MotoGP: KTM could have big bang engine ready 'in three months'
KTM engine designer Kurt Trie𒐪b has revealed that it would take just three months to get a 'big bang' version of the RC16 MotoGP engine rea🐷dy for use.
The Austrian manufacturer, starting its first full MotoGP season, is the only company running a conventional even-firing 'screamer' aft♋er Honda made the 'big bang' ꧂switch this winter.
Trieb explained that KTM are continuing to experiment with different amounts of crankshaft inertia, such as changing the weight of the flywheel, to 𒐪try and perfect the power delivery.
"If the grip is low and when it comes to getting out of the corners, we have problems," Trieb told Speedweek.com.
"We have tried different crankshaft moments꧒ of inertia... it has not been successful so far. We wil🦂l once again work in this direction and look to find a solution."
But if solutions are not found, Trieb is considering switching to an uneven firing 'big bang' version of the V4 powerplant, which should help tame a bike that Pol Esp🅠argaro described as something of a 'wild b𒆙ull'.
"We chose the 'screamer' because it is a si𝔉mple, light and reliable engine," Trieb said. "I think this was not a bad decision, because we ran smoothly and without any major 𝔉construction issues.
"Now comes the point, where of course you take the next step and this ['big bang'] conceꦰpt has to be ℱconsidered again.
"You would need new crankshaft💧s and new camshওafts."
And how💫 long would it take to go from deciding on🌊 a 'big bang' and having it on track?
"Three months, I guess."
As well new internal components, big bang engines generate greater vibrations and loads, forcing a 🍨beefier design. There is also a loss of outright performance, relative to the screamer.
Trieb hinted that a d🌺ecision on KTM's engine direction could be made after trying new parts at next month's Jerez post-race test.
Espargaro ൲and Bradley Smith finished 16th and 17th in last weekenꩲd's Qatar season-opener.
Espargaro was 33.6s fr🀅om race winner Maverick Vinales and just over four-seconds from scoring💃 a world championship point.
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Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi c💎ome and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and 🧜Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
