Great to see James Stewart make the necessary program changes to prepare for the nationals. But what I am curious about is the technology Suzuki is using to gather data on the race bike.
Earlier I wrote about a possible “mule” bike Stewart was testing that had black frame and swingarm combo. And that the engine was not easily visible in the official photos that were released on the Stewart to Suzuki was announced. On the other #7 bike, that looked like a regular factor RM-Z, the front number plate had suspicious cut outs / drill holes on one side.
What are those holes for . . . not a big enough opening for engine cooling, unless it’s just cooling one piece of equipment directly behind the number plate on that side. Or is it a window for a remote sensor to read data during the live testing? The holes look to be adding some air flow behind the front plate. And with all those rivets poking through, it looks like they have more equipment attached to back of the plate. The bike is also equipped with a carbon fiber tank, which is not allowed in AMA competition. Is this bike a European version of the RM-Z so Stewart can get a feel for other factory riders’ settings or an ultra-lightweight bike not geared for competition.
There is also a GPS sensor attached on top of the front fender. This GPS sensor, made by GET, logs in live date so the race team can map the bike’s performance and record rider’s input at all parts of the track. The GET Power ECU system also includes a quick change dial that can be attached to the handle bar so the rider can switch the electronic engine settings for changing race conditions. The GET Data company is part of Athena, an Italian parts / technology company which also is a major sponsor of KTM Europe & KTM USA. Almost all the top motocross teams use the GET ECU system to map engine data.
Soon the SX/MX racers will be having more technical input during race conditions but let’s hope it doesn’t overboard like F1 steering wheels . . . .