World Superbike Introduces New Rules For 2014 Season

The World Superbike series will undoubtedly have a new look when
action kicks off in 2014. Following the news that BMW would leave the
motorsports class after the close of this year's
competition, the International Motorcycling Federation announced
several rule changes that will go into effect at the launch of the
next season.
Among the most prominent change is the move to a reserve of just
eight engines per season for each team. Riders will also have to
make due with a limited number of gear ratios for the
first time,while the series is set to place a price cap on brakes
and suspensions.
These limitations are being implemented to cut costs for existing
teams while also attracting squads from the Superstock division of
racing, which currently operates with only eight engines and
similar gear limitations. To further make World Superbike an
alluring - and affordable - option for racing teams, the Motorcycle
Sports Manufacturers Association is also planning on providing a
motorcycle package to riders at a fixed price. Competitors who
invest in these will have access to bikes and maintenance from
major factories.
The final change is the invention of a new EVO class of racing,
which will feature a blend of Superbike and Sportbike rules and
components.