Motorsports set for another stellar year in eSports

March 9, 2023

The success of the 2022 MotoGP eSport Championship was the latest in a long line of positive motorsports-themed developments in the sector.

The Global Series brought together the fastest gamers from around the world for the sixth edition of a competition that has become an integral part of the eSports circuit.

MotoGP eSport has slotted in seamlessly alongside other motorsports such as Formula 1, World Touring Car and Le Mans to showcase the best virtual racers on the planet.

After a relatively quiet start to 2023, motorsports fans have plenty to look forward to over the coming months in the world of eSports.

Read on as we take a closer look at some the elements that will contribute to the continued growth of motorsports in eSports during the remainder of the year.

Sportsbooks switch on to eSports betting
Several leading sportsbooks offered odds on motorsports eSports events last year and many more are expected to jump on the bandwagon in the future.

There will likely be an increase in the number of live betting sites covering major events, which bodes well for the future of series such as the MotoGP eSport Championship.

Events of this nature rely heavily on income from broadcasters and sponsors, and additional exposure via the online gambling industry will serve to make eSports even more appealing.

Several leading betting companies have already forged links with the eSports industry and this will become much more prevalent during 2023 and beyond.

FIA partners with IOC & Gran Turismo
The launch of a new collaboration between the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) could be a landmark moment for eSports.

The FIA and IOC have agreed a deal that will seem them use Polyphony Digital’s iconic Gran Turismo 7 game as the platform for the Olympic eSports Series 2023 Motor Sport Event.

This is scheduled to be staged in Singapore from June 22-25 and is the latest step along the road towards eSports gaining full Olympic recognition.

Officially joining the Olympic movement would give eSports the legitimacy it craves and open up the genre to a much wider global audience.

Young UAE racers handed exciting motorsports incentive
The United Arab Emirates could become a hotspot for motorsports over the next few months following the opening of an exciting new eSports centre in Dubai.

Immersive eSports houses dozens of state-of-the-art race simulators across several motorsport disciplines including Moto GP and Formula 1.

Spread over two floors, the venue is designed to develop a new wave of Emirati talent who could potentially progress into competing in traditional motorsports series.

The UAE has already had success in using this route to develop racing talent, with one of their teenage drivers set to compete in the 2023 ERA Championship Europe Series.

MotoE starts new era with emphatic lap record from Granado

Frank Duggan

March 8, 2023

It was a successful three days at Jerez for the electric field as Ducati begin their new adventure in style – with some seriously tight timesheets in the top ten.

Lights out for the first ever FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship is getting ever closer, and the first track action for the class of 2023 has now concluded at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto. From Monday to Wednesday, the grid had four 15-minute sessions of track action each day as the new era begins, giving them time to get familiar with their new machinery and prep for the biggest season yet! So who was fastest and what did we learn?

DAY BY DAY
Monday saw the field greeted by rain, and there were a couple of riders missing as they travelled back from the recent WorldSBK round in Indonesia, including expected contender Eric Granado (LCR E-Team). The first rider out was Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) but not by much, with everyone eager for their first taste of the new Ducati. By the second session the weather was improving before more rain at the end of play.

Tuesday began with some rain and cloudy skies, but the weather finally started to improve and the slicks came out to play. The 1:54 barrier was first bested by Mattia Casadei (Pons Racing 40) on Tuesday morning, before the Italian was joined there by compatriot – and rookie – Luca Salvadori (Prettl Pramac MotoE), as well as two-time Cup winner Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team).

By the last session of the day, it was lap record time as the weather was finally dry enough to let the riders really push. Granado set the quickest lap of the test, and there were ten riders under the 1:48 barrier by the end of the day: Granado, Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™), Nicolas Spinelli (Pons Racing 40), Casadei, rookie Randy Krummenacher (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™), Hikari Okubo (Tech 3 E-Racing), Torres, Kevin Manfredi (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse), Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) and Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team).

Wednesday saw the rain return for the first session, and the second was given over to long runs. By the third session of the day, it was improving once again and the field headed out in earnest as the sun came out. The final session was good for slicks too, with a few damper patches but the riders able to use the full 15 minutes for a little more information gathering.

Still, no one beat Granado’s new lap record from Tuesday – and the field won’t be returning to Jerez to race this season, so that will stand for some time!

THE COMBINED TIMESHEETS
The combined timesheets are pretty much just Tuesday’s running, and Granado leads the way with some time in hand as his new record of a 1:47.053 sits top of the pile. Second overall it’s 2019 Cup winner Ferrari, with rookie Spinelli impressing in third and taking the honour of top rookie.

From Spinelli’s third place down to Garzo in ninth, no gap is bigger than a tenth. Casadei is 0.026 down on Spinelli, Krummenacher 0.020 off Casadei, Okubo 0.002 off Krummenacher, Torres 0.022 off Okubo, Manfredi 0.090 off Torres and Garzo 0.057 off Manfredi. Pons, in P10, is 0.115 further back, just ahead of Tito Rabat (Prettl Pramac MotoE).

As new eras go, that’s pretty close – and there is still another three-day test for the field to learn more. They’ll be hoping for better weather for that at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, so tune in for more from the 3rd to the 5th of April!

For more info checkout our dedicated MotoE News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

Ready, Set Go: The MotoAmerica Series Kicks Off With The Daytona 200

Frank Duggan

March 8, 2023

It’s Go Time With The 81st Running Of The 200 Slated For March 11 At Daytona International Speedway.

Margin of victory is described as the difference between the winner and the loser in a sporting event. The margin of victory in the six MotoAmerica races held at Daytona International Speedway in 2022? A combined .615 of a second. Thus, the average difference between winners and losers in the five races was .102 of a second.

Or, quite literally, the blink of an eye.

Apparently, there are now three certainties in life: Death, taxes, and close finishes at Daytona, especially when it comes to the Daytona 200, which was the closest of the five MotoAmerica races held at the World Center of Racing in 2022.

So how close was Brandon Paasch’s victory over Cameron Petersen a year ago? A very scant .007 of a second after 200 miles of racing. Other forms of motor racing… eat your heart out.

And now it’s time for more with seven MotoAmerica races scheduled for March 9-11 at the World Center of Racing: Mission King Of The Baggers (two races), REV’IT! Twins Cup (two races), Mission Super Hooligan National Championship (two races) and, of course, the granddaddy of them all – the Daytona 200, sponsored in part by Pirelli and Bridgestone.

Daytona 200

With 52 riders from 16 countries entered in the 81^st running of the Daytona 200, the race is truly back to where it once was as far as international riders choosing to start their racing seasons in Florida.

The list of favorites is plentiful, but it begins as it should with two-time defending Daytona 200 Champion Brandon Paasch and his TOBC Racing Triumph Street Triple RS, the same bike he raced to victory last year. A victory in this year’s 200 would make Paasch the first rider in history to win three Daytona 200s in a row.

To find Paasch’s main competition, you only have to look at last year’s results. The man Paasch beat by .007 of a second is back for a second career Daytona 200 and aiming to use what he learned in his debut to put himself on the top step in Victory Lane. That rider is Attack Performance Yamaha’s Cameron Petersen. If losing by .007 of a second doesn’t make you hungry then you’re in the wrong business.

Petersen will be going it alone in the Attack team with his teammate and two-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne opting not to take part in the 200.

Petersen’s fellow South African who now calls Portugal home, Sheridan Morais, was another who likely learned when not to lead the Daytona 200 as he was also passed by Paasch on the run to the finish line and ended up third – just .057 of a second from victory. Morais will again be racing a Yamaha YZF-R6, this time under the R2CL Racing by Penz13 banner.

Four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes was fourth in last year’s 200 and just .126 of a second from victory (you read that right – the top four were separated by just .126 of a second) so you know the bitter taste of defeat still lingers with Hayes. Thus, he’s back for more on the same Squid Hunter Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 and searching for his first Daytona 200 victory.

Daytona Fact #1: Although qualifying for the 200 is important, it’s not the be-all and end-all. Case in point: Hayes. A technical infraction during qualifying led to a penalty that resulted in Hayes being gridded dead last and 13 rows behind pole sitter Josh Herrin and his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Panigale V2. Yet he was able to fight his way through to the lead pack and end up fourth, again just .126 of a second from victory.

The top four in last year’s race did manage to break away with Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante finishing fifth but a tick over 46 seconds behind Paasch. And Escalante was well clear of sixth-placed Danny Eslick, the four-time winner of the Daytona 200. Eslick, who will be back for another crack at win number five on his TOBC Racing Triumph, beat Harry Truelove to the finish line by just .074 of a second to take the spot.

Daytona Fact #2: Although it doesn’t happen as often as you think, things can go wrong during pit stops, riders crash (even on the opening lap, believe it or not), and motorcycles have mechanical failures. So, although it’s normally the drafting battle that decides the 200, there’s always drama prior to that final run to the flag that thins the herd.

Last year’s pole sitter Herrin should also be ranked among the favorites in what will be his only Supersport appearance of the season. Last year it was a Herrin/team miscue that cost them a shot at the victory when Herrin ran out of gas prior to the first pit stop. He battled on to finish 10^th. Herrin will be joined this year in the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC squad by Spaniard Xavi Fores, the Spaniard who will represent the team in the battle for the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport crown. It will mark Fores’ first foray in the Daytona 200, but he’s got plenty of experience and should be up to speed quickly.

Escalante will be joined in this year’s 200 by two teammates on the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team – Teagg Hobbs and Tyler Scott, the latter winning his first career Supersport race last year en route to finishing third in the title chase.

Others who could be considered favorites for the race include Celtic/Tytlers Cycle/TSE Racing’s PJ Jacobsen, Disrupt Racing’s Hayden Gillim, and his Disrupt Racing teammate for the 200, veteran Geoff May.

The 52 riders attempting to qualify for the 81^st Daytona 200 will do so on six brands of motorcycles: Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Ducati, Triumph and MV Agusta.

Mission King Of The Baggers

Last year’s debut of the Mission King Of The Baggers on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway set the tone for what was an exciting season of Baggers racing with the title chase going down to the very last round.

The rider who emerged with the title was Indian Motorcycle/Progressive/Mission Food’s Tyler O’Hara and it was at Daytona where O’Hara got things rolling with a victory in race one by just .200 of a second over H-D Screamin’ Eagle’s Travis Wyman and by only .235 of a second over Travis’ brother, teammate and defending champion Kyle Wyman.

The other race winner from last year’s pair of races was O’Hara’s teammate Jeremy McWilliams, the 59-year-old Ulsterman taking race two by just .025 of a second over O’Hara with Bobby Fong third and just .160 of a second from victory in what was an Indian sweep of the podium.

With his win and runner-up finish in the two races, O’Hara led the title chase as MotoAmerica left Florida and headed to Road Atlanta for round two, but it would be a fight for the duration of the championship between the Indian and Harley-Davidson factory teams.

Expect more of that in 2023 with the big four factory riders (O’Hara, McWilliams and the Wyman brothers) expected to be at the front in every race that they take part in. But it won’t be just the four of them as Fong, who won a race last year, will be back on his Sac Mile/SDI Racing/Roland Sands Design Indian Challenger. But wait, there’s more.

Others who are capable of winning races at Daytona and beyond are series newcomer Jake Lewis, the former Superbike racer set to make his Mission King Of The Baggers debut on a Team Saddlemen Harley-Davidson and his teammates on the four-rider team – Cory West, Frankie Garcia and Patricia Fernandez.

Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson will feature Hayden Gillim, in his return to the class, and sophomore King Of The Baggers racer James Rispoli.

Lewis isn’t the only Superbike racer who will make his debut on a Bagger in 2023 as popular privateer Max Flinders joins the show on an M3/Revolution Performance Indian Challenger.

REV’IT! Twins Cup

The 2023 MotoAmerica REV’IT! Twins Cup Championship will get rolling with two races set for the Speedway. Last year Blake Davis started his championship-winning season with a victory in race one at Daytona with the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto-backed Virginian topping Teagg Hobbs by a scant .065 of a second.

Davis is back to defend his title on a Biothermal/Blake Davis Racing Yamaha and will also make his debut in the Daytona 200, which means two races for the youngster.

Davis will be joined by 37 other riders who have entered the series opener, including last year’s race-two winner Hayden Schultz. Schultz bested Jody Barry in 2022’s race two by just .241 of a second. Schultz will be back for more on his Cycle Tech Yamaha YZF-R7. Ditto for Barry who will ride an Optimum Performance Motorsports Aprilia RS 660.

Others expected to be at or near the front include Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering’s Ben Gloddy, his teammate for Gus Rodio, Trackday Winner/Blackmon Racing’s Jackson Blackmon, Team ISO’s Dominic Doyle, Wrench Motorcycles’ Cody Wyman, and Altus Motorsports’ Joseph LiMandri Jr.

Kayla Yaakov, meanwhile, will also make her much-anticipated REV’IT! Twins Cup debut on the MP13 Racing Yamaha YZF-R7. Yaakov comes to Daytona a bit beaten up after a testing crash the weekend prior to the race.

Mission Super Hooligan National Championship

Last year the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship consisted of one race at Daytona International Speedway. This year there will be two.

Like the rest of the races in 2022, the Hooligan race was a thrill-fest with just .077 of a second separating winner Andy DiBrino from Cory West with Tyler O’Hara a shadow third – just .272 of a second behind DiBrino.

Expect double of that in 2023 at the Speedway as 34 riders will attempt to qualify, including DiBrino and his DiBrino Racing KTM 890 Duke R, Team Saddlemen’s West and defending class champion O’Hara on his Indian Motorcycle/Progressive/Mission Foods Indian FTR1200.

Three-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong will make his Hooligan debut at Daytona on a Roland Sands Design/Indian-backed FTR1200 and will certainly make his presence felt in the lead pack.

Ditto for Jeremy McWilliams, the Northern Irelander set for a full season of Mission Super Hooligan National Championship competition as O’Hara’s teammate.

West will also have a teammate on Team Saddlemen – his wife, Patricia Fernandez, who finished fifth in last year’s race.

