The Performance and Handling of a Top Fuel Drag Motorcycle

The design and development of a top fuel drag motorcycle are reviewed from the standpoints of performance, stability and handling, and rider safety. The paper begins with a summary of design requirements related to longitudinal performance, lateral/directional stability and control, structural properties, rider factors, organizational rules, and the fact that drag racing is a spectator sport. A contemporary top fuel dragster design is used as an example case study. Analytical results illustrate the effects of aerodynamics, and varying other design parameters, on performance and stability. A principal result is that adequate down load must be maintained on the front tire. The results suggest that safety and good handling need not compromise ultimate performance, and that the required tradeoffs can be guided by analysis at the design stage.