Vyrus 986 M2: The future of Moto2?

This is the 986 M2, a Honda CBR600RR-powered Moto2 racer, built by tiny Italian manufacturer Vyrus – or, in other words, one man called Ascanio Rodrigo.

Ascanio helped develop the original Bimota Tesi and, being based in the Rimini area, the home of Italian motorcycle racing, he knows everyone from Rossi to Simoncelli, to all the engineers at Ducati. You could spend all day talking bikes with this fascinating chap.

The 986 M2 has a ‘funny’ front end, among other technical innovations, including a laterally-mounted F1-style rear shock, underslung radiators, an ‘omega’ frame (using the engine as a stressed member) and a carbon-fibre monocoque tank and seat unit.

There are no telescopic forks, just a collection of rods, levers and rose joints connecting handlebars to the front wheel spindle, an arrangement which makes the Mousetrap board game look simple.

MCN was able to test the Vyrus at Misano in a world first ride, spending a day lapping the circuit. You can watch the Vyrus in action below and read the full test in this week’s issue of MCN (3 August), on sale now. Get MCN from only £1 an issue when you subscribe today.