Why MotoGP is going backwards...

[trevor]

Very interesting article....

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/race/motogp-race/why-motogp-is-going-backwards/

[bobgroger]

Interesting. Probably coming to a dealer near you next year...

[Buffalo Bill]

I think I understand how changing the direction of engine rotation reduces the gyroscopic effect of the wheels, …sorta.
What I don't understand is why this was never research tested by GP teams years ago with the 2 stoke engines?
Oh, forgot, the Suzuki Gamma square 4 engine had two counter rotating crankshafts. Maybe all of the other engines too.
I can't remember any riders commenting on losing a turning advantage when everybody moved to 4 stroke engines?

[Dogma]

A motorcycle’s spinning wheels create gyroscopic effect that keeps the machine going straight

This is unclear, or an oversimplification. The gyroscopic effects contribute, but are not the primary mechanism. Not even a direct mechanism.

Look here for explanation and demonstrations of what really keeps a bike pointed, and how we upset that to make it turn:

At GP speeds (or even highway speeds), gyro effects do become much more significant, making the bike harder to lean and turn.