500cc Supersport.

[MAZZ77X]

I'd like to hear some opinions on the rule structure.


Not sure about some of the cc classifications, seems maybe the FZR 400 would be the prime choice......   With a class that's to support/showcase the lightweight bikes currently gracing the showroom floors and the direction of the AMA lightweight class, IMO vintage bikes are not what we should be training our up and coming riders on......


"The 500 SuperSport Championship is open to all manufacturers and will follow the current 2014 CCS SuperSport rules using the following displacement limits:

500 SUPERSPORT (Combined Amateur and Expert)
Single cylinder, up to 600cc
Twin cylinder, 2-stroke, up to 400cc
Twin cylinder, liquid cooled, non-desmodromic valves, up to 500cc
Twin cylinder, air cooled, up to 650cc
Four cylinder, liquid cooled, up to 400cc
Four cylinder, air cooled, 2 valve, up to 500cc
NOTE: Ducati/Bimota/BMW Supermono/Woods Rotax are excluded from this class.
For complete rules, see Addendum 3 in the 2014 ASRA/CCS Rules and Procedures. "

Maybe I'm wrong about what this class is intended to do?


Don't get me wrong this is an awesome step in the right direction and applaud CCS for their efforts! If I had known this was coming I would have put a bike together this past winter...... Timing not so good.  ::)


What other bikes would be a good fit in this class under these rules?

[sdiver68]

This class screams CBR500 to me and might be a precursor to the new AMA lightweight class?

[Xian_13]

This class screams CBR500 to me and might be a precursor to the new AMA lightweight class?

That is exactly what I was thinking.

As far as the FRZ400 being the Over-dog, good luck finding one.
Not many were imported into the USA, many were raced... few were left at 400cc.

-X

[Doublea]

Anyone else seeing 250 2t's blowing away any CBR500r out there?

[Xian_13]

Anyone else seeing 250 2t's blowing away any CBR500r out there?

Sportsport class, GP bikes are not eligible.

So, if you want to find and race a TZR-250 there... Enjoy spending your money.

-X

[Doublea]

Or an Aprilia 250 cup? I'm sure someone will be "that guy" that brings one to the show though, it's just a matter of who and when.


Has CCS considered the idea of a completely spec series? I mean everyone has their own definition of spec- I'm not talking 'all bikes prepared by the same supplier', rather make a class that's only open to one bike- i.e. '13+ CBR500r. There are no other competitors in the 500 twin market at this time, so why not?


It seems like that would draw more support from Honda OEM- you get people buying and racing their bikes only.

[MAZZ77X]

I was thinking more like putting a limit on the production date of the bikes. Keep it a modern affair with bikes dating back no more than 10 years......




I agree CBR 500 is where it's likely to settle in and there is no better machine for this class, but there needs to be a way to leave all yesteryears bikes in the past and focus on what's currently being produced. Doing so will only grow the sport and sell bikes in the process. It only takes one guy showing up on a "Niche" bike and sweeping the fun right out of the class......

[roadracer162]

My opinion in speculation is that it may turn up to be a good class to start for anyone. it provides room for the Ninja 300 and still allow the Ninja 250 to have their spec 250 class(Florida Region only).

CCS provides a format where any kind of bike can have a place to race competitively. In my impression it provides for a wide variety of bikes and riders wishing to put a package together to race. Racing for me isn't just about the rider, but it is also about the Builder of the machine, the Suspension expert that does his/her magical tuning, the Electronics Whiz that does his own magic, and the rider/racer that makes it all work. Sometimes having more money will make up for not having as much talent, but you must have some talent to get a fast bike around quickly.

Being an owner and racer of three FZR400 I would say it will not be a class killer. Maybe a grey market FZR will be better but I am not sure if there are many out there. My 1988-1990 US version FZR have a difficult time with the EX 500. My strongest FZR motor produces a whopping 59.8rwhp and I think Mark E. has stated a 62 hp out of his 1mil over SS spec FZR400.

The weight of the FZR is actually heavier than a SV so no lightweight wonder there. the stock forks are 37mm whereas the CBR500 has a 41mm fork. I seem to think the CBR will have the handling advantage but it may need it if the reported 430 curb weight is true. The aprillia 250 much like the Suzuki 250 has a reported 60 hp and it is heavy. After all it is a street bike.

I still think the CBR500 is the screamer for the class. We won't know until it comes out.

Oh...not much tire selection for the FZR 18" rear wheel. The best DOT is the Brigestone BT090 which is now considered Vintage or even track day tires. I think one of those street motards use the BT090.

[roadracer162]

I was thinking more like putting a limit on the production date of the bikes. Keep it a modern affair with bikes dating back no more than 10 years......




I agree CBR 500 is where it's likely to settle in and there is no better machine for this class, but there needs to be a way to leave all yesteryears bikes in the past and focus on what's currently being produced. Doing so will only grow the sport and sell bikes in the process. It only takes one guy showing up on a "Niche" bike and sweeping the fun right out of the class......

I don't think you will need to fear my FZR running with any of that. I have raced it in the Ultralight super bike and certainly it is outclassed by the SV, Ducati 800, Hawk 650, EX 500....

What I am relegated to is, with the help of Michael Perry, formulating a Vintage class specific to the Florida Region. No other vintage organization will allow the FZR because it is too new. What you are suggesting is that the FZR is too old.

If my FZR runs away with it, then ban it if it does. Simple as that.

[MAZZ77X]

Mark, thanks for that info on the FZR. It's a bike I know nothing about but have been told by others that it would be a class killer.


I also agree with your statement about it being a good all around combination of man, machine, and preparation that make a great class. If this info was available in the fall my son would be riding the CBR 500 as we speak, but since I just spent a good chunk of money refreshing the 250 it will have to wait until it sells......


EJC CBR 500 bikes were quoted to be making 55HP and weighting in at around 350lbs.

[MAZZ77X]

EJC bikes are 321lbs.... Not bad!

[MACOP1104]

I like the concept of the class.   It fills the void and gives these bikes a class to be competitive in.  On tighter courses, I think one of the street legal KTM or Husky supermotards would be right up front with a huge weight advantage.  The class killer will an Aprilia SXV450.