AMA proposed light weight class........

[MAZZ77X]

Thoughts?


I'm thinking it will be a 300cc class but would like to see them use a 500cc bike or maybe even a 650 twin like the Gladius or Kawi. Either way I think it's awesome and is exactly what is needed here in America to save road racing!

[leeroy996]

Thoughts?


I'm thinking it will be a 300cc class but would like to see them use a 500cc bike or maybe even a 650 twin like the Gladius or Kawi. Either way I think it's awesome and is exactly what is needed here in America to save road racing!

CBR500 is perfect, get a manufacturer involved and  encourage overseas participation.  Make the rules match WSBK.
Make the big bikes the premier class again.

[LWT Racer]

300 or 500 class would be my guess with both Honda and Kawi making new models in both those sizes. 

I wish it be 650 class.

[bruce71198]

How bout the duc 749?

[benprobst]

How bout the duc 749?

565 would be better.

[LWT Racer]

Just what we need, another i-4 class.


Get that junk outta here ben. :)

[benprobst]

Just what we need, another i-4 class.


Get that junk outta here ben. :)

i keed i keed

[roadracer162]

The European Junior Cup utilizes the Honda 500 and it seems to be a good platform for that beginner racer.

[MaRce1o]

This would be interesting

[Gino230]

Would be great to see something like the old Pro Thunder, or the 250GP class. Too bad there aren't enough bikes being built to support it.

Is this just a rumor? Next year the 200 will be Superbikes again. So there will be 2 600 classes that are not much different, and one Superbike class. Then need something different.

[ahastings]

I think they are combining the 600 classes next year

[MAZZ77X]

I think they are combining the 600 classes next year

2014 will be the last year for Supersport.

The "Proposed" lightweight class would replace it.......

[ahastings]

I don't really see a point for a lightweight class using slow underpowered 250/300cc streetbikes in what is supposed to be the premier professional series in the country. Considering you have to be 16 yrs old to run AMA,  kids that are racing at that level are normally ready for a 600 by then if they are going pro. Unfortunately unlike motocross there are very few professional roadracers that can actually make a living at it.

[MAZZ77X]

That the main problem...... Very very few 16 year olds are truly ready for a 600. It's just the American way to make the move when age allows. Spending 2 years (16-18) in a properly run lightweight class can make good riders into great riders.


Most of the worlds top racers stay on small bikes far longer than we do in the US..........

[apriliaman]

Here it is! It says 4 cylinder up to 400cc so I guess I can ride my 1988 yamaha fzr 400 in the class
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/asraccs-adds-new-500cc-supersport-class/

[ahastings]

Just saw that Mark. Yes CCS/ASRA is a great place for such a class. But I dont think AMA pro racing is. Mazz you prob are right that most 16/17 yr olds are not ready for a 600, but at the pro level should be a different story such as your son he will be ready for sure by the time he is 16 with his experience. A lot of kids don't get the early start needed to turn pro at that young age.

[MAZZ77X]

Arnie as much as I would like to think Anthony will be ready I still think racing a smaller bike at the pro level is  a great way to acclimate to the world of professional racing where everyone is fast.

[Gino230]

I fee like I responded to a thread like this but it may have been on the Jennings forum....Anyway,


I spoke to AMA pro a few weeks ago, the 600 classes are being combined, with the rules leaning towards DSB rules rather than supersport. The new class rules for the AMA LW class have yet to be written, with the primary idea being the Honda CBR 500, but the KTM 360 is also competitive so they need to write the rules to include that.


I'm not sure who will race it, maybe kids and young guys who can't afford to spend $30K building a competitive DSB. Light rider weight and size will be key as these bikes don't make much HP.


I would have thought the 600's would stay closer to SS rules, since that is what's going on in the rest of the world and it keeps costs down, and hopefully encourages manufacturer support as well as privateer entries.


The LW class will be cheap by comparison, and much slower than Moto 3.