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A Short Story on MotoGP Leaning Angles

Here's a very nice story on the incredible leaning angles of MotoGP bikes, still making us wonder how is it possible, even after so many races we're seen.
Actual max leaning angle for Jorge Lorenzo's Yamaha M1 7 photos
Photo: MotoGP.com
Actual max leaning angle for Jorge Lorenzo's Yamaha M1Actual max leaning angle for Jorge Lorenzo's Yamaha M1Leaning anglesActual max leaning angle for Jorge Lorenzo's Yamaha M1Contact patch for Jorge Lorenzo's Yamaha M1Contact patch for Jorge Lorenzo's Yamaha M1
Now, reaching a leaning angle of 64 degrees, withe the upright position of the bike considered as 0 degrees, is half technology and half the craziness all MotoGP riders seem to exhibit. In a good way, that is.

Tire-making technology and exceptional understanding how various race track surfaces are affecting grip under changing weather conditions is a closely-guarded secret for any tire manufacturer. Far more than a matter of winning or losing, it's the riders trusting their health and lives in the hands of their teams' technicians and ultimately, the hands of the tire manufacturers, who are supposed to know better than anyone how far can things be pushed.

On the other hand, it's down to the motorcycle manufacturers to know how the frame flexes under such extreme conditions, and manage to keep everything under control.

Mid-turn speeds often exceed 200 km/h (124 mph) and the contact patch between the tires and the track being the approximate size of a credit card (46 sq cm or 7 sq in), so the life and well being of the riders are depending on how well has everybody else done their homework. Enjoy the mind-boggling video!

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