering why they spend so much money on Superbike racing.

[BIG O]

What they do not need is a rules advantage that is so glaring.

What rule change is that?

I always hear people complaining about non Ducati's either being handicapped or Ducati is somehow being given an unfair advantage.

Not saying that it isn't happening.

Just don't know what IT is?

Thanks!

[gregness]

The most recent data I have on the RPM limits imposed on each machine by Dorna are from last year:
Ducati V4: 16,100
Kawi: 14,600
Yamaha: 14,700

They may have been revised since then. Assuming both machines make the same amount of torque, that gives a big advantage to the Ducati. Assuming 75 foot/lbs. at peak, that would be 230 HP for the Ducati and 209 HP for the Kawasaki.

[BIG O]

So why the difference in RPM ceiling?

Due to engine configuration? V4 versus Inline 4?

I remember when Ducati was running the V Twins and I thought there were handicaps due to displacement possibly??

Or was that also an RPM issue where the Twin couldn't rev as high as the Inline 4?

[YYCZED]

The Ducati 959 also cleaned up in SSP this weekend, beating the smaller bikes with the same ridiculous straightline advantage as the V4 has in WSBK. I just have to assume VAG is greasing the Dorna wheels to get the rules bent in their favor. On the street the Ducati V4 isn't even the most powerful liter bike, but they're making it look like the other factories can't build a motor.

[gregness]

To answer Mike's question, the stated reasoning is to make it more "fair", and equalize performance. Which given the evidence, seems totally absurd. I think Dorna could not stand the idea of Jon Rea and Kawasaki winning a 7th championship...

[BIG O]

To answer Mike's question, the stated reasoning is to make it more "fair", and equalize performance. Which given the evidence, seems totally absurd. I think Dorna could not stand the idea of Jon Rea and Kawasaki winning a 7th championship...

I understand that they re trying to make it "fair" but was looking for the specifics in the rules that were attempting to accomplish this.

You had mentioned the RPM limits and I was looking for specifics as to how they came up with that conclusion and why?

Or point me where to find the info and I'll look it up

Thanks

[piken]

