While some manufacturers are thrilled by the news, Yamaha has reacted rather cautiously to the announcement that a new “sportbike” class will be introduced starting in 2025. Two weeks ago, Motor Presse Stuttgart, as the IDM promoter, informed the public about the new project. For Yamaha, the introduction comes two years too early.
“We are taking this step because the Supersport is becoming less and less popular with teams and riders, not only internationally but also nationally,” Normann Broy, Head of Motorsport at Motor Presse Stuttgart, had stated. “The new class is very interesting for motorcycle manufacturers, as the models raced have significantly greater market relevance than the SSP300 bikes. In addition, with models such as the Yamaha YZF-R7, Kawasaki Ninja 650, Suzuki GSX-8R, Triumph Daytona 660, and Aprilia RS660, there is a larger pool of potential motorcycles.” If enough participants can be found, the IDM Supersport will also continue. “It’s absolutely true that models like the R7 are becoming increasingly important for us and our competitors. That’s why introducing this class is a logical step for the future. However, it doesn’t make sense for us at this point in time and presents us with major challenges. Not to mention that, because the R7 doesn’t have drive-by-wire, it isn’t suitable for the standardized electronics that are fundamental to a Balance of Performance system. It’s not possible to offer a suitable package for riders and teams on such short notice.”
“The IDM Sportbike class is coming two years too early for us. We had assumed that we would wait for this class to be introduced in the Motorcycle World Championship and then build on the experience gained there a year later,” explains Vermeulen. “We’ll use the 2025 season to develop a package that we’ll test extensively in 2026. We expect to be able to offer a reliable, competitive, and attractive package in 2027.”
However, there are also many who are pleased that the format planned by the FIM for 2026 as part of the World Superbike events will be introduced a year earlier at all IDM events.