MotoGP manufacturers plan 900cc future.

The Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers' Association (MSMA) have announced plans to reduce the capacity of MotoGP machiens from 990cc to 900cc by 2007.

The MSMA - which includes Aprilia, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha - have reacted to ever increasing speeds in the premier-class by suggesting the lower engine capacity, together with a reduction in fuel and increase in weight.

"In the interests of safety, the manufacturers have unanimously decided that it is necessary to place a limit on the increase in motorcycle performance," explained Takanao Tsubouchi, secretary general of MSMA.

"This will already start in the year 2005 when fuel tank capacity will be reduced from 24 to 22 litres, but in the long term this measure would not have been sufficient.

"For this reason the MSMA has decided to propose a reduction in engine capacity from 990cc to 900cc, starting from 2007. The intention is not to reduce performance but to prevent a continuous improvement in speed and lap times.

"It has (also) been proposed (to have) a new weight rule from 2007:

2 Cylinders: 133kg
3 Cylinders: 140.5kg (currently 135kg)
4 Cylinders: 148kg (currently 145kg)
5 Cylinders: 155.5kg (currently 145kg)
6 Cylinders: 163kg (currently 155kg)

"A possible reduction of the 22 litres fuel tank capacity will be defined during 2005."

It is interesting to note that the planned weight for twin-cylinder machines, 133kg, may allow Ducati's traditional choice of engine configuration to be competitive in MotoGP in the future, while Honda's rumoured V3 project could be a tempting 15kg lighter than a V5 - instead of the 10kg allowed at present.

The MSMA proposals will now be presented for consideration by the Grand Prix commission, made up of representatives of Dorna, FIM, IRTA and the MSMA themselves.