What is a Superbike?

Superbikes are high-tech racing versions of the motorcycles that are sold from dealer showrooms around the world. Unlike MotoGP bikes which are one-off prototypes, Superbikes are derived from standard production models and need to maintain the same appearance as their road-going counterparts. For a bike to be eligible for Superbike racing the manufacturer must first homologate the model and manufacture the required number of road-going machines.

This synergy between race and road has proved a marketing boon for motorcycle manufacturers who are able to present and prove their products in a high tech and exciting environment. Many race goers ride to events on the showroom look-alike versions of racing Superbikes.Although Superbikes are production bikes, their top speeds are in excess of 300km/h. With leading edge technology they achieve comparable lap times to Grand Prix (MotoGP) prototype bikes.