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Because the people running the sport are ....... insane.
It has nothing to do with speed or 'safety.'
The 'argument' goes something like this: The only way the Factory's bean counters can justify spending squillions of dollars is if that $ buys some 'real world' technology. In this case, the knowledge required to squeeze a gazillion horsepower-hours per gallon out of a race engine will supposedly allow the same factories to improve the efficiency of street motorcycles and scooters.
This knowledge also maintains a nice competitive monopoly for Honda and Yamaha (who should know better). Any new team (hello Suzuki, Aprilia, BMW, Kwaker, Triumph, etc.) arriving on the scene will need to spend an immense amount of $ to become remotely competitive. The problem is that even Yamaha is having a hard time matching Honda's ferocious R/D pace. Honda's engine revs 600+ PRM higher, lasts longer, makes more power, and is more fuel efficient than anything Yamaha can produce. Honda, which pushed hardest for this insane fuel-limited formula, is basically spending the entire sport into oblivion.
In short, the two Big Factories are allowing their own internal politics to determine the rules. These people could not care less about the actual racing, or the health of the sport.
Insane.
