The benefits of aerodynamics on motorcycles
Aerodynamics is a very important science to understand the influence of air forces on the behaviour of any motorcycles and its rider. By applying the basic principles of aerodynamics to motorcycles, it is possible to achieve significant improvements in terms of performance and comfort. Drag reduction, for example, is essential to enable more efficiency at higher speeds.
The drag, a force in opposition to the motorcycle displacement, is one of the main aerodynamic challenges. Optimized design can minimize this drag and reduce fuel consumption while improving acceleration.
In addition, the stability of the bike is a determining factor for the rider’s comfort and safety. An aerodynamically stable motorcycle offers better handling and reduces driver fatigue on long journeys. Fairings, windscreens and spoilers play a crucial role in guiding airflows to stabilize the bike, especially at high speeds.
Another major problem is the discomfort of the user caused by the turbulence and the pressure forces. By optimizing the aerodynamic design, these discomfort factors can be reduced for a more enjoyable driving experience. High-speed journeys will then require less effort and fatigue.
Thus, applying an innovative design and a deep understanding of aerodynamics will improve performance, speed, comfort and driver satisfaction.
The importance of aerodynamics depending on the speed of motorcycles
Aerodynamics plays a crucial role in motorcycle performance and rider comfort, especially at certain speeds. Indeed, the forces generated by the air flow vary to the square of the speed (the product of the value of the speed by itself) and the power to counter the drag varies according to the cube of the speed. Thus the need for engine power is multiplied by more than two to go from 90 to 120 km/ h. And to take a motoGP at 350 kph will require more than 250 horsepower on the wheel. The illustration of this is given below, assuming a drag coefficient independent of speed:
Consider that aerodynamics begin to have a significant impact from 60 kph, concrete examples show how aerodynamics can improve performance. CFD simulations have shown that an optimized design can reduce drag by 10-20%, resulting in lower fuel consumption. This is particularly relevant for sport and touring motorcycles that travel long distances at high speeds. In this case the optimization of the luggage compartments and the passenger position will also play an important role. Better drag will automatically lead to greater autonomy and fewer stops to refuel.
In terms of comfort, an optimized aerodynamics minimizes the turbulence around the rider. At speeds above 100 kph, aerodynamic forces can cause instability and vibration, making driving exhausting and uncomfortable. Well-designed fairings and deflectors will direct the airflow around the rider and the passenger, reducing turbulence, and will improve driving stability and posture, which are essential for comfort on long journeys.
Aerodynamics of motorcycles : Improved stability and control
The use of enveloping structures such as fairings improves the airflow around the bike, reduces drag and turbulent areas. Fins or deflectors can be added to guide the air more precisely and thus improve the directional stability.
Another important aspect is the distribution of the aerodynamic forces on the motorcycle. By effectively distributing these forces, the forces taken up by the wheels in contact with the ground can be worked out with grip and balance improved. For example, a design that creates a downward force at the front of the bike can help keep the front tire in contact with the road, increasing steering control and responsiveness. Conversely, an instable and inconsistent downward force at the rear could cause handling problems. This may be the case when you set up an unoptimized top case.
It is also important to promote an aerodynamically optimized driving position in order to better control the thermal and cooling zones on the rider’s body, the projections on the helmet visor and the detachments at the back of the helmet which play a main role in the noise felt by the rider and the passenger.
The anti-wheelie winglets are aerodynamic devices designed to improve the motorcycle’s stability during acceleration phases. Their main function is to counteract the upturn effect, which occurs when the front wheel of the motorcycle rises under the effect of a strong acceleration. With the speed of air, these wings generate a downward force that pushes the front wheel towards the ground, thus ensuring a better control in traction.
The competition, and especially the motoGP world championship, has demonstrated the benefits of the anti-wheelie wings, both on acceleration and braking. In the end this has led to a significant reduction of lap times.
On the road, anti-wheelie wings can become a key element in modern motorcycle design. Their ability to improve stability and performance in acceleration and braking is a valuable asset for sports driving enthusiasts. The continuous development of these devices promises even more significant advances in the future, with a direct impact on the rider comfort and safety.
Adaptive fairing design and study
Innovative solutions, such as adaptive fairings, offer a promising way to improve these aspects. An adaptive fairing is designed to change its aerodynamic properties in response to driving conditions. These modifications may include shape adjustments or the activation of additional aerodynamic devices to reduce drag and improve stability.
For example, at high speed, the fairing can tighten to minimize air resistance, while at low speed it can expand to provide better cooling. The incidence of anti-wheelie wings can also vary.
The design and development of adaptive fairings requires a strong understanding of fluid dynamics. Advanced simulation tools, such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), are used to model aerodynamic phenomena and optimize the design of these devices. These simulations allow you to virtually test different configurations and predict their impact on the performance and comfort of the bike.
By integrating adaptive fairings, manufacturers will be able to offer more efficient and performing motorcycles but also more comfort for the rider.
