Sabre V4
Encyclopedia
The Sabre V4 was a 500 cc two-stroke motorcycle
that competed in the 2001 500 cc World Championship
. It utilised a Yamaha YZR500
engine which was housed in a custom made frame.
and while they had respectable results, realised that a V4 was needed to run further up the order.
. It finished the Constructors Championship in fifth place on 6 points (3 points ahead of the Pulse
team).
Whilst development of the Sabre was ongoing throughout the year, the future of two-stroke 500 cc racing was in severe doubt with the impending arrival in the class of four-stroke 990 cc machines, which were to eventually make the two strokes redundant. The FIM
also declared that only eleven teams would be allocated grid slots for the next five years. As the Sabre team was the most recent team to join and the class was already fully subscribed, they were not allocated a grid slot for 2002.
The Sabre V4 only raced once more at the Macau Grand Prix
in November 2002 where rider Chris Palmer scored 14th position, after qualifying in 20th.
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
that competed in the 2001 500 cc World Championship
2001 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season
This article recaps the 2001 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season.-Season summary:2001 was the end of the 500 cc era in Grand Prix motorcycle racing; in 2002 the premier class would be renamed MotoGP and dominated by 4-stroke 990 cc machines. However, 2001 was the beginning of another era, that of...
. It utilised a Yamaha YZR500
Yamaha YZR500
The YZR500 was the Yamaha Motor Corporation’s entry for 500cc Grand Prix motorcycle racing between the years of 1973 and 2002.- Successes :...
engine which was housed in a custom made frame.
Background
Sabre Sports had been offered a slot in the 250 cc World Championship midway through the 1999 season, to replace the Docshop 250 team. Their performance led to the offer being extended to the 500 cc class for 2000. During this year the team ran a Honda NSR500VHonda NSR500V
The Honda NSR500V is a race motorcycle from the Honda NSR series. It was designed and manufactured by HRC and debuted in 1996 for the Grand Prix motorcycle racing's 500 cc class...
and while they had respectable results, realised that a V4 was needed to run further up the order.
Machine development
Unable to lease a V4 from any manufacturer, the team decided to build its own bike around a 1994 YZR500 (OWF9) engine, a version generally regarded as one of the best of the YZR designs. Standard YZR crankcases and gearbox were used and custom engine internals, exhausts and ignition systems were added letting the engine output some 175 BHP. The chassis was designed and manufactured by Sabre Sports Ltd.Racing history
Johann Stigefelt was contracted to ride the Sabre during 2001 and put in some good performances, regularly being the best privateer in the field. The machine scored points on three occasions, its best being a 13th at the Portuguese Grand PrixPortuguese motorcycle Grand Prix
The Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix is a motorcycling event that is part of the Grand Prix motorcycle racing season.The event was held twice in the 1980s in Spanish circuits. It returned to Portugal after the Estoril Circuit was homologated for international motorcycle racing.-Multiple winners...
. It finished the Constructors Championship in fifth place on 6 points (3 points ahead of the Pulse
Pulse 500
The Pulse GP team was formed by Dave Stewart, ex-team manager of BSL. Stewart had left BSL at the end of 2000 with the intention of setting up his own European-based GP team the following year. The Pulse 500 competed in the 2001 500 cc World Championship....
team).
Whilst development of the Sabre was ongoing throughout the year, the future of two-stroke 500 cc racing was in severe doubt with the impending arrival in the class of four-stroke 990 cc machines, which were to eventually make the two strokes redundant. The FIM
Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme is the governing body of motorcycle racing. It represents 103 national motorcycle federations that are divided into six regional continental unions....
also declared that only eleven teams would be allocated grid slots for the next five years. As the Sabre team was the most recent team to join and the class was already fully subscribed, they were not allocated a grid slot for 2002.
The Sabre V4 only raced once more at the Macau Grand Prix
Macau Grand Prix
The Macau Grand Prix is a motor-racing event held annually in Macau, one of China's Special Administrative Regions. It is known for being the only street circuit racing event in which both car and motorcycle races are held...
in November 2002 where rider Chris Palmer scored 14th position, after qualifying in 20th.
Specifications
| Sabre V4 Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type: | 2-stroke water-cooled 500 cc V4 | |
| Max Power: | claimed 175 BHP | |
| Final Drive: | Chain | |
| Suspension: | Front: Inverted telescopic Rear: Öhlins mono shock |
|
| Tyres: | Dunlop | |
| Brake System: | Front: Carbon composite disc, Nissin 4 pot calipers Rear: steel disc |
|