The Motorcycle Motocross Association (MMA) is an international organization that governs the professional motorcycle racing competitions. Grand Prix motorcycle racing is presently the premier category of motorcross motorcycle racing events held on public road tracks worldwide, officially sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocrosse. Though the term “motocross” pertains to the motor racing category as a whole, it has been adapted for the more specific term, “motorcycle motocross.” There are two recognized motorsport divisions – the Open Class B and class C. The Open Class B class includes road racers who have been professionally trained to a high level of competency within the category, while the class C includes amateurs who participate in the events with little or no training time. Regardless of the level of competition, the purpose of participating in the MMA competitions is to test the mettle of each participant in a highly competitive environment.
In its most competitive setting, the MMA meets strict guidelines set forth by the Sport Authority of Canada (SOC). These guidelines call for both advanced technical racing techniques and advanced motorcycle engineering. Although these regulations have been in place since inception, the addition of classic motorbikes to the list of eligible competitors sparked an immediate controversy. In the face of this development, the UFC developed an official stance that, should a competitor break any of the current rules, he or she will be excluded from competing in the MMA grand Prix tournaments. With this in mind, all but two of the current grand Prix motorcycles participating in the MOTOGP competition were banned from being used in future bouts.
With the UFC banning the majority of superbike bikes from participation in the MOTOGP championship series, the sport as a whole was effectively killed off in the U.K. Although some countries, like the U.K., allowed superbikes to be entered in the championship events, other countries, such as the U.S., made it clear that they would not sanction motorcycle road racing as a sport. The lack of interest caused the UFC to announce that it is no longer planning to hold any further events with the motocross category. With this move, the only possible motorbike racing available to the U.K. is endurance racing.
As a result, those interested in pursuing motorbike racing had to shift their interest to something else. Two-stroke engines are not compatible with 500 cc two-stroke engines, which are the only engines permitted to take part in the MOTOGP. After months of deliberation, the U.K.’s motorbike manufacturers finally agreed to allow superbikes to be entered in the MOTOGP, but with restrictions placed on the power of two-stroke engines. The restriction lists include performance parts, such as special mounts for bodywork, exhaust systems, and lowering of the ground.
In order to qualify for the MOTOGP class, a superbike must have at least two cylinders lower than the approved maximum of six cylinders on a regular bike. To test this, the superbike must be built using approved components. Only engines of a certain minimum weight are allowed to compete in the MOTOGP. Superbikes with engine sizes below the minimum weight and with combustion pressures below the approved maximum can still take part in the MOTOGP but without qualifying for the premier class.
The latest addition to the motor class is the Suzuki casey stoner. The casey stoner was developed specifically for the specific motorbike builder, Suzuki, who is based in Italy. The casey stoner is a smaller version of the Suzuki hypercar and was first produced for the professional and enthusiast market. The production has increased over the years and now incorporates many of the features of the hypercar, including flat-fours, which allow for better weight distribution and greater stiffness. Although it lacks the extravagance of some of the hypercars, it is a powerful little bike that is sure to please any true motorcycle enthusiast.