Tyφoon MotoRacing UoWM was founded in the fall of 2014 by students of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Western Macedonia. The team aspires to design and manufacture a Moto3 type racing motorcycle based on the technical regulations of MotoStudent Competition. The competition is held every two years in Motorland Aragon in Spain. The objective is considerably challenging as the competition is consisted of both static and dynamic events.
The team represented Greece for the first ever time in the IV MotoStudent Competition and earned the 9th place among 35 university teams from all over the world. In the two following participations of the team, remarkable results where achieved, including winning first places and the 2nd overall position in the World Standings.
PROGRESSION
2014 ► The team began by thoroughly searching for information on building a motorcycle, as well as by learning how to use the software required for this project.
2015 ► In 2015, the team focused on designing and building a motorcycle prototype named Tyφ-one. They learned 3D modeling software and prepared the initial designs. In March, the team officially entered the MotoStudent competition and received a kit containing the engine, brake pads, and tires. Work then began on improving the design, with attention to ergonomics and engine fitment. By the end of summer, the design and analysis were nearly complete, and the team shifted to the construction phase. Throughout the year, they sought sponsorships and by the end of 2015, had secured enough funding to build the prototype in 2016.
2016 ► In 2016, the team began manufacturing the Tyφ-one prototype by collaborating with machine shops across northern Greece. By mid-year, the first parts were ready, and 3D printing was used to test assembly fitment. The motorcycle was completed by summer, and the team showcased their work at motorsport events. In Autumn 2016, Tyφoon’s race-ready bike competed in MotoStudent IV at MotorLand Aragon, securing ninth place overall and second place in the business plan category among thirty-five teams.
2017 ► After Tyφoon’s successful debut, a second team formed to improve on the existing foundation. In 2017, they registered for the next MotoStudent competition, learning design software and motorcycle basics. By summer, they set design targets and completed the “Conceptual Design” chapter. In October, they received the MotoStudent kit, starting the final design phase for their new prototype, Chimera. The team then worked on the “Detailed Design” chapter, along with sections on industrial production and a business plan for potentially mass-producing Chimera in Greece.
2018 ► At the start of the year, Tyφoon focused on finalizing the Business and Industrialization plans and securing funding for Chimera’s construction, which began in April. The team tested Chimera three times, with rider Spyros Papageorgiou providing valuable feedback. In MotoStudent V, Tyφoon won “Best Innovation” and “Best Design,” placing 4th in MS1. Despite a fuel issue during the race, they finished 7th overall in the competition.
2019 ► After Tyφoon’s success in MotoStudent V, recruitment began for the new team, Tyφoon 2018-2020. In January 2019, the new members were selected, aiming to raise the bar for MotoStudent VI with their new model, Cerberus. In March, the team organized a lottery to raise funds for the project.