Markets : Motorcycles

For years, MIRA has been at the forefront of automotive engineering and this far from excludes the motorcycle industry. MIRA has helped design and comprehensively test and develop motorcycles and motorcycle components for some of the world's leading manufacturers.

Aerodynamics

In the past few years motorcycle manufacturers and several bike race teams have realised how much a bike's aerodynamic characteristics can affect its performance, handling and ultimately its safety.  Using both Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnels MIRA's aerodynamicists have been able to demonstrate this with improved designs for fairings, helmets and modifications to riding position.

Durability and safety

We frequently conduct testing on our extensive proving ground as well as in other facilities.  Component, structures and durability tests are some of the most common, with tests including handlebar durability tests, mainframe fatigue, seat backrest durability, bend test, fuel tank ambient impact, fuel tank longitudinal gravity sled tests, fuel tank impact tests (hot or cold) and engine motoring tests

Materials engineering

Common materials engineering tests that MIRA are asked to do include corrosion tests, heat ageing and water ingress testing.

Engine cooling

Whether the task is to optimise the design of smaller air-cooled engines or developing the cooling systems for the fluids on high performance race bikes the compromise between minimising aerodynamic drag and providing sufficient cooling air is critical.  MIRA's thermodynamicists have solved this for bikes ranging  from mass produced runabouts through to one-off land speed record breakers.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

Though typically less complex than the systems on passenger cars, the robust perfomance of electrical and electronic systems on motorcycles is no less critical.  From design and routing of the wiring harness through to EMC certification for the complete bike, MIRA offers a comprehensive EMC service.