Riding a motorcycle gives a feeling of freedom and fun that is incomparable to anything else, but when you’re looking to save on fuel and power, the science behind riding can be just as intriguing! How do aerodynamics factor into motorcycle riding? Are motorcycles actually aerodynamic? Let’s take a closer look at motorcycle aerodynamics as we break it down.
What is Aerodynamics?
In the simplest of definitions, Aerodynamics is the study of how air moves around objects. Most people might think of airplanes and cars when they think of aerodynamics, but it includes just about everything that pushes air around while it is moving. Some great visual examples are sailboats as they move through water, but on the power of air, as well as windmills or turbines that are propelled in place by blowing air. These are all examples of external aerodynamics, which study the flow around solid objects, and this looks closely at lift, drag, thrust, and weight of an object.
Are Motorcycles Aerodynamic or Not?
At first glance, many would assume that motorcycles are aerodynamic: they are small, many are lightweight, and they move quickly along the road. However, a motorcycle has a high drag coefficient, which is part of the drag calculation for aerodynamics. Comparing a car to a motorcycle, the drag coefficient is nearly double which means that there is more resistance for a motorcycle moving than there is for a car.
When you look at most modern cars they are fully encased in a body of steel, which creates a smooth area around the vehicle for air to pass over. Hoods and windshields are shaped to allow the air to be pushed upwards and to the sides, where it clings and passes evenly around. A motorcycle, on the other hand, gets extra drag from disturbances in airflow around the bike. This is due to a few different factors, including the often exposed mechanical components of the motorcycle, as well as open wheels, and sharp edges that make up the motorcycle’s body. Possibly the largest factor in aerodynamics when it comes to riding a motorcycle is the rider themselves! Motorcycle riders tend to shift position regularly and this changes the windflow and drag as they are riding.
How Can You Increase the Aerodynamics of Your Motorcycle?
Now that you know motorcycles are not very aerodynamic, we can look at ways to increase the aerodynamics of your motorcycle! The first thing you can work on adjusting is your riding position. Try to adjust yourself less frequently, but of course not at the expense of comfort! You can change your seating position to a more optimal position, as well as watching how your feet are positioned to better direct the wind flow into the rear wheel.
You can also look into different rider gear to minimize flow separation between the helmet and jacket, like this MotoGP suit that has added design features to increase aerodynamics. If a new suit is a bit out of your price range, small spoilers are available to add onto motorcycle helmets that ensure this flow separation happens at specific points.
The motorcycles themselves also offer some room for improvement for aerodynamics, and we can look towards the professional racing teams for inspiration and changing the world of riding. KMS, MotoGP, and Ducati are just a few of the racing teams that have tried a variety of different bike shapes, sizes, and accessories to try and increase their aerodynamics and lower their drag coefficient. These have included everything from windshield screens, wheel covers and tail wings, to winglets and full-on body covers.
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Some riders are aiming to have the most aerodynamic ride they can and others see it as less important, but the good news is that it is attainable! Whether you’re running out to buy the most aerodynamic motorcycle you can find, or you’ll start working on keeping your body as aerodynamic as it can be while riding, there are ways to lower your drag coefficient.
