The famous Japanese magazine Racers reveals in its latest issue that the Suzuki GSX-RR world champion in 2020 with Alex Rins had used natural fiber elements instead of carbon fiber for its entire bodywork (opening photo).
When ? What fiber? It is very difficult to answer with complete certainty, this magazine taking a very long time to import into France, but it is more than likely that it was only occasionally or a project (We have always seen Suzukis equipped with elements in carbon), and whether it is flax fiber, also called FLAX, whose characteristics detailed below correspond well to the use illustrated.
Advantages and disadvantages of flax fiber
Benefits :
- Interesting mechanical properties : Although less rigid than carbon fiber, it remains strong and light, suitable for uses requiring moderate performance. It is lighter than carbon while simultaneously improving vibration damping. Another very interesting point is that when it breaks, flax fiber is not, like carbon fiber, prone to breakage and bursting which often leads to punctures.
- Ecological and local : Linen fiber is biodegradable, recyclable and often produced locally in Europe, which greatly reduces its carbon footprint.
- Affordable cost : Compared to carbon fiber, it is less expensive, which makes it more accessible for industrial and consumer applications.
Disadvantages :
- Limited performance : Flax fiber does not match the rigidity or mechanical resistance of carbon fiber, which limits it in applications requiring extreme efforts.
- Less durable under stress : It is more sensitive to humidity and wear in severe conditions, although it resists UV well.
Advantages and disadvantages of carbon fiber
Benefits :
- Lightness and resistance : Carbon fiber offers an exceptional weight/strength ratio, ideal for applications requiring increased rigidity and durability (aeronautics, automotive, motorsports).
- Resistance to extreme conditions : It resists corrosion, UV, and heat, while having low thermal expansion, which ensures great dimensional stability.
- Longevity : This material has a longer lifespan than natural fibers or metals in demanding environments.
Disadvantages :
- High cost : The production of carbon fiber remains expensive, with complex and energy-intensive manufacturing processes.
- Environmental impact : Its production is not sustainable and its recycling is difficult, limiting its usefulness in eco-responsible projects.
Mechanical properties
-
-
- Carbon fiber: ~1.6 g/cm³.
- Linen fiber: ~1.4 g/cm³. → Linen fiber is slightly lighter.
- Tensile strength :
- Carbon fiber: ~3,500 MPa (standard model).
- Flax fiber: ~500 to 900 MPa. → Carbon fiber is approximately 4 to 7 times stronger in traction.
- Modulus of elasticity :
- Carbon fiber: ~230 GPa.
- Flax fiber: ~60 to 80 GPa. → Carbon fiber is approximately 3 times stiffer.
-
Cost
- Carbon fiber : between 20 and 50 €/kg depending on the grades.
- Linen fiber : ~5 to 10 €/kg. → Flax fiber is up to 5 times cheaper.
Environmental sustainability
-
- Carbon footprint :
- Carbon fiber: up to 29 kg CO₂ emitted per kg produced.
- Linen fiber: ~2.3 kg CO₂ emitted per kg produced. → Flax fiber is 10 times less polluting to produce.
- Recyclability :
- Carbon fiber: low (complex and uncommon process).
- Flax fiber: excellent (biodegradable and easily reintegrated into production cycles).
- Carbon footprint :
Geographic sources
- Carbon fiber : Mainly produced in Asia and the United States.
- Linen fiber : 70% of world production comes from France and Europe.
In summary
- The Suzuki-GSX-RR ended its career at the end of 2022 being competitive enough to win its last Grand Prix.
- It used quite original mechanical solutions such as its very inclined in-line 4-cylinder or its bolted engine mounts, a solution subsequently taken up by Aprilia.
- Racers magazine presents us with a natural fiber bodywork, and if carbon fiber remains essential in applications requiring extreme performance, such as a MotoGP frame or swingarm, its cost and environmental impact remain disadvantages. On the other hand, flax fiber presents itself as a durable and economical alternative, ideal for elements where average performance is sufficient, such as a tank cover or a fairing, this being however reinforced with crossed carbon threads every a few centimeters (we can see them in better definition).
- Still the direction of Shinichi Sahara, Suzuki then initiated the “Team Suzuki CN Challenge with Yoshimura SERT” project to participate this year in the Suzuka 8 Hours, entered in the experimental category using 40% sustainable ELF Moto R40 FIM fuel, as well as other environmentally friendly products. the environment, including engine oil, tires, bodywork and brakes.
This year, Yamaha's R&D department seems to have looked into the subject…
Suzuki GSX-RR
