Starting rev limits for 2020 World Superbike confirmed

The initial rev limits for each World Superbike manufacturer has been confirmed ahead of the start of the 2020 season.

The 2020 World Superbike campaign welcomes the new Honda CBR1000RR-R (SP) Fireblade bike on to the grid this season with its rev limit based on the maximum rpm of the homologated street machine set at 15600. The previous Honda model, still available to race in the series, remains at 15050rpm.

The only change from the existing bike models sees Yamaha’s YZF-R1 increased to 14950rpm based on “the performance balancing algorithm following the 2019 season”.

Last year, World Superbike organisers made one significant rev change which saw the Ducati V4 dropped by 250rpm to 16100rpm following its dominant start to the 2019 campaign when Alvaro Bautista won nine out of nine races over the opening three rounds.

Ducati starts the 2020 season on the same revs along with Kawasaki (14600) and BMW (14900) which are also unchanged.

The World Superbike championship introduced the rev limit system from the start of the 2018 season to create manufacturer parity through maximum rev limits. MotoGP-style concession rules for manufacturers, front and rear suspension and approved engine parts were also created by the SBK Commission as part of the target to provide teams and riders with “parity, affordability and competition”.

2020 World Superbike initial rev limit:

Aprilia: 14700

BMW: 14950

BMW 2019: 14900

Ducati V2: 12400

Ducati V4: 16100

Honda (SC77): 15050

Honda (SC82): 15600

Kawasaki: 14600

MV Agusta: 14950

Suzuki: 14900

Yamaha: 14950

The 2020 World Superbike season begins at Phillip Island on February 28-March 1 after a final pre-season test at the Australian circuit which takes place between February 24-25.