Honda moto3

[Paul_E_D]

This bike has so many of the parts from my 95 RS125 it's not even funny. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
http://photos.motogp.com/2011/06/02/..._slideshow.jpg

[nt650hawk]

Bet that would be fun.

[OreoGaborio]

I'd give it to it in the can

[smf]

looks nice. i'd rather have the real race engine in it tho

[Paul_E_D]

Well, you can bet that will have some secret sauce in the engine. It's not a sealed engine class. Prototype 250 singles. Should get rather interesting. Might move development of dirtbikes forward some too!

[nt650hawk]

Dialing it back on a smaller motor has taught me a few things... Soemtimes smaller is better.

More options for the younger crowd.

[Kurlon]

There's been some chatter about Moto3 targeted machines already running in Spain and getting royally whupped on by 125GP machines. It's an 'open' class but there are limits on engine cost aren't there?

[Paul_E_D]

The early bikes like the moriwaki 250 were getting smoked by 125s. Hell, even 450 motors struggle to keep up. I have heard that after a few years of development that the gap is shrinking. I'm sure with the factories building one off motors that they will be able to match the pace of a 125. The cost will be higher tho...

[Kurlon]

The early bikes like the moriwaki 250 were getting smoked by 125s. Hell, even 450 motors struggle to keep up. I have heard that after a few years of development that the gap is shrinking. I'm sure with the factories building one off motors that they will be able to match the pace of a 125. The cost will be higher tho...

How much of that gap closure is due to the lack of development on the 125's side though? I'd still love to see what a DFI based 125GP machine could accomplish. If I ever win the lottery I'm going to try and mate a Ski-Do 600cc DFI twin top end with a RZ350 bottom end, hang it in a GP chassis and see what I can accomplish.

[Paul_E_D]

Honda and yamaha may have stopped developing the 125, but Aprilia and KTM certainly didn't. The KTM motor in my SX125 was very slick compared to my honda, which was simple, but potent.

I will miss the 125 and 250 classes, but I think it may be time for a change. I wish moto2 had gone to a 500cc prototype class. We need something fresher than an inline 600 to keep thing interesting.

[BMFR6]

I will miss the 125 and 250 classes, but I think it may be time for a change. I wish moto2 had gone to a 500cc prototype class. We need something fresher than an inline 600 to keep thing interesting.

Agreed on all counts.

[Expat]

I will miss the 125 and 250 classes, but I think it may be time for a change. I wish moto2 had gone to a 500cc prototype class. We need something fresher than an inline 600 to keep thing interesting.

Wasn't the whole idea to reduce costs and put more bikes on the grids?
A 500cc prototype class would limit entries and be dominated by the top factories. In addition, the field would be more spread as the better bikes rise to the top so racing would not be as close.
Moto 2 has done what it set out to do, boost start numbers and provide close exciting racing which appeals to the general public.
I do agree in terms of development, Moto 2 is probably the smallest contributor under the current rules but is also the most fun to watch...

[Paul_E_D]

Yeah, but supersport racing already exists. I like motogp as much for the tech as for the racing. And lets face it, the tech IS making its way down the ladder to streetbikes. If you're not offering traction control these days, you're old news...

Grids should be filling because it represents the BEST motocycles and riders in the industry, not cause it's cheap and fair.

[smf]

Yeah, but supersport racing already exists. I like motogp as much for the tech as for the racing. And lets face it, the tech IS making its way down the ladder to streetbikes. If you're not offering traction control these days, you're old news...

Grids should be filling because it represents the BEST motocycles and riders in the industry, not cause it's cheap and fair.

[Expat]

Yeah, but supersport racing already exists. I like motogp as much for the tech as for the racing. And lets face it, the tech IS making its way down the ladder to streetbikes. If you're not offering traction control these days, you're old news...

True, however supersport is not run by Dorna.... remember a few years ago when the GP's were losing viewers hand over fist to WSB and WSS.
To the average viewer, tech is immaterial, they watch for the excitement factor and more bikes with similar specs = closer racing. Back in the 80's when Yamaha introduced the LC cup with all riders picking keys from a hat to see which bike they would race that weekend, the television viewing figures went through the roof as it was all bar banging out braking from start to finish.
The compromise is a strong development series backed up with an exciting class to keep the punters going to the actual races, to that end, I think they are on the right track. (pardon the pun!)

[Paul_E_D]

KTM is in. THIS is why it would be so much more interesting to dump the 600s.

KTM, the market leader in sports motorcycles and the company that embraces its pure racing DNA with its “Ready to Race” philosophy will return to the MotoGP competition in 2012 to compete in the new Moto3 category.
Extensive and intensive preparations are underway at KTM, where a 100% pure in-house Moto3 racing machine is being developed by KTM engineer Wolfgang Felber and his team. KTM has also secured an exclusive partnership with Kalex Engineering and together the two companies will combine both skills and passion to develop two different, but parallel concepts, both focusing on a successful entry into the new race category.
While the development of the 100% “Made by KTM” racing motorcycle is right on schedule at KTM’s Motorsports Department in Mattighofen (Austria), at the same time KTM and Kalex Engineering have secured an exclusive partnership for the supply of engines to the southern German company. Kalex, which for years has been synonymous with high-quality vehicle development and special parts for motorsports, has played an active role in the Moto2 class since 2010. Kalex rider Stefan Bradl is currently the clear leader in the world championship and the Kalex headquarters is just two hours away from KTM in Upper Austria.
The aspect yet to be finalized regarding KTM’s return to full scale international road racing is what teams and which riders will be at the handlebars of the 250 cc single cylinder four-stroke KTM and Kalex-KTM racing machines.
Pit Beirer, Head of KTM Motorsports:
We approach our entry into the Moto3 class with confidence. Our own plans are right on schedule for a racing bike completely developed in Mattighofen, while at the same time we have also found the best possible partner, who will present our engine at a very high and professional level. Kalex Engineering is well positioned for this in every way and just like KTM is highly motivated to develop a bike capable of winning in the new Moto3 category.”