If you want to stay updated on the latest MotoGP and WorldSBK news, lap records, and technical developments, bookmark this page and follow the official championship websites for real-time updates!
By Emanuele Venturoli| Posted March 22, 2023 | In MotoGP, Motorsports
When it comes to motorcycle racing, there are few events that can match the excitement of the MotoGP and Superbike World Championships. Both competitions feature the world’s most skilled riders and the most advanced machines, but which one is faster?
If you’re searching for the ultimate comparison between MotoGP and World Superbike (WSBK) machines, you’re in the right place. This guide will compare top speed, lap times, technology, and what makes each championship unique.
Before we dive deeper into this topic, it’s important to understand what makes a MotoGP bike and a Superbike different.
MotoGP bikes are custom-built racing machines designed for speed and agility. They are essentially prototypes purpose-built from scratch, with no compromises made for comfort or everyday use. They feature powerful engines, advanced electronics, and lightweight materials such as carbon fibre, magnesium, titanium etc etc all designed to push the limits of what’s possible on a motorcycle. MotoGP bikes are developed exclusively for racing and are not available for public purchase. Each manufacturer-such as Ducati, Yamaha, Honda, KTM, and Aprilia-designs and engineers their bikes to maximize performance within strict MotoGP regulations.
Superbikes, used in the WSBK aka superbike world championship on the other hand, are based on production motorcycles that have been modified for racing. They are still high-performance machines, but they retain many of the features and components found on their road-going counterparts. This means they are slightly heavier and less powerful than MotoGP bikes used in a MotoGP race, but they are still capable of incredible speeds and lap times.
Superbikes must be based on commercially available models, meaning you can buy a version of the bike they race in showrooms. Brands like Ducati (Panigale V4 R), Yamaha (YZF-R1), Kawasaki (Ninja ZX-10RR), BMW (M 1000 RR), and Honda (CBR1000RR-R) all compete in WSBK.
So, which one is the fastest? To answer that question, we need to take a closer look at the performance of each type of bike.
As of 2024, MotoGP bikes are estimated to produce over 300 horsepower and can weigh as little as 157 kg (346 lbs) dry. The minimum weight limit is set by regulations to ensure safety and parity.
Modern MotoGP bikes feature advanced “ride height devices” and seamless-shift gearboxes, as well as sophisticated electronics packages including traction control, launch control, and anti-wheelie systems. Aerodynamic winglets, now standard, provide crucial downforce for stability at high speeds and under braking.
In 2024, MotoGP bikes have reached official top speeds of over 225 mph (362.4 km/h), with Jorge Martín setting the current MotoGP top speed record at Mugello in 2022. Lap records continue to fall each season thanks to ongoing technological advancements. For example, Francesco Bagnaia set a new lap record at Mugello in 2023 with a time of 1:44.855.
Current WorldSBK bikes are based on 1000cc (four-cylinder) or 1200cc (twin-cylinder) production models. The most competitive Superbikes produce around 220–235 horsepower and must meet a minimum weight of 168 kg (370 lbs) as per 2024 regulations.
As of 2024, Superbikes can reach top speeds of around 205–210 mph (330–338 km/h), with Alvaro Bautista clocking 334 km/h (207.5 mph) at Phillip Island in 2023. The current Phillip Island WorldSBK lap record is 1:28.995, set by Álvaro Bautista in 2023.
So, which one is faster – MotoGP bikes or Superbikes? The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on a number of factors.
In terms of outright speed, MotoGP bikes are faster than Superbikes. They can achieve higher top speeds and faster lap times than Superbikes, thanks to their lighter weight, more powerful engines, and advanced aerodynamics and suspension systems. However, Superbikes are not far behind and can still offer incredibly thrilling and fast racing.
On any given track, MotoGP bikes are typically 2–4 seconds per lap faster than Superbikes. For example, at Phillip Island, MotoGP’s lap record is 1:27.767 (Jorge Martín, 2023) compared to the WorldSBK record of 1:28.995 (Álvaro Bautista, 2023).
Another factor to consider is the track. Different tracks have different characteristics that can favor one type of bike over the other. For example, a track with long straightaways may favor MotoGP bikes, as they can achieve higher top speeds. On the other hand, a track with lots of tight turns may favor Superbikes, as they are more agile and easier to maneuver through corners. However, the gap is closing as production bikes become more advanced and WorldSBK regulations allow for more technical development. Weather, tire choice, and setup can also influence which bike is faster on a given weekend.
The rider also plays a significant role in determining which type of bike is faster. Both MotoGP and Superbike riders are incredibly skilled and talented, but their riding styles can vary significantly. Some riders may be more comfortable on MotoGP bikes, while others may prefer the handling characteristics of Superbikes. Notably, several riders have successfully competed in both championships, such as Troy Bayliss, Max Biaggi, and Álvaro Bautista, demonstrating the high level of talent required in each series.
Overall, MotoGP bikes are faster than Superbikes in terms of pure speed and lap times. However, the difference is not significant, and both types of bikes offer incredible performance and excitement for fans of motorcycle racing.
