Japanese technology has always been a distinct trait of MotoGP™. From Honda's RC models and Yamaha's 2-stroke revolution which marked the sixties to the modern MotoGP™ era, we've seen Suzukis rise to prominence in the 70s and Kawasaki enjoying success in the intermediates classes, right before the birth of HRC, who would ultimately prove the ultimate reference in the premier class in the late 20th century.
The Japanese influence on motorcycle racing goes well beyond the constructors involved, past and present, and also finds its roots in a myriad of brands and specialist outfits working in the shadows of the bike manufacturers. motogp.com had the privilege of visiting some of those brands in recent years and ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, takes you behind the scenes of three different Japanese manufacturers, specialised in clutches, exhausts and chains respectively.