- Carbon bridge frame with variable torsional stiffness
- Four-stroke single-cylinder engine based on Honda CRF450 with over 50 hp
- Planned use in the Flat Track World Championship from 2026
Flat track racing is considered one of the most technically and physically demanding disciplines in motorcycle racing. Constantly changing grip conditions, controlled slides, and high stresses on both the bike and rider call for clear technical solutions. This is exactly where the Picasso OMT 450c comes in.
Swiss engineering instead of brand myth
The project is not backed by a traditional motorcycle manufacturer, but by Picasso Engineering. The company was founded by Stefano Picasso, an automotive engineer from the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. The company focuses on lightweight construction, carbon technology, and precision chassis development. In addition to projects in the automotive sector, it also consistently develops racing-oriented two-wheel concepts.
The OMT 450 is neither a design object nor a marketing experiment. The motorcycle was designed from the outset for tough racing use and is set to compete in the Flat Track World Championship with two machines from 2026. No riders have been named yet.
Carbon frame with variable stiffness as a central element
The technically crucial component of the Picasso OMT 450c is the carbon bridge frame. This consists of differently constructed carbon fiber laminates, combined with milled connecting elements made of high-strength Ergal 7075 T6 aluminum alloy. This construction allows the torsional stiffness of the frame to be specifically adjusted.
In flat track racing, frame flex is a crucial factor. Too much stiffness can make the motorcycle nervous, while too much flexibility leads to imprecise handling. Picasso Engineering’s approach is designed to allow the frame to be adjusted to the track, surface, grip level, and riding style without resorting to makeshift solutions involving chassis components.
Honda engine base as a conscious decision
The OMT 450c is powered by a four-stroke single-cylinder engine based on the Honda CRF450. The engine has titanium valves, revs in the five-digit range, and delivers over 50 hp, equivalent to over 37 kW. A specific rpm for maximum power was not specified.
In flat track racing, peak power is less important than controllable, well-modulated power delivery. The proven Honda engine is considered reliable and easy to control, which allows the development team to focus clearly on the chassis and lightweight construction.
Weight, construction, and racing focus
Official weight specifications are not yet available. However, in the racing trim shown, the Picasso OMT 450c is unlikely to weigh much more than around 100 kg, which is equivalent to about 220 lbs. This puts the motorcycle on a par with comparable sports enduros, from which the engine originates.
Typical for flat track, the OMT 450c does not have a front brake. The chassis components are specially designed for use on dirt ovals, not for jumps or rough terrain. The fairing is minimalist and primarily serves the function of durability and freedom of movement for the rider.
Racing version and possible road version
The version currently being presented is called the OMT 450c, with the c standing for competition. At the same time, there are plans for an OMT 450s Stradale. This variant is said to have road approval, lighting, and Euro 5+ homologation. No specific technical data or schedule is available for this.
However, the focus is initially on the planned racing use of the OMT 450c. Only then will it become clear whether and in what form a small series for customers will be realized.
Outlook for 2026 and unanswered questions
It remains to be seen whether the Picasso OMT 450c will actually compete in the Flat Track World Championship in the 2026 season. Details regarding possible series production and prices, which are likely to be high for a carbon construction of this type, are also still unclear.
What is certain is that Picasso Engineering is taking a technically unusual approach with this project. Whether the adjustable carbon frame will prove itself in the tough everyday racing environment will not be determined on paper, but exclusively on the track.
What does this mean for me as a motorcyclist?
For the average motorcyclist, the Picasso OMT 450c has no direct practical use at first, as it is purely a racing project. The motorcycle is particularly interesting as a technical pioneer: the approach of a specifically adjustable frame flex shows how intensively chassis tuning can be thought out beyond suspension and geometry. If the concept proves itself in racing, such ideas could also be incorporated into other motorcycle categories in the long term. In the short term, however, the OMT 450c remains a special tool for competition and an example of how far engineers will go to optimize traction, feedback, and confidence on difficult surfaces.
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