Triumph’s 2023 Moto2 big boost: How Triumph have squeezed more from their triple, without sacrificing reliability

Moto2 engine suppliers, Triumph, are gunning for higher top speeds, more overtaking and greater excitement from 2023 – with the firm announcing significant upgrades to their circa 140bhp, 765cc racing triple. The factory took over from Honda as the official engine supplier in 2019 and have since signed a three-year contract extension.  

“There was a lot of discussion around, ‘if we do the extension how do we keep the series interesting?’” Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent told MCN. “So we said: ‘Well, if we’re going to do this, what do we do in terms of keeping things moving forward?’  

“I don’t think it’s any secret that when Honda were supplying engines they kept the [same spec] the whole way through, so it’s a way of creating interest – not just for people watching but also for people involved to be able to say: ‘Hang on, we’ve got something a little bit fresh here.’ It keeps the interest going.” 

As a result, Triumph say their 2023 Moto2 engines will produce an extra 5bhp with a 400rpm higher rev ceiling. 

“There is more straightline punch,” Sargent continued. “We’ve already changed the gear ratios and the extra rpm. Next season we’ll be able to deliver the power.  

“Through those two [upgrades] , I think you’ll be able to start to see a lot more overtaking towards the end of some of the longer straights.” 

So, how do you eke out more performance without risking reliability? “The key is having those first three seasons under our belts. Somebody calculated we’ve done close to a million kilometres of racing. That gives us confidence.  

“When we kicked off Moto2 with [GP bosses] Dorna one of the key things that they said to us was ‘reliability is paramount’.” 

To achieve this, Triumph have focused on increasing cylinder pressure, compression ratio and altering the camshaft profiles.

“Cylinder pressures have gone from 85 to 90bar and compression from 13:1 to 13.5:1. There are some components you have to change to cope,” Sargent said.  

“We’ve got higher grade material on the pistons, strengthened conrods, and made changes to the crankshaft. The other side is getting more flow through the head, so we’ve got higher flow inlet ports and made changes to the camshaft profiles – both of those require changes to the valves and springs.” 

Not only will these changes benefit the racing, Sargent says the development filters directly into the next generation of Triumph triples, adding: “All the things we learn from Moto2, like getting flow around the cylinder head, are valid for all of our triple engines. Does this feed back into the production bikes? Yes, absolutely.” 

Triumph Moto2 engine upgrades in detail 

Mr Reliable: Reliability was a key driver in the development of Triumph’s original Moto2 engine. Three years on, with extensive experience and data accrued, it remains a priority. 

Tested to the limit: All the changes have been made following over a million race kilometres, comprehensive inspections and extensive test bench and track testing in the UK. 

Let it flow: To feed the bigger bangs and increased rev ceiling, higher flow inlet ports and revised cam profiles enable an increased mixture flow into the combustion chambers. 

Under pressure: Increased cylinder pressure and compression are both key to the extra performance. Cylinder pressure has gone from 85 to 90bar and compression from 13:1 to 13.5:1. 

Give me strength: More power and engine speed required stronger engine components, so pistons have a higher grade material. Rods, crank valves and springs are all new.