Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi, Andrea Dovizioso, Maverick Vinales, Jorge Lorenzo. If you know who these stars are, you are likely to be a motorcycle racing fan. But what is you would like to follow in your favourite rider’s slipstream? Here is a range of useful information to give you the start on a new motorcycle racing hobby.
A sport on the rise
MotoGP and Superbike World Championship have a large following in the UK. Neil Hodgson and James Toseland are among UK bike racers to win in the Superbike World Championships.
In 2017, the Department for Transport decided to pass laws allowing racing events on closed public roads. With such government policies supporting motorcycle racing and other organisations rooting for upcoming racers, you have every chance to succeed. However, it all starts with a good bike.
Choosing the best racing motorcycle
Looking at the greatest British riders from Roger Burnett, Bill Ivy, Bradley Smith, Joseph Dunlop, Barry Sheene, Carl Fogarty to Mike Hailwood, one thing is clear. These racing greats rode the strongest machines on the track.
You need skills to race, but without a great bike, your skills will not help much. This is why some great riders waste away years in the wrong teams only to shine after switching to more powerful bikes.
If you want to excel at motorcycle racing, you have to start riding the best bikes out there. Some of the things to consider when shopping for your racing bike include:
- Choose the Best Bike Brand
There’s no compromise when it comes to motor racing. A powerful brand will always invest a lot of money in developing their bikes. Some of the best racing bikes come from BMW, Aprilia, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph and Ducati.
To appreciate why you need to choose from these top brands, you only need to look at the current MotoGP standings. Honda, Ducati, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM and Aprilia hold the top 6 positions in the constructors’ standings.
- Consider Your Racing Objectives
Before investing in an expensive bike, you need to consider your racing objectives. Every racing bike suits different racing conditions and skill levels. It will take time before you can race at the top level, but you still need a good bike.
Check the requirements for the racing category you want to join and choose a bike that suits this level. For instance, you don’t want a 1000cc bike for a start.
Research what the best riders in your target category ride and you will identify the best motorcycle.
- Join a Motorcycle Fans’ Club
If you want to learn more about motorcycles and racing, there’s no better place to do this than in a motorcycle fans’ club. You will get news on racing, best bike brands, betting online on MotoGP and other races, motorcycle racing news and much more.
- Create a Budget
You need to consider the initial cost of the bike and its maintenance before buying. Performance bikes are expensive, and you need to work out how this will affect your finances. Remember there are other major costs involved in racing as a recent report shows.
- Consider the Bike’s Specifications
The most important things to consider in a bike include the engine power, safety features, speed capacity, effective brake system, design and tyres.
Look for aerodynamic efficiency, modern disc brakes with dual-channel BS, a modern chassis and suspension combination, liquid cooling and performance tyres.
Final Thoughts
Want to become the next Mike Hailwood? Well, it all starts with a good bike and a lot of dedication. Use these tips to choose a good motorcycle. With commitment and dedication, everything else will gradually fall into place.
