Motorcycle specifications Foggy PetronasFP1 900 2003 The pitfall of ambition

The dawn of the 2000s saw the birth of a fine squadron of sports bikes of all kinds and from all horizons. The princesses of Superbike, where big manufacturers and smaller ones alike wanted to make their mark on this territory and performance. Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki... but also Bimota, Ducati, Aprilia and Benelli have all committed their forces to these jousts of men and machines.

And then, a new player joined the fray, full of ambitions and plans. A complete surprise, since it's an oil company that's thrown itself into the adventure. The clock has just started ticking on the 21st century, chased by Petronas and its 900 FP1. But starting from scratch to design and field a motorcycle in one of the world's most prestigious championships is a colossal challenge... even for Malaysia's biggest company.

At the start of the project, Petronas set its sights on the premier class. Nothing less than to compete in MotoGP. Quite a challenge. As the Kuala Lumpur-based company had no experience in the field, it decided to develop its prototype in partnership with Sauber, from the world of Formula 1. But the decision was soon made to enter Superbike racing instead. Sauber then withdrew from the business.
To move forward with a man of experience, it called on multiple world championship winner Carl Fogarty. Generously subsidized, he set up Foggy Petronas Racing to race the bikes. But first, there was work to be done.
To comply with regulations, the engine displacement had to be revised and the bike had to be built in (small) series for homologation. Petronas therefore commissioned the manufacture of 150 units, the minimum required, of which around one hundred would go on sale.

in WSBK at the time, 750 cm3 4-cylinders were still being used in the face of 1000 cm3 twins - but not for much longer. The regulations stipulate an intermediate displacement of 900 cm3 for 3-cylinders, which are virtually non-existent. Benelli is already in this segment with its 900 Tornado. Will FP1 be inspired by this?
Not really, no. Engine development has been taken over by Suter, who will have to rethink a large part of it. The work was complicated, the deadlines short, but the 3-cylinder took shape. Strangely enough, it is inclined towards the rear. This original layout is not the only peculiarity. The inverted position of the cylinder head means that the intake system is at the front, while the exhaust pipes are at the back. In Superbike configuration, the block produces 185 hp. On track, it spits fire... literally.

The bike goes to the championship, but is immediately at a disadvantage as the regulations change in 2003, authorizing all engines to cubic capacity 1000 cm3 maximum, regardless of the number of cylinders. FP1 must, however, honour its commitment to production. The British company MSX International was asked to produce the first 75 units. The other series will be produced by Modenas in Malaysia.
Once adapted for civilian use, the engine delivers 127.4 hp at 10,000 rpm. A lower value than the Benelli or a VTR-SP2 of the time, but enough to keep up with the Ducati 999 and Aprilia RSV 1000 R. A case apart, Triumph's 955 Daytona doesn't play in the same league.

the curious three-legged boiler is housed in a much more conventional frame. A double-spar perimeter frame made of aluminum, like that of the Japanese competition. Suspension is provided by Öhlins, with a 43 mm upside-down fork and rear shock absorber, both adjustable throughout. A steering damper is also supplied by Sweden. Braking is provided by Brembo. At the front, 320 mm discs are gripped by 4-piston calipers. Unfortunately, these are not fitted with the radial mounting found on the racing model.
As with any high-ranking model, there's no mistaking the good looks. The wheels are OZ Racing forged aluminum, the fairing is carbon and the fuel tank aluminum. The under-seat exhaust belches through 3 outlets, a reminder of the type of engine boiling inside. The dashboard, on the other hand, doesn't inspire much enthusiasm; hardly more dashing than that of an exercise bike.

This FP1 was born out of a desire to shine, driven in its genesis by the force of a mountain of money. But its destiny is worthy of the X-Files. After a few lacklustre seasons in WSBK, the bikes fell into oblivion. Until, in 2010, a warehouse was found in the middle of nowhere in England... where 60 of the 75 models due to be shipped to Malaysia lay dormant. Clearly, they never left the country.
The advertised price was $45,000. Today, it's possible to see - rarely - FP1s at auction. A motorcycle with an unfinished destiny, it carries with it an aura of mystery, wandering and a certain fascination.

M.B
Photos: courtesy of Bonhams / D.R.