• Bikes for Sale
  • News
  • Buyer’s guide
    • Buy a Motorcycle
    • First Rides & Reviews
    • Specs, Prices & Others
  • Lifestyle
    • Concepts & Custom
    • Electric Motorcycles
    • Events
    • Motorsport
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Locals
imotorbike logo
  • Bikes for Sale
  • News
  • Buyer’s guide
    • Buy a Motorcycle
    • First Rides & Reviews
    • Specs, Prices & Others
  • Lifestyle
    • Concepts & Custom
    • Electric Motorcycles
    • Events
    • Motorsport
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Locals
  • Facebook

  • Instagram

  • X (Twitter)

  • YouTube

  • LinkedIn

  • RSS

Motorsport

How long does a MotoGP prototype component last?

How long does a MotoGP prototype component last?
Bruno Gomes
January 4, 2019

Photo credits: Box Repsol

MotoGP races are some of the hardest challenges any motorcycle faces – and riders too! -, and while we believe each prototype is built to last forever, after all, they do cost millions to the manufacturer, the truth is that components like wheels, brake or even simple things like the seat unit need to be replaced every once and a while. So, how long does a MotoGP prototype component last?

To get an idea, each MotoGP prototype is built using around 2000 individual components. Of these, 200 need to be verified at specific time or distance intervals, so that the team technicians can verify the wear and tear, and if needed, replace them to avoid any problems.

According to the official MotoGP website, and assuming each rider covers an average of 500 km every race weekend, we can detail which components need more attention and when do they need to be replaced.

One of the most important things we see a MotoGP do, is replace the cooling liquid and the oil that lubricates engine internals. For example, and as we already said when we spoke about the importance of engine maintenance, the oil on a road bike needs to be replaced at every 5000 km. On a MotoGP prototype, that oil and the cooling liquid is renewed at every 350 km. Not only that, after each track session, the team will check engine oil level and look for any possible leaks.

A few kilometers later, at the 500 km mark, the transmission needs to be completely replaced. Chain, front and rear sprockets are changed for new parts. These components are subject to extreme wear and tear during a race weekend, and teams will replace these parts to ensure there’s no chain failure.

At the 1000 km mark, MotoGP prototypes reach another milestone, and will also need to have other parts replaced: clutch discs, the carbon brake discs and brake pads are also replaced ate every two MotoGP races.

There’s no reference as to how much do the new carbon fiber Öhlins front forks last, but it usual to see Öhlins technicians working inside the team box, taking the front and rear suspension units apart and giving them a full service before these parts are installed back on the bike, with specific settings for each rider.

At 1200 km, the beautiful magnesium wheels need to be changed. The wheels take a lot of stress every time a MotoGP rider goes full throttle, and they will start to deform after 1200 km covered, so the team will change them. If deformed, and among other problems, the wheels might create unwanted chatter, one of the main problems riders talk about when addressing MotoGP prototypes performance.

Engines are made to last four races, or 2000 km. Each rider has seven engines during the season (nine engines for each rider competing in a team with concessions), and that means that the rider and his team will need to manage the mileage on each engine, considering that they might crash, in order they have enough engines for the whole season. A broken engine might mean the rider won’t be able to secure the MotoGP title!

Used engines are sometimes chosen by the team to be used in practice sessions, allowing fresh engines to be used only during the race.

Photo credits: Box Repsol

When the 4000 km mark is reached, the team will replace the clip-ons and the seat unit. A little after that, at 4500 km, the frame and swingarm will be replaced even if the rider never suffered a crash before. If a bike crashes, the frame and swingarm will be replaced if needed, and there’s no limit to the amount of frames and swingarms a team can use during one season. Adding to that, and unlike what happens with the engine, with its development frozen from the start of the season, a MotoGP team can introduce changes to the design of the frame and swingarm whenever they feel the need to do it.

So, now that you know how long does a MotoGP bike component last, and considering these bikes cost millions to build, would you still race in MotoGP?

Related Itemsbrake discsBrakeschainclip-onsenginefeaturedmaintenancemotogpprototypesreplaceseatsprocketsuspensionwheels
To read the full story
login with google
login with facebook
or
Create an account for free
This won't cost you.
by clicking this button you agree to iMotorbike's visitor agreement
Already have an account? Sign in here
Click here to get notified on every new article
Motorsport
January 4, 2019
Bruno Gomes

With more than ten years as a motorcycle journalist, i enjoy everything that has to do with two-wheels. I'm a fan of sport bikes and i prefer riding them on a racetrack, but give me a road filled with corners and good asphalt and i'll be there to have some fun!

