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I’m Riding for Men’s Health in The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

I’m Riding For Men’s Health In The Distinguished Gentleman’s RideOn Sunday the 21st May 2023, we are teaming up to ride solo in The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men’s mental health on behalf of Movember.

Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before we press our tweed and polish our boots, we are asking you to join us in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.

Please to https://www.gentlemansride.com/fundraiser/FrancisDuggan501583 to donate.

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Provisional 2024 FIM MotoGP World Championship Entry Lists

Provisional 2024 Fim Motogp World Championship Entry ListsProvisional 2024 Fim Motogp World Championship Entry ListsProvisional 2024 Fim Motogp World Championship Entry ListsFor more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

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Motorcycle Live 2023 concludes with resounding success

Motorcycle Live 2023 Concludes With Resounding SuccessMotorcycle Live 2023 concludes with resounding success, leaving enthusiasts revved up for the 2024 show.

Motorcycle Live in association with Bikesure Insurance, the UK’s biggest and most interactive motorcycle and scooter show, came to a triumphant close on Sunday 26 November, after an exhilarating nine-day extravaganza showcasing the best of the motorcycle industry.

The event, held at The NEC, Birmingham, equalled the success of 2022, delivering just under 90,000, curious newcomers, industry professionals, and passionate enthusiasts, solidifying its status as the go-to destination for motorcycle aficionados.

With world launches of brand-new bikes, thrilling live shows and demonstrations, opportunities to ride, and a retail area bustling with the latest kit, the show floor buzzed with excitement as visitors explored all four halls.

Olly Downing, Brand Communications and Partnerships Manager at BMW Motorrad, comments: “Unveiling the new R 12 Family at Motorcycle Live on the BMW Motorrad stand was fantastic. A true ‘World launch’, it was the first time the bikes had ever been seen publicly. We always enjoy attending the show, speaking to our customers and showcasing the bikes in the ‘Make Life A Ride’ arena.”

Reflecting on the success of Motorcycle Live 2023, Finlay McAllan, adds: “The enthusiasm and passion of the motorcycle community have made Motorcycle Live a true celebration of the culture, innovation, and camaraderie that define our industry. We are thrilled to see manufacturers, riders, and enthusiasts come together and share their love for motorcycles.”

The success of this year’s event reinforces Motorcycle Live’s position as a must-attend event for anyone with a love for motorcycles.

Motorcycle Live 2024 takes place from 16-24th November, tickets will be on sale from Monday 27th November 2023 at 10am – ‘Let’s go….again’.

For more Motorcycle Live News check out our Shows dedicated page Motorcycle Live News

or head to the official Motorcycle Live website Motorcycle Live

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Remain dry and stylish with the Oxford Holborn

Remain Dry And Stylish With The Oxford Holborn

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For more Oxford Products news check out our new dedicated page

or head to the official Oxford Products website oxfordproducts.com/

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HRC sign Luca Marini

Title Contenders Falter As Marini Takes Maiden Pole To Head ViñalesHonda Racing Corporation are pleased to announce the signing of Luca Marini for the 2024 and 2025 MotoGP World Championship seasons.

The 26-year-old joined the premier class in 2021 after claiming six wins and 15 podiums in the Moto2 World Championship, finishing runner up in 2020. Since joining the premier class, Marini has taken two Grand Prix podiums, two pole positions and four Sprint podiums in 2023. He will join Joan Mir in the Factory Team on a two-year contract.

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New colours for GSX-8S, GSX-S1000, GSX-S1000GT, and Address 125

New Colours For Gsx-8s, Gsx-s1000, Gsx-s1000gt, And Address 125Suzuki has revealed new colours for 2024 on its award-winning GSX-8S, the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000GT, as well as the retro-styled Address 125 scooter.

The GSX-8S will continue in its striking Cosmic Blue for 2024, but it will be joined by a classy Glass Matt Mechanical Grey, complete with matching wheels, black decals and a black subframe. A Metallic Matt Black version ensures a black iteration remains in the range, though for 2024 its offset by blue wheels, blue subframe, and blue 8S logos. 

There will be three colour choices to choose from on the 2024 GSX-S1000GT and the luggage-equipped GSX-S1000GT+. The popular, and trademark Metallic Triton Blue will continue to be available, alongside a standout, all-red version with bronze wheels and subframe. Retaining the bronze wheels and subframe is a new Glass Sparkle Black variant. 

Sharing the same 999cc inline four-cylinder engine is the GSX-S1000 super-naked. For 2024 there’s an updated Metallic Triton Blue version, with white side panels completed with blue stripes, reminiscent of classic Suzuki liveries of old. A Metallic Matt Sword Silver joins the range, with red side panels and a red seat unit. There’s also a Glass Sparkle Black option. 

The Address 125 scooter, with its classic style and retro looks, continues in its Metallic Dark Blue, Metallic Matt Bordeaux Red, and will be joined by a new Metallic Matt Platinum Silver. 

Suzuki’s 2024 model range is currently on display at Motorcycle Live, which is taking place at Birmingham’s NEC until 26 November.

For more information on Suzuki’s 2024 range, click here. 

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Bagnaia seals it with a win as Martin and Marc Marquez crash out

Bagnaia Seals It With A Win As Martin And Marc Marquez Crash OutTension, drama, heartbreak, glory, history, and happiness: Valencia delivers a season finale to remember.

Following a highly dramatic Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, the 2023 MotoGP™ World Champion is Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) after Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) crashed out of the race following an incident at Turn 4 with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). Pecco went on to claim victory as a phenomenal fight for P1 played out, with Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) locked onto the Italian’s rear wheel. ‘Diggia’ crossed the line in 2nd with Zarco 3rd. However, a post-race sanction for Di Giannantonio due to wrong pressures demoted the Italian to P4 with Zarco being promoted to P2 and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) inheriting the final podium position.

Because of a Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) three-place grid penalty for ignoring the black and orange flags in Warm Up, Pecco was promoted to pole position for the final showdown, with Martin still launching from P6.

For the final and most important time in 2023 it was time to race. Bagnaia got the dream getaway from pole to grab a crucial holeshot, with Martin also making a fantastic launch to grab an early P2. Pecco P1, Martin P2 – that’s how it was after the opening lap, with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing pair of Binder and Jack Miller P3 and P4.Bagnaia Seals It With A Win As Martin And Marc Marquez Crash Out

Between the title fighting duo, it was as you were after the second lap but a monumental moment then took place at Turn 1 at the start of Lap 3. Martin was right in the slipstream of Pecco and as the duo chucked the anchors on into Turn 1, Martin got sucked in and made slight contact with Pecco. Martin was wide – well wide – and dropped to P8, with Pecco unhindered by the incident. Huge drama early on.

The fightback began on Lap 4 for Martin. P8 became P7 as the Spaniard got the better of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). Martin tried to do the same to Viñales a lap later but the latter bit straight back – and a repeat played out at Turn 11.

Up front, Binder was crawling all over the back of Pecco but focus was elsewhere. A battle was raging between Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), with that enabling Viñales and Martin to close right in.

What happened next ultimately decided the Championship. Martin was getting visibly frustrated and on Lap 6, having finally got through on Viñales, Marc Marquez was next in line. At Turn 4, Martin lunged up the inside of the eight-time World Champion but contact was made. So much so, the pair were tangled together. Martin ran straight into the gravel as Marquez was thrown into a vicious highside, as two of the home crowd favourites were down and out. Marquez’s final race with Honda ended in huge disappointment, with Martin’s title hopes vanishing. A painful end to a wonderful campaign for the Prima Pramac star.

With Martin out, no matter what Bagnaia did, he would be the 2023 MotoGP™ World Champion. ‘MARTIN OUT’ was signalled on his pit board as the two KTMs of Binder and Miller were now first and second, with Zarco and Viñales chasing Pecco.

Bagnaia Seals It With A Win As Martin And Marc Marquez Crash OutWith 12 laps to go though, Binder made a mistake. A big one too. Just as he did in the Tissot Sprint, the South African was wide at Turn 11, and that dropped him from P1 to P6. Miller now led Pecco by just over a second.

Binder’s comeback began with an aggressive move on Alex Marquez at Turn 4, and it was one that saw him handed a drop one position penalty. With nine laps left, Miller’s race then ended. The Aussie crashed at Turn 10 which handed the lead back to Bagnaia, who had Zarco just 0.3s behind him. A disastrous few laps for KTM.

The Championship might have been decided, but the race certainly wasn’t. Binder was just 1.5s away from the lead again and Diggia tagged himself onto the rear wheel of the KTM. Soon, the Italian was into P3 with five laps to go.

With three laps left, 0.3s was still the gap between Pecco and Zarco. But cue the jaws music – Di Giannantonio was on a mission. On Lap 25 of 27, the top trio were split by 0.3s over the line. At Turn 4, Di Giannantonio shoved his Ducati up the inside of Zarco’s and made a move stick for P2. Next: the World Champion elect.

LAST LAP OF THE SEASON: Three riders, only one could win. Would Bagnaia claim the title with a win or would it be Di Giannantonio or Zarco standing on the top step? Halfway around the lap, there was no way through. A head shake from Di Giannantonio told us frustrations were there, but Pecco rode superbly to fend off both his compatriot and Zarco to win the World Championship in the best way possible: victory. A classy ride from your top three. The podium result would later change however with Di Giannantonio’s three-second penalty demoting him to P4 and promoting Binder onto the podium.Bagnaia Seals It With A Win As Martin And Marc Marquez Crash Out

Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) earned his best result of the season with a fantastic P5. Alex Marquez was P6 with Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) capping off his Yamaha career with a solid P7, as Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), Luca Marini in his final Mooney VR46 Racing Team appearance and Viñales rounded out the top 10.

An unwell Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) finished P11 after feeling ill, with Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu), Lorenzo Savadori (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) and Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) the other finishers, as the latter ends his full-time MotoGP™ career – for now – in P14 after a crash and remount.

Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) and Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) were the other riders to DNF, Bezzecchi after an early race crash with Marc Marquez.

And just like that, 2023 draws to a dramatic close. Bagnaia is now a three-time World Champion as Martin gets set to come back even stronger in 2024. What a season it’s been. Now, full focus turns to Tuesday’s Valencia Test – 2024 starts very soon…

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

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Four in a row! Fermin Aldeguer makes some Moto2 history

Four In A Row! Fermin Aldeguer Makes Some Moto2 History

That’s a wrap for 2023 in the FIM Moto2™ World Championship and Fermin Aldeguer (CAG SpeedUp) stole the limelight yet again as he took his fifth victory of the season and fourth in a row.

The Spaniard was untouchable as Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) had to settle for P2, with Alonso Lopez (CAG SpeedUp) coming out on top in the battle for the final podium spot in P3.

The Boscoscuro rider stretched the field right from the beginning as he had Canet clinging onto his coattails in second place. With 20 laps to go they already had a substantial gap to Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing) in third as the hot pace from Aldeguer stretched out the top five.

Ramirez was out of touch to threaten the top two and had Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) for company as the Brit was desperate to find his way through with the prospect of a third overall in the Championship still tangible.Four In A Row! Fermin Aldeguer Makes Some Moto2™ History

However, at the front Canet was confidently responding to Aldeguer’s pace, and the two were Dixon’s rivals in the fight for third overall. With 17 laps to go Canet was the fastest rider on the circuit too as he set the quickest lap of the race so far and bettered it one lap later.

The battle for 3rd then began to hot up even more as a flying Lopez caught Ramirez and Dixon as he brought Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) to join the party with him. But Lopez made his way through on Dixon with 14 laps remaining. The Spaniard was on a charge after fighting his way up from 14th on the grid to sit in fourth place with his sights set on Ramirez ahead of him.

12 laps to go and Aldeguer was able to extend the gap to 1.5s. The Spaniard continued to put down his relentless pace and took victory in Valencia by 3.982s, with Canet bringing home second. The fight for the final place on the podium went absolutely to the wire as Lopez got through on Ramirez but the American Racing rider then went for a lunge at the final corner on the final lap. It was a well-judged one, but Lopez got the cutback and won the drag to the line.

The points scorers
Behind Ramirez in P4, Chantra got the better of Dixon in the end as the Thai rider capped off his 2023 season with a 5th place as he pulled eight tenths on the Brit in P6. Dixon ends 2023 fourth overall, with his compatriot Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) completing his final Grand Prix race in seventh as he gets set for a move to the WorldSBK paddock.

Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) took eighth ahead of his teammate Dennis Foggia, with Albert Arenas (Red Bull KTM Ajo) completing the top 10. Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) claimed P11 ahead of World Champion Acosta, who ended his season with a P12 after a fraught start and tougher race. The Spaniard’s attentions now turn to Tuesday’s Valencia Test.

The final point scorers were Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Mastercamp), Barry Baltus (Fieten Olie Racing GP) and Jeremy Alcoba (Gresini Racing Moto2™) who took 13th, 14th, and 15th respectively.

That’s it for Moto2™ in 2023 and what a season it has been! Acosta leaves as a World Champion as Aldeguer sends a huge message to his rivals ahead of 2024… watch this space!

