There are two major factors that I see impact the cost of racing above all- limitations and change.
New rules have just been released in an attempt to reduce costs for teams participating in the MotoGP World Championship. These new rules may in fact have the opposite effect.
Change = cost
The single greatest cost to a team is when a new rule renders their current equipment uncompetitive or worse, illegal. For the third time since 2002 an entirely new engine and chassis will need to be designed by the manufacturers for MotoGP, what may be a welcomed exercise for a major manufacturer may be a complete barrier to entry for a small manufacturer. It is not only the cost of the new project that is looming for a team but the uncertainty that a similar rule can be employed again at will, rendering their “new” motorcycle useless.
I do not believe there is a conspiracy to keep out young innovators that could challenge the status quo but frequent rule changes virtually guarantee such an outcome. Even companies the size of Ducati will be at a bigger disadvantage than those the size of Honda. Change = costs and companies with poorer results but more money gets to reset and reboot the competitive level of the grid with every global rule change.
Limitations = cost
It would seem logical that by limiting a team’s ability to evolve every part of the motorcycle would ultimately result in reducing costs. A standard business model; scope reduction = costs reduction. Want to reduce the cost of your new real estate venture, reduce its scope/size. However racing is a different business; each team will look for any and every competitive advantage available to them, that is how you win and winning is why you race. Limitations often divert efforts to smaller and smaller areas where it is increasingly more expensive to find a competitive advantage.
Hypothetical scenario- In the effort to save teams money NASCAR ruled a shock could not have an “external reservoir”. An external reservoir shock is the current standard and readily available to every team at a minor additional expense. This ill-conceived idea was to add a limitation thus a cost savings was certain to follow. The small teams simply adopted this rule and found their current supply of shocks illegal and now needed to purchase drawers of new lower spec shocks which- added cost. The stronger, better funded teams designed or purchased a secret shock- a shock that was one of the most specialized and expensive shocks in the world. A shock with a reservoir that was concentric to the shock body and thus technically not remote. These shocks functioned identical to the banned version but added significant cost to the teams. Additionally, racing became less competitive due to the haves and have nots. Hypothetical or little known secret?
Max. bore 81mm
As the current MotoCzysz C1 990 has a bore of 82mm I feel we may actually have a slight and temporary advantage in reference to the rule change, if a max. bore must be implemented I am glad they chose 81mm.
I suspect their reasoning was similar to ours; 81mm-82mm is the greatest bore, thus bore/stroke ratio, thus piston speed, thus RPM we felt we could manage with valve springs. The new rules have fixed the max bore size and displacement, thus the stroke length and effectively RPM, sort of. Though this is generally a good idea, it is a very convoluted way to get to the point- an RPM limit. The casualty of the new rule- diversity and character.
With the rules limiting the bore to 81mm and the maximum number of cylinders set at 4, it is virtually guaranteed all competitors will run either V4 or I4 configurations. It will no longer be possible to have a competitive 3 cylinder or twin and the rules simply eliminate 5 or more cylinder options. The future? Honda may run a version of their VFR- V4, Ducati a version of their Desmocedecci RR- V4, Aprilia a version of their RSVR- V4 and Yamaha may use a version similar to their R1- I4. The same with all the others; BMW if they entered, a version of their S100RR -I4, Kawasaki a ZX10R- I4, only Suzuki really being the wild card, probably dropping the V4 for a GSXR I4 version. The best we can hope for- some unique firing orders to mask the otherwise already seen offerings- not exactly leading edge technology, pushing the boundaries of our sport. Again I think this may give MotoCzysz a distinct advantage with our longitudinal hybrid version of a narrow V and I engine, it would also be unique and quite exotic amongst all the competitors in the field.
Real limitations, real costs savings
If cost reductions are the honest reason for the rule change then let’s pick rules that will actually limit costs. The goal should be to limit costs without limiting creativity, diversity or competitiveness. Equally important the new rules should preserve what is at the heart of the series, a series that is supposed to shape and give birth to future motorcycles- innovation.
