Here's to Winging It: A history of wings on motorcycles

The History

For the past decade, MotoGP bikes have been adorned with winglets, searching for more stability and front-end feel. Every manufacturer is making a concerted effort to find the best aero kits for their bikes. And every bike in the current MotoGP paddock has these winglets, albeit they differ widely (pun intended). But how did they come about, and what has made them so popular?

Depending on whom you ask, you may get different answers. Many will say Ducati is responsible for the winglets, especially if you ask a Ducastista. Apparently, Alan Jenkins, a former F1 engineer, was hired by Ducati as an aerodynamic consultant. He continuously worked with Ducati to improve the aerodynamics of the glorious Desmosedici. In fact, it is thought that the winglets made their first appearance on the Ducati Desmosedici GP10 in 2010 at the German GP at the Sachsenring. But they would be forgetting the controversial Ducati 999 from 2003-2007, my first Ducati nonetheless.

Others claim that the wings made their presence felt as far back as 1980 when Mike Hailwood sported them on his Suzuki RG500. Yamaha also tried their hand at using winglets in MotoGP in 1999. Regardless, they are all wrong! The very first appearance of the winglets goes back over 50 years, when MV Agusta put them on their 1972 500/4 Racer. It was in 1972 at Assen Raceway, in the Netherlands, that Phil Read tested the wings.

Nowadays, some of the major manufacturers have these winglets on their production superbikes (even some adventure touring bikes as well). There's Ducati, Kawasaki (H2 models), BMW, Triumph, and of course, MV Agusta. With all the added horsepower gains, the rest of the bike must make the same strides to tame all that power and make the bikes rideable. If only the MotoGP 2-stroke 500cc bikes had the electronics the current bikes have. Rossi still would have dominated, but there would have been fewer high sides.

Reducing Drag

Why are these wings so prominent? (Yeah, another pun) Let's delve into some of the science behind the wings. Just a moment while I put on horn-rims. One of the major benefits of the winglets is that they reduce drag. Winglets work by minimizing the generation of vortices (whirlwinds) at the trailing edges of the fairing, which in turn reduces the overall drag coefficient. By reducing drag, winglets enhance the motorcycle's top speed and improve fuel efficiency, resulting in a more enjoyable and cost-effective riding experience.

Enhancing Stability

Another key advantage brought on by the winglets is that they enhance stability. Stability is of utmost importance for motorcyclists, especially when maneuvering at high speeds or navigating through challenging road conditions. Winglets contribute significantly to stability by providing additional downforce on the front end of the motorcycle. This downforce increases the tire's grip on the road surface, enhancing traction and reducing the likelihood of wheel lift or loss of control during aggressive cornering or sudden braking. With enhanced stability, riders can confidently push their motorcycles to their limits while maintaining control and safety.

Aerodynamic Efficiency

A third benefit is aerodynamic efficiency. By redirecting airflow away from the motorcycle's bodywork, winglets help optimize the way air flows over and around the bike. This allows for smoother, laminar airflow, reducing turbulence and enhancing overall stability. The improved aerodynamic efficiency leads to reduced wind buffeting, making the ride more comfortable for the rider while minimizing rider fatigue during long journeys. Sometimes I wish my 1199s had some wings. Then I feel shame.

Winglets have emerged as a significant innovation in the world of motorcycles, delivering enhanced performance, stability, and aerodynamic efficiency. By reducing drag, enhancing stability, and improving aerodynamic flow, these small but mighty devices are revolutionizing the riding experience. As motorcycle technology continues to advance, we can expect winglets to become a common sight on high-performance machines, benefitting riders across various riding styles and conditions. With winglets, the future of motorcycling promises a thrilling blend of speed, control, and safety. Once you get over their obtrusiveness, you can enjoy the perks of having wings, and you won’t even need a Red Bull!