This is the sixth season with the Moto3 specification KTM RC 250 R 4-stroke as we switched in 2013 from the 2-stroke KTM RC 125 that had powered the Rookies for the first 6 seasons.
Just as the RC 125 was a close brother to the 125cc GP machines raced by the KTM factory so successfully, the RC 250 R is a reflection of the factory KTM Moto3 machine. It is the start of another great lineage, the 2012 factory KTM won the 2012 Moto3 World Championship in the hands of Sandro Cortese and in 2013 KTMs filled the top four places. The success continued through 2016 with ex Rookie Brad Binder winning the Moto3 World Championship
For the 25 Rookies the first chance to ride the KTMs in 2018 came at the preseason test held in Jerez with four days on track, April 43rd - 6th . Riders come from across the globe, from Japan to the USA and Columbia and across Europe from Spain to the Czech Republic.
The Grand Prix paddock watches the intense action of the Rookies races picking out future stars and the Rookies themselves study their Grand Prix heroes in action looking for tips and inspiration. They get both from the Red Bull Ajo KTM team with ex Rookie Darryn Binder, brother of 2016 Moto3 World Champions Brad, looking for Moto3 glory in 2018.
| ROOKIES CUP KTM RC 250 R ROOKIES | Technical Details: | |
|---|---|
| ENGINE: | Single cylinder, liquid cooled / 4-stroke / DOHC |
| DISPLACEMENT: | 249,5 ccm / |
| BORE X STROKE: | 81 x 48,5 mm |
| PERFORMANCE: | min. 37 kW at 13.000 rpm |
| ENGINE SPEED: | max. 13.500 rpm |
| FRONT SUSPENSION: | WP / DM 45 mm, RCMA3548 |
| REAR SUSPENSION: | WP / BAVP 4618, adjustable length, hydraulic preload |
| FRONT BRAKE: | Brembo Radial calliper, 290 mm single Galfer disc |
| REAR BRAKE: | Formula brake system, 190mm Galfer disc |
| RIMS FRONT/REAR: | OZ Forged Aluminium 2,5 x 17 / 3,5 x 17 |
| TIRES FRONT/REAR: | Dunlop 95/70-17 / 115/70-17 |
| EXHAUST SYSTEM: | Akrapovic Full Titanium GP EVO6 Twin Megaphone System (max. 115 dB) |
| FRAME: | Tubular steel with adjustable headstock and swing arm pivot |
| DRY WEIGHT: | approx. 80,5 kg |
| TANK CAPACITY: | approx. 11 litres |
| GENES: | GP125 - geometry, ergonomics, aerodynamic, components MotoGP Motor - Cylinder head and throttle body layout RC8 R SBK- electronics, frame knowhow, material/machining MX - lubrication system, gear box, clutch, kinematics valve train |
| TECHNOLOGIES: | WP Suspension WP Radiator: Water radiator + oil-water heat exchanger WP Components: Frame manufacturing Speedfiber: Bodywork |
| KTM TECHNOLOGIES: | Kiska - Industrial Design Pankl - Racing Systems |
