Short Read – Suzuki’s 2015-2020 aero evolution

Since their return to the MotoGP class in 2015, Suzuki’s aero has steadily developed along with the machine, to the point where it is a race winning bike.

They came into 2015 with a bike that was common for the time, a smooth fairing that was wingless gave it a sleek profile. Fast forward to 4 years later, and the massive wings dominate MotoGP on all bike, in an effort to squeeze the extra bit of downforce they are looking for from the front wheel out of the package.

In 2019, the wings were fairly large but still had a sleek look to them, then on day 3 of the Sepang pre-season test, Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki test rider) rolled out of the pits with some huge wings bolted to the sides of the bike. They were MUCH larger than any wing we had previously seen on a Suzuki, and a statement that the team were going big with their aero commitment.

Come the Austria races, we saw a small update, with the front forks receiving an update that Ducati pioneered, in an effort for that little more airflow. The fork legs and stanchions are now covered in a carbon shroud that helps efficiency and therefore aids top speed, an essential find with large wings causing massive drag on the front.

All this added up to two very strong performances at Austria, with a podium for Joan Mir in the first race and a sure win cruelly taken from him by a red flag and lack of new front tyre. Suzuki are in excellent shape going forward.

Featured image – www.motogp.com