For more Moto2 info checkout our dedicated Moto2 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

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Sasaki signs off in style with first win of the season

Sasaki Signs Off In Style With First Win Of The SeasonAyumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) has done it. He is a Grand Prix victor in 2023 – and he did in style! The Japanese rider put on quite some show as he fought tooth and nail in a five-rider scrap for victory at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana.

The final race of 2023 went down the wire in typical Moto3™ fashion as David Alonso (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team) left everything he had out on the Circuit Ricardo Tormo as he pushed Sasaki right until the final corner. Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) was very much in the mix as well. The Spaniard came home in P3 after getting his elbows firmly out on the last lap, almost snatching second from Alonso in a close drag to the line.

The riders lined up on the grid for the final race of the 2023 Moto3™ season, and with the Championship decided it promised to deliver barnstorming lightweight action. Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) started from pole position but it was Sasaki who took the hole shot down in Turn 1 as the Moto3™ bikes barrelled in.

The Japanese rider had Veijer and Öncü for company as the riders scrapped for position in the opening sector. We lost a couple at Turn 2 as Vicente Perez (BOE Motorsports) and Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) went down and out of the race. Xavi Artigas (CFMoto Racing PruestelGP) was later awarded a double long lap penalty after causing the incident.

The top three remained line astern throughout the first lap as Joel Kelso (CFMoto Racing PruestelGP) and Ortola looked keen to threaten the podium spots. Veijer then took over the lead from his teammate one lap later as he dived up the inside at Turn 2. Veijer, Sasaki, Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Kelso, Ortola was the order as the race began to settle with 17 laps still remaining.Sasaki Signs Off In Style With First Win Of The Season

As the laps ticked away a leading group began to form as Alonso and Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) put themselves in contention in a seven-bike battle for the lead – Alonso getting his elbows out as he got firmly stuck into the battle for victory.

The pace was hot as they were consistently putting times under the race lap record with Veijer leading the way lap after lap. With 10 laps to go it became it a battle of five as Kelso and Rueda began to fall off the back of the group.

A big move came from Alonso with seven to go as the Colombian chucked it up the inside of Öncü at the final corner with very little room to come through. The two made contact as they both ran wide and lost time to Sasaki and Veijer ahead.

Alonso quickly recovered the time in a matter of corners and one lap later he made his move on Sasaki to put himself into P2. Veijer, Alonso, Sasaki, Ortola, Öncü was now the order in the top five with Öncü finding himself almost a second back.

Veijer cracked for the first time with five to go as he finally lost the lead with a small mistake seeing him run wide and drop to fourth, promoting Sasaki to the lead with Ortola and Alonso hot on his tail.

Sasaki led the way on the penultimate lap as Deniz Öncü was now back in the mix and joined onto the back of the group. The heat was turned up as Veijer shot up the inside of Ortola to take third. Ortola bit back at the beginning of the last lap and it was now or never on the final lap.

Sasaki led the way as they barrelled through the first two sectors for the final time. Alonso was all over his rearwheel with Ortola shadowing Alonso’s every move. It came down to the final corner in the end as the Colombian tried all he could to throw it up the inside but had couldn’t find his way past the Japanese rider as he took his first Grand Prix victory ahead with Alonso fending off Ortola in close drag to the line.

It was heartbreak for Veijer after he led the majority to end up having to settle for fourth, and Öncü did recover to catch the leading group but didn’t manage to make any moves as he brought home P5. Rueda finished in a lonely sixth place with Kelso a further second back in P7. 1.5 seconds back from the Aussie was a 3-rider scrap for eighth place which was won by Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) who got the better of David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) and Ryusei Yamanaka (GASGAS Aspar Team) in ninth and 10th.

Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) finished his 2023 campaign with P11 ahead of Fillipo Farioli (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing). The newly crowned Champion had a steady end to his title-winning season as he took 13th with Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) and Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team) taking the final point-scoring positions.

And with that the 2023 FIM Moto3™ World Championship season sees its conclusion. It’s been a rollercoaster ride as always as we’ve witnessed the stars of the future do battle in the lightweight class. Many will move on to pastures new for 2024, so make sure you stay tuned!

For more Moto3 info checkout our dedicated Moto3 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

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BACK2BACKgnaia: Pecco Bagnaia is the 2023 MotoGP World Champion

Back2backgnaia: Pecco Bagnaia Is The 2023 Motogp World ChampionA dramatic finale sees #PECCOvsMARTIN conclude with some history made for Bagnaia as the reigning Champion defends the #1.

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) is the 2023 MotoGP™ World Champion! Becoming the first rider to successfully defend the #1 plate since Mick Doohan, Bagnaia has also become the first rider to take back-to-back premier class crowns since Marc Marquez in 2019. And he rounded it off in style, taking his seventh win and 15th podium of the season in Valencia as drama hit for his sole remaining title rival Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing).

Born in Turin, Bagnaia first found success on MiniMotos before his career took to the international stage in 2011, racing in what was then known as the CEV on a 125. He moved up to the Moto3™ World Championship for 2013, before joining the VR46 Riders Academy and moving to the SKY VR46 the following season. In 2015 he moved to the Aspar team and raced a Mahindra, partnering with none other than Jorge Martin both that season and the year after. Pecco took his, and Mahindra’s, first Grand Prix wins in 2016 – winning him a bet with the team that saw him get the chance to ride their MotoGP™ bike at the Valencia Test too.

2017 saw a new challenge: Moto2™, and back with Sky Racing Team VR46. He took a number of podiums and was named Rookie of the Year, setting the perfect foundation for an assault on the crown the following season. His form was imperious, and he wrapped up his first title at Sepang to become the 2018 Moto2™ World Champion. From there he moved to MotoGP™ with Pramac and despite some serious speed in testing, it proved a tougher rookie although he did take a best finish of fourth at Phillip Island. 2020 saw him take a first premier class podium at Misano, before a move to the factory Ducati team for 2021.

That’s when his ascent really began. Three podiums and a pole in the first four rounds were a good start, and come crunch time he was the last remaining challenger to Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) after a late season charge. Incredibly, his first win was a gloves-off duel with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) at Aragon, and his second victory came just a week later at Misano. He ended the year with victory too, but Quartararo took the crown and the world awaited a rematch in 2022.

Ultimately, that’s what we got. But it was a rollercoaster season for both, first for Bagnaia and then Quartararo. Still, arriving into the final round in Valencia the Italian had reeled in a 91-point deficit to lead the Championship by 23 points, making it the biggest potential comeback in history. And sure enough, he took ninth in the race, enough to secure the crown, and celebrated his first MotoGP™ World Championship as Quartararo fought to the end but couldn’t quite threaten for the win.

2023 began with a headline even before the wheels turned: Bagnaia would run the #1, becoming the first rider to do so since Casey Stoner in 2012. The year began fittingly enough with a masterclass in the season opener in Portugal, with Pecco winning both the first ever Tissot Sprint and the first GP race of the season. But it was a difficult weekend in Argentina with a P6 in the Sprint and a P16 in the race following a crash, meaning Pecco needed to bounce back in Austin. It was job done on Saturday as a second Sprint victory was secured, but Sunday saw Bagnaia crash out of the lead. Two zero points scores on consecutive Sundays were an early blow to the Italian and Ducati’s charge to try and retain the crown.

In Jerez, Bagnaia responded. A double podium – including a stunning Sunday victory holding off a KTM assault – saw him banish the Americas demons. But as the paddock descended on Le Mans, a dose of bad luck saw another Sunday DNF rear its head as Bagnaia and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) collided.

However, a stunning run of races would follow as a busy European leg began. Doing the double on home turf at Mugello acted as the springboard, with Germany providing us with a battle for the ages between what would become the two main title protagonists. Martin edged out Bagnaia at the Sachsenring, but Pecco would win a week later as his beloved TT Circuit Assen. At that stage, Bagnaia – having fallen behind in the first three races – boasted a pretty healthy 35-point Championship lead heading into the summer break.

A fourth consecutive Sunday top two result in a fascinating Silverstone encounter saw his title lead grow to 41 points post-summer before a commanding Sprint/race double in Austria meant his advantage climbed to 62 points. Then it was time to head to Barcelona.

P2 in the Sprint behind home hero Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) helped increase Bagnaia’s lead atop the Championship table. The latter was in a confident mood heading into Sunday and starting from pole position, Bagnaia grabbed the holeshot. As drama unfolded behind at Turn 1, Bagnaia’s race would end prematurely with a highside on the exit of Turn 2. Luckily, despite having his leg run over by Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Pecco escaped serious injury, but it was a setback. And one that paved the way for Martin to begin to claw back points in the race for the title…

It began at Misano. The venue is the VR46 Academy’s backyard but it was Martin who bagged a full fat 37 points, with two podiums taken through the pain barrier nevertheless seeing Bagnaia’s points lead shrink to 36 ahead of the final leg of the season – eight races in 10 weeks, starting in India.

Bagnaia’s first visit to the Buddh International Circuit was a tougher one, with an unforced error seeing the #1 suffer a DNF on Sunday as Martin finished P2 to back up his Sprint win. Motegi then saw Martin take a clean sweep despite the incredible pressure of heavy rain and Bagnaia on his tail on Sunday. And so, heading to Indonesia, the gap between the Italian and Spaniard was just three points. It was game on.

The pendulum swung back in Bagnaia’s favour in Mandalika though. Martin crashed out of the lead on Sunday as Bagnaia carved his way through the pack from P13 on the grid, not having made it through to Q2, to win his first Sunday race since the Austrian GP. A huge result followed in Australia too. Martin was on course for a runaway victory at Phillip Island but an unforgettable final couple of laps saw Bagnaia finish P2 – with Martin slipping to P5 as his strategy to bolt early didn’t pay off.

Thailand saw the momentum shift back towards the purple corner in what was another epic duel. Bagnaia took P3 on Sunday behind Sprint and race winner Martin and Red Bull KTM’s interloper Brad Binder, but a track limits penalty for the South African then saw Pecco promoted to P2. Heading into the final three races of the season, Bagnaia’s lead was a slender 13 points.

A trip to Malaysia kicked off the triple-header of races that would decide whose hands would hold the 2023 crown. Martin beat Pecco in the Sepang Sprint but it was the red corner who returned the favour in the main event, with Bagnaia finishing P3 and Martin a distant P4.

Qatar was the next port of call. Martin won the Sprint in fine fashion and with Bagnaia struggling to a P5, the points gap was down to seven points ahead of the penultimate Grand Prix race of the season. The tables turned on Sunday though. Bagnaia finished P2 with Martin P10 after a tough race playing defense, and heading to the season finale in Valencia, Bagnaia was defending a 21-point lead – familiar territory for the 2022 title winner.

On Saturday it was a tense Sprint but a glorious display from Martin to pile on the pressure. The Spaniard won it as Bagnaia took only fifth, cutting the gap to 14 points ahead of the final race of the season.

Fittingly, the early stages of the Grand Prix race saw the two contenders locked together at the front, before drama then hit for Martin as he ran on into Turn 1, having been right on Pecco’s tail. He got back on track down in P8 and then tried a fight back, but it wasn’t to be as he later crashed out after colliding with Marc Marquez.

At the front, Bagnaia had his own battle still to fight, despite becoming Champion by default after Martin’s crash. After a tense final lap he just held off Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) on the drag to the line, signing off the season with a win and becoming the Champion of our 75th season of racing.Back2backgnaia: Pecco Bagnaia Is The 2023 Motogp World Champion

#BACK2BACKgnaia IN STATS
Having been crowned MotoGP™ World Champion in 2022 and 2023, Francesco Bagnaia becomes the third rider to take back-to-back MotoGP™ titles since the introduction of the class in 2002, along with only Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez.

Bagnaia is the first rider to successfully race and defend the #1 in the premier class since Mick Doohan in 1998.

Bagnaia is the first Ducati rider to take more than one premier class world title. He is also the third Italian riding an Italian bike to take more than one premier class world title along Giacomo Agostini (MV Agusta) and Umberto Masetti (Gilera).

With 15 podiums in 2023, Bagnaia becomes the Ducati rider with most podiums in a single season, overtaking Casey Stoner, who held the previous record of 14.

Bagnaia becomes the fourth Italian with more than one premier class world title along with Giacomo Agostini (8), Valentino Rossi (7) and Umberto Masetti (2).

With 18 premier class wins, all with Ducati, Bagnaia sits in second on the list of Ducati riders with most wins in the class behind Casey Stoner (23).

With 35 premier class podiums so far, Bagnaia is the third Ducati rider with most podiums in the class behind Casey Stoner (42) and Andrea Dovizioso (40).

Bagnaia is the fifth rider who has clinched the title at the end of the year winning the opening Grand Prix race since MotoGP™ was introduced in 2002 along with Marc Marquez (2014), Jorge Lorenzo (2012), Casey Stoner (2007 and 2011) and Valentino Rossi from 2002 to 2005.

This season Bagnaia has stood on the MotoGP™ podium more than any other rider (15 times), including seven wins.
Back2backgnaia: Pecco Bagnaia Is The 2023 Motogp World Champion

QUOTES
How does it feel?
“Incredible. I feel the happiest I’ve ever felt in my life. The thing is I’m happy also because I won the race. With the circumstances of today winning the race didn’t mean anything but it’s a goal that I’ve always want to do. I want to win a title with a win so I’m happy. It was quite scary out there because in the last five laps I started to feel cold on the bike and I was very scared about the front tyre. I’m very happy right now I can’t breathe, it wasn’t an easy day because I was under quite a bit of pressure but I’m very happy!”

