• 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

Corner Like a Pro: Smooth, Fast, and Safe Every Time

Hazique ZairillAugust 8, 2025
Read More

Plessinger to Miss Remainder of Pro Motocross Season

Michelle LiewAugust 7, 2025
Read More

BMW Eyes New Line-Up as MotoGP Star Turns Down WorldSBK Switch

Hazique ZairillAugust 7, 2025
Read More

LYL Circuit Becomes Hub for Youth Motorcycle Racing

Michelle LiewAugust 6, 2025
Read More

Ducati MotoGP Riders Test Panigale V4 at Balaton Park

Hazique ZairillAugust 6, 2025
Read More

Italy Seeks Glory at 99th 6DAYS FIM Enduro in Bergamo

Hazique ZairillAugust 6, 2025
Read More

Aprilia Triumphs on Two Continents: Victory in MotoAmerica, Podium in Suzuka 8 Hours 

Hazique ZairillAugust 5, 2025
Read More

Malaysian Riders Battle Through Tough ATC Weekend at Sepang

Michelle LiewAugust 4, 2025
Read More

KTM Resumes Full Production in Mattighofen

Hazique ZairillAugust 4, 2025
Read More

Kasma’s Birthday Victory Dedication to His Mother

Hazique ZairillAugust 4, 2025
Read More

Honda HRC Claim Heroic Suzuka 8 Hours Victory 

Hazique ZairillAugust 4, 2025
Read More

Zarco Takes Pole with Suzuka 8 Hours Lap Record

Michelle LiewAugust 2, 2025
Read More
We want to buy your bike Join us on Telegram
Scroll for more
Tap

Join us on Facebook

  • Popular

  • Latest

  • Comments

  • Allianz Motor Insurance
    Allianz Motor Insurance: Policy Features (Malaysia)
    Buyer's guideJuly 17, 2025
  • Zurich Motorcycle Insurance
    Zurich Motorcycle Insurance: Policy Features (Malaysia)
    Buyer's guideJuly 17, 2025
  • 2025 Honda ADV350 Launched in Malaysia with New Tech and Features
    Buyer's guideJuly 22, 2025
  • 2025 Keeway XDV 180 Evo Adventure Scooter Launched in Malaysia
    Buyer's guideAugust 4, 2025
  • BMW F 450 GS to Launch in 2025 as Lightweight Adventure Bike
    NewsJuly 10, 2025
  • Blueshark Launches SoloEra Solo 1C EV Scooter for Just RM599 with MARiiCas Rebate
    Buyer's guideJuly 15, 2025
  • iMotorbike Opens New Showroom in Johor Bahru
    Buyer's guideJuly 24, 2025
  • Corner Like a Pro: Smooth, Fast, and Safe Every Time
    LocalsAugust 8, 2025
  • Plessinger to Miss Remainder of Pro Motocross Season
    MotorsportAugust 7, 2025
  • BMW Eyes New Line-Up as MotoGP Star Turns Down WorldSBK Switch
    MotoGPAugust 7, 2025
  • Throttle, Terrain, Legacy: Harley-Davidson D.R.T. 2025 Unleashes Power at Sepang
    EventsAugust 7, 2025
  • 2025 BSA Scrambler 650 Revives Retro with Modern Muscle
    NewsAugust 6, 2025
  • Moto Guzzi 500cc Street Naked Spotted Testing
    NewsAugust 6, 2025
  • Honda to Open New Motorcycle Plant in Türkiye
    NewsAugust 6, 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
      • Moto3
      • Motocross
      • MSBK
      • WSBK
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Moto2
  • Motor Murah
  • News
    • Locals
    • MotoGP
    • Scoop
  • Review
  • Scoop
  • Scoop
  • 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