The International Motorcycling Federation has updated its homologated model list for the 2013 World Superbike, Supersport, Superstock and Endurance racing seasons. The list is largely unchanged from the list released in February with the exception of a couple of additions.

The Superstock 1000 and Formula Endurance World Championship list now includes the 2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R and the MV Agusta F4 RR. On the previous list, the F4 RR’s status was listed as being “in progress” while only the S version of the Panigale was initially homologated for Superstock 1000 and Formula Endurance.

Also worth emphasizing is the 599cc Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R remains homologated for the FIM’s Supersport and Superstock 600 championships but the 636cc version is not eligible for those classes. The homologation list distinctly includes the Ninja as the “ZX 600 R F” but not “ZX 636″. AMA Pro Racing differs in this regard, including the 636cc version on its list of eligible racebikes for 2013. Continue Reading »

Ducati has unveiled a new R version of its 1199 Panigale, providing an upgraded version of the sportbike for World Superbike homologation. Unveiled at the 2012 EICMA Show, the 2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R is based on the S model but with lighter components, ABS standard, a higher-revving engine, an adjustable swingarm pivot and full race kit.

The Panigale R’s 1198cc engine receives new titanium con-rods Ducati claims shaves 1.38 pounds off the overall weight. The crankshaft flywheel is also lighter, trimming an additional 1.54 pounds. The lighter engine components as well as the diamond-like carbon coated rocker-arms and revised engine mapping enable the R’s engine to rev up to 12,000 rpm, a 500 rpm increase on the Panigale S version’s rev limit.

The R race kit includes a high-penetration racing screen, machined alloy fairing mirror caps, full Termignoni exhaust system and track-only ECU mapping. According to Ducati, Panigale R still peaks at 192 hp at 10,750rpm and 98.1 ft-lb. at 9000rpm, but the race kit upgrades add a 3% increase in power at higher revs and a 15% increase in the mid-range. Continue Reading »

When Kawasaki announced it was upping the engine displacement for the Ninja ZX-6R to 636cc, the immediate question on many Team Green fans’ minds was what it would mean for the company’s supersport racing efforts. Kenan Sofuloglu won the 2012 World Supersport Championship on a Kawasaki ZX-6R, but under the regulations, he may not be allowed to defend his title next season on the 2013 model as homologation requirements in Supersport racing series limit Inline-Fours to displacements smaller than 600cc.

Fear not however, as Kawasaki will be producing a special version of the ZX-6R with an engine displacement of 599cc, the same as the 2012 version. When Kawasaki last produced a 636cc ZX-6R from 2003-2006, it also produced a 599cc ZX-6RR for racing purposes. The 2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R racing homologation special will be available in Japan for a price of 898,000 yen (US$11,240). Continue Reading »

It was only a matter of time but finally the news is official: the 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale S has been added to the list of homologated motorcycles for the Superstock 1000 Cup

The Panigale was noticeably absent from the initial homologation list the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) released a couple of weeks ago. Now, with a month until the 2012 Superstock 1000 Cup starts at Italy’s Imola circuit, the 1199 has been cleared to complete.

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