Do you agree that defending a title is harder than winning one?
“It was difficult because last year I arrived here and I was under more pressure than this year. I managed it quite well because I was thinking just about the race and I was conscious yesterday that we made the wrong choice with the tyre, but I was prepared for today with a medium. It helped me to understand what the drop of the tyre was so for me, it was useful.

“Barcelona was a turning point, from then on we started to struggle a lot. Not in Misano, there my big problem was being able to ride the bike because I was very much in pain with my leg. After that moment I started to struggle a bit with my speed in terms of qualifying and in terms of the Sprint. In the second part of the season I was always struggling in the Sprint. I wasn’t as fast as I was expecting. I wasn’t as fast as I was last season so next year for sure I’ll have to improve but in the past races I’ve done a big step forward, we just got a little bit unlucky. I’m very proud of my team and I’m very happy for their efforts because I think we did an amazing job. And I’m very happy and very proud of my family and my girlfriend, who have always been helping me in every situation and have showed me how happy I can be.”

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

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Jeremy Alcoba Completes Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp 2024 Rider Line-Up

Jeremy Alcoba Completes Correos Prepago Yamaha Vr46 Master Camp 2024 Rider Line-upJeremy Alcoba, who has four years of experience in the MotoGP paddock (two years in Moto3 and two years in Moto2), will be teaming up with Ayumu Sasaki as part of the Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp equipe in 2024.

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and VR46 are delighted to announce that Jeremy Alcoba will be joining the Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp squad in 2024, lining up beside Ayumu Sasaki.

The talent and ambition of the 22-year-old Alcoba make him an ideal addition to the Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp 2024 line-up. The team debuted in the Moto2 World Championship in 2022 as part of Yamaha‘s bLU cRU rider development programme. The project serves as a platform for young Yamaha talent to foster their skills at World Championship level and accelerate the achievement of their goal of riding in MotoGP, the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.

TETSU ONO
GENERAL MANAGER – YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.‘S MOTORSPORTS STRATEGY DIVISION

We are very pleased to announce that Jeremy Alcoba will be completing the Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp rider line-up for 2024. Though he is still quite young, he already has two years of experience in the intermediate class, just like the team itself, so we are excited to be helping him along his journey. This partnership is an ideal marriage: both the team and Alcoba are hungry for achieving Moto2 podiums. We will be giving him and Ayumu Sasaki our full support, and we are greatly looking forward to an exciting 2024 season.

JEREMY ALCOBA
I thank Yamaha and VR46 for this great opportunity. I saw this team grow a lot during the last two years, and they show a lot of potential. I think I have great potential as well, that unfortunately this year I couldn‘t show. I really believe that this team can help me grow as a person and as a rider, and I can‘t wait to start working with them during tomorrow‘s test. I‘m grateful for this opportunity. We‘ll have fun together next year!

ABOUT JEREMY ALCOBA
Jeremy Alcoba burst onto the JuniorGP World Championship scene in 2016 by claiming a podium finish in his debut race. The Spaniard remained with the Estrella Galicia 0,0 Junior squad throughout 2017 and 2018 but despite finishing the seasons in fifth and then fourth place, he missed out on a chance in the World Championship when Alonso Lopez and Sergio Garcia got promoted ahead of him. As a result, Alcoba made the switch to the Laglisse Academy squad and a different manufacturer, Husqvarna. It proved to be a masterstroke as he finished outside of the top three on just three occasions, with three victories along the way too, to secure the 2019 JuniorGP World Championship crown. During the season, he also deputised for the injured Gabriel Rodrigo in the Moto3 World Championship with impressive rides at the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone, earning him a full-time ride for the 2020 season with the Indonesian Gresini Racing Moto3 Team.

Alcoba instantly adapted to the Moto3 world stage, finishing seventh in three of the opening four races. A regular top-ten contender, he would snap up the Rookie of the Year title in Valencia before finishing a superb debut year with a career-first podium at the season finale in Portimao. Two further podiums came in 2021, and despite it being a mixed season overall, he earned a seat with Liqui Moly Intact GP in Moto2 for 2022.

During his rookie year in the intermediate class, he became a regular points scorer, with his three P6 finishes the highlights of the year. 2023 saw him switch to the QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2 team with the target of earning a first Moto2 podium. He came close at COTA and Phillip Island, where he scored fourth place, but the visit to the rostrum has not materialised yet.

Following Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp‘s maiden Moto2 podium at the Lusail International Circuit, the Spanish talent puts his trust in the team as the best pick for him to continue his ambitious career goals in 2024.

Highlights:
2019 – JuniorGP World Champion
2020 – Moto3 World Championship: 11th, 87 points (Moto3 Rookie of the Year and a third place in Portimao)
2021 – Moto3 World Championship: 12th, 86 points (Two podiums: a third place at the Spanish GP and a second place at the Catalan GP)
2022 – Moto2 World Championship: 18th, 72 points (Taking sixth place in the Americas GP, Portuguese GP, and the Australian GP)
2023 – Moto2 World Championship: 18th, 47.5 points with one GP remaining (Securing fourth place at the Americas GP and the Australian GP)

| Date of birth
15 / 11 / 2001

| Nationality
Spanish

| Rider Number
52

| Grand Prix debut
2019 – Moto3 Grand Prix of Austria

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14 points in it as Martin sprints to victory and Bagnaia takes P5

14 Points In It As Martin Sprints To Victory And Bagnaia Takes P5Martin heads Binder and Marc Marquez on the Tissot Sprint podium as it all comes down to Sunday.

The 2023 MotoGP™ World Championship will be decided on Sunday! Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) claimed Tissot Sprint victory to cut Francesco Bagnaia’s (Ducati Lenovo Team) advantage in the title fight down to just 14 points at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, ensuring the Grand Prix race will be the closest decider in the premier class sine 2015. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) earned podiums in the final Sprint of 2023, both getting their elbows out.

14 Points In It As Martin Sprints To Victory And Bagnaia Takes P5Martin produces the magic
Bagnaia got a dream launch from P2 to grab the holeshot into Turn 1 as Martin also got away well. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) immediately bit back at Turn 2 with a late lunge on Pecco though as Binder nearly slipped up the inside of Martin.

Lap 1, Turn 11 was where Martin made his move on Pecco. Binder, on the cutback, managed to squeeze up the inside of the pair of them and heading into Turn 12, so did the fast-starting Marc Marquez. Suddenly, Bagnaia went from P2 to P5 in the space of two corners.

Martin soon got back past Marquez as we watched Bagnaia drop into the clutches of the group behind that included Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – the Frenchman making a phenomenal start.

With nine to go though, Quartararo’s Sprint was over as he attempted to overtake Pecco at Turn 6. The front of his Yamaha let go and that was all she wrote for El Diablo on Saturday.

Up front, the top four were locked together – Viñales, Binder, Martin and Marc Marquez. Binder and Viñales were getting very busy with eight laps left and lurking just behind was Martin. At this stage, Bagnaia was 1.6s off the fight – and the Italian had Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) climbing all over his tailpipes.

Seven to go. Now, Binder was leading. Marquez showed a wheel to Martin at Turn 6 as the two made slight contact. Unfazed, Martin then carved his way past Viñales for P2 at Turn 1 with six laps to go and as expected, Marquez wasted little time in following Binder and Martin through. With five and a half laps to go, a huge moment occurred – Martin was P1. Binder went wide at Turn 10 and left the door wide open, with Martin walking through with ease.14 Points In It As Martin Sprints To Victory And Bagnaia Takes P5

Five to go. As things stood, the gap in the Championship was 14 points between Sprint leader Martin and fifth place Pecco. Di Giannantonio had passed Bezzecchi and was looking menacing behind Bagnaia, with Martin still holding Binder at bay.

Three to go. Binder wasn’t close enough to make a move on Martin but he was still too close for comfort. Marquez was half a second further back, and Viñales was being caught by Bagnaia, Di Giannantonio and Bezzecchi.

LAST LAP! Martin led Binder by 0.3s, with Bagnaia still holding Di Giannantonio behind him. Halfway around the lap, Binder still wasn’t close enough. Turn 10 passed by with Martin still leading and the KTM wasn’t close enough into the final corner either. Martin rode brilliantly to secure the most important 12 points of his career, as Binder and the impressive Marc Marquez bagged Valencia Sprint rostrums.14 Points In It As Martin Sprints To Victory And Bagnaia Takes P5

14 points, one to go
Viñales had to settle for P4 after setting the early pace, as Bagnaia came home P5 to collect five points. Not the result the Italian was searching for as the Championship chase goes down to the final day, but it could still yet prove to be a huge five points.

Di Giannantonio couldn’t find a way past Pecco and claimed P6, with Bezzecchi, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) picking up the final points-paying positions in the Sprint.

And so, the MotoGP™ World Championship will be decided on Sunday in Valencia. 14 points in it, Pecco vs Martin – what an afternoon we have in store. Tune into the MotoGP™ race at 14:00 local time (GMT+1) to see who will be crowned 2023 MotoGP™ King in season 75.

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

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Canet aims to break Moto2 victory duck from home turf pole

Canet Aims To Break Moto2 Victory Duck From Home Turf PoleAron Canet gave the Pons Wegow Los40 team a worthy present to celebrate their final weekend in Moto2™.

The local rider waited until the final moments to top the timesheets at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, with his 1:33.314 beating the on-form Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Toold Speedup) by 0.174s as the Boscoscuro rider was forced to settle for second. Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing) then made it a Spanish rider lock-out in the top three as he fell just 0.020s shy of Aldeguer ahead of him.

The late lap from Canet denied Sam Lowes (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) a front-row start in his final race in the category. The Brit has looked strong all weekend however and will be eager to end the year on a high as he prepares to start from the front of row two in P4. Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) rounded out the top five to join his compatriot on the second row. Dixon finds himself with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) on the other side of him after the newly-crowned Champion took his triumph-powered Kalex KTM to 6th place on the grid before he moves up. He’ll be aiming a lot higher when the lights go out.

The third row of the grid went to Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) who fought his way through Q1 to finish in P7 ahead of Filip Salac (Gresini Racing Moto2™) and Albert Arenas (Red Bull KTM Ajo), with Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) rounding out the top ten.

Make sure not to miss any of the Moto2™ action set to commence on Sunday at 13:15 local time (GMT +1) as Acosta races for the final time ahead of his move up on Tuesday!

Canet Aims To Break Moto2 Victory Duck From Home Turf PoleFor more Moto2 info checkout our dedicated Moto2 News page

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Veijer heads Sasaki and Öncü as just 0.052s splits the front row

Veijer Heads Sasaki And Öncü As Just 0.052s Splits The Front RowCollin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) capped off the final qualifying of the year with pole position to head a Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP 1-2 on the grid, with the Dutchman 0.048s clear of teammate Ayumu Sasaki.

The top three are covered by just 0.052s too, and it was Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) who bagged the final front-row spot as he and Sasaki eye up solid finishes to their Moto3™ careers before moving up.

Row two went the way of Joel Kelso (CFMoto Racing PruestelGP), and he was three tenths shy of the front row. The Aussie will be joined by David Alonso (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team), who despite a tough weekend so far with a number of crashes, pulled it together in Q2 to impress and to round out the top five. Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) takes the final spot on row two in P6.

Rookie Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) is set to head row three after finding Veijer at the end of a pole-threatening lap, so he could be one to watch on Sunday. The Spaniard will start ahead of newly crowned Champion Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) as the pair took 7th and 8th respectively. Their compatriot David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) takes ninth to round out that row.

The fourth row features Ryusei Yamanaka (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team) at the head of it, and he has Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team) and Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) for company in 11th and 12th.

So where’s Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3)? After dominating on Friday, the number 96 highsided in Q2 and didn’t set a lap, so he’ll be looking for a comeback from P18 if he’s declared fit in a review before the race.

The Moto3™ riders take on that final race of the season at 13:15 local time (GMT +1), so make sure to tune in!

Veijer Heads Sasaki And Öncü As Just 0.052s Splits The Front RowFor more Moto3 info checkout our dedicated Moto3 News page

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Bagnaia second, Martin sixth as Viñales sets stunning new lap record for pole

 

Bagnaia Second, Martin Sixth As Viñales Sets Stunning New Lap Record For PoleBagnaia keeps his cool in Q1, Martin loses out on the front row… and Viñales steals the Q2 show for a first pole position with Aprilia.

The grid is decided as we prepare to crown the 2023 MotoGP™ World Champion at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, and it sets the stage for quite a showdown – or two. Despite a trip through Q1, Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) kept cool grab the upper hand on the grid, and he’ll line up second with a clean line of sight down to Turn 1.

After some serious speed but a dash of drama, rolling out of his final attempt after a second moment of Q2, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) will line up in P6 on the outside of the second row.

Between the two, Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo Jack Miller and Brad Binder head into the race with likely very different targets… and ahead of them all, Friday’s fastest Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) took a stunning first pole position since the 2021 Dutch TT.

