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Master'sMotorcycles & 2-Wheelers Applications open

Master’s in Motorcycle Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in motorcycle engineering, structured in 12 modules covering chassis, engine and transmission, brakes, suspension, aerodynamics, electrification, NVH, safety and industrialisation, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Define the architecture of a motorcycle from its product requirements.

02

Design the chassis and steering geometry for the intended handling.

03

Select the braking system and its associated electronics in accordance with UN ECE Regulation No 78.

04

Calculate suspension set-up and its influence on stability.

05

Integrate electrification and electronic control systems into the motorcycle.

06

Assess noise, vibration and emissions for regulatory compliance.

07

Plan the industrialisation and quality control of the product.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Motorcycle design engineers looking to deepen their knowledge of the whole vehicle.
  • Chassis and suspension engineers working on two-wheeled vehicles.
  • Engine engineers moving into motorcycle powertrains.
  • Vehicle electronics engineers dealing with ECUs, ABS and electric motorcycles.
  • Type-approval engineers handling L-category vehicles.
  • Quality and industrialisation engineers in the motorcycle supply chain.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter the motorcycle industry.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 (type approval of L-category vehicles)
  • Delegated Regulation (EU) No 3/2014 (functional safety of L-category vehicles)
  • Delegated Regulation (EU) No 134/2014 (emissions and propulsion unit performance)
  • UN ECE Regulation No 78 (motorcycle braking)
  • UN ECE Regulation No 41 (motorcycle noise)
  • ISO 26262-12 (functional safety adapted to motorcycles)
  • ISO 13232 (motorcycle impact testing)
  • CATIA V5
  • ANSYS Mechanical
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • BikeSim
  • GT-SUITE
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Motorcycle segments and architectures
  2. 1.2Customer requirements by segment
  3. 1.3Development cycle of a model
  4. 1.4Weight, cost and performance targets
  5. 1.5European type-approval regulations
  6. 1.6Platforms and commonality
  7. 1.7Industrialisation and volumes
  8. 1.8Competition and positioning
  9. 1.9Market trends
  10. 1.10Workshop: specification of a model
  1. 2.1Chassis types: twin-spar, trellis and monocoque
  2. 2.2Materials: steel, aluminium and composites
  3. 2.3Lateral, torsional and longitudinal stiffness
  4. 2.4Target stiffness and its measurement
  5. 2.5Swingarm and its loads
  6. 2.6Subframe and mountings
  7. 2.7Finite element analysis
  8. 2.8Manufacturing and joints
  9. 2.9Structural testing
  10. 2.10Laboratory: stiffness calculation
  1. 3.1Engine architectures for motorcycles
  2. 3.2Valve timing and valve management
  3. 3.3Cooling and lubrication
  4. 3.4Gearbox and ratios
  5. 3.5Clutch and slipper clutch
  6. 3.6Final drive by chain or shaft
  7. 3.7Mechanical losses
  8. 3.8Mounting the engine as a structural member
  9. 3.9Bench testing
  10. 3.10Laboratory: gear ratio selection
  1. 4.1Discs, calipers and pads
  2. 4.2Master cylinder and actuation ratio
  3. 4.3Brake distribution and combined braking
  4. 4.4Thermal sizing of the disc
  5. 4.5Fade and recovery
  6. 4.6Brake hoses and circuit stiffness
  7. 4.7ABS and its integration
  8. 4.8Maintenance and wear
  9. 4.9Regulatory braking tests
  10. 4.10Laboratory: brake sizing
  1. 5.1Conventional and upside-down forks
  2. 5.2Rear shock absorber and linkages
  3. 5.3Settings and adjustment range
  4. 5.4Geometry: rake, trail and wheelbase
  5. 5.5Ride height and weight distribution
  6. 5.6Effect on stability and agility
  7. 5.7Swingarm kinematics
  8. 5.8Anti-squat and its calculation
  9. 5.9Suspension testing
  10. 5.10Laboratory: rear-end kinematics
  1. 6.1Aerodynamic drag and top speed
  2. 6.2Rider protection and comfort
  3. 6.3Aerodynamic appendages and downforce
  4. 6.4Cooling and air intakes
  5. 6.5Straight-line and crosswind stability
