Formula One Motocrosser?
FORMULA ONE MOTOCROSSER?
ROUNDUP
TAKE FOUR ITALIANS with links to Formula One racing and a passion for motocross, and what you end up with is the bike shown here. The WRM 450
(www.wrm-motorcycles.it) is a prototype powered by an ohc four-stroke Single with a composite carbon-fiber/kevlar/steel/aluminum frame and swingarm that was born because its creators wanted to push the limits of dirtbike technology. Alex and Yuri Balestra own a factory that specializes in manufacturing carbon-fiber parts for F-1 racecars, mountain bikes, etc. Secondo Leoni, the frame project leader, is the soul of GL Products, and is a famous consultant for many European brands. And Iller Aldini, the engine project leader, has had a hand in many world MX titles with the factory Suzukis and Team Rinaldi Yamahas.
The WRM 450 is now ready, and after the first dyno and racetrack tests, the results are very good; in fact, the engine proved to be more powerful than the best stock 450cc MX engines. Handling is no problem, because fork angle and frame rigidity are both adjustable to suit rider preference.
As for the future, WRM will compete in select MX races in the second half of the
2005 season, and the “Fab Four” are currently working to build another 10 prototypes plus a supermoto version. Before autumn, there will be a limited production run. Price is not fixed.
-Giuseppe Gori
