Ex-Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson Thrilled by KTM RC16’s Unbelievable Power and Precision

Former Superbike champion Neil Hodgson, now a TV analyst, was amazed by the immense power of the KTM RC16 MotoGP bike after taking it for a few laps around the Red Bull Ring.

Ex-MotoGP competitor, 2003 World Superbike titleholder, and present TNT Sports MotoGP analyst Neil Hodgson completed several circuits at the Red Bull Ring ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend, riding a KTM RC16 to experience the latest in MotoGP technology.

Hodgson raced in MotoGP for a single season in 2004 after winning the championship in 2003, the same year KTM made its first appearance in Grand Prix racing by competing in the 125cc category.

At this point, it has secured multiple MotoGP race victories with its RC16, a bike that stands out as one of the most sophisticated on the current grid.

Prior to his time on the RC16, Hodgson's last experience on a MotoGP motorcycle was eight years ago, when he completed several laps on the 2016 Ducati Desmosedici at Misano.

In his interview with TNT Sports, Hodgson noted the significant changes since the past, mentioning advancements in aerodynamics, ride height technology, and the engine's power, which now reaches approximately 300bhp. He described the bikes as incredibly powerful machines.

🚨 Neil Hodgson Joins KTM 🚨Catch Neil as he takes a factory KTM Racing MotoGP bike for a spin around the Red Bull Ring in this unique lap 🍊Tune in to the Austrian GP, live on TNT Sports and Discovery+. pic.twitter.com/4QYK0iexgK— MotoGP on TNT Sports (@motogpontnt) August 17, 2024

🚨 Neil Hodgson Joins KTM 🚨Catch Neil as he takes a factory KTM Racing MotoGP bike for a spin around the Red Bull Ring in this unique lap 🍊Tune in to the Austrian GP, live on TNT Sports and Discovery+. pic.twitter.com/4QYK0iexgK

Although the engine has gained more power, companies like KTM have focused their efforts, particularly over the last five or six years, on finding ways to maximize the use of this power throughout the entire lap.

Aerodynamics and ride height mechanisms work together to prevent the bike from lifting its front wheel. Additionally, these elements enhance braking efficiency by boosting the load and grip on the front tire during braking.

Hodgson’s initial thoughts on the bike focused not on its cutting-edge technology but on its size and the carbon brakes, which need to be heated extensively before they start functioning properly.

"It immediately feels tiny," he remarked as he rode the bike. "Oh no, the brakes are not functioning — I had anticipated this would happen."

In addition, Hodgson was impressed by the bike's stability and the seamless operation of its gearbox.

"Initial impression: the gearbox is incredible. […] It feels extremely stable, incredibly stable."

After completing a couple of laps, Hodgson began to accelerate the bike more aggressively. When he tried the ride height device for the first time, he exclaimed, "Wow. I can't speak or focus."

The aerodynamic features assist in maintaining the front wheel's contact with the ground when exiting corners, while the innovative ground effect aerodynamics, introduced to MotoGP by Aprilia in 2022, provide support during mid-corner.

"What an incredible bike! It handles turns with such stability and corners so quickly, almost unbelievably fast," Hodgson remarked. "And it doesn't even lift its front wheel off the ground, it's astonishing."

"What I really appreciate are the brakes; they feel fantastic. The transmission, the frame—everything about it is amazing. Truly amazing. It just handles so well! You aim for a corner and it effortlessly takes you there."

"This bike is truly incredible. You wouldn't believe how amazing it is. It might sound like I'm overhyping it for television, but I assure you, I'm not. It's just unbelievable."

After taking the RC16 for a spin, Hodgson went on to share his thoughts about the motorcycle.

"This is by far the best bike I've ever experienced, exponentially," he remarked. "It's a revolutionary advancement, the sport has evolved. It's incredible. There's no wheelie even at full power. The front brake provides an exceptional sense of the front tire's grip."

When you glance at the corner, the bike seamlessly maneuvers into it. It's astonishing; I can't understand why they aren't going at a higher speed. The bike's performance is that impressive. Truly remarkable.

"It was completely different from what I had anticipated; it felt like everything was amplified. The precision was unmatched, unlike anything I've ever experienced."

"I rode the Ducati eight years ago, so it's not fair to compare the two — it’s like comparing a superbike to a MotoGP bike. The RC16 is the most accurate and stunning machine I’ve ever experienced."

Hodgson later had a conversation with Jack Miller, discussing the distinctions between riding a MotoGP bike and a regular road motorcycle.

"It's been ages since I've been on a real motorcycle. Street bikes become second nature, but they lack precision. With the RC16, you only need to glance at the turn, and it effortlessly leans in. The front brake is incredibly sensitive; I can detect even the smallest adjustments, down to 0.1 of a bar."

"I haven't enjoyed myself this much in ages. It surpassed my expectations and was surprisingly simple to handle. I anticipated it would be unstable and jittery, but it was far from that."

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