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with the collaboration of Daniela Piazza
Ducati, BMW, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki and Bimota. These are the six manufacturers that will be on the starting blocks of the next World Superbike Championship, which kicks off this weekend at Phillip Island.
Manufacturers that have a different history from each other, opposing methods and philosophies, but with a common goal, which is to get to victory. Let us now analyze in detail bike by bike between their weaknesses and strengths.
DUCATI - One bike for all, benchmark of the category.
In 2024 with the Rossa the wins went to Bautista, Bulega, Petrucci, Iannone and even Spinelli. It may be true that the world championship title did not arrive, but the Panigale remains to all intents and purposes the benchmark bike in the category, allowing several riders to be immediately competitive.
However, this will be the last year before making room for the new model, but there is certainly still room. The strong point of the current V4 is certainly represented by the engine, which is immediate and effective coming out of fast corners such as those of Phillip Island or Estoril, just to give a few examples. The Rossa then stands out for its electronics as well as reliability.
At the same time, in the comparison with BMW, there is no shortage of limitations, especially in the first part of acceleration. This probably depends on the grip at the rear, perhaps due to the use of the single-sided swingarm. On tracks characterized by several restarts, the Ducati in fact seems to accuse a deficit in comparison with the competition.
YAMAHA - The R1, an evergreen called upon to prove that its leaves won't dry.
It is the longest-running bike in the lineup with the goal of making up for a forgettable 2024. For this World Championship, the R1 can rely on a more powerful engine, yet to be proven, then hoping for help from new management regarding fuel flow.
Will these ingredients be enough for the breakthrough? We will have all the answers soon. The fact is that the R1 differs in its linear delivery and tyre management, proving to be particularly effective in cornering speed.
At the same time, the engine seems to be the Achilles' heel of the bike. We will see the updated one after Australia, hoping for a decisive and important step forward, because the one from last season struggled not a little in terms of acceleration and top speed.
BIMOTA - The Cinderella that aspires to be Queen.
It is undoubtedly the most highly-anticipated bike on the grid. Who are we talking about? Simply, the Bimota, which combines Italian and Japanese genius. Kawasaki in fact developed the engine, while the Italian manufacturer was responsible for everything else.
The trellis frame and aerodynamics certainly represent the strong points of the KB998, a very smooth and simple bike, capable of adapting well. As if that were not enough, the introduction of the movable wings allows a further increase in acceleration, braking and cornering performance.
The only aspect to be understood, however, remains the engine, which, as already anticipated, is the same as the one used last season. Certainly the technical innovations in terms of chassis and aerodynamics should allow a step forward. We'll see if it will be enough to put a spoke in the wheel of the competition.
BMW - The champion on the hunt for reconfirmation.
While the Ducati has proven to be suitable for any riding style, the M 1000 RR can only perform at its best in Toprak's hands. No one like the Turkish champion has so far been able to make the most of the potential of the German bike, which boasts incredible acceleration and great rear grip among its feathers in the cap.
Among the BMW's strengths is undoubtedly the engine, which has been optimized along with aerodynamics and electronics for 2025, making the M 1000 RR even more nimble. The Bavarian bike, however, still seems to suffer on the tyre degradation front, failing to be as kind to the tyres as the Ducati is, for example.
Another issue to cause concern is that related to the stock chassis that BMW had to adopt after the rule change and which could be a limitation compared to the one implemented with the Superconcessions it enjoyed in 2024.
KAWASAKI - The timeless "Green Machine" reinvigorated by Superconcessions.
Despite Bimota's entry into the field, the World Superbike lineup has not lost that timeless touch of green brought by the Ninja ZX-10RR. A bike that needs no introduction, considering its long run, but it still doesn't seem to be suffering too much from the weight of the years.
Through the Superconcessions and the latest updates introduced, Kawasaki has in fact managed to restore some momentum to its creation, trying to make up for those shortcomings in acceleration that have conditioned it in the past when going up against rivals such as Ducati.
Although the RPMs at its disposal do not allow the "Green Machine" to reach a particularly high top speed, the Japanese bike can boast plenty of torque, which gives it excellent pickup. The Ninja does not have the power of a BMW on its side, but it has been able to charm Gerloff with a front that offers a lot of grip and confidence to the rider, especially under braking and corner entry.
HONDA - A powerful bike that needs to learn to be kinder
After churning out a completely new model in 2024, for this World Championship Honda has sought to consolidate the progress made in the second half of last season, working mainly on the set-up and electronics of the CBR1000RR, which from this year is equipped with Öhlins suspension.
Work aimed at improving acceleration and making the bike less nervous and more rideable. In an attempt to try to extract the full potential of the Fireblade and make the most of the power of its engine, without going to stress the tyres too much.
In fact, tyre wear was one of the big problems experienced last year by the Japanese bike, which on more than one occasion destroyed the tyres in the final stages of the race. Also due to some grip problems.
