MOTOGP » 500cc twins join 250 replacement list

I couldn't agree more! The sad truth is that the 600 4 cylinder option (SSP look-a-like)is probably a done deal. Why? Goodness only knows. It's far too similar to both the 800's and SSP despite all the assurances. Who the hell wants yet another 4 cylinder series - don't we have enough?
It's a shame that Dorna couldn't have used some imagination for a change and gone for twins. Just imagine a 400 or 500cc prototype (prototype - the basis for real GP racing!)revving to goodness knows what: ever heard a H*nda twin from the '60's - fabulous!
I just can't believe that these guys, supported by lap-dogs and probably threatened by the Japanese heirarchy are in charge of the MotoGP rulebook.

Why don''t they run a modular series of engines in MotoGP. The 800cc bikes produce around 220 bhp. Half of an 800 is a 400cc twin which should be easily capable of producing 110 bhp. These are figures that are currently quoted for a 250cc two-stroke Aprilia/KTM. All the 800 engines are very compact and as a vee twin would probably fit into a 250 frame without too much trouble. Take all the electronics off and have no fuel limit to reduce costs. This would mean there are now 5 manufacturers (4 of which have run in this class before) that could produce a bike (or an engine for a privateer team). This I believe is currently how Aprilia operate in 250 class with leasing arrangements.

the 250s should break away with the other 2 strokes and start their own series.19 moto gp bikes wont make a meeting.its like the new diesel le mans cars they restrict the petrol engines,and then say look how clever we are.the 4 strokes clearly cant compete fairly there should be a 500 class for 2 and 4 strokes.the emmision arguments are to put it mildly stupid

the 250s should break away with the other 2 strokes and start their own series.19 moto gp bikes wont make a meeting.its like the new diesel le mans cars they restrict the petrol engines,and then say look how clever we are.the 4 strokes clearly cant compete fairly there should be a 500 class for 2 and 4 strokes.the emmision arguments are to put it mildly stupid

the 250 gp are well supported why bring in another boring 4 stroke class.why not bring in a 350 2 stroke class or are you worried they would be a little too fast?why duplicate the already well supported supersport

I agree . (odd name btw!) TV won't accept 5 similar classes. Is a 250 *really* any different to a 350 nowadays anyway? I think the streamlined easy to understand categories we have now is far more easy to sell to networks than the 5 were before. Remember, TV companies sell to huge Mum/Dad-kids audiences now and a 3 race series is
very appealing. Bike fans at the track get the support races anyway.

Another thing to take into consideration is that when there were 5 categories the racing wasn't televised to the same extent it is nowadays. We'd be lucky to see the British 500cc GP and that was about it! Highlights of the other races was about as good as it got.

David the problem is meeting TV schedules, I too miss the days when we had all the classes you mention but if one or two of them over run for whatever reason it thorws out the tv schedules. Dorna make a lot of their money from TV rights so they are not going to jeopardise them by including more classes which cost more to run without any further revenue to support them

Instead of replacing classes why not add to them.

That way if they are c**p they can be ditched without affecting what is there already, and if good then the moeny paying public get two extra races for their money.

Before we get into time issues, we used to have 50cc, 125cc, 250cc, 350cc, 500cc and sidcar races in one day before. Perhasp it will just need less time wasting in between races.

A good point has been raised above, that is the revival of the small consumer sport motorcycle. Nowadays in markets like the USA or Europe there is a huge gap between the 250cc 21bhp commuters and the 600-650 class. They are two entirely different worlds with nothing in between to bridge them. 4T racing in capacities like 200cc and 400cc might help revive this market segment, together of course with the ever-rising oil price which is estimated to eventually reach $180 per barrel (!!).

In the UK Kawasaki have just released a Ninja 250R - It's a parallel twin, weighing about 150kg but due to UK legislation is restricted to 33BHP but apparently does around 110mph and returns 85+mpg even when thrashed mercilessly. The Spanish have already seen the potential and set up a dedicated race series for the bike.

I'm sure pure race prototypes could be developed that would kick out 60+ bhp and weigh about 120kg which would make interesting entry level racing. Perhaps this is the beginning of the end for the 125 strokers!!!

Like most people I would be sad to see the strokers go but they do appear to have a limited shelf life in the age of PC.