BSL 500 V3
Encyclopedia
The BSL 500 V3 was a 500cc two stroke V3 which competed in the Grand Prix Motorcycle World Championship
in 1999
and 2000
. It was the brainchild of New Zealand businessman Bill Buckley, and was designed and built as a showcase for Buckleys engineering company. Its engine was designed in 3D CAD and manufactured using a rapid, patternless casting method, in which the CAD data was used to make ceramic moulds for the engine components. This process greatly reduced the time and expense associated with conventional methods of sand casting.
. Two bikes ridden by Australians Mark Willis and John Allen both failed to qualify. The bike recorded its first result at Round 3, the Spanish Grand Prix
, ridden by Willis who finished 18th. It was a troubled year however, as the bike regularly suffered mechanical problems. Willis failed to qualify for three out of the first four races entered and the team decided from Round 10 at Brno
to continue the season on a leased Modenas
KR3
, while continuing development of the BSL. On the leased machine Willis scored 3 points and finished joint 27th in the Championship.
but failed to qualify.
Although the BSL was granted wildcard status by the F.I.M.
to any Grand Prix for the following season, it never raced in the 500cc class again.
Grand Prix motorcycle racing
Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix is the premier championship of motorcycle road racing currently divided into three distinct classes: 125cc, Moto2 and MotoGP. The 125cc class uses a two-stroke engine while Moto2 and MotoGP use four-stroke engines. In 2010 the 250cc two-stroke was replaced...
in 1999
1999 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season
The 1999 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season was the 51st F.I.M. Road Racing World Championship season.-Season summary:The dominant reign of Honda's Mick Doohan came to an end with serious injuries suffered in practice for the Spanish Grand Prix. In his absence, his Honda team-mate Àlex Crivillé...
and 2000
2000 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season
The 2000 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season was the 52nd F.I.M. Road Racing World Championship season.-Season summary:Kenny Roberts, Jr. fulfilled the promise of his 2nd place in 1999 by winning the championship for 2000 with 2 races to spare...
. It was the brainchild of New Zealand businessman Bill Buckley, and was designed and built as a showcase for Buckleys engineering company. Its engine was designed in 3D CAD and manufactured using a rapid, patternless casting method, in which the CAD data was used to make ceramic moulds for the engine components. This process greatly reduced the time and expense associated with conventional methods of sand casting.
1999
The BSL, in distinctive green and orange livery, made its debut at Round 1 of the world championship; the 1999 Malaysian Grand Prix1999 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix
The 1999 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix was the first round of the 1999 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season. It took place on April 18, 1999 at the Sepang International Circuit.-500cc classification:-250cc classification:-125cc classification:...
. Two bikes ridden by Australians Mark Willis and John Allen both failed to qualify. The bike recorded its first result at Round 3, the Spanish Grand Prix
1999 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix
The 1999 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix was the third round of the 1999 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season. It took place on May 9, 1999 at the Circuito Permanente de Jerez.-500cc classification:-250cc classification:-125cc classification:...
, ridden by Willis who finished 18th. It was a troubled year however, as the bike regularly suffered mechanical problems. Willis failed to qualify for three out of the first four races entered and the team decided from Round 10 at Brno
1999 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix
The 1999 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix was the tenth round of the 1999 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season. It took place on August 22, 1999 at the Masaryk Circuit located in Brno, Czech Republic.-500cc classification:-250cc classification:...
to continue the season on a leased Modenas
Modenas
Syarikat Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn. Bhd , or known as Modenas for short is a Malaysian national motorcycle company producing various small motorcycle models below 200 cc targeted for local market and export...
KR3
Kenny Roberts
Kenneth Leroy Roberts is a former motorcycle racer and racing team owner. In 1978, he became the first American to win a Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championship. He was also a two-time winner of the A.M.A. Grand National Championship...
, while continuing development of the BSL. On the leased machine Willis scored 3 points and finished joint 27th in the Championship.
2000
Development work continued over the winter of 1999 and throughout 2000, and the BSL again entered the 500 championship at selected rounds as a wild card entry. It was another bad year as the bike continued to be problematic, and failed to score any points. Mark Willis once more rode for the team, but left when he was offered a ride with Modenas. New Zealand rider Stephen Briggs had a wildcard ride in the Pacific Grand Prix at MotegiTwin Ring Motegi
is an automobile racing track located at Motegi, Japan. Its name comes from the facility having two race tracks: a oval and a road course. It was built in 1997 by Honda, as part of Honda's effort to bring the IndyCar Series to Japan, helping to increase their knowledge of American open-wheel...
but failed to qualify.
Although the BSL was granted wildcard status by the F.I.M.
Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme is the governing body of motorcycle racing. It represents 103 national motorcycle federations that are divided into six regional continental unions....
to any Grand Prix for the following season, it never raced in the 500cc class again.