MotoGP Analysis: How Kalex Took Over Moto2, In The March Issue

MotoGP Analysis: How Kalex Took Over Moto2, In The March Issue

© 2022, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Featured In the March 2022 issue of Roadracing World:

          A decade and a half ago, Klaus Hirsekorn and Alex Baumgartel (K and Alex for Kalex) worked for Holzer Motorsport, which ran Opel’s DTM car-racing operation and still works in the sport, building prototypes for Porsche and other automobile brands.

       But Hirsekorn and Baumgartel were motorcycle freaks at heart, so they started building bikes, just for track-day fun. Their first chassis—housing an Aprilia RSV Mille engine—worked so well they put Aussie racer Damian Cudlin on the bike. Straight away Cudlin started winning races. 

        “We thought, ‘Hmm, maybe this thing isn’t so bad,’ ” says Baumgartel, Kalex’s designer. “So we said, ‘OK, let’s quit our jobs and try to survive in the motorcycle world.’ We wanted to make track bikes. 

        “The first few years were difficult times, moneywise. We were designing, testing, riding, and racing, plus I was doing freelance car work, trying to get some money. Then in 2009 the Moto2 regulations popped up. We said, ‘OK, this is our chance. Let’s invest all we’ve got…’”

            —MotoGP Analysis: How Kalex Took Over Moto2, by Mat Oxley

 

            Over the past 10 years Kalex has won more Grand Prix races and World Championships than Ducati, Suzuki, and Yamaha combined. Kalex is the third most successful constructor in MotoGP’s intermediate class, with just Yamaha and Honda ahead. How did a tiny company reach such dizzy heights? MotoGP Editor Mat Oxley outlines Kalex’s road to success in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information. 

PREVIEW  the March 2022 Issue of Roadracing World!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Read the March 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription. Log in HERE

Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.

Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world

 

Latest Posts

Video: MotoGP Safety Car Crashes At Red Bull Grand Prix Of The Americas

In addition to all of the starting grid confusion...

British Superbike: Defending Championship Team Not Racing In 2025

The 2024 British Superbike Championship-winning team has withdrawn from...

Chris Clark Becomes First American To Win An R3 World Cup Race

Chris Clark had a dream start to the 2025...

Video: Stuman Rides The Kawasaki ZX-4RR At Chuckwalla

Former racer and track day instructor Stu Smith rides...

First Person/Opinion: Nick Ienatsch Imagines His Future

Fatal State Fair Accident Provides Insight into Future Motorcyclists Involved...