Here’s how the final qualifying of the year unfolded!Bagnaia Second, Martin Sixth As Viñales Sets Stunning New Lap Record For Pole

Q1
After the first runs, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) led the way from Bagnaia, but when the field headed back out for a final crack at it, the #1 was setting red sectors to take over on top with just over four minutes remaining, beating the previous benchmark by three tenths.

Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) had been on to challenge Alex Marquez but wasn’t able to best Bagnaia’s new best effort, but next time around the Frenchman was close again.

Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), meanwhile, was sat behind Bagnaia. But the number 23 wasn’t seriously threatening the top on first time of asking. Were there team instructions? Would there be should the ‘Beast’ take over in P1? Red sectors with two minutes to go made that question relevant, but the lap went away from him just enough for Bastianini to cross the line and take fourth.

And then Bagnaia pitted. With just over a minute still left on the clock, it was a confident move. Would it pay off? Alex Marquez didn’t seem to have anything left in the locker to improve, Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) slotted into third… and it all came down to Bastianini. But a red first sector went grey in the second on the timing screens, and Bagnaia headed through on top, joined in Q2 by Alex Marquez.Bagnaia Second, Martin Sixth As Viñales Sets Stunning New Lap Record For Pole

Q2
In Q2, Bagnaia’s first lap put him sixth over the line and then 11th by the time the field pitted. And when they did, it was Binder on provisional pole with Martin missing out by hundredths. But then the reigning Champion headed back out… and took over on top.

The next one was a fast one too, and Bagnaia shaved a tenth and a half off his own best. Next it was Martin’s turn to light up the timing screens, however, and with some company from Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). There was an absolute heart in mouth moment not long after too: Martin headed wide and the open door was most definitely a tempting one, with Marquez setting red sectors behind the number 89. The two came very, very close to contact but there was none made as Marquez slotted back in behind the Ducati, and both finished the lap – with Marquez improving his time enough, still, to take P8.

Meanwhile, Viñales was on the move. Amongst the drama of the title contenders’ quite contrasting Saturday mornings, the Aprilia Racing rider pulled a stunner out of the hat. He was fastest on Friday and did it again to take a first pole with Aprilia and first since Assen in 2021, beating Bagnaia to it by 0.092.

Zarco slotted into third, Miller was able to leapfrog that former fastest effort from teammate Binder, and Martin now completes the second row after his one final shot at the top ended with a wobble.Bagnaia Second, Martin Sixth As Viñales Sets Stunning New Lap Record For Pole

THE GRID
Viñales heads Bagnaia as the reigning Champion stayed overwhelmingly cool despite the pressure, with Martin’s teammate Zarco an interesting presence alongside on the front row.

Miller and Binder, holeshot kings earlier in the season, are also quite a threat in fourth and fifth – adding a bit of an extra hurdle for Martin. For his part, the number 89 will want to make sure he has two very different starts to the one he suffered under the floodlights on Sunday at Lusail.

Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46) lines up in P7 ahead of Q1 graduate Alex Marquez, with Marc Marquez bumped down to P9 by the end of play – crashing out of his final effort at Turn 2, rider ok.

Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) completes the top ten ahead of Qatar GP winner Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) last in Q2.

The stage is set for a first match point for Bagnaia, and after on Friday it seemed it was advantage Martin – on track, at least – it looks a little different heading into the Tissot Sprint. Can Martin hit back once the lights go out? He’ll need to, as Bagnaia needs to gain just four points on him to take the crown, with the #1 21 ahead on the way in. The magic number for Bagnaia to wrap it up is a gap of 25 or more…

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#PECCOvsMARTIN: the mind games begin on Day 1

#peccovsmartin: The Mind Games Begin On Day 1Viñales breaks the lap record to head Martin, Bagnaia heads for Q1 as Friday serves up some serious talking points.

The heat has officially hit fever pitch in the title battle and a huge Saturday at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana awaits. For one, Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) is heading for Q1. Two, amid some interesting mind games from Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) as the Spaniard looks to overturn that 21-point deficit. He was also second quickest on Friday as Bagnaia took only P15. And all that as Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) set the pace thanks to a 1:29.142 – a new Circuit Ricardo Tormo all-time lap record.

#peccovsmartin: The Mind Games Begin On Day 1Mind games aplenty
After FP1 saw Martin take P3 and Bagnaia P13, all eyes were on Practice and the soft rubber went in early with qualifying incredibly important at the tight and twisty Valencia layout – especially for the two title protagonists. The final five minutes of the Practice session is when things got even more interesting as Martin headed out armed with a definite game plan.

Plenty of red sectors came flying in but all eyes were on the title duo, who were locked together in the pitlane after being out on track together. Martin latched himself onto the back of Pecco and shadowed him around the out-lap – including running wide at Turn 8 – as Pecco tried his best to find a time to propel him into the top 10.

That didn’t happen on his first flying lap and with time only allowing for one final lap to be laid in the session, the pressure was on Bagnaia. But it would prove too late as a crash for Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) at Turn 3 brought out the yellow flags, and that was that. Bagnaia ended Practice in P15, meaning Q1 awaits for the Championship leader… and Martin’s tactics seemingly worked a treat as he headed straight into Q2 as the second fastest rider on track.#peccovsmartin: The Mind Games Begin On Day 1

A top 15 covered by just 0.659s
With just over half a second covering the top 15, fine margins again made all the difference, and Viñales ends Friday with that freshly-pressed lap record. Behind Martin in second, his teammate Johann Zarco enjoyed a positive day and ended Friday as one of three riders underneath the seven-year-old lap record too. How crucial could Zarco’s pace prove to be for the rest of the weekend for Prima Pramac Racing and Martin?

Elsewhere, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) continued his strong form to claim P4, with compatriot Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – despite a crash at Turn 8 – completing the top five.

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) ended the 60-minute Practice stint in P6, while eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) gets set for a Q2 appearance following a positive day as the #93 finished Friday in seventh. Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team), Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – another crasher in Practice – and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) are the other riders who bagged automatic Q2 spots.#peccovsmartin: The Mind Games Begin On Day 1

The reigning Champion’s Q1 hurdle
Bagnaia will have teammate Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) for company in the biggest 15 minutes of the season, while the likes of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), and Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) will also fancy their chances of processing.

A mouthwatering day awaits in Valencia. The 2023 title tale has taken a twist on Friday, but what does qualifying and Tissot Sprint Saturday have in store? You’ll have to tune in to find out!

SHOWTIME IN VALENCIA
The stage is set for Qualifying and the Tissot Sprint! Make sure you tune in:

MotoGP™ FP2: 10:10
MotoGP™ Q1: 10:50
MotoGP™ Q2: 111:15

MotoGP™ Sprint: 15:00

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

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Acosta vs Aldeguer: a duel for the top on Friday

Acosta Vs Aldeguer: A Duel For The Top On FridayPedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) is the rider to beat after the opening day of the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, exchanging lap times with Fermin Aldeguer (CAG SpeedUp) at the top of the timesheets until a decisive new all-time lap record from the reigning Champion: a 1:33.768.

Aldeguer fell 0.132s short of #37 by the close of P2, with Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) rounding out the top three following Friday’s running.

Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) made a step in Practice 2 to put himself within 0.238s off the pace. The Brit finished the day in 4th place ahead of his compatriot Sam Lowes (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) who enjoyed a positive opening day to round out the top five. Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing) also took well to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo and put his Triumph Kalex in P6 ahead of Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing).

Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) knocked one second off his lap time in Practice 2 as he found his feet in Valencia. The American bagged 8th place ahead of his teammate Dennis Foggia, with Tony Arbolino (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) kicking off his Valencia GP with a Friday P10.

Moto2™ will be back in action on Saturday for Practice 3 at 09:25 and qualifying at 13:45 local (GMT +1)! Will the Acosta-Aldeguer duel continue?

For more Moto2 info checkout our dedicated Moto2 News page

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Moto3: Holgado dominates Day 1

Moto3 - Valencia Gp - FridayDaniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) ended Day 1 of the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana fastest after his 1:38.706 saw him top the timesheets in Practice 2.

Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) got the closest to the Spaniard’s time despite bringing out the red flags with a mid-session high side. The Turk was taken to the medical centre for a check-up and will be reviewed before Practice 3 in the morning, but his time stood strong as he remained the only rider to join Holgado in the 1:38 club in 2nd place. Joel Kelso (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) finished the day in 3rd place overall after clocking a time just under three-tenths away from the top spot.

Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) missed out on the top three by just 0.047s as he took P4. Next up behind the Spaniard was Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team), with 2023 World Champion Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) taking sixth. Ryusei Yamanaka (GASGAS Aspar Team) finished the day in P7 as half a second covered the top eight – the eighth of those riders being Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP). Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) and Vicente Perez (BOE Motorsports) rounded out the top 10.

Rookie of the Year David Alonso (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team) suffered two big crashes in Practice 2, the second one involved Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) with the Japanese rider hitting the Colombian’s machine on the exit of Turn 11. Both riders were up on their feet, Sasaki rider ok and Alonso heading to the medical centre for a check-up – he’ll be reviewed tomorrow morning ahead of Practice 3.

That session will decide entrants to Q2, before the final grid of the season is decided from 12:50 (GMT +1).

For more Moto3 info checkout our dedicated Moto3 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

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Royal Enfield Unveils The Shotgun 650

Royal Enfield Unveils The Shotgun 650Royal Enfield unveils the Shotgun 650 – a custom inspired neo-retro motorcycle.

After decades of inspiring as well as being inspired by custom culture, Royal Enfield has unveiled a stunning, one-of-its-kind, custom-inspired roadster.

The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 made its global debut in Goa today, at Motoverse 2023. While the continuous production motorcycle itself will be launched early next year, the Shotgun 650 Motoverse Edition is a limited release, custom-designed colourway, only 25 of which will be available for reservation until 25th November at midnight. Available exclusively for the Motoverse community, nothing like these machines will ever be made again, making the event a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own this collectable motorcycle.

Built on Royal Enfield’s 650-Twin platform, the Shotgun 650 Motoverse Edition is a tribute to the culture of customisation. It pays homage to its precursor, the SG650 Concept, with its neo-destopian design and celebrates the possibilities offered by Royal Enfield motorcycles as a canvas for the most creative minds in motorcycling.

Royal Enfield Unveils The Shotgun 650Speaking about the launch of this new motorcycle, Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director of Eicher Motors Ltd., said, “The Shotgun 650 is a drop-dead gorgeous, custom-inspired motorcycle that brings together more than a century of Royal Enfield’s pure motorcycling DNA with the renegade spirit of custom culture. The objective was to build this modular, shape-shifting machine that is almost like a mutant disguised as a motorcycle. Powered by our award-winning 650-Twin platform, and an absolute delight to ride on straights and the twisties, the Shotgun 650 is our attempt to bring niche and newer categories of motorcycles to growing enthusiasts of self-expression across the world”

The Motoverse edition of the Shotgun 650 takes inspiration from the motorcycles of the future. Its custom- designed, hand-painted body features a carefully crafted gradient and neon detailing that no factory can produce. Each of these 25 motorcycles have been customised over months, making it unlike any other Royal Enfield or unlike any other motorcycle on the road today.Royal Enfield Unveils The Shotgun 650

Speaking about the inspiration and the design of the motorcycle, Mark Wells, Chief of Design at Royal Enfield, said, “Designing the Shotgun 650 Motoverse Edition was an exhilarating journey for the design team into the future of Royal Enfield. After we had shown the SG650 Concept at EICMA in 2021, it gathered huge interest from international custom builders and got heads turning, so much so that we decided to build it as a production motorcycle. The Shotgun 650 Motoverse Edition is built by the same team that designed the Concept and is therefore remarkably close to the concept – much more so than is usually possible. It retains the cast aluminium nascelle, chopped fenders, angular bodywork and that confident, aggressive stance. At the heart of this motorcycle is the simplicity of its form and the pure metal composition that is testament to its inspiration – custom culture. The Shotgun 650 offers a perfect canvas for experienced builders as well as for someone who is just starting on their journey of customization.”

The Shotgun 650 takes Royal Enfield’s legacy of customization further by offering a canvas that allows motorcyclists to make a statement without sacrificing the benefits of Royal Enfield’s dedicated after-sales service ecosystem. Conceived as a revolutionary neo-retro roadster, the intent of the Shotgun 650 was to break free from historical constraints while preserving the brand’s core DNA. The motorcycle represents a harmonious blend of tradition and progress, with meticulously made aluminium parts that seamlessly integrate classic aesthetics with modern graphics. Featuring a revolutionary modular design, the Shotgun 650 is capable of transforming from a classic single-seater to a dual-seater to a weekend tourer in minutes, inviting riders to embark on a journey of personalization like never before. Its tight proportions and low-slung silhouette allow for planted handling with optimum ergonomics.Royal Enfield Unveils The Shotgun 650

The tank, closely matching that of the SG650 concept, represents a new direction while respecting Royal Enfield’s historical forms, as do the unique ten spoke wheel rims with integrated ABS. The front suspension features upside down forks and an integrated aluminium top yoke with low-rise extra-wide handlebars. At the rear, twin shocks are mounted to the iconic chassis loop, with a hand-stitched black leather floating solo seat that showcases contemporary craftsmanship with a nod to the past. The Shotgun 650 is built on the robust 650cc platform, celebrated for its impressive performance and adaptability. The engine, a blacked-out 650-Twin with all new gloss black engine covers, is paired with a custom exhaust system that heralds the aesthetics of the future, while simultaneously harking back to the joy of an aural experience that has long been the hallmark of Royal Enfield. The motorcycle comes preloaded with bespoke Royal Enfield Genuine motorcycle accessories such as bar end mirrors and LED black indicators. In addition to this, the limited edition motorcycle will be offered with extended warranty.

