What is MotoSPEC?
MotoSPEC is specialized software for calculating and optimizing motorcycle suspension and chassis geometry.
MotoSPEC builds a virtual motorcycle, starting with frame and swingarm, then adding suspension and steering components and tires.
By calculating key geometry and suspension characteristics - like rake, trail, wheel forces and wheel rates - MotoSPEC assists in making quick and informed decisions to improve and optimize handling and performance.
MotoSPEC builds a virtual motorcycle, starting with frame and swingarm, then adding suspension and steering components and tires.
By calculating key geometry and suspension characteristics - like rake, trail, wheel forces and wheel rates - MotoSPEC assists in making quick and informed decisions to improve and optimize handling and performance.
What are the benefits of using MotoSPEC?
Those using MotoSPEC commonly experience:
- more efficient use of tires, fuel and limited track time
- increased confidence when making suspension and geometry adjustments
- improved rider confidence in the team and bike
- quicker and better understanding of a motorcycle when working with it for the first time
- ability to evaluate components (links, etc.) before they are purchased and fitted to the bike
Who Uses MotoSPEC?
- Motorcycle manufacturers: engineers in the factory and at development tracks
- Race teams: crew chiefs and data analysts
- Riders tuning their own chassis, at race weekends and track days
- Suspension tuners: those offering services at races and track days, both in-person and remotely
Is there a trial version available?
Yes, a fully-functional trial license is available for 30 days, with chassis geometry provided for up to three models.
Request your trial license here.
A list of the available models is available on the MotoSPEC homepage.
Request your trial license here.
A list of the available models is available on the MotoSPEC homepage.
What if my motorcycle is not listed on the MotoSPEC homepage?
New models are constantly being added to MotoSPEC.
Either email or ask about your motorcycle when requesting your trial.
If it is not already available, requesting it will help indicate and prioritize new models to be added.
Use of MotoSPEC is limited to models that have been measured directly, or where the user has access to accurate drawings.
If you have access to accurate chassis drawings and wish to specify the chassis yourself, please note that in your trial request. A similar available model can be supplied as a starting point. Confidential guidance and advice is available to assist with correctly specifying the motorcycle.
Either email or ask about your motorcycle when requesting your trial.
If it is not already available, requesting it will help indicate and prioritize new models to be added.
Use of MotoSPEC is limited to models that have been measured directly, or where the user has access to accurate drawings.
If you have access to accurate chassis drawings and wish to specify the chassis yourself, please note that in your trial request. A similar available model can be supplied as a starting point. Confidential guidance and advice is available to assist with correctly specifying the motorcycle.
Can I measure my motorcycle myself and specify it into MotoSPEC?
Yes - if you have the necessary equipment for accurate measurements.
The MotoSPEC chassis specifications are measured with a portable Coordinate Measuring Machine. It is calibrated to accuracy of less than 0.05 mm, and used with a proprietary process developed and refined to measure all the individual chassis components with the required accuracy.
Unfortunately, the accuracy required is not possible with a tape measure.
Individual small components such as linkages and triple clamps can be measured with calipers. This allows the user to easily add aftermarket components to the chassis specification. All chassis specifications are fully editable.
The MotoSPEC chassis specifications are measured with a portable Coordinate Measuring Machine. It is calibrated to accuracy of less than 0.05 mm, and used with a proprietary process developed and refined to measure all the individual chassis components with the required accuracy.
Unfortunately, the accuracy required is not possible with a tape measure.
Individual small components such as linkages and triple clamps can be measured with calipers. This allows the user to easily add aftermarket components to the chassis specification. All chassis specifications are fully editable.
How many motorcycle models are available for MotoSPEC?
There are over 100 models in the MotoSPEC chassis library, including sportbikes, motocross and enduro models.
A list of available models is on the MotoSPEC homepage.
Access to the full library is available with a purchased license. Up to three models will be provided with a trial license.
If you are interested in a specific model year or sub-model (for example, R6 S or S1000RR M-Pkg), please confirm this is available before purchasing a license.
A list of available models is on the MotoSPEC homepage.
Access to the full library is available with a purchased license. Up to three models will be provided with a trial license.
If you are interested in a specific model year or sub-model (for example, R6 S or S1000RR M-Pkg), please confirm this is available before purchasing a license.
