Moto2 needs more radical bikes

Makers of fine exhausts, Taylormade Racing have built a Moto2 racer that harks back to the innovative machines like the Elf Honda 500 and Britten V1000.

Since Moto2's inception in 2010 the class has featured bikes with conventional chassis but the Taylormade bike, designed by Paul Taylor and John Keogh, has a radical design featuring a carbon-fibre monocoque frame, carbon-fibre swingarm, wishbone monoshock front suspension and an under-seat radiator.

However, with such radical engineering the inherent problem is that it is a risk for teams to invest in such a project. This is backed up by the fact no teams have chosen to run the the hub-centre-steered Vyrus Moto2 that has been around for a while now. After all, why would you want to take the gamble of not running with a conventional aluminium frame, when you have all the data and set-up at your disposal.

Unlike aluminium frames, carbon monocoques are more costly as any alterations mean an entirely new chassis. On-track potential would be overshadowed by the fact that the team would arrive at every circuit with no clue to a base set-up, so the first year might be largely spent trying to dial the bike in to each track. Without results, sponsors tend to flee, so a team running a radical bike might never make to year two, when its experience with the design could start to pay off.

The Taylormade Racing bike could be a success but with Ducati's well-publicised troubles with carbon monocoque chassis, any team is likely to be wary of this prototype racer.

By Robin Goodwin