Bridgestone CSBK confirm Kawasaki ZX-4R Cup class details for 2024 debut

Hamilton, ON – Another new category will enter the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship in 2024, open to near-stock Kawasaki motorcycles focused on the all-new 399cc, in-line four-cylinder ZX-4R and ZX-4RR models.

The Kawasaki 400-4 Cup will run in conjunction with the updated Pro and Amateur Twins category on-track this season, but feature separate scoring and results. Pro Twins ran together with Pro Sport Bike during their debut season in 2023, but now they will join the new Amateur Twins class and the spec Kawasaki 400cc-four category to race together in 2024.

Both Twins classes and the Kawasaki Cup category are classified as “Pro-AM”, meaning riders will compete for one podium and one set of trophies per race, but are scored separately in terms of overall series championship points standings. This means each race for Twins/Kawasaki Cup will feature two podiums: one for Twins, and one for the ZX-4R/RR class.

Modifications to Kawasaki ZX-4R and ZX-4RR machinery will be limited, and these adjustments must fall in line with the existing rules for the Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike category. 

All Kawasaki ZX-4R Cup competitors will be required to use Gulf Classic fuel, the lower-cost version of two fuel options provided by new spec fuel provider Gulf Race Fuels.

Maximum horsepower as measured on the official series Dynojet Dyno, (operated by Brooklin Cycle Racing of Pickering, ON) will be 75 HP, checked immediately post-race. An aftermarket slip-on exhaust silencer will be permitted, and a reflash of the stock ECU (Electronic Control Unit) will also be allowed. These figures may be reviewed mid season as development continues.

As with every other category in Bridgestone CSBK, the Kawasaki Cup Competitors will also have to meet a minimum post-race weight limit. In the case of the ZX-4R and ZX-4RR, this weight will be 350 pounds, immediately post-race, as measured on the certified CSBK official scales at Keene Truck Technical Inspection.

Each Kawasaki 400-4 will run on identical spec Bridgestone tires, mounted on stock rims. Competitors are restricted to two sets of tires for use over the course of the typical three-day event, beginning with round one at Shannonville Motorsport Park on Victoria Day weekend, May 17-19.

Otherwise, the new Kawasaki spec machines will be near stock, with other mods only permitted to brakes lines, brake pads, front suspension internals and rear shock absorbers.

Aftermarket handlebars and controls are permitted, and race fairings with the ability to control fluids are required. A front brake lever guard and rear swingarm “shark fin” are also mandated, as with all other CSBK classes.

The most recent spec category hosted by CSBK was the Kawasaki Ninja 300 Series – the precursor to the current Pro-AM Lightweight and Super Sonic School Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike classes – which raced nationally in 2016 and 2017.

CSBK has also hosted national championships for Honda with 125cc and 250cc capacity, the Suzuki SV650 Cup, and the Yamaha RZ350 Challenge. All of these categories were strictly regulated, with the goal of developing young Canadian racing talent.

Many top competitors have come from these various “spec” series, including Hall of Famers Miguel Duhamel and Pascal Picotte, as well as current CSBK stars and national champions Tomas Casas, Stacey Nesbitt, and David McKay.

More information can be found on the series’ official website at CSBK.ca.