Even for the most tenacious riders, some seasons just don't click. For KTM's ironman, Brad Binder, 2025 proved to be a brutal anomaly, a year he openly labels his 'worst' in MotoGP. The South African star, known for his relentless consistency, found himself battling an uncooperative RC16 and, crucially, his own expectations.
Key Takeaways from Binder's Challenging 2025 Season
- Brad Binder unequivocally declared 2025 his most disappointing MotoGP season to date.
- He finished 11th in the championship with just 155 points, a significant drop and his first season without a podium.
- Binder consistently struggled with the RC16's front-end feel, craving more rear stability.
- A promising aero package debuted at the Valencia test offered a crucial breakthrough and renewed hope for 2026.
The Uncharacteristic Struggle: A Season to Forget for KTM's Star
Historically, Brad Binder has been the bedrock of KTM's MotoGP efforts. His consistency even saw him outscore rookie sensation Pedro Acosta in 2024, cementing his status as a dependable points-scorer. However, 2025 painted a starkly different picture.
The numbers speak volumes: a mere 155 points compared to 217 the previous year. For the first time in his premier class career, Binder failed to grace a single podium. His 11th-place championship finish marked his lowest since his rookie campaign back in 2020.
Despite a late-season surge with top-five finishes in Indonesia and Portugal, the overall narrative remained unchanged. "I feel like I can do a lot better than I did," Binder admitted, expressing his deep disappointment with the final standings.
Diagnosing the RC16's Woes: A Rider's Frustration
Binder typically thrives on a bike with unwavering rear stability, allowing him to push harder and maximize grip. The 2025 RC16, however, consistently left him feeling 'on the nose,' battling severe front-end limitations.
This meant an unbalanced machine, one where the front wheel often felt overloaded and disconnected from the rear. For a rider whose aggressive style relies on supreme confidence in both ends of the bike, this was a crippling handicap.
Valencia's Verdict: A Glimmer of Hope for 2026
The final Valencia test of the season provided a much-needed shot of optimism. KTM introduced a revised package, including a new aero setup, which immediately resonated with Binder.
"The bike felt good," he explained. "We tried a couple more aero [packages], which seemed to give me a feeling that the bike was a bit more balanced between the two wheels." This newfound balance meant he felt "more between the two wheels rather than just on the nose."
Binder left the test feeling "planted" and optimistic about the data gathered. While it was just a brief run, the initial feedback suggests a significant step forward in addressing the core issues that plagued his 2025 campaign. The challenge now lies in translating this positive test into consistent performance in 2026.
