KTM talks sense on 250GP replacement

KTM_250gp.jpgKTM has drawn up its own proposal for a four-stroke 250GP replacement. Unlike Dorna's nonsensical, but probably inevitable, 625-650cc four-stroke formula, KTM wants to see 500cc twins replace the current 250cc two-strokes. Not only is this capacity historically resonant in GP racing, but it also defines a unique class with plenty of clear separation from both MotoGP's 800cc prototypes and also production-based Supersport racing.
While many fans and some teams feel that Dorna's proposal is simply too similar to other racing classes, it does have the support of the Japanese factories and will dramatically reduce costs. It's unclear how realistic KTM is being by countering with its own ideas, but we'll find out this weekend when all the teams are meeting with series owner Dorna to decide the future of the 250GP class.

In addition to the 500cc engine size, KTM envisions keeping costs down with a 16,500rpm rev limit, steel con rods and a fixed price on bikes and parts. The series would remain exclusively prototype-based and would ban any form of traction control. Here's hoping KTM can get this passed.

via MCN
Wes Siler. June 3, 2008 — — Deli.icio.us — Digg

(2) Comments

I would think Aprilia would support the KTM move, too. Aprilia should build a small sportbike chassis around the current 450 & 550 twin Motard platforms.

I'm glad I happened upon this cool site. Very refreshing.

cheers

hoyt on June 4, 2008 12:54 PM

Well, Aprilia is sponsoring Tucson's BT550 Superleggera project, so maybe they're using it as research.

Wes on June 4, 2008 1:33 PM

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