The ability of motorcycle racers to lean their bikes to extreme angles while cornering is due to several factors that differentiate motorcycles from bicycles:
Design and Stability: Motorcycles are designed with a lower center of gravity and a wider wheelbase compared to bicycles. This design provides greater stability and makes it easier for motorcycles to maintain balance while leaning. Bicycles, on the other hand, have a narrower wheelbase and a higher center of gravity, which makes extreme leaning more challenging and less stable.
Speed and Momentum: Motorcycle racers often lean their bikes to negotiate turns at high speeds. The centrifugal force generated by the bike's motion helps to counterbalance the gravitational force, allowing the motorcycle to maintain stability while leaned over. Bicycles typically travel at lower speeds, and their lighter weight and different geometry make extreme leaning more difficult to control.
Traction and Tire Grip: Motorcycle tires are specifically designed to provide high levels of grip, especially when leaned over during cornering. The combination of specialized tire compounds and tread patterns enables motorcycle racers to maintain traction even at extreme lean angles. Bicycle tires, on the other hand, are not designed for the same level of traction during aggressive cornering maneuvers.
Body Positioning: Motorcycle racers employ specific body positioning techniques, such as shifting their weight and hanging off the side of the bike, to enhance stability and control during extreme cornering. These techniques help to maintain balance and improve the overall handling of the motorcycle while leaned over. Bicycles lack the same body positioning possibilities due to the lack of a gas tank and the different ergonomics of the riding position.
Overall, the combination of design factors, speed, tire grip, and specialized techniques allows motorcycle racers to lean their bikes to extreme angles while maintaining stability. Bicycles, with their different design and characteristics, do not possess the same capabilities for extreme leaning.