RPM’s- Limiting bore will not unilaterally limit RPM’s, it does however make higher RPM’s even more costly. Teams will focus on reducing piston inertia and mass by utilizing more exotic materials, methods, possibly even foregoing some durability. If you want to reduce the costs associated with higher RPM’s cap RPM’s- period.
Black Boxes- The other great expense? The enormous and complicated electronic package that is equal in importance to the entire mechanical effort in obtaining a faster lap. A “spec box” leased to each team by Dorna for 1 dollar annually could eliminate this redundant cost and effort duplicated by each team . The boxes could be propagated with all the menus and windows required to personalize the entire electrical system for each team’s unique application. The “spec box” could ultimately be as powerful as the best currently in the pits today but available to all teams making this the easiest, single means to add parity to the grid. And yes- the box should have TC embedded into the code, shut it off if you dare or your rider insists but I assume none would.
Spec Fuel and Spec Tires- Though in an ideal prototype championship you would have NO limitations, spec fuel and tires (like electronics) do reduce costs, add parity and do not significantly lower the fans racing experience.
Less restrictions- Instead of more restrictions, which only redirects costs and dumbs down championship racing, we should try lifting restrictions. What if there was no limit on displacement? There is no easier method to obtain competitive HP than thru displacement. Why not let Suzuki or Motoczysz run a 1,200cc or 1,500cc or 1,750cc engine if they feel they can mitigate the certain compromises of their decision. In addition allow teams to employ mechanical aspiration solutions like turbo charges or superchargers, maybe KR was just a small supercharger away from drafting Honda down the straights of Sepang. KERS or hybrid ideas should also be allowed as long as teams start the race with no extra energy on board. This would certainly add diversity and possibly new manufacturers.
Add Pit stops- Ok I may be on the verge of losing all my credibility, but here goes… allow all teams unlimited fuel and give them a near Q race tire, but require 1 pit stop. This will reduce the amount of testing and tuning and fine set up that cost millions of dollars a year whilst trying to get the most out of the least.
Grid positions are too often a reflection of R&D budgets. The amount of money saved and the elevated competition this one idea could add to racing is a game changer. Some of the best racing I witnessed last year centered around rain races and the added strategy and excitement of watching the riders pit and change bikes- magic. If a team can have as much fuel and traction as they require then the race matters more and testing matters less. Give Colin Edwards two soft tires per race and he will be racing with Stoner every weekend. Give Nicky all the fuel he needs (equals less evasive off throttle electronics) to point and shoot at will and the weight difference between he and Danni will only be that of the… um… family jewels. My bet is on Nicky!
Damn those 800’s
If the latest rules would have been announced three years ago MotoCzysz would still be focused solely on trying to enter MotoGP… My ultimate goal- still! Unfortunately for our MotoGP effort but fortunately for our business effort MotoCzysz has directed its primary focus on electric propulsion and though I do believe this to be the ultimate performance vehicle of the future, I would give anything to have a shot at MotoGP in to 2012. I believe based on the rules that MotoCzysz could have an extremely competitive 81mm 4 cylinder motorcycle ready for the grid by 2012. We know exactly where our strengths and weakness lie and how to remedy the shortcomings and elevate the entire motorcycle. We came a long way in our first engine design and I am confident by our second iteration we will be competitive. The chassis is very complete, all who have ridden the C1 claim it to be the best handling, most neutral motorcycle they have ever ridden.
I apologize to those that feel I have let them down but I can assure you it was not because of lack of effort by everyone involved. Building a competitive MotoGP bike is an undertaking harder and more challenging than most can imagine (see KR, Kawasaki, KTM, Ilmor, Aprilia, BMW and in an unrelated but related event- Buell) doing so in the publics eye can be humiliating. But it is what it is- my ultimate goal that I will continue to work towards as opposed to sitting back and criticizing others who are or at least trying.
The 2012 season is a great opportunity! MotoCzysz now has the base motorcycle, enough time and rules actually leaning a little in our favor- we could not ask for a better opportunity. Let’s hope others feel the way I do. There is heavy lifting to be done but great things can be accomplished with many hands and the assistance of a few true believers.
Happy Holidays,
Michael Czysz
Great write up!
The documentary was most inspiring. Great to see the door reopen for the world to see your dream become reality. We’ll be rooting for you.
