Master’s in Motorcycle Engineering (Chassis/Suspension/Engine) (Core)
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in motorcycle engineering (chassis, suspension and engine). 12 modules covering architecture, chassis geometry, frames, suspension, brakes, engines, transmission, dynamics, electronics, ergonomics and L-category type approval under Regulation (EU) 168/2013, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe the complete architecture of a motorcycle and its subsystems.
Analyse chassis geometry and its effect on stability.
Size front and rear suspension systems.
Understand how two-stroke and four-stroke engines work.
Model motorcycle dynamics in a straight line and in corners.
Apply the type-approval framework for L-category vehicles.
Develop the technical concept of a complete motorcycle.
Who it's for
- Motorcycle design engineers looking to deepen their knowledge of chassis, suspension and engine.
- Chassis engineers working on frames, swingarms and geometry.
- Engine engineers moving into complete-vehicle development.
- Motorcycle dynamics engineers seeking a broader systems view.
- Validation engineers for two-wheeled vehicles.
- PTW product engineers at manufacturers and suppliers.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to join motorcycle manufacturers.
What you'll work with
- Regulation (EU) 168/2013 (approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles)
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 3/2014 (vehicle functional safety requirements for L-category vehicles)
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 134/2014 (environmental and propulsion unit performance requirements)
- ISO 26262-12 (functional safety adaptation for motorcycles)
- ISO 6725 (dimensions of two-wheeled motor vehicles)
- ISO 9130 (measurement of the centre of gravity of motorcycles)
- ISO 4106 (engine test code for motorcycle net power)
- UNECE Regulation No. 78 (braking of L-category vehicles)
- SolidWorks
- MSC Adams
- BikeSim
- GT-SUITE
- MATLAB/Simulink
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1L categories and market segments1.2Main subsystems of a motorcycle1.3Dimensions according to ISO 67251.4Mass, weight distribution and centre of gravity1.5Ergonomics of the rider triangle1.6Component package and packaging1.7Technological evolution of the sector1.8Customer requirements by segment1.9Product development cycle1.10Case study: comparison of three architectures
2.1Rake, trail and wheelbase2.2Steering angle and effective trail2.3Influence of fork offset2.4Centre of gravity height2.5Swingarm angle and anti-squat2.6Centre of gravity measurement according to ISO 91302.7Moments of inertia2.8Geometry adjustments in racing2.9Geometry measurement tools2.10Practical exercise: calculating the geometry of a naked bike
3.1Frame typologies3.2Torsional and lateral stiffness3.3Controlled flex at lean3.4Steel, aluminium and carbon materials3.5Welded and cast joints3.6Swingarms and their stiffness3.7Subframes and mountings3.8Finite element analysis3.9Bench stiffness tests3.10Laboratory: stiffness test of a frame
4.1Conventional and upside-down forks4.2Monoshock and linkage systems4.3Springs and preload4.4Hydraulic damping and its adjustments4.5Natural frequencies and comfort4.6Linkage progressivity4.7Alternative front suspensions4.8Road and track set-up4.9Suspension maintenance4.10Workshop: sizing a rear spring
5.1Spoked, cast and forged wheels5.2Radial and bias-ply tyres5.3Profile and contact patch at lean5.4Disc brakes and radial callipers5.5Brake force distribution5.6Basic ABS in motorcycles5.7Requirements of UNECE Regulation No. 785.8Unsprung masses5.9Gyroscopic effect of the wheels5.10Practical exercise: sizing a front brake
6.1Two-stroke and four-stroke cycles6.2Single, twin, triple and four-cylinder configurations6.3Valve train and cylinder heads6.4Fuel injection6.5Ignition and electronic management6.6Air and liquid cooling6.7Wet-sump and dry-sump lubrication6.8Engine balancing6.9Power test according to ISO 41066.10Laboratory: power curve on a dynamometer
7.1Multi-plate wet clutch7.2Motorcycle sequential gearbox7.3Final drive by chain, belt and shaft7.4Gear ratios7.5Slipper clutch7.6Quickshifter7.7CVT automatic transmissions7.8Dual-clutch transmission in motorcycles7.9Losses and efficiency7.10Practical exercise: gear staging of a six-speed gearbox
8.1Balance and countersteering8.2Lean angle in corners8.3Weave and wobble modes8.4Capsize and low-speed stability8.5Load transfer under braking8.6Wheelie and stoppie8.7Sharp model8.8Multibody vehicle simulation8.9Rider influence on dynamics8.10Laboratory: simulating a corner in BikeSim
9.112 V electrical architecture9.2Charging generation and regulation9.3LED lighting technology9.4Instrument cluster9.5CAN networks in motorcycles9.6Main motorcycle sensors9.7Basic electronic rider aids9.8On-board diagnostics9.9Functional safety according to ISO 26262-129.10Case study: wiring diagram of an adventure bike
10.1Aerodynamic drag and frontal area10.2Fairings and windscreens10.3Rider protection10.4Ergonomics of controls10.5Vibrations transmitted to the rider10.6User thermal comfort10.7Passenger and luggage10.8Noise perceived by the rider10.9Comfort tests10.10Practical exercise: ergonomic study of a sport-touring motorcycle
11.1Regulation (EU) 168/201311.2Functional safety requirements11.3Euro 5 environmental requirements11.4WMTC test cycle11.5Noise of two-wheeled vehicles11.6Conformity of production11.7Manufacturer's technical documentation11.8Type approval in non-European markets11.9Designated technical services11.10Case study: type-approval plan for a new motorcycle
12.1Definition of the segment and requirements12.2Architecture concept12.3Geometry and chassis12.4Engine and transmission selection12.5Suspension and brakes12.6Dynamic vehicle simulation12.7Type-approval plan12.8Cost and mass estimate12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, making it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is SolidWorks, MSC Adams, BikeSim, GT-SUITE and MATLAB/Simulink, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures: calculating the steering geometry and weight distribution of a motorcycle, a dynamometer engine power test according to ISO 4106, and a multibody simulation of a lane-change manoeuvre. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: Regulation (EU) 168/2013, Delegated Regulation (EU) 3/2014, Delegated Regulation (EU) 134/2014, ISO 26262-12, ISO 6725, ISO 9130, ISO 4106, UNECE Regulation No. 78.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's 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.
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 SolidWorks, MSC Adams, BikeSim, GT-SUITE 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 programme's 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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