1607 RF final

MOTOGP WSBK
A definitive guide towards the differences between WSBK and MotoGP race bikes.
Many race fans out their are still quite
unaware of the differences between
the race bikes in WSBK (world Superbike
Championship) against their MotoGP
counterparts.
The short answer is that MotoGP bikes
are in fact purpose built prototype race
machines while WSBK machines are series
production road bikes that have been
specially tuned for racing.
In relation to the world of car racing,
think of MotoGP as the two-wheeled
equivalent to Formula 1 while WSBK is the
two-wheeled equivalent of GT cars.
Still don’t get it? Well, don’t worry because
here comes our version of the long answer.
VS
Words: Thoriq Azmi - www.bikesrepublic.com
To make things easier, we’ve separated our
guides into key sections accompanied with a
detailed explanation with it.
Construction
MotoGP and WSBK conform to different
sets of technical regulations set by Dorna,
the commercial rights holder of both
championships, and the FIM ruling body.
These regulations are designed to keep
competition as fair as possible in each
respective class.
A quick overview reveals that MotoGP
benefits from lesser restrictions, giving
manufacturers more flexibility towards
engine construction and chassis designs.
What’s the difference?
This also explains the extensive use of
lightweight and exotic materials like carbon
fibre, titanium and magnesium alloys in
building a modern GP bike.
WSBK, on the other hand, is much
more restricted. All bikes must retain their
original production chassis constructions
and designs whilst the use of carbon fibre,
titanium and magnesium alloys are limited.
Notably, the FIM has banned carbon
fibre wheels in both classes. Carbon brake
rotors are banned in WSBK, along with
the use of titanium when constructing the
chassis, front forks, handlebars,swingarms,
the swingarm spindles and the wheel
spindles as well.
34 RIDEFAST MAGAZINE JULY 2016