For decades, motorcycle manufacturers have been trying to shed weight from their machines. The introduction of cutting edge materials such as various alloys and carbon composites, as well as designing components to have much higher tolerances has, for the most part, achieved this.
All that being said, a lightweight bike’s benefits could be negated by a slightly heavier rider, and indeed, this has been the topic of debate in the WorldSBK for some time now. In particular, current WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista, who’s also on his way to take the top spot for the current season has been the subject of scrutiny, especially from rivals who are slightly heavier set than he is. BMW racer Scott Redding has voiced his concerns about Alvaro Bautista’s weight advantage, or lack thereof, given that the Spanish rider tips the scales at just 56 kilograms (123 pounds) and stands at 5ft 5in (1.69 meters).
