MotoGP Technology

by Neil Spalding

MotoGP is the premier class in motorcycle racing and it is there that the most sophisticated and alluring technology is found. For years Grand Prix motorcycle racing had featured prototype 500cc two-strokes, but the need for manufacturers to develop four-stroke technology led to the creation of the new championship formula in 2002, based on fire-breathing, 260bhp 990cc four-strokes. Competition is keen and factory teams guard their mechanical secrets and working practices very carefully. For these reasons it has been nearly impossible to closely examine bikes without bodywork or understand exactly how they are engineered and developed. Until this book. Author Neil Spalding's ability to spot subtle detail changes and incremental developments from the restricted confines of pit lane, and then to correctly determine how these modifictions affect performance earned him the grudging respect of top teams. Eventually, Neil was admintted into the inner sanctum of the elite racing departments and give unparalleled access to explore and photograph race bikes to prepare this book. The only he couldn't make public his information until the end of the 2006 season, the last year of the 990cc formula. This is the exciting story, told from the inside, of the most electrifying form of two-wheeled compeition and of the highly motivated designers, engineers, and mechanics who create these remarkable motorcycles.

Genres: Sports

192 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2006

Reviews

[Ty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of the most involving motorcycle books I've read to date. One would think that, due to the nature of the subject, the reading would be dry and hard to digest. Not so. Spalding does a fantastic job of delivering just enough depth to allow the reader to understand the subject matter without drowning them with details. Hundreds of detailed color photographs, cut-aways, graphs, etc. help as well. How an outsider like Spalding was allowed access to the information and secrets the manufactures guard with Fort-Knox like determination is beyond me. This book is definitely a must read for anybody interested in the top motorcycle racing series in the world.

[Dash Clendenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third edition is just full of fascinating stuff. Neil Spaulding does a great job of compiling and distilling meticulous research and observations into easy-to-understand sections.

[Dante Grenado · Rating 5 out of 5]

try take alook