Hexagon Measurement Technology Helps FIM Improve Fairness and Traceability in Motorcycle Racing

Hexagon Measurement Technology Helps FIM Improve Fairness and Traceability in Motorcycle Racing

(IN BRIEF) Hexagon and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme have entered a multi-year partnership to modernise motorcycle racing measurement, homologation and compliance checks for the FIM Superbike World Championship. FIM technical assessors are now using Hexagon’s Absolute Arm 7-Axis portable measuring arm and Absolute Scanner AS1 laser scanner to inspect racing motorcycles and parts against homologated CAD data and strict technical regulations. The system supports faster, more accurate and more consistent measurement of complex components, including aerodynamic surfaces. The new process has been introduced at FIM’s Technical Laboratory in Mies, Switzerland, and during WorldSBK pre-season manufacturer checks. It will also be used for trackside spot checks during the 2026 season, future 2026 bike upgrades and homologation for 2027 motorcycles. FIM may later expand the technology to other circuit racing championships, including the Endurance World Championship and Supersport World Championship.

(PRESS RELEASE) COBHAM, 15-Jul-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Hexagon and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme have launched a multi-year partnership to modernise the way racing motorcycle designs are measured, validated and verified.

The collaboration is helping FIM standardise and improve technical homologation and compliance processes for the FIM Superbike World Championship, known as WorldSBK, using portable measurement technologies from Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence business.

For the 2026 racing season, FIM is using Hexagon’s portable measuring systems to support homologation work on road-legal production motorcycles competing in WorldSBK. All motorcycles in the championship must comply with strict technical regulations that define tight limits on how far race bikes can be adapted from their production models.

To make its inspection processes faster, more precise and more consistent, FIM selected Hexagon’s Absolute Arm 7-Axis portable measuring arm and Absolute Scanner AS1 laser scanner. FIM technical assessors now use the equipment to measure motorcycle dimensions and individual components that are closely regulated under FIM rules.

The technology helps FIM ensure a level playing field in WorldSBK and could also support similar homologation processes in other international motorcycle championships under the federation’s authority.

Dominique Hebrard, FIM CTI Technical Director, said the federation has an urgent and growing need to use advanced measurement technology to improve how it tests and checks motorcycles.

“Deciding on conformity or non-conformity using traditional methods was extremely time-consuming, and for some parts — especially aerodynamic surfaces with complex geometries — it was simply impossible,” said Hebrard.

He added that the partnership with Hexagon gives FIM the accuracy, speed, portability and ease of use needed to check complete aerodynamic packages and individual parts to specific tolerances, whether at FIM’s technical headquarters, at a manufacturer’s facility or trackside during an event.

“Using the same equipment everywhere brings consistent, reliable results and helps build the trust that the manufacturers place in our processes,” said Hebrard.

Hexagon’s Absolute Arm with AS1 scanner enables inspectors to quickly create detailed point-cloud models of full motorcycles and individual parts. FIM inspectors can then compare real-world measurement data against each manufacturer’s homologated CAD data and tolerance requirements using Hexagon’s Inspire metrology software.

This approach gives FIM repeatable measurements and digital traceability for each check, supporting a more transparent and professional inspection process.

Stephan Amann, Business Enablement Director at Hexagon’s Portable Metrology Division, said the partnership brings advanced portable measurement technology into the high-precision environment of motorcycle circuit racing.

He said the agreement builds on Hexagon’s wider experience in high-performance motorsport, where its metrology technologies support race teams and technical regulators in digitalising vehicle development and testing.

Amann added that the use of accurate 3D models is not only helping FIM, but also supporting motorcycle manufacturers as they develop more competitive bikes while staying within technical regulations.

“It’s helping professionalise the whole digital engineering process from design to manufacturing, testing, and homologation, whilst ensuring a fair competition on FIM events,” said Amann.

FIM began introducing the new homologation process at its FIM Technical Laboratory at its headquarters in Mies, Switzerland, and during WorldSBK pre-season testing at manufacturers’ facilities.

As the 2026 season progresses, FIM assessors will take Hexagon’s portable measurement solution to carry out spot checks during the remaining four rounds. The portable arm can be deployed quickly in any pit area to measure components ranging from small precision engine parts to full frames, chassis and complete aerodynamic packages.

In the coming months, FIM will also use the arm and scanner to homologate several upgraded 2026 race bikes and begin homologation work for motorcycles intended for the 2027 season.

While WorldSBK is the most visible example of motorcycle homologation, FIM also applies the principle across other circuit racing championships. Eligible bikes must be homologated series-production models to ensure a shared technical foundation and confirm that racing machines are based on genuine road-legal production motorcycles rather than one-off works bikes.

After fully rolling out the new WorldSBK homologation process with manufacturers, FIM plans to explore broader use of Hexagon’s portable measurement solution in other championships under its jurisdiction, including the Endurance World Championship and the Supersport World Championship, both of which require full FIM homologation of the base motorcycle.

The eighth race of the 2026 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship took place at Donington Park Circuit from 10 to 12 July. The series continues with four further rounds in Europe and is scheduled to conclude in October at Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto in Spain.

FIM is the global governing body for motorcycle sport. It defines technical and sporting regulations for racing championships, homologates eligible motorcycles and oversees rider safety and sporting integrity.

About Hexagon:

Hexagon is the global leader in measurement technologies. Our precision measurement, positioning, and autonomous solutions transform the world’s most vital industries. From aerospace & defence, automotive, construction, general manufacturing, to mining and more, we provide the confidence that customers rely on to build, navigate, and innovate.

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 17,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 3.7bn EUR.

Learn more at hexagon.com.

About the FIM

The FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an independent association formed by 124 National Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Among its 70 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, SuperMoto, Trial, Enduro, Rally-Raid, Speedway and E-Bikes. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994.

www.fim-moto.com

Media Contact:

Robin Wolstenholme
Global Media Relations and Analyst Relations Manager
Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Business Area
media.mi@hexagon.com
+44(0)7407 642190

SOURCE: Hexagon