300 km/h is a symbolic value that invites an engine to enter the big leagues. Performance is all the more appreciated and recognized if it comes from a displacement that we would describe as average on the market. And it is also underlined in broad strokes when the basis of this velocity is a series mechanism. So, for Triumph, seeing that its 765cc three-cylinder engine excels at top speed on Moto2s is a real joy. And a good deal in terms of image.
303,2 km/h at Phillip Island in 2019, 301 km/h at Mugello during the same season, and 299,1 km/h in Losail from the start of the season at Qatar for the platoon of Moto2, it's nothing to say that the standard engine that keeps the category breathing is healthy. He's from Triumph. It is a 765cc three-cylinder, the same one which notably equips the Speed Triple 765 RS. A motorcycle that weighs 166 kg empty, which develops a power of 123 hp and revs up to 11 rpm. 750 km/h peak is claimed.
So how can we achieve and exceed the 300 km/h in Moto2? Trevor Morris, technical director ofExternPro answers. This is where the engines coming out of the Technopark MotorLand Aragón workshops are built and overhauled: “ last year we took 300 km/h at Mugello with 301 km/h and at Phillip Island with 303,2 km/h. Triumph was very proud of it. They were also able to market it, even though the Speed Triple 765 is a roadster, with high handlebars and no fairing. I don't know how fast she goes, but it doesn't matter, it was a good advertisement for Triumph »
Morris continues: “ Obviously, such top speeds in Moto2 are possible mainly due to the chassis, electronics and aerodynamics. As far as I know the road model is limited to 12 rpm, our engines run at 700 rpm. We could easily give the engines 10 or 15 hp more power, but the current 140 hp is enough and everyone is happy with it. For this reason we are not planning new versions with electronics. We never want to let up on the traction control, riders need to feel the bike themselves when accelerating. »
It will be recalled that in the Moto2 World Championship, the Italian manufacturer Magneti Marelli has now taken control of the engine control (ECU). Furthermore, the manufacturer launched this season the Triumph Triple Trophy #PoweredByTriumph which is defined as follows:
- Fastest top speed: 7 points for the fastest rider(s) in the event of a tie
- Pole position: 6 points for the rider in pole position
- Fastest lap of the race: 5 points for the fastest runner(s) in the event of a tie
The winner, who will be the rider who accumulates the most points throughout the season, will receive a motorcycle Triumph Street Triple RS, which is powered by the 765 cc triple engine from which the Moto3 engine is derived.
