WSBK bans 'Big-Bang' bikes!

Following the release of the Virgin Yamaha 'Big-Bang' R1 in British Superbikes, FGSport - the organisers of the World Superbike Championship - have announced plans to stop such engines appearing in their championship.

Presently the rules allow a standard four-cylinder Superbike engine to be turned into a 'Big-bang' engine - where the cylinders fire in two sets of two or, as with the Virgin Yamaha machine, fire in a one-two-one arrangement - to be entered into the WSBK championship.

However, Marco Della Monica, an FGSport spokesperson, has confirmed to Crash.net that they will change the rules to stop such engines from racing in their series, with a full announcement planned to be made by the FIM in the coming weeks.

There are thought to be a number of reasons for this move. Firstly the organisers hope to keep the racing bikes similar to those bikes the general public can buy.

Also the organisers hope to keep a level playing field in terms of both competition and financial input into development, to help the smaller teams - with less money -stay competitive.

The main modification required by a 'Big-Bang' engine is a new cam-shaft, which allows different timing of the cylinder cycles compared to a standard engine, that race bikes all receive anyway.

The rest of the process is completed by altering the fuel injection maps to act in symmetry with the new cam-shaft.

Of course there have been some issues with reliability and strength within the engine, although the Virgin Yamaha team have got round this by using the one-two-one firing engine that is much easier on the engine internals.

A full exclusive investigation of the BSB Virgin Yamaha engine can be read by clicking here.