Daytona Pre-Race Notes

Yamaha is the winningest brand by far in the Daytona 200 with 27 trips to the top step in Victory Lane since the first-ever Daytona 200 was held in January of 1937 on the old beach circuit. The winner of that first Daytona 200 was Ed Kretz, who was riding an Indian. Harley-Davidson sits second on the-all time manufacturer win list in the 200 with 16 victories, the last of which was Cal Rayborn’s victory in 1969. The third highest win total goes to Honda with 11 victories in the 200 with Jake Zemke the last rider to win the race on a Honda in 2006.

Brandon Paasch’s second consecutive victory in 2022 was Triumph’s fifth in the Daytona 200.

Paasch set the fastest lap of last year’s Daytona 200 en route to victory with the New Jerseyan lapping at 1:49.959 on the 42^nd lap. He was the only rider to crack into the 1:49s and his best race lap was actually quicker than the fastest lap in qualifying set by Josh Herrin at 1:50.088. Paasch started the race from row two after qualifying fourth.

The first Daytona 200 to be run at Daytona International Speedway was in 1961 with Roger Reiman taking victory on his Harley-Davidson.

The Daytona 200 switched to Superbikes in 1985 with Freddie Spencer winning his one and only Daytona 200 on a Honda. Superbikes were featured in the 200 until 2005 when 600cc Formula Xtreme bikes took over. The FX class ran in the 200 until 600cc Daytona SportBikes were used beginning in 2009 with Ben Bostrom’s victory on a Yamaha YZF-R6.

This year’s 200 will mark the beginning of MotoAmerica’s second season of using the FIM’s “Supersport Next Generation” rules, with the class featuring Yamaha’s YZF-R6, Ducati’s Panigale V2, Suzuki’s GSX-R750 and GSX-R600, Kawasaki’s ZX-6R, Triumph’s Speed Triple RS and, new for 2023, MV Agusta’s F3RR.

Yamaha again leads the way in manufacturer representation in the Daytona 200 with 25 of the 52 riders entered on Yamaha YZF-Rs. Kawasaki and Suzuki both have nine bikes entered with Ducati fielding nine of its Panigale V2s. There will be two Triumph Street Triple RSs in the race and the lone MV Agusta.

Three former winners of the Daytona 200 will line up for this year’s race with four-time victor Danny Eslickleading the win list over two-time winner Brandon Paasch and one-time winner Josh Herrin. A victory by Eslick in this year’s race would give him five Daytona 200 wins and that would tie him with Scott “Mr. Daytona” Russell and Miguel Duhamel. Russell, incidentally, will be a spectator at Daytona, camping out with family and friends in the infield.

All five of Russell’s wins (1992, 1994, 1995, 1997 and 1998) in the Daytona 200 came when the class featured Superbikes; Miguel Duhamel won four 200s on Superbikes (’91, ‘96, ’99, 2003) and one on a 600cc Formula Xtreme bike (2005). Eslick’s four wins all came in the 600cc Daytona SportBike/Supersport era.

Four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes will again race in the Daytona 200 on a Squid Hunter Yamaha YZF-R6 after finishing a close fourth in the four-ride scrap that went to the finish line last year. Hayes was just .126 of a second from victory. Hayes has never won a 200, though he did cross the finish line first in 2008. Hayes’ Honda CBR600RR, however, didn’t pass its post-race technical inspection and the race instead went to Chaz Davies.

Welshman Davies is the last non-American to win the Daytona 200 with Americans winning 65 of the 80 Daytona 200s.

With America leading the way in victories (65) in the Daytona 200, Canada is second with five wins – all thanks to five-time winner Miguel Duhamel. Australia is third on the list with three wins and, again, it was one rider who won the races – Mat Mladin.

Finland (Jarno Saarinen), Italy (Giacomo Agostini), Venezuela (Johnny Cecotto), France (Patrick Pons), New Zealand (Graeme Crosby) and Great Britain (Chaz Davies) all have one win apiece in the 200 and are the other foreigners to win the race.

Thirty-eight riders have entered the REV’IT! Twins Cup races for Daytona with four manufacturers represented: Yamaha, Aprilia, Suzuki, and Kawasaki.

For more news check out our dedicated MotoAmerica News page MotoAmerica News

Or visit the official MotoAmerica website motoamerica.com/

MXGP Kick-Starts the Season in Patagonia-Argentina this Weekend

Frank Duggan

March 8, 2023

The 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship is here and ready to start this weekend in Villa La Angostura for the start of what is going to be a thrilling season.

The resort town of Villa La Angostura on Nahuel Huapi Lake is already buzzing for the MXGP season opener. The MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina is one of the top favourites on the racing calendar as it is well known for its scenic landscape at the foot of the Andes, the beautiful forests and lakes and the welcoming people that characterise the Neuquen province.

The MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina first made its appearance on the MXGP calendar back in 2015 and the beautiful dark soil track of Villa La Angostura will be hosting MXGP and the fastest riders in the world for the 7^thtime!

There have been many changes that have taken place in the off-season with riders moving teams and teams changing manufacturers which will make the opening round even more thrilling as we get to watch everyone lining up in their new colours!

After missing 2022, all eyes will be on the long-awaited return of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings to see if he can comeback at the top of the Championship. The Dutchman will be determined to win in 2023 to reach the incredible total of 6 World Title and write his name forever more in the legend of motocross and join in third on the all-time list, the Belgian legend Joel Roberts. The bullet will be expected to gain crucial points this weekend to get off to a good start. He will also be able to count on the experience of KTM’s new Team Manager Tony Cairoli, to help him on his quest to lift a 6^th Motocross World Championship.

Following a dominant display in 2022, defending MXGP World Champion Tim Gajser will unfortunately be missing from the starting line-up as he is in recovery and out at least for the beginning of the season due to the injury he picked up in pre-season. However, Team HRC can count on his new teammate Ruben Fernandez to represent the team as he’s ready to battle for the high-end of the table after 2 podiums last year and a promising overall 8^th place on his first full season in the MXGP class.

The list of contenders for the podium this weekend is not short of extremely talented riders and we can expect RedBull GasGas Factory’s Jorge Prado to be one of them. Year on year the Spaniard is improving and he showed that last year finishing 3rd in the Championship standings and closing an impressive campaign. It will be interesting to see if Prado, famous for his fast starts (16 Fox Holeshot in 2022), can maintain that advantage this season and add more GP wins to his name, starting in Argentina this weekend where he already won in MX2 in 2019. Joining the Spaniard is Mattia Guadagnini, who is ready to start his first full MXGP season after competing in the last 10 rounds last year and gathering significant experience in the top category.

Another team that is bound to be very strong again and make an assault on the Championships will be Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP who enters in 2023 with the same line-up as last season.

Jeremy Seewer on the back of a remarkable season again and finishing 2nd behind Tim Gajser. The Swiss is one of the most consistent riders over the last 5 years since stepping up from MX2 but is still waiting to clinch the mighty title. Being a 5-time Vice Motocross World Champion, and after good results in pre-season Seewer has all the experience required to clinch his first podium of the season.

There’s also Maxime Renaux who has proved in his Rookie season that he was very competitive with 1 GP win in Spain, and finishing the season just outside the Podium. Having won one race last year in Argentina, Renaux showed that he is more than comfortable on these tracks.

Glenn Coldenhoff showed last year with 1 GP win and a strong 2nd half of the season that he is a force to reckon with for 2023. With strong results in the pre-season he arrives in Argentina with lots of confidence and will be fighting for a spot on the podium.

Another contender for the podium this week will be Kawasaki Racing Team’s Romain Febvre who is back to his best after having missed most of the 2022 season due to injury but showed quality in the last GPs of the campaign. His good form has continued during pre-season and the 2015 MXGP World Champion has shown time and again how fast he can be, which makes him a serious candidate to the podium this weekend.

On the back of a 10^th place in the Championship last season, Mitch Evans has switched to Kawasaki Racing Team and will be Romain Febvre new teammate. The Australian is excited to work with Antti Pyrhönen and show his talents on a Kawasaki KX450-SR.

We can also count on Standing Construct Honda to fight for a spot on the podium this weekend as the team kept its experienced and consistent line-up with Brian Bogers and Pauls Jonass. The two men showed great display throughout the 2022 season. Bogers with a GP win in Flanders and an overall 6^th place in the Championship is consistently improving.

Jonass, 9^th in the overall standing in 2022, comes to Argentina, with the advantage to have already won here in 2018 in MX2 and has also been regularly in the top 10s last season.

Calvin Vlaanderen, who extended his contract with Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha is one to watch after winning the MXGP of Sardinia and getting 2 podiums in 2022. He will enter into his 4^th season in MXGP with the aim to build on his last year’s performance and win even more GPs and continue to perform at the highest level.

Alberto Forato will try to improve and build up on his 11th place in 2022 as he stays with SM Action Racing. Although it is interesting to note that SM Action Racing will now switch to a KTM machinery.

Meanwhile, Ben Watson will join Alessandro Lupino to race under the all-Italian MRT Racing Team BETA. The pair will work together to develop a strong motocross bike for the brand.

This season with JM Honda Racing is Brent van Doninck who has improved all throughout last season to get 4 top 10s in the last 8 races with an overall 15th place in the Championship. He will hope to build on these results to get an even stronger season in 2023.

The Swiss Valentin Guillod has signed for Team Ship To Cycle Honda Motoblouz SR and will now be competing on Honda machinery with his new teammate Rookie Stephen Rubini who stepped up from the MX2 class on the back of a 9^th place in the Championship.

The Swedish team JWR Honda Racing will present two new riders in a completely new line-up with the experienced Swedish rider Alvin Ostlund and Hardi Roosiorg. Both riders will hop on the Honda CRF450R with the objective to deliver strong performances in 2023.

De Baets Yamaha Mx-Team has signed Benoit Paturel who wants to start fresh in 2023, after having struggled with injuries in 2022 and competing in 10 rounds. Making the switch from a Honda to a Yamaha livery, the Frenchman is motivated for a healthy and competitive 2023 campaign.

Finally, Kevin Brumann will take part for the first time in the entire MXGP season with JK Racing, after having taken his marks on the last 4 GPs last season. The young Swiss rider, on board of the brand new YZ450F will want to prove he can compete at the top level.

2022 MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina – MXGP top 3:

Tim Gajser
Maxime Renaux
Jorge Prado

While the competitiveness will be high in MXGP, the MX2 class promised to be just as much challenging.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2’s Jago Geert finished for the third time in a row Vice Motocross World Champion in MX2 last year, in one of the tightest seasons we have ever seen. Ending on the last race of the last round of the season in a “winner takes it all” scenario. The Belgian has now all the tools to be again one of the biggest favourites in MX2 and finally put his hands on a crown that has escaped him so far. Of course, he is a huge contender for a podium this weekend in Argentina.

The other big podium threats this season will be Simon Laengenfelder, the only MX2 rider of Red Bull Gasgas Factory Racing. He seems to be ready to put on a tough challenge on Geerts after winning one GP last year and displaying an excellent season to finish 3rd in the overall standing.

Along with Geerts, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory will present a very strong line-up that will be pushing week in week out for a place on the podium with Thibault Benistant and EMX250 European Champion Rick Elzinga. Benistant will be one to watch as he will enter his third full MX2 season, having finished 5th in the Championship, with a GP win in Germany. Except Vialle and Geerts, the Frenchman along with Laengenfelder were the only other GP winners in 2022 which shows his capacities to be on the top march of the podium in Argentina.

Elzinga on the other hand is stepping up to MX2 as a European Champion with 4 GP wins under his belt in that category in 2022. The strong rider may compensate his lack of experience at this level with his youthful drive to perform straight away. The MXGP of Argentina might just be the opportunity for the young Dutchman to put on the show on his first MX2 GP.

The other rider that may challenge the big favourites is Kevin Horgmo. Although the F&H Kawasaki Racingrider experienced only one podium last season, his incredible consistency in the top 10s throughout the campaign shows his talents. Just outside the overall podium, the young Danish rider will definitely race to win this season and might well start in Argentina.

David Braceras will also make his debut in MX2 with his new team F&H Kawasaki Racing. A strong performer throughout the last EMX250 season, it will be interesting to see how high he can perform under an experienced team.

Defending World Champion team Red Bull KTM Factory Racing enters into 2023 with three new riders. On the back of a promising 10^th place in the Championship, Liam Everts, who moved to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, will be riding the powerful KTM 250 SX-F which is the machine with the most titles in MX2, the last one was Tom Vialle in 2022. The Belgian wishes to continue the Everts legacy and challenges the top of the leaderboard.

Red Bull KTM can also count on Andrea Adamo who made the move from GasGas and who has been one the brightest star of the 2022 MX2 season. The third rider is Sacha Coenen that will be the real Rookie of the team, after stepping up from EMX250. Together and after a winter preparation that allowed them to feel comfortable on their new livery, Everts, Adamo and Coenen will be expected to be pushing for the top, starting this weekend.

This could be a year where Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing upset the hierarchy with promising riders like Kay De Wolf and Roan van de Moosdijk, both having stored much needed experience through their couple of MX2 season and reaching many podiums. There is also the rookie Lucas Coenen (twin brother of Sacha) who is new to the team and stepping up from EMX250. Lucas Coenen had a strong pre-season preparation showing his motivation to enter the MX2 category.

Another one to be reminded is Mikkel Haarup from Big Van World MTX Kawasaki. The Danish rider proved that he likes the circuit of Villa La Angostura as he finished 3rd last season in Patagonia-Argentina. He eventually ended at the 7th place in the Championship and will be one of the threat to podium finishes.

In contention for the top spots will also be Tem JP253 Ktm Racing Team Jan Pancar who showed good flash of his potential last season and has made the switch to a KTM machinery for the upcoming season.

Finally, another one to look for this season is Camden McLellan who signed for JM Honda Racing after a great and consistent display last season in EMX250. He is coming off a successful pre-season which places him as a potential challenger for podium finishes in 2023 and particularly in Argentina this weekend for his first MX2 overseas racing.

Tom Guyon with Fantic Factory Maddii is a rider who showed his talent on his rookie season in 2022. The Frenchman showed that he is a rider that will gain to get a full MX2 season after finishing at the 15th place overall despite missing the start of the season through injuries.

