The Drysdale Motorcycle Co. has designed an all new 988cc V8 engine for the MotoGP class â it is currently at the mockup stage (see photos below). With the experience gained from the design and fabrication of the Drysdale 750-V8 road bikes - Drysdale is confident that the MotoGP 988-V8 will be a very competitive package. Drysdale plans to draw on the wealth of motor sport knowledge and experience in Australia â from companies such as engine management specialists MoTec to specialist magnesium foundries and world class metallurgical facilities.
With the 2002 Grand Prix season seeing the return of 4 strokes as the premier world motorcycle racing class for the first time in over 25 years â the MotoGP class is promising to become the cutting edge class of racing â on 2 wheels or 4. The starting grid will be made up of a core of the major manufacturers with 5 "satellite" teams â it is to one of these teams that Drysdale plans to supply engines to be fitted to the teams own chassis. (In a similar manner to Formula One car racing teams)
One thing has not changed in the 45 years since Ing.Carcano designed the amazing Moto Guzzi 500-V8 Grand Prix racebike â a V8 configuration still offers the best combination of power, weight, balance and frontal area. The Drysdale 988-V8 customer spec. motor will actually be smaller in physical size than the Guzzi 500-V8 â and more compact than most configurations being considered by the other MotoGP teams.
MotoGP ENGINE â SPECIFICATIONS
988cc - 8 cylinder
80 degree vee configuration. ( Front cylinder at 30 deg. from horizontal )
Length â 450 mm
Width - 380 mm ( At crank centreline )
Height - 400 mm
Mass - 52 kg complete with electrics.
Lubrication - dry sump ( 4 pumps )
Cooling - twin pump "reverse" flow liquid cooling.
Electrical - 36 volt alternator.
Redline â 20,000 rpm ( 22,000 with development )