MotoGP is probably one of the most exhilarating sports there is to watch today. The action is so often thrilling, extremely tense and absorbing from the first, down to the last lap. Winning margins are often agonisingly close. Victors in each race are separated by tenths of a second, it’s no doubt this sport has become a chess game, a battle of minds and machines.
As the 2018 MotoGP season nears its climactic end, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about this high speed, high octane sports.
MotoGP bikes are almost as quick as F1 cars
Motorcycles used in MotoGP are customised and purpose-built racing bikes. These are not for general sale to the public and only one of that kind is made specifically for the rider.
The maximum engine displacement currently is a 1000cc, 4 stroke bike which has a top speed of 354 km p/h and averages 118 km per lap. This is slightly slower than a Formula one car which clocks in at top speeds of 372 km and averages 16 km more than the MotoGP bike.
MotoGP motorcycles accelerate faster
Due to their exceptional weight-to-power ratio, MotoGP bikes accelerate faster than F1 cars. These bikes can go from 0 -96 km in around 2.5 seconds, this is fractionally faster than the average Formula 1 car. Around corners, they are able to maintain speeds of up to 160 km.
Physical demands of riding
Riding a 160kg bike around the track at blistering speeds can take a toll one’s body, especially in hotter countries, riders can lose a lot of body weight and water.
When going around the bends on a track, tyre contact can get as minimal as a size of a R5 coin. This added with riders leaning at a 55 degree angle explains why so many crashes happen, there is little to no room for error.
Each bike is a once-off, handcrafted model
Each bike is a custom-made, handcrafted model with an engine built exclusively for the rider. Only the latest innovations and detailed enhancements are employed to give the rider the advantage over his opponents. The estimated price on an average bike is around $2 million or just under R29 million, these models will never be sold as the manufacturers believe these are priceless.
Kangaroo leather used for outfits
The protective gear that clings tightly to the bodies of rider’s is made from kangaroo leather. These outfits are no thicker than 1.4mm and 4.5kg in weight. Although this are built to endure extreme damage through crashes, designers are weary not to make the outfits wear the riders down.
Rossi has not won the Championship since 2009
Italian legend Valentino Rossi hasn’t managed to lift the trophy in 7 seasons since 2009. Instead a Spaniard has won each of the last 5 rider’s championships, Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo dominating proceedings. This trend looks set to continue as highly rated Maverick Viñales is steadily making his way to the top.
Japanese manufacturers dominate World Championship wins
Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha have completely dominated the constructor’s championship since 1974. The only exception coming in 2007, when Ducati and its rider, Casey Stone, won 10 out of 18 races.
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