Naked BMW class to replace Ducati TriOptions Cup

The F900R Cup will join the BSB circus for 2023, replacing the Ducati TriOptions Cup in a move that’ll see the first exclusive naked class to be run alongside the championship since the Harley-Davidson XR1200 Cup joined back in 2009.

It’s an exciting proposition which will see up to 40 riders competing over two races each race weekend on identical machines. The bikes they’ll be riding (which’ll be available to buy race-ready from local BMW dealerships) will be based around BMW’s F900R, which is powered by the same 895cc parallel-twin that powers the F850GS. They’ll come fitted with a standard track package which includes K-Tech fork internals, a K-Tech rear shock, an Arrow exhaust, new rear sets, a quickshifter, racing bodywork and some Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC (or Diablo Rain) tyres.

While the bikes will all be the same, racers can choose whether they want to buy the bike and have the kit fitted by a BMW dealership, Fortis Racing or their own support team – although Fortis Racing will be on hand at every round to offer race support and spares.

Speaking about the news, BMW UK’s Scott Grimsdall said: “We wanted to offer up-and-coming riders the opportunity to race at a national level with greater exposure, in a one-make series where rider talent rather than budget dictates how competitive you are. The F900R provides a perfect platform of power and agility for riders looking to make their mark on a bigger stage, and the new series can become a stepping-stone to Superstock or Superbike racing.”

BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs added: “A much repeated question is when can we offer an unfaired ‘naked’ bike class on our racing platform? History reminds us of simple, accessible race classes that provide great competition and action. Combined with the prestige of the BMW brand, the F900R Cup deserves to be a success.”