MotoGP: Espargaró builds GP-inspired GSX-R for training

Aleix Espargaró has built a MotoGP-inspired Suzuki GSX-R1000 machine to allow him to improve his riding style by training on a machine similar to the bike that he rides every weekend for the manufacturer’s factory team.

Taking the front end, carbon brakes and Michelin slicks from his MotoGP machine and mounting them on the production machine, he believes he’s built the perfect tool for training.

“I’ve built a GSX-R1000 really close to MotoGP, with the forks from my MotoGP bike, with the wheels, brakes, as much as I can. I’d like to go to Aragon this week to ride it, but I need to check the track schedule.

TOP STORIES

• Kawasaki Z900RS retro imminent
• Plans revealed: Honda CB500X gets tough
• Triumph & Bonneville – the sequel
• Hot-rod cruiser bike insurance comparisons
• Moto3: Binder replaced by Antonelli at Red Bull KTM

“But the circuit isn’t the most important thing – it’s more important to learn to ride naturally in a different way. When you ride with pressure, your brain goes into automatic, and that’s what we need to change.”

The move comes as he looks to change his riding style to more closely match that of teammate Maverick Viñales – but Espargaró says he knows where he needs to improve.

“On the brakes we’re not that different, but he can pick up the bike better than me and has a little more traction than me on the exit. That’s where he’s a little big better. I prefer to think its riding style, because that means it’s something that I can change!

“If it’s my body shape or size then there’s nothing I can do, but if it’s riding style then it’s something that I can work on. I’ve had to change my riding style a lot in the past few years, to be able to lean my body more, and it’s something I’m still working on.”

Looking for the perfect two-wheeled companion? Visit MCN Bikes For Sale website or use MCN’s Bikes For Sale App.