In a world of economic changes and climate change, the world of racing motorcycles invariably changes, so much so that we are to see the demise of the 125cc and 250cc 2 stroke engine in the racing world.
So what are the options for those whom want to race motorcycles, especially the youngsters who have struggled throughout the years? To get the recognition they so rightly deserve and for those youngsters who want to make their careers in racing.
With the demise of the once all conquering 2 stroke machines there appears to be little option but to gain the required experience on 400cc 4 stroke machines, or alternatively compete on a 600cc 4 stroke machine.
The 400cc machines are in general hard to come by and are expensive to run, the option of a youngster climbing aboard a 600cc machine as their first machine is a very daunting one.
So what are the options open to those budding champions of the future?
A Business man and former Isle of Man TT Racer whom owns his own Motorcycle business in Cheshire and Rick from RLR Motorsports based in Church Stretton Shropshire have developed the ideal machine for budding racers, young or old.
RLR Motorsports have 16 years of success tuning and racing 400cc 4 stroke machines and along with their business acumen have put together a racing package unlike any other in the UK.
First conceived by Roland Sands and Gavin Trippe in the USA under the banner of Super 450 Singles, the Moto 450 was born, this came about whilst they were looking for an affordable racing class and they turned their attention to the 450cc single machine developed for Off Road Riding, or Dirt Biking as the Americans would say.
Almost by accident they tried a set of forks taken from a CBR 600 and set them onto a Kawasaki KX 450,not only were they an excellent fit but the geometry was almost identical to a Honda GP RS250 machine.
A bike was built in a matter of days and tested at Willow Springs, it handled beautifully with the stock chassis and swing arm along with minor adjustments to the suspension the 450 Moto was born.
In the USA they are currently planning on using the top four Japanese made machines, (with Europeans being a bit quirky in their ways) Thundersport GB and the ACU want to welcome as many different brands as possible into Moto 450, ThundersportGB have indeed tailored the rules to suit the UK Market, but acknowledge the great work done by Roland and Gavin in the States.
The donor machine started its life as the Yamaha WR450F Enduro Model; Bill Smiths Motorcycle Group and RLR Motorsports have created the Yamaha RLR 450WR.
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The finished machine has road race forks along with Dymag wheels and clothed in 250 race bodywork, everyone who has seen the machine agrees that they are surprised at how good these machines look and of course at a price that can’t be argued with.
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The ACU Road Race Committee have agreed that these are indeed an excellent machine for young riders to move onto and have agreed a Starting age of 15 years old to compete on them.
They have also agreed to a rule change allowing the Moto 450 to be raced in the F400 Class using treaded tyres.
With such a short build time along with the added benefit of being able to use the machine for Off Road use during the closed season (Nothing is irreversibly changed during the machines Transformation) the value for money advantage cannot be argued with.
Technical regulations have capped the power at 60 BHP, and 100 Kg weight limit, realistically these machines will be competing with a good reliable 50-58 BHP and should produce top quality racing not only for the participants but racing fans alike.
The Yamaha RLR 450WR Machine can be viewed on the Thundersport Stand next week at the NEC Motorcycle Show in Birmingham; it will be displayed for the duration of the show.
For more immediate information, please contact me and i will give you more details. glyn@blue2bikes.co.uk
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: Yamaha RLR450WR
Engine Capacity: Single Cylinder OHC Yamaha 450 engine. 55bhp Capped, 100kgs in weight
This Type of Engine is currently produced by 12 Manufacturers all of whom produce a 450cc Single Cylinder which is adaptable to Race in the ‘ACU’ F400 Class
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Any 450cc single cylinder machine eligible for off road competition with the FIM, UEM or ACU manufactured after 2000. The swing arm, frame and engine mounting points must remain standard. The engine may be tuned using standard parts only (exception Connecting Rod may be changed or shot-peened for safety) to an absolute maximum of 60bhp at the crank, nominally 55bhp at the wheel. Only 17 inch wheels are permitted. Racing slicks and full wets can be used.
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Colour of bodywork:- Kawasaki = Green, Honda = Red, Yamaha = Dark Blue, Suzuki = Yellow, Husqvarna = Red and White, KTM = Orange, Others = White. These are the base colours Competitors may add any colours and graphics to these base colours but it should remain clear which manufacturer the machine relates to. A series sponsor will be announced and it will be mandatory to carry the sticker above the front number board (all other graphics are free).
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