KTM LIFTS RC16 REV LIMIT FOR MISANO AFTER ENGINE PROTECTION MEASURE

KTM has been forced to hold back part of the performance of its RC16 in recent MotoGP rounds after engine issues led the Austrian manufacturer to take a precautionary step: it reduced the maximum rev limit by 500 rpm. That restriction is set to end starting with next weekend’s race in Misano, when KTM expects to be able to use the full rev range again.

For KTM test rider Pol Espargaro, the impact of losing those 500 rpm was far more significant than simply reducing top speed. He said he hopes KTM can “get it back” in Misano, explaining that extra revs matter not only for what fans typically associate with higher engine speed—such as running in higher gears and achieving greater top-end pace.

According to Espargaro, the bigger problem came from how the reduced rev band affected the bike’s gearing and overall setup. On some circuits, the RC16 did not have enough revs available to stay in the right gear all the way to the next braking point. As a result, KTM had to make compromises with the transmission ratio.

Espargaro described the chain reaction clearly: “Sometimes you have to adjust the gearbox differently, because the engine hits the limiter so early and you miss those 500 revs to get to the next corner.” He added that this means the entire gearing configuration has to be changed, and that change then influences every corner on the lap. In his view, that makes the situation “pretty critical,” because the effect is not confined to a single section of track.

With the rev limit restriction lifted for Misano, Espargaro believes KTM is getting the timing right. He said, “If we get the revs back in Misano, that would be fantastic,” and pointed to the circuit’s characteristics: Misano has a lot of grip and requires strong acceleration out of corners. He expects that a few additional engine revs will help there.

The return to the RC16’s usual rev range will benefit KTM riders including Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, and Enea Bastianini, as well as Espargaro himself. For KTM, the change is not just about more engine power—it also restores greater freedom in how the motorcycle can be tuned and geared for the full lap.