Overview
ISO 7117:2010 - "Motorcycles - Measurement method for determining maximum speed" specifies an internationally agreed procedure to measure the highest steady speed of a motorcycle (as defined in ISO 3833). The standard defines test setup, environmental reference conditions, rider and vehicle preparation, measurement equipment and accuracy, test-track layouts, test procedures and how to present results, enabling repeatable and comparable maximum speed determinations.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions
- Defines maximum speed (vmax) and motorcycle kerb mass (fuel ≥ 90% tank capacity plus usual accessories).
- Normative links to ISO 3833 and ISO 6726 for vehicle classifications and vocabulary.
- Standard reference conditions
- Reference atmospheric values (e.g., pressure 101,325 kPa; temperature 293.15 K; relative humidity 65%; air density 1.205 kg/m3).
- Preparation of test motorcycle
- Vehicle must be production-conforming or clearly described if different; correct lubricants, run-in condition, tyre pressures, and kerb mass apply.
- Rider and riding position
- Rider mass 75 kg ± 5 kg and height 1.75 m ± 0.05 m; wearing close-fitting protective gear; stable, reproducible riding position for peak speed.
- Measurement equipment and accuracies
- Required instrumentation: electronic time counter, photoelectric sensors (or equivalent), distance-measuring equipment, thermometer, barometer, humidity meter, anemometer.
- Measurement system must achieve speed accuracy of ±1% (selection of measurement section length and instrument accuracy is critical).
- Ambient measurement accuracy examples: wind speed ±10% (resolution 0.1 m/s), wind direction 5°, temperature resolution 1 K, pressure 0.2 kPa, humidity ±5%.
- Test tracks and layouts
- Defines track composition (acceleration, measurement, deceleration) and acceptable shapes: straight (types 1–2), loop (types 3–4), circle (type 5). Surface and slope tolerances are specified to ensure valid readings.
- Procedure and results
- Single- and two-direction test methods, calculation of average speeds, and test report content requirements (including diagrams/photographs and instrument details).
Practical applications and users
ISO 7117:2010 is used by:
- Motorcycle manufacturers for performance validation and development
- Accredited test laboratories and proving grounds performing speed certification
- Regulatory bodies and type-approval authorities assessing claimed top speeds
- Research institutions studying aerodynamics, powertrain calibration and vehicle dynamics
Benefits include consistent, repeatable maximum speed data for benchmarking, regulatory compliance, and product information.
Related standards
- ISO 3833 - Vehicle category definitions
- ISO 6726 - Mopeds and motorcycles - Masses - Vocabulary
Keywords: ISO 7117:2010, motorcycle maximum speed measurement, test track types, measurement accuracy, rider position, atmospheric conditions.
