Aprilia in ASBK
We revealed yesterday’s intentions Matt Walters races a 1100 cc Aprilia RSV4 in 2023 Australian Superbike Championship 2023 mi-bike.
We have also mentioned that Motorcycling Australia will issue specific rules regarding machine eligibility in the Australian Superbike, due to larger capacity than is normally allowed.
The first version of those rules was issued today as Appendix E of the 2023 Sports Regulations, we include them below.
We believe this move has also prompted others to consider applying for Motorcycling Australia in relation to other high-performance models that have so far not been allowed to enter the race. This ‘may’ open the door for anyone to race a 1103 cc Ducati Panigale V4 which is half the price of the 1000 cc V4 R currently being raced by competitors in ASBK.
Interesting times…
Appendix E
Aprilia RSV 1100 Specifications
1. Machine qualification
a) The burden of proving that a competitor, and the competitor’s machinery and protective clothing/equipment, are eligible to compete, rests with the person seeking to prove it.
b) Subject to the required and permitted changes outlined below, the Superbike must:
i) Be affixed with an Australian Design Code (ADR) compliant sign, a Safe Vehicle Identification (SVI) sticker and/or listed in the Approved Vehicle Register (RAV) for the particular Machine .
ii) Qualify for registration in all States and Territories in which they compete,
iii) Has a trademark and model that is legally sold in Australia,
iv) According to the manufacturer’s structure,
v) In case the machinery does not comply with the above regulations, the consent of the MSc must be obtained.
c) Provide vehicle identification numbers of each vehicle model to MSc.
d) The Australian manufacturer or distributor acting on behalf of that manufacturer must import at least 20 machines of its manufacture, of that type, into Australia. The machine must be approved by the MA.
2. Tires
According to the ASBK . Tire Similarities List
3. Weight
To be allowed to compete, an unmanned machine, running out of fuel, but with all other fluids at its optimum, must weigh not less than:
• 172kg
A 1% tolerance on post-race control will be allowed.
4. Mandatory Amendment
The following must be removed:
a) Headlights,
b) Tail lights,
c) reflexes,
d) Horns,
e) Traffic indicator,
f) Mirror,
g) Middle and side racks,
h) Registration plate/frame and label holder
Any sharp edges left over from removal of the above components shall be protected by a coil edge or bead with a minimum diameter of 3mm.
5. Modifications allowed
The following can be removed:
a) Passenger armrest assembly and footrest assembly,
b) Tools and related cables
c) OEM upper rear chain guard and registration plate holder,
d) Air pollution control system,
e) Rear fender,
f) Air filter element,
g) Steering damper
The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) can be disconnected and the ABS controller can be removed. The ABS rotor and wheel sensors can be removed.
6. Modification of OEM parts
The following OEM parts can be modified: a) The engine must remain OEM except: b) The transmission dog can be mutilated, c) The cylinder head valve seat can be re-cut. ,
7. Supplements are allowed
The following can be added:
a) Steering damper,
b) Ride height adjuster,
c) Frame guard slider,
d) Electronic gear lever.
e) Data collection is allowed under the following conditions
i) Only existing OEM sensors for make and model are allowed with the only exception being the addition of front and rear suspension position sensors, engine oil pressure sensors, dynamic oil temperature sensors engine, air-fuel ratio and brake pressure sensor for data logging purposes only.
ii) Unless authorized and approved by MA, the location and location of all sensors and OEM components must be kept as OEM.
iii) Installation of any other additional sensors is prohibited
iv) Prohibited telemetry equipment
v) Data available from lap timer according to 4.23.1.6
f) Brake lever protection is commercially available
g) Front brake cooling ducts may be fitted provided the following criteria are met:
i) The purpose of Front Brake Hose is only to cool the front brake disc and caliper
ii) No aerodynamic advantage can be achieved by the design or equipping of the Front Brake Hose
iii) Front brake cooling hose used must be commercially available
iv) The front brake cooling hose used must be securely attached to the motorcycle
v) The final decision on the installation, design and/or aerodynamic advantages of the Front Brake Cooling Duct is at the discretion of the ASBK Management Team and ASBK Technical Director.
8. Use non-OEM parts
The following parts can be replaced with parts not manufactured by the machine manufacturer:
a) Brake pads, brake pads, brake discs. The front and rear brake discs can be replaced with aftermarket brake discs that must match the original OEM caliper and wheel holder. The outer diameter and material must be the same as the OEM for the model.
b) Fenders, fenders, rear bodywork and rear seats for rear license plate mounting, driver’s seat, fenders, body air intakes, airbox intake manifolds, trunk and side covers, but replacement parts is responsible for the same warranty as the original shape and appearance.
c) Mounting brackets for the apron and screen but replacement brackets shall be mounted on the frame at the original mounting points.
d) Fuel tank cap assembly provided that no modification of the fuel tank is required.
e) Steering wheel, handlebar mounted lever, master cylinder and control unit, including throttle assembly and cables.
f) Footrest and footrest control, but replacement parts must be mounted on the frame at the original mounting points
g) Latches
h) Air filter element
i) Tools
j) The OEM ECU must be kept and operational and is currently the only ECU authorized by ASBK. Cannot flash ECU.
• Unless authorized and approved by MA, only OEM sensors available for the manufacturer and model may be used
• Unless authorized and approved by the MA, the location and location of all sensors and components must be kept as OEM
• Installation of any other additional sensors is strictly prohibited.
k) Spark plugs and high voltage leads
l) Batteries, but replacement batteries must be able to start the machine before and after the race
m) Exhaust system
n) Clutch disc and spring
o) Outer gear, chain and pitch
p) Radiator expansion tank
q) Front suspension, springs, shock absorbers, fork head caps can be replaced or modified, but the outer appearance of the fork is not replaced or changed.
r) Rear shock absorber (Shock Absorber) and spring
