The International German Motorcycle Championship is more exciting than it has been in a long time. No fewer than five manufacturers are represented in the IDM Superbike 1000 class, the pinnacle of the sport. The 1,000 cc motorcycles come from BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha. The Superbikes are production 1,000 cc motorcycles that are tuned to the max for the championship. The regulations are based on the international FIM Stocksport rules but allow for a few more liberties. For example, kit electronics or modifications to the suspension fork and braking system are permitted. To keep costs from skyrocketing, prices for these parts are capped.
The 2018 title race is wide open
It’s impossible to make any predictions for the 2018 title race. While Markus Reiterberger was the clear favorite last year, the deck has been completely reshuffled following the champion’s promotion to the European Championship. At the top of the class, it remains a playground for the factory teams. A massive effort is being made to win the title, though there could certainly be some surprises along the way. As always, the 2018 season will be highly international. Among the title favorites is Frenchman Mathieu Gines on a Kawasaki. Yamaha has high hopes for its new signing, Dutchman Danny de Boer, who was the only rider a year ago to beat the then-dominant Markus Reiterberger. Suzuki has signed a Swiss rider, former Superbike World Championship rider Dominic Schmitter.
Honda is continuing to rely on Czech rider Jan Halbich, who is in better shape and faster than ever before. BMW has the fast Ukrainian Ilya Mikhalchik on board alongside Julian Puffe. A total of 23 riders have registered permanently for the IDM Superbike 1000. Nevertheless, plenty of private teams also have a chance. In addition to success, a lot of luck is needed to compete at the front. Two years ago, Marvin Fritz, a privateer with a small team and a low budget, left all his rivals in the dust.
Exciting matches in all weight classes
Racing also takes place on two wheels in the official IDM Supersport 600 and IDM Supersport 300 classes. The IDM Supersport 600 is the proven mid-range class. This is where it becomes clear who has the potential to take the next step later on. With around 135 hp at the rear wheel, riders reach top speeds of around 270 km/h. The level of competition at the top is high, as there are only minor differences in performance.
The IDM Supersport 300 is the entry-level class on the international stage. In Germany, it is entering its second season. As part of the Superbike World Championship, it already holds World Championship status. The 300cc class is tailor-made for young, up-and-coming riders. According to FIM regulations, the minimum age for entry is 15. To ensure a level playing field among the individual motorcycle brands permitted to participate—a top priority in youth development—there are carefully calculated weight and RPM limits for each motorcycle. In 2018, KTM is participating as a partner for the first time in the smallest IDM class. And, of course, the IDM Sidecar is back on the starting grid as well. Unlike in the World Championship, the IDM uses 1000 cc engines. At the highest level, engine capacity has been reduced, and since 2017, only 600 cc sidecars have been competing in the World Championship. However, the IDM faction did not want to follow this change, as the costs of the conversion are disproportionate to the benefits. The FIM justified the power reduction by citing a lower risk of accidents. The German Sidecar Racing Association (IGG) vehemently disagreed with this, however. That is why the 1,000 cc displacement will continue to be used.
Prices for a one-day ticket start at 19 euros
Things are also heating up in the IDM classes. The program is rounded out by the Superstock 600 class, which is open to riders with a B license and is designated as a cup series, the Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Cup, and the open-brand Twin Cup. The IDM will remain as spectator-friendly as ever in 2018, with prices starting at 19 euros for a day ticket and 35 euros for a full weekend, including paddock access, autograph sessions, pit walks, and public press conferences after the races. Special: BMW and KTM will showcase some highlights from their model ranges in the paddock and offer test rides to interested riders. By the way, admission to the race weekend is free for children and young people up to age 17. Rarely do fans get to see their heroes on the racetrack as affordably and up close as they do at the IDM.
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