Remy Gardner compares the Yamaha M1 from MotoGP with his Yamaha R1 from the Superbike World Championship and explains why the WSBK bike is more fun
WSBK rider Remy Gardner was given the chance by Yamaha to compete in three MotoGP weekends this year. During his outings in Germany, Great Britain and Japan, Gardner missed out on the points, but was able to get a good impression of the Yamaha M1. However, compared to his Yamaha R1 from the Superbike World Championship, the MotoGP bike is less fun to ride.
“I think every rider can confirm that the Superbike is more fun,” explains Gardner, adding: ‘The MotoGP bikes ride like on rails and you have to control them very precisely. With the Superbike, you can play a little better.’
Nevertheless, Gardner enjoys the ride on the MotoGP prototype, which has an output of around 300 hp. ”I don’t want to say that the MotoGP bike is no fun. On the contrary, when you can use the power thanks to the strong grip, the bike accelerates very impressively. It’s an amazing feeling!” reports the Australian.
Big difference in horsepower: What makes a MotoGP bike different?
Even though both the MotoGP bike and the Superbike have engines with the same displacement, there are still some differences. The peak power of the MotoGP bike is about 60 to 70 hp higher than that of the Superbike. Stiffer chassis parts, prototype tires and carbon brakes increase costs and performance.
“The power and the tires are different, and the brakes are different too, of course,” Gardner confirms. “But I have to say that the steel brakes we use in the Superbike World Championship are pretty powerful. But the carbon brakes on the MotoGP bike naturally decelerate the bike faster.”
Are MotoGP bikes easier to ride at the limit than WSBK bikes?
Which bike is easier to ride at the limit? “All bikes are difficult to ride at the limit. There’s no question about that,” Gardner clarifies. “But there are some similarities. Above all, the strengths and weaknesses are similar. But the concepts are completely different.”
“The aero makes it easier to ride because the bike is less likely to wheelie. You have to fight with the bike less. The rear device also helps the rider. But it’s more fun without these aids,” notes Gardner, adding: “In terms of riding fun, the Superbike is the first choice.”
This year, Gardner completed his second full season in the Superbike World Championship. The declining competitiveness of the Yamaha R1 set the Australian back. He celebrated his only podium of the season at Assen. In the end, the former Moto2 world champion finished in P10 of the drivers’ standings, making him the second-best Yamaha driver, ahead of record world champion Jonathan Rea.
