FTR Moto unveil Moto2 race bike

These are the first pictures of the new Moto2 machine built by FTR Moto, unveiled today at the Sports Bar and Grill, Marylebone Station in London.

The bike is known as FTR Moto M209 and has been built to race in next year’s new world championship four-stroke Moto2 class that is restricted to a control Honda engine formula and replaces the open two-stroke GP250s.

FTR Moto director Steve Bones said: “We’ve been involved in the industry (known as Fabrication Techniques) for 15 years building frames and parts for various race teams including Kenny Roberts, Foggy Petronas and KTM, but this new formula allows us to compete directly in the championship with a bike built using all of our expertise.”

The Buckinghamshire-based manufacture has teamed up with Spanish-based Joe Darcey Team to race the bike in the final three rounds of the Spanish national series, starting this weekend at Montmelo circuit Barcelona on October 9-11 with local rider Diego Lozano.

But for the final two rounds of the series at Jerez and Valencia, Graeme Gowland will ride the bike – renewing an old association with the Joe Darcey team. He won the Spanish Supersport title with them in 2007.

Gowland said: “I first saw the bike two months ago when it was still a mock-up but to see it finished now is just unreal.

“The chance to race a real prototype machine is so exciting for me. It’s good to link back with the Joe Darcey team again. I know how the guys work and can’t wait to ride the bike.”