After three successful years in Superbikes it was time to move a step closer to the Grand Prix goal. For this, two stroke experience was required. With British Superbikes no longer supporting two stroke machinery open roads beckoned. Two Honda NSR500 V Twins were purchased along with a Honda RS250. Ian Lougher was contracted to ride the bikes at the Northwest 200 and Isle of Man TT races. The season started well with a 4th place at the Mallory Park Race of the Year. Ian took a 5th place in the main race at the Northwest and a second in the 250 class. Delighted with the performance and experience gained the team sets its sights on the punishing 37 mile open roads course for the Isle of Man TT races. Ian brought the bike home in fifth place in the Formula 1 race and third in the Senior.

Due to the teams success and presentation in the 250 class, Sabre were invited to step up to the premier 500cc class for 2000. Shane Norval was contracted amd two new NSR500 V-twins were purchased from Honda. The season started well with Shane getting some good results but unfortunetely at the Quatar GP he was knocked off by Max Biaggi and broke his arm. Over the next two GPs Ron Haslam and Callum Ramsey rode for the team. Phil Giles rode for the remainder of the season, with moderate success.

Having campaigned the V-twin in 2000 Sabre realised they needed more powerful V4 machinery. Unable to lease a factory bike the team set about building their own. Over the winter of 2000/2001 the Sabre V4 was designed and built in the teams new premises in Essex, England. A chassis was built based on the Yamaha YZR of 1994, noted by many as the firms best design to date. YZR crankcases and gearbox were used and custom made engine internals, pipes and ignition were fitted.

Johan Stigefelt was contracted to ride the new machine. The Sabre V4 was wheeled out for the first IRTA test at Estoril, Portugal in April 2001. The bike performed beyond the teams expectations and lapped within two seconds of the factory bikes.