2.4.2.1 Balancing various motorcycle concepts
a) In order to equalise the performance of different brands of machine
rev limits will be individually applied to each brand.
b) Each season will begin with the same rev limits as the previous season
finished.
c) The rev limit will be adjusted according to Art. 2.4.3.2.
d) Updated machines with the same basic engine design will continue
with the manufacturers previous rev limit. Any new machines entering
with a redesigned engine will have their rev limit set by calculation.
e) For a new engine the initial rev limit will be either:
a) The lower of:
i) The RPM after the peak power at which the engine
produces 90% of the peak power figure, + 3%
ii) The RPM of the peak power + 700 rpm
OR
b) The manufacturer may choose to continue with the current
RPM by balancing (if the new engine maintains the same
number of cylinders).
f) To be a considered as a “new engine” all of the following
requirements must be met:
g) A new EU/ECE type approval with an update to the engine type
number (if no valid EU/ECE type approval then USA or ASIA).
h) Changes to the following parts (however if any of the following
components can be considered as a “Product Update” then they
will not be considered in declaring a “new engine”):
a) Changes to one of:
i) bore x stroke (at minimum 1 mm bore)
ii) layout change (e.g. “v” angle or cylinder plane)
iii) relocate main shafts, countershaft, or transmission gears/
gearbox layout (relative position of the shaft must be
changed requiring a new casting)
iv) Valvetrain type change or valve actuation type change
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SBK
b) Or changes to three of:
i) in/ex valve change (shape/material type e.g. steel to ti)
ii) conrod change (weigh 4%/material/length 2mm/)
iii) abolishment of balancer (for homologated model)
iv) introduction of seamless transmission or a new kind of
actuation system
v) included valve angle change (need value)
vi) piston (weight by 4% or compression height by 1mm)
vii) crankshaft inertia change 8%
viii) Throttle body (split, bore, main dimensions)
ix) Airbox layout, air funnels and variable trumpets
mechanism.
i) The limiter in all gears will be analysed to check for anomalies.
Use the EU/ECE, USA or ASIA homologation dyno test on the OEM
motorcycles to determinate the Max power rpm. Without the
presentation of the EU/ECE, USA or ASIA homologation, the dyno
test will take place during the homologation inspection. (See part
4.0 Homologation, 1.4.b).
j) The Superbike Commission can at any time modify the handicap system
to ensure fair competition.
2.4.2.2 Balancing Calculation
1. The FIM/DWO algorithm will be used to balance the performance of
the machines relative to one another.
2. The algorithm may include but not be limited to the following signals:
a) Lap time relative to all other competitors
b) Speed traps
c) Number of riders per brand
2022 FIM Superbike, Supersport & Supersport 300 World Championships Regulations
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SBK
d) Anticipated individual rider performance
i) Per track
ii) Considering preceding rounds
e) Race results
f) Laps led
g) Overall race time
h) Change in balance following any rpm limiter changes
i) Bias towards recent results reflecting current performance
j) Any concession part updates being applied
3. The rev limit may be updated (according to Art. 2.4.3.2) at the end of
every 3rd event provided at least 3 events remain in the season.
4. The rev limit may also be updated at the end of the season.
5. FIM/DWO reserves the right to update the rpm balance at their
discretion in the case of an imbalance.
6. “Wet” races (as declared by the Race Director) are not taken in account
for the calculation.
2.4.2.3 Rev limit
The manufacturer specific rev limit will be adjusted in increments of
250 rpm (up or down).
The rev limit will be controlled by the manufacturers software and will be
monitored by the FIM/DWO rev-logger (see Art. 2.4.9.1). Over rev because
of downshift will be ignored. ECU Hard limiter must be set to the WSBK
specified rev limit.
2022 FIM Superbike, Supersport & Supersport 300 World Championships Regulations
88 update 23 March 2022
SBK
WSBK Initial rev-limit
Brand Proposed
Aprilia 14700
BMW 14950
BMW 2019 14900
Ducati V2 12400
Ducati V4 16100
Honda 15050
Honda 2020 15600
Kawasaki 2018 14100
Kawasaki 2019 14600
MV Agusta 14950
Suzuki 14900
Yamaha 14700
Yamaha 2020 14950
2.4.3 Concessions
a) Concession points are awarded according to the final results of all dry
races. Any rider can earn the concession points.
b) At the start of each season manufacturers will begin with 0 concession
points.
c) The points will be awarded during Superbike Races 1 and 2 (excluding
Superpole Race) as follows:
i) 1st place = 3 concession points
ii) 2nd place = 2 concession points
iii) 3rd place = 1 concession point
d) No updates can be made to the concession parts during the first three
races (excepting point h).
e) At the end of the first three rounds:
i) Any manufacturer whom achieves 9 or more points less than the
manufacturer with the most concession points may choose at their
discretion to make one update to their concession parts during
the season. The parts must be introduced simultaneously.
2022 FIM Superbike, Supersport & Supersport 300 World Championships Regulations
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SBK
f) Any manufacturer whom achieves 36 or more points less than the
manufacturer with the most concession points at the end of season
may update the concession part for the following season. This is
known as an update token.
g) Update tokens are cumulative during a season. An unused intra
season update may be added to the token in e. A concession point
earned after from round 4 may be used for an intra-season update.
Only one token may be used intra season (ie only one token carries
through).
h) FIM/DORNA reserve the right to allow, at their discretion, one further
update token during the season for new manufacturers entering the
series or for new homologations of bikes with a new design of engine.
i) The manufacturer must notify the SBK Technical Director of the full
combination/specification of parts to be used. This notification must
be made before the start of the season and again if a concession part
update is earned.
j) If a newly homologated machine maintains the same engine design
as its predecessor and the manufacturer has not earned a between
season update token then the new machine must begin with the same
engine specification as the last season with the eligible concession
part The SBK Technical Directors decision is final.
k) Machines considered as new will have their part declared eligible
by December 31st to allow part to be supplied to supported teams
for the first race. A minimum of 3 sets of part must be supplied to
teams before January 10th.

[piken]

2.4.2.1

j) The Superbike Commission can at any time modify the handicap system
to ensure fair competition.


2.4.2.2 Balancing Calculation

2. The algorithm may include but not be limited to the following signals:

a) Lap time relative to all other competitors
...
...
d) Anticipated individual rider performance

[gregness]

I was looking for it this morning and it is surprisingly hard to find. A couple years ago there was some mumbo-jumbo about considering various equalizing factors and then the numbers I showed you here. Now I cannot find the current formula or anything detailed about the how and why. Which smells bad.

[gregness]

I see Piken found us the old mumbo-jumbo...

[piken]

Anyone that's interested in reading all 338 pages........

https://www.fim-moto.com/fileadmin/u...f?t=1677709111