RideFast June 2020

PADDOCK NEWS
REPLACEMENT TIME. HOW LONG DO
MOTOGP BIKE PARTS LAST?
The most important thing
during a race is going the
fastest, and every little
detail counts when it comes
to gaining a few precious
milliseconds. So it comes as
no surprise that MotoGP bikes
have super strict and thorough
maintenance protocols.
The RC213V used by Marc Márquez
and Alex Márquez is one of the
most advanced pieces of motor
vehicle engineering on Earth. This
bike requires completely different
maintenance to other apparently
similar ones like the Honda CBR.
It also differs a great deal from
the way two-stroke bikes were
maintained back in the days of the
500cc world championship. As the
engines in these bikes were more
rudimentary, they had to be taken
apart completely so that each part
could be cleaned… and this had to be
done at the end of every GP day!
These days, with the rules stating
that engines have to be sealed,
and thanks to the advances in
technology, such exhaustive
maintenance is no longer necessary
(or permitted). However, many
parts are subject to heavy wear
and need to be replaced frequently
to avoid accidents. Assuming a
MotoGP bike has around 2,000
separate parts and components,
around 200 of these require high
maintenance and control.
Tyres: These are changed before
every session, and sometimes
during sessions too, if required.
MotoGP tyres don’t last much
longer than the distance covered in
one race (around 120 km).
Oil: The oil level is checked at each
session and topped up if needed,
though it’s drained completely and
replaced with a new lubricant on
race day. The oil used by MotoGP
bikes has special qualities as it’s
specifically formulated to get the
most from the engine. After each
GP, the oil is taken out so the bike
can be transported, meaning every
weekend starts with fresh oil.
Cooling system: The coolant
is checked at every session and
replaced completely at the start
of every day. At the end of every
session, the radiator and cooling
pipes are cleaned and checked for
any damage or imperfections that
may have occurred.
Chain and sprockets: These parts
are checked, greased, and tightened
after every session, and they are
only replaced if they need to be.
They have a service life of around
500 km, which is equivalent to one
GP weekend. The sprockets, both
front and rear, last almost twice as
long, so they’re normally replaced
at every second GP.
Clutch: Although the clutch is taken
apart after almost every session
to check the clutch plates, springs,
and other components, it has a
service life of around 1,000 km.
After sessions for practicing race
starts, the whole clutch system is
completely replaced.
Brakes: The brake discs and pads
can be reused if they aren’t too
worn from previous sessions. They
have an estimated service life of
between 800 and 1,000 km. The
brakes are also bled before each
session. The calipers are good for
a whole season, but the teams
rely on the suppliers to provide an
official maintenance service that
keeps them in top condition.
Wheels: The wheels can last
around 2,000 km before they
need replacing, but they’re usually
changed at every second race, like
the sprockets.
Engine: Marc and Dani each have
7 engines for the entire season.
In compliance with the rules, the
engines are sealed, preventing
any internal maintenance or
Brought to you by
“Team mechanics are in charge of replacing
all these parts. These professionals work
tirelessly at every GP, paying great attention
to every little detail.”
modifications. When they’re
replaced, the whole engine is taken
out and a new one put in; this
decision is entirely up to the team.
Sensors: As these are electronic
parts, they’re not subject to
extreme wear and tear, but the
sensors can deteriorate due to their
working conditions. For maximum
performance they’re usually
replaced at every fourth GP, which
is a distance of about 2,000 km.
Air filter, injection systems,
bearings, and spark plugs:
All of these parts are checked
after every session and replaced
when necessary, either because
of visible wear or because the
electronics have detected a drop in
performance.
Fairing: Although the fairing
can last for several GPs, or even
an entire season if there are no
collisions that dent or break it, it’s
usually checked and cleaned after
every session.
Suspension: The suspension setup
is adjusted several times over the
course of a GP weekend to test
out different configurations. The
chassis and swingarm last a long
time, only needing to be replaced
about halfway through the season.
Replacing these parts might also
depend on other related factors,
like developing the bike.
Handlebars and seat: These two
parts come into contact with the
rider and are generally changed
once a season in MotoGP. It’s
always nice to have a new seat,
even if you’re going to be hurtling
round a circuit.
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