MotoGP 2027 Set to Slow Things Down With New 850cc Regulations

MotoGP will introduce a new set of technical regulations in 2027, aimed at improving racing and reducing speeds.

MotoGP’s top speed record is currently 227mph, and such high speeds mean that the amount of run-off area available at some circuits is close to being insufficient to be deemed safe.

MotoGP therefore needs to slow down, and the answer to that in 2027 is, firstly, reducing engine capacity. They will still be four-stroke four-cylinders, and the stroke will remain the same, but the maximum bore will be reduced by 6mm from the current 81mm to 75mm. Keeping the stroke the same prevents a dramatic increase in RPM limits, which means the maximum power output of the engines should reduce. The number of engines allowed for a season is capped at six if the season is no more than 20 races, or seven if there are 21 or 22 races.

In addition to reducing the capacity of the engines, the size of the fairing is reduced. Specifically, MotoGP’s 2027 rules mandate a maximum width of 550mm for the top part of the front fairing, a reduction of 50mm over the current formula. This should reduce the size of aerodynamic wings placed on the front of the bikes to generate downforce and therefore reduce the bikes’ reliance on aerodynamic grip, helping them to follow other bikes more easily.

Additionally, the nose of the front fairing will be moved 50mm rearwards, and the rear seat unit will be incorporated into the aerodynamic homologation, meaning its in-season development will be subject to the same limitations as the fairing.

MotoGP has also completely banned holeshot devices and ride height devices, meaning the suspension-lowering systems that have been used by the manufacturers since 2019 will be illegal both during race starts and during the lap.

There are also updates to the gearbox, with the number of permitted ratios per manufacturer reduced to 16, and the number of permitted primary drives per manufacturer capped at four. Additionally, the fuel tank capacity is reduced from 22 litres to 20, the amount of fuel available for the Sprint is set at 11 litres, and as was announced in 2022 the fuel will be 100 per cent non-fossil. GPS data from all riders will also be made available to all teams after each session from 2027.

Finally, the current concessions system that was introduced for 2024 will continue into the new rule set, with every manufacturer - currently Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, Yamaha, and Honda - beginning the 2027 season in the second tier.

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