The MotoGP has recently announced its new regulations for 2027, which will be presented in a tabloid format for easier reading. One of the headline changes is a reduction in engine capacity from 1000cc to 850cc. This decision has been made in order to slow down bikes and improve safety on traditional circuits.
While the decrease in capacity was expected, there are a few surprising announcements that will come as a relief to many fans. The cylinder bore will also decrease from 81mm to 75mm, but there will be no further alterations to the rules. This means that MotoGP bikes will all continue to be four-cylinder machines, eliminating any possibility of a return to the prototype engines used in the series’ early days.
The aim of these changes is to create a new era of machines that are slower, thus reducing the risk of incidents on certain circuits. However, it is important to note that similar attempts in the past have had disastrous consequences. The high cornering speed and susceptibility to highsiding of the 800cc era bikes made them dangerous. Therefore, careful attention must be paid to ensure that the new regulations effectively address these concerns.
Another significant change is the reduction in available gearbox ratios from 24 to 16. This modification is expected to discourage the design of high-revving, high corner speed bikes. By limiting the number of available ratios, the regulations aim to promote a more balanced approach to racing.
In terms of ride-height devices, a total ban will be imposed, including those used for race starts. These devices were initially introduced to control wheelies off the line but eventually evolved into tools that riders used to enhance their performance in every corner. The ban is a response to the belief that these devices have reduced the reliance on rider skill during corner exits, diminishing the excitement of the races.
Manufacturers will also face changes in the way they can incorporate aerodynamic shapes into their bikes. The maximum permitted width of the front fairing aero body will be reduced from 600mm to 550mm, while the maximum width at the rear will decrease from 1250mm to 1150mm. Additionally, the foremost nose of the bike will move back 50mm. Notably, the rear of the bike will now be part of the machine’s homologated aero package, meaning it must be frozen in place before the season starts and can only be updated once.
Other minor changes include a reduction in the number of engines allowed per season from seven to six, a decrease in fuel capacity to 20 litres, and a reduction in overall weight by 4kg to 153kg to align with the new engines. The concession system will also be adjusted to balance the introduction of new bikes. Factories that have already raced in 2026 will be moved to band B, while factories that have not raced in 2026 will start in band D, allowing for different testing and upgrade privileges.
Overall, these new regulations aim to create a safer and more balanced MotoGP championship. The changes in engine capacity, gearbox ratios, ride-height devices, and aerodynamics will all contribute to a more controlled and exciting racing experience.