The Drysdale Motorcycle Co. has designed an all new 988cc V8 engine for the MotoGP class – it is currently at the mockup stage (see photos below). With the experience gained from the design and fabrication of the Drysdale 750-V8 road bikes - Drysdale is confident that the MotoGP 988-V8 will be a very competitive package. Drysdale plans to draw on the wealth of motor sport knowledge and experience in Australia – from companies such as engine management specialists MoTec to specialist magnesium foundries and world class metallurgical facilities.

With the 2002 Grand Prix season seeing the return of 4 strokes as the premier world motorcycle racing class for the first time in over 25 years – the MotoGP class is promising to become the cutting edge class of racing – on 2 wheels or 4. The starting grid will be made up of a core of the major manufacturers with 5 "satellite" teams – it is to one of these teams that Drysdale plans to supply engines to be fitted to the teams own chassis. (In a similar manner to Formula One car racing teams)

One thing has not changed in the 45 years since Ing.Carcano designed the amazing Moto Guzzi 500-V8 Grand Prix racebike – a V8 configuration still offers the best combination of power, weight, balance and frontal area. The Drysdale 988-V8 customer spec. motor will actually be smaller in physical size than the Guzzi 500-V8 – and more compact than most configurations being considered by the other MotoGP teams.

MotoGP ENGINE – SPECIFICATIONS

• 988cc - 8 cylinder
• 80 degree vee configuration. ( Front cylinder at 30 deg. from horizontal )
• Length – 450 mm
• Width - 380 mm ( At crank centreline )
• Height - 400 mm
• Mass - 52 kg complete with electrics.
• Lubrication - dry sump ( 4 pumps )
• Cooling - twin pump "reverse" flow liquid cooling.
• Electrical - 36 volt alternator.
• Redline – 20,000 rpm ( 22,000 with development )

Drysdale Motorcycle Company
Postal : P.O. Box 285 Dandenong VIC. 3175 Australia
Email : iwd @ mira.net
Ph : + 613 9562 4260 Fax : +613 9546 8938

For background information on the Drysdale Motorcycle Company and it’s owner and founder Ian Drysdale see : http//:home.mira.net/~iwd