The Pikes Peak International Hillclimb is taking a step backwards, reports Roadracing World.
For 2016, the PPIHC is re-instating a previous rule that requires competitors’ motorcycles to have a one-piece handlebar. In other words, no clip-ons, which means no sportbikes. If you ever wondered why so many PPIHC winners rode Ducati Multistradas, the previous rule was why; in the last couple years, organizers had overturned that rule, which meant superbikes dominated. A Honda CBR1000R won the event in 2015, and a Kawasaki ZX-10R was the fastest bike in 2014.
However, with greater speed comes greater danger, and Roadracing World’s article says the organizers were facing heat from their insurers, especially after fatalities at the 2014 and 2015 events. According to Roadracing World, the PPIHC’s directors and insurance company were both talking about dropping motorcycle racing from the race, although that hasn’t happened.
Instead, we’re getting a return to the days of Multistradas, Triumph Speed Triples, and similar high-powered naked bikes. It also sounds as if organizers plan to screen motorcycle entries more closely in order to make sure only highly qualified riders show up.
For a more in-depth look at the decision and the reasoning behind it, click here.
First step to removing motorcycles from the event. When it becomes clear that this new rule doesn’t do anything constructive, bikes themselves will go.
Please tell us the other information/knowledge you have about this eventual banning of motorcycles.
That’s not the only reason for the Multis! There use to be dirt sections which would not have been possible for a super bike to handle, hence the Multistrada domination. You can’t say it was solely because of clip-on ban
Safety first? I guess lobbyists first.
When a rich dummy is tired to loose, only has to change some rules to cut out stronger competitors. It’s an old story
Face palm