ASK THE MXPERTS: WHO INVENTED THE IDEA OF CENTRALIZATION OF MASS?

THE FOUNDING FATHER OF CENTRALIZATION OF MASS

Dear MXperts,

Every creative idea has to start somewhere, and given that motocross has a short history, relative to other invention-heavy enterprises, I was working on a paper about “centralization of mass” on motorcycles for my engineering class when it came to me that someone, somewhere must have pioneered the idea and built a proof-of-concept machine. But, I’ve never heard a name attached to the idea. I am relying on MXA to help me put a punctuation mark on my paper.

Who knows how many engineers worked on “centralization of mass” concepts in secrecy back at the factory, but as for building a proof-of-concept test unit, that honor goes to an engineer and motocross racer named Peter Dill. Peter built Honda a concept CR250 with the majority of the weight centered in the chassis back in the 1980s. Honda didn’t move on Dill’s idea. But, decades later, the idea of putting not only the weight but also the rotating mass of the cams, valves and piston closer to the center of gravity became of prime importance. The ultimate expressions of this were the Jens Elmwall-designed slant-engine Husaberg engine and the rearward-angled 2010–2024 Yamaha YZ450F. Today, every production motorcycle that claims to have “centralized mass” owes a nod of thanks to Peter Dill, who passed away on July 13, 2023.

ASK THE MXPERTS: WHO INVENTED THE IDEA OF CENTRALIZATION OF MASS? Motocross Action Magazine.