The deal for Triumph to supply Moto2 engines from 2019 onwards is now official. The tie-up means Moto2 will move away from its current 600cc format to adopt the British company’s 765cc three-cylinder engine for three years from 2019.
Perhaps more importantly, it’s another nail in the coffin for the once-celebrated 600cc four-cylinder sportsbikes. It’s a market sector that’s been shrinking fast for several years, and Honda has decided not to update its CBR600RR despite the fact it no longer meets European type approval and emissions regulations.
Honda’s decision to leave Moto2 is more or less confirmation that there will be no replacement for the CBR600RR by 2019.
No other 600cc four-cylinder manufacturer was willing or able to put together a package to beat Triumph’s 765cc three-cylinder proposal.
Like the CBR600RR, Triumph’s own Daytona 675 sportsbike doesn’t meet the latest European rules. And at the moment there’s no sign of a replacement in the wings, even though Triumph has revamped and updated its sister model, the Street Triple, with the new 765cc version of the engine. By taking part in Moto2, Triumph can ensure it remains a company with racing involvement – and is guaranteed wins, as the sole engine supplier – without the need to build a new supersport roadbike.
The increased capacity and power of Moto2 will make it a bigger leap from the 250cc Moto3 class and reduce the gap between the middle class and the 1000cc MotoGP machines that all Moto2 riders aspire to riding.
Nostalgia aside, what about the engine?
With race tuning including new titanium valves, stronger valve springs, gas-flowed cylinder head, race ECU and low-inertia alternator, revs will be increased and power should be up significantly compared to the road version’s 90.4kW at 11,700rpm.
No power figures have been revealed, but we get a glimpse into the potential of a Triumph-powered Moto2 bike with the Spirit GP, a low-volume road and racebike powered by a tuned triple.
Its engine, based on the older 675cc Triumph motor but punched out to 749cc, makes 134.2kW at 13,200rpm. It was developed with Moto2 in mind.
A smaller-capacity 675cc version of the Spirit GP has been competing this year in the British Supersports Championship to speed up development. As a prototype it’s not eligible for points, but is already a podium finisher.
By BEN PURVIS
