Motorcycle Road Racing of the Next Century Holding the edge on the corner, tilting into the curve with knee almost touching the tarmac, as the rider hugs the machine to become almost one with the cowling, pushing the limit of mechanical performance and human skill, that's the thrill of MotoGP racing. But this ultimate racing event became even more thrilling after it underwent a major change for the 2002 season. While the 125cc, and 250cc classes remained the same, the 500cc category would include not only 500cc 2-stroke racers, but 990cc 4-stroke racers as well. Welcoming a new era of the MotoGP, all makers entered new 990cc 4-stroke motorcycles, as well as suped-up 2-stroke 500cc machines. With 990cc 4-stroke racers having the obvious mechanical advantage, would the skill and tradition of the 2-stroke machines prevail? This was to be a season that would have the fans on the edge of their seats!

The final engine, the ultimate machine...

Fascinating mechanics taken from the track to your desk! These top machines were designed for one thing and one thing only, speed. These machines are streamlined, refined, and built for optimal efficiency and power. Sleek aerodynamic cowling encloses powerful engines. The high precision mechanics of these machines will fascinate you. In the final season of the pure 500cc class the three major works machines, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, all featured state-of-the-art 2-stroke V4 engines capable of generating 200hp and attaining speeds of over 300km per hour. All of these mechanics have been faithfully brought down to 1/12 scale to display and admire on your very own desk!

4-stroke VS 2-stroke From the start of the World GP in 1949, 4-stroke engines such as that of the MV Agusta company dominated the motorcycle racing scene. Later the German MZ company's 2-stroke engine became the representative 2-stroke motorcycle engine and was soon followed by 2-stroke engines from Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. In 1975, Yamaha, with its YZR500, was the first maker to clench the GP title using a 2-stroke engine. Henceforth, the '80's and '90's were to become the Golden Age of 2-stroke engines in the top 500cc class of motorcycle racing. Compared with the precise mechanisms of 4-stroke engines, the 2-stroke engines were without intake/exhaust valves and cam shafts, and were of a more simple and compact form. But the power of a 1-combustion per revolution engine was enormous, and as such the 2-stroke 500cc engine evolved to become the ideal engine for motorcycle racing. Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, and Kawasaki all competed together, pushing each other to develop new engine technology and driving their 500cc engines to higher and higher levels of performance. And with the unveiling of a new curtain in GP history we can look forward at the great things yet to come.

The last year of the 500cc class. 2-stroke engine evolves to set a new record. The 2001 World Moto Grand Prix season marked the final year of the pure 500cc class, and an unforgettable year it was at that. State-of-the-art mechanics ensured a hot season, but the incredible line-up of top class riders behind these cutting edge machines added even more fuel to the fire to guarantee explosive racing action. Riders who competed on the evolved 500cc 2-stroke bikes included the 2000 season Champion Kenny Roberts Jr., Valentino Rossi on his second year in the 500cc class and Rossi's fellow Italian and rival, Max Biaggi (Factory Yamaha). From Japan were the sensational riders Norick and Shinya Nakano. All the talent of these riders combined with evolved, top-performance 500cc machines was the perfect recipe for on-the-edge, dead-heat races that put the audience on the edge of their seats. One exciting race after the other was realized in what was to go down in MotoGP history as the final and ultimate season of the never dull 500cc class. Click on images below to view more detailed information.

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