Related Itemsbrake discsBrakeschainclip-onsenginefeaturedmaintenancemotogpprototypesreplaceseatsprocketsuspensionwheels

More in Motorsport

Jorge Martin to Miss Portuguese Grand Prix Amid Ongoing Injury Recovery

Hazique ZairillOctober 28, 2025
Read More

Moto2: Jake Dixon Wins in Sepang

Hazique ZairillOctober 28, 2025
Read More

Swiss Moto3 Rider Noah Dettwiler in Critical but Stable Condition After Sepang Crash

Hazique ZairillOctober 28, 2025
Read More

Yamaha V4-Powered Prototype Completes Second Full-Length MotoGP Race at Sepang

Amzar HazeeqOctober 27, 2025
Read More

Shell Advance Unveils All-New Flagship Motorcycle Lubricant at MotoGP Malaysia 2025

Amzar HazeeqOctober 27, 2025
Read More

Hakim Danish Impresses with Fastest Lap at Malaysian GP Despite Early Retirement

Hazique ZairillOctober 27, 2025
Read More

Alex Marquez Claims Dominant Victory in Malaysian MotoGP

Hazique ZairillOctober 27, 2025
Read More

Double DNF for Honda HRC Castrol at Sepang

Michelle LiewOctober 25, 2025
Read More

Bagnaia Back with a Bang to Take Sepang Pole by 0.016s

Michelle LiewOctober 25, 2025
Read More

Arenas Targets Podium as Binder Prepares for Hot Sepang Battle

Michelle LiewOctober 25, 2025
Read More

Sepang Showdown: MotoGP Stars Gear Up for Malaysia 2025

Michelle LiewOctober 23, 2025
Read More

Valentino Rossi’s BMW M4 GT3 Sold for Over RM 3 Million at Auction.

Hazique ZairillOctober 23, 2025
Read More
We want to buy your bike Join us on Telegram
Scroll for more
Tap

Join us on Facebook

  • Popular

  • Latest

  • Comments

  • 47th ASEAN Summit 2025: Major Road Closures, From 26 until 28 October 
    EventsOctober 15, 2025
  • SYM Launches VFE 185i for Malaysian Market at RM9,988
    Buyer's guideOctober 1, 2025
  • WMOTO Unveils Cruiser AMT 125 and EZ125i for Malaysian Market
    Buyer's guideOctober 2, 2025
  • Sepang
    MotoGP 2026 Launch Event Relocated from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
    LifestyleOctober 3, 2025
  • KOVE Moto Officially Lands in Malaysia with the 800X GT and 450R
    Buyer's guideOctober 8, 2025
  • TVS Teases Apache RR450 Ahead of EICMA 2025
    NewsOctober 12, 2025
  • Chigee AIO-6 LTE 4G Review: A Smart, Connected Display for Riders
    Buyer's guideOctober 6, 2025
  • Infinite Machine Debuts in Europe at EICMA 2025
    NewsOctober 28, 2025
  • Polaris Sells Majority Stake in Indian Motorcycle
    NewsOctober 28, 2025
  • Triumph Unveils the All-New Trident 800
    NewsOctober 28, 2025
  • Ducati Launches Red Bull–Troy Lee Designs Factory Team
    NewsOctober 28, 2025
  • Jorge Martin to Miss Portuguese Grand Prix Amid Ongoing Injury Recovery
    MotoGPOctober 28, 2025
  • Moto2: Jake Dixon Wins in Sepang
    EventsOctober 28, 2025
  • Swiss Moto3 Rider Noah Dettwiler in Critical but Stable Condition After Sepang Crash
    EventsOctober 28, 2025
  • MV Agusta Lucky Explorer Project 9.5: testing the Schiranna prototype - news.iNthacity: More Top Breaking News and Popular Stories To Stay Informed says:

    […] Michelle Liew […]

  • CFMOTO 450SR to enter Malaysia in March 2023 at RM29,300 - news.iNthacity: More Top Breaking News and Popular Stories To Stay Informed says:

    […] Michelle Liew […]

  • Suzuki V-Strom now available in Malaysia at RM81,900 - news.iNthacity: More Top Breaking News and Popular Stories To Stay Informed says:

    […] Michelle Liew […]

  • Colin says:

    I hope they make the Dax street legal. Love to…

  • Mohd Razi bin Rosli says:

    Adv 150cc

  • Nena Maxberry says:

    Just curious what they would retail for

  • Adam Kenny says:

    RM4159 for the front fork is it?

Categories

  • Buyer's guide
    • First Rides & Reviews
    • Specs, Prices & Others
  • cafe racer malaysia murah
  • Campaign
  • CSR Programme
  • Electric Motorcycles
  • Electric Motorcycles
  • Industry
  • Industry
  • Kedai Motor
  • Lifestyle
    • Concepts & Custom
    • Electric Motorcycles
    • Events
      • EICMa
    • Helmet
    • Motorsport
      • ARRC
      • CubPrix
      • EWC
      • Moto3
      • Motocross
      • MSBK
      • WSBK
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Moto2
  • Motor Murah
  • News
    • Locals
    • MotoGP
    • Scoop
  • Review
  • Scoop
  • Scoop
  • SEO
  • Suzuka 8 Hours
  • Tips & Tricks

Corporate

About Us
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Disclosure Policy
Contact Us
SUBSCRIBE NOW!

2024 iMotorbike World Sdn. Bhd.(1205246-M). All rights reserved.

MotoGP – Lorenzo’s first interview as Repsol Honda rider
Dakar 2019 – Is anyone capable of stopping KTM?
Nak Jual Beli Motor 😊 ?
WhatsApp
Hi iMotorbike 😊
Open chat