2022 MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina – MX2 top 3:

Tom Vialle
Jago Geerts
Mikkel Haarup

TIMETABLE (Local Timing UTC-3)
SATURDAY: 10:45 MX2 Free Practice, 11:15 MXGP OAT Free Practice, 12:10 MXGP Wildcard Free/Qualifying Practice 13:20 MX2 Time Practice, 14:00 MXGP OAT Time Practice, 15:25 MX2 Qualifying Race, 16:10 MXGP Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2.

For more news check out our dedicated MXGP/MX2 News page

Or visit the official MXGP website mxgp.com

AIROH Mathisse Helmet Comes With a New Captivating Graphic Design

Frank Duggan

March 8, 2023

The Iconic AIROH Mathisse Helmet Comes With a New Captivating Graphic Design.

Innovation and quality are the elements that set apart AIROH’s research work and, even when it comes to design, the company is a benchmark in the motorcycle helmet’s sector. Expected for the start of the spring season, AIROH presents the new colors of its flagship flip up: the Mathisse helmet is presented to the public with captivating and colorful graphics, for all those who do not want to compromise between style and technology.

Widely recognizable for its lines that draw a unique and captivating profile, the AIROH Mathisse helmet presents itself to the public with new and intriguing colors with a fluid and dynamic style. Since its birth in 2002, Mathisse has undergone numerous innovations and improvements, to adapt this pioneering model to the changing tastes and needs, and so in 2021 Mathisse has assumed its current conformation, complete with technologically advanced systems and able to look forward boldly.

In view of the 2023 season, motorcycle touring enthusiasts will find Mathisse in a further renewed look with new graphics and colors. Alongside the elegant monochrome there are some new dynamic designs, with graphic elements in one or two colors, on a white, gray or black background, which thus expand the choice possibilities of the rider, who is increasingly attentive to the stylistic details of the helmet he wears, possibly in combination with the chromatic details of his bike and equipment.

Having confirmed the intrinsic value in helmet engineering, the Italian company has concentrated its resources on the external look of Mathisse, enhancing its versatile and multifaceted appearance.

“We set ourselves the goal of offering motorcyclists who are more attentive to their look a helmet with a linear and elegant but not anonymous aesthetic appearance, with character but not invasive – commented Antonio Locatelli, CEO and founder of AIROH – and thus Mathisse, in its new colors, becomes the ideal helmet to combine with your bike to get a perfectly matched motorcycle outfit”. A demanding challenge if we consider that it had to be extended to the three configurations in which the helmet can be worn.

A helmet with a multifaceted soul.
Mathisse can be worn in different driving conditions, adapting both to urban use and to touring. Versatility is undoubtedly the real strength of the Mathisse helmet, which can be worn in three different configurations to adapt to different driving and climatic conditions. The design was designed to allow the rider to easily and quickly change the configuration of the helmet with a simple wave of the hand: the innovative chin guard can rotate 180 degrees, a mechanism independent from that of the visor, stopping at the rear part of the shell, allowing the helmet to be more aerodynamic without neglecting elegance. In this way, Mathisse can be worn in different driving and climatic conditions, adapting to both urban use and touring. The rider can change the setting of the helmet at will, wearing it as a full-face helmet, so with the chin guard closed, as a “jet” with the chin guard opened, or in the third configuration without the visor, to underline a vintage-chic look.

AIROH MATHISSE – DATA SHEET:

Material: HRT (High Resistant Thermoplastic)
Ventilation: Top vent, rear extractor, chin vents
Retention system: Micrometric system
Interior: washable and hypoallergenic
Weight: 1675g ±50g
Shell sizes:
- 1st shell: XS (53-54 cm), S (55-56 cm), M (57-58 cm)
- 2nd shell: L (59-60 cm), XL (61-62 cm), XXL (63 cm)

Recommended retail price: starting at 349.99 euros.

For more information about AIROH:https://www.airoh.com/

Mission Mini Cup By Motul Racers Can Now Qualify For MiniGP World Finals In Two Classes

Frank Duggan

March 8, 2023

MotoAmerica has announced that it will again qualify riders for the 2023 FIM MiniGP World Series through the Mission Mini Cup By Motul Series, but this year will do so in two of the Ohvale-spec classes.

Last year, two riders qualified for the World Series from the MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup By Motul Series in the 160 class, and this year the series will also host qualifying races for the 190 class. The riders who qualify will take part in the FIM World MiniGP in Valencia, Spain.

The five rounds that will feature qualifying races will hold those races on Friday of the race weekends. The events will be doubleheaders with riders required to race on Pirelli tires in the Friday qualifiers with the separate AMA/MotoAmerica Championship races held on Saturdays using Dunlop tires.

The five qualifiers are as follows: Carolina Motorsports Park (May 5), Barber Motorsports Park (May 19), Road America (June 2), New Jersey Motorsports Park (July 15) and New Jersey Motorsports Park (September 22).

“We’re happy to report that our Mini Cup racers will get the chance to qualify for the 2023 FIM MiniGP World Series in two classes this year,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “We look forward to watching our best young racers qualify and test themselves against the best in the world in Spain.”

For more info checkout our dedicated MotoAmerica Support Series News page motoamerica-support-series-latest-news/

Or visit the official MotoAmerica website motoamerica.com/

Cardo Systems’ new PACKTALK Custom unlocks the power of personalization

Frank Duggan

March 8, 2023

Cardo Systems’ new PACKTALK Custom unlocks the power of personalization with upgradeable Pay-Per-Feature packages.

Cardo Systems, the global market leader in wireless communication systems for powersports, has unlocked the power of personalization with the all-new PACKTALK CUSTOM. Available at a mid-range price point of €279.95, Cardo’s industry-first mesh communicator service offers Pay-Per-Feature subscription plans – allowing riders to get everything they need and nothing they don’t.

Based on the popular PACKTALK EDGE, the PACKTALK CUSTOM is the industry’s first wireless helmet communicator to allow riders to personalize their helmet comms experience by selecting from three subscription offerings on the Cardo Connect App, including SILVER, GOLD, and PLATINUM. In its stock form, the PACKTALK CUSTOM is loaded with features right out of the box, featuring Cardo’s second-generation Dynamic Mesh Communication, Bluetooth 5.2 Technology, Over-The-Air updates, and a fully waterproof design – just to name a few. Upgraded features within each Pay-Per-Feature package include music sharing, audio profiles, Universal Bluetooth Intercom, voice command, and more.

“PACKTALK CUSTOM is a direct result of our team listening to our riders from around the world, as the Want’s and Need’s are extremely diverse” said Alon Lumbroso, chief executive officer, Cardo Systems. “We’re extremely proud to continue to drive the industry forward with new trailblazing innovations and industry-firsts like the PACKTALK CUSTOM.”

Available for €279.95, the Cardo PACKTALK CUSTOM comes with the following features as standard:

Second-generation Dynamic Mesh Communication
Waterproof IP67
Connect with up to 15 riders with up to a 1.6K rider-to-rider range
40mm HD speakers
Over-The-Air software updates eliminates the need for cables or WiFi adapters
Bluetooth 5.2 Technology
13hrs talk time with fast charging (20-mins provides 2-hours of talk time)
2-Year Warranty

Riders can upgrade their PACKTALK CUSTOM by selecting one of three Pay-Per-Feature subscription packages:

SILVER, starting at €2.99 Monthly /€19.99 Yearly
GOLD, starting at €4.99 Monthly /€29.99 Yearly
PLATINUM, starting at €6.99 Monthly /€39.99 Yearly

The prices of the packages will be converted into local currency upon purchase.

The key features of the SILVER package include everything in the base package with the addition of music sharing, audio profiles and speed dial. Riders looking for more features can opt for the GOLD package which includes the base and silver features but also expands to include Universal Bluetooth Intercom and a 2nd channel connection. Riders looking to ride with all the bells and whistles can upgrade to the PLATINUM which includes all the previous features from the lower tiers but is elevated with voice commands and eco mode.

The PACKTALK CUSTOM utilizes the Cardo Connect app with Apple Pay and/or Google Pay to provide riders the ability to upgrade and/or scale back on the features needed at any time. Simply connect to the app, pick your package and enjoy the desired features. When switching from a higher subscription tier to a lower tier the features from the higher tier will remain through the billing cycle and the downgrade will be implemented at the start of the new billing cycle. When upgrading from a lower subscription tier to a higher tier the features will automatically be applied to the PACKTALK CUSTOM and a credit will be issued for the unused lower-tiered subscription.

The PACKTALK CUSTOM is also compatible with select PACKTALK NEO accessories such as 2nd Helmet Kit 40mm HD and the 2nd Helmet Kit JBL.

The new PACKTALK CUSTOM has an MSRP of €279.95 and will be available from retailers in April or pre-ordered directly from www.cardosystems.com starting from March 8th.

For more Cardo Systems news check out our dedicated page Cardo Systems News

or head to the official Cardo Systems website cardosystems.com/

Road Racing; the final chapter?

Richard radcliffe

March 7, 2023

Road racing is under threat as never before. The FIM withdrew its support for all road racing in 2018; leaving individual governing bodies to support the activities within their own boundaries. The recent announcement by the MCUI that all events; road and track; would be cancelled this year due to insurance issues; shows what could happen to road racing in the Isle of Man. At present, the events are covered under an ACU policy that runs to 31.12.2023; meaning that this year’s TT, Southern 100 and Manx Grand Prix are safe.

The flagship Tourist Trophy Races have faced many challenges in the years since their inception in 1907. The threat of them moving to Belgium was averted; they survived; even thrived; after the loss of World Championship status following the 1976 races. Two World Wars; Foot and Mouth and Covid have each caused the races to be cancelled; but each time they have bounced back.

Murray Walker described the TT as “the greatest motor-sport event in the world,” that is a sentiment that I share. As a spectacle it is unmatched; fans have flocked to the island since 1907 to watch the finest riders display their skill and courage on the most famous and demanding racing circuit in the world. However; there is a dark side and that was brought into sharp relief by the loss of the lives of six competitors last year. I know from personal experience that dealing with a fatal accident leaves an indelible scar. Increasing speed has been cited as reason to halt the races since the days of Frank Phillip, Tim Wood and Cyril Pullin; but the riders will always strive for more speed. The TT strategy document describes the event as “spectacularly dangerous;” it is; but so long as the riders want to race; the detractors should not win.

The insurance problems being encountered by the MCI bring into sharp focus the simple fact that if premiums are not to become unaffordable; even for the Isle of Man Government; more needs to be done to improve safety for the riders, marshals and spectators and that will inevitably mean more areas becoming out of bounds to spectators. Sulby Straight is a case in point; we have machines travelling at 190mph (85m per second) through the group of houses and onwards towards the bridge. Along this stretch of the course, spectators are allowed to sit on the roadside verge with the bikes a few metres away from them. In an accident in the Manx Grand Prix a machine went to the inside of the course; destroyed a motor home and knocked down the garden wall of a house. There have been tragic accidents on the approach to these houses that were caused by mechanical failure; thankfully no spectators were in that area. Had the accidents occurred 200m down the road; or had the machine in the first incident gone to the outside of the track there could have been a major incident involving spectators. About 20 years ago the (then) landowner of the fields at this point planted trees close to the course; presenting solid objects that should not be so close to the course. The planting of trees should not be allowed immediately adjacent to the course; at the very least their roots will eventually cause undulations in the road; the Sulby to Ramsey section being the case in point.

In our litigious society one such incident is all that it will take to end the races. This is not about being a killjoy; it is about being pragmatic and cutting out avoidable risk. In any event, it is inevitable that the insurers covering the event will want the risks posed to spectators and marshals to be removed; or at the least; reduced wherever possible. Over recent years I have written several letters to political members involved with the races with regard to safety; “your comments have been noted and will be considered,” has been the standard response. Had they been acted upon those “comments” there is the possibility that at least one fatality would have been avoided; I shall say no more. At least the threat from drones and selfie sticks was recognised and their use banned. Reckless; or just plain stupid; spectators have been known to put go pros on tiny tripods onto the track itself; posing a threat to the riders. In recent years, several areas have been made prohibited due the selfish actions a few self-possessed idiots.

We continue to have trees with memorial plaques on them; clear and obvious risks that need to be removed from the trackside. We have had several housing developments built adjacent to the track in the recent years; some of which have caused helicopter landing sites to be lost. The organisers have, thus far, taken no note of proposed developments; they need to begin to do so and try to ensure that no more landing sites are lost.

To quote the strategic plan “the TT Races are owned and organised by the Isle of Man Government’s Department for Enterprise, through its motorsport team.” The perception from the outside is that ACU Events; through the Clerk of the Course, Gary Thompson MBE, BEM, plays a major role in the organisation of the event and manages the racing. Some clarity on responsibilities would be welcome.

The strategy is full of buzz words and phrases; its basic aim being to increase the audience and generate more income. It acknowledges that loyalty is earned stating “we will put our customers first; placing a firm focus on audience engagement.” It seems to have fallen at the first hurdle in this respect; its consultation exercise gave several very strong pointers from respondents; but the views most strongly expressed have been summarily ignored. Don’t ask the questions if you have no intention of acting on the answers; doing so will simply antagonise the public.

For this year, an extra Supertstock race has been added to the programme. The race period now extends into the Saturday of “race week,” with a contingency available for Sunday racing. The extra race seems to have divided opinion equally; extending into Saturday and causing the ending of the post TT races at Billown has attracted more negative than positive responses. I am very much in favour of more afternoon practice; giving riders time on track in conditions close to what they will face on race days; rather than in the low sun and cooling evening air. The change; to schedule racing on the Tuesday of Race Week seems certain to be the final straw for the Ramsey Sprint. The attitude from the organisers is that ancillary events not based at the Grandstand do not matter; so much for spreading any economic benefit throughout the island.

The reduction in the MGP programme last year; at short notice drew almost universal condemnation from fans who had booked for a week of racing; only to find that it was over on Monday afternoon. Last year most of the fans were using bookings carried forward from 2020. My enquiries with the tourist trade have shown that bookings for 2022 are markedly down, due to the much shorter race programme. Teams, on the other hand, seem to be much less negative than spectators. The Manx Grand Prix has survived for 100 years and its number of races has varied; two was an adequate number for it to flourish in the 1950s and three was for most of the 1960s and 1970s. The Newcomers’ Races (now sadly gone) expanded it from 1978 and the Classic Races from 1984. Hopefully, the new format will be successful and The MGP will continue to be a feeder event for the TT; 67 TT winners produced and counting.

