Yamaha R7 engines to power Moto3 bikes in 2028?

Moto3 is set for a big shake-up in 2028, with the 250cc class set to become a very different-looking - and sounding - class from then on.

While we’re still awaiting official confirmation, several outlets are reporting that Yamaha is set to take on the responsibility of supplying engines for all Moto3 machines. 

Currently, Moto3 bikes use single-cylinder engines with teams able to choose between KTM or Honda. Under these current regulations, teams can use up to six power units over the course of a full season, with a cost cap reported to be €60,000 (around £52,000).

Chassis are also limited to a cap of around €85,000 (roughly £73,860), according to reports; however, the idea is to reduce costs, and a one-make-style series is expected to achieve that. If Yamaha is indeed chosen as the new engine provider, then every Moto3 bike from 2028-on could use the Japanese company’s 689cc R7 engine.

That means all Moto3 bikes would move away from the current single-cylinder power unit configuration, and instead use twin-cylinder engines, albeit with the R7-derived power unit modified to meet the series’ regulations. 

Yamaha’s proposal is expected to reduce costs on multiple fronts, one of which is by using less expensive components. The second one is by cutting down on how many brands are involved in the class.

Other brands that were rumoured to have expressed interest in becoming the exclusive engine supplier including Honda, KTM, and CFMoto. 

The agreement between Dorna and Yamaha is expected to be finalised and confirmed soon, although an exact date is not yet known. 

While Moto3 is getting this big change for 2028, Moto2 will remain as is until the end of 2029 at least, with Triumph continuing to power the intermediate class through its 765cc Street Triple engines.

The switch for Moto3 will take place one year after MotoGP undergoes its own changes, with the current 1000cc units set to be replaced by new 850cc engines.   

While it’s not a surprise to see Moto3 switch to a one-make series, the jump in displacement is certainly striking. But when thinking about why the change is happening on a deeper level, it’s clear that this might be a decision that’s come from Liberty Media.

The new owner of MotoGP, which is an American company, has already provided fans with the introduction of a new Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup for 2026.

Why this is important is because American riders tend to race on more powerful machinery than 250cc bikes, and thus, this could be a move that is aimed at trying to attract more riders from that side of the world. 

For instance, MotoAmerica runs a Junior Cup series where bikes such as Honda’s CBR500R, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 KTM RC 390, and Yamaha’s R3 are used. There’s also a Twins Cup series where two-cylinder sportbikes use 600cc engines.

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