Aleix Espargaro Says New 850cc MotoGP Bike Is Wilder, Lighter and Much More Fun Than Current Machines

Aleix Espargaro has delivered his first major verdict on MotoGP's upcoming 850cc generation, describing the future machines as significantly more exciting and enjoyable to ride than the current 1000cc bikes. The Honda test rider also believes the new regulations could dramatically improve on-track battles.

Espargaro is one of only a handful of riders who has already sampled an early 2027 MotoGP prototype. Although he admitted he is still restricted from revealing full technical details, the Spaniard provided important insight into how MotoGP's next technical era is beginning to reshape bike behaviour following the switch to 850cc engines, Pirelli tyres, the removal of ride-height devices and tighter aerodynamic limitations.

"I'm not really allowed to talk too much about the 850cc project, but what I can say is that the bike is very fun. The riders are going to enjoy it a lot more. It's much more fun than the current 1000cc bike," Espargaro explained to MotoGP.com in Catalunya.

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According to Espargaro, one of the biggest changes comes from the more manageable engine characteristics. With reduced low-end torque compared to current MotoGP machinery, riders are able to carry more speed through the apex without relying as heavily on aggressive electronic intervention.

"The Pirelli tyres have a huge amount of grip and with slightly less torque at low speed, you can attack the apex much more. The bike is also more than 10 kilograms lighter, so the direction changes are incredibly fast," Espargaro added.

The reduction in overall weight forms a key part of MotoGP's new technical philosophy. Over recent seasons, many riders have criticised modern MotoGP bikes for becoming too heavy, too dependent on aerodynamics and increasingly difficult to race closely because of turbulent airflow. The 2027 regulations aim to reduce those effects while encouraging more direct rider battles.

Espargaro also became one of the first riders to suggest that the reduction from 1000cc to 850cc may not dramatically slow overall lap times. According to the Spaniard, the performance difference between the two generations is already much smaller than many inside the paddock originally expected.

"I cannot reveal many numbers, but we compared the 1000cc bike and the 850cc bike, and they are much closer than people think," Espargaro revealed.

The comments reinforce growing confidence that MotoGP's 2027 era will maintain extremely high performance levels despite placing greater emphasis on safety, efficiency and racing quality. With lighter bikes, simplified aerodynamics and different tyre characteristics, the paddock hopes riders will once again be able to fight more closely on track.

At the same time, Espargaro himself is still recovering from a major high-side accident suffered during a private Honda test at Sepang last month. The former Aprilia rider explained that he damaged four vertebrae after losing control under braking on Sepang's back straight.

"It was completely my mistake. I braked too late, locked the rear wheel and got thrown off. Probably the biggest crash of my career. I destroyed four vertebrae, but luckily the surgery went very well," Espargaro said.

Espargaro hopes to return to Honda's testing programme later this summer once the latest 850cc prototype arrives directly from Japan. With development of MotoGP's next regulation cycle entering a crucial phase, the role of experienced test riders is expected to become increasingly important in shaping the future technical direction of the championship.