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Works Bike Exemption Rule - Triumph, Beta, Ducati
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Did everyone get it or was it only yamaha? I thought that rule was gone by the time the rest of the smokers came on line. It was a while ago so I’m not completely sure.
The rule no longer exists, it was awarded as a one time use to the existing OEMs back in the mid 90s and they all used their one time exemption. It wasn’t available to Husky or GasGas by example when KTM bought them.
Here’s a pretty good article about the exemption rule:
https://motocrossactionmag.com/ask-the-mxperts-everything-can-be-fixed-…
KTM was the first to use the one time exemption too but most forget….
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Perhaps the established brands voted to remove the exemption to help reduce the chance of competition from new brands?
No.. That couldn't be it...
Sure that’s it, and fully sanctioned here. I too was shocked to learn Vital is not in favor of true works prototypes, or true open classes where boutiques could compete on innovation. The likes of Honda snoozed a couple years in motogp and are getting btfo by the likes of Aprilia, we cannot let this happen in the dirt too!
It was a rule that was introduced 25 years ago. All the OEM had used their exemptions by the mid 2000’s. It’s not a conspiracy.
So if they all used there's already why eliminate it. Why not give new manufacturers the same 1 time exemption?
Or just eliminate homologation . What good is it ? The factories still run parts the general public can't get their hands on . They have probably figured out how to skirt the chassis rules by now anyway. It's a crock .
Because the purpose of the rule was to kickstart development and competitiveness of four-stroke bikes, which is obviously not an issue. FWIW, Kawi never used the exemption.
I mean its worked hasnt it? You have Ken Roczen winning races on a bike with more stock parts than not and ty masterpool running top 5 in mx on a literal stock bike. The bikes today have become incredible.
MotoGP vs AMA Pro Motocross or Supercross are very very different for payouts and team structures. Works bikes and prototypes in the true sense would make it extremely hard for privateers to race, whereas MotoGP all entries are on works bikes (whether it be new or one year old). The homologation number could go down sure but without it if the factories really start bringing in true works bikes it would be tough for anyone that isn’t a factory supported rider..
It’s surprising with all the sway Honda has to bend the rules to their advantage that it took them 19 years to win a 450 title.
I would think KTM would have more sway, having the 3 manufactures . I think only 2 are members that vote on the rules. But still that is twice as many as the other brands.
How many riders have won titles, that aren't factory supported riders?
Couldn’t tell you about titles but there’s definitely been podiums and top 5 finishes all over the place. How many MotoGP riders have finished on the podium that aren’t factory supported riders?
Aren’t all the MotoGP riders factory supported….
That’s exactly my point I laid out in my earlier post. AMA Motocross and Supercross are completely different than MotoGP so it’s completely irrelevant to compare the works bike rules that MotoGP has to American motocross because there’s quite literally no privateer entries in MotoGP. Saying works rules create better racing works great when everyone is on a works bike but the remaining 25-30 riders on an outdoor starting gate don’t quite get that luxury here
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Thing is to remember back then KTM was a bitch in the game. I own a bunch of ktm but also as many yamahas. Yamaha got cred because their machines reputation, awareness of brand, performance and quality. Ktm wasnt there yet. They are now and from a decade back but in the 1990s they were still out of the major manufacturers circle.
No, probably half the field is on leased customer bikes or last years racers.
Actually, Rossi's motogp is on year old bikes, and both his riders are in contention to podium or maybe win the title. I believe it is a lease arrangement.
These Euro teams will not need an exemption, if they come they are not entering to lose. Ducati for certain is great at drumming up sponsorship as well. One only has to look at roadracing to see, the Euro bikes dominate now, Japanese manufacturers just can not keep up with the innovation and development. That being said, it would be almost certain Ducati makes the first $20,000 motocross bike, and sell every one.
He didn’t say KTM. He said Husky or GasGas.
You missed the point completely.
I think you did my friend.
By the mid-2000’s all the big 5 had competitive four strokes and the rule was no longer needed. Other factory teams weren’t even on the horizon - it eas. over a dozen years until another OEM came along with a factory race effort.
The days are probably gone of a garage mechanic making a competitive motogp racer, if they could somehow get in the paddock, but it has happened before.
It would still be a lot cheaper for mx. Could be just a single cylinder, and without cc limits one could have as much power as they want without needing a high-strung engine that needs constant rebuilding. Can get great kit engines from TM, or that new 500. Apparently China ktm copy 4 stroke engines can be had as well, for a solid base. Deeper pockets will still have an advantage, but corporate behemoths can still be taken on. Imagine a Blaster/rd350 engine (twin 2 stroke) with hybrid electric assist at one or both wheels- constantly recharged with regenerative braking, in a handmade frame. Could take on the world for under 30K.
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