Marco Bezzecchi
Heinz Kinigadner has privately shared that KTM have set a “less is more” approach for their 850cc engine after a private test with their 2027 MotoGP bike at Jerez this week.
KTM joined Yamaha and Aprilia at Jerez for the three-day test to further refine their 1,000cc machines for the 2026 MotoGP season, but also cast an eye towards the regulatory changes coming in 2027. Ducati also joined the private test late, as they put their 850cc bike on track.
MotoGP is moving from an engine capacity of 1,000cc to 850cc and will also further restrict aerodynamics in 2027 to make the series safer. Ducati’s 850cc bike is nearly three seconds a lap slower at Jerez with Michele Pirro compared to what Marc Marquez managed in 2025.
How important will lap times be if the 2027 MotoGP regulations fail to improve the racing?
Brad Binder should love KTM’s ‘less is more’ approach for their 850cc engine for 2027
What lap times MotoGP teams can achieve with their 850cc bikes will converge towards the times possible in the 1,000cc era with further development. But MOW reports that KTM are also set to continue the philosophy they have adopted this year by reducing their top speed.
READ MORE: 2027 MotoGP regulations explained, from 850cc engines to aero restrictions
KTM have sacrificed top speed to improve the RC16’s overall lap time in 2026, as having less power has allowed the Austrian crew to improve how their bike turns and manages its tyres. And key KTM consultant Kinigadner has indicated that they will also sacrifice power in 2027.
Kinigadner has privately claimed that KTM are adopting a “less is more” approach with their 850cc bike. MOW also adds that KTM’s 850cc engine that Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro tested at Jerez lacks around 30hp compared to their current 1,000cc engine in use this term.
Brad Binder and Maverick Vinales, as the only current KTM riders expected to ride for them in 2027, should be thrilled by Kinigadner’s revelation. Binder and Pedro Acosta proved at the Thailand Grand Prix that KTM sacrificing outright top speed this year was the right decision.
Brad Binder is likely to step down from KTM to Tech3 in the 2027 MotoGP season
Acosta won the Sprint at the Thailand GP and secured second place in the Grand Prix, which saw him leave Buriram leading the riders’ championship. Binder also earned P6 in the Sprint and P7 in the Grand Prix in Thailand, where the Aprilia RS-GP was clearly the bike to beat.
Now, KTM copying their less is more approach for their 2027 bike should delight Binder and Vinales. While Acosta is set to sign for Ducati, it is said that KTM have already told Vinales he will join their factory team in 2027 after impressing the Austrian squad with Tech3 last year.
It is also said that KTM are signing Alex Marquez of Gresini for 2027 to partner with Vinales, which will force Binder out of their works garage. But Motorsport.com now reports that it is ‘likely’ Binder will agree to step down to Tech3 to remain a part of the KTM stable next year.
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