I immediately thought of the resurrection of the original Motoczysz C1 concept for 2012, with the new rule changes to be implemented. Your task, while Herculean in it’s very nature, has been nothing but inspiring. My friends and I have watched your concepts, read all the articles about you, had seen you at the Seattle motorcycle show to fire the first prototype 5 years ago, and watched you roll around Laguna Seca in 2007 as well. We all have posters of your C1, and even bought the swag from your booth at Laguna that year.
Keep up the drive, if you can, and we’ll still be here to support you!
Fantastic!!!
I got completely excited when I first read about this over at Asphalt & Rubber. After speaking to you briefly via e-mail a while back regarding this possibility, I’m very pleased that you and your team are considering giving MotoGP another shot! MotoGP is in bad need of some new blood and diversity…and a MotoCzysz entry would clearly fit that bill.
You’ve got me rooting for you on all your ventures. Best of luck!
Ooooh…and if you have any more racing t-shirts available in an XL size, I’d love to order one.
I, too, thought of you guys when I first saw the rule change. I have to agree 100% with everything you said except the pit stops. I think what makes sprint racing unique is that races are never won in the pits; to get to the front you have to physically pass someone. Also, I love the experience of having my heart in my throat for 45 solid minutes. Lastly, every time the conditions are mixed I always roll my eyes and prepare for a crappy race. Luck plays too strong a part in those races to really take them seriously. I watch motorcycle racing to see which riders BEAT the other riders, not who happens to choose the correct pitting strategy.
Lastly, I have a question: Didn’t the C1 go into limited production? I know the website says “reserve 1 of 50,” but it’s said that forever. My concern being the possibility that the C1 will be ineligible to race MotoGP due to its production status? Will there be problems with that?
Very interesting reading for sure!
And , I believe all points are very valid.
So ironic that rules directly limiting the diversity of engine configuration in MotoGP actually provides an opportunity for a truly unique concept.
And your comments regarding limitations are spot on: open up displacement and lets see what rises to the top.
There are MotoGP fans all over the world pulling for you. Hope to see you in 2012.
Looks like you might have to clone yourself Mike. What is it like being so popular?
I would like to believe in this effort moving forward but I can not recall lap times ever being published, just nice comments from test riders.
I’m curious, has this bike ever gone race distance and if so are there any comparisons to AMA superbike times at the same venue?
Good luck to the team.
Baron
ps. In response to Tom Holcombs question about production numbers, MotoGP does not require any sort of production numbers. The bikes are more or less one offs built to circulate a track only, without the street in mind.
YES!!!! Way to go Michael! I really can’t wait to see soem development this year and the next. I can’t believe that finally we will have an American bike on the grid!!!!
aaaaaaaaaaa des news , enfin …
ok pour 2012 , la combustion interne 1000cc de retour ,youpi !! mais …
qu’en est t’il du “E1″ la F.I.M & TTXGP se déchirent pour un championnat digne de ce nom.
bajaj partenaire de futures projets …
que vaut le 6X-6flex sur 600 cbr full …
beaucoup de millions de personnes veillent sur vous.
curieuses de voir de l’action !!
monsieur CZYSZ, vous avez la foi !!!
vivement 2010 pour de belles aventures qui ce termine sur le podium …
en vous souhaitant à vous , vos proches , vos collaborateurs & partenaires de belles fêtes de fin d’années ; la santé et de l’abnégation jusqu’au but
que le soleil brille sur portland !!
Stupendous! Great write-up. The valid points stated above are spot-on, and I hope for the best for the sake of the sport, for innovation, and for the future. What a dream project- it will be fun to see it evolve, and to pull for the passionate and innovative manufacturer on the grid…! Cheers and good luck!
Im from the Philippines. Ive watched the Motoczysz Documentary on Discovery Turbo i was trilled and amazed by this machine im really excited to see Motoczysz on Motogp. I really hope that the Dream would become a reality. Me and My club mates here in the Philippines will wait for you guys to enter the MotoGP on 2012. Goodluck and More Power!
It’s on!!! I couldn’t be happier to hear that MotoCzysz will push ahead with a second generation MotoGP effort. Good on you, Michael! It sounds like, and I do hope that, the electric side will continue in parallel. I beleive this electrons and petroleum parity is the right direction. Awesome!
