CCM poised to return to motocross in 2008
By TMX Archives on 31st Aug 07
Britain's, Bolton based motorcycle manufacturer CCM is poised to return to top level motocross with an exciting project that has been developed behind closed doors over the last two years. The attached drawing reveals a flavour of the machine that will be launched in the flesh at one of the major two wheel shows later this year. Whilst the production version is not scheduled to be on sale until the second half of 2009, CCM are set to return to the racing arena with a prototype model early in 2008.
With a great history and heritage of racing success alongside names such asJohn Banks, Bob Wright, Greg Hanson and the late Donny Schmidt, CCM is currentlyin negotiations with a handpicked selection of top ten British motocross ridersready for their full assault on the MX1 Maxxis Championship next year. With theright results, CCM is also looking at the opportunity of making a fewappearances on the World stage in 2008 in readiness for full campaigns in 2009/2010. Aside from contracting a suitable rider, CCM is also in the process ofrecruiting other key personnel to work under the guidance of newly appointedrace team manager, Bob Bratcher who has more than twenty years experience on theGrand Prix motocross scene.
Just twelve handmade bikes will be producedpurely for team use in 2008, these will not only hopefully propel CCM back tothe winners' rostrum, but will also be the testing ground for future productionmodels. Whilst exact technical details cannot be released at this moment, thebikes will incorporate several revolutionary features. These include a uniquebonded aluminium chassis that is being developed in conjunction with engineersfrom Aston Martin and Lotus, and will be a first for the motocross World. Thebike has been designed to run on Bio-Ethanol E85 fuel and will use a one-piececarbon fibre sub-frame / airbox.
The CMX450, as the project has been codenamed, is based on a single cylinder 450cc, liquid cooled four stroke enginewith five valves and a DOHC. This will be fed via a Keihin carburettor that willbe supplied by the eight-litre handmade carbon fibre fuel tank. A titaniumexhaust system rounds out a bike that in every sense will be a true factoryspecial.
CCM's Managing Director Gary Harthern confirmed the importanceof this project to the company. This is a very exciting development for CCM andone we have been working on for sometime. We still believe in the race onSunday, sell on Monday' approach to reinforce to our customers the pedigree ofthe bikes we build, so it will be great to be back racing at a highlevel.
We have won domestic titles and even the World Four strokechampionship with Donny Schmidt, but despite coming close, never a GP, nor aWorld title. Whilst we know it is going to be a tough road ahead, I feel we canbe on the pace next year at British level before moving up to the Worldchampionship in 2009. I think people will be impressed at the highly technicalnature of the CMX450 when it breaks cover later in the year. ConcludedHarthern.
CMX 450 SPECIFICATION
Engine - single cylinder, liquidcooled 4 stroke DOHC, 5 valve
Displacement - 449cc
Bore x stroke - 95.0 x 63.4 mm
Compression ratio - 12.3:1
Lubrication system - dry sump
Fuel system - Keihin FCR-MX39/1
Clutch - wet multiple plate
Ignition system - CDI
Starter system - kick
Transmission system - constant mesh, 5 speed
Final transmission - chain
Fuel tank capacity - 8 litres
Oil tank capacity - 1.2 litres
Chassis
Frame - Lightweight aluminium cnc machined link-bond technology -weldless bonded chassis
Subframe - Carbon fibre rear subframe / airbox , one piece
Fuel tank - 8 litre carbon fibre
Front suspension White Power / Ohlins TTX
Rear suspension - Linkless rising rate White Power / Ohlins TTX
Suspension travel front / rear - 300 / 335 mm
Brakes front / rear - Disc, 260/220 mm
Tyres front / rear - Dunlop, 80/100-21" 110/90-19"
Wheels -Talon
Exhaust -Titanium
Steering angle - 26.5 degrees
Wheelbase - 1475mm
Ground clearance - 385mm
Seat height - 925mm
Weight -100kg
CCM Motorcycles Unit 1B Jubilee Works Vale Street Bolton UK BL2 6QF
T: 01204 544930 F: 01204 544931 E: info@ccm-motorcycles.net
