MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing – there’s no denying it. But when it comes to machine control, it’s fair to say that they’re not the only riders to have it in bucketloads.
Video: A side‑by‑side comparison between MotoGP and WSBK
Check out this Jerez onboard comparison between Honda’s Marc Marquez and Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea. While Marquez is the hottest young rider on the MotoGP grid with six championships to his name, Rea is an old hand in World Superbikes, with five titles in his respective championship. However, if rumours are to believed, the 33-year-old Northern Irishman could soon be seen on the Dorna grid aboard his 200hp ZX-10RR superbike.
But how would he fare, up against 27-year-old whippersnapper Marquez and his 250hp RC213V? Well, if this video is anything to go by, not too badly at all…
While the actual speeds aren’t revealed in this video, nor are the times, you can see by the side-by-side comparison that they both reach the early corners and way points at the same time. Admittedly, their lines differ, with Rea hugging the rumble strips while Marquez rides wider.
By halfway through the video, it becomes evident that Marquez is edging ahead and by the time they reach the finish line he has a clear one second lead. However, it’s not a bad show by Rea on his ZX-10RR. After all, the machines in WSBK must be derived from a road-homologated superbike, whereas the MotoGP missiles are prototypes, built from the ground up for racing.
How they would fare in a head-to-head race is to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: these are two of the world’s fastest men on motorcycles, and there are very few who could lap Jerez in such style.
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: The sound of this flat‑12 Porsche 917 LH will never get old
Which do you prefer: MotoGP or World Superbikes?

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