Royal Enfield Unveils The Shotgun 650The exclusive, limited production Shotgun 650 Motoverse Edition embodies the spirit of originality and self- expression, guaranteeing its owners access to an exclusive club that owns a unique piece of the brand’s heritage. The always-on production motorcycle will be launched early next year across the world, starting with Europe and India.

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Royal Enfield Reveal Pricing For The All New Himalayan Adventure Tourer

Royal Enfield Reveal Pricing For The All New Himalayan Adventure TourerThe perfect balance between capability and usability, Royal Enfield today publicly revealed pricing for its adventure tourer that is built for all roads, and for no roads, the all-new Himalayan at the brand’s biggest motorcycling festival, Motoverse 2023.

Unveiled for the world at EICMA 2023 earlier this month, the all-new Himalayan will be available across Europe from March 2024. The Himalayan will be available at a starting price of GBP 5,750 in the UK, and 5,900 Euro across key European countries, including; Italy, France, Spain and Germany.

The all new Himalayan is launched with a robust lineup comprising 3 distinct variants – Base, Pass and Summit and a palette of 5 colors inspired by the elements of the Himalayas – Kaza Brown (Base – Entry variant), Slate series comprising – Poppy Blue & Himalayan Salt (Pass – Mid variant) and Hanle Black & Kamet White (Summit – Premium variant).

Royal Enfield Reveal Pricing For The All New Himalayan Adventure TourerSpeaking at the launch of the motorcycle, Royal Enfield CEO, B Govindarajan said, “Embarking on the creation of the new Himalayan, we immersed ourselves in the riding experiences of our community, engaging with globetrotters, explorers, and athletes. Informed by these insights and our own journey in the Himalayas, we retained the crucial elements of its DNA and worked on the areas for evolution in the new and evolved Himalayan which is absolutely purpose-built for the Himalayas. The results are fantastic and we can see that with the immense love shown by consumers and experts from across the world. The new Himalayan represents an evolution, thoughtfully shaped by genuine rider needs, making it a true global motorcycle poised to set new standards in the adventure touring category worldwide.”

The new Himalayan embraces the equilibrium between man, machine, and terrain, embodying a state of flow while exploring and harmonizing with the landscape. Capable yet unimposing, the motorcycle effortlessly adapts to various terrains, making it an ideal companion for both seasoned adventurers and riders new to the off-road experience. With more power and torque, it gives excellent low-rpm performance with Royal Enfield’s first liquid-cooled engine, the new 452cc Sherpa engine. Improved power along with a new six-speed gearbox and a ride-by-wire feature, offers optimum delivery of power and torque for challenging terrains. Offering a further unparalleled adventure riding experience, the all new Himalayan comes with new TripperDash and over 30 exciting new Genuine Motorcycle Accessories on the all new Himalayan, with something for every kind of adventure.

Royal Enfield Reveal Pricing For The All New Himalayan Adventure TourerWhether navigating twisty mountain roads or tackling challenging off-road trails, the new Himalayan is designed to excel, providing riders with the power to conquer peaks and the flexibility to navigate diverse

landscapes. The all new Himalayan is set to bring in a significant paradigm shift in the adventure touring space and promises to elevate the aspirations of the growing motorcycle community across the world.

Royal Enfield Reveal Pricing For The All New Himalayan Adventure Tourer

EU & UK PRICING

VariantColourwaysUKItalyFranceSpainGermany
BaseKaza Brown£5,750€5,900.00€5,900.00€5,900.00€5,900.00
 

 

Pass

Slate Himalayan Salt£5,850€6,000.00€6,000.00€6,000.00€6,000.00
Slate Himalayan Poppy Blue£5,850€6,000.00€6,000.00€6,000.00€6,000.00
 

 

 

 

Summit

Hanle Black£6,050€6,200.00€6,200.00€6,200.00€6,200.00
Kamet White (Tubeless)£6,250€6,450.00€6,450.00€6,450.00€6,450.00
Hanle Black (Tubeless option)£6,300€6,500.00€6,500.00€6,500.00€6,500.00
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The new Langen LightSpeed steals the show at Motorcycle Live

The New Langen Lightspeed Steals The Show At Motorcycle LiveLangen Technology Limited (Langen), one of the leading automotive engineering and development companies, specialising in hand built, limited production motorcycles, unveiled its new LightSpeed at Motorcycle Live at the NEC Birmingham this week.

The stunning new hypersport bike from Langen, Britain’s most exciting motorcycle manufacturer, was a big hit with visitors to this year’s show. In a specially created presentation experience inspired by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama the assembled media and visitors were treated to an up close and personal view of the LightSpeed. A number of customer curated 2Strokes were also on display along with a chance to speak with Langen founder Christofer Ratcliffe and his team about the finer details of the machines and how the LightSpeed came into being.The New Langen Lightspeed Steals The Show At Motorcycle Live

The unique, class leading machine boasting a power to weight ratio of 1,000 bhp per tonne not only attracted the crowds but also had some reaching for their wallets to secure a build slot and VIN number, as only 185 of the Launch specification motorcycle will be available – each build individually commissioned for its owner. Whilst targeted for registration on UK roads, the LightSpeed is appealing to a global audience of enthusiasts and collectors of special automotive machines, with reservations being made from around the world.

The New Langen Lightspeed Steals The Show At Motorcycle LiveChristofer Ratcliffe Founder and CEO of Langen comments: “I am overwhelmed with the response to the LightSpeed, in a show full of ‘off the peg’ bikes, to be able to offer something truly unique to our discerning customers with a range of personal options to make each LightSpeed as individual as the customer, it has made all the hard work over the last 12 months’ worth while. I can’t wait to see this pre-production prototype develop further as we move towards delivering the first builds to customers at the start of 2025”.

Discover more at: https://www.langenmotorcycles.co.uk/

The New Langen Lightspeed Steals The Show At Motorcycle Live

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Cardiff’s Cannabis Laws Demystified What You Need to Know

Cardiff's Cannabis Laws Demystified What You Need To KnowCannabis use is a growing interest in Cardiff, as it’s far in masses of various factors of the place. Whether for leisure or medical functions, understanding the legal guidelines surrounding cannabis is essential to make sure that you stay within boundaries and keep away from any accidental effects.

Let’s discover Cardiff’s cannabis criminal pointers and provide you with the records you want to recognize.

Cannabis in the UK: A General Overview
Before delving into Cardiff’s precise cannabis laws, it is vital to have contemporary facts on the cannabis tips inside the United Kingdom.

Cannabis is assessed as a managed substance, and its ownership, distribution, or cultivation without proper authorization is unlawful.

Penalties for breaking those laws can vary from warnings and fines to imprisonment, depending on the offense’s severity.

Cannabis Possession in Cardiff
Understanding the ideal hints concerning weed in Cardiff is essential to avoid prison headaches.

In Cardiff, as within the relaxation of the United Kingdom, there are prison limits on cannabis possession, and it’s essential to be aware of these limits to ensure compliance with the law.

Legal Limits for Personal Use
Humans in Cardiff are allowed to personalize a small quantity of weed for personal use. The vital factor right here is “small quantity.”

The jail restriction for personal possession varies depending on the UK, and it’s essential to note that the limit of 1 could have been a hassle to alternate after that date.

Intent to Supply vs. Personal Use
It’s vital to apprehend the distinction between owning cannabis for private use and being found with the reason to deliver. This differentiation is paramount because the legal results vary primarily based on the nature of the offense.

Personal Use
Possessing cannabis for non-public use usually includes a quantity that is consistent with enjoyment use. This can consist of having a small amount of cannabis for one’s intake.

Penalties for private use are usually less excessive and may carry a warning, a cannabis warning, a set penalty word, or a formal warning, depending on the situation.

Intent to Supply
Being discovered with an amount of cannabis that suggests an intent to supply is a greater extreme offense. This may consist of owning a massive quantity of cannabis, packaging materials, scales, or proof of income.

Penalties for a cause to deliver can result in crook costs, which may also result in fines, network vendors, or even imprisonment, depending on the quantity and the defendant’s criminal records.

Staying Within Legal Boundaries

  • To make sure you are inner prison limitations, it is essential to:
  • Be privy to the cutting-edge felony limits for cannabis possession in Cardiff.
  • Avoid wearing portions of cannabis that are probably misconstrued as having a purpose to deliver.

Understand that owning cannabis for personal use is not without its dangers and might nevertheless motivate criminal consequences.

Furthermore, it is vital to emphasize that cannabis felony suggestions can evolve, so staying informed and searching for criminal pointers, if crucial, is beneficial.

Cardiff, like the relaxation of the United Kingdom, can also see modifications in its cannabis prison hints, and it’s crucial to be privy to any updates to avoid unintended prison complications.

Medical Cannabis Use in Cardiff: A Highly Regulated Process
The use of scientific cannabis in Cardiff, in addition to the entire United Kingdom, is permitted below strict guidelines, making it outstanding from the more excellent conventional techniques associated with obtaining one-of-a-kind medicinal pills.

Understanding how scientific cannabis can be accessed and used inside the prison framework is paramount for individuals looking for this remedy preference.

This segment will delve into the specifics of medical cannabis use in Cardiff, highlighting the stringent guidelines and methods.

Qualifying Medical Conditions
To get admission to medical cannabis in Cardiff, patients ought to have a qualifying clinical circumstance. The list of situations that can be handled with medical cannabis is restricted and is decided with the valuable resources of the United Kingdom authorities.

These situations commonly include extreme varieties of epilepsy, a couple of sclerosis, and chronic aches. It is crucial to talk with a scientific professional to ascertain whether or not your scientific scenario falls within the scope of individuals who qualify for scientific cannabis treatment.

The Prescription Process
The approach of acquiring a systematic cannabis prescription in Cardiff is more complex than that of traditional medicines. It involves several essential steps:

Consultation with a Specialist
Patients need to first talk with a criminal representative to prescribe medical cannabis. This expert evaluates the affected character’s medical records and signs and symptoms to decide if scientific cannabis is a suitable remedy choice.

Clinical Decision
The professional makes a systematic choice concerning the use of clinical cannabis. This includes figuring out the proper pressure, dosage, and remedy plan.

Government Approval
Once the professional recommends medical cannabis, their selection must be permitted using the United Kingdom authorities. This extra layer of oversight ensures that the prescription aligns with the setup guidelines.

Private Prescription
In most cases, patients get hold of a private prescription for scientific cannabis. This means that they may be charged for the price of the medication, as it is not robotically protected using the National Health Service (NHS).

Conclusion
Understanding Cardiff’s cannabis legal suggestions is essential for anybody who uses or is considering using cannabis in the metropolis.

Staying within legal barriers, whether or not for personal use or clinical motives, is essential to avoid potential felony issues.

Additionally, keeping a watch on potential modifications inside the regulation and the responsibly used cannabis is crucial for the well-being of individuals and the community as an entire.

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Modern Classic Motorcycle News Magazine – Issue 9

Modern Classic Motorcycle News Magazine - Issue 9

Welcome to the latest of Modern Classic Motorcycle News featuring latest news and reviews from the world of Modern Classic and Roadster/Naked Bikes.

Here you can read the recent news and reviews that are featured on our website but offline at your own comfort.

Bumper issue 56 pages hence price increase – £4.00 – pre-order before the 24th November and get it for £3.50

You can purchase latest print copy here: https://modernclassicbikes.co.uk/subscribe-to-modern-classic-motorcycle-news/

You can also at present read it for free via:

  • Our dedicated app on apple/google devices
  • If you don’t have such a device you can read it via out flipbook on the website

More info can be found here: https://modernclassicbikes.co.uk/modern-classic-motorcycle-news-magazine/

Modern Classic Motorcycle News Magazine - Issue 9We are also on Magzter: Go unlimited with Magzter Gold buy membership for:

  1. £9.99 for one month
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and have access not only to Modern Classic Motorcycle News but also along with 8,000+ other magazines (many automotive) & newspapers with just one subscription
Sign up here :https://www.magzter.com/GB/Vitesse-Media-UK/Modern-Classic-Motorcycle-News/Automotive/

Issue 9 out Friday 24th November 2023

Featuring

Latest News
New Bikes – EICMA Special
Bike Review – Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR
Readers Ride – Triumph West London Triumph Bonneville T120 Black
Alpinestars Feature
Keis Heated Vest Review

Partnership
Yay! We’ve partnered with Clearpay so you can now pay in 4 whenever you shop with us at Modern Classic Motorcycle News. Just choose Clearpay when you checkout, then pay it in 4 interest-free instalments. Clearpay is unregulated credit. Use responsibly. T&Cs & late fees up to £24 per purchase apply clearpay.co.uk/terms

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Norton Motorcycles shoots all-access FPV drone flythrough of headquarters

Norton Motorcycles Announce Plan To Build Electric Motorcycles In The UkNorton Motorcycles has released an all-access FPV (first-person view) drone flythrough of its Solihull headquarters.