Chris
I’m a believer. MotoCzysz makes me want to work harder.
I hope to see the C1 on the grid in 2012.
Michael Czysz,
I watched the birth of a racer for the first time not to long ago and was left amazed. You are an inspiration not only for myself but I bet for millions more. You are a true badass genius. I appreciate the fact that if you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything you are living proof. I believe the design and concept to be amazing.
thank you for the inspiration!!!! Good luck with the future of the company, and god willing you get to be in MotoGp 2012!!!
Is the fact that the rules are constantly changing, a recent discovery to you, Michael?
Is your vision of success: ignore critical factors, ignore-forge ahead until reality slaps you in the face?
Do you make the rules of MotoGP? If so, why don’t you make them, rather than expressing them on your blog? If not, quit whining, man.
It sounds to me, as though you could use some perspective–a good hard assessment of the situation, your position in it, and an appreciation of it. Appreciation; lead the way.
Jeff,
It appears that you are the one who is whinning here. Where’s your GP concept bike at? Oh wait I forgot……you’re a whinny poser.
I was kind of hoping e1pc would become a road going bike I could buy in 2012… Is it on the backburner now?
This is good news that they will change to 1000 cc in 2012. Can’t wait too see your bike at the starting grid.
One rider for this team would be perfect. His name: Valentino Rossi. You have already his signature. Just copy it and put it under a contract.
Keep up the good work and of course the interesting posting and hopefully some new videos.
I agree with Harm-Jan Kok 100%
je pense plus à monsieur HAYDEN ,qui lui , est déjà monté sur le C1 !! ( véridique)
…
le proto peut t’il évoluer de combien de % ?!
si le moto2 peut accepter 600 cc , à quant un ” C6 ” czysz ( facile
le choix parallèle C1 // E1 apporte des infos sur le comportement des réactions ou intuitions pour la connexion homme // machines !? les quelles ?
un documentaire à venir , parle du E1pc sur TTXGP !!
http://www.youtube.com/user/Thebrammofan
“charge ”
wouaou !! l’hygiène clinique de votre “laboratoire de conception ” donne simplement envie de faire de même dans nos garages .
beaucoup de détracteurs n’ont que peut à prouver au vue de leur propre réalisations .
mais 2010 vas être une grande année pour beaucoup de modèles en gestation arrive !! donc …
vous (M.C & T.C), votre team , angel’s , sponsors , partenaires . bravo de donner l’envie de partager cela !!
#PS# une mis à jour de votre E-boutique !!
Michael
I sounds great that you still have MotoGP as your ultimate goal, and yes the rule makers have to remember that change is the no1 enemy in racebike development.
Win the 2010 north American TTXGP series and develop the i.c.e bike, is that the plan?
Keep up the great work.
/Petter
Michael,
What are you projecting for financing for a 2012 MotoGP effort? What is Motoczysz position on on a 2011 AMA Superbike effort? Would you be interested in building a 600+cc bike if we provide the capital?
i thought adding a pit stop was a bad idea i saw somewhere you said it would be like radios in f1 im confused good look any way
I wrote an email a long time ago about your team joining the forces with KR and some Las Vegas sponsors to introduce an true All american MotoGP Team. Use your chassis, engine package, KR’s resources and name and shop along with sponsors from vegas to take you guys to the top. Might be a good time to get someone on board who has prior MotoGP experience. Not saying your not doing a fine job at the moment but I as well as many others dream for the day you enter Motogp as a True American Team. If not I bet he has some equipment you could lease for a season to get your team up and running. I’d even consider leasing your chassis, motor out to satellite teams and make some money while your on the grid. Then build a production model so I can buy one. Anyway those are just my ideas, hope you can use some. Look forward to seeing you on the grid in 2012.
Michael: You have not let any of us down, rest assured as confirmed from reading the comments above. I’m watching your original Discovery show as I write. As a former roadracer, I am very excited about your vision and the tenacity you’ve had in keeping the dream alive. We can all use a bit of luck in starting a ground up business, and I hope that you have the Best of luck! My admiration and prayers continue…God Speed!