The strategy calls for a “sustainable world-class TT” but does not define this expression. The seemingly irresistible march toward electric motors presents a very clear threat to what we love; seeing and hearing internal combustion engine powered bikes racing on our hallowed course. We have seen Suzuki withdraw from MotoGP and BSB and changes to the support offered by manufactures for the various classes in MotoGP; World Superbikes and national championships. Governments around the world are committed to reaching zero carbon by 2035 at the latest. This is not the place to debate the rights or wrongs of that, nor the extensive collateral damage of rare earth metal extraction, refining and use. I have no doubt that a future of just electric bikes is not one that will enthuse fans and I doubt that the TT could survive a series of one lap races for silent machines.

The length of the course dictates that a huge number of experienced marshals is required to marshal it adequately. Each marshalling point has a minimum number of personnel to allow racing to be run. This number is in the region or 580; but ideally the minimum level would be exceeded; especially at accident black spots. In recent years there appears to have been a very high number of resignations by experienced marshals. My fact findings suggests that the atmosphere at some points; and one sector in particular; has been far from ideal; even to the extent of legal action being threatened. My evidence also suggests that some marshals, who have resigned from one sector have been told that they will not be allowed to sign-on for another; baby and bath water spring to mind. This is a waste of years of experience and in some cases has left woefully inexperienced personnel filling deputy sector marshal roles at locations that they are unfamiliar with. In another case a DSM reported that the full complement of marshals was not on duty. This DSM was instructed to count paramedics into the marshals’ total. When this was refused by the DSM; the threat of; you will be sacked if you do not count them; was raised; the DSM resigned. Marshalling requires a team ethic; not dictators apparently obsessed with their own importance. I spent 32 years in politics; my advice is: “listen to everyone; what each person has to say is important to her or him; it takes courage to raise issues with someone in a position of authority; do not dismiss anyone and accept that on at least one day the village idiot will be right.”

The evidence of my eyes suggested that two high profile locations did not have a full complement of marshals during the MGP. I have received the same information; regarding other locations; from several people who previously held high level positions within the overall TT and MGP structure. Hopefully; we were all mistaken; God forbid that a serious accident should happen at a location where the number of marshals is inadequate. The minimum numbers are there for a reason; they must be adhered to.

The commentary for last year’s TT was not popular with the fans attending the event. In short it was described as lifeless and concentrated on just the leading duo or trio. The fans want trackside commentators who know the event and its history inside and out; not people parachuted in for the races; who cannot fill even a small gap with anecdotes. The commentary for the delayed Senior Race given by Lee Johnston and Chris Kinley was a quantum leap better than the dross for the rest of the races. Aiming the commentary at the “live streaming” audience risks alienating the people who visit the island for the races and put money into the cash registers of hotels; restaurants and the IOM Steam Packet.

The signing on for the world’s press was not a good advertisement for the TT. The enforced wait at the first session was unnecessary; it caused frustration for those who had to be at Billown for the first practice session there. “We do not care about Billown,” was not a satisfactory response to those who questioned the delay. To have the deposit for a bib raised from £10 to £100 was quite simply ridiculous; no one could explain why the increase had been made. Then the technology to take the deposits was not up to the job; several press personnel had to simply leave all of their card details on pieces of paper; hardly secure. Card readers and enough bandwidth this year are musts; the world’s press will not tolerate another debacle.

Aside from that; the one way system over the mountain section has not justified the disruption caused. It has cut out head on collisions but the number of accidents down to sheer speed has risen. The road is closed more than it is open simply due to bad riding by those here simply to “race” over the mountain. The cost, in terms of time wasted for the marshals, and overtime for those putting the one-way infrastructure in place is simply not worth it. More, high visibility, mobile policing; rather than having cars parked at the usual locations should be used; along with more rigorous enforcement of speed limits; even putting them on the mountain itself; if that is what it requires to take the small number of lunatics off the road.

The marketing effort appears to be aimed largely at those who want to view on mobile devices; instead of those who actually come to the island to watch the live action and put money into local businesses, rather than the pockets of the internet platform providers. Looking into the composition of the crowds at last year’s event, the second decade millennials are not coming to the island; tailoring the off track activities towards them may not bear the fruit hoped for.

Despite its 120 years of resilience, I fear that the final chapter for road racing on the island is in the course of being written. My generation has had the best of times.

Road Racing; The Final Chapter? — Steve Hislop winner of the 1992 Senior; the race voted the best in the history of the TT.

RST Casual Motorcycle Wear

Frank Duggan

March 7, 2023

With a look towards spring/summer riding on this test we decided on some more casual wear rather than standard leather or textile jackets and trouser we have done in the past.

With many thanks to RST, you can see RST’s new 2023 collection on their website. We went for RST Lumberjack shirt, RST tapered fit (black) jeans, RST Roadster gloves and RST Roadster boots.

Motorcycle apparel has come a long way both in terms of safety as well as style. thats said one aspect that riders often complain about is the overall weight of leathers which can weigh down on them, especially on longer rides or whilst off the bike. You could say the weight of the gear is associated with its quality, the heavier the better it will be at protecting the rider. While this is certainly true, there is no denying that lighter and more breathable alternatives are becoming increasingly popular among riders.

Winning the trust of most motorcyclists amongst such alternatives are reinforced textile shirts and jeans. These may look like everyday worn garments but their clever construction and the quality of materials used allow them to withstand impacts that their everyday-worn peers would simply succumb to. We decided to try out a different combination of safety gear during a brief ride during a break in the weather.

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As previously stated we decided to opt on the RST Lumberjack textile shirt together with their tapered-fit textile jean, the Roadster gloves and Roadster boots.

Starting with my RSTxKevlar red checkered shirt, I will admit I was a bit skeptical at first. Nevertheless I decided to go for it, and suffice to say I was pleasantly surprised. The overall composure and freedom I attained were unprecedented. Not only was it comfy enough to wear around but its sturdy yet soft construction allowed enough maneuverability. On the surface, the checkered shirt seems like any other shirt you’d wear around but as they say, the devil lies in the details.

Stitched neatly underneath the back and front sides are protector pockets that allow for easy insertion of protective pads whenever needed. Even with the protectors added, the fitting was quite relaxed, and I never felt trapped inside the shirt. Aside from protecting the vulnerable chest and back, there is also an arrangement for shoulder and elbow armor that also feel sturdy and firmly in place. Both these armors are CE Level 1 certified, just in case you only buy certified products. Last but not least is the closing mechanism that relies on the combination of rugged zip-line buttons to ensure extra protection in case of an impact.

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As for my RST tapered fit textile jeans, it too worked quite well. The tapered fit may not be the favorite fit for many riders. The key reason for suggesting so is the fact that it hugs your legs pretty firmly from the bottom where the wind deflection is the highest. The stretchable construction allows for easy breathability and dangling your leg is as comfortable as you can possibly think of. Just like the RST Lumber shirt, there are provisions for armor in vulnerable areas. All the armor is CE Level 1 certified and is provided in all the key areas you can think of. Both the RST Lumberjack textile shirt and the tapered jeans are available in several color combinations. Aside from that, both are also covered by RST’s 12-month warranty, providing you with a sense of security that your hard-earned money wouldn’t go in vain.

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Now onto my selection for gloves and boots, the RST Roadster gloves may not be the ideal choice in chilly weather as they are a more summer glove (especially for someone for suffers from raynaud’s). Just like the Lumberjack shirt and the jeans, the Roadster gloves too seem as if they don’t provide any layer of security but a deeper look would reveal to you a solid knuckle protector and a sleek motion panel that keeps the gloves in a static position once you’ve donned them. Since these gloves have been made to go with the Roadster jacket, therefore, they are available in matching leather and colour to the jacket.

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It would be unfair not to mention the RST Roadster boots that were also accompanying me during my ride. Being someone who wears Doc Martens when not on the bike the boots weren’t much of a dramatic change. I agree that the boots look more like work boots than riding boots but the additional reinforcing leather strap on the toe box instantly gives away the real identity of these boots. The thick sole has a deep grip pattern engraved upon it thus allowing for confident walks and rides on slippery surfaces. Crafted to go with the RST Kevlar jeans, the Roadster boots are thus a natural fit with any casual riding outfit. The availability in both vintage brown and glossy black colors enhances the versatility, a characteristic long attributed to RST motorcycle gear.

For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News

Find a local dealer at www.rst-moto.com/findmydealer

or head to the official RST website rst-moto.com

Weise Redwood Shirt

Frank Duggan

March 7, 2023

Leather jackets aren’t every rider’s cup of tea and many prefer to opt for lighter and summer-friendly gear. The classic check shirt by Weise is a great solution for any rider who does not want to don a heavy leather jacket while ensuring optimal protection when riding.

The shirt may look like just another casual shirt but as they say, looks can be deceiving which certainly applies in this case. Weise’s Redwood shirt doesn’t only make a good fashion statement but at the same time is abrasion-resistant and comfy enough for long rides. The combed cotton used in conjunction with a mesh lining inside makes the shirt a joy to wear on hot and humid days which are becoming quite frequent with each passing year.

Hiding neatly beneath the soft cotton of the shirt are shoulder and elbow protectors that are both Level 2 CE-approved. These protectors are further complemented by a durable Level-1 back protector that doesn’t bulge like the protector often seen on leather jackets. In addition to the various protection pads, a great but subtle secondary protection measure has also been incorporated into the shirt. The front buttons are supported by a central zipper that ensures the shirt remains firmly hugged to you under intense situations.

Weise casual riding shirt can easily be integrated with your existing protective gear. The two setting levels provided on the cuffs make it a breeze to wrap your gloves around them and the connection on the bottom inside will seamlessly attach to almost any motorbike trouser you currently have in your possession. Last but certainly not the least of the practical features are the pockets that are designed as such to hold your belongings firmly inside themselves, even during high-speed maneuvers and sudden braking impacts.

The casual motorbike riding shirt by Weise is highly versatile since it can be comfortably used for cycling, motocross, and skateboarding as well. Many would prefer the signature red/black color, but if it isn’t to your liking you can go with other color combinations of black/white or just subtle black. There’s a good chance you may also be able to get the shirt in either blue, green, or brown color. In addition to a variety of colors, you can get the shirt in pretty much any size. From small to 5x large, there are a host of size variations to choose from. All in all, you are getting a pretty good riding shirt for just a smidge above a hundred quids.

For more Weise News check out our dedicated page Weise News

Visit www.weiseclothing.com for details and a dealer list.

Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR Review

Frank Duggan

March 7, 2023

Maja Kenney of Maja’s Motorcycle Adventures spends a week with the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR with many thanks to Triumph Motorcycles UK

I must admit, the first impression of seeing the new Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR online when it was launched last year didn’t impress me. The headlight and the front fairing just didn’t do it for me. Seeing that the launch was very track-focused left me even less interested as that’s not the kind of riding I do.

However, when asked if I’d like to test it for a few days I jumped at the chance. Who wouldn’t? I knew it was a fast, high-performance motorcycle and I was keen to see for myself just how justified all the hype around it was.

It was delivered to my house one February morning, the clouds were dark and hanging low and there was rain in the air. The roads were wet and I wasn’t keen to get out on the bike in such conditions. So we spent some time getting to know each other in the garage instead. Whilst the headlight and the front end still didn’t make me stare at it in awe, I sure was smitten by the rest of the bike.

The Crystal White colour is stunning and really works well with the contrasting black frame and carbon fibre components and I really like the shiny speckles added to the paintwork. It almost shimmers in a certain light, especially when a ray of sunshine broke through the cloud when I finally took it out.

Every detail on the bike is well designed. From the smart branding to the pegs and the single-sided swingarm, it all fits together pleasantly on the eye. After a while of having the bike in the garage and riding it, I even started to like the headlight and the fairing around it. I had to admit it’s grown on me.

The LED bright display is tucked under the front screen, it seems slightly on the small side (5”) but once you’re on the bike and riding, the display is well arranged and clear to see. I did spend some time figuring out how to display general information such as total miles on the bike. There are many buttons on each side of the handlebars so I spent some time getting familiar with them.

When I eventually went for a ride I felt a bit intimidated to start with. Partly because the tires fitted to the bike were Pirelli Supercorsas with hardly any grip, partly because of the very aggressive riding position and partly because it’s a 1200 cc sportsbike with 177 bhp which is way more than you need to legally ride on public roads.

The tyres worried me because this was February, the roads had several layers of grit and grease on them and I knew I had to be careful when leaning the bike into a corner.

So I gingerly set off, adjusting my brain to the new riding position. The clip-on handlebars are fairly comfortable and your knees are not exactly around your ears but it is still an aggressive riding position. The seat feels soft and squidgy to the touch but after 20 minutes of riding the bike I sure felt it in my back and my backside.

It didn’t help that I was wearing layers of clothing as the temperature hovered around 5 degrees Celsius and that made the sporty riding position a bit uncomfortable.

Still, I must admit, it put a huge smile on my face as soon as we had gotten comfortable with each other. For the first ride, I opted for a dual carriageway to Chester and a city bimble to meet a friend for lunch on the riverbank. The bike sat happily on the A55 cruising at 70 mph and even the wind wasn’t a problem. The cruise control helps keep the speed steady and it gives your wrist a break, too.

Once we hit the city traffic it rumbled patiently at the lights and stayed at the speed limit running smoothly. The quick shifter worked brilliantly even at low revs. It sure turned a few heads as I parked by the river and enjoyed a delicious lunch.

The bike is keyless and as I’m not used to this, it felt odd at first to walk away without having to remove the keys from the ignition. It took a bit of getting used to working out how to lock the steering. A few days later I spent a good few minutes trying to unlock the steering in a car park and get the engine started, much to the amusement of the elderly couple sitting in their car watching me.