Covering 73,000sq ft, the UK facility houses all development and production of Norton’s model line-up including the Norton Commando 961, the V4SV superbike, and the new V4CR.

With access to areas rarely open to the public, the video visits departments from across the Norton production line – coasting through Design, Quality Assurance, Engine Building and more.

The flythrough allows viewers to go behind the scenes at the British motorcycle manufacturer, catching glimpses of everything from the company’s master welders and polishers in action, to the meticulous end-of-line inspection. The film even teases what the future holds for Norton.

For more Norton Motorcycles check out our dedicated page Norton Motorcycles News

or head to the official Norton Motorcycles website nortonmotorcycles.com/

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“The pressure will grow day by day”

"the Pressure Will Grow Day By Day"This is it! Hear from Bagnaia, Martin, and a host of riders heading for pastures new (probably!) with our Thursday rundown

Here we go. It’s time to decide the 2023 MotoGP™ World Champion and we know one thing for sure: it’s going to be Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) or Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). Split by 21 points on the way in but with a maximum of 37 still on the table, there’s everything to play for.

On Thursday, the two posed for a photo op on the main straight and then headed the press conference billing as the first line-up of the day. The next? A motley crew of familiar, successful and relevant faces as we prepare for the last Grand Prix of the season: Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Qatar GP winner Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), the returning Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol), and 2023 Moto2™ World Champion Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo).

Here are some quotes, photos and postcards from that face-to-face #PECCOvsMARTIN picture on the main straight.

LINE UP: BAGNAIA – MARTIN

Does it feel any different to a year ago?
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA: “Honestly, two points less than last year but 12 more to gain. So for sure it’s a different situation with 37 points available every weekend. Let’s see, it will be important to start well tomorrow and have a good feeling, and then in practice we need to really be pushing to be in the top ten but I’m quite sure that this track with the new surface will be very good for us.”

Is it a case of attack being the best form of defence this weekend?
“I will do the maximum for sure. Tomorrow it will be very important to understand everything and on Saturday, for sure it will be very important to be competitive and try to win the Sprint, and then on Saturday afternoon, decide the strategy for Sunday’s race. The goal will be to start on the front row and push in Sprint race to have the possibility to win.”

How difficult would it be to do it on Saturday?
“The hopes are to try to win the championship on Saturday, but you know if I see the risk is too high. I will take whatever the result we get and try again on Sunday. For sure we’re in a better situation than Jorge but 21 points are never enough to be calm.”

How hard is it to treat it like a normal weekend when the Championship is at stake?
“For sure in some situations you’re actually the most calm and people around you are the most anxious. Last year when I was eating lunch before the race. I was calm and just thinking about my things. Normally I eat a lot, but this time it was all friends and family eating all the food as they were feeling a lot more pressure than me, but I have to say that on Sunday last year I was feeling a lot of pressure before the start and it wasn’t easy for sure, but I think this year I understand it a lot better. I’ve learnt a lot from the first year so I think I’ll be able to manage it better, but the pressure will grow day by day.”

What will it mean to you if you win it back-to-back?
“From what I remember just Vale and Marc have done it so it would be really great to reach this kind of goal but it’s something I can’t think about right now. I just need to think about tomorrow and try and enjoy my riding. I know this is a good track for us, and it will be good to be competitive.”

Valentino will be here this year too… is it important to have him around?
“Yes absolutely, it will be important because he’s faced many different situations and it could be a great help to have him by my side and trying to understand everything. For sure it’s something extra to have on my skill list!”

How confident are you that you can turn it around?
JORGE MARTIN: “It’s a bit more difficult for sure. I think the way we were coming was good, we were recovering points in a good way but now I’m a bit far. I’m quite relaxed. I understood after Qatar it’s a bit difficult to win. I’m happy with all the season I did. I will try enjoy the weekend, win both races. I think I’m capable of doing that at a track I really enjoy. I’m really fast here so let’s go for it and try win both!”

Looking back on Sunday in Qatar… has it been difficult?
“For me it was quite easy to forget about. I understood it wasn’t my fault. I was trying to help my people to be happy, it should be the other way around. It is what it is, I don’t want to think about it more but just focus on this weekend. In the past 21 points were a lot but now not so much, we still have our chance. Whatever comes is good. If we finish second, it is good, if we win awesome.”

Any answers from what went wrong in Qatar?
“Not yet, for sure it was a hard race. I struggled from the first lap. I don’t have any answers yet. These things need time to analyse. Maybe I spoke too much after the race, but you know, I’m an impulsive person. We don’t know what happened exactly but maybe in one or two months we’ll know.”

On his record in Valencia:
“I didn’t like it when I was in Moto3 but as soon as I won my first race in 2017, I started loving it! Now it’s a track I really enjoy, I’m always fast, always have a great pace and yeah I did the last two pole positions. I am confident. It is a track where we can win both of them, but the problem is even winning both of them may not be enough.”

You’re also Teams’ Champions, are you proud to be part of it?
“I’m so proud of this team. When I arrived, we weren’t even in the top three and this year we won. For a satellite team it’s really important and big thing to beat all the factory teams. I’m really proud of them. I think I have everything to fight for title in the future also. I’m really happy to be here and hopefully we can do it in the next seasons.”

LINE UP: MARINI – DIGGIA – MARC MARQUEZ – RINS – ACOSTA

Can we expect you on a different bike on Tuesday?
LUCA MARINI: “Yeah, I think news will come soon so there’s not many things I can say at the moment so we will see in the next few days.”

If you are a factory rider… are you ready for that?
“Yes, in my opinion, I’m feeling great and improving a lot and it’s always been my dream to be in a factory team and to develop a bike to bring a manufacturer to victory. So in my opinion, this is the right moment. There was this opportunity because after Marc’s decision, which was a big shock for everyone. But I think also maybe in the future if not next year it was something that was going to happen so now there is a good opportunity for me and I will try to do my best and this is the maximum I can say for now.”

What can you say about what VR46 has done for your career?
“It was a fantastic journey. I’ve shared the best moments of my career with this team and I want to say thank you to all the group that we have now, but also the members that were a part of the group in the past years and in Moto2. I’ve enjoyed every moment and I want to enjoy it even more this weekend here in Valencia because we have something more to do also here.”

What do you think? It’s possible here this weekend?
“I think that this track is always very difficult and the qualifying is very important because it’s difficult to overtake. The tarmac is also new so this could change something and also it will be difficult with the cold temperatures in terms of tires, but I remember the last season at the test I was first with a very good feeling with the bike, so I think that we start with a good base so let’s see after the Friday practice sessions what my position is.”

Still on cloud nine after Qatar?
FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO:
“It has been amazing. An amazing feeling, an amazing energy all around me. It was fantastic and I can say that I’ve watched it between 20 and 25 times! I’ve spent a lot of time in front of my phone watching the race so yeah, it’s been super special!”

How was the call with your dad?
“A lot of tears for sure! For him, its been his dream since I was a little kid. When you achieve something big, you always think of the moments when you are a little kid with your father and mother and little motor. The early days, you don’t think much about the future, you are just with a little pocket bike and you start to enjoy. Suddenly you are a MotoGP rider and you won your first race so for sure it was a great moment to see my father on the phone and yeah…. Cheer for this!”

Back-to-back potential winner? Does he believe?
“We are in a good moment. We’ve been fast everywhere let’s say. In Qatar we were super fast. We are in a good way but for sure a lot of riders will be fast. We all start from zero. I think a lot of riders will have a chance to win on Sunday. Let’s see, maybe we can do another good job and from my side I want to do a good job in my last race for Gresini.”

And what about a 2024 ride?
“I was super proud of Paolo’s words. He has been so good to me so yeah I’m super proud. Let’s say that I’ve come with a helmet and a suit to test on Tuesday. We are working on something cool. We have good chances to test on Tuesday and now we have a little more chance to be on the grid in 2024.”

VR46, would it be cool to ride with Rossi’s team?
“Since it is only the bike available…once Luca makes the announcement! For sure it is a great team. Their work behind the scenes is amazing. What they do in the academy all together with the guys, and also, all the staff they have, they have been super good. They started in Moto3, and then to Moto2 and MotoGP. They’ve always been super good in every class so that means they are a really good team. It would be an amazing experience and challenge and an opportunity to learn a lot of things.

Will it be an emotional weekend?
MARC MARQUEZ: “Of course, it is a special weekend and it’ll be a super difficult weekend to control emotions and be focussed on track. I don’t like to say that it will be my last race with Honda because you never know, but it will be the end of an era and the end of a nice chapter where we’ve achieved six world championships in 11 years which have been amazing. But it is true that this weekend I want to enjoy myself on track and I want to enjoy all the moments because next year you know it will be difficult to imagine me working with another group, but in the end it was my decision and yeah it’s what I want to do. I enjoy everything with them because they are my friends and we have an incredible relationship but yeah I’m looking forward to finishing the season in a good way.”

Best three moments with Honda?
“I would pick six, my six world championships. The photos that are on here on the helmet. The last one that was the last podium in Motegi. It’s something super special for me. The best moment was 2013 when we won the title in the first year that we arrived in MotoGP. Boom we exploded. Everything started there and it was amazing, then of course I’m super lucky because I’ve had many many good moments and I can’t just choose one.”

What do you think? What do you think it’s possible this weekend?
“I don’t know. It’s a circuit and the layout that I like, but I’ve been struggling in the races so let’s see where we are on Friday and where we are during the weekend. Of course, I can’t try any crazy things but we need to be realistic and yeah I need to do my best as I have done in the past races and let’s see, but the first goal is to try and enjoy the weekend with all my people.”

How excited are you to try the Ducati?
“I’m sorry but I won’t speak about it, especially because I have huge respect for Honda and to my team and my full commitment will be until the last lap in Valencia, so yeah I’m just focus on this weekend and then on Monday, we will start working with the next year’s team.”

ALEX RINS: “Honestly, after the last GP weekend in Australia, we did an x-ray in Melbourne Saturday morning because I was feeling a lot of muscular pain in my leg. It looked like I had a hernia so we flew directly to Madrid to make a surgery to improve this pain. They opened in the morning, and then at night I left the hospital. The doctors did a fantastic job. I walked home as the pain improved immediately. The last month I’ve been working as hard as possible at home to be here in Valencia. It’s a shame it is the last race because now I’m feeling more or less better than before. Anyways, we have this weekend to enjoy and to ride, and to say goodbye to LCR. It is an amazing team, we had a very difficult season with injury, but we did a great result in Austin to get the victory so I would like to just enjoy the final GP.”

Riding now pain free?
“I rode the production bike in Montmelo. It was quite nice. In Montmelo it is right then left and then the long right corner and I had zero pain. We need to remember it is a production bike and not a MotoGP bike, the power and brakes are not the same, but it was a great test.”

Timeframe for 100% fitness?
“To be 100%, it was not a regular fracture. It was not a clean fracture. So the be at 100%, they said I need nine to ten months to recover everything but now we are in a good shape. The pain is very low during the day. I am walking perfect. I think the next step is to jump on the bike, we have more muscle on the leg than before, so I think it is going to be ok.”

And on his Yamaha debut on Tuesday?
I’m looking forward to it. It’s a big challenge. It will be difficult but I did it last year. It was not easy because you change everything, your team, your group, your crew chief. It won’t be easy but for sure, I mean tomorrow id Friday, we have three days to ride in Valencia on new tarmac so let’s enjoy.”

PEDRO ACOSTA: “It’s going to be difficult to manage all the emotions, so I’m trying to focus on enjoying my last Moto2 race, with the fans and the team, because it’s also my last weekend with them. it’s not going to be so easy. But I’m more focused on Monday, not Tuesday, to understand how a MotoGP team works, how the KTM project goes in one way. I’ll have a long winter to think about it but for now it’s just a moment to try and enjoy it, get to know everyone in the team and understand how to ride these MotoGP bikes.”

What are you most looking forward to, the power, carbon brakes?
“Both. In the end I just want to understand how to ride this bike fast. I want to understand how a MotoGP team is working, how everyone in the team is working, I know KTM put a lot of guys from the factory at Tech 3 and I think that will help a lot to have a fast way to understand how to ride.”

Biggest thing learned with the Ajo team?
“Racing is easy if you take it easy! We’re here living the dream, I will say but we’re still the same ‘lucky bastards’ as before! I don’t know, it as so nice to spend three years with Aki, he helped me a lot just more to understand how life is. I was so young when I arrived here, I don’t know. It’s going to be nice to feel the emotions that are going to come.”

And that pesky number question…
“You’ll see on Tuesday morning! Don’t worry. When you open the garage, you’re going to see!”