What operating systems does MotoSPEC support?
MotoSPEC runs on Windows 11, on both PCs and Macs.
Where can I find more information on motorcycle chassis and MotoSPEC?
MotoSPEC is referenced in the following books:
- Introduction to Torque Management in Race Motorbikes by Michele Trapani
- The Racing Motorcycle, Volume 3 by John Bradley
- MotoGP Technology by Neil Spalding
LICENSING
What is included with the license?
The license includes all program updates during the term of the license and an account for the MotoSPEC website. The website contains the online library of chassis files and tire specifications.
Can I buy a lifetime license of MotoSPEC?
Unfortunately not. MotoSPEC is licensed by the year in order to fund:
- program updates
- measurements of new models and tires
- online/remote support
- travel, to support customers at race weekends and to measure models depending on regional availability
Can I purchase a license only for my specific motorcycle?
Unfortunately not. The Standard license is designed primarily for those needing to analyze only one model at a time, but with access to all the motorcycles at a lower cost and the PRO license.
Are there different licenses of MotoSPEC?
MotoSPEC offers two license types, Standard and PRO.
The PRO version allows comparison of three different motorcycle models simultaneously, while the Standard version allows comparison of three setups with the same chassis specification.
The PRO version also allows analysis of the geometry with lean angle, considering the tire profiles, and up to ten swingarm options within a chassis specification.
A full list of features can be found here.
The PRO version allows comparison of three different motorcycle models simultaneously, while the Standard version allows comparison of three setups with the same chassis specification.
The PRO version also allows analysis of the geometry with lean angle, considering the tire profiles, and up to ten swingarm options within a chassis specification.
A full list of features can be found here.
Which license should I get, Standard or PRO?
It is always encouraged to start with the Standard version. Trial licenses can be modified to PRO to allow it to be evaluated, and it is also possible to upgrade licenses after purchase.
Can I trial both the Standard and PRO versions?
Yes, communicate this by email when requesting your trial license. Your trial will be split between both versions.
Can I upgrade a purchased license from Standard to PRO?
Yes, a Standard license may be upgraded to a PRO license at any time for the pro-rated difference over the remainder of the license term.
Is the trial license fully functional? Does the trial license have reduced features?
No, the trial license is fully functional with all features of the supplied version, either Standard or PRO.
Are there payment plan options?
Yes, you can choose a subscription of four consecutive monthly payments for a one-year license instead of a single payment.
What are the differences between hardware-locked and USB dongle licenses?
- Hardware-locked license:
- 28-character license key
- Transferable between computers using internet connection
- Recoverable if computer is lost, stolen or broken
- USB dongle license:
- Physical device plugging into a USB-A socket
- Transferable between computers quickly without requiring an internet connection
- Ideal for locations with limited or unreliable connectivity
- Cannot be transferred if not within arms reach
- Can be lost or damaged
What happens if my computer breaks or is stolen?
- Hardware-locked license: The license can be reset on the server and then activated on another computer
- USB dongle license: If lost, replacement cost is the pro-rated cost for remainder of license term plus dongle and shipping costs
Do I need a constant internet connection?
A constant internet connection is NOT required.
Hardware-locked licenses only require an internet connection to activate or transfer the license, and once every 30 days to check in with the license server.
USB dongle licenses don't require any internet connection.
Hardware-locked licenses only require an internet connection to activate or transfer the license, and once every 30 days to check in with the license server.
USB dongle licenses don't require any internet connection.
Can I use a MotoSPEC license on multiple computers?
- Hardware-locked: MotoSPEC can be installed on multiple computers but only activated on one at a time
- USB dongle: MotoSPEC can be installed on multiple computers but only used on the computer where the dongle is plugged in
FEATURES AND CAPABILITIES
Can I edit chassis specifications?
Yes, all chassis dimensions and specifications are fully editable by the user.
Aftermarket components like yokes and linkages can be measured by the user and added to the chassis specification.
Aftermarket components like yokes and linkages can be measured by the user and added to the chassis specification.
Is a data acquisition system necessary?
No. A lot of value can be extracted from MotoSPEC by looking at topped out (fully extended) geometry – including trail and swingarm angle or anti-squat.
Looking at topped out geometry is often the best place to start, before going deeper.
