What's the difference?

[silver bullet]

I apologise if this may sound a stupid question. But I am only a casual watcher of Motorbikes when they are on TV, and I have never had it explained to me.
In layman's terms what is the difference between WSBK and Moto GP? and Which one has more prestige?

[JohnnyFiama]

Moto GP has the higher prestige. In very simplistic terms a MotoGP bike is a 'prototype', custom built for racing (think F1). A Superbike is based on a roadbike but fairly heavily modified (think Touring cars). MotoGP bikes are much lighter etc.

My car analogy is a bit misleading as the difference between F1 and touring cars is huge in comparison between the difference between Superbikes and MotoGPs....

I think most riders would consider a move from Superbikes to MotoGP as a step up but there are lots of very talented riders who make a career out of Superbikes.

[Hazza]

MotoGP is the "Formula One" of Motorbikes. Custom built from the ground up race machines, prototypes. 125s and 250s are the same as say, Euro F3 and F2.

WSBK is the "Touring cars" of Motorbikes, street based machines generally (Give or take a Foggy Petronas or two.) Superbikes also have national championships to further the "Touring car" idea.

Prestige? Without a doubt, MotoGP (Or "WGP" as it was known.) Some people have tried to cross from WSBK to MotoGP, and some have sucseeded some have failed. Most have failed for various reasons.

So yeah, MotoGP is "it".

[Hazza]

Damn it! Beaten by the bell!

[bestfit]

Superbikes (WSBK) are approximately the two wheel equivalent of Touring Cars. They are based on bikes which can be purchased by the public. They are heavily modified in the engine, suspension, brakes engine mappings, traction control etc but maintain the "look" of the street bike they are based on. At present they are limited to 1000cc but this going to change to allow 2 cylinder machines to have a capacity of 1200cc. They run on a control Pirelli tyres.

MotoGP is the two wheeled equivalent of F1. The bikes are purpose built race machines and uses the highest level of technology available. Including traction control, carbon brakes, specialised alloys, purpose built frames etc.
This year the capacity has been reduced from 990cc to 800cc but as usual the overall lap times have still reduced. There is no control tyres in MotoGP, but as of this year each team must choose a selection of tyres they will use on the Thursday before the event. This is to prevent the larger tyre manufacturers from bring in specialist tyres overnight, as has happened in the past.

MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing. It is where the money is spent and it is where most riders want to end up. WSBK still has a strong following and generally provides great racing but is does not have the prestige that MotoGP has.

[BootsOntheSide]

WSBK is definitely 'easier' than MotoGP, in that the riders aren't quite as capable and the teams are more equal. Any number of WSBK front-runners or champions have gone to MotoGP without winning a race - Corser, Hodgson and Haga (twice) are particularly notable failures. However, a lot of midfield GP riders have immediately been WSBK front-runners.

[chunder]

There have also been some GP guys that havent really set the world alight in WSBK I think to be fair.

Rolfo hasnt done much yet and Biaggi has been good without really winning too much.
Barros I think would have won more if his team had mroe money to develop the bike. But Laconi was not that great and still isnt.

I think really a top rider would be able to win in both categories, but obviously GP has a much bigger draw for sponsors and teams!

[jhansen]

Agree with the points made. Basically, Moto GP is purpose built prototypes while WSBK is production based. Although, I tend to liken WSBK machinery to GT cars and not touring cars. But that's just me.

[silver bullet]

Thanks for the info. I had always thought that they came from the same base, but the organsers had split and gone in two separate directions, as in Indy Cars & Champ Cars.
Thanks for putting me right.
Any time I have watched either series on TV, its never been explained. I think the production company's expect everybody watching to be out & out bike fans, and know what is what.

[Hazza]

Glad to help.

Jhansen: Didn't expect anything less from a Sportscar "mod".

[djb]

yup, supersport is more touring cars I'd say (I know, I know, they're more or less stock, but WSBK are certainly more badass Ã* la Corvette or Aston LM car.)

[jhansen]

Touring cars would be more along the lines of BMW boxers fighting it out.

[Hazza]

Hahaha

[f1manoz]

MotoGP, without a doubt. Ask any WSBK rider where they would truly prefer to be, and they would all say MotoGP.