KTM wanted to make its arrival in MotoGP with original solutions: tubular steel frame, WP suspensions and above all the only engine rotating in the direction of the wheels, and the only engine with Screamer timing.
To put it simply, the Screamer timing, which can be recognized by its regular and particularly strident noise, allows the engine to be significantly more powerful but, paradoxically, offers the particularity of delivering its torque irregularly, thus penalizing the tire's grip. backwards when accelerating.
The Big Bang, on the contrary, although rotating in a less balanced manner (two explosions are simultaneous, or almost) allows torque to be delivered more regularly, thus putting less strain on the rear tire. Don't believe everything you read about explanations stories of the tire that can rest between two explosions of the Big Bang; It’s pure journalistic fantasy!
In any case, we know that KTM has already carried out Big-Bang engine tests (or similar timing, impossible to be more precise) at its Munderfing facilities. Will this engine be the next powerplant chosen by KTM?
No one knows but the site speedweek, still very close to the Austrian firm, recently interviewed Mike Leitner on the possible (and upcoming) arrival of a Big-Bang timing engine to satisfy its two drivers accustomed to the progressiveness of the Yamaha M1 when accelerating.
As a reminder, KTM and Aprilia are the only manufacturers authorized to develop their engines as they wish, having scored no concession points in previous seasons.
Mike leitner : “When we chose this engine concept (Screamer), two years ago, Honda's Screamer engines were winning the World Championship. We cannot reach the maximum of this concept in two months. For KTM, a great calm came with this project because we worked with a concept with which we very quickly obtained a good basis.
What is happening, in the background to society, is again another story.
There, we think a lot, we reflect and we perfect…»
Engine designer Kurt Trieb said he could bring a big change to the track within three months. Has he already decided? Can we see the Big Bang on May 2 at the Le Mans test?
" I do not want to answer. (laughs).
We work on different things. This is very clear.
But now we can't yet assess, really, what the next step in the development of the engine will be.
In any case, we will try a heavier crankshaft in Monday's test in Jerez. »
But would a Big Bang be like a tranquilizer for the chassis?
“The question is always: “Where does the Big Bang begin and the Screamer ends?” (Allusion to an intermediate timing, probably like the Honda V4 engine) »
The riders want a Big Bang, because Pol Espargaró and Bradley Smith are used to the smooth power of the Yamaha…
“Let's see... But it's clear, all the manufacturers in MotoGP are working in this direction of the Big Bang. So there is some reason. Now, how much of this is fashion and what is the technological need is difficult to assess. »
Honda has also returned to the Big Bang, since 22 liters of fuel are now available while the Screamer allowed fuel savings when it was restricted to only 20 and 21 liters.
“Yes, that also plays a role. »
Learn more about the KTM Screamer engine…
KTM Screamer engine on the test bench:
