In the motorcycle racing world, the weight of the rider has always been a sensitive topic. While manufacturers strive to make their bikes as lightweight as possible, a heavier rider can negate those efforts. This issue has been a hot topic of debate in the WorldSBK, particularly in relation to current WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista, who is known for his lightweight physique.

Bautista weighs only 56 kilograms (123 pounds) and stands at 5ft 5in (1.69 meters), making him significantly lighter than his rivals. One of his main competitors, BMW racer Scott Redding, has raised concerns about the weight advantage that Bautista enjoys. Redding, who weighs 78 kilograms (171 pounds) and is six feet tall, believes that there should be a minimum weight limit for riders to level the playing field.

After initially dismissing the idea, the Superbike Commission has now announced that starting from the 2024 season, there will be a minimum combined weight limit for riders. This means that smaller riders like Bautista will not have to worry about gaining weight to meet a certain requirement. However, race engineers will need to compensate for the lighter riders by adding weight to the bikes. The specific minimum weight has not yet been announced.

In addition to the minimum weight limit, the 2024 season will also introduce other technical changes. The fuel tank capacity will be reduced from 24 liters to 21 liters, and it is expected that fuel flow control systems will become mandatory for all bikes starting from the 2025 season. For the 2024 season, at least two bikes from each manufacturer will need to have fuel flow meters for data collection purposes. There will also be new engine speed limits and modifications in crankshaft and balancing shaft weight.

All of these technical revisions are pending approval by the Permanent Bureau, and further discussions will take place in a WSBK Commission meeting in October 2023 to address sporting and disciplinary changes.