In conclusion, MotoGP bikes are faster than Superbikes, but the difference is not significant. Both types of bikes offer incredible speed, agility, and performance. MotoGP racing and Superbike racing are among the most exciting motorsport championships in the world and the riders that compete in this categories are the fastest on the planet and either on a production bike or on a purpose built race machine they are capable of entertaining mortorcycle race fans over action filled competitions weekend.
To summarize: MotoGP bikes are the fastest motorcycles in the world, thanks to their prototype design, cutting-edge technology, and relentless pursuit of speed. Superbikes, while based on production models, are closing the gap and provide thrilling, closely fought racing that appeals to fans worldwide.
Whether you prefer the raw power and advanced technology of MotoGP bikes or you are a fan of the modified production machines of Superbikes, one thing is for sure – motorcycle racing is one of the most thrilling and exciting sports on the planet and MotoGP riders and superbike riders alike will go full throttle to win the respective world championships and keep us entertained during the racing season.
If you want to stay updated on the latest MotoGP and WorldSBK news, lap records, and technical developments, bookmark this page and follow the official championship websites for real-time updates!
Picture: Smudge 9000, Marc Marquez, 2013, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.
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A graduate in Public, Social and Political Communication from the University of Bologna, he has always been passionate about marketing, design and sport.
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By doing so, we are convinced that we are shortening the value chain, saving time and money. However, these DYI methods are anything but risk-free and what initially appears to be a competitive advantage soon turns into a problem that is difficult to resolve. That’s why there are agencies. And this is why you should rely on us for your sponsorships.
When first approaching a sponsorship or sports marketing project, it is difficult to know immediately which stakeholders are correct, what the decision flow is, and what the right timelines are for each process. Sports is a very specialized field of action, and fitting effectively into its paths can take a lot of time and therefore money. We, on the other hand, know referents and spheres of action and know who to talk to, when and how. So you are also more effective.
Sports is an immense passion, and for our heart colors we would be willing to do anything. But business is a different business, and it is important to make the best possible strategic decisions based on independent research, statistics and reliable data. A sports marketing and sports sponsorship agency like RTR has an objective, 360-degree picture of the scenario and can tell you what is really best for you: which sport, which athlete, which team. This is because we possess a great deal of data and information on ratings, segmentation and attitudes. Because the numbers don’t lie. Never.
Activations are the real heart of sports sponsorship. Without them, there remains only a blank sticker on a motorcycle, car or uniform and no contact with the public, no emotional connection, no impact on the bottom line. Then how do you do it? It certainly won’t be the teams or the athletes who will help you leverage sponsorship and enjoy the many marketing rights you have paid for. To bring out the best in a sports marketing project you need an agency that knows how to use sponsorship to engage the fanbase on the Web, to reach out to Shopping Centers, to organize hospitality, to develop B2B and B2C opportunities, and to get “your” athletes in front of millions of potential consumers.
Would you ever go to the dealer who sold you the car and ask if the competitor’s car is better? No, of course. So, how do you expect to get firm measurements of the effectiveness of your sponsorship if you do not rely on someone super partes? At RTR, we have always worked with independent third-party agencies that allow us to know the return on any exposure of your brand on TV and in the media. In addition, we believe in calculating ROI as the ultimate measure of your success-so we can tell you for every penny you spend how much you are making.
We have been involved in sports sponsorship and sports marketing for more than 15 years. We are consultants in the sense that our goal is to maximize your investment, but we are also an agency that manages the project from start to finish. We have been doing this since 1995 with passion and professionalism, following three principles that have become cornerstones of our business: independence, verticality and transparency.
I would like to highlight the fact that one of the qualities of RTR is its great ability to approach the sponsorship scenario strategically, together with its passionate attitude, its amazing enthusiasm for solving problems, and its high level of professionalism.
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We have been working with RTR Sports Marketing for over 10 years. The objectives and the programmes of collaboration continue to be renewed and to grow with mutual satisfaction. I believe RTR is a team of great professionals led by Riccardo Tafà, who I consider a manager of exceptional skills and with a great passion for his work.
Lucio Cecchinello
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I have known and worked with Riccardo Tafà since 1995 when we collaborated for the first time on a project for the Williams Formula 1 team. Several clients followed. After leaving Williams to work for Gerhard Berger then owner of the Toro Rosso F1 Team, I turned again to Riccardo to seek his help in finding a tool supplier for the team and Riccardo duly obliged with an introduction to USAG, a partnership with Toro Rosso which endured for five years. I recently started a new role as Group Commercial Director for the renowned Andretti Autosport organisation and I find myself working with Riccardo once again on a number of interesting projects. Why has this relationship with Riccardo endured ? He’s smart, knows the commercial side of sport inside out and back to front and he’s honest and trustworthy. Riccardo Tafà is a “doer” not a “talker”: in over 20 years I have never had a dispute either with him or with a company that he has introduced and each partnership introduced by Riccardo has delivered quantifiable ROI to rights holder and sponsor alike. I can think of no better testimonial of Riccardo’s diligence, knowledge, contact base and hard work than that.
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