Grinning Brad Binder just delivered an exciting verdict on KTM upgrade before the Japanese Grand Prix

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Brad Binder has been having a tough time in the 2025 MotoGP season. But KTM are beginning to make some progress with the South African.

The No.33 rider has struggled to find the same highs as last season. Binder was KTM’s top finisher in 2024 in fifth, but in 2025, he has been dethroned by Pedro Acosta since he arrived from Tech3.

KTM’s riders found the RC16 difficult to handle at the start of the season, leaving them to go different ways with set-up to solve their issues. Binder is still struggling to find the right balance, having not finished in the top five all season.

He is on course for his worst season in MotoGP since his rookie season in 2020. Pit Beirer has not been satisfied with Binder’s performances this year as he has been getting left behind by Acosta and Tech3’s Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini.

However, he and KTM could be turning a corner after the in-season test at Misano. Binder was left excited by the Austrian manufacturer findings.

Brad Binder ‘grinned’ as he assessed KTM’s new fork upgrade for the Japanese Grand Prix

Binder tested a new fork on the front suspension of his RC16 in Misano. Impressed by the upgrade, he will run with it at Motegi this weekend, with it being ‘very important’ for him to extract the most during the race.

“We had a different fork available, which worked quite well. The bike behaved much better in the braking zones. We’ll be using the fork here (in Motegi) as well,” Binder told Speedweek.

“Good braking performance is very important here. I think things could go quite well. Misano was a bad weekend for me. I’m looking forward to starting fresh here.

Asked how it differs from the previous version, Binder ‘grinned’ as he replied: “You’ll have to ask WP; I have no idea. I know I like it.” The South African’s new upgrade has given him a reason to feel optimistic about a strong weekend at Motegi.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Brad Binder from career stats to wife

Motegi has been a strong track for Brad Binder in MotoGP

Binder will be hoping to have a successful weekend in Japan, with his new upgrade seemingly giving him a great feeling on the bike.

The South African has enjoyed strong races at Motegi in the past, finishing second in 2022 and sixth last year. It is one of his more favoured tracks, and the new fork should give him confidence as he tries to salvage his season.

Binder proved he cares about KTM after he defended Acosta’s chain problem at Misano. He is working hard to improve himself and the team, especially when his future beyond next season is uncertain.

Binder should worry about David Alonso, with the Moto2 rider attracting interest from many teams in the paddock. With his 2025 struggles, he is facing more pressure to keep his seat beyond 2026.