Supersport manufacturers are opting for larger engine capacities – Triumph is set to follow suit in 2027

Since 2022, the Supersport World Championship has been governed by the ‘Next Generation Rules’, which have seen the classic 600cc four-cylinder bikes replaced by machines with significantly larger engine capacities. Honda continues to compete with the CBR600RR, whilst Kawasaki has increased the ZX6R’s displacement to 636 cc. All other participating manufacturers – Ducati, MV Agusta, QJ Motor, Triumph, Yamaha and ZX Moto – now have bikes with engine capacities ranging from 765 to 955 cc. Should KTM join the series in 2027, the Austrian manufacturer would field the 990 RC R.

At the end of June, SPEEDWEEK.com reported on Triumph’s plans to compete in the Moto2 World Championship with a larger engine from 2027 onwards. In 2019, the British manufacturer took over the equipment for the middleweight category in Grand Prix racing and has since been supplying 765 cc three-cylinder engines.

Engine capacity is based on market needs

“We have always said that the development of the Moto2 and production engines go hand in hand,” confirmed Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Manager, to SPEEDWEEK.com. “Whatever we develop for Moto2 will also form part of a production motorbike. At the same time, we must bear in mind that the engine we are developing must meet the needs of the market.”

These needs are clear: customers are increasingly favouring supersport bikes with larger engine capacities, but no longer want to pay for a superbike with 60 to 80 PS.

Triumph Street Triple 765 RS gets more displacement

The basis of the current Moto2 engine is identical to that of the Street Triple 765 RS, which is used in the Supersport World Championship. The news is already out: the 2027 production model will feature an 800 ccm engine, and Triumph riders can look forward to extra torque, which will make the task of competing against the powerful Ducatis and Yamahas a little easier.

Simon Buckmaster’s PTR team has been responsible for the factory-backed entry in the Supersport World Championship for years, with Englishman Tom Booth-Amos and Australian Oli Bayliss on the grid this year. Ahead of their home races at Donington Park this coming weekend, they sit in 6th and 14th place in the World Championship standings and have secured a combined total of five podium finishes this season.

Triumph-Manager Steve Sargent (li.) mit Simon Buckmaster

Foto: gold & goose