Evolution of Super Twin Class Announced

The NZ Superbike Championship’s Road Race commission have announced major changes for the Super Twin Class ahead of the 2026 season that will see it evolve to a true middle weight race class with market aligned machines in the 90-100 hp range of all engine configurations.

 The class, which has just completed its 3rd year of Championship racing, has been renamed Sportbike, and class co-ordinators have changed the rules around engine configuration and size in order to open it up to more brands and models.

“This is not a new class but a shift in the rules around engine configurations and engine sizes to open up the class to more brands and models to hopefully grow the class,” says acting class co-ordinator Kevin Goddard.  “The current SuperTwins that already exist are of course retained within the frame work of the new class.  It is intended that this class competes in the 2026 NZ Superbike Championship Series”.

Series promoter Mike Marsden supports the move, citing the importance of the Supertwin class and the new Sportbike Class as a key ‘Stepping Stone” for riders looking to progress on to Supersport 600 and Superbikes.
 
Goddard says the class has huge potential with a large range of models out on the road that are currently available both in dealerships and or from salvage that can be converted affordably. The Commission believes $20k would be a target to get a competitive bike built and racing.

Bikes under consideration:

Aprilia RS660 (as they are already in existence and would compete as they are now), Triumph Daytona 660, Honda CBR650R, CF Moto 675, KTM Duke 790, Suzuki GSX8R, Yamaha R7 (would require a considerable upgrade to reach the output, current bike is Pro Twin approved), Kawasaki ZX4RR (same as the R7 mods would be required)

There may well be more , this list is not intended as exclusive and other opportunities may exist that fit the criteria.
 

Basic rules:

• Standard engines (exception would be ZX4 and R7)
• Minimal modifications allowed such as, ecu, pipe, and rider controls
• Approximately 100BHP
• Full race suspension
• 1x set of tyres per championship round (qualifying and 3 races)

The commission will be modifying the current Appendix N in the MoMS to reflect the above in June to capture the opportunity .
 
Any feedback at this early stage is welcome to be potentially incorporated but the commission see this as a great evolution of a Modern Day Class in our current environment.

Feedback may be emailed to mnzrrc@mnz.co.nz or follow the Sportbike Class on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1696535500932153