Feeling happier and more confident on the bike, the next ride was a slightly more spirited on one of the wonderful winding roads of the less populated Welsh countryside. The good side of a mid-week February ride means there aren’t many cars around and definitely no bikes so the roads I wanted to ride were quiet. The bike sounds wonderful when you open the throttle and the quick shifter changes the gears up or down so smoothly. Riding into a corner is easy, the bike leans effortlessly and makes you feel faster than you actually are. Or at least that was the case for me.

With the roads greasy I kept the bike in the rain mode. There are 5 riding modes, rain, road, sport, track and rider. The bike is really light and low, too. It weighs less than 200 kg when fully filled up and I can reach the floor easily with my feet flat on the ground. All this means the bike is easy to manoeuvre when stationary, in the garage or when parking in an awkward space.

What a brilliant bike if you are looking for a spirited ride or a road legal track day toy so you can ride there and back, too. It turns heads everywhere you go and it’s a great conversation starter. A capable bike that can be sensible on the road, too. And if you are wondering, I have taken to that retro round headlight and fairing after being around it for over two weeks.

Motorcycle kindly supplied by Triumph UK, for more information on Triumph Motorcycles UK visit triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/

For more specific details from a previous post https://superbike-news.co.uk/the-new-triumph-speed-triple-1200-rr/

Ladies Heated Body Warmer supplied by Keis Apparel

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Kawasaki Dealer Demo Days Returns for 2023

Frank Duggan

March 7, 2023

The incredibly popular Kawasaki Dealer Demo Days are returning this summer, giving riders the chance to experience the latest 2023 models.

With dates across the country, and more to be confirmed, this is set to be the biggest Dealer Demo tour yet.

As the weather begins to warm up, many riders are beginning to head back out after the long winter and the Dealer Demo Days are the perfect opportunity for you to experience the 2023 Kawasaki range, including the Ninja 400, Z650RS, Versys 1000 SE Grand Tourer and the supercharged Ninja H2 SX SE.

Beginning on April 1^st at Completely Gloucester, the 26-date tour runs throughout the summer months and ends on September 9^th at JW Groombridge. The calendar of events scheduled so far is below.

April 1 – Completely Gloucester
April 8 – Millenium Motorcycles
April 15 – Greenham Kawasaki
April 22 – Aylesbury Kawasaki
April 23 – Drayton Croft
April 29 – Laguna Maidstone
May 20 – M&P Kawasaki
May 21 – Wheels Cradley
May 27 – P&H Motorcycles
June 3 – GT Plymouth
June 4 – Bridge
June 10 – Shirlaws
June 11 – Edinburgh Kawasaki
July 1 – Alf’s Motorcycles
July 8 – A&D Motorcycles
July 9 – Rochdale Kawasaki
July 16 – Derby Kawasaki
July 22 – Coleraine Kawasaki
July 29 – Wigan Kawasaki
July 30 – The Potteries
Aug 5 – Cobb & Jagger
Aug 6 – KD Kawasaki
Aug 12 – Laguna Performance Centre
Aug 19 – Bristol Kawasaki
Aug 26 – Kirkcaldy Kawasaki
Sep 9 – JW Groombridge

Booking will go live shortly, with more information available at www.kawasaki.co.uk

Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki UK:
“Over the last few years, our Dealer Demo Days events have been a huge success, with hundreds of bikers visiting their local Kawasaki dealer to try out our latest machines. We are really pleased to be bringing it back again for 2023, visiting even more dealers and showcasing the 2023 range.”

Checkout our dedicated Kawasaki Motorcycles UK News page Kawasaki Motorcycles UK News/

or head to the official Kawasaki Motorcycles UK website kawasaki.co.uk

Production of the new Ducati Scrambler begins

Frank Duggan

March 7, 2023

Production of the new Ducati Scrambler, already featured in the seventh episode of the Ducati World Première 2023, has begun in the Borgo Panigale plant. A new Ducati Scrambler completely renovated in style and concepts, that maintains the spirit and the original energy that have made this family a worldwide success for over 100,000 enthusiasts. An unmistakable, dynamic, accessible and safe motorcycle for everyday use, with a new captivating and modern design, dedicated to those seeking freedom and wishing to express their lifestyle through their choices.

The production of the first unit was celebrated in the new Finitura e Delibera Estetica building with an event in perfect Ducati Scrambler style. After the traditional “christening” by CEO Claudio Domenicali, the ceremony was in fact transformed into a party animated by music in which all the employees were able to admire all nine colours of the new Ducati Scrambler as a preview.

The customization possibilities, which have always been a distinctive element of the Ducati Scrambler, go even further with this second generation thanks to the new Icon tank. The coloured portion is a cover that can be easily replaced, as can the mudguards, rim tags and headlamp covers. Thus the look of the Ducati Scrambler can adapt to all tastes with great ease. The three basic colours (’62 Yellow, Thrilling Black and Ducati Red) are joined by another six (Storm Green, Rio Celeste, Tangerine Orange, Jade Green, Sparkling Blue, Velvet Red), available as an accessory kit, to dress up the new Ducati Scrambler Icon in nine different liveries.

Thanks to a weight reduction of 4 kg, the new Ride-by-Wire and the Quick Shift accessory, the Ducati Scrambler offers a more brilliant ride. And it is also safer, more modern, digital and technological thanks to Riding Modes, Ducati Traction Control and the new colour TFT dashboard. All this without betraying that simplicity and authenticity that have always represented essential values for all Ducati Scrambler enthusiasts. Air-cooled Desmodue twin-cylinder engine, trellis frame, wide handlebars, low centre of gravity and fun to ride remain essential features also for the new generation of Ducati Scrambler.

The result of this recipe is three new Ducati Scramblers: Icon, Full Throttle and Nightshift. Three bikes with a different imprint, united by a relaxed riding position and low weight, to offer enthusiasts of all experience and abilities great riding pleasure, both in urban journeys and on trips out of town.

For more Ducati news check out our dedicated page Ducati UK News

or head to the official Ducati UK website ducati.com/gb/en/home

GASGAS Street Customers Offered Lifetime Mobility Cover

Frank Duggan

March 6, 2023

Free Of Charge Recovery And Breakdown Scheme Offered After Every Completed Service

Both new and existing GASGAS street model owners in the UK and Republic of Ireland are now offered a new LIFETIME* Mobility Scheme free of charge.

New GASGAS street model owners already benefit from a 24 month-manufacturer’s warranty, which is accompanied by one year of European-wide LIFETIME Mobility Service free of charge. The new GASGAS LIFETIME Mobility Service scheme means that each time the machine is serviced at an Authorised GASGAS dealer, the Mobility Service is automatically extended for up to 12 months or until the next service (either the annual service or the next mileage service, whichever comes first).

Existing eligible GASGAS street model owners or purchasers of eligible used GASGAS street models (ES and SM 700 models), can also activate up to a year of GASGAS LIFETIME Mobility with an applicable service on their used machine, no matter if the machine in question has a lapsed service history or no service history. Owners can return the machine to an authorised GASGAS dealer, have an applicable service completed on their motorcycle and receive up to 12 months of GASGAS LIFETIME Mobility Service (also extendable at the next service until the motorcycle is no longer eligible). This comes with the assurance that the GASGAS owner will have both Mobility Service throughout the UK and Europe – as well as their service being completed by GASGAS trained technicians.

With the GASGAS LIFETIME Mobility Service scheme GASGAS riders have access to a comprehensive, Europe-wide network of service providers and an emergency call centre that is manned 24 hours a day. Covering for breakdown, vandalism, theft, attempted theft or fire, the assistances offered by the scheme for rider and passenger include: repair on the spot, towing, storage, sourcing replacement parts and key service.

In the worst-case scenario that a bike cannot continue, GASGAS LIFETIME Mobility Service offers, among other features, ‘Trip Continuation’. This covers the costs of the journey for rider and passenger from the place of a breakdown to the planned destination or alternatively to the rider’s place of residence by either, taxi, rental car, train or flight, depending on the distance to the destination – terms and conditions apply.

The GASGAS LIFETIME Mobility Service is automatically activated free of charge when a GASGAS street motorcycle completes an applicable service at an Authorised GASGAS dealer (conditions apply – for single cylinder vehicles: max. 60,000 km or 8 years, whichever comes first).

For full terms and conditions on the comprehensive GASGAS LIFETIME Mobility Service, visit www.GASGAS.com or your nearest Authorised GASGAS dealer.

* The definition of LIFETIME for single cylinder vehicles: max. 60,000km or 8 years, whichever comes first.

** Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

For more GASGAS news check out our dedicated page GASGAS News

or head to the official GASGAS website gasgas.com/en-gb.html

Mission Foods Again Title Sponsor Of Mission King Of The Baggers

Frank Duggan

March 6, 2023

The World’s Leading Brand Of Tortillas And Wraps Set For Title Sponsorship Of Expanded 14-Race Series.

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing championship, is thrilled to announce that Mission Foods, the world’s leading brand of tortillas and wraps, will continue in its title sponsorship of the Mission King Of The Baggers series for the 2023 MotoAmerica Championship.

Two years ago, Mission Foods came onboard to be the title sponsor of an upstart three-round series known as the Mission King Of The Baggers. Two years later and the championship that features Indian and Harley-Davidson V-twin baggers is now a 14-race championship and a fan favorite of the MotoAmerica Championship.

The opening round of the 2023 Mission King Of The Baggers Championship is right around the corner with a doubleheader slated for Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 9-11. Following Daytona, the series will head to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta for round two, April 21-23, and the seven-round, 14-race championship will conclude at New Jersey Motorsports Park, September 22-24.

“Mission Foods has been a major supporter of our King Of The Baggers series since 2021 and we’re happy to announce that they will again be the title sponsor of the class in 2023,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Mission is committed to helping us continue to build the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship, which includes the Bagger dash for cash known as the Mission Challenge. and look how far we’ve come together in just a short period of time. The coming season gets started at Daytona International Speedway and watching last year’s Bagger race on the high banks of the Speedway was certainly a spectacle. We can’t wait to get rolling again.”

“We are proud to partner with MotoAmerica and continue as official title sponsor of the King Of The Baggers series,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “Mission King of the Baggers exemplifies our commitment to motorsport racing, and I believe that this partnership will create exciting moments for both racers and fans.”

2023 Mission King Of The Baggers Schedule

March 9-11   Daytona International Speedway Daytona Beach, FL
April 21-23 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta                  Braselton, GA
June 2-4 Road America                                               Elkhart Lake, WI
July 7-9         WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca          Monterey, CA
July 28-30 Brainerd International Raceway Brainerd, MN
Sept. 8-10     Circuit Of The Americas                               Austin, TX
Sept. 22-24 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, New Jersey

For more info checkout our dedicated MotoAmerica Support Series News page motoamerica-support-series-latest-news/

Or visit the official MotoAmerica website motoamerica.com/

Triumph Test Ride Fleet Lands In Dealerships

Frank Duggan

March 6, 2023

Triumph on Tour will give riders across the UK the chance to put the latest bikes in Triumph’s 2023 line-up to the test, on exciting local routes.

The tour will be visiting fifteen dealers from Saturday 18th March until Saturday 29th July. Customers can sign up to one of six riding sessions taking place throughout each day, accompanied by Triumph’s expert team who are on hand to help riders get the most out of the bike.

This will be one of the first opportunities customers have to ride the limited-edition Chrome Collection and the all-new Street Triple family. Dealers will be on hand to answer questions and ensure customers have the ultimate test ride experience. Subject to availability other models on the tour include the Tiger family, Speed Triple 1200, Trident 660, Speed Twin 900 and Rocket 3 R.

Devron Boulton, General Manager of Triumph GB said: “The tour is a fantastic opportunity for customers to try out a wider range of our newest models. Each dealer has chosen a bespoke fleet to boost their existing range of demo bikes, making it even easier for customers to ride their bike of choice”.

The bikes will be visiting the dealerships on the following dates:

Day	Location
Saturday 18^th March	Destination Triumph Dorset
Saturday 25^th March	Triumph West London
Sunday 2^nd April	Bridge Motorcycles, Exeter
Saturday 15^th April	Triumph Staffordshire
Sunday 23^rd April	A1 Moto Services, Newcastle
Saturday 29^th April	Triumph Aberdeen
Saturday 6^th May	Triumph Birmingham West
Sunday 28^th May	Triumph Essex
Saturday 3^rd June	Triumph Norfolk
Sunday 4^th June	Triumph Suffolk
Saturday 10^th June	West Coast Triumph Glasgow
Saturday 8^th July	Fowlers
Saturday 15^th July	Triumph Chester
Saturday 22^nd July	Triumph North Wales
Saturday 29^th July	Triumph Swindon

Book your test ride to secure your place.

For more information about the range, visit: https://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk

Checkout our dedicated Triumph Motorcycles News page Triumph Motorcycles News/

or head to the official Triumph Motorcycles website triumphmotorcycles.co.uk

New Premier Evoluzione Road Touring Helmet

Frank Duggan

March 6, 2023

Feature-packed ECE 22-06 and ACU Gold-rated tri-composite road touring helmet.

Tested and approved to the latest ECE 22-06 standard, and ACU Gold approved for track use too, the Premier Evoluzione is lightweight, comes with a Pinlock anti-fog lens and is Bluetooth™ Smart Ready, to keep you connected on the move.

Made from a combination of Dyneema, Carbon and Aramid Fibres, the Evoluzione’s tri-composite shell is strong and light, weighing approx 1500g. A Differentiated Density EPS inner, cut to follow the natural contours of the head, absorbs energy from impacts and provides a close fit.

For added safety, the anti-scratch visor locks in the closed position to reduce the risk of accidental opening. It has ultra-quick removal and installation, without the need for any tools, and comes with a Pinlock anti-fog insert as standard. An internal flip-down sun shield is operated by a slider below the visor on the left-hand side.

Wide ventilation ports at the forehead and chin flush heat and humidity through the integrated exhaust port at the rear, without compromising aerodynamics. To keep things fresh, the advanced antibacterial hypoallergenic fabric liner is moisture-wicking, odour free and can be removed and washed.

The Evoluzione is also Bluetooth™ Smart Ready, making it simple to fit a comms system – a real bonus for touring.

