The International Motorcycle Federation (FIM) and hexagona world leader in measurement technologies, have announced the start of a collaboration to modernize the validation and verification of racing motorcycle designs. This multi-year agreement will allow the FIM to improve and standardize the technical homologation and regulatory compliance processes using measurement equipment from Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division for the FIM World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK).
Hexagon technology in the world of competition
For the 2026 racing season, the FIM uses Hexagon’s portable measuring arms for its measurement and homologation work on road-legal production motorcycles competing in the FIM Superbike World Championship. All WorldSBK motorcycles must meet strict standards that ensure they are built to design guidelines and to precise tolerances, in accordance with technical regulations.
To simplify and professionalize its measurement and homologation processes, the FIM sought faster and more accurate evaluation of motorcycle designs using the latest portable inspection and digitalization technologies. This is why FIM technical evaluators now use the Absolute Arm 7-axis portable measuring arm and Hexagon’s Absolute Scanner AS1 laser scanner to measure the dimensions of motorcycles and individual parts that are strictly controlled, and determine compliance with current FIM regulations.
In the words of Dominique Hebrardtechnical director of FIM CTI: “We have an urgent and growing need to use the best measurement technology to improve the way we test and control motorcycles. Deciding whether or not a part meets standards using traditional methods was extremely laborious, and for some parts, especially aerodynamic surfaces with complex geometries, it was simply impossible.”
Hexagon measuring arm
This collaboration takes us to the next level. The Hexagon measuring arm, with its AS1 laser scanner, provides the precision, speed, ease of use and portability necessary to check all dimensions, including the conformity of a motorcycle’s complete aerodynamic assembly and its individual components, to very specific tolerances, “whether at our technical headquarters, visiting a manufacturer or on the track during an FIM event”explains Hebrard.
Concludes: “They have significantly improved our work by simplifying, streamlining and facilitating our technical inspection processes. Using the same equipment everywhere ensures consistent and reliable results, and helps build the trust that manufacturers place in our processes. We are very excited about the collaboration with Hexagon as we continue to implement and expand the use of this technology.”
The Absolute arm with AS1 scanner enables the rapid creation of detailed point cloud models of complete motorcycles and individual parts. FIM inspectors can now easily scan and compare actual measurement data with each manufacturer’s CAD designs and approved tolerances, using Hexagon’s Inspire metrology software, ensuring repeatable measurements and digital traceability at every check.
A measurement process already operational
Regarding this agreement Stephan Amann, business development director of Hexagon’s portable metrology division, said: “We are excited to collaborate with the FIM to bring our advanced portable measurement technology to the competitive and demanding world of circuit motorcycle racing. This alliance builds on Hexagon’s extensive experience in metrology applied to high-performance motorsport, supporting competition teams and technical regulatory bodies around the world in the digitalization of their vehicle development and testing processes.”
“It is exciting to see that digitalization not only helps the FIM in its work, but the proliferation of accurate 3D models also allows motorcycle manufacturers to quickly build more competitive bikes without violating FIM technical regulations. It helps professionalize the entire digital engineering process, from design to manufacturing, testing and homologation, while ensuring fair competition at FIM events.”
Concludes: “For Hexagon, working closely with the FIM and motorcycle manufacturers will help us improve our products to meet the demanding demands of this high-speed, high-precision sport.”. The FIM began implementing the new homologation process at its Technical Laboratory, located at the FIM headquarters in Mies, Switzerland, and at each factory during the rigorous pre-season testing of the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK).
As the 2026 season progresses, FIM testers will use the Hexagon portable measurement solution to perform random checks during the remaining four rounds. Track testers can quickly deploy the portable measuring arm in any pit to accurately measure various components, from small, high-precision engine parts to complete frames and chassis, as well as the entire aerodynamic package.
In the coming months, the FIM will also use the arm and scanner to homologate several upgraded 2026 racing bikes and begin FIM motorcycle homologation for the 2027 season. While the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) is the most visible example of motorcycle homologation, the FIM uses this principle in other circuit racing championships: eligible bikes must be homologated series production models to ensure a common technical basis across several championships.
Homologation ensures that racing machines are based on genuine, road-legal production models, and not one-off factory bikes. Following the launch of its new homologation process for WorldSBK together with manufacturers, the FIM will look to expand the use of the Hexagon portable measurement solution to other circuit racing championships under its jurisdiction; such as the World Endurance Championship (EWC) and the World Supersport Championship (WorldSSP)which also require complete homologation of the base motorcycle by the FIM.
