MOTO2 rules

[Six Addict]

The FIM has announced regulations for the 600cc four-stroke class, which will replace the current 250cc world championship series in 2011. To be called ‘Moto2,’ the new category will have bikes fitted with normally-aspirated 600cc, four-stroke engines, with the rev limit being 16,000rpm for four-cylinder engines, 15,500rpm for three-cylinder engines and 15,000rpm for twins.

In a move aimed at keeping costs low, Moto2 rules will only allow for data loggers, ECU and timing transponders supplied by the organisers. These will not cost more than US$900, and no other electronics will be permitted.

Moto2 bikes’ chassis will not be restricted in any way and manufacturers will be completely free to develop their own chassis and swingarm. Carbon brake discs and carbon composite wheels will not be allowed, and the FIM will also issue a list of other materials and manufacturing methods which won’t be permitted in Moto2.

Each rider in the Moto2 series will be limited to one bike only, with a maximum of two complete engines for each race. And here’s the clincher – the engines used in any given race will be available for purchase by rival competitors, for the fixed price of US$26,700, within one hour of a Moto2 Grand Prix race being completed.

The bikes will need to weigh a minimum of 135kg (in case of four-cylinder engines), 130kg (for bikes with three-cylinder engines) and 125kg (for bikes with two-cylinder engines.)

Hmmm… we don’t really know what to say, but on the whole, this whole Moto2 thing sounds dumb. Low cost racing is all fine – at the club level. But when it comes to top-level Grand Prix racing, we’re not too sure about the use of severely restricted engines.

Also, at this level, rules like competitors being allowed to buy each others’ engines seems just plain stupid. If anything, it seems like a recipe for one-make-only racing, and the 250cc replacement class should certainly not be that! Anyway, all should be revealed in 2010, when these Moto2 four-stroke 600s will first come out and race alongside the current two-stroke 250s. (That will be the last year for 250s before the 600s take over in 2011. ) We'll be happy if we're proved wrong, but for now, we do believe 250s will make mincemeat of the new-age 600s in 2010...

yippee

[aardvark]

I actually think it'll be rather interesting, provided they don't interfere too much with restrictions on chassis and suspension design.

[Wattie]

without being a stiff. arent suspension and chassis designs getting kinda to their limits? unless of course they start going ht way of front and rear swingarms.

was reading amcn on the way to PI and one of the teams was pulling braces out of the frame to make it flex. because it was too stiff

but either way. the "buy another teams enginethingy" is a bit weird, would say kawasaki buy a Honday engine??

[Saki]

heard this news not to long ago, CANT WAIT! should be something new and different!

[lifeofcrimeguy]

Even though a prototype 600 class like motogp sounds like it would be good, I wonder whether it would actually mean anything extra? I don't really think there needs to be the benefit of a prototype class for this one. With these restriction, maybe it will make it really even and races start coming down rider ability rather than manufacturer money and technology. I think it has some merit.

[aardvark]

maybe it will make it really even and races start coming down rider ability rather than manufacturer money and technology

You mean like the existing 250 2-stroke class?? It will be a sad, sad day when they finally kill off the 2-smokers...

[lifeofcrimeguy]

Nobody said the new class was going to be better...

[Stereo]

I like it...

No one builds 2 strokes for the road any more... so what is the point of having a 2 stroke class..... having a 4 stroke class at a budget will allow more technology to pass through to end users like us. Woot

[lifeofcrimeguy]

On the surface perhaps, but how much technology can come through from the 600s when they already have the premiere class sending stuff through? Surely the two classes are so similar that nothing extra can really be gained? Other than a more interesting spectacle potentially for the viewers.

[Six Addict]

engine developments will go nowhere... frames will go somewhere but it will take a while i'd think before racing frame design gains much (aside from casey's carbon frame) that is relevant to a motorcycle that needs to be sold at a price point...