Since its beginnings in 1949, Grand Prix motorcycle racing has hosted an ever-changing field of motorcycle classes and sizes. Grand Prix enthusiast Peter Subtelny offers some information on one of the fastest and most dangerous sports in the world.

Q: What were the different classes of motorcycles allowed in Grand Prix racing early on?
A: The Grand Prix rules have changed over the years. At first, bikes with 500 cc, 350 cc, 250 cc, and 125 cc engines were allowed to race. Up until the 1990s, they even had a sidecar class.

Q: What motorcycles are currently allowed to compete?
A: The field is now divided into three classes. Moto3 class is comprised of 250 cc, 4-stroke engine motorcycles. The Moto2 class is limited to 600 cc motorcycles. The MotoGP class consists of motorcycles with 1000 cc engines.

Q: Are there any other restrictions or requirements on the motorcycles?
A: Each class has a number of restrictions including weight limitations, engine specifics, fuel limitations, and brake and tire regulations.

Peter Subtelny is a motorcycle racing devotee who races motocross and Grand Prix in his spare time. He is currently Senior Mechanical Engineer at INEOS Olefins & Polymers in La Porte, Texas.



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