Technical regulations

1997 FIM International Superbike Regulations

Summary

Motorcycles for Superbike correspond to motorcycles of current production, available to the public, which have been manufactured and sold for everyday road use. Motorcycles must be approved and homologated by the FIM for competition in FIM Superbike events. Manufacturers are required to produce a minimum number of a specific motorcycle in order for it to be homologated; a factory that produces more than 100,000 units per year must produce 500 for homologation, a factory producing at least 50,000 units per year must produce 250, and all other factories must produce 150. Only modifications specified within the approved homologation documents for each model are permitted. The lower fairing must be designed to accommodate at least half the capacity of the oil and engine coolant used in the motorcycle if the engine is damaged. Only brake discs made of iron are permitted. Number plate colours are white background with black numbers (RAL colour table values: 9005 black and 9010 white).

Engine capacities

601-750cc, four-stroke, 4-cylinder, minimum dry weight 162kg;
601-900cc, four-stroke, 3-cylinder, minimum dry weight 162kg;
751-1000cc, four-stroke, 2-cylinder, minimum dry weight 162kg.

Homologated machines

Bimota SB7; Ducati 888; Ducati 916; Honda RC30; Honda RC45; Honda VTR1000F; Kawasaki ZX-7RR; Kawasaki ZXR750; Suzuki GSX-R750; Yamaha OW01; Yamaha TRX850; Yamaha YZF750.

Championship rules

Qualifying format

At least 1 official qualifying session, each rider's fastest lap time from any session is taken as their qualification time. The maximum lap time required to qualify will be equal to 115% of the average of the 5 fastest times.

Race format

1 race of varying distance at each round. The starting grid will be based on official qualification times. If a result is declared for a race which has completed less than 50% of its scheduled distance, half-points will be awarded. If fewer than 12 competitors are present, no championship points will be awarded.

Points system

Riders Championship: 1st: 25; 2nd: 20; 3rd: 16; 4th: 13; 5th: 11; 6th: 10; 7th: 9; 8th: 8; 9th: 7; 10th: 6; 11th: 5; 12th: 4; 13th: 3; 14th: 2; 15th: 1.