Going a step further is to look at the geometry at rider sag, since this is the neutral position of the bike before adding the dynamic loads of acceleration, cornering and braking.
After these static analyses, data aq can then be used to look at the dynamic behavior of the chassis.
Potentiometer and lean angle readings can be noted in the data aq software and then entered in MotoSPEC to examine the geometry and suspension values at that instant.
To look at the chassis thru a corner, or over a lap or session, geometry and suspension values can be plotted in the data aq interface, using math channels can be generated by MotoSPEC. This also allows visualization compared to the track map and to rider inputs such as braking and throttle.
MotoSPEC can be utilized at all levels of experience, starting with the basics to advanced analysis using data aq.
Looking at topped out geometry is often the best place to start, before going deeper.
Going a step further is to look at the geometry at rider sag, since this is the neutral position of the bike before adding the dynamic loads of acceleration, cornering and braking.
After these static analyses, data aq can then be used to look at the dynamic behavior of the chassis.
Potentiometer and lean angle readings can be noted in the data aq software and then entered in MotoSPEC to examine the geometry and suspension values at that instant.
To look at the chassis thru a corner, or over a lap or session, geometry and suspension values can be plotted in the data aq interface, using math channels can be generated by MotoSPEC. This also allows visualization compared to the track map and to rider inputs such as braking and throttle.
MotoSPEC can be utilized at all levels of experience, starting with the basics to advanced analysis using data aq.
What data acquisition software does MotoSPEC work with?
Front and rear potentiometers and lean angle can be read from any data aq system. Inputting these into MotoSPEC will provide a snapshot of the chassis geometry and suspension at that moment.
To examine the chassis geometry in the data aq interface, MotoSPEC can export chassis math channels for the following data aq systems:
To examine the chassis geometry in the data aq interface, MotoSPEC can export chassis math channels for the following data aq systems:
- Motec i2 Pro
- Marelli WinTax
- Pi-Pectel
- 2D
- AiM Race Studio
What chassis math channels can be generated by MotoSPEC?
The following chassis math channels are generated by MotoSPEC:
It is important to note that the chassis math channel values are calculated only using front and rear potentiometer channels. Lean angle and tire profile are not considered.
- Rake
- Ground Trail
- Swingarm Angle
- Anti-squat (percentage or angle)
- Front Wheel Force
- Rear Wheel Force
- Front Wheel Rate
- Rear Wheel Rate
- Rear Wheel Travel
- Wheel/Shock
- Shock/Wheel
It is important to note that the chassis math channel values are calculated only using front and rear potentiometer channels. Lean angle and tire profile are not considered.
Does MotoSPEC calculate damping forces?
Damping forces are not calculated directly in the MotoSPEC interface. This would require the input of the fork and shock velocities, which vary greatly from moment to moment. Damping forces calculated at one instant will be different 0.1 seconds later.
Instead, it is recommended to calculate the damping forces in your data aq software, using the chassis math channels provided by MotoSPEC.
The damping forces can be calculated using the fork and shock velocities, and their force-velocity damping tables. The effect of the damping at the rear wheel can be calculated using the Wheel/Shock or Shock/Wheel math channels.
Using math channels provides a better analysis of the damping forces, versus the instantaneous snapshot of damping forces that would be available in the MotoSPEC window.
Instead, it is recommended to calculate the damping forces in your data aq software, using the chassis math channels provided by MotoSPEC.
The damping forces can be calculated using the fork and shock velocities, and their force-velocity damping tables. The effect of the damping at the rear wheel can be calculated using the Wheel/Shock or Shock/Wheel math channels.
Using math channels provides a better analysis of the damping forces, versus the instantaneous snapshot of damping forces that would be available in the MotoSPEC window.
Can MotoSPEC help design and evaluate new components?
Yes!
Rear suspension linkages can be designed to obtain desired motion ratio, progression and chassis geometry (rake/trail and swingarm angle).
At the front of the bike, the combination of rake adjustment and offset can be determined for a desired trail value, before purchasing the parts.
Rear suspension linkages can be designed to obtain desired motion ratio, progression and chassis geometry (rake/trail and swingarm angle).
At the front of the bike, the combination of rake adjustment and offset can be determined for a desired trail value, before purchasing the parts.
