As with any motorsport, there are several types of motorcycle racing. These can be on a road surface, dirt, or even ice. No matter where it takes place, racers travel across the world to ride on bikes of all different shapes and sizes to win. To find out more about the differences between these races, check out the different types of motorcycle racing today. You’ll see how the varying engines, tires, and types of races can affect who wins or loses. Depending on the type of race, you can customize your bike. Also, make sure to wear the right equipment on track day.
Road Racing
The main type of motorcycle racing today is road racing. There are three main subtypes of road races: MotoGP, Superbike, and Endurance. Each of these uses a road bike to ride over paved surfaces either in purposely closed circuits or street circuits. Road racing is one of the oldest forms of motorcycle racing and motorsports due to its simplicity. Today, there are many notable road races for racers to compete in, like the Isle of Man TT, Daytona 200, and various Grands Prix.
MotoGP
The MotoGP is, as most would attest, the Super Bowl of road races. It is the premier category for this motorcycle racing style and is distinguishable by its three classes: MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3. There is even a MotoE class for fully electric motorcycles. The MotoGP class began in 2002 with 500cc two-stroke engines or 800cc four-stroke engines. Moto2 allows for 600cc four-stroke engines or 765cc three-cylinder engines. Also, the Moto3 class allows for 250cc single-cylinder four-stroke engines only. Each race is 45 minutes with no fuel or tire pit stops. There are currently 19 GP circuits in 15 countries.
Superbike
Superbike racing uses modified market bikes with twin- or four-cylinder engines. The bike must appear as it would for regular road use, but riders can change their OEM components with various aftermarket parts. This differs from MotoGP, which uses purpose-built bikes. The Superbike World Championship is the leading superbike competition. As the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM) regulates it, the race has grown exponentially in popularity and has become the signature race for many notable racers in the sport.
Motocross
Motocross is the outdoor off-road equivalent to road racing. The bikes are different, too. Some motocross races involve tremendous jumps and airborne stunts. Both the International Motorcycle Federation and American Motorcycle Association (AMA) host two significant championship races: the FIM Motocross World Championship and the AMA Motocross Championship. Still, there are many international races and circuits, too. Both races use 250cc and 450cc machines.
Supercross
Another derivative of Motocross is Supercross. Supercross relies on high-performance off-road bikes to ride over steep jumps and obstacles across dirt, grass, or other off-road conditions. There are shorter straights and tighter turns than in Motocross. Typically, the Supercross season is in the spring or winter, where races take place in baseball and football stadiums.
Track Racing
The last main type of motorcycle racing is track racing. This type of racing involves an oval track where different surface types affect the race. Speedway is the most common type. In this type, four to six racers ride in a counter-clockwise motion through four laps. Like many other races, the FIM and AMA regulate many of these races and their competitions. Track racing is typically broken down into indoor and speedway. Indoor track racing uses a concrete or hard-packed dirt floor. Speedway, on the other hand, involves racers riding over paved surfaces, grass, or ice around an oval track to see who has the best time for those laps.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
