08 LW class rules

[HAWK]

Dave the tire argument is pretty much based on sub 100HP bikes in LW but the new rules seem to be going in the direction of 110+ HP LW bikes. If I read the replies I have received from Eric right, the SV will now be allowed 800cc, as if to bring it on par with the new bikes. This will certainly have an impact on tire life as well as reliability. Don't get me wrong, I understand that the class structure is a moving target and will always evolve.  I'm just not sure there are enough of the BMWs running to make this necessary at this point in time and I think this is going to have a devastating impact on the ULWSB class.

I think that this is something that should be put out there with the statement "This is where we are going in 2009". I think this is just too big a change to address in one offseason. Not to confuse for one second what we do with what they do but take MOTOGP for example, 500cc -> 990cc ->800cc. Each change was made in an overlapping fashion, both machines ran at the same time for a year or two so as not to create massive turmoil. Yes there a couple bikes coming into LW that are raising the bar but let's find a way to transition into this rather than yesterday it was this and tomorrow it will be that.

For those that would say that I am against any bike that "beats my SV" let me point out that I don't want to forbid any bike from running in LW if it meets the rules. I also don't want to have the rug pulled out from under me overnight either. I think this ruling pulls the rug out from under 70% of the ULW class and 50% of the LW class. All I am asking is that this rule be made now and implemented  in 2009 so that everyone has time to adjust their programs.

[Super Dave]

Well, to go with the email you're receiving...

If this is all based around the 800cc BMW that weighs as much as my SV1000 and makes a claimed 80HP, which will be less at the rear tire, I'm not sure where the excitement is.  I don't think it's hard for a Supersport SV650 to make 73HP+ and weigh in at 370, is it?

Overlap in MotoGP?  Only one they had was between the phasing out of 500cc two strokes and 990cc four strokes.  Wasn't any from 990 to 800. 


I think the orginal lightweight classes were limited to 500cc's in the 80's.  The Hawk came out, and it was a 650.  Similar questions were brought up comparing things to the FZR400 and the EX500.  EX500's didn't die over night at all.  There were still guys racing them pretty regularly up until a few years ago as their popularity started to die out and the used SV650 market became more affordable. 

Even if you were allowed 900cc's on the SV, why would you do it?  Someone will have to quote Ed Key on what he has, but I believe that he could probably go bigger on his motor, but there's a point of efficiency in power, cost, and maintenance that always should be considered.  Certainly, Ed has found a reasonable combination that suits his needs.  Would you really be served better though a 800cc SV vs a 700?

Who had the lap time quote of SB vs SS in this or that similar thread?

[HAWK]

Actually I was comparing your SV1000 to the R1200S with 122 HP at the crank and and 418lbs  dry or the HP2 with 130 HP and the crank 392 dry. Both of these are be LW legal in SB trim and with this rule change I can see them eventually being moved into SS as well. This is progress and I think that is fine, this all relates to my statement that LW is going to get much more expensive. Bikes like these will eat tires almost as fast as MW bikes.

[Super Dave]

My head is spinning...

[HAWK]

Alright I stay on this side for a while. 

[Super Dave]

Actually I was comparing your SV1000 to the R1200S with 122 HP at the crank and and 418lbs...

Well, I think comparing the SV and the R is a hard one.  The SV1000 is a simple bike.  I don't think it's intentions as a race bike were in the design parameters. 

[HAWK]

True, I just think the specs are pretty similar for one to be a  LW and one a HW bike. I wish  I could afford the BMW, I think it would be an fun ride.

[roadracer162]

Overlap in MotoGP?  Only one they had was between the phasing out of 500cc two strokes and 990cc four strokes.  Wasn't any from 990 to 800. 

The Ilmor was an 800 running around with the crowd of 990 machinery in Valencia. Does that count?

Mark

[BadBoyRR]

Like someone else already said, I'm sure CCS will be instituting a new "Super Duper, Double Secret, Really Freaking Light Weight Class" to work in conjunction with the change being discussed here. 

I'm positive that CCS would not make such a glaringly poor business decision, nor would they alienate a whole section of their regular customers just to give SV's yet another playground. 

So just calm down and pop another Zanex!  ::) 

[L8brake731]

Hey backMarkr:

The dialog that is going on for the last couple days is not just banter for the sake of argument; more-so food for thought, to intelligently place the facts to CCS (E. Kelcher) that may make a difference before the 2008 Rule Book actually goes in to print.

May I add more "food" here; PERFORMANCE INDEX along with taking the consideration of LAP TIMES.

[backMARKr]

Hey backMarkr:

The dialog that is going on for the last couple days is not just banter for the sake of argument; more-so food for thought, to intelligently place the facts to CCS (E. Kelcher) that may make a difference before the 2008 Rule Book actually goes in to print.

May I add more "food" here; PERFORMANCE INDEX along with taking the consideration of LAP TIMES.

Steve

I was pretty sure the discussion wasn't simple conjecture to occupy time. My comments were meant to encourage action to illicite the desired changes that the majority here seems to want, and unless I am mistaken-- that is to leave the ULSB class as it is.

My comments were not made lightly and were not intended to make light of anyone's thoughts or perspective.

Mark

[xb9racer]

I'm concerned with the idea of where it leaves people, such as myself, that run the XB9R's. What bikes will be allowed in
LWSS now? Will I be allowed to run in ULSB? Or does my bike now become the "odd ball"?