MotoGP 800 now just as fast as 990

[Cajun]

came across this gem this morning, think thats fucken fast out of 800cc


Back in 2004, Max Biaggi clocked a top speed of 334.4km/h on his 990cc Camel Honda, during the inaugural MotoGP event at the Losail circuit in Qatar. That top speed record then remained unbroken during the 990cc era and in 2007, the first year when 800cc bikes replaced the 990s.

In 2008, Marco Melandri’s Ducati matched Biaggi’s top speed, hitting exactly 334.4km/h during the race in Qatar. This year, however, Biaggi’s record was finally broken, with Dani Pedrosa hitting a top speed of 338.6km/h at the Losail circuit, while qualifying for the Qatar MotoGP and then again hitting that speed during the race.

The Pedrobot’s Repsol Honda wasn’t the only bike that broke Max’s Qatar speed record though. In qualifying, Mika Kallio's Pramac Ducati hit 338.0km/h, Casey Stoner’s Marlboro Ducati did 337.2km/h and Jorge Lorenzo's Fiat Yamaha did 337.0km/h.

The main reason behind implementing fuel restrictions and reducing engine size from 990cc to 800cc in MotoGP was to reduce top speeds. So what’s next? Will MotoGP see engine size being reduced to 600cc in the next 2-3 years…? But, oh no, that's Moto2 already... :-)

Qatar Top Speed 2004-2009:

2004: Max Biaggi Camel Honda 334.4km/h (990cc)
2005: Carlos Checa Ducati Marlboro 328.7km/h (990cc)
2006: Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda 330.2km/h (990cc)
2007: Casey Stoner Ducati Marlboro 324.7km/h (800cc)
2008: Marco Melandri Ducati Marlboro 334.4 km/h (800cc)
2009: Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda 338.6km/h (800cc)

http://www.fasterandfaster.net/2009/04/2009-motogp-pedrosa-beats-biaggis-top.html

[unrealone]

Yep, was thinking this when watching the Qatar race last week... damn quick for 800cc's!

To some degree it won't matter what restrictions Dorna put in place - the teams will find a way around it.

[riffer]

Well they could limit the competition to 1340cc pushrod V-twins I guess. :shifty:

[nallac]

Well they could limit the competition to 1340cc pushrod V-twins I guess. :shifty:

just think of the lap times......2days or more
top speed ?... getting over takin by vespas:scooter:

[codgyoleracer]

Now lets see. 338kph div x 800 , then multiply by 650 = 274kph. Would be a handy speed for my commuter SV650 that. :-)

[Kiwi Graham]

Now lets see. 338kph div x 800 , then multiply by 650 = 274kph. Would be a handy speed for my commuter SV650 that. :-)

Mmmm yep sure would but think of the budget required to get there!!

[Maido]

Now lets see. 338kph div x 800 , then multiply by 650 = 274kph. Would be a handy speed for my commuter SV650 that. :-)


You would definately need a bigger snorkel for that.

[EJK]

Now lets see. 338kph div x 800 , then multiply by 650 = 274kph. Would be a handy speed for my commuter SV650 that. :-)

Lets see... 338kph divided by 800, then X 125 = 53kph.

Yea I'm faster than their bikes!

[codgyoleracer]

You would definately need a bigger snorkel for that.
With the open end attached to a bit of the laughing gas stuff

[EJT]

"...with Dani Pedrosa hitting a top speed of 338.6km/h at the Losail circuit, while qualifying for the Qatar MotoGP and then again hitting that speed during the race."

Obviously didn't help him come anywhere. Was ahead of Hayden though - just.

The manufacturers will always come up with some way to produce more power/performance.

[Taz]

I think they should revert to 500cc two strokes. The fourstroke GP bikes do nothing for me.

[Mental Trousers]

Maybe time for 800cc triples!!

[Wingnut]

Now lets see. 338kph div x 800 , then multiply by 650 = 274kph. Would be a handy speed for my commuter SV650 that. :-)

Hey Glen, Any idea what speeds you would be getting up to on ya 650? Just curious.

[discotex]

Maybe time for 800cc triples!!

800cc single would slow them down for sure.

[Gubb]

Maybe time for 800cc triples!!
Shit yeah!

Imagine the noise!

[CHOPPA]

Imagine the 990s with an extra 3 years of development...

[Cleve]

Imagine the 990s with an extra 3 years of development...

exactly! People shouldn't assume that the 990's would have stayed the same top speed if they had continued racing these last 3 years.

[nallac]

they'd be knocking on 350ish now....wouldn't they.

[sil3nt]

I remember watching them hit 340 at China. Looks like they no longer race there though.

2007: 337 was fastest in warmup although only 333 was fastest in race.
2008: All the Ducatis hit 340 down the back straight in the race.

Which of the current tracks has the biggest straights? I reckon they should go race at monza!

[Maido]

Lol, they should race at Pukekohe, then we would see some big numbers!