2027 MotoGP Rule Changes Set to Give Yamaha’s Inline 4 Engine a Competitive Edge: Expert Analysis

Upcoming 2027 MotoGP regulations may offer significant advantages to Yamaha's inline-four engine.

The shift to an 850cc engine capacity, down from 1000cc, along with a reduced bore size for the 2027 MotoGP season, may prove advantageous for Yamaha's M1.

This is the perspective of Neil Spalding, a MotoGP technical journalist and author, who shared his thoughts on the OMG! MotoGP podcast.

"If you examine the updated regulations, you'll see that every significant technical element has been reduced by 10 percent. I completely support this change. It's well-executed and, in my opinion, the rulebook is very well-crafted."

"All the manufacturers need to create new cylinder heads due to the reduction in bore size. Yamaha likely needs to develop a new engine, but they were probably already planning to do so regardless."

"This is highly advantageous for Yamaha."

Here is the rewritten text in English:

“A V4 engine, which is utilized by all of Yamaha's competitors, can now be constructed to be 12mm narrower, reducing 6mm from each cylinder bore. However, the question remains—does this really make a significant difference? Frankly, many of them may not find it worthwhile. Instead, they might opt to simply use smaller pistons with the existing crankcases.”

"The Yamaha faces challenges due to its four-cylinder inline design, making it 'too wide.' However, advancements now allow for a reduction in the engine's width by an inch, achieved by trimming 6mm from each cylinder bore (6mm x 4 = 24mm)."

"This implies it can turn into corners more swiftly. It has a narrower build."

"This also allows their radiators to function effectively. This used to be a problem. In the past, when Michelins were used (before the era of a single tire manufacturer), the front tire was positioned very close to the radiator, and the engines generated so much heat that effective cooling was not possible."

“There were multiple races in which Rossi was eager to pass and position himself in the clean air ahead of the motorcycle in front of him.

"With the Bridgestone tires, which required less weight on the front tire, the front wheel was moved two inches farther from the radiator, allowing the Yamahas to cool effectively."

“We’ve returned to using Michelin tires, and the front tire now requires more weight and is positioned nearer to the radiator. However, by 2027, we can reduce the engine's size behind the radiator by an inch, allowing for better airflow around it. This is a significant development for Yamaha.”

Spalding also forecasts significant efforts from Honda, another Japanese manufacturer facing challenges, in the coming one to two years.

The new regulations set for 2027 are expected to have a significant impact, likely resolving the issue with front tire temperatures. Additionally, there's curiosity about which rider Honda will choose to sign, not immediately, but for the 2026 season.

"In 2006, they went all out to create a unique bike for Nicky Hayden, which led to a championship win. Fast forward to 2012, nearing the end of the era of 800cc bikes, they hadn’t secured a championship with those bikes yet, so they made a determined effort. They managed to get Stoner on the bike in the final year and clinched the title."

"New regulations are set to take effect in 2027. I'm willing to bet that Honda will both disrupt the rider market and make a significant effort to clinch the 2026 world championship, regardless of the expense."

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