Superbike 2024: Bautista and Razgatlioglu at opposite ends, even in braking

As per tradition, the Superbike Championship is the first among the World Championships to rev up its engines. However, unlike past seasons, this year, the expectations of fans are exceptionally high. This is credited to regulatory changes, including the introduction of the minimum rider-bike weight, reduced fuel tank capacity, and a greater emphasis on non-fossil fuel origin. 

What captivates the audience, though, is the series of jersey swaps among many riders, creating a domino effect on Factory teams (only Honda has retained its lineup) as well as Independent teams. Additionally, the arrival of pedigreed riders in Superbike, who, having been winners in other classes, has elevated the level of the category. 

There will be 23 riders competing in the entire World Championship: 6 with the Ducati Panigale V4R, an equal number with the Yamaha YZF R1, 4 with the BMW M 1000 RR, as well as with the Honda CBR1000 RR-R, and 3 with the Kawasaki ZX-10RR. Fifteen engaged teams, 8 of which field two bikes. Five of these riders have never competed in the Superbike World Championship, including Andrea Iannone, making a comeback after a 4-year suspension. 

Twelve of these teams, comprising a total of 18 riders, will be using Brembo braking components in 2024. This loyalty is driven by Brembo's exceptionally high level of performance, reliability, and consistent performance, as their brakes have equipped all the Constructor World Championship-winning bikes since the inception of the category in 1988, and the riders who have clinched the last 17 World Championships.

​However, each rider has specific needs related to their own riding style, leading to different choices in Brembo braking components. The reigning two-time world champion, Alvaro Bautista, is the only rider in the championship who sometimes struggles to reach the minimum temperature with his brake calipers. For this reason, last year in Assen and Donington, he was forced to install covers on the front wheel of his Panigale. These covers helped raise the temperature to 120-140 °C, necessary for optimal performance. 

On the contrary, at times Toprak Razgatlioglu has approached temperatures close to 200 °C, a value beyond which it is advisable to have the caliper inspected for full functionality. To address this issue, an air duct was installed on the Turkish rider's bike, allowing the temperature to decrease by 20-30 °C by directing airflow onto the disc and brake pads.

Moreover, since Brembo introduced the aluminum monobloc caliper in the 2021 Superbike World Championship, entirely machined from a solid block, featuring 4 pistons with a diameter of 34 mm and fins inspired by the MotoGP model, the maximum temperature has decreased by about thirty degrees. This is particularly notable on tracks challenging for brakes, such as Sepang. 

Taking inspiration from MotoGP, the two Aruba.it Ducatis have imported a brake pump with a rotary sensor to monitor lever travel. Bautista uses the 19x20 with less travel because the Spaniard prefers a consistent lever feel, while the rookie Nicolò Bulega, the 2023 Supersport champion, opts for the classic 19x18. 

Bulega's inclination for experimentation is evident in his choice to use the index-finger pump to operate the rear brake. Compared to the thumb pump, the index-finger pump is considered more intuitive by many riders, providing an exact perception of their actions. Despite this, among the Ducati riders, only Bulega uses it, while 7 colleagues with other brands opt for this setup. 

Among them is Jonathan Rea, who has been using the index-finger pump for years, ever since he decided to try it during a winter test. Until then, the Northern Irishman had used the rear brake sparingly. Recognizing the tool's potential, Rea started using it to lower the bike's rear during corner exits. Even now, after moving to Yamaha, he continues to employ this setup.