Hot off the presses - Literbike rules may change to be more like Superstock. It all comes down to the mandatory 4 riders with factory support and the factories can't come up with the cash and still be able to support riders in the other classes. Looks like most factories (except probably Suzuki) are for the rules changes.

Here is the link to the article on Cycle News.

http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=12210

I feel like I been in and out of a coma, trying to read some of the topics here. I thought is was "litter" as in kitty stuff or after giving birth...... (or 4 in a pack) This isn't making sense... Oh .. is it Litre ? as in Pints... Who the hell came up with .....Literbikes ? someone had to many Liters... and had a brain fart as well.

And why don't they propose a spec-tyre and spec petrol rule?

Iluvmyhonda - 30 April 2008 12:27 AM

I feel like I been in and out of a coma, trying to read some of the topics here. I thought is was "litter" as in kitty stuff or after giving birth...... (or 4 in a pack) This isn't making sense... Oh .. is it Litre ? as in Pints... Who the hell came up with .....Literbikes ? someone had to many Liters... and had a brain fart as well.

It's called the metric system. One thousand cc's equals one liter. The term has been around for quite a while now. And just in case somebody here uses the term "open class" that usually means the same thing too, 1000's.

Jeff N - 30 April 2008 02:48 AM

And why don't they propose a spec-tyre and spec petrol rule?

I assume you are joking - you know they did, right?

I don't really have a problem with this change, modern 1000cc sportbikes are fast as hell and don't need massive modifications to be raced. I would still like to see some chassis mods allowed but the current superbikes are only faster than superstock in the right hands anyway - you often see superstock bikes mixed among the superbikes now. roadracingworld.com usually lists riders in superbike practice on known SS machinery and they aren't far off. Throw the top riders on one and they're closer.

One napcar like change I would like to see - Since they're making them field four bikes, how about everyone on the team dress relatively the same - doesn't have to be the same manufacturer of leathers but how about the same style? And close to the same paint job on the helmets? The same looking number style on the bikes, etc. Most teams do this now anyway. The Jordan team comes close with their riders. I know this may be difficult with individual rider clothing contracts. But hey, they do it in MotoGP, kind of.

I think the 4 minimem rule is a great rule because when riders get injured like Tommy and Rodger Hayden they would have to be substituted for to get to the minimem and the grid would be full not like this year when they are not and the grid is small. The superstock spec rules might favor Ducati since a stock 1098R cost 40 grand and has more electronic aids built into it and has more horsepower and torque in stock form but this might be a good thing because it would be more of a challenge for Matt Mladin and the Suzukies.

joe_b - 30 April 2008 09:31 AM

One napcar like change I would like to see - Since they're making them field four bikes, how about everyone on the team dress relatively the same - doesn't have to be the same manufacturer of leathers but how about the same style? And close to the same paint job on the helmets? The same looking number style on the bikes, etc. Most teams do this now anyway. The Jordan team comes close with their riders. I know this may be difficult with individual rider clothing contracts. But hey, they do it in MotoGP, kind of.

Maybe you're just kidding, but if most teams do it now anyway, how is it a change?

Most of the teams in NASCAR all have different paint schemes. Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale JR. all race for Hendrick, but their cars all look totally different.

Similar helmets is a big no go for me. I think a riders helmet is the only thing they have much control over. Sure, they all choose their own stickers and font for their number, but the majority of the bike/leathers are styled by the sponsors.

The leathers and bike livery are all similar already. The Erion bikes look alike, as do the Yosh Susuki's, Jordan bikes(as you mentioned), Attack Kawi's, etc.

I've never really been concerned with fashion in regards to racing (or anything else).

Exactly. Most do it now anyway so it would be much of a change at all. Gary, do you want it to look like a club race of privateers with faded red and blue leathers?

And true, all those napcar teams have different paint jobs of their big sponsors but I admit their show looks a bit more professional.

Maybe I'm thinking more of the motocross teams. You can't tell who rides for the factory anymore. Everybody has their own clothing contract.

joe_b - 30 April 2008 12:52 PM

Gary, do you want it to look like a club race of privateers with faded red and blue leathers?

We're looking at club racing rules, so if the shoe fits...