The 2025 MotoGP season has presented significant difficulties for KTM, despite some promising performances, such as Maverick Viñales showing podium potential. Brad Binder, the team’s longest-serving rider, has been facing more struggles as he works to adapt. This situation highlights the ongoing efforts within KTM to enhance overall competitiveness.
Brad Binder’s Experience with the KTM RC16
Reflecting on his recent performances, Binder noted that the bike’s feel hasn’t changed much since his podium finish at Silverstone two years ago.
“It’s really similar, to be honest. I think everything is working really similar, the feeling on the bike is quite the same. I’m just really missing that ability to put an extra quick lap let’s say. We need to figure out the time attack a little bit,”
he explained, emphasizing the need to improve his lap times.
Adjusting Riding Style to the Bike’s Demands
Binder highlighted that riding the KTM RC16 now requires a smoother and more precise technique, which contrasts with his usual aggressive style. He described,
“At the moment I need to do everything very calm. Like, you need to brake gently, turn in slowly, you can’t be really aggressive because it doesn’t really accept it or doesn’t like it too much. And the way to go fast now is to be cleaner. I’m used to just close my eyes and going when I need to be fast. And this is not working at the moment. So, I need to change my approach for time attacks and hopefully we can find some extra performance.”
Technical Difficulties Beyond Vibrations
Although Binder still experiences vibrations on the bike, especially when pushing hard on the right-hand side, he emphasized the presence of broader challenges.
“It definitely arrives when we try to push – on the right-hand side especially. It’s an issue in some corners, but we have bigger problems than the vibrations,”
he stated, pointing to underlying factors affecting KTM’s performance.
Implications for KTM and Future Prospects
Brad Binder adapting his riding style underscores the complex relationship between rider instinct and machine behavior in MotoGP. As he works to ride more calmly and precisely, KTM aims to unlock additional speed and consistency. The ongoing adjustments reflect the urgency for the team to resolve these challenges and support riders like Binder and Viñales in achieving better results in the remaining season stages.
