Preparations for Triumph's debut as engine manufacturer for Moto2 in 2019 are ongoing with Julian Simon testing the 765cc engine with the Magneti Marelli ECU at Aragon last week. Up until now it has looked like a 765cc engine in a Daytona 675 package, but bit by bit it is looking more like a new machine.
The 765cc engine - yes, the one in the Street Triple 765 - will be the sole engine in Moto2 from the 2019 season, and many companies are already way down the route of producing chassis for the various race teams. Kalex showed off their chassis design recently, and KTM are working at it too.
The engine has been married to the Magneti Marelli ECU (which will be the sole ECU form the 2019 season) and Julian Simon was testing it at Aragon last week. The machine had a completely redesigned fairing with a larger air vent for the airbox. Chassis manufacturers are now apparently waiting for the results of the testing before continuing with frame development - the ECU and engine will need to be matched to get the best performance.
The question is, though, is this new fairing design specifically for Moto2 or a possible design for a Daytona 765? Triumph have always insisted that the machines are purely test mules for the 765cc engine - but is this a bit too much work for a test mule, or is it only what's needed to get the engine and ECU working optimally?
