South African rider Brad Binder is experiencing difficulties adjusting to the new behavior of KTM’s 2025 MotoGP bike, admitting he is still learning how to extract the best performance from the machine during this season. Despite being in his sixth year in the premier class, the technical changes have posed a considerable challenge for the rider.
Struggles Impacting Performance and Championship Standings
Since his last victory at the 2021 Styrian Grand Prix, Binder has been unable to reach the podium in 2025, with his best finish so far being sixth place. He currently ranks 13th in the riders’ championship, trailing behind his teammates, Pedro Acosta in eighth and Maverick Viñales in eleventh. These results reflect the ongoing difficulties he faces in adapting to the Austrian manufacturer’s new approach.
Signs of Progress at Aragon but Setbacks at Mugello
During the Aragon race weekend, Binder showed promising signs by qualifying on the second row and competing closely for podium positions alongside Acosta before a crash ended his chance. He described this as “really positive for us” during the MotoGP.com Gear Up programme introduction ahead of the Dutch TT. Contrastingly, the Mugello round proved tougher, with Binder struggling to keep pace with his KTM teammates throughout the event.
The Technical Shift Demands a More Conservative Riding Style
The 2025 KTM requires a riding style that is more cautious and precise, which contrasts with Binder’s natural instincts. He explained that the bike demands “a lot more clean” riding, avoiding sliding on the brakes and maintaining clean lean angles, especially when applying throttle to prevent over-spinning. This shift in riding philosophy has been a significant adjustment for the 2016 Moto3 world champion, who is used to a more aggressive approach.
Gradual Improvement and Hope for Future Adaptation
Despite the challenges, Binder remains hopeful about his ongoing progress. He noted,
“You’ve got to kind of go really fast [but] not put in a lot of effort; normally when I go fast I put in too much effort, so it’s been tricky to figure out but I’m slowly feeling like we’re starting to find our feet,”
indicating confidence that his adaptation efforts are beginning to pay off. As the season continues, his ability to fully embrace KTM’s new philosophy will be critical for improving his performance and moving up the championship standings.
