Search Results

The specific power densities and therefore the level of sophistication and costs of FIM-MOTOGP engines 800 cm3 in capacity have reached levels similar to those of the traditionally much more expensive FIA-Formula One engines and some racing developments have no application at all in the development of production bikes. The aim of the paper is therefore to review FIM-MOTOGP engine rules and make recommendations that could reduce costs and make racing more directly relevant to the development of production bikes while enhancing the significant interest in technical innovation by the sports' fans.

The paper compares Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix (WGP) engine solutions developed in compliance with the 2002 Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Technical Regulations. Ad-hoc assumptions, similarity rules and nondimensional parameters from previous projects are used to define geometric and operating parameters for partly similar engine solutions basically differing in the number of cylinders, three, four, five or six, and the cylinder layout, in-line or V-angle. Results are shown as computed classical engine outputs versus engine speed, including brake, indicated and friction values. By increasing the number of cylinders, charging efficiency reduces, while thermal efficiency increases. Higher values of brake torque and power and lower values of brake specific fuel consumption are provided by the V-angle six cylinder engine.