Gresini KTM Moto3



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Considering the amount of space here at PHOTO.GP devoted to close ups of MotoGP technology and design, I thought it was time to take a look a bit farther down pit lane to examine the craftsmanship of the elegant KTM Moto3 bike, shown here at Silverstone, 2014.

Though the engine formula is for a 250cc single cylinder 4-stroke, the KTM (as with the Honda) splits the exhaust into symmetrical pipes. Though this Moto3 bike is simpler and smaller than a MotoGP bike, its fit and finish are remarkably refined, especially considering the relatively low cost.

Consider the simple elegance of the tube frame and how the upper section mates with the engine and swing arm mounts. Lovely.

Due to the lower power, the required electronics are simpler and do not demand anything like the nest-of-serpents tangle of sensors and cables seen on MotoGP bikes. Even as one of the top designs in the Moto3 class, the KTM Moto3 bike at least looks like something you could work on yourself.



Notice the exposed rear wheel sensor wire – perhaps the adjacent Akrapovic silencer is consider protection enough for this otherwise vulnerable cable.

Elements such as the rearsets, the rear brake mechanism, and the foot peg assembly are more polished in design and manufacture than some of the lower-end MotoGP bikes I see in pit lane.



The engine and transmission show similar simplicity and efficiency of design joined with finish quality.

Some facts about the Moto3 class

(Taken from official 2015 Regulations)

Maximum engine RPM (crankshaft speed) is 13,500 rpm, controlled by the official ECU.

Each engine manufacturer may homologate a maximum of two different engine specifications per season. Manufacturers must supply all permanent contracted riders with the same specification engines, the second specification (if any) is intended for Wild Card entries only.

Each engine manufacturer must undertake to supply sufficient engines and spare parts to supply 12 riders per season if requested.

The maximum price of a single engine must not exceed 12,000 Euros. No optional parts or service contracts may be used to circumvent this price limit.

For contracted riders, the manufacturer undertakes to supply customer teams with a “Moto3 Engine Package” for the season for which it may charge a maximum of 60,000 Euros (excluding VAT, excluding freight) per rider.

The Moto3 Engine Package will be composed of:

6 engines, without throttle bodies, without gearboxes

2 throttle bodies

Gearboxes will be purchased separately as the team requires. Teams may purchase up to a maximum of 6 complete gearboxes per contracted rider per season at a capped price of 1,500 Euros each. Any additional gearboxes purchased will be charged as per the Manufacturer’s approved price list.

Engines will be sold by the manufacturer to the team and remain the property of the team, however engine distribution will be controlled by the Organiser to ensure equality of specification.

Maintenance and rebuilding of engines by teams is not permitted. Engines will be delivered to the team with official security seals in place.

In the Moto3 class the number of engines available to each contracted rider is limited to 6 engines per rider for all of the scheduled races of the season. The limit applies to practice and race at GP events only, engines for testing outside of events are not controlled.

Each wild card entry is allowed two engines per event for his exclusive use.

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