New for 2023, the Premier Evoluzione is available in sizes XS-XXL in subtle Matt Black (RRP £259.95) and five eye-catching graphic options (RRP £279.95), all covered by a 5-year warranty for complete peace of mind. Premier Helmets are exclusively distributed by The Key Collection at Fowlers.

Visit www.thekeycollection.co.uk for details

Bautista wins shortened Race 2, Vierge claims maiden podium

Frank Duggan

March 5, 2023

The Ducati rider bounced back after his DNF in the Tissot Superpole Race to take the win ahead of Razgatlioglu and Vierge.

Alvaro Bautista claimed his 37th WorldSBK win in an interrupted Race 2. He heads to the first European Round as the Championship leader with 87 points and a 37-point advantage in the standings. Toprak Razgatlioglu was second and 1.218s off Bautista. He moved up in the Championship standings to take second place with 55 points. Xavi Vierge secured his maiden podium finish for Honda with third place, finishing 3.050s behind the race winner. Jonathan Rea crashed out of the race after he crashed at Turn 7. The six-time World Champion was diagnosed with a right distal thigh deep abrasion following the crash.

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s visit to the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit for the Motul Indonesian Round featured another dramatic race in Race 2 as Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) fought back to claim victory in Indonesia in a red-flagged Race 2 after battling with teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi. It was also a memorable race for Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) as he claimed his first WorldSBK podium after a strong Indonesian Round.

The original race was red flagged at the start of Lap 8 after an incident at Turn 11 involving Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) with both riders retiring from the race and unable to take the restart. Van der Mark was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following the crash. The starting grid for the restarted race was based on the last completed timing point for every rider and the race distanced reduced to 14 laps for the restarted race.

Rinaldi started the restarted race from pole position and, despite losing momentum at the start, was able to hold that throughout the opening laps of the 14-lap race. The gap was at over one second at when Bautista passed Razgatlioglu before the reigning Champion started closing in on teammate and by Lap 11, he had closed the gap back down to a tenth. Bautista made the move on his teammate on Lap 13 of 14 at Turn 10 to move into the lead of the race. On the final lap, Rinaldi ran wide at Turn 10 and lost two positions to Razgatlioglu and Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) in third place with Vierge taking his first WorldSBK podium after claiming third place after he started the restarted race from third on the grid. He was running in the chasing group throughout Race 2 and was able to take advantage of Rinaldi running wide to move into the podium places behind Razgatlioglu, who had been fighting for the podium throughout the restarted race.

Rinaldi ended up in fourth place and less than a second clear of Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) in fifth place with the two Italians separated by just 0.780s at the end of the race. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) continued his impressive Indonesian Round with sixth place with Petrucci less than a second behind Locatelli in sixth place. Locatelli had briefly led the original race but lost ground shortly afterwards, dropping him down the order on the grid for the restarted race.

WorldSBK will return with the Pirelli Dutch Round taking place from the 21st to the 23rd of April at the TT Circuit Assen.

WorldSBK Race 2 Results
1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +1.218s
3. Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) +3.050s
4. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +4.068s
5. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +4.848
6. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +5.838s

WorldSBK Championship standings
1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 112 points
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 75 points
3. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 70 points

Tissot Superpole Race Results
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu / Yamaha
2. Andrea Locatelli / Yamaha / +1.110s
3. Alex Lowes / Yamaha / +1.372s

P1 | | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“In Race 2, starting from tenth position was not easy especially because, on this track, it’s not easy to pass. In a normal situation, there aren’t a lot of points to overtake other riders but with this condition with only a small line of good grip, it’s almost impossible. I tried to remain focused at the beginning. When they showed the red flag, I started from fourth place and maybe the lines got a bit easier.

I had to start with the harder rear tyre because we didn’t have more softs. I had to choose between a hard with two laps on it or a soft with eight laps on. We put the hard tyre on and tried to adapt. I tried to stay calm at the beginning. When I saw Rinaldi go away, I thought he had a really good pace. It was a good reference for me to get some advantage on Toprak. I was catching him but at Turn 1 I made a mistake and went a bit wide. I lost more than one second, so I lost a lot of distance to Rinaldi. I didn’t think I could catch him but in the last laps I saw drop him a lot. I tried to keep my pace. When I caught him, my pace was much faster, but I didn’t want to risk an overtake. I waited a couple of laps just to be sure that, when I pass him, I did it in a safe place without risk for him or for me. I’m so happy because, from a really difficult start today, we came back and we showed that we are strong this year. I’m happier with this victory than the other ones.”

P3 | Xavi Vierge | Team HRC
“You can’t believe how happy I am, we have worked so hard since last year, but we always missed something to fight for that position! The start of the season in Australia was so hard but team supported me and here in Indonesia, they gave me a bike that I could recover the feeling and speed! During the weekend, we’ve improved. Finally, we’ve got it! The team had an amazing plan, and I could finish in third position, which is a victory for everyone at the moment. We gave it everything until the last lap.”

For more info checkout our dedicated World Superbike News page World Superbike News

Or visit the official World Superbike website WorldSBK.com

First victory since 2019 for Caricasulo after last-lap battle with Manzi

Frank Duggan

March 5, 2023

Federico Caricasulo took his first Supersport win since 2019 and his first one with Ducati in Race 2.

He is now fourth in the Championship standings, three points away from third place. Stefano Manzi recovered from tenth on the grid to fight at the front but was denied the win by Caricasulo in the last lap. He is second in the standings with 59 points. Nicolo Bulega was third and remains the Championship leader as he leaves Mandalika with an 18-point advantage in the standings.

There was an incredible fight in the FIM Supersport World Championship during the Motul Indonesian Round at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit as Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) claimed his first win of the 2023 campaign. Caricasulo lead an Italian 1-2-3 in the 18-lap race to claim his first win since Portimao in 2019 as he ended a four-year wait for victories in WorldSSP.

At the start of the race, Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) were fighting for first position with the Turkish star making a move on Bulega at T1 on Lap 3. Oncu looked to break clear, but he was never more than a second away from the chasing pack and, on Lap 13, Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) passed Oncu into Turn 10 move into the lead of the race.

Manzi led until the final lap of the race but Caricasulo, who also battled past Oncu and Bulega at around the halfway stage of the race, made a move on his compatriot at Turn 10 to move into the lead of the race. Caricasulo was able to hold on to claim his first win in 68 WorldSSP races, as he took his seventh WorldSSP victory and 29th podium. Ducati claimed their third win in the 2023 season, equalling their previous best season in terms of wins which was in 2000. Manzi was able to come home in second place for his seventh WorldSSP podium, while Bulega was able to fight back on Oncu to return to the rostrum.

Oncu took fourth place after leading throughout the first half of the race, finishing more than 1.5 second down on the podium positions at the end of the race while he was also three seconds clear of rookie Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) in fifth place. Schroetter had an early-race battle with Niki Tuuli (Dynavolt Triumph) with the Finn taking sixth spot at the end of the race meaning five manufacturers were inside the top six in Race 2.

WorldSSP will return with the Pirelli Dutch Round taking place from the 21st to the 23rd of April at the TT Circuit Assen.

WorldSSP Race 2 Results
1. Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team)
2. Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) +0.325s
3. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) +1.546s
4. Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +3.148s
5. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +6.199s
6. Niki Tuuli (Dynavolt Triumph) +8.453s

WorldSSP Championship standings
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 77 points
2. Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) 59 points
3. Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) 54 points

P1 | Federico Caricasulo | Althea Racing
“I’m super happy because the team did a very good job with the bike. From yesterday, it wasn’t easy to improve the bike. Sometimes we could be faster, other times slower. Today the bike was better. My front tyre was better for all the race and I could focus on riding. It was really difficult because the temperature was really high, and we had to push for 18 laps. In the end, I had something more than Manzi and when I tried to overtake him in the last lap and then I pushed in the last two sectors and we were able to win the race!”

For more info checkout our dedicated World Supersport News page superbike-news.co.uk/world-supersport/

Or visit the official World Superbike website worldsbk.com

Bautista makes it four in a row with his first win in Mandalika

Frank Duggan

March 4, 2023

The 2022 World Champion won Race 1 in front of Yamaha duo Razgatlioglu and Locatelli, Rea ninth

Alvaro Bautista took his fourth win of 2023 after his Phillip Island hat-trick, finishing 4.809s ahead of Razgatlioglu. He now has a 37 point-advantage in the Championship standings.

Polesitter Toprak Razgatlioglu took second place in Race 1 at Mandalika. Locatelli completed the top three with his eighth Superbike podium. Rookie Danilo Petrucci took his best WorldSBK result with fifth place. Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea struggled in Race 1 to take ninth place, finishing 14.454s off the race winner.

Race 1 in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship during the Motul Indonesian Round was a dramatic affair at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit as Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) made it four wins in a row in the 2023 season after a fighting victory in Indonesia. Bautista went head-to-head with Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) in the early stages of the race at a circuit where Razgatlioglu has been so successful at since it joined the calendar in 2021.

Bautista was initially behind Toprak Razgatlioglu in the opening five laps of the race as the pair led the first group. The reigning Champion applied pressure to Razgatlioglu in the early stages but did make his move until Lap 5 as he caught Razgatlioglu by surprise through Turn 15 to move into the lead of the race.

Bautista’s fourth win in the 2023 season means he is now on a winning run of six races that stretches back to Phillip Island in 2022, while he also claimed his and Ducati’s first victory at Mandalika. Ducati are also edging closer to a milestone win as the Italian manufacturer now have 396 wins in WorldSBK.

Razgatlioglu was able to pull away from Bassani to claim second place behind Bautista. Razgatlioglu took his 85th podium. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) was able to make the move on Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) on Lap 11 at Turn 10 to move into third place for his second podium of the 2023 season. Locatelli’s third place means he remains second in the Championship standings behind Bautista.

With Bassani dropping back from the podium fight, he ended up battling with Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) for fourth spot with the pair exchanging positions on several occasions. Lowes passed Bassani at Turn 12 on Lap 12 before Bassani responded at Turn 16 to re-gain fourth place and, after that, Lowes found himself dropping down the order. He was overtaken by Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) around halfway through the race with the rookie taking his best WorldSBK finish to date with fifth. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) charged through the field in the closing stages of the race to take sixth spot in Race 1, including some incredible fights with his rivals.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was the first retirement of the race after he was involved in a Turn 1 crash on the opening lap, after a collision with Bassani. Rinaldi retired from the race but Bassani was able to continue. Rinaldi went to the medical centre for a check-up following the crash. He will be reassessed ahead of Warm Up on Sunday morning after being diagnosed with a minimal head injury but no signs of concussion have been detected currently.

WorldSBK action resumes on Sunday from 8:30 (Local Time) with the Warm-Up, followed by Tissot Superpole Race at 10:30 and Race 2 at 13:30.

WorldSBK Race 1 Results
1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +4.809s
3. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +6.586s
4. Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) +8.871s
5. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +11.667s
6. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +12.685s

WorldSBK Championship standings
1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 87 points
2. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 50 points
3. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 43 points

WorldSBK Tissot Superpole Results
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu / Yamaha / 1’32.037s
2. Andrea Locatelli / Yamaha / +0.069s
3. Alvaro Bautista / Ducati / +0.165s

P1 | | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing Team
“The race wasn’t easy because we had to compromise the performance and the management of the tyre life as we had many issues during practices. I was able to make a good start and recover some positions. I was behind Toprak in the first few laps trying to not overstress the front tyre. Then, I saw we were a big group, and I thought the pace could be a bit faster to reduce the number of riders in the group. I tried to pass Toprak and put my pace. I got a good feeling with bike, and I enjoyed the race. I’m happy because last year I struggled a lot here and this year we are so competitive. We made big improvements.”

P5 | | Danilo Petrucci | Barni Spark Racing Team
“I didn’t expect to be so strong in the race. Friday was a tough day; it is such a difficult track with just one line. You pay quite a lot for a small mistake. This morning, we made some adjustments, and everything was in the right direction. I had a good start. I was quite scared about the tyre wear, so I was a bit too conservative at the beginning and I had too many people pass me. In the end, I found my rhythm. I had a good battle with Jonny, and it was a pleasure and a pride for me to fight with a I don’t know how many times World Champion… too many times World Champion! I tried to follow Bassani, but I had too few laps and I was suffering a lot in the heat.”

For more info checkout our dedicated World Superbike News page World Superbike News

Or visit the official World Superbike website WorldSBK.com

Oncu secures maiden WorldSSP win in Indonesia

Frank Duggan

March 4, 2023

Starting from the front row, Can Oncu claimed a dominant first Supersport victory by more than three seconds in Race 1 at Mandalika.

Federico Caricasulo took second place in Race 1 finishing 3.305s behind Oncu. Niki Tuuli completed Race 1 top three, clinching his first podium with Triumph. Nicolo Bulega couldn’t turn his first pole position into a podium finish as he concluded Race 1 in fifth place.

It was a dramatic Race 1 in the FIM Supersport World Championship at Mandalika as Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) blasted off from the start to claim his first WorldSSP win during the Motul Indonesian Round. Oncu started from the front row and, with drops of rain falling at the start of the race, moved clear to win by more than three seconds for his first win at the 65th time of asking. Rain started falling before the start of the race, but all riders opted to stay with slick tyres, with the rain not getting harder during the 18-lap race.

At the start of the race, Oncu took the lead on the opening lap after starting from third place and from there he did not look back. The Turkish star, now in his fourth WorldSSP campaign, was able to use a combination of his pace and his rivals battling behind him to take victory by more than three seconds for his first WorldSSP win.

The battle behind Oncu was an incredible fight between Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) and Niki Tuuli (Dynavolt Triumph) with the pair consistently changing positions. Caricasulo was able to resist Tuuli’s pressure throughout the closing stages of the race before pulling a gap over the Finnish rider to take his 28th WorldSSP podium, while Tuuli took his tenth podium in the Championship, his first one with Triumph.

The battle for fourth was just as fierce as the battle for second between Raffaele De Rose (Orelac Racing VerdNatura), Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) and Glenn van Straalen (EAB Racing Team) as three manufacturers battled hard. The battle ended when Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team), who closed the gap as the riders in front battled hard, collided with van Straalen at Turn 16 with the Dutchman going down before re-joining. It meant Schroetter took fourth spot at the end of the race ahead of Bulega in fifth, while De Rosa had been running in fifth before a puncture dropped him down the order before he retired from the race.

