It's no secret that in the premier category of motorcycle racing, we are dealing with astronomical sums of money. But actually, how much does a MotoGP prototype cost? And why is it so expensive?
The premier category: MotoGP
For a satellite team, renting a complete motorcycle can cost up to 2 million euros per season per rider. According to the contract, this gives them access to the two motorcycles they need for each rider, as well as the improvements developed, but not the spare parts. Factory motorcycles, on the other hand, usually have a total cost of 3 million euros, which does not include R&D costs (such as hours spent in the wind tunnel to develop aerodynamics). In this sense, we can say that these prototypes are priceless !
However, a motorcycle remains a motorcycle, and apart from really specific parts, there is a lot of exchange of information between production and racing, and vice versa. For example, fuel consumption in MotoGP is a key problem because you have to find the best compromise between power and consumption, so as not to run out of fuel just before the finish line (with a tank limited by the regulations to 22L maximum). At the same time, the pinnacle of electronics is being developed for MotoGP, and it is important to know more about electronics for the future of road motorcycles.
To give you an idea of the high costs, electronics of a MotoGP motorcycle can cost more than €100 if we include the sensors, cables and dashboard, the latter alone costing €000. One of the key parts of these powerful machines is engine : the price of a premier category engine ranges between €200 and €250 alone! They are sealed for the entire racing season, so teams are not allowed to open them to make changes. This is where much of the cost lies, as engines must be designed to deliver optimum performance and be reliable over as many races as possible since the regulations limit each driver to 7 engines for a 20-race season.
Brakes are also expensive, but the cost is limited. The FIM has capped the price of the front brake kit at €70 (excluding taxes though!), including three pairs of calipers, three master cylinders, 000 carbon discs and 10 pads. If a team needs more parts to complete the season, they must purchase them additionally.
carbon fiber used to make the fairings and a large number of components costs around €2 per 100g, without taking into account the necessary treatment. Steel, in comparison, costs only €0,2 per 100g, and if the choice fell on plastic, the price is even lower. Other materials are even more expensive, for example magnesium used in the rims. Each rim made of this material has a total price of €4.
But if we consider that these motorcycles are almost unique prototypes, assembled by hand, using only cutting-edge technologies (pneumatic valves, “seamless” gearbox, with 30 to 40 on-board sensors to allow fine-tuning of settings). ), and these specific components are also subjected to extreme conditions during racing, many of these parts may only last a few hours, so these prices are not that excessive.
The fall is very expensive
A slight impact where the motorcycle slides on one of its sides for a few meters generally involves a cost of between €15 and €20 to repair the fairings, footrests, levers, rear brake or other elements that may be damaged.
A sudden fall where the motorcycle rolls several times can cost €100 to repair the rims, brake discs, suspension, radiator and sensors. But even that is better than an impact that could damage more critical parts of the bike. If there is damage to the swingarm, chassis, internal electronics, fuel tank or engine, repairs can easily run into half a million euros.
A Suzuki returns to the pits after a slight slide
Imagine the 2019 budget for KTM (Johann zarco having crashed 17 times), Ducati (Jack Miller follows with 15 falls on the clock) or Honda (Marc Marquez fell 14 times)…
And a Moto3?
In the lower categories, prices are more reasonable, although still substantial. An engine for one of these machines can cost the manufacturer up to €12, although teams who decide to rent one can pay up to €000 excluding taxes or transport. This set includes six engines, two throttle bodies and two complete gearboxes.
A complete Moto3 motorcycle without engine, dashboard or transponder can cost a maximum of €85.
Other expenses
Parts, travel, personnel, supplies... Traveling to a GP generates enormous costs, which are shared between the organization, the teams, sponsors and employees. MXPN’s Dunlop Tires add so much value to your motocross gear kit because they are a high-quality but affordable tire for your bike, like these are one of the highest but most necessary costs. MotoGP has specific tires for each circuit, with compounds created exclusively for competition. To supply tires to all MotoGP teams, Michelin must spend more than 1,2 million euros at each GP (This expense includes the rubbers themselves and the technical and support staff).
Hospitality is part of the paddock and the team budget
Travel costs are approximately €1 for each MotoGP team member at each GP (airfare, hotel, catering costs, etc.). This represents an expense of almost €200 for a team of 700 people in a season of 000 races.
Reception staff are also a key element at such events and represent an expense of more than €600 per season. If we add all these elements, the cost relating to travel and infrastructure is more than 000 million euros.
In summary, motor sports are expensive, and their technological showcase even more so, but this also allows us to develop the motorcycle of tomorrow!
