GP Rider

The game features three modes of play: Arcade, Tournament, and Grand Prix. In Arcade mode, players race on a single track called Arcade. In Tournament mode, players can choose any number of tracks to race on, from 0 (defaulting to Arcade) to all 15 available tracks. Grand Prix mode requires players to compete in all 15 tracks in order of the 1989 season.

All races are played similarly regardless of the mode chosen. The game is played on a split-screen format, even when only one player is playing. A CPU character named Wayne controls the bike on the top screen if there's no other player present. Wayne behaves like a real player would, experiencing both good and bad races, and occasionally making mistakes. Each race consists of two parts: a qualifying round to determine grid position, followed by the actual race where players compete over a set number of laps depending on track length.

The game features realistic racing scenarios with straights and curves simulating real tracks. Players must manage their fuel gauge, which counts down and is automatically refilled at the end of each lap. If the player doesn't complete a lap before time runs out, they'll "Out of Fuel" and finish in the position determined by non-finishers.

Before each race, players can set up their bike with basic configurations available from the start. In Arcade mode, players have the option to choose between an Automatic or Manual gearbox with either High Gearing or Low Gearing. In Tournament and Grand Prix modes, additional options are available for engine type (Lean, Medium, Thirsty), gearing, and tyre types (wet or dry) depending on the weather.