You want the center of gravity as low as possible. Honda made the first gold wing motorcycle 40 years ago, not a racing motorcycle. Motorcyclists are very conservative. We don't buy motorcycles that don't have gas tanks where gas tanks are supposed to be.
In case you missed this episode on the Playing with Science channel… We kick it into top gear as hosts Gary O’Reilly and Chuck Nice explore the physics of motorcycle racing, riding, and assembly alongside adventure journalist Jim Clash and physics professor and motorcycle aficionado Charles Falco.
NOTE: StarTalk All-Access subscribers can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://www.startalkradio.net/all-access/motorcycle-racing-physics-on-2-wheels/
Photo Credit: SCrider (Flickr) via Wikimedia Commons.
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