WorldSSP Race 1 Results
1. Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing)
2. Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) +3.305s
3. Niki Tuuli (Dynavolt Triumph) +4.172s
4. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +7.813s
5. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) +11.558s
6. Valentin Debise (GMT94 Yamaha) +20.218s

WorldSSP Championship standings
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 61 points
2. Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) 41 points
3. Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) 39 points

WorldSSP Tissot Superpole Results
1. Nicolo Bulega / Ducati / 1’35.520s
2. Federico Caricasulo / Ducati / +0.003s
3. Can Oncu / Kawasaki / +0.092s

P1 | Can Oncu| Kawasaki Puccetti Racing
“I’m so happy. Phillip Island was very difficult. We came here and yesterday we didn’t have a good pace and we said ‘let’s just go for it’, and today we did it. It’s incredible. I want to thanks Kenan, he called me yesterday and told me ‘Can, you have to do it!’. I finally have my first win with Kawasaki, I’m so happy.
To be honest, in the first lap I managed a one second gap. I just wanted to try to stay constant and do make mistake. I wasn’t on the limit, I was under my pace, because I didn’t want to finish the tyre as I always do. I was so comfortable with my bike. My dream was to win a race and I achieve it today. I’m even more motivated. We have to keep working hard and try to get more good results.”

For more info checkout our dedicated World Supersport News page superbike-news.co.uk/world-supersport/

Or visit the official World Superbike website worldsbk.com

Easter Classic Motorcycle Show & Jumble at Ashford

Frank Duggan

March 3, 2023

Easter Classic Motorcycle Show & Jumble At Ashford — Photo attribute Bill Snelling | www.ttracepics.com

Dave Hughes – the last person to win the Senior Manx Grand Prix on a British motorcycle for 40 years – will be Star Guest at the Ashford classic motorcycle show this Easter Monday, and he’s bringing the bike with him.

Riding an Arter Matchless G50, Dave won the Senior Manx Grand Prix in 1972, with an average speed of 93.66 mph. This would be the last time a British motorcycle finished first in the blue riband race, until John Simpson rode a Triumph Daytona 675 to a surprise victory in 2012.

There is a local connection too – Dave was supported by Kentish motorcycle dealer Tom Arter of Canterbury, who prepared his machine and sponsored many other successful racers.

There is plenty more to see at this popular annual event – the main show exhibits are in the modern Amos Hall foyer, while the Car Auction Hall houses traders and jumble stalls. There are more jumblers on the hardstanding outside, alongside the Bikemart area, where folk can sell complete motorcycles for free. These can be dropped off or ridden into the event at no extra charge – an entry ticket is all that is required.

Refreshments are served in the onsite café, where seating is provided to rest tired legs.

For those with spares or incomplete machines, private garage-clearout stalls can be booked for just £15, which admits two people.

The Ashford Classic Motorcycle Show and Autojumble is held at the Ashford Livestock Market, Orbital Park, Ashford, KENT, TN24 0HB – easily accessible from the M20 at junction 10 – on Easter Monday, 10th April 2023.

Gates open to the public from 10 am and tickets cost £6 for adults. Accompanied children under 16 get in for free. Parking is free and well-behaved dogs are welcome. Earlybird tickets are valid from 8am and cost £10. Tickets are available online and visitors can pay by card or cash at the gate.

Tickets, stall bookings and all other info from www.elk-promotions.co.uk

The new Touratech Storm rain suit

Frank Duggan

March 3, 2023

Climate membrane, lots of comfort features and extensive customisation options – with its new Storm rain suit, Touratech is taking wet weather protection on motorcycles to a new level.

Touratech has reinterpreted the classic rain suit using the latest textile technology. And for good reason: Even in the age of membrane inserts, the tried-and-tested principle of the extra outer layer is far from obsolete. Because unlike in the case of inserts, where the wetness first penetrates the suit as far as the waterproof layer, in this classic combination, the rain stays where it belongs: outside.

One might think that’s nothing new, we had that 60 years ago already. But far from it. With the Storm, Touratech merges the basic principle of the classic rain suit with the capabilities of the most modern functional clothing.

Waterproof and breathable: laminate with Hydratex technology
The robust blended fabric of the outer material is bonded with a Hydratex Lite membrane to form a completely windproof and waterproof laminate. However, the micropores of the membrane allow effective water vapour transport from the inside to the outside. This means that sweating is not an issue if you’re wearing the Touratech Storm – even during physical exertion.

This suit also has reflective sections that greatly improve the visibility of the rider in unfavourable light conditions.

Easy to put on and supremely comfortable to ride in
With its two-piece design, the Touratech Storm rain suit is much easier to put on than a classic one-piece rain suit. In addition, the large adjustable Velcro system allows it to be pulled over your boots easily and ensures a tight-fitting leg closure regardless of the type of motorcycle boot worn. Additional Velcro straps enable individual width adjustment. And last but not least, the elastic waistband adjusts perfectly to the figure of the rider.

The Storm jacket offers even more extensive adjustment options. Two Velcro closures at the waist and under the upper arms allow for precise customisation so that nothing pinches or flutters. Further Velcro fastenings at the cuffs ensure secure closure around your gloves.
Two spacious inner pockets offer sufficient waterproof storage space. And when the sun shines again, the Touratech Storm disappears into the space-saving bag provided and can be conveniently stowed away.

The Touratech Storm rain suit is available in black with neon yellow sections in six sizes from S to 3XL. Jacket and trousers can be purchased separately.

Further information in their webshop

For more Touratech news check out our dedicated page Touratech News

For more information on Touratech products visit touratech.com/

Bulega quickest on the opening day of the Motul Indonesian Round

Frank Duggan

March 3, 2023

Nicolo Bulega topped both Free Practice session as he set his fastest time in FP2, improving by more than 3s his morning time.

Can Oncu concluded Friday in second place just 0.024s off Bulega. 0.046s behind Bulega is Niki Tuuli in third place, it’s his first-time racing at Mandalika with Triumph.

The times tumbled during the FIM Supersport World Championship as Free Practice 2 concluded during the Motul Indonesian Round at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit as riders found several seconds between FP1 and FP2. All riders improved their time in the second session with Championship leader Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) fastest in the combined classification with the top four riders separated by less than a tenth.

Bulega’s best time of the day was a 1’36.705s to end Friday on top as he looks to continue his winning run in WorldSSP having won the first two races of 2023. He was 0.024s clear of Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) in second place after he posted a 1’36.729s. Finnish rider Niki Tuuli (Dynavolt Triumph), a race winner here in 2022 when with MV Agusta, was third and only 0.046s. German rookie Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) took fourth spot with a gap of only 0.079s to Bulega, while Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) was fifth at the end of the day’s running despite a Turn 16 crash with just over 10 minutes in FP2 to go in the session. It meant that five of the six manufacturers competing in 2023 were represented in the top five.

Raffaele De Rosa (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) had been competing for top spot but dropped down the order to sixth place, and only 0.173s down on Bulega, while Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) was seventh. Caricasulo was 0.266s down on Bulega’s time and had his FP2 disrupted in the final seven minutes after a Turn 2 crash.

WorldSSP action resumes on Saturday with the Tissot Superpole from 09:55 (Local Time), followed Race 1 at 12:00.

WorldSSP Combined Results after FP2
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 1’36.705s
2. Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +0.024s
3. Niki Tuuli (Dynavolt Triumph) +0.046s
4. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +0.079s
5. Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) +0.161s
6. Raffaele De Rosa (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) +0.173s

P1 | Nicolo Bulega | Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team | 1’36.705s
“I started this morning in a good way. I felt good with the bike … not 100% like in Australia but the feeling is not so bad. We need to improve the bike for tomorrow as we’re struggling a bit more compared to Australia because of the high temperature. We need to improve the braking because when I’m braking, I can feel the rear sliding too much. I think today, the track was difficult because there was a lot of sand on the asphalt, but the track conditions were much better in FP2. I think tomorrow the track conditions will be much better, and it will also be our second day here so everyone will be faster, but I will try to do my best as always.”

For more info checkout our dedicated World Supersport News page superbike-news.co.uk/world-supersport/

Or visit the official World Superbike website worldsbk.com

Ducati 1-2 on Friday as Rinaldi leads Bautista and Razgatlioglu, Rea 4th

Frank Duggan

March 3, 2023

Setting a best time of 1’32.468s, Michael Ruben Rinaldi topped Friday’s timesheets, finishing ahead of teammate Alvaro Bautista.

Alvaro Bautista finished 0.029s behind his teammate in Friday’s running. Toprak Razgatlioglu took third place with a best time of 1’32.625s, 0.157s behind Rinaldi. Jonathan Rea was fourth 0.735s off Rinaldi’s fastest time. Michael van der Mark was the lead BMW rider in fifth.

The opening day of MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship action in Indonesia has come to an end and the order has left us all intrigued going into Saturday. Despite Ducati never having won at the circuit before, their pace from Australia has been carried to the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, as Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) ended the day on top and led a factory Ducati 1-2, with teammate Alvaro Bautista second. It was a dry first day of action and with humidity high, although rain is forecast for parts of the weekend.

It was a strong start for Ducati and particularly Michael Ruben Rinaldi, who, having topped FP1 despite a Turn 10 crash, repeated the achievement in FP2 although this time, without a tumble. Rinaldi continued his strong showing from Phillip Island and with a Friday clean-sweep and a Ducati 1-2 but in reverse order to Australia, the Bologna bullets may be the ones to beat. Reigning World Champion Bautista set strong lap times throughout the course of the session, despite suffering a Turn 1 crash. After a brief stint in the box, Bautista went back out on track and improved his time, although not enough to overthrow his teammate.

Doing a 16-lap run but returning to the box and stating that he was struggling to turn into the left-hand corners, Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) went for a time attack in the closing stages of the session and placed third. Back in the mix after a Sunday to forget in Australia, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) kept his powder dry on day one, opting not to go out in FP1 until the final 17 minutes as the track cleaned up and rubbered in. Rea was in the mix throughout the session and was right behind the Ducatis for most of it, on his way to P4 overall.

It was a late burst up the order for Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), with the Dutchman just less than three quarters of a second away from Rinaldi’s top time. The #60 was only 0.010s behind Rea directly ahead of him in fourth, as he showcased the BMW M 1000 RR’s potential at Mandalika, a circuit where it’s been on the podium – back in 2021 in the wet with van der Mark.

WorldSBK action resumes on Saturday with FP3 from 08:30 (Local Time), followed by Tissot Superpole at 10:40 and Race 1 at 13:30.

WorldSBK Combined Results after FP2
1. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’32.468s
2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.030s
3. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +0.157s
4. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.735s
5. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.745s
6. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.906s

P1 | Michael Ruben Rinaldi | Aruba.it Racing Team | 1’32.468s
“Today has been a positive day despite the crash after a few laps in FP1. I immediately felt good on the bike. It’s a strange track here because every session and every lap, the surface changes. There are not many motorcycle races here so there’s no rubber on the asphalt and outside the racing line is dirty, so you can’t make a mistake. From FP1 to FP2, we improved a lot the times and the feeling with the bike changed. I’m happy to be first but the conditions changed quickly, and I think it doesn’t really matter if we are first today. Tomorrow, we will come back to the track and maybe it’s a different story. We need to be calm, humble and try to do our best job.

For sure, it has been a positive Friday, but you cannot think Toprak or Jonny will not be there. They will be there for sure. During the winter tests, I think our team did a great job and our base is solid. The track changed a lot from FP1 to FP2 and tomorrow will be different. Maybe with more grip, we don’t know whether our bike is working better or not.”

For more info checkout our dedicated World Superbike News page World Superbike News

Or visit the official World Superbike website WorldSBK.com

Husqvarna Motorcycles Street Customers Now Offered Lifetime Mobility Cover

Frank Duggan

March 2, 2023

Free of charge recovery and breakdown scheme offered after every completed service.

New and existing Husqvarna Motorcycles street model owners in the UK and Republic of Ireland are now offered a new LIFETIME* Mobility Scheme free of charge.

New Husqvarna Motorcycles street model owners already benefit from a 24 month-manufacturer’s warranty, which is accompanied by one year of European-wide LIFETIME Mobility Service free of charge. The new Husqvarna Motorcycles LIFETIME Mobility Service scheme means that each time the machine is serviced at an Authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles dealer, the Mobility Service is automatically extended for up to 12 months or until the next service (either the annual service or the next mileage service, whichever comes first).

Existing eligible Husqvarna Motorcycles street model owners, or purchasers of eligible used Husqvarna Motorcycles street models, can also activate up to a year of Husqvarna Motorcycles LIFETIME Mobility with an applicable service on their used machine, no matter if the machine in question has a lapsed service history or no service history. From used Husqvarna Motorcycles Svartpilen 125 through to Norden 901 models, their owners can return the machine to an authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles dealer, have an applicable service completed on their motorcycle and receive up to 12 months of Husqvarna Motorcycles LIFETIME Mobility Service (also extendable at the next service until the motorcycle is no longer eligible). This comes with the assurance that the Husqvarna Motorcycles owner will have both Mobility Service throughout the UK and Europe – as well as their service being completed by Husqvarna Motorcycles trained technicians.

With the Husqvarna Motorcycles LIFETIME Mobility Service scheme Husqvarna Motorcycles riders have access to a comprehensive, Europe-wide network of service providers and an emergency call centre that is manned 24 hours a day. Covering for breakdown, vandalism, theft, attempted theft or fire, the assistances offered by the scheme for rider and passenger include: repair on the spot, towing, storage, sourcing replacement parts and key service.

In the worst-case scenario that a bike cannot continue, Husqvarna Motorcycles LIFETIME Mobility Service offers, among other features, ‘Trip Continuation’. This covers the costs of the journey for rider and passenger from the place of a breakdown to the planned destination or alternatively to the rider’s place of residence by either, taxi, rental car, train or flight, depending on the distance to the destination – terms and conditions apply.

