Swiss cleantech materials innovator Bcomp has teamed up with leading Japanese composite specialist Tras to bring natural fibre solutions to the world of motorcycle racing.

Building on previous successful collaborations in the luxury furniture and motorsports sectors, this marks the first venture into the racing bike industry for the two companies as collaborators.

Tras has been making the bodywork of Suzuki’s MotoGP bikes for over 20 years, including manufacturing the award-winning Suzuki’s GSX-RR featuring a natural fibre cowl made using Bcomp’s cutting-edge materials.

The flax-based ampliTex and powerRibs composites offer a sustainable alternative to pure carbon parts – with up to 85% CO2 footprint reduction and viable end-of-life solutions – while also improving safety due to their ductile fracture behaviour.

Most recently, Tras and Bcomp collaborated on the Suzuki CN (carbon neutral) Challenge racing motorbike, used to participate in the FIM World Endurance Championship Suzuki eight hour race. Tras used Bcomp’s materials to create a natural flax fibre body and front, rear fender and winglets of the motorbike. The bike also features tyres that use an increased ratio of recycled materials and recycled carbon materials.

“This collaboration with Bcomp has enabled us to push the limits of MotoGP performance while utilising new sustainable technologies,” said Natsumi Nitta, general manager at Tras. “The use of natural fibre has been a major turning point which is changing the status quo of the motorcycle racing and the motorsports industry more widely. Ultimately, this collaboration isn’t just about playing a role in winning races but about accelerating progress across the two-wheeled world, ensuring that the breakthroughs seen on the track today will shape the motorcycles of tomorrow.”

“Teaming up with Tras has enabled us to demonstrate that ampliTex and powerRibs can push the limits of MotoGP, in performance as well as sustainability,” added Johann Wacht, manager business development and strategic customer relationships at Bcomp. “With race organisers increasingly demanding more sustainable alternatives, our collaboration with Tras showcases how bio-based materials can be seamlessly integrated into part manufacturing and vehicle design, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable motorsports.”

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