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

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FIM MiniGP World Final: Malaysia and Spain take 2023 spoils

Fim Minigp World Final: Malaysia And Spain Take 2023 SpoilsQabil Irfan and Alvaro Lucas are crowned the 160cc and 190cc Champions at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

After a fantastic day of racing at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, two new names have etched their name into the FIM MiniGP World Series Champions book – Malaysia’s Qabil Irfan in the 160cc class and Spain’s Alvaro Lucas in the new 190cc class.

Having stuck in on pole position on Wednesday, Irfan was the rider to beat heading into Thursday’s races – and that’s exactly how it played out. Leading from start to finish, Irfan picked up Race 1 victory but Zaragoza made it hard work for the Malaysian as the duo crossed the finish line 0.1s apart. Starting from P8, Togashi produced a fine comeback ride to pick up a podium in P3.

After being penalised for a technical infringement in qualifying, polesitter Lucas started Race 1 and 2 from P12. In the opening 190cc race of the day, early leader Izan Rodriguez crashed as compatriot Lucas carved his way through the field to take a memorable win. Italy’s Lorenzo Pritelli was just 0.1s away from a win in P2 with Ben Wiegner of MiniGP Austria completing the podium.

Less than a second split the top four across the line in the second 160cc race of the day but taking the flag first again was Irfan. Togashi again impressed to claim P2 as British rider Ethan Sparks picked up a hard-earned podium in third.

After crashing in Race 1, Rodriguez bounced back in style to claim an important win in Race 2. Pritelli made it back-to-back second place finishes and was only 0.5s adrift from the winner as Edoardo Savino made it two Italians on the rostrum ahead of the Super Final.

Irfan, starting from pole, knew that a P1 or P2 finish would hand him the 2023 160cc crown. Another pitch-perfect ride to victory unfolded as the #35 fended off the competition to win by 1.2s – a Thursday clean sweep! Togashi battled his way to P2 to hand the Japanese star the runners-up spot in the Championship, and a P3 for Zaragoza made sure the Spaniard took home third place honours

Having served his qualifying penalty, Lucas started from the front row in P2 sandwiched between polesitter Pritelli and the Italian’s teammate Savino. The race winner move came at Turn 1 as Lucas pinched P1 off the Italians with a clever switchback move, as drama unfolded behind. Pritelli crashed – and remounted – on Lap 1 while a few laps later, Rodriguez, 2022 160cc Champion Gabriel Vuono and Wiegner went down together at the final corner. In the end, Lucas dominated the Super Final to win his second race of the day and the title, as Savino and the recovering Pritelli picked up podiums – the latter ending the week as the 190cc runner-up, with Savino taking third overall.

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The new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12

The New Bmw R 12 Ninet And R 12The new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12: a classic roadster for dynamic riding on country roads and a classic cruiser for cool, relaxed biking.
With the R nineT, BMW Motorrad presented more than just a classic-style roadster in 2013.  From the very beginning it combined classic motorcycle design and modern technology with high craftsmanship and diverse customization options. Shortly afterwards, the R nineT was enriched with attractive derivatives, giving rise to a whole model family for the BMW Motorrad Heritage world.

That is why, for the new BMW R 12 nineT, the guiding principle during development was “The Spirit of nineT”, with the goal of seamlessly following in the footsteps of the successful R nineT and carrying forward its archetypal look, timelessness, and high customization qualities. While the new R 12 nineT as a classic roadster aims to make a stylish impression in urban environments as well as provide dynamic riding fun on winding country roads, the new BMW R 12 comes under the motto “The Spirit of Easy” – perfectly embodying a classic cruiser for cool and relaxed biking.

The New Bmw R 12 Ninet And R 12Great freedom of choice when it comes to design, model diversity and customizing.
The new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12 are classic roadsters and cruisers that combine the authentic and beefy character of the boxer engine and the design language of traditional motorcycle eras with innovative technology and a modular concept that offers the rider maximum customization options. Reduction to the essentials and attention to detail were key priorities in the development of the design, resulting in a strong emotional appeal.
The New Bmw R 12 Ninet And R 12
Authentic and beefy boxer engine featuring redesigned airbox and twin-flow rear silencer.
For the past 100 years, the two-cylinder boxer engine and the use of a propeller shaft drive have been synonymous with BMW motorcycles. In line with this legacy, the new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12 models, presented in the “100 Years of BMW Motorrad” anniversary year, further emphasise this distinctive powertrain configuration, following the recent unveiling of the new BMW R 1300 GS. The air/oil-cooled boxer engine with a capacity of 1,170 cc already familiar from numerous BMW Motorrad models, delivers
80 kW (109 hp) at 7,000 rpm in the R 12 nineT and 70 kW (95 hp) at 6,500 rpm in the
R 12. As part of the complete redesign of the chassis, the new R 12 models also feature a new airbox. This is now fully integrated under the seat. The left-mounted “Twin Pipe” exhaust system with two rear silencers with reverse cone design caters to both the desire for a classically designed, sporty roadster and a cruiser.
The New Bmw R 12 Ninet And R 12
New, one-piece tubular bridge steel spaceframe with bolted-on rear frame.
The centrepiece of the new BMW R 12 models is the completely newly developed tubular bridge steel spaceframe. This frame differs from the previous R nineT series, which had a front and rear main frame. As a result, the new frame eliminates the need for previous fastenings, reducing weight and giving the new R 12 models a cleaner and more classic appearance. The rear frame, also made of tubular steel, is bolted to the main frame.

New classic round instruments as well as USB-C and 12 V socket as standard equipment. Digital display available as optional equipment ex works.
The new R 12 nineT comes equipped with two analogue round instruments for speed and rpms, a USB-C port on the left side, and a 12V socket on the right side for the onboard network. The round instruments continue to support customization by communicating via a LIN-Bus and separating the control and display units. The standard instrumentation for the new R 12 is limited to the speedometer, but the rev counter can be retrofitted with genuine BMW Motorcycle accessories.
The New Bmw R 12 Ninet And R 12
The new R 12 nineT and R 12 are available as a roadster and cruiser, each offering a classic design and optimal ergonomics.
On the the R 12 nineT the aluminium tank with brushed and clear-coated side panels, the seat, and the tail-hump create a rising, dynamic line. The improved ergonomics compared to its predecessor are mainly due to the 30 mm shorter and narrower fuel tank in the rear area.  The rider is closer to the handlebars, benefits from improved knee contact, and has a more front-oriented seating position on the motorcycle overall.

On the new BMW R 12, the steel tank, reminiscent of the so-called “Toaster Tanks” of the 1970s BMW /5 models, emphasises the typical design language of a cruiser in a classic teardrop shape and forms a descending line in combination with the standard solo seat and the curved, low-mounted rear wheel cover. The large 19-inch front wheel and the small 16-inch rear wheel complement this harmoniously. The classic cruiser design is also reflected in the relaxed seating position with low seat height and wide handlebars.
The New Bmw R 12 Ninet And R 12
Three attractive paintwork options for making stylish appearances as Classic Roadster and Classic Cruiser.
Each bike, the BMW R 12 nineT and R 12, comes in three attractive colour options.

R 12 nineT: Base paint finish Blackstorm metallic.
Surcharge colour San Remo Green metallic.
Option 719 “Aluminium” in brushed aluminium / Night Black solid paint.

R 12:           Base paint finish Blackstorm metallic.
Surcharge colour Aventurine Red metallic.
Option 719 “Thorium” in Avus Silver metallic.

The New Bmw R 12 Ninet And R 12Highlights of the new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12:

• Classic, purist design as a roadster and cruiser.

• Beefy air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder boxer engine.

• Workmanship with great attention to detail.

• Designed for customizing.

• R 12 nineT with 80 kW (109 hp) at 7,000 rpm and 115 Nm at 6,500 rpm.

• R 12 with 70 kW (95 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 110 Nm at 6,000 rpm.

• Left-side exhaust system with double silencer and conical end pieces.

• New airbox, now integrated under the seat.

• One-piece tubular spaceframe with bolted-on rear frame.

• Upside-down telescopic forks at the front and Paralever swinging arm with rear spring strut now arranged at an angle with revised travel-dependent damping. The
USD telescopic fork is fully adjustable on the R 12 nineT.

• Radially mounted 4-piston monobloc brake callipers, steel flex brake lines and floating 310 mm brake discs.

• Powerful braking system in conjunction with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro for safe braking even when cornering.

• Tailored customization options available through the genuine BMW Motorrad accessories, known for their premium quality.

• Standard riding modes “Rain”, “Road” and “Dynamic” in the R 12 nineT and “Roll” and “Rock” in the R 12.

• DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and engine drag torque control as standard.

• New classic round instruments as well as USB-C and 12 V socket. Digital display available as optional equipment ex works.

• Powerful LED light units as standard and adaptive Headlight Pro as optional equipment ex works.

• Keyless Ride is standard.

• Three attractive paintwork options for making stylish appearances as Classic Roadster and Classic Cruiser.

• Tailored range of ex works customization optional equipment available through the genuine BMW Motorrad accessories, known for their premium quality.

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Two new bags complete the Canyon range

Two New Bags Complete The Canyon RangeGIVI launches GRT723 and GRT724, the perfect pair for adventurous bikers.

With the aim of meeting all the needs of trail/adventure enthusiasts, GIVI, the transalpine brand of motorbike and motorcyclist equipment, has created the Canyon range. To achieve this, it’s opted for high quality materials and a meticulously studied design to ensure intense and prolonged use. This year, the brand has added two new additions to this family, the GRT723 with a Monokey attachment system, and the GRT724 cargo bag with double roll-top closure.

GIVI has been creating products that make life easier for all motorcyclists for 45 years, thanks to a team made up of two-wheel enthusiasts who actively listen to its users. This has resulted in different ranges adapted to the different trends of the sector. On this occasion, it’s expanded its range that is most suited to the needs of off-road riders, the Canyon, which now has 13 different bags, one model for each type of load.

Two New Bags Complete The Canyon RangeGRT723
What characterises this new GIVI bag is that it’s equipped with a semi-rigid base that supports the MONOKEY attachment system, allowing it to occupy the place that usually corresponds to the hard top case. It has a roll-top closure and its internal capacity can reach up to 40 litres. At the top, there is a flap with a net pocket and the classic attachment points for extra loads established by the M.O.L.L.E. system. At the ends there are several straps for attaching additional loads. On the inside, it’s equipped with a waterproof, removable, fluorescent yellow bag with roll-top closure. From an aesthetic point of view, it stands out for its compactness and rectangular shape. Once unhooked from the bike, it can be carried as a shoulder bag and by means of a handle. Available at £278.00 RRP (inc. VAT).

Two New Bags Complete The Canyon RangeGRT724
The GRT724 is a 12-litre heat-sealed saddle bag that can be attached to an aluminium side case(straps included) and even to the CANYON BASE GRT721. It can also be combined with the GRT723. It’s designed with a double roll-top closure and also includes Cam buckle Duraflex® fastening straps. Two side handles and a shoulder strap make it easy to carry. Available at £101.50 RRP (inc. VAT).

These, and many more GIVI items, provide a boost for motorcycle trips and make any journey on two wheels a more comfortable experience. For more information about this product or any other accessories for your motorcycle visit www.givi.co.uk or call 01327 706220.

For more GIVI UK News check out our new dedicated page GIVI UK News

For more information about these products or any other accessories for your motorcycle visit www.givi.co.uk or call 01327 706220

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Newark Classic Bike Show Returns With Rotary Norton Legends Nation And Crighton

Newark Classic Bike Show Returns With Rotary Norton Legends Nation And CrightonStar guests Trevor Nation and Brian Crighton will be at the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic show in Newark on January 6-7, 2024, for all things Norton and more.

Nation and Crighton were a crucial part of the Norton resurgence in the late 1980s and early 90s culminating in both the 750cc Supercup Championship and the British F1 title.

Having emerged from the caretaker shed at Norton, Crighton evolved into the rotary genius that was part of the racing phenomenon, to which Nation contributed strongly to with wins in the proddie class on both 750cc and 1000cc machines. In doing so, the duo played a substantial part in the Norton team, which achieved its first win at Cadwell park in 1988 on the development bike, the RC588.

Newark Classic Bike Show Returns With Rotary Norton Legends Nation And CrightonShow-goers will get to see these racing legends in action as they discuss their current projects and reminisce about their past glories together. Joining them will be two of the iconic John Player Special racing bikes that propelled Norton to great success back in the 1980’s and 90’s, with both guests on hand to fire up the bikes Nation once rode in the show’s very own fire up area.

Mortons Media Group’s Exhibitions manager Nick Mowbray said: “The team and I are absolutely delighted to have two of Norton’s former icons and two rotary machines joining them. Newark is always a great way to start the year, but this year we are delighted to be accompanied by two biking favourites and the machines they made famous.”Newark Classic Bike Show Returns With Rotary Norton Legends Nation And Crighton

The Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Show has become a staple in the motorcycle calendar, attracting people from all over the UK. Held at Newark Showground, over the first weekend in January, it offers a welcome respite from the hectic holiday season with hundreds of stunning classic machines on display.

Buy your tickets in advance to the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic show and save £2 per ticket. For more information on the show or to buy tickets please go to www.newarkclassicbikeshow.com  

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New Keis Heated Jacket with UltraFlex

New Keis Heated Jacket With UltraflexHeated mid-layer combines Micro Carbon Heating with purpose-made UltraFlex fabric.

