As big fans of the innovative work TaylorMade Racing carry out, we were keen to find out about the unique Moto2 class racing bike that has been in the design and production stages for the the past two years.
TaylorMade head Paul Taylor said: ‘Moto2 is meant to be a prototype class. While the racing is fantastic, the level of innovation has been frankly disappointing.’
And with this in mind, Taylormade really have pulled out all the design stops with the Carbon2. Set to make its debut public appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed show from July 11th-14th, we are sure it will certainly get people talking.
The unique Carbon2 features an all-carbon fibre monocoque chassis with integrated fuel tank and bodywork in a single fabrication which results in a reduced weight and increased strength. The multi-adjustable chassis is a key innovation by the American based racing company which will surely be of much interest in the ultra-competitive 600cc Grand Prix series.
And as it is designed by the makers behind the awesome GP styled Honda Fireblade TaylorMade exhaust, it of course contains a range of cutting-edge design elements. The super-rigid swing arm is all carbon, while the radiator is positioned at the rear of the bike – the monocoque is only as wide as the engine – to minimize the bike’s frontal area. The integral fuel cell is positioned just behind the engine, running vertically to below the swing arm, centralizing mass and maintaining a constant balance as the fuel level drops.
Front suspension is a highly-adjustable single wishbone, with conventional damping in the fork tubes. Use of a wishbone and telescopic forks allows the air tunnel feeding the radiator to pass through the center of the bike, improving intake flow, yet retaining a familiar suspension feel for riders.
TaylorMade really are really keen to prove to race teams out there that ‘thinking outside the box’, combined with rigorous testing and development, can deliver a competitive advantage.
Only time will tell if the TaylorMade Carbon2 can be a serious force to be reckoned with in the Moto 2 class so watch this space!
This looks to be a great step forward, although Ducati tried something similar, this employs different techniques and deserves to succeed. I hope on-going development can make the project competitive in Moto2 racing. The semi- prototype class promised so much but hasn’t really delivered in terms of innovation, All the Moto2 chassis builders, Suter, Kalex etc; are just “playing safe’, sticking to fairly conventional parameters in order to get short term results and sell more ‘product’
I look forward to photographing this bike being raced, if not this year in the UK; in 2014.
Charlie Hulse
Photosport UK
Thanks for your comment Charlie. It certainly is positive to see a bit of innovation for the Moto 2 class isn’t it.
It will be great to see some pictures of the bike in action too. If/when you manage to photograph the Carbon2 you’ll have to let us know where (if we can) view them!
Kind regards.
Kath,