The last time I rode a full-on factory Superbike was three years ago at Monza on Haga’s ’06 R1 and I really enjoyed it. Rusty as I was, I felt I could push the big Yam on a bit around the superfast but uncomplicated Italian track. But riding bikes with another three years development behind them and on one of the most demanding short circuits in the world was a different kettle o’ fish.
Most of the advances over the last few years have been in electronics. These days all machines in the Superbike class at national level and above are generally fitted with a Pectel, Motec or Magneti Marelli engine management and electronics package.
All the bikes I rode had traction control, launch control, anti-wheelie and changeable engine maps. Spies’ Yamaha even had an auto-blip on the throttle as you down-shifted going into a turn. A lot of these features are adjustable from onboard, the switches look like Smarties stuck near the left-hand grip.
This stuff should make the bikes easier to ride, and for the top guys it does – it’s essential. But for the rest of us it’s the opposite. I’m not saying they’re impossible to ride – they’re not, anyone could jump on and ride ’em round. But to try and go quick on one is physically and mentally taxing.
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