Relief from even the worst winter chill is now within reach of year-round riders, thanks to the latest innovation from Keis – the J601RP UltraFlex Heated Jacket.

This mid-layer garment combines in-house developed fabric technology and their proven Micro Carbon Heat elements, for maximum comfort and heating efficiency.

Keis-Developed UltraFlex Technology

The Jacket is made from a unique material called UltraFlex. Developed by Keis, UltraFlex fulfils the three most important elements a heated motorcycle mid-layer must have:

  1. For maximum efficiency, heated clothing needs to be pressed gently against the body – too tight and it can cause sores, too loose and it is less effective;
  2. Motorcycle mid-layers need to be flexible, so they don’t restrict movement on the bike or create tight spots, affecting blood flow;
  3. The fabric should not be bulky, so it takes up minimal space under riding jackets.

UltraFlex is made from a combination of 85% Chinlon and 15% Spandex. Commonly used in activewear, Chinlon is a synthetic, lightweight material known for its strength and durability. It also has a smooth, soft texture and can wick away moisture, making it an ideal choice for a motorcycle mid-layer.

Adding Spandex creates exceptional elasticity, and provides a generous four-way stretch. It helps mould the garment to the wearer’s body for a snug fit, without restricting movement.

New Keis Heated Jacket With UltraflexTried and Tested Heat Technology
Tried and tested Micro Carbon Fibre heating panels deliver consistent warmth without the weight and bulk often associated with heated garments.

Panels on the front, back and sleeves deliver infrared heat to the body’s core. Additional sections in the collar provide welcome relief to the neck, which is often left exposed to the cold in the gap between helmet and riding jacket.

The panels are washable and are so reliable that Keis offers a lifetime warranty on them.

New Keis Heated Jacket With UltraflexPower on Tap
The Keis UltraFlex Jacket produces 65W of heating power. The level of heat it delivers is set using a Keis Heavy Duty Controller worth £38, which for a limited time comes free with the J601RP.

Supplied with everything needed to run directly from a motorcycle or scooter’s 12v battery, current draw is low (5.4A), so it won’t overload the charging system. Should the rider prefer, it can also be powered via the Keis Cigarette Lighter/DIN Power Supply Lead (an optional accessory).

Available in unisex sizes 2XS-3XL, the Keis J601RP UltraFlex Heated Jacketretails for £220 (including VAT). Alongside the lifetime warranty on the heating elements, the jacket itself is also covered by a two-year warranty.

For more information, please visit keisapparel.com

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FIM MiniGP World Final: practice and qualifying rundown

Fim Minigp World Final: Practice And Qualifying RundownThe stage is set for the 160cc and 190cc categories to crown Champions on Thursday.

After two days of action at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo kart track, the stage is set for the 2023 FIM MiniGP World Final to decide the Champions on Thursday. The combined practice times decided who headed through to qualifying directly before the qualifying races ensured all riders got to compete at the event as they raced for the final places on the grids.

In qualifying Race 1 it’s the first and second who have headed through, and in qualifying Race 2 the winner got the chance to take the final place on the grid(s) on Thursday.

On pole in the 160cc class, it’s FIM MiniGP Malaysia Series rider Qabil Irfan, ahead of FIM MiniGP Spain’s Enzo Zaragoza and FIM MiniGP France’s Johann Dubois. In the 190cc class, FIM MiniGP Spain’s Izan Rodriguez – the 2021 160cc Champion – heads Lorenzo Pritelli from the FIM MiniGP Italy Series and German Ben Wiegner from the FIM MiniGP Austria Series.

A host of Series ambassadors from the MotoGP™ paddock also dropped to say hello and give some tips and tricks on Wednesday afternoon, followed by a group photo opportunity… see above!

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BikeTrac and Langen Motorcycles announce partnership

Biketrac And Langen Motorcycles Announce PartnershipBikeTrac has announced its association with Langen Motorcycles, after the British manufacturer of bespoke two-stroke motorcycles, endorsed the renowned tracking device for use and fitment on its coveted 250cc V-Twin model.

Successfully proven in the motorcycle market since 2009, as the first dedicated tracking device, BikeTrac has been responsible for recovering more than £12m worth of machines since inception, gaining endorsement from many manufacturers in this time, while playing a part in many high profile convictions of bike thieves too.

Christopher Ratcliffe of Langen Motorcycles, commented, “Our owners are buying into a very exclusive club, that’s not simply about just purchasing a new motorcycle. They embark on a journey with us, from agreeing the specification of their bike, to booking their build slot, through to the day they take delivery. This makes every Langen very personal to the owner and so we want to make sure they have the very best security available to them too. For us, BikeTrac offers that and why we have worked with the team to endorse the system fully for Langen Motorcycles.”

With Thatcham approved levels of security, BikeTrac protects via GPS, GPRS and RF technology, giving owners complete peace of mind, thanks to a 24/7 Secure Operating Centre, with text, email and call notifications for any unlawful movement.

BikeTrac’s Bill Taylor added, “We’re extremely pleased to announce our association with Langen Motorcycles and delighted to see another manufacturer taking security so seriously. As well as offering market-leading protection, we’ve worked hard to make BikeTrac a truly useful tool too, enabling owners to remotely monitor location, battery voltage and alerts. With Langen Motorcycles’ so precisely engineered, they provided us a real challenge for discreet device fitment, but thanks to our continued strive to make our units as small and as discreet as possible, we’re proud to have been able to offer a comprehensive solution.”

BikeTrac’s onboard technology is backed up by a Secure Operating Centre (SOC), who monitor movements 24/7, seven days a week, liaising with owners and police should a theft occur. And on top of this, can deploy Securitas agents to secure a stolen machine in tricky recoveries too.

All Langen Motorcycle owners will be offered the choice of fitment during the build of their machine. For more information on BikeTrac visit www.biketrac.co.uk

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Seek the authentic in the second chapter of REV’IT!’s Adventure Off-Road collection

Seek The Authentic In The Second Chapter Of Rev’it!’s Adventure Off-road CollectionDIRT Series – Seek the authentic in the second chapter of REV’IT!’s Adventure Off-Road collection.

REV’IT! expands the DIRT Series with two new Adventure Off-Road jackets, an upgraded waterproof smock, ventilated adventure pants, and a pair of weather-resistant gloves. REV’IT!’s signature Adventure Off-Road collection of modular designs that complement each other both practically and aesthetically is also further supplemented with new color options for a few existing DIRT Series styles.

Mix and Match

With the new Component 2 H2O and Continent jackets, the Blackwater 2 H2O smock, Territory pants, and Continent gloves, REV’IT!’s extensive and distinctive Adventure Off-Road collection receives a number of interesting new additions. The DIRT Series is a collection of several purposeful off-road-oriented garments that are engineered to mix and match – to assemble the ideal outfit of choice to one’s own preferences, riding style, and personal clothing taste.

Refined design and practical execution

The purposeful and lightweight products in the DIRT Series are visibly inspired by the outdoor scene, with refined, modern design and practical execution. Notable examples include the stylish, new waterproof Component 2 H2O jacket and the striking Blackwater 2 H2O smock, as well as the ventilated version of the existing Peninsula pants; the Territory – for when the trails heat up.

Two styles in one

A totally new proposition is the Continent jacket. Made with both softshell material and durable CORDURA® ripstop, the Continent offers two styles in one. By unzipping the long sleeves, the windproof jacket quickly transforms into a sleeveless off-road vest. An ideal match for off-road rides where ever-changing conditions are present.

New color options

In addition to the new products, this season’s DIRT Series collection also gets new color options for the Territory jacket, which is now available in black, a new aubergine version of the Sierra jersey, and a similarly stylish brown color as the new Component 2 H2O jacket for the Continent pants.

Get the most out of the collection

The REV’IT! DIRT Series comes equipped with CE-level 1 SEEMART armor as standard in the most important impact zones. But to get the most out of the collection – especially off-road – wear the DIRT Series garments in combination with REV’IT!’s own Proteus protection jacket and Scram knee protectors.

Seek The Authentic In The Second Chapter Of Rev’it!’s Adventure Off-road CollectionCOMPONENT 2 H2O JACKET [NEW]

€ 399,99

CHF 449,90

£ 419.99

DKK 3.199,00

PLN 1.999,00

SEK 4.599,00

NOK 4.999,00

$ 499.00

CAD 669.00

Jacket available in the colors Aubergine, Black, and Brown

Standard sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL-3XL

Seek The Authentic In The Second Chapter Of Rev’it!’s Adventure Off-road CollectionBLACKWATER 2 H2O SMOCK [NEW]

€ 399,99

CHF 439,90

£ 419.99

DKK 3.199,00

PLN 1.999,00

SEK 4.599,00

NOK 4.999,00

$ 489.99

CAD 659.99

Smock available in the color Black and Black-Orange

Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL-3XL

Seek The Authentic In The Second Chapter Of Rev’it!’s Adventure Off-road CollectionCONTINENT JACKET [NEW]

€ 249,00

CHF 279,90

£ 249.00

DKK 1.899,00

PLN 1.249,00

SEK 2.899,00

NOK 3.199,00

$ 349.00

CAD 469.00

Jacket available in the colors Black and Mid Grey

Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL-3XL

Seek The Authentic In The Second Chapter Of Rev’it!’s Adventure Off-road CollectionCONTINENT GLOVES [NEW]

€ 54,99

CHF 54,90

£ 59.99

DKK 449,00

PLN 279,00

SEK 629,00

NOK 629,00

$ 59.99

CAD 79.99

Gloves available in the colors Black, Black-Grey, Black-Orange

Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL-3XL

Seek The Authentic In The Second Chapter Of Rev’it!’s Adventure Off-road CollectionTERRITORY PANTS [NEW]

€ 219,99

CHF 249,90

£ 229.99

DKK 1.699,00

PLN 1.099,00

SEK 2.499,00

NOK 2.759,00

$ 259.99

CAD 359.99

Pants available in the color Mid Grey

Standard sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL-3XL

Short sizes: M-L-XL-XXL-3XL

Long sizes: M-L-XL-XXL-3XL

Seek The Authentic In The Second Chapter Of Rev’it!’s Adventure Off-road CollectionCONTINENT PANTS [NEW COLORS]

€ 299,99

CHF 359,90

£ 289.99

DKK 2299,00

PLN 1499,00

SEK 3199,00

NOK 3549,00

$ 369.99

CAD 499.99

Pants available in the colors Black and Brown

Standard sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL-3XL

Short sizes: M-L-XL-XXL-3XL

Long sizes: M-L-XL-XXL

Seek The Authentic In The Second Chapter Of Rev’it!’s Adventure Off-road CollectionSIERRA JERSEY [NEW COLORS]

€ 129,99

CHF 169,90

£ 134.99

DKK 1099,00

PLN 629,00

SEK 1499,00

NOK 1649,00

$ 199.99

CAD 269.99

Jersey available in the colors Black and Aubergine

Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL-3XL

Seek The Authentic In The Second Chapter Of Rev’it!’s Adventure Off-road CollectionTERRITORY JACKET [NEW COLORS]

€ 199,00

CHF 239,90

£ 189.00

DKK 1.599,00

PLN 969,00

SEK 2.399,00

NOK 2.649,00

$ 279.99

CAD 389.99

Jacket available in the colors Black, Dark Green, and Mid Grey

Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL-3XL

For more REV’IT news check out our new dedicated page

For more information on REV’IT! products visit revitsport.com/gb_en/

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It’s action-packed at Motorcycle Live

It's Action-packed At Motorcycle LiveMotorcycle Live, in association with Bikesure Insurance, threw open its doors on Saturday 19th, for the nine-day extravaganza, with thousands of enthusiasts coming to see what’s on offer.

British Superbike Champions and stars – including Tommy Bridewell, Glenn Irwin, and Kyle Ryde – descended upon the show for the dedicated BSB Day on Sunday, and with FIM Day taking place this Saturday, visitors can look forward to seeing no less than EIGHTEEN World Champions at the show.

Over the first four days, fans have been treated to live interviews on the Black Horse Stage, taken test rides both on and off-road, indulged in some high-quality retail therapy and immersed themselves in the newly launched, iconic, exquisite, unusual, electric, hybrid, race and classic bikes, presented by over 50 manufacturers.

New features, such as the Kawasaki Superteen simulator have proved to be extremely popular, with visitors keen to experience the unique thrill of racing the new ZX4-RR around the iconic Donington circuit. Add in the new electric trials riding opportunities to the feature lineup, and Motorcycle Live really does have something for everyone!

Finlay McAllan, Managing Director of Motorcycle Live said: “It’s been a great start to what is an amazing show. Thousands of people have already taken advantage of all there is to see and do and I’m looking forward to welcoming thousands more in the coming days.”

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, Motorcycle Live in association with Bikesure Insurance is open daily from 10am-5pm until Sunday 26th November and tickets can be purchased online here or on the door.

Let’s go…to Motorcycle Live! 

For more Motorcycle Live News check out our Shows dedicated page Motorcycle Live News

or head to the official Motorcycle Live website Motorcycle Live

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