New MotoGP season comes with various factory bike changes. The new regulation made the engineers adapt the motorcycles for the Michelin tires and the same for all Magneti Marelli electronics software. Besides that, there are some changes under the fairing
Yamaha YZR-M1 2016
The reigning team decided at Philip Island to continue the development of the 2015 model.
-1,000 cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder with crossplane crankshaft;
-Over 240 HP;
-Aluminum frame twin tube deltabox with multi-adjustable steering geometry. Aluminum swingarm.
-Öhlins upside down front forks and Öhlins rear shock all adjustable for pre-load and compression, rebound damping;
-Transmission ‒ Six-speed cassette-type gearbox with alternative gear ratios available;
-ECU by Magneti Marelli, in accordance with FIM Regulations;
-Wheels ‒ MFR Forged Magnesium 17” front and rear;
-Tires from Michelin,17” front and rear, available as slick, intermedium and wet tires.
-Brembo brakes ‒ two 320 mm or 340 mm carbon front discs, two four-piston calipers
single stainless steel rear disc, twin-piston caliper;
-Weight ‒ 157 kg, in accordance with FIM Regulations.
Electronic changes will make the task harder for Yamaha to get another crown. Team boss Lin Jarvis is confident in the effort his team is making to adapt to all FIM regulations and shows eager to start the racing year.
Honda RCV 213V
Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa continue to work on their old 2015 RCV 213V to improve their base setup and also tested the new 2016 prototype machine, reporting back positively.
-1,000 cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC 4 valve, V-4;
-Over 180 KW (240 hp);
-Aluminum twin-tube frame, and the famous pro-link swingarm;
-Ohlins suspension front and rear;
-ECU by Magneti Marelli, in conformity with FIM Regulations;
-17'' wheels;
-22 liters tank;
-Carbon fiber front brakes provided by Brembo;
-Weight as per FIM regulations.
The most significant changes announced by Honda are the transition from Bridgestone tires to Michelin and the factory electronics to a unified software.
Ducati Desmosedici GP16
Desmosedici series started in 2003 and delivered in 2007 with Casey Stoner in the saddle, now Ducati presents a new prototype the GP16. “We will fall in love of this bike”, says Gigi Dall’Igna, General Director of Ducati Corse.
-1,000 cc liquid-cooled, 90° V4, four-stroke, evo desmodromic DOHC, four valves per cylinder;
-Over 245hp;
-Over 340 km/h (211mph);
-Ducati Seamless Transmission (DST_EVO). Chain final drive.
-Aluminum alloy twin-spar frame;
-Öhlins inverted 48 mm front fork and Öhlins rear shock absorber, adjustable for preload, new factory evolution damping system;
-Magneti Marelli ECU programmed with Dorna Unified software;
-Brembo, two 320 mm/340 mm carbon front discs with four-piston calipers; single stainless steel rear disc with two-piston caliper;
-Michelin 17" front and rear;
-157 kg (346.1 lbs.).
The new refurbished Desmo, with Formula1 accents, two lateral wings to increase de drag on the front wheel and a seamless gearbox to keep the rear on track, looks ready for the job. Last year improvement gives Ducati the right to keep an optimistic attitude for the 2016 season.
Suzuki GSX-RR
Suzuki unveiled in the end of 2015 at EICMA their new MotoGP bike the GSX-RR. After a great comeback in 2015, ECSTAR team continue the development this season.
-1,000 cc in-line four-cylinder DOHC four-valve;
-Over 230 hp;
-Twin spar aluminum frame;
-Öhlins inverted fork;
-Magneti Marelli ECU programmed with Dorna Unified software;
-Brembo carbon brakes;
-17” wheels;
-160 kg based on FIM regulation.
Unfortunately, Suzuki won’t give us more information about the new machine. The recent official test at the Phillip Island circuit is promising. Maverick Viñales set a fastest combined record aboard the 2016 GSX-RR in Australia.
Aprilia RS-GP
In 2015 Aprilia entered MotoGP this year. They launched a new RS-GP calling it “the most ambitious project” ever. The project is 100% built at Noale and will be used this season.
-1,000 cc four-stroke, DOHC 4 pneumatic valves, V4;
-255 hp;
-Aluminum twin-tube frame;
-Brembo carbon brakes;
-Öhlins magnesium telescopic fork, fully adjustable, Öhlins Pro-link;
-Magneti Marelli ECU programmed with Dorna Unified software;
-17’’ wheels;
-160 kg based on FIM regulation.
In 2016, Aprilia is allowed to use nine engines and unlimited testing for the concession points scored last season. This privilege will enable the team to develop throughout the year the new RS-GP.