24 hours motorcycles-four things to know about machine preparation

If in the superstock category the machines are close to those of origin, the Formula EWC class offers more freedom in terms of performance improvement.The general appearance of the motorcycle must remain in accordance with the approved machine.However, the teams can change the fork, the shock absorber, the swingarm, the brakes, the radiator and the exhaust.A certain freedom is granted to increase the level of engine performance.These machines are equipped with a quick change system.

When does the preparation of the motorcycle begin?

In reality, she never stops from one season to another.Each race, the teams find many improvement points."I prepare our motorcycle at home," explains Gabriel Michon, Team Manager of the Best of Bike 3art.“Whenever the motorcycle takes the track, we question ourselves.All members of the technical staff have ideas.We try to take the best of each person and that is what makes us move forward.There are many teams in which the preparers are limited.With us, it's participative.Our philosophy is to make a solid rather than light motorcycle because in the event of a fall, the damage is less important. "

How to tame electronics?

Electronics are now omnipresent on 24 -hour motorcycle machines.The teams must therefore modify their approach to the race.Anti-caprage, ABS, data acquisition, these elements are demanding new skills."We must not get from one year to the next because there is a lot of evolution.We have a person dedicated to data acquisition since the 8 hours of Estoril 2020. It brings us a plus and what reassures us is that telemetry confirms our feelings as well as that of the pilots.This means that we follow the right direction with regard to the settings ”.For pilots, electronic tools and data acquisition constitute an evolution in their profession.Thus, they confront the data to advance their piloting and gain speed.

What are the preparation secrets?

"There is no more secret in endurance," reacts Gabriel Michon."I love visiting the stands to observe professional and loving teams.Often, the most interesting ideas are the work of small teams.In small teams, there are no engineers but ingenious people.Regarding official teams, we observe their way of working. ”Regardless of the size and means of the teams, they must question themselves perpetually in order to follow the movement and remain competitive.

How to counter the lack of means?

Preparing a motorcycle requires significant financial and human means.Again, the limited budget teams must be skill.“We are soliciting all those around us and the skills of each.For the manufacture of unit parts, we have knowledge that works in machining companies.It allows us to move forward at a lower cost.We have no employees in the team.On the other hand, we are enthusiasts who want to do well.Finishing the 24 hours motorcycles in sixth position as we have done in the past three years is therefore a big result for us. "

This year again, the team that will win 24 hours motorcycles (whatever the category) will be the one that will have best prepared the test and demonstrates ingenuity.

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