Michael Gilbert

MotoAmerica’s freshly introduced Twins class is the tuner’s dream - at the national level. The class is built around the increasingly-popular lightweight twins segment, offering national-level racing for highly modified 600 to 800cc twin-cylinder motorcycles.

“The Twins class will allow builders and shops to build something truly custom, while not having to conform to the strict rules of the other MotoAmerica classes,” says James Morse, Technical Manager at MotoAmerica. “We hope to see the Twins resembling something of the Moto2 class in Europe. Hopefully, there will be several independent builders designing lightweight racebikes with a good amount of horsepower.”

The allure of the Twins class begins with its lenient rules package, which MotoAmerica hopes will attract more manufacturers, race shops, and tuners to participate. Club racing around the United States has seen similar class structures for the past two decades, but MotoAmerica is bringing lightweight twin racing to the forefront of American competition - a perfect place for shops and tuners prove their work.

So what’s allowed?

Main frames must remain stock in the Twins class, apart from the removal of unnecessary pieces that are required for street use, but many other pieces are left open for modification. The front suspension and triple clamps are interchangeable, as long the replacement is found on a motorcycle homologated for Supersport or Stock 1000 machine, as are the brake components. Other bits like the rear shock and linkage are allowed to be swapped out, and aftermarket alloy wheels may be used to reduce weight (minimum weight for machines over 600cc and up to 700cc is 297.6 pounds, over 700cc and up to 800cc minimum weight is 319.6 pounds). Bodywork is optional, and the shape of it is completely customizable as long as it’s deemed safe for competition.

Engine work in the Twins class is permitted, including the use of aftermarket pistons, connecting rods, and camshafts. Work to the cylinder head and throttle bodies may also be done. The Twins class is unique in that it allows for an open-ECU rule, allowing teams to make software changes to the stock unit or use an aftermarket piece to further tune their racebike.

A wide variety of riders are expected to fill the Twins starting grid, including everyone from club racers to experienced veterans. The class structure is perfect for someone who is looking to race at the national level, but not looking to make the step to Superbike or racing on the world stage. That’s not to say, however, that there won’t be any younger riders using the Twins class as a transition from the Junior Cup to Supersport.

While we wait to find out how the mix of whippersnappers and experienced racers plays out in the MotoAmerica Twins class, click here to read the full technical regulations.