Data analysis in motorcycle racing: How telemetry boosts performance

Motorcycle racing is precision at the highest level. Where in the past the gut feeling and experience of the mechanics were decisive, today technology sets the tone. Modern data analysis and telemetry provide information that not only makes riding behavior visible, but also measurable. It is no longer just the professionals in MotoGP or the Superbike World Championship who benefit from this. Ambitious amateur riders also use analysis software and data loggers to become faster and safer on trackdays.

Find out in this article how telemetry works, which data is really crucial and why a sober look at diagrams can be more useful than the subjective riding experience.

What is telemetry anyway?

The term "telemetry" describes the recording, transmission and evaluation of data that is collected while driving. In professional sport, this information is transmitted in real time so that engineers can see directly in the pits how the machine is reacting on the track. At hobby and amateur rider level, the evaluation usually takes place after the ride - this process is known as data logging.

What data do the sensors record?

Numerous sensors are fitted on and in the vehicle, which record the following data, among others:

• GPS position and speed

• Acceleration forces and lean angle

• Brake pressure and throttle position

• Movements of the chassis (suspension travel, damping)

• Engine data such as shift points or engine speed

While live telemetry is embedded in multi-million projects such as MotoGP teams, a compact data logger or a smartphone app that records GPS data is usually sufficient for trackday riders.

Tools and systems at a glance

The market now offers a wide range of systems that are suitable for different budgets and requirements.

• Integration with action cams: GoPro videos can be combined with GPS and sensor data - perfect for visual feedback.

• Data loggers & telemetry systems: AIM, 2D, MoTec or RaceBox are among the best-known tools in this area.

• Software for analysis: Programs such as RaceChrono or Race Studio offer comprehensive and clear evaluations - from diagrams to sector times.

But it doesn't always have to be highly complex tools. Even a simple GPS logger can be used to measure your progress. If you want to go deeper, you can get an almost professional tool set with sensor packages.

What data is crucial for optimum performance?

Given the wealth of measurement data, not every figure is equally important. Values that are directly related to your riding style are particularly revealing:

• Shift points and engine utilization: are you avoiding unnecessary gear changes or what about optimal utilization of the torque band?

• Throttle and braking behavior: How finely do you dose the transitions between braking, turning in and accelerating?

• Line choice & cornering speed: Are you consistently following the ideal line or are you wasting valuable time by making unnecessary corrections?

• Suspension movements: Does the set-up fit or is it too hard, too soft or unbalanced?

• Segment comparisons: On which sections of the track do you lose the most time compared to your fastest laps?

How data analysis optimizes driving behavior

The real magic happens after driving, when the data is processed and analyzed. Diagrams and overlays reveal where you are losing time. Perhaps you regularly brake too late, forcing you to turn into the bend frantically. Or you accelerate too early - this makes it unstable and puts a strain on the tires in the long run.

Data analysis ensures three key improvements:

• Recognize weak points: So you know exactly where you need to start.
• Optimized set-up: Your riding style becomes the basis for fine-tuning the suspension, brakes and electronics.
• Consistent results: The figures are objective and help you to avoid mistakes and therefore drive reproducible laps.

Conclusion: Why data is the better feeling

In a race, it's not just courage that counts, but also precision. Your gut feeling is important, but it can still be wrong. Data, on the other hand, clearly shows you in black and white where you are gaining time and where your weak points are.

Telemetry and data analysis are not just a gimmick. They are important tools for riding better, more consistently and more safely in the long term. Regardless of whether you are a passionate amateur rider or a professional: if you can measure your performance, you have a solid basis for targeted improvement. In the end, you are the one who decides what you do with these measurements. But if you really want to get a grip on your lap times, there's really no way around looking at the data.