Cal Crutchlow says modern MotoGP bikes have become considerably more difficult to ride, with advances in aerodynamics making today's machines heavier and far more physically demanding than those from his racing prime.
The former MotoGP race winner returned to Grand Prix competition at Mugello as a stand-in for the injured Johann Zarco, marking his first race appearance since 2023. The comeback gave Crutchlow a firsthand look at how much the premier class has evolved during his time away from regular competition.
While impressed by the performance of Honda's current RC213V, the 40-year-old admitted that riders now face a much tougher physical challenge than in previous years.
According to Crutchlow, the biggest difference comes from the growing influence of aerodynamic development, which has increased both the weight and complexity of the bikes. He explained that the machines require significantly more effort to change direction and control over a race distance.
His observations came after a demanding weekend at Mugello, one of the most physically challenging circuits on the MotoGP calendar. Crutchlow had already described the return as one of the toughest tasks of his career, having spent nearly three years away from racing a MotoGP bike.
Despite the challenges, Crutchlow praised the overall level of modern MotoGP machinery and acknowledged the remarkable performances being delivered by today's riders.
The British rider noted that while technologies such as aerodynamic packages and ride-height devices have improved lap times and performance, they have also increased the physical demands placed on competitors. The result is a category where riders must work harder than ever to extract maximum performance from their machines.
Crutchlow's comments add to the wider debate surrounding MotoGP's technical direction. The championship has already announced significant regulation changes for 2027, including reduced engine capacity, tighter aerodynamic restrictions and the removal of ride-height devices, with the aim of improving safety and creating bikes that are less demanding to ride.
Although his Mugello comeback was cut short by a shoulder injury, Crutchlow left Italy with a renewed appreciation for the level required to compete in modern MotoGP. He admitted that the biggest limitation was not the Honda itself, but the challenge of adapting to a generation of bikes that has become faster, heavier and more physically intense than ever before.
For a rider who spent years competing against some of the sport's greatest names, that assessment may be the clearest indication yet of just how much MotoGP has changed.
