Australian Superbike Championship rules will be scaled back in 2014. Image: Keith Muir.

Motorcycling Australia has announced Australian Superbikes will be of a reduced specification in the 2014 championship.

The changes include the provision of a single Superbike class for 2014, which will incorporate aspects of the previous Superstock 1000 (Prostock) class.

Next season will see OEM manufactured camshafts, valve springs and valve retainers enforced.

Race kit ECUs will remain, but the standard ECU may be re-flashed. All other Superbike regulations will remain as per 2013 Manual of Motorcycle Sport.

The 2014 ASBK season will be a trial year according to a statement released by MA, with potential developments depending on regulations at an international level. The updated regulations will only apply to ASBK.

“The single class format was extremely successful in the 600cc Supersport class in 2013 and the new rules offer similar technical changes,” said MA Road Race Commission chairman Phil Tainton. “The single 1000cc class is a natural progression.”

Tainton is also team manager of the defending champion Team Suzuki squad.

Although a complete calendar is yet to be unveiled, MA has confirmed the opening round of the championship will be held from 5-6 April at Queensland Raceway.

Sources indicate that the series will then head to Phillip Island in May, Hidden Valley in June, Sydney Motorsport Park in August and September, plus Phillip Island in November.

Hidden Valley, the first Sydney round and the final Phillip Island round are believed to be 2+4 events alongside the V8 Supercars.

Categories alongside Superbike and Supersport next season will be 125cc GP/Moto3 and 250cc/300cc Production.

A new two-day format will be introduced as a further cost reduction measure.

According to MA, a complete 2014 calendar, TV schedule, prize money and entry fees will be released within the next seven days following finalisation of rounds to be conducted as part of the V8 Supercars.