Originally posted by yeem1:what does superbike actually mean? is
there a definition for a bike being classified as a superbike? a
specification, two/four stroke, displacemen t etc???
Originally, the term "Superbike" was used to describe race bikes
with 4 stroke 750cc inline 4 engines or 1000cc v-twin engines.
These class of race bikes must be production based, ie to say the
bikes used as basis for the race bike must be available to the
general public. But of cos, w/o the extensive race components or
exotic stuff. A minimum production run of 1000 machines are needed
to qualify under the Superbike rules.
Recent introduction of 1000cc inline 4 engines in the Superbike
races (ie R1, CBR1k etc.) has brought new life into the 'dying'
class of Superbike. Main reason for this 'dying' is the rise of the
MotoGP races as the main global bike racing event to watch amongthe
general public. But these 1000cc are restricted in power output,
mainly to bring balance to the different performance envelopes of
the 3 classes (V twins vs Inline 4 750cc vs 1000cc inline 4).
Hope this helps. Cheers!