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Master’s in Motorcycle Dynamics and Rider-in-the-Loop

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in motorcycle dynamics and rider-in-the-loop simulation, structured in 12 modules covering stability, suspension set-up, braking, rider modelling, multibody simulation, simulator architecture, assistance systems and data analysis, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Explain the fundamentals of motorcycle lateral and longitudinal dynamics.

02

Analyse vibration modes and stability (wobble and weave).

03

Adjust suspension set-up based on measured data.

04

Model the rider as a control system within the simulation loop.

05

Build multibody motorcycle models in simulation environments.

06

Assess the validity and realism of a rider-in-the-loop simulator.

07

Evaluate assistance systems such as cornering ABS and traction control.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Motorcycle dynamics engineers seeking a deeper command of stability and handling.
  • Multibody simulation engineers moving into two-wheeled vehicles.
  • Driving simulator engineers working with rider-in-the-loop platforms.
  • Suspension engineers responsible for set-up and testing.
  • Engineers developing rider assistance systems for motorcycles.
  • Data acquisition engineers in racing or vehicle testing.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter the motorcycle industry.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Regulation (EU) 168/2013 (type approval of L-category vehicles)
  • ISO 26262-12 (functional safety for motorcycles)
  • UN R78 (braking of L-category vehicles)
  • Delegated Regulation (EU) 3/2014 (functional safety of L-category vehicles)
  • UN R60 (motorcycle controls)
  • ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics vocabulary)
  • SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
  • BikeSim
  • MSC Adams
  • Simpack
  • VI-grade VI-BikeRealTime
  • MATLAB/Simulink
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Degrees of freedom and reference frames
  2. 1.2Equilibrium in a straight line and in a corner
  3. 1.3Lean and centrifugal force
  4. 1.4Gyroscopic effects
  5. 1.5Steering geometry: rake and trail
  6. 1.6Mass distribution and centre of gravity
  7. 1.7Centre-of-gravity height and load transfer
  8. 1.8Reference models in the literature
  9. 1.9Validation of the models
  10. 1.10Workshop: building a simple model
  1. 2.1Capsize, weave and wobble modes
  2. 2.2Typical frequencies and damping
  3. 2.3Influence of speed
  4. 2.4Effect of the rider on stability
  5. 2.5Steering damper
  6. 2.6Chatter and its diagnosis
  7. 2.7Eigenvalue analysis
  8. 2.8Measurement on track
  9. 2.9Mitigation through design
  10. 2.10Laboratory: stability analysis
  1. 3.1Fork and rear shock absorber
  2. 3.2Damping curves and preload
  3. 3.3Linkage progression
  4. 3.4Static and dynamic sag
  5. 3.5Set-up for track and for road
  6. 3.6Effect on dynamic geometry
  7. 3.7Semi-active suspension
  8. 3.8Measurement with potentiometers
  9. 3.9Set-up procedure with the rider
  10. 3.10Laboratory: set-up session
  1. 4.1Longitudinal load transfer
  2. 4.2Rollover limit and stoppie
  3. 4.3Front-rear brake distribution
  4. 4.4Motorcycle ABS and its algorithms
  5. 4.5Traction control and anti-wheelie
  6. 4.6Braking while leaned over
  7. 4.7Interaction with the suspension
  8. 4.8Rider techniques
  9. 4.9Data measurement and analysis
  10. 4.10Laboratory: braking analysis
  1. 5.1Rider inputs: handlebar torque and body movement
  2. 5.2Rider models in simulation
  3. 5.3Delays and anticipation capability
  4. 5.4Learning and adaptation
  5. 5.5Differences between riders
  6. 5.6Ergonomics and position
  7. 5.7Physical load and fatigue
  8. 5.8Perception and relevant cues
  9. 5.9Rider instrumentation
  10. 5.10Laboratory: identification of rider inputs
  1. 6.1Building the multibody model
  2. 6.2Required parameters and their measurement
  3. 6.3Tyres in the model
  4. 6.4Validation with known manoeuvres
  5. 6.5Standard test manoeuvres
  6. 6.6Sensitivity analysis
  7. 6.7Computational cost and simplifications
  8. 6.8Interpretation of results
