2011 World Superbike Prep
Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport continues its preparation for the 2011 FIM World Superbike Championship; on Monday, BMW works riders, Troy Corser (AUS) and Leon Haslam (GBR), spent the afternoon in the wind tunnel of the aerodynamic department of BMW Group in Munich (GER).
The main intention was to aerodynamically optimize the riding positions of Corser and Haslam on their BMW S 1000 RR superbikes. With simulated speeds up to 240 km/h (150mph), they tried several different positions and body angles in order to find the ones that minimize the drag as much as possible.
The team also worked on optimizing the aerodynamic efficiency of the wind shield of the 2011 BMW S 1000 RR superbike.
The wind tunnel data collected will now be analyzed in detail. Based on these results, the superbike will be prepared for the next winter Superbike test that takes place at the end of November in Jerez.
Rainer Bäumel (Technical Director Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport) says: “The riding position is a main factor for the aerodynamic efficiency of the overall package of rider and bike. The positions of the head and the upper body, of elbows, knees and feet can have an enormous influence on the drag, and subsequently on lap times.”
“Of course, there is not one position that is the optimum for all riders, because it all depends on so many different individual factors, beginning with height and stature. The intensive work in the wind tunnel enabled Troy and Leon to find out what riding position is the best for them personally.”
“At the same time we try to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the bike as much as possible within the strict technical regulations. This is why we evaluated several different shapes and positions of the wind shield. We collected a lot of valuable data that will help us with the set up of the bike for the next tests.”
Corser and Haslam now continue their physical preparation for next season. From today on they are taking part in the BMW fitness camp, where they are joined by Team BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike riders, James Toseland (GBR) and Ayrton Badovini (ITA), and BMW offroad riders.
