Top MotoGP riders say the new 850cc bikes will be much less physical and more fun to ride than the current 1000cc machines. Test riders at the Indonesian GP confirmed the next-gen bikes feel lighter and easier to control. This shift aims to cut speeds and help the series last longer, but the main change is how it feels on the track. The new rules drop engine size, change the chassis, and switch to Pirelli tires for the 2027 season.
For years, riders have fought against bikes that demand too much from their bodies. The current 1000cc prototypes are built to go fast, but they are hard to manage. Now, the test results show a different path. KTM test rider Pol Espargaro says the new setup is a clear step forward. He believes the old bikes put too much strain on the riders and that the new ones fix that problem.
The Physical Toll of the 1000cc Era
The current bikes are built for pure speed, but that comes at a cost to the human body. The engines are huge, and the aerodynamics are heavy. This forces riders to fight the bike every single lap. Pol Espargaro, who tests for KTM, says the old bikes are too demanding. He notes that the tires must be very hard to last the whole race, which makes the ride even rougher.
“I would choose the 850. The 1000cc bike is super physical. I feel it’s more dangerous because it’s much more powerful,” he said, according to Motorsport.com. This quote hits the core of the issue. The power is there, but it makes the bike harder to handle. Espargaro points out that the tires are made for this high torque. They need to be tough to survive the race, but that toughness makes the ride harder for the rider.
With the new 850cc engine, the bike is lighter. The tires can be softer because they do not have to handle the same extreme force. Espargaro says this change makes everything easier. As he gets older, he does not regret this switch. The new setup lets him ride without the same level of physical stress. It is a smart move for the sport and the riders.
A Return to Natural Handling
The change in how the bike moves is just as important as the weight. The current machines rely on big aerodynamic parts to stay glued to the track. The new 850cc bikes use less aero. This means the bike moves more naturally. Takaaki Nakagami, a test rider for Honda, says he likes the new feel. He does not have to worry about the rear height device as much.
Nakagami notes that the aerodynamic parts are smaller. He still has to use them, but they are not as dominant. “But the bike is a little bit more naturally pitching. I like it. I enjoy it a lot,” he said. This natural movement is what makes the bike fun. It feels more like the bikes from the past, but with modern power. The rider can work with the bike instead of fighting it.
Honda rider Luca Marini agrees with this view. He thinks the new 850cc bikes are very similar to the Moto2 machines. Moto2 bikes use Triumph engines and Pirelli tires. They are known for being fun to ride. Marini believes the new MotoGP bike will be closer to that level. This is a big deal for fans who want to see more action and less struggle.
Riders Confirm the New Bikes Are Easier
The feedback from the track is very clear. Maverick Vinales, who rides for Tech3 KTM, tested the new bike at Spielberg last month. He rode 11 laps in a row and said it was easy. He is still recovering from a previous injury, so his test was a true test of the bike’s physical demand. The results were positive.
“The next-generation bikes are much easier to ride, and physically as well [they are less demanding]. I rode a few laps and it was easy. I did 11 laps in a row like it was nothing,” said the Spaniard. This statement shows just how much the physical load has dropped. The old bikes would make 11 laps a huge chore for a rider in his condition.
Vinales also described the feeling of the new bike. He said it was beautiful. “The feeling with the bike is so nice. It’s like a Moto2 with a good engine. It was so beautiful,” he said. This comparison to Moto2 is key. It tells us that the new MotoGP bike will be more accessible. It will be a machine that rewards skill rather than just physical strength.
The shift to 850cc is not just about rules. It is about the future of the sport. If the bikes are too hard to ride, the sport loses its best talent. If the bikes are too dangerous, fans will stay away. The new bikes solve both problems. They are safer, easier to handle, and more fun. The riders know this, and they are ready for the change.
The 2027 season will bring a new era to MotoGP. The switch to Pirelli tires and the smaller engine will change how races look. We will see more overtaking and less sliding. The riders will be able to focus on racing instead of just surviving the bike. This is what the fans want to see.
After completing his initial laps, departing Tech3 rider Maverick Vinales described the new bike as a “Moto2 machine with a good engine”. This description fits perfectly. It combines the fun of the lower class with the power of the top class. The expectation is high for these new machines. Everyone wants to see how they perform in a real race.
The change is happening soon. The development is done, and the riders have tested the bikes. The results are in. The 850cc bikes are lighter, easier, and more fun.
