Every rider dreams of being faster—not just faster than their friends, but faster than they
were in the last lap.
However, chasing speed isn’t just about courage or splurging on a brand-new bike. It’s about uncovering the hidden potential within you and your machine. This is the essence of what we call invisible speed. So let's find out what invisible speed is and how to get it!
Also Read:
The Myth of "No Guts, No Glory"
The idea that pushing harder automatically means going faster is a fallacy. Unless you’re
Marc Márquez, raw courage won’t cut it on the racetrack. To truly improve, you need a
balanced approach that combines skill refinement with an optimized bike setup.
Skill Before Speed
The first step toward invisible speed is developing your riding skills. This is why you’re here,
isn’t it? Perfecting your braking, mastering your cornering lines, and timing your acceleration
points are all fundamental. But even the most skilled rider can hit a plateau if their bike
doesn’t behave predictably.
The Truth About Upgrading Your Bike
How many times have you heard riders say, “If I had the latest model, I’d be faster”? Let me
tell you a secret: that shiny new machine might make no difference—or worse, slow you
down.
Why? Because speed isn’t just about horsepower or fancy upgrades.
If your riding habits remain the same—braking at the same spot, leaning into corners the
same way, accelerating at the same points—you’ll get the same lap times.
The Power of Setup: Your Key to Invisible Speed
Sometimes, the limitation isn’t you; it’s your bike’s setup. Imagine trying to brake harder, only
to have your rear wheel slide uncontrollably. Such instability doesn’t just cost time—it
undermines your confidence as a rider.
Here’s where the magic of invisible speed comes in: with just a few clicks on your rear shock
absorber, you could shave almost a second off your lap time. Doesn’t sound like much? Let’s
break it down:
Improve by just one-tenth of a second per corner.
On a 13-turn track, that’s 1.3 seconds per lap.
Over 10 laps, you’re 13 seconds faster—without spending a fortune on new parts.
Breaking Through Barriers
Of course, knowing what to adjust is the challenge. Why aren’t you faster? What’s holding
you back? These questions can be hard to answer in the heat of the moment. That’s why
tools like action cameras are invaluable. Watching your own laps reveals mistakes you might
never notice while riding.
Racing schools are another fantastic resource. Skilled instructors can spot and correct your
errors on the fly, accelerating your progress dramatically.
The Trap of Copying Setups
You might think copying a fast rider’s setup will unlock your speed. But here’s the truth:
every rider is different. Tire brands, suspension systems, and even your weight and riding
style all influence what setup works best.
Each lap time has a corresponding ideal setup. To reach your invisible speed, you need to
learn the basics of geometry and suspension adjustment. Only then can you tune your bike
to suit your unique needs.
A Proven Method to Unleash Your Speed
Achieving invisible speed isn’t rocket science, but it does require a systematic approach.
Over 20 years of working on bikes across iconic racetracks—Catalunya, Jerez, Portimão,
and more—we’ve perfected a step-by-step process for optimizing bike setup.
By keeping a setup log for each racetrack, you’ll start every track day with a solid baseline,
saving precious time and energy.
Learn to Harness Your Invisible Speed
You don’t need to spend years testing and studying like we did. We’ve distilled decades of
experience into resources designed to fast-track your learning:
Motorcycle Suspension Adjustment Online Course: Learn to adjust sag,
dampers, spring rates, and more. Understand tire wear, suspension oils, and chassis
maintenance.
Motorcycle Geometry and Suspension Adjustment Book: Deepen your
understanding of motorcycle suspension and geometry with this comprehensive
guide.
With these tools, you’ll unlock speed for a fraction of what you’d spend on tires—and the
knowledge will last forever.
Faster. Better. Safer
Invisible Speed isn’t about flashy upgrades or blind courage. It’s about understanding and
refining the relationship between you and your bike. Start your journey today and
discover just how fast you can be.
Guest Author Biography
Gus Alvaro has dedicated more than two decades to helping riders unlock the full potential
of their motorcycles. As a seasoned trainer and racetrack instructor, Gus combines technical
know-how with a deep love for the sport, inspiring enthusiasts to ride with precision and
passion.
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