Hexagon Modernises FIM Motorcycle Compliance Checks with Portable 3D Metrology

Hexagon and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) have established a cooperative framework to deploy portable metrology systems for the technical homologation of racing motorcycles. The partnership focuses on utilizing laser scanning and probing hardware to verify that competition vehicles in the FIM Superbike World Championship adhere to strict design regulations and performance tolerances.

Addressing the Homologation Challenge
FIM regulates international motorcycle championships, requiring that competing machines maintain strict dimensional conformity with their road-legal production counterparts. Historically, technical assessors utilized traditional measurement methods to verify these tolerances. This process proved time-consuming and inadequate for evaluating complex geometries, particularly the intricate curves of modern aerodynamic surfaces. To address these physical limitations, FIM required a digitized measurement approach capable of high precision, repeatability, and portability for use in diverse environments, ranging from technical headquarters to trackside pit lanes.

Technical Solution and Deployment
The technical implementation relies on Hexagon’s 7-axis portable measuring arms paired with attached laser scanners. This hardware captures surface data to generate detailed point cloud models of complete motorcycles, chassis frames, and specific engine components. FIM inspectors utilize integrated metrology software to align and compare these physical scans directly against the manufacturer-supplied computer-aided design (CAD) files. This workflow establishes digital traceability for every inspection and verifies that aerodynamic packages and mechanical parts remain within stipulated FIM dimensional limits.




Initial deployment occurred at the FIM Technical Laboratory in Mies, Switzerland, and during pre-season factory testing. The system is now integrated into standard operations for spot checks throughout the racing season, allowing on-site assessors to evaluate equipment trackside without needing fixed measurement infrastructure.

Operational Impact and Future Expansion
By implementing this digital infrastructure, FIM has decreased the time required to complete homologation procedures while increasing the accuracy of its regulatory enforcement. The availability of precise 3D data enables a standardized compliance protocol, ensuring a level operational baseline across the championship. Furthermore, the digitalization process provides motorcycle manufacturers with clear, measurable parameters to optimize design performance within established regulatory boundaries.

Following the implementation within the Superbike World Championship, FIM plans to expand this metrology framework to other circuit racing series under its jurisdiction, including the Endurance World Championship and Supersport World Championship, which also mandate production-based vehicle homologation.

Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals editor, assisted by AI.

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