IN
THE
WIND
P44
Moto2 Makes Old Riders New
R
ider fortunes have been
improved—in some cases
transformed—by the advent of
the new Triumph-powered Moto2
bikes, with torquier and more
powerful 765cc three-cylinder
engines replacing the Honda
CBR600 fours.
Title favorite Brad Binder is
definitely a fan. "It's much nicer
to ride, and you can do more with
the bike. It's a big improvement.
Aside from being able to use
different lines, you have differ-
ent programs for the electron-
ics. Though to be honest there
isn't really enough power to use
them."
Remy Gardner is one rider look-
ing at transformation. Last year
the son of Australia's first 500cc
World Champion, Wayne Gardner,
rode the Honda-powered Tech3
Mistral chassis, and was able to
shine spasmodically, at maximum
risk and mainly in the wet.
This year, on the ONEXOX
SAG Kalex, he has been a top
candidate in testing, and re-
mained so in practice and qualify-
ing, placing third on combined
session times.
Asked on the difference be-
tween riding last year's bike and
this, he said laconically: "It's eas-
ier, that's for sure. The old bike
was really just one-line, with high
corner speed. With this you can
ride it in different ways—square
the corner off, or run a smooth
line. There's definitely more rider
input." CN
Remy Gardner is a new man on
the revised Moto2 machine.
