New Rev Limits Released

The WorldSBK Championship features some new and updated models in 2019, and as a result the maximum rev limit has been altered for a few manufacturers.

The most radical change is because of the most radical machine imaginable. Ducati has traded in its V2 credentials to join the four-cylinder club, with a hyper-revving Panigale V4R rather than a more conventional across-the frame engine configuration.

As a road bike the V4R redlines at 16,000, and presents peak power at 15,250rpm, so after the FIM has performed its calculations it is now allowed to rev to 16,350rpm, in full WorldSBK trim. The next most rev-happy WorldSBK machinery comes in below the 15,000 barrier, so there is a huge difference for Ducati to exploit if they can get their engineering right.

Another ‘new’ bike is the Ninja ZX-10RR, although mostly new just because of its higher revving 2019 engine design. As a roadbike it has 600 more rpm compared to the previous model, but in WorldSBK trim it has ‘just’ 500 rpm more. It will have a maximum of 14,600rpm starting the new season.

The new BMW S1000RR has a new and confirmed limiter setting of 14,900, according to the new FIM press release, although it is shown as 14,950 in the recent FIM ‘yellow book’ of rules, to be found on the FIM website. Those extra 50 revs are only available to the 2018 version, however, not the 2019 one.

Curiously, the Suzuki GSX-R1000R ended up with a max of 14,700 last year, but starts this season with a max limit of 14,900 after a more thorough test of its real engine capabilities has been carried out for 2019. No one currently runs Suzukis full time, but these are the limits for wildcards, or any teams that may join the series after the season starts.

2019 Season-Starting Rev Limit Table

Aprilia 14,700

BMW 14,900 (50 rpm less than last year’s model)

Ducati V4 16,350 (all new engine for 2019)

Honda 14,550

Kawasaki 14,600 (500 more than 2018 model)

MV Agusta 14,950

Suzuki 14,900

Yamaha 14,700

By Gordon Ritchie

Photography WSBK