LOST WEIGHT, FOUND PERFORMANCE

Major elements of the motorcycle—chassis, engine, fork, wheels and tires—have become steadily lighter. This is not from substitution of expensive exotic materials such as titanium and carbon fiber, but because improved manufacturing technologies now let us use less of the usual materials—steel, aluminum, and some magnesium.

Production motorcycles have gone through cycles of weight gain, then simplification and weight loss. From time to time I have felt discouraged by so many tubby motorcycles. I know from the experience of racing that lighter machines maneuver more quickly and accelerate and stop faster than heavier ones. They are easier on tires and brakes.