Le Mans 24H Motos and endurance racing in their own words. We drill down some of the most common jargon in the discipline.

This refers to the weight distribution of the machine between the front and the rear and is readjusted during free practice sessions. 

A highsider or highside is a type of motorcycle accident characterised by sudden and violent rotation of the bike around its long axis. This generally happens when the rear wheel loses traction, skids, and then suddenly regains traction, creating a large torque which flips the rider head-first off the side of the motorcycle or over the handlebars. Thanks to the state-of-the-art technology used on the bikes at Le Mans 24H Motos, this type of accident is no longer frequent at Le Mans.  

The holeshot is the rider who has the strongest start to get up to racing speed or is the first through the first turn. Riders love being the holeshot. It’s a great way to grab the limelight and show off your team colours. However, in an endurance race like the 24H Motos, it is not of great importance. So much can happen in 24 hours! Gregg Black, rider of the #2 Suzuki Endurance Racing Team Suzuki is a holeshot specialist.

The apex is the inside of a corner. When riders “hug a bend”, it means that they have taken the best racing line through the turn near the apex.

A device that allows clutchless gear changes. The change operates more quickly and reduces the time that the rear wheel ceases to drive the bike forward. Every tenth of a second counts, even in a 24-hour race!

Protect the rider’s knees when leaning into corners.

Raising the front wheel when accelerating. Riders often do this to celebrate victory. 24H Motos machines have an anti-skid device that prevents wheelies but boosts acceleration.