Limit braking of a high-performance motorcycle

Abstract

A mathematical-model-based study of the limit braking of a high-performance motorcycle and rider is described. Front and rear brakes are operable independently. A dry road and high friction are presumed, such that full braking of the front wheel would lead to an overturn or ‘stoppie’ in colloquial parlance. Effective braking needs to maintain some loading on the rear wheel. A planar but otherwise detailed system model is set up and braking strategies for front and rear are devised. Parameters of the braking control schemes are derived with the help of an optimisation process, minimising the final speed in braking from high speed over a fixed time interval. Simulation results are examined critically and the strategy is developed until efficient use of the friction available is made. The nature of optimal braking events is demonstrated. The influences of slipper-clutch torque setting and the rear-tyre target load chosen are shown.

Keywords:

• motorcycle
• braking
• limit
• racing
• optimal

Acknowledgements

The author is pleased to acknowledge help received from Dr Matteo Bettella in respect of computational aspects of the work. Thanks are also due to the reviewers of the original version of the paper, for their pertinent and useful comments.