Moto 3 in NZ

**Bert** · 4th May 2012, 20:55

The thread has gone a little sideways from what Steve first asked questions about.

Seems as there is knowledge on here regarding engines and tuning; maybe we could have a small discussion regarding:

The Moto3 engine rules have an RPM limit of 14k, is this going to be enforced here???

If one was to look at building a Moto3 bike out of a MX motor which would be the engine of choice? and why?

And what would one need to do to it; to make it last? or what would be the idea changes to the engine configuration (intake design etc.)?

**budda** · 4th May 2012, 21:06

Originally Posted by Bert

The thread has gone a little sideways from what Steve first asked questions about.

Seems as there is knowledge on here regarding engines and tuning; maybe we could have a small discussion regarding:

The Moto3 engine rules have an RPM limit of 14k, is this going to be enforced here???

If one was to look at building a Moto3 bike out of a MX motor which would be the engine of choice? and why?

And what would one need to do to it; to make it last? or what would be the idea changes to the engine configuration (intake design etc.)?

New Zealand does not have Moto3 rules, there was never intention to try and recreate the wheel like that ........

What we DO have is the rules as written in the MNZ manual of Motorsport ....... quite clear, unambiguous and freely available to all who choose to look. We do indeed have a proud history of "building" things, and this set of rules leaves the door open to free-thinkers throughout the land to build what they consider to be a competitive "125 type" racebike almost without restriction, other than engine TYPE and SIZE. The only real restrictions are regarding the rolling chassis, so that we have like machines competing with each other

This didnt happen overnight, a group of people have been encouraging this development for years, beavering away in the background, even to the extent that the tyres used by so many to great effect in the last few years are, in fact, designed and made for four stroke machines, and imported as a conscious decision to utilise the very latest technology for what is a great class !!!!!

Back in the day when I raced 125's, you had either a converted MX machine, or a TA Yamaha, or one of the new-fangled european-sourced things like a Waddon. Bikes like Brent Jones ran so successfully were proof if ever it was needed that the Kiwi CAN build a competitive racebike ........ yes, it probably seems more like a bucket these days, but was/is a cool bit of kit, and bloody fast for the day

The Moriwaki 250 would have stayed on the drawing board unless "someone" had the nads to A/ build and develop the thing, and B/ put it on the market.
NO reson why an enterprising Kiwi couldnt develop frame kits for MX motors and sell 'em, all it takes is the will, cos the knowledge is certainly there

Its a piece of piss to come up with reasons NOT to do something, been guilty of that myself, but come ON guys, just DO IT ............

**Kevin G** · 8th May 2012, 11:53

A couple of things re moto 3

Some one mentioned a price for a piston earlier in the thread, no idea why it is that much, my info from HRC is that in NZD they would be $1375 for the complete piston kit (rings, pin, clips etc) inc GST Still expensive but not $2600 just for the piston!!! Ironical that the head assembly (no valves or cams) is only $1250..head cheaper than a piston....go figure

Noise may be an issue as moto 3 do not have to have to comply with the FIM noise limits, do they go OK with proper mufflers on them?

A 250 MX based engine in my opinion will never be competitive against the two strokes or if it could be it certainly will never be reliable. They are not built for sustained high RPM use that road racing requires, just an opinion.

**CHOPPA** · 8th May 2012, 16:26

The rules dont have to change. As it is now your allowed to race a 125cc 2 stroke or a 250cc 4 stroke single so you can buy a Moto3 bike and race it NOW

**budda** · 8th May 2012, 21:35

Originally Posted by CHOPPA

The rules dont have to change. As it is now your allowed to race a 125cc 2 stroke or a 250cc 4 stroke single so you can buy a Moto3 bike and race it NOW

GO TO THE TOP OF THE CLASS, YOUNG MAN ................. Well spotted Choppa !!!!!!!!!

**steveyb** · 12th May 2012, 08:45

Just heard from KTM Oceania that KTM will be releasing their customer Moto3 bike in the new year.
No pricing at this stage.

**Kevin G** · 13th May 2012, 10:48

Originally Posted by steveyb

Just heard from KTM Oceania that KTM will be releasing their customer Moto3 bike in the new year.
No pricing at this stage.

Their customer GP125 machines were $85,000 for just the bike......

**steveyb** · 13th May 2012, 13:00

Originally Posted by Kevin G

Their customer GP125 machines were $85,000 for just the bike......

Yeah, exactly. So I expect to need to be sitting down when I finally do hear the price!!

Incidentally, there is a goodly number of nearly new RC125's (ex Rookies Cup USA) sitting in the US for sale but not being sold.

Roll up, roll up.......