MotoGP has always been a fascinating event to many. As fascinating as it is, only a few have in-depth knowledge of the tremendous effort invested in making sure the event is successful. Right from the riders to the bikes itself.
MotoGP is a premier road racing event where specially crafted motorbikes are raced; these are no ordinary bikes and cannot be bought or sold for normal usage.
This is where top-line manufacturers put in the best they can offer. They are specially produced for the MotoGP.
These bikes pack a lot of horsepowers when compared to the average street bike. Although they are manufactured on the same 1000cc as the average street bike, their HP (horsepower) differs,
as they can produce up to 300 or more horsepower and only weighs 160kg. They can also get a speed of up to 355kph.
Many people may not be conversant with the definition of horsepower.
While many consider it as the maximum speed an engine can deliver, which is not totally correct. Horsepower is the amount of power a machine can generate against a load.
For instance, to know the horsepower of an engine, a load has to be attached to the engine and then measure the amount of power it can produce against such load.
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How Powerful is a MotoGP Bike?
Most recent MotoGP bikes possess a horsepower of over 250, but below 300. Recent times have seen this record amount being broken, as some MotoGP bikes now exceed 350, with the most recent being 370.
A standard-issue bike has a horsepower of 200 at times attain 230 with some tweaking.
MotoGP is a unique purpose-built prototype engine explicitly made for the “battlefield.” I call it a battlefield because this is the primary reason MotoGP bikes were manufactured in the first place,
to compete against the best of the best at the grandest stage of them all, the motorcycle grand Prix.
How Fast do MotoGP Bikes go?
MotoGP bikes are pretty fast, faster than the standard street bike. Certain conditions and circumstances contribute to how fast a MotoGP bike can travel,
but they average between 160 to 185kmh, depending on those conditions and handling. But they can make over 300kmh.
The official record has it that Johann Zarco broke the speed record at the 2021 Qatar GP by attaining an unbelievable speed of 362.4km/h. Amazing right?
Technological advancements and engineering capability that manufacturers put into the production of these speed wizards deserve commendation.
Talking in terms of speed, MotoGP bikes are high-speed. Anyways, this is the main reason it was produced.
How can a MotoGP bike achieve this feat that the average bike can’t? MotoGP bikes have numerous moving components that move at different stages and in different ways.
When the rider demands full power, the bike moves at a magnificent 18,000 rpm. This causes the valves to open and close up to 150 times per sec.
Average bikes can’t handle such intensity; this is because the average bike’s valves will tear apart from this kind of pressure.
The MotoGP bikes make use of pneumatic valves in place of spring valves. The wheels are also said to rotate 50 times per second.
Is MotoGP Faster than Superbikes?
MotoGP being a prototype bike from their respective manufacturers, should be miles faster than superbikes from a logical perspective.
Although both are on the 1000cc limit, superbikes are slightly lower based on the production process and regulations.
But tested side by side, superbike gave MotoGP a run for its money. Only coming up short by a narrow margin.
Nonetheless, the MotoGP is faster; factors like design and build are also contributors to their outputs. MotoGP bikes are a bit lighter, and the aerodynamics are more sophisticated than that of superbikes.
Of course, MotoGP bikes are prototypes specifically built for the track. Superbikes are also race bikes, but anyone can own them as opposed to its supposed competitor- MotoGP.
Do all MotoGP Bikes Have the Same Power?
The most critical component of a MotoGP bike is the engine. The MotoGP is like a standoff where all manufacturers show their abilities and engineering strength. Very few restrictions are placed on MotoGP bike manufacturers.
These include that their engine must not be higher than a 1000cc, no variable valve timing, must not have a dual-clutch, must be a 4 cylinder and 81 mm bore.
So, in essence, they have almost the same power where superiority over the other bikes is from the components built around the engine.
Different manufacturers have different styles and methods of production. Though the engine may be the same, manufacturers may create a workaround for other parts, such as the engine parts, and improve on aerodynamics to get more power.
There are two types of MotoGP engine : the V4 Engine and the inline 4. The V4 is the better among the two, as it produces more horsepower.
This is why the Ducati and Honda brands have ruled the Grand Prix more than any other competitors. They make use of the V4 engine against others who make use of the inline-four.
The inline-four is not a bad engine; it also has its advantages over the V4. One of which is that it is faster around corners when compared side by side with the v4.
When the rider tilts to a corner, the inline-four has an extra crankshaft gyroscope that helps the rider maintain his line.
How Much do MotoGP Bikes Weigh?
MotoGP bikes are lighter compared to superbikes, their weight range from 157kg to 160kg(350 pounds). This does not include the weight of the rider.
This is like double the weight of an average adult. Formula one cars are said to weigh 8 to 9 times the weight of their driver.
The lighter the bike, the more speed it can produce; this is because less load on the engine equals more speed.
How Many Gears Does a MotoGP Bike Have?
MotoGP bikes are developed with speed in mind; the gears of Motogp and an average street bike are created differently.
Compared to street bikes, the gears on MotoGP bikes are arranged reversed; this contrasts with the standard bike.
While the first gear is up and the rest of the gears are down, this is not how it is on a standard bike. The first gear on an average street bike is down, and the rest is up in ascending order.
The main reason why the gears are positioned that way is that MotoGP bikes get to 60 degrees when tilted into a corner by the rider.
Therefore if the gears were positioned like the average bike, it would be hard for the rider to get his foot under the gear to change gears.
This may result in serious injury, as the rider’s legs may hit the ground, hence the reason for why it was positioned so.
MotoGP bikes have 6 gears in total plus a neutral. Though Motogp bikes are not so different from a modern-day bike,
there are still key features that the Motogp bikes have that surpasses the average street bike. One of these features is seen in how the gearbox was designed.
Finally, the Motor grand Prix is a fascinating sport; it requires skills and can be dangerous. MotoGP bikes are a delight to watch;
the details and expertise in producing these road monsters are second to none. Little wonder it gives out such a tremendous amount of power.
Technological advancements have also made it possible for manufacturers to fit in many features and power and maintain the regulated weight. A lot goes into the production of MotoGP bikes, which is why they are so expensive.
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