RiderTua.com – Brad Binder is the lightest rider in MotoGP. Based on the definition, the rider’s weight plays a very important role in MotoGP bike racing. Especially in the Moto3 class, where a bike without fuel weighs almost the same as a fully equipped rider wearing a racing suit plus airbag. To prevent large differences due to weight factors, a minimum weight of 152 kg is required for the ‘total weight’ of racer and bike.
Different rules and circumstances apply in the MotoGP class. The minimum weight for a racing bike is 158 kg. There are no rules for engine weight or bike power source. The issue of weight is not a big debate because riders do not have significant differences in terms of height and weight. Exceptions like skinny Luca Marini prove the rule, with a height of 184 cm and a weight of 68 kg. The similarity in height and weight of several riders is also due to their career planning (where they started from). Usually this racing career path is taken by MotoGP riders through the Red Bull Rookies Cup first, then Moto3 and then to Moto2.
Brad Binder is the lightest rider in MotoGP
Roughly speaking, the average MotoGP rider is 170 cm tall and weighs 65 kg. But this is where the debate arises. Because broad statements don’t fit the world of top professional sports. It’s all about the smallest details in all areas. On the vehicle side, crazy pull-up technology is done every 0.01 hours. Now the potential of riders is being studied more closely, also in relation to optimal body weight.
The main thing is not banal statements like more speed or better acceleration with less weight. Because only optimal traction, mechanical and electronic, plays a decisive role in the power of the bike when driving alone on the track with almost 300 hp.
In theory, it’s more about the overall performance of the package over longer distances. Depending on the formulation of the bike, reducing the weight by a few kilograms will definitely affect the durability of the tire. We talk about the ins and outs, but it’s the things that lead the way to the top.
In the paddock at Qatar’s Lusail circuit, several riders made statements about their new weights for the season which were surprising. Maverick Vinales lost 4 kg. However, Brad Binder is 2 kg lighter and now weighs 60 kg, this has also sparked debate. Some riders are responding to this increasing dietary trend.
Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) said, “4 kilos, that’s what I gained. Really, this is normal for me. At the end of the season my weight was 64 kg, in the winter (holidays) it was 68 kg, now it’s 64 kg again. Certain fluctuations are normal and every rider must know his best position.”
Jorge Martin also answered, “I am quite vulnerable and my weight increases quickly. So I have to pay attention and try to always be consistent. But I think a difference of 1 to 2 kg is normal and makes no difference.”
Marco Bezzecchi actually laughed out loud when talking about diet. “Honestly, I think if I lose weight, I will fly off my bike off the track,” said the rider who weighs 61 kg.
The debate on the sidelines of preparations for the start of the new season shows that optimal preparation for riders is now very important. The role of the trainer is becoming increasingly important in establishing the ideal balance between maximum resistance and minimum body weight. Because what happened next, to get through the long MotoGP season, the riders needed substance that they could use.
The following is the weight of MotoGP riders in 2024:
- Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM) 60kg
- Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina VR46) 61kg
- Pedro Acosta (GASGAS Tech3) 62kg
- Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) 64kg
- Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Aprilia) 64kg
- Marc Marquez (Gresini) 64kg
- Maverick Vinales (Aprilia Racing) 64 kg
- Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) 64kg
- Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM) 64kg
- Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo) 64kg
- Jorge Martin (Pramac Ducati) 65kg
- Alex Marquez (Gresini) 65kg
- Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) 65 kg
- Franco Morbidelli (Pramac Ducati) 67kg
- Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Aprilia) 68 kg
- Johann Zarco (LCR Honda) 68kg
- Fabio di Giananntonio (Pertamina VR46) 68kg
- Luca Marini (Repsol Honda) 69kg
- Joan Mir (Repsol Honda) 69kg
- Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda) 70kg
- Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Tech3) 72kg
- Alex Rins (LCR Honda) 72kg