(BTW: one of my best friends, Justin Fisher, owns Vespa Portland)
Dear Mr. Czysz,
Please keep up the good fight. If not MotoGP immediately, perhaps AMA Superbike as a stepping stone?
I cannot agree more with your view of critics. As Theodore Roosevelt said so well:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
All the best to you and your Dad, both of you “doers of deeds” who are fighting the good fight “in the arena”. People like you make the world a better place for all of us.
Life is good!
Blake
Dude your website is getting very ( Howard Hughes ) whats going on Mike? Come out of hiding and let us in on your plans for 2010. Have you been pulled in to many directions, are you washing your hands ten times a day
or thinking of a career in music, hahaha. I want to know are you and the boys kicking ass or what.
Matt
Like others who commented before me, your bike was the 1st thing I thought of when I heard about the new rules. I hope to finally see your bike on the motoGP grid 2012. You can do it!
Of course being in motoGP will only mean more success for your coming eBike(s). BTW: When can we expect one of those from you for sale? I know that Roehr is set to release a eSuperBike to the public sometime this year with 96HP/210lb-ft. What kind of specs can we expect from yours? Keep us in the loop.
-=Chuck
Hey Mike do you think you could merge the ICE and the EV technologies like HP2G is doing? I would also like to hear what other think about this engine. http://www.hp2g.com
Thanks
Jim
I’ve been keeping an eye on web and articles about the C1. It looks like you guys are creating the new generation of bikes. I feel like your pioneering efforts will be reflected through all forms of motorcycle racing. Off-road racing has seen some of it most changes in the last 10 years. With the technology Czysz has put into the rear suspension and
the intake of this remarkable bike (C1) will shift the thinking of all engineers. Thank you for your “thinking out side the box.”
Bryan Fowler
Michael Czysz, fondateur et CEO, MotoCzysz, a déclaré: “Nous sommes très heureux d’être de retour à l’île de Man à la concurrence dans l’Zero TT 2010.
source : motorcycleusa.com
une certaine tristesse à avoir des news depuis un mag ( de très grande qualité
oui cette fois , je serais sur place pour faire dédicacée ma casquette C1 !!
Mr CZYSZ , s’il vous plait , des compléments d’informations concernant les projets GP & E-GP
GP : mix entre 800 & 1000cc
« Claiming Rule Teams » pour les non-usine donc: 153 Kg //24 litres de réservoir // 12 moteurs pour la saison le C1 est éligible ?
E-GP IOM TT zéro sur un tour est confirmé avec quel pilote ?
des nouvelles avec BAJAJ prototypes ?
(il vont augmenter leur participation dans KTM)
bref beaucoup de suspens en attendant la ligne de départ ,pour la joie de tous & toutes la passion est bien la !!
bravo à tout le czysz’team
# une mise à jour du E-boutique ?!
I know MotoGP is the pinnacle, but with the current Moto2 championship having spec engines, have you considered using your chassis and development knowledge to get your foot in the door, showcase your technology and test it further on the racetrack with far less cost than continuing to develop your own powerplant?
I’d love to see Motoczysz have the opportunity to have the opportunity to showcase their hard work on the world stage. I agree that electric power eventually will be the future and I love what you are doing there as well, but still, competition is where I believe Motoczysz belongs and right now the electric racing is at its infancy and not nearly engaging at the moment due to fewer solid rivals.
Glad to see that your going back to the Isle to kick some pussy ass you guys. What about the other races, will you contend the TTXGP or not?
Matt
Dear Michael,
Let me congratulate you and your pursuit for your dream.
I run the “Moto Czysz” of the online music stores for digital music downloads and i know how hard it is to keep alive in a non-stop changing market.
Wish you all the best and good luck for your projects.
Im a motocycle lover and would love one day to have a Czysz Green powered Bike!
Cheers,
Antonio
PS: You should have a DONATE button at your website.
Im sure 1.000.000 guys like me would like to contribute with at least 1$!
Cheers!
Antonio
http://www.motoczyzs.com, how do you do it?
http://www.hitittuning.com
tuning
Türkiye’nin Tuning Toplulu?u