MotoGP 800 now just as fast as 990

**Cajun** · 20th April 2009, 08:01

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/...aggis-top.html

**unrealone** · 20th April 2009, 08:31

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** · 20th April 2009, 09:18

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

**nallac** · 20th April 2009, 09:57

Originally Posted by riffer

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

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

**codgyoleracer** · 20th April 2009, 12:22

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

**Kiwi Graham:Me** · 20th April 2009, 12:33

Originally Posted by codgyoleracer

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** · 20th April 2009, 15:01

Originally Posted by codgyoleracer

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** · 20th April 2009, 15:22

Originally Posted by codgyoleracer

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** · 20th April 2009, 15:29

Originally Posted by Maido

You would definately need a bigger snorkel for that.

With the open end attached to a bit of the laughing gas stuff

**EJT** · 20th April 2009, 18:36

"...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.