Back to the future: a V-4 GP two stroke!
A surprise entry for the 2016 Isle of Man TT is a pair of V4 two strokes in the form of the oft-lamented pre-MotoGP 500s. Swiss company Suter, began its association with Grand Prix two strokes in the late 1990s with the MuZ team. It later became involved with the WSBK Foggy Petronas team and the Kawasaki and Ilmor MotoGP squads. Under its own name, Suter won three constructors’ titles in Moto2. The TT machine, a 576cc V4, has been primarily built for the wealthy play racer market, with a price of Euro109,000 (Aust$160,000). The 99 bikes to be constructed can be supplied in any livery, including the Freddie Spencer Rothmans Honda décor shown during the V4’s public release in September 2015. Officially called the MMX500, the Suter develops 195hp (145.4kW) at 13,000 rpm, and weighs just 127kg. Ignition and fuel are controlled by a Mectronic ECU, with Suter’s own six speed cassette-type gearbox, dry SuterClutch and a CNC aluminum twin spar frame and swinging arm. The frame itself is adjustable for steering angle, wheelbase, ride height and riding position, with MotoGP-spec Ohlins suspension, top line Brembo brakes with steel discs and titanium exhausts from Akrapovic. The 17-inch wheels are made by OZ in either magnesium or aluminum. For the TT, Suter managing director says the two strokes will be piloted by top jockeys, including 53year old Welshman Ian Lougher, who has 10 TT wins and raced against Eskil Suter in 1991 250 European Championship.