There is a class of motorcycles that is more than a century old, but it hasn’t yet reached its full potential. The 4.60 motorcycle racing category hasn’t been around long enough to claim the throne. However, it’s been a huge boost to the sport. With a few minor tweaks, a team can make a bike that is more than 250 horsepower.
To get there, the bike needs to be upgraded with a nitrous oxide system to help it out. A traction control system helps the rider to avoid skids and crashes, while an onboard computer program manages the motorcycle’s speed and acceleration. While these technologies were not around when the bike first debuted, they are now commonplace in modern day racing.
The best part is that the traction control and onboard computer programs will be paid for by the racer, not by the team. This reduces the team’s overall costs while retaining the same performance capabilities. For example, the aforementioned traction-control features will allow the rider to accelerate to a pre-determined point in the race, reducing the likelihood of crashing.
In addition to the aforementioned traction-control features, the motorcycles in the 4.60 class have other technological marvels. These include the fact that the bike is able to do things like adjust its fuel delivery in order to reach a 4.60-second time limit. As well, it has a nitrous oxide system that adds 250 horsepower.
Lastly, the most notable thing about the 4.60 category is that the competition is tough. Not only are other teams trying to beat the clock, but they are also trying to beat each other. So, it’s no surprise that the bike industry is constantly pushing the envelope. That’s why the new class is able to boast a list of 16 motorcycles that are able to complete a run in 4.60 seconds.
In order to compete, a team must invest in various upgrades. Some of the most expensive are the traction-control and onboard computer programs, while the largest and most important upgrade is the nitrous oxide system. Of course, the best way to win in the motorcycle racing world is to build a bike that is capable of doing the most amount of work. It’s also important to have a passion for the sport.
While the motorcycles that are capable of the most number of digits may still be a distant dream, the 4.60 class has shown that a little elbow grease can go a long way. At least, that’s what the team at Precision Concepts has told me. Since 1998, they have been building race bikes for American Honda off road, and it’s been a good run. They’ve also won the aforementioned aforementioned.
As a result, the Precision Concepts team has been fortunate enough to be able to support former X games gold medalist Kyle Loza, Nitro Circus rider Rich Kearns, and former World Off-Road Champion Taylor Robert. Also, the company has provided services to icons of the desert, including former World Off-Road Champion and motocross legend Randy McLain, and current off-road superstar Robby Bell.
