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Ride-height devices will be gone from MotoGP in its big 2027 rule change. Recent events prove that’s too late, says Simon Patterson
From 2027, both front start devices and rear ride-height devices will be banned from MotoGP as part of the broad new rulebook. Both devices have been causing more incidents and accidents, as demonstrated at the recent British Grand Prix at Silverstone, prompting organizers to take immediate action. The rear ride-height devices, introduced in 2017, have revolutionized bike design, allowing racers to change the bike’s geometry for better performance. However, these devices are complex and failure-prone, often leading to race-ending issues for riders when they malfunction. The front start devices, which reduce wheelies off the line, have also been problematic, with instances of them failing to disengage properly, putting riders at risk of mid-race disasters. The recent failures at Silverstone, including Fabio Quartararo’s heartbreaking incident, highlight the need for MotoGP bosses to reassess the value of these devices and prioritize rider safety over engineering innovations that may compromise the sport’s integrity.
