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http://blog.motorcycle.com/2011/01/14/design/2011-vyrus-moto2-grand-prix-racer-preview/ (http://blog.motorcycle.com/2011/01/14/design/2011-vyrus-moto2-grand-prix-racer-preview/)

. . . The next Vyrus chapter begins with an entry into the FIM Moto2 Grand Prix series for the 2011 season, making the 986 model the first hub-center-steered bike to be raced in this class. As with all Moto2 machines, it is powered by a version of Honda’s CBR600RR engine. . . .

Wow...it'll be interesting to see how the hub steering fairs against traditionally suspended bikes.

Very cool!  [thumbsup]

Hub centered steering has been "the next big thing" for the last 20 years  :P

Still hopefully the Moto2 formula will help them get more traction (ha ha) with the idea.

In the past the teams with hub-steered bikes like this also had to produce a competitive powerplants. Now that that part has been equalized, hub-centered steering will be able to compete in a level playing field...

I think it will be quite interesting to watch for sure.  As I recall, one of the interesting advantages to that type of front end, is the stability and lack of dive under braking.  I'm looking forward to it, although who will be riding the bikes?

Probably more un-known yahoos like the ones that were causing huge pile ups in every race last year. Shit, I'm suprised I didn't get a Moto2 race contract last year. I have two legs and a heart beat... that qualifies me doesn't it? [bang] [laugh] [popcorn]

I've also heard they are hard on front tires.  Wonder if that will be a problem in a spec. tire series where everybody else uses a conventional front end?

[Waving Cane]

CHAAANGE! These people are trying something different! how dare they! First they changed the displacement and gave us exciting races! How dare they! Now they are trying to change the very face of motorcycling with their techmonalological advanciments! Young whippersnappers!

[/Waving Cane]
 
;) Just kidding Brian  [thumbsup]

I think this is awesome, I've always liked Vyrus's design and this is truly the place to test the feasibility of it. I hope they can get their hands on a good rider to maximize the potential for R&D

Now all we're missing is MotoCysz and their funky front end and we'll truly have a development class.

well I think there are two possible outcomes that could be bad for Vryus

1- They are shit fast and blow everyone away. Other teams will complain about the non-standard front suspension and make it illegal.
2- They are shit slow and the blow out front tires causing wrecks. Other teams will complain about the non-standard front suspension and make it illegal.

Right on cue Jesus!!! [laugh] [laugh] Baited like a bass!! ;D Oh shit... where did I put that cane??? And get that those damn kids off my lawn!!!

I think the Tesi is a cool as shit bike. I loved it when the old ELF bikes raced the World Endurance Championship and in GPs. Those were also really cool bikes. Out of the box thinking for sure.

For you whippersnappers that don't know ELF:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_0801_elf_racing_motorcycle_chassis_design/index.html (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_0801_elf_racing_motorcycle_chassis_design/index.html)

http://www.bikeexif.com/elf-honda (http://www.bikeexif.com/elf-honda)

I do find it interesting that Bimota is NOT using the Tesi suspension for their Moto2

Wonder if they'll compete it now, especially if Vyrus does well. Vyrus could potentially steal Bimota Tesi customers with a race proven chassis.

Good question and good point! [thumbsup]

From the article, it sounds like Vyrus builds the Tesi for Bimota.

Might have something to do with it...

If this set-up does eliminate front end dive then it'll be interesting to watch, as I thought a certain amount of front end dive was necessary to load up the front tire to provide grip under hard braking.  ??? BMW has a pretty fancy front suspension system which eliminates front end dive...and it's absent on their SBK.

The dive itself is a product of the forked front suspension setup.  In one sense, yes you lose some weight transfer, but the loads of stopping the bike should still be transferred to the front tire, regardless if its under heavy dive or not.  I think the overall benefit is a more balanced feel and stability when entering the corner.

Then why did BMW ditch the telelever system on the S1000RR?

I get what you're saying, but it seems the geometry change associated with front end dive would load up the front tire more than if the front doesn't dive. By load up the front tire more I mean the force vectors would be more perpendicular to the pavement surface with front end dive, which increases the normal force at the tire contact patch. The friction coefficient between the tire and the pavement are constant...so the normal force acting on the contact patch is what determines the level of grip. I understand the front tire still needs to resist the same stopping force in either scenario.

weight?

+1 on weight. That linkage is pretty substantial. (just speculating of course as I have never weighed one)

Weight may be part of it, although the HP2 Sport has the telelever and weighs less than the S1000RR. Sure, it doesn't have the weight of a liquid cooling system...but it also has the heavy Boxster motor.

here's another interesting Moto2 Project

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2011/01/18/ariane2-053-project-multi-engine-moto2-design-from-arianetech/ (http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2011/01/18/ariane2-053-project-multi-engine-moto2-design-from-arianetech/)

I'm looking forward to this.  I'm also hoping that one of the moto mags or online sites does an in-depth tech review of the bike.  I'm really interested to see how it is similar/different on the track from a bike with a standard front end.  I bet it requires a COMPLETELY different riding style. 

I'm just happy to see some new chassis tech come into the class.  [beer]

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/vyrus-986-moto2-bike-revealed/16815.html (http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/vyrus-986-moto2-bike-revealed/16815.html)

What this bike needs is a rider who's batshit fast from the very beginning to maximize it's advantage before it chews up the tyre. Basically they need iannone.

i haven't really looked at any of the links.  do we know what it weighs vs the rest of the grid?

One of the links said it would be right near the minimum weight.

I have seen a Tesi in person but never thought about it until seeing that 986 picture. It looks like a minor low side could destroy that steering linkage.

Were they present at this last moto2 test?

Doesn't seem to be. They are also not on the official entry list.