Ohlins reveal new Moto3 front forks for 2012 season – MotoGP news
Ohlins have revealed it new front forks for the Moto3 category that debuts in the 2012 MotoGP season.
The new category will be consisting of four-stroke 250cc bikes, replacing the two-stroke 125cc bikes.
The new forks FG385 are specifically designed for the new category four-stroke 250cc bikes that will be seen racing in the 2012 season. Ohlins also provides forks to the premier class bikes on the grid.
Racing Manager R&D Ohlins Racing, Mats Larsson said, “While it is sad to say goodbye to the last of the two-stroke GP race bikes, Moto3 looks likely to be a superb class and a great place for new riders to learn their race craft and crucial bike set-up skills.”
The step was taken to shift to the latest technology with modern world. The use of two-stroke technology has been reduced over the past years.
The forks are made with similar pressurised damping system that is used by MotoGP riders. The new Moto3 class forks have a titanium nitride coated inner tubes.
The special coating allows reducing friction significantly and enhances the damping characteristics. It also features twin radial brake calliper mounting.
Larsson added, “With the new Öhlins FG385 borrowing so much of its technology from the equipment used in MotoGP, this new generation of GP stars will have the chance to cut their teeth using the very latest suspension available in preparation for their transition
to MotoGP.”
The new forks have been designed for easy tune up and are simple to service. The forks weight only 4,450 grams. It also comes with a complete setting library.
Along the introduction of new Moto3 category, the premier class will also experience the comeback of 1000cc prototypes in the 2012 season.
The big displacement engines will return after an absence of three seasons. Earlier the MotoGP class had 990cc engines but now full 1000cc capacity is allowed for the teams.
The premier class will also see the introduction of Claiming Rule Teams (CRT), to increase the size of competitors on the MotoGP grid.
After the withdrawal of Suzuki from MotoGP, the grid is left with only three manufacturers Honda, Yamaha and Ducati. The 2012 season is promising a lot of excitement for fans.
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