Here is an interesting opinion from Scott Redding. Only a few years ago there was no topic regarding spoilers on motorcycles. This aerodynamic research was the sole prerogative of the automobile. But Ducati boldly decided to look into the issue and, since then, it has been an unavoidable theme for all manufacturers. We must recognize the Borgo Panigale firm for having cleared this unknown land, notably ignoring the nicknames and other mockery. From the Grands Prix, these appendages have now arrived in WSBK and, therefore, on the production machines, which means on our roads. Is this really useful? Scott Redding responds…
Scott Redding is an official Ducati who knows the subject of fins well. And for good reason: he saw them arrive during his period MotoGP, and he now exploits them in WSBK. An experience which gives him the authority of an informed opinion on the subject, and on their usefulness. Particularly on series machines.
Ducati introduced the theme to the Grand Prix in 2015, but the manufacturer did not stop at its prototypes to develop its aerodynamic research. The Italian manufacturer thus paved the way for the series in 2019 with the Panigale V4R, and fins are now the standard in the World Superbike Championship.
Since then, other manufacturers have followed suit: in 2020, we also saw wings on the new Honda CBR1000RR-R, followed in 2021 by BMW with the M1000RR. At Kawasaki, the fairing of the new ZX10-RR was modified to produce a similar effect.
Scott Redding, factory pilot of Ducati, knows the aerodynamic aids of the MotoGP and World Superbike. He thus enlightens us in comments relayed by speedweek : " in MotoGP I never had the full package at my disposal, but I tried the bike with and without it. It doesn't make much difference, but the fins increase the safety of the pilot », Explains the Englishman. “ Especially in MotoGP, where the front wheel is constantly in the air. You never know exactly when the front tire will touch the asphalt again. With the wings, the time is significantly reduced, allowing the rider to regain full control of his motorcycle sooner ».
Redding makes us understand that we will no longer do without
However, there are drawbacks to using ailerons. Redding warns: “ the bigger they are, the more downforce is created and the top speed is worse. This is something many people don't consider », continued the Briton who recalled that in WSBK, “ we don't have the same power as in MotoGP. You must therefore be careful not to produce too much downforce on the ailerons. This also allows the front tire to be loaded more, which can also be an advantage. ».
Many motorcycles also complain of increased sensitivity to wind since using fenders. “ In crosswinds, as is often the case at Phillip Island, ailerons can cause problems », agrees the pilot Ducati. " Ultimately, it's something you get used to over time. In corners, again, this helps because you have more pressure on the front wheel ».
If we understand correctly Scott Redding, we will no longer go back and we can therefore attribute to Ducati the fact of having taken motorcycling to a historic milestone. However, and it's like everything, you have to find a good balance to optimize the advantages of these appendages, without suffering the disadvantages they cause.
