To take advantage of the 2008 World Superbike rules changes allowing twin cylinder motorcycles 1200cc, Ducati produced the 1098R as its homologation special between 2007 and 2009 producing a total of 1375 bikes (500 Bayliss 1098R, 875 1098R). It was the first Ducati produced with traction control. Although labeled a 1098, the motor actually displaced […]
Category: Superbike
2003 Ducati 999R
Although the Ducati 999 was radically different appearing than the 998 which preceded it, mechanically the bikes are an evolution of the Ducati superbike formula set back in the 80s with the Ducati 750F1. Trellis frame, 90 degree V-twin with Desmodronic valve actuation. As an evolution of the 998, the 999 was also a Testaretta […]
2002 Honda RC51 SP2
After losing the World Superbike championship to Ducati V-twin superbikes multiple times, for the 2000 season, Honda decided to build its own 1000cc V-twin superbike, the RVT1000F (aka RC51) to compete with the Ducatis. The Honda was a completely modern bike with a perimeter beam frame, and gear driven cams in contrast to the trellis […]
1997 Ducati 916 SPS
Ducati’s race homologation version of the 1997 916, the 916 SPS had stronger crankcases to accomodate 996cc of displacement, a lighter tungsten plug balanced crankshaft, new heads to accomodate the bigger displacement and bigger valves. Titanium connecting rods in conjunction with the lighter crankshaft allowed these motors to rev more freely than the previous 955cc […]
1995 Honda RC45
Produced from 1994 to 1999, the RC45 was Honda’s World Superbike homologation special built to take the place of the aging RC30 which was introduced in 1988. Bigger and beefier than the RC30, the RC45 was an evolution of the RC30 with more horsepower and fuel injection to make it more competition. 200 bikes were […]
1995 Ducati 916 “Varese”
Introduced to the rest of the world as a 1994 model, the Ducati 916 was introduced to the U.S. market as a ’95 model. Due to a fire at the Bologna factory, production of the 916 was delayed and early bikes were produced on a makeshift production line at the Varese factory. While the specification […]
1994 Kawasaki ZX-7R M2
First produced in 1993, this bike is the race homologation version of the ZX-7R. It had an unique frame which included a provision for adjusting the height of the swingarm pivot, aluminum gas tank, solo tail section with aluminum subframe, flat slide carbs, remote reservoir rear shock, compression and rebound adjustable front forks, close ratio […]
1993 Ducati 888 SPO
The Ducati 888 Special Production Omologato (SPO) was a homologation special made for the U.S. market to conform to AMA Superbike racing rules in 1993 and 1994. Basically a european Ducati 888 Strada with a light weight solo tail section, It looked very similar to the bike Doug Pohlen won the 1992 and 1992 World […]
1989 Yamaha OW-01
Faced with the Honda RC30 in World Superbike racing, Yamaha decided to build its own homologation special for the 1989 season. Named the OW-01, the Yamaha featured a light weight solo tail section, massive aluminum perimeter frame, aluminum gas tank, 5 valves per cylinder, titanium connecting rods, short skirted 2 ring pistons, coupled with a […]
1989 Honda RC30
Built to compete in the new World Superbike series which first began in 1988, the RC30 used the engine architecture of the 90 degree V four VFR750 which was introduced in 1984 in an aluminum perimeter beam frame with a single sided swingarm. Although the engine architecture of the RC30 is similar to the VFR750 […]