  9. 6.9Common modelling errors
  10. 6.10Laboratory: simulated manoeuvre
  1. 7.1Motion platforms for motorcycles
  2. 7.2Relevant degrees of freedom
  3. 7.3Handlebar and footpeg feedback
  4. 7.4Visual system and field of view
  5. 7.5Latencies and their effect
  6. 7.6Rider safety
  7. 7.7Simulator calibration
  8. 7.8Maintenance and operation
  9. 7.9Comparison with car simulators
  10. 7.10Laboratory: latency measurement
  1. 8.1Objective and subjective validity
  2. 8.2Evaluation protocols with riders
  3. 8.3Critical cues for feel
  4. 8.4Simulator sickness
  5. 8.5Tuning of motion cueing algorithms
  6. 8.6Transfer of learning to the track
  7. 8.7Simulator limitations
  8. 8.8Use in development versus training
  9. 8.9Design of experiments with riders
  10. 8.10Laboratory: subjective evaluation
  1. 9.1Traction and wheelie control
  2. 9.2Cornering brake control
  3. 9.3Quickshifter and engine control
  4. 9.4Semi-active suspension and its control
  5. 9.5Riding modes
  6. 9.6Calibration of assistance systems
  7. 9.7Interaction between systems
  8. 9.8Validation in the simulator and on track
  9. 9.9Applicable regulations
  10. 9.10Laboratory: calibration of an assistance system
  1. 10.1Essential channels on a motorcycle
  2. 10.2Sensors and their installation
  3. 10.3Sampling rate and filtering
  4. 10.4Lap and sector analysis
  5. 10.5Comparison between configurations
  6. 10.6Detection of chassis problems
  7. 10.7Simulation-track correlation
  8. 10.8Reports for the team
  9. 10.9Analysis tools
  10. 10.10Laboratory: analysis of a session
  1. 11.1Track test protocols
  2. 11.2Facilities and safety measures
  3. 11.3Limit manoeuvres and their risk
  4. 11.4Protective equipment
  5. 11.5Incident management
  6. 11.6Test documentation
  7. 11.7Type approval of prototypes
  8. 11.8Standardised tests
  9. 11.9Legal responsibilities
  10. 11.10Workshop: safe test plan
  1. 12.1Definition of the motorcycle and objectives
  2. 12.2Measurement of vehicle parameters
  3. 12.3Multibody model and validation
  4. 12.4Stability and set-up study
  5. 12.5Simulator session with a rider
  6. 12.6Correlation with track data
  7. 12.7Improvement proposals
  8. 12.8Safety analysis
  9. 12.9Technical report and defence
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme can be combined with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is BikeSim, MSC Adams, Simpack, VI-grade VI-BikeRealTime and MATLAB/Simulink, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: rider-in-the-loop driving simulators, on-track data acquisition, and braking and stability tests. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: Regulation (EU) 168/2013, ISO 26262-12, UN R78, Delegated Regulation (EU) 3/2014, UN R60, ISO 8855 and SAE J670.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of Regulation (EU) 168/2013, ISO 26262-12 and UN R78 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:BikeSim, MSC Adams, Simpack, VI-grade VI-BikeRealTime and MATLAB/Simulink, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:a complete dynamics project combining a validated multibody model, a simulator session with a rider and correlation with track data, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Vehicle parameters
Define the motorcycle and objectives, and measure the vehicle parameters needed for the model.
Multibody model
Build and validate the multibody model with standard manoeuvres.
Stability and set-up study
Analyse weave and wobble modes and propose suspension settings.
Simulator and track correlation
Run a rider-in-the-loop simulator session and correlate it with track data.
Master's Thesis
Improvement proposals, safety analysis and technical report, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Motorcycle dynamics engineerMultibody simulation engineerDriving simulator engineerSuspension engineerMotorcycle assistance systems engineerData acquisition engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with BikeSim, MSC Adams, Simpack, VI-grade VI-BikeRealTime and MATLAB/Simulink, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

A university degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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