Machine: RC213V 2014

Machine Specs

Concept

The concept of the 2014 RC213V continues the 2013 project of mass centralization with the improvements of each part of the machine. Honda’s concept of mass centralization aims to produce a machine with optimized handling characteristics combining stability, agility, resistance to wheelies and maximum cornering grip.

Chassis

For 2014 the chassis has been modified in its rigidity balance and designed to reach the maximum compatibility between turning and stability. The twin-spar aluminium chassis is immensely light and yet provides the ideal stiffness and strength characteristics required to contain and deliver more than 170kw (230bhp) from the RC213V’s engine to the rear tyre. As well as strength, the chassis features the right amount of carefully designed flexibility to enhance tyre grip.

Engine

We adopted 4 cylinder “V” engine with 1,000 capacity to RC213V which can exploit maximum power of 1,000cc keeping duration for 18 races in season with 5 engines.

We have reviewed all the details of the new engine, making it lighter and reducing friction. We also achieved better fuel consumption than the RC212V whilst retaining more power after 2,000km of durability testing.

Suspension

For 2014 the RC213V is fitted with Ohlins suspension front and rear. Providing the essential link between wheel and chassis, the suspension’s job is to keep the tyre in contact with the ground and producing maximum grip as the machine hits the thousands of bumps and ripples encountered on every lap. It’s a crucial link in the performance chain and for this reason both Repsol Honda riders have a dedicated Ohlins technician assigned to him.

Bodywork

The lightweight carbon-fibre bodywork plays an important role in making the RC213V as aerodynamic as possible. The 2014 RC213V has a modified fairing to reach the maximum compatibility and performance between handling and drag.

Tyres

MotoGP tyres are supplied exclusively by Bridgestone. Each rider is permitted to use a maximum of 20 slick tyres during each grand prix weekend and 12 wet tyres, or 14 if every session is deemed wet. Each grand prix weekend, Bridgestone’s slick tyres are available in two compounds and the wet tyres available in just a single compound, selected by Bridgestone in advance. The softer of the Bridgestone slick tyres is marked with a white line painted around the sidewall. The tyre sizes are: Front tyre size: 125/60R16.5 Rear tyre size: 190/65R16.5

Brakes

Carbon fiber front brakes are provided by Brembo. Carbon brakes work best when they’re hot and reach anything up to 400 degrees ºC. For rear disk and front disk under wet conditions the RC213V relies on Yutaka steel brake disks.