The Superbike World Championship, a series organised by the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation), is the pinnacle of production-based road racing. Centred in Europe, the series travels around the globe, with riders competing in 13 rounds of two races each. The rider who accumulates the most points over the year becomes world champion. Races are contested by production-based machines powered by 4-stroke 2-cylinder engines with displacements up to 1200cc, or 3- or 4-cylinder engines with displacements up to 1000cc. Because race machine modifications are limited, race performance is seen as a reflection of the performance of production counterparts, contributing to the popularity of this series.

Ninja ZX-10R

Race Machine

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  Known for its top speed, the Ninja ZX-10R set a new high-speed record in 2012 (339.5 km/h).
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  As of this year, new regulations require all machines to conform to the specifications of the EVO class that was established last year. Last year, Kawasaki was the EVO class champion.
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  In the February group test, Rea was 2^nd fastest, Sykes 4^th quickest, showing favourable pre-season progress.
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  In 2013, Sykes took the 14-round title with 8 pole positions and 9 race victories.
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  Last year, the championship was decided in the last race, with Sykes finishing a frustrated 2^nd. In 24 races, he finished on the podium 16 times, consistently demonstrating the circuit potential of his machine.