  6. 6.6Wind tunnel and CFD
  7. 6.7Effect of rider posture
  8. 6.8Noise and turbulence at the helmet
  9. 6.9Fairing regulations
  10. 6.10Laboratory: aerodynamic study
  1. 7.1Engine control unit
  2. 7.2Sensors and actuators
  3. 7.3Data bus and diagnostics
  4. 7.4Instrument cluster and connectivity
  5. 7.5Lighting and regulations
  6. 7.6Electric motorcycles: architecture
  7. 7.7Batteries and range
  8. 7.8Charging and thermal management
  9. 7.9Maintenance of the electronics
  10. 7.10Case study: electrical architecture
  1. 8.1Ergonomic triangle and rider sizes
  2. 8.2Accessibility and seat height
  3. 8.3Control forces
  4. 8.4Vibration transmitted to the rider
  5. 8.5Thermal comfort
  6. 8.6Visibility and mirrors
  7. 8.7Luggage and passenger
  8. 8.8User evaluation
  9. 8.9Accessories and adaptations
  10. 8.10Workshop: ergonomic assessment
  1. 9.1Noise sources on the motorcycle
  2. 9.2Exhaust noise and regulations
  3. 9.3Engine vibration and balancing
  4. 9.4Isolation and rubber mounts
  5. 9.5Emissions and type-approval cycles
  6. 9.6Catalysts and aftertreatment
  7. 9.7Fuel consumption and efficiency
  8. 9.8Pass-by noise testing
  9. 9.9Trade-offs with performance
  10. 9.10Laboratory: noise measurement
  1. 10.1Rider assistance systems
  2. 10.2Adaptive lighting
  3. 10.3Stability and control
  4. 10.4Behaviour in a fall
  5. 10.5Vehicle protection
  6. 10.6Compatibility with rider equipment
  7. 10.7Accident statistics
  8. 10.8Safety-oriented design
  9. 10.9Independent assessment
  10. 10.10Workshop: analysis of an accident scenario
  1. 11.1Design for manufacture and assembly
  2. 11.2Suppliers and supply chain
  3. 11.3In-line quality control
  4. 11.4End-of-line testing
  5. 11.5Durability and accelerated testing
  6. 11.6Warranty and field data
  7. 11.7Product costs
  8. 11.8Limited series and customisation
  9. 11.9Continuous improvement
  10. 11.10Case study: industrial plan
  1. 12.1Definition of the segment and requirements
  2. 12.2Architecture and overall concept
  3. 12.3Sizing of chassis and suspension
  4. 12.4Selection of engine and transmission
  5. 12.5Aerodynamic and ergonomic study
  6. 12.6Type-approval plan
  7. 12.7Test and validation plan
  8. 12.8Cost and weight estimate
  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 CATIA V5, ANSYS Mechanical, MATLAB/Simulink, BikeSim and GT-SUITE, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: motorcycle chassis dynamometer testing, ABS braking tests on track and chassis torsional stiffness testing. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: Regulation (EU) No 168/2013, Delegated Regulation (EU) No 3/2014, Delegated Regulation (EU) No 134/2014, UN ECE Regulation No 78, UN ECE Regulation No 41, ISO 26262-12 and ISO 13232.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of Regulation (EU) No 168/2013, Delegated Regulation (EU) No 3/2014 and UN ECE Regulation No 78 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:CATIA V5, ANSYS Mechanical, MATLAB/Simulink, BikeSim and GT-SUITE, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:a complete motorcycle project, from segment definition to type-approval and validation plans, 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.

Segment and requirements
Define the target segment, customer requirements and weight, cost and performance targets.
Chassis and suspension sizing
Size the chassis, stiffness targets, geometry and rear-end kinematics.
Powertrain and braking
Select engine, gear ratios and final drive, and size the braking system with ABS.
Aerodynamics, ergonomics and approval
Carry out the aerodynamic and ergonomic study and draw up the type-approval and test plans.
Master's Thesis
A complete motorcycle project with cost and weight estimate and technical report, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Motorcycle design engineerChassis and suspension engineerEngine engineerVehicle electronics engineerType-approval engineerQuality and industrialisation 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 CATIA V5, ANSYS Mechanical, MATLAB/Simulink, BikeSim and GT-SUITE, 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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