The Husqvarna Motorcycles LIFETIME Mobility Service is automatically activated free of charge when a Husqvarna Motorcycles street motorcycle completes an applicable service at an Authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles dealer (conditions apply – for single cylinder vehicles: max. 60,000 km or 8 years, whichever comes first; for two cylinder vehicles: max. 80,000 km or 8 years, whichever comes first).

For full terms and conditions on the comprehensive Husqvarna Motorcycles LIFETIME Mobility Service, visit www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com or your nearest Authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles dealer.

* The definition of LIFETIME for single cylinder vehicles: max. 60,000km or 8 years, whichever comes first; for two cylinder vehicles: max. 80,000km or 8 years, whichever comes first

For more Husqvarna Motorcycles news check out our dedicated page Husqvarna Motorcycles News

or head to the official Husqvarna Motorcycles website husqvarna-motorcycles.com/en-gb.html

Yamaha Motor the First to Adopt Green Aluminum for Motorcycles in Japan

Frank Duggan

March 2, 2023

Yamaha Motor First to Use Green Aluminum in Japanese Motorcycles

– Will gradually adopt low-carbon aluminum in the drive toward carbon-neutral materials –

Yamaha Motor announced today that it has reached an agreement with an aluminum ingot supplier for the procurement of green aluminum, and began using it as a raw material for parts in Yamaha motorcycles in February 2023. This is the first time¹ for green aluminum to be used in Japanese motorcycles and Yamaha Motor plans to gradually expand its usage in models going forward.

“Green aluminum” is aluminum that is refined using renewable energy sources to emit around 60% less CO2 in its manufacture compared to traditionally refined aluminum. Of course, the percentage of less emission by renewable energy depends per manufacturer. Aluminum parts account for 12% to 31%² of the total vehicle weight of a motorcycle, so adopting green aluminum is one effective approach for reducing CO₂ emissions from the raw material manufacturing part of a product’s life cycle (falls under Scope 3 Category 1 emissions for supply chains).

Through the development of its engineering and production technologies and expertise, Yamaha Motor has actively pushed the use of recycled aluminum, which now comprises some 80%³ of Yamaha Motor’s aluminum usage. This introduction of green aluminum is meant to complement this and will be employed for parts that still cannot be manufactured with recycled materials. As a first step, Yamaha Motor will utilize green aluminum for certain parts in its large-displacement and off-road competition motorcycles, and Yamaha Motor plans to expand the number of models using the material in the future as available supply volumes allow.

In line with the Yamaha Motor Group Environmental Plan 2050, the company is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality⁴ throughout all of its business activities—including its entire supply chain—by 2050. To realize this, Yamaha Motor has set a goal of switching to 100% sustainable materials by 2050, such as adopting more plant-derived resin materials, developing recyclable polypropylene, and adopting green materials and other recycled materials for its motorcycles manufactured in Japan and overseas.

¹: According to a Yamaha Motor survey
²: According to a Yamaha Motor survey
³: Calculated based on the amont of raw material used in 2022 at principal Yamaha Motor factories in Japan and overseas
⁴: Emissions from company activities (Scope 1.2) + Emissions other than Scope 1.2 (Scope 3.)

For more Yamaha Motorcycles UK news check out our dedicated page Yamaha Motorcycles UK

or head to the official Yamaha Motorcycles UK website yamaha-motor.eu/gb/en/

Outspoken ahead of Mandalika

Frank Duggan

March 2, 2023

Asia welcomes WorldSBK action with passion and excitement as Indonesia readies for another chapter of close racing.

Just days after the season fired into life, the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is already preparing for round two and the Motul Indonesian Round. The Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit is ready for a third year on the calendar, albeit in a new slot at the start of the season, and there promises to be plenty of fighting at the front. We caught up with some of the main stars, to get their thoughts on another unforgettable weekend in prospect from one of WorldSBK’s most passionate countries.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “Last year, Toprak went fast, Jonathan was really competitive, so I expect them to fight for the victory in all three races!”
“We were celebrating as Champion here but now we are in a new season. I have good memories here and also after last weekend at Phillip Island. Last year, we struggled a bit here, so maybe we have many things to think about. With the weather here, it’s unpredictable, so you have to adapt a plan depending on the track condition. The biggest problem was on the front as Pirelli didn’t bring the tyre I had used for most of last season. This year, they have brought it, so I’m looking to forward to see if the problem I have felt has gone. With what we saw at Phillip Island, I don’t think it is 100% true, as we had tests before the round, so many riders had a good setup and it’s a very particular track. This season, the rest of the riders are closing the gap and when you have a bad day, you have more riders in between. What is sure is that here last year, Toprak went fast, and Jonathan was really competitive, so I expect them to fight for the victory in all three races.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK): “Normally we’re strong here!”
“I have good memories. This year, we will see. The first round was not really a strong weekend for me, but this circuit is my favourite. Last year, I had the same feeling when we went to Phillip Island. The bike felt different because we used the harder tyres and it’s a different track. It’s not like my style. My style is usually hard braking. Mandalika is my favourite circuit and I try to do my best again last year. Last year, we had three wins. This year we will see because everybody is very fast and very strong; everybody’s improved their bike. Normally, we are very strong here. I hope we have a strong start and are fighting again for the win.”

Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK): “I want to win a race and get my season off to a proper start”
“It’s been a tough week leaving Australia without the points we set out to gain. Everything was going quite smoothly up until race day. Hard to draw any big conclusions as to why. The bike balance is quite different to what we had during testing. Back to square one this weekend with a bike we know should work. We need to try and be more competitive. We’ll forget last weekend, we want to be strong this weekend whether it’s wet, dry, windy, whatever. I think we have a good chance this weekend to fight for podium. Our target is much more than that. I want to win a race and get my season off to a proper start.”

Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “I think we can be competitive!”
“We should improve during the wet conditions because maybe here, if it is raining, we should be in the fight for a podium. But overall, I am quite happy with the start of the season. What I learnt is that the base in the wet is not good, so I spoke to the engineers and said ‘if we want to fight all year in top positions, then we have to improve in all conditions’ as it’s not acceptable to finish in P14. If it rains, we’ll have another setup and so I’ll be comfortable. Here is a different track compared to Phillip Island, but I think we can be competitive, but the other riders will be closer. I don’t think one rider will be break away. On the Imola announcement, it is one of my favourite tracks; I won there in STK1000 and I have good memories! I want to ride there as it’s special, like Misano, so I couldn’t be happier about that news!”

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK): “We will enjoy again… we are confident!”
“In Yamaha, we always try to improve the bike and to work together to understand and compare data. We need to continue to do this as it’s important to work together and improve the bike, and to try and improve ourselves. It’s the same objective we have every year. We need to see what happens here at Mandalika because it’s always a bit strange for the hot conditions. Last year and the first year were great. We will enjoy again! In the end, if we can finish in the same positions as last year, it won’t be so bad but if we can improve and try to fight for the podium in the long race, we will see… it’s always difficult to say before the weekend, but we are confident. When I saw the news about Imola, I was smiling because for me, it’s one of the best tracks! I was really excited, and I can’t wait to ride this bike on that track. It won’t be easy because it’s July and it will be really warm but to get a good result there, we’ll be able to go on the beach a bit more relaxed!”

Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “We’ll be more competitive than Phillip Island”
“They weren’t the results we were hoping for but if we look back on my weekend, it wasn’t that bad. I wasn’t that far away from the fight for fourth place but unfortunately the pace dropped a lot at the end of the race. It’s not where we want to be but from my side, I think it was quite positive. We’re not that far away and I feel like we improved the package, but in general we need more corner speed and drive grip. It’s not easy but this weekend we have Mandalika, where it’s a different kind of a track and I’m curious to see how the bike works here. It’s always nice to be in Indonesia! My grandmother is from Indonesia, so I really enjoy this country and the people are really friendly. I’m confident but I have to stay calm; our bike works well in the wet but I’m looking forward to it, and I think in the dry, we’ll be more competitive than Phillip Island.”

Hafizh Syahrin (PETRONAS MIE Racing HONDA Team): “At the start of the season, scoring one point is better than nothing”
“It’s very close to my home and it’s one of the tracks that I really like. It won’t be easy, but I will try to do better than Australia. This track is suited to my style and we will see what the weather brings this weekend. I wanted to score more points in the Australian Round. I couldn’t challenge where I really wanted to. At the start of the season, scoring one point is better than nothing. We tried to take this motivation or spirit to Mandalika.”
As part of a local cultural festival in Kuta ahead of the Motul Indonesian round, some riders were invited to take part in a parade on the Kuta beach front on Wednesday March 1st.

WorldSBK riders Axel Bassani, Hafizh Syahrin, Lorenzo Baldassarri, Phillip Oettl, and WorldSSP riders Adam Norrodin, Bahattin Sofuoglu, Can Oncu and Nicholas Spinelli were introduced on stage to the fans before a short parade with local folkloric dancers followed by a signing session and encounter with the local media.

For more info checkout our dedicated World Superbike News page World Superbike News

Or visit the official World Superbike website WorldSBK.com

LS2 Metropolis 3-Season Jacket

Frank Duggan

March 2, 2023

A-rated, three-season textile riding jacket in men’s and women’s sizes

Packed with the tech and spec needed to deal with whatever the journey throws at you, LS2’s new AA-rated Metropolis Evo is the only jacket you’ll need to get you through the riding season.

Built to take you well beyond the city limits, the Metropolis has a tough outer shell, with a fixed waterproof and breathable membrane rated 5000mm for first class protection from the rain, and 3000g/m2/24hrs breathability to stop the build up of perspiration.

A removable thermal liner is on-hand to insulate on colder days, as is a handy waterproof hood that can be attached for use off the bike. When the temperature rises, vents on the arms and back allow an instant cooling airflow.

AA-rated to the EN17092 standard for motorcycle clothing, the Metropolis comes with removable CE Level 1 soft ‘slow bounce’ shoulder and elbow protectors. For extra comfort and improved coverage the position of the elbow protectors in the sleeve can be moved. There’s also the option to fit a CE Level 2-approved back protector (purchased separately for £29.99).

Available in specific men’s and ladies’ cuts, there is adjustment throughout for fine tuning to the wearer’s preferences: poppers on the arms and cuffs and a clever hidden waist adjustment system.

With a plethora of pockets – two on the chest, two large pockets on the front and two more inside, including a dedicated smartphone pocket – there are plenty of places to carry smaller items.

The LS2 Metropolis comes in men’s sizes S-5XL in a choice of Black or Khaki/Blue/Fluo Orange, and ladies’ XS-5XL in Black only. Both retail at £179.99 including VAT.

Find your nearest stockist at www.ls2helmets.com

For more LS2 news check out our dedicated page LS2 Helmet News

or head to the official LS2 to find your nearest stockist. ls2helmets.com

Alpinestars 2023 Motorcycling Collection: Engineered For Riding Enjoyment

Frank Duggan

March 2, 2023

Designed to offer the latest in innovative materials and protective motorcycling technology, Alpinestars Spring 2023 Collection has been engineered with the goal of bringing confidence and comfort to motorcycle riders in all conditions, from urban commuting to touring and sport riders. The goal is to always make the ride even more enjoyable.

To achieve this, Alpinestars has taken climate management to the next level, and much of the new gear incorporates waterproof technologies that perform, no matter how tough the conditions.

TOURING
The new introductions to the Spring 2023 Touring line-up are equally exciting, and set new benchmarks in climate management, with Alpinestars’ Drystar® membrane being used throughout the line and in the Halo Drystar® Jacket and Pants, the RT-7 Drystar® Boots, the CR-X Women’s Drystar® Riding Shoes, as well as in the urban category’s Men and Women’s Chrome Drystar® Riding Shoes. Spring 23 showcases Alpinestars’ commitment to reinforcing the Halo Drystar® gear range with the launch of new colorways and the introduction of the new Halo Leather Glove.

RACING
With the Spring 23 launch, the Racing category sees another major innovation in material technology with the introduction of Alpinestars Composite Stretch Technology (A-CS® Tech) in both the Racing Absolute v2 and the GP Plus V4 one piece suits. Developed in MotoGP, and incorporated extensively throughout the Racing Absolute v2 suit, A-CS®Tech is strategically positioned in the suit’s side torso, shoulder blades, and upper knee areas, for exceptional breathability, comfort, and freedom of movement. Not only does A-CS® Tech provide the suit with a lighter weight, the Alpinestars Composite Stretch Technology also offers a lower profile than traditional leather accordion panels. Another key advantage to using A-CS®Tech is its superior stretch performance that provides approximately 30% of elongation and offers an increase in tear resistance of 248% compared to standard racing stretch fiber, as well as an increase in cut resistance of 570% versus leather.

RACING SPORT
The new Spring 2023 line sees Alpinestars introducing several highly ventilated and versatile, mid-season protective riding jackets engineered for street riders living and riding in warmer climates. Designed for premium airflow, the Zaca Air Jacket, the SMX Air Jacket, the Stella SMX Air Jacket, and the Monza Sport Jacket are great options for riders in need of ventilation.

STELLA
Designed specifically for the female physique, with the Stella line, Alpinestars protects women, empowering them by giving women the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’re fully protected while pursuing their riding passions. The Women’s Stella Line has been given special focus for Spring 23, where we find Alpinestars adding several ventilated, mid-season jackets, as well as enhancements to the range of protective footwear with the addition of the new Chrome and CR-X Women’s Drystar® Riding Shoes, and the addition of protective riding denim with the Women’s Caliber Tech Riding Pants.

SPRING 2023 COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:

ADVENTURE TOURING
The Alpinestars Touring Collection has been designed for motorcycling adventurists who are always ready for the next weekend getaway. Wherever your journey may take you, Alpinestars is always ready to keep you protected. Whatever the weather conditions, if you’re riding in the rain – Alpinestars will keep you dry. When you’re riding in the cold – Alpinestars will keep you warm. When you’re riding in the heat – Alpinestars will keep you cool. Bringing the ultimate in touring protection, performance, and comfort, Alpinestars’ gear is your essential riding companion. Alpinestars Protects.

HALO DRYSTAR® JACKET: ADAPTS TO ANY CONDITIONS
A multi-season adventure touring jacket with an innovative technical outer jacket, the Halo Drystar® can be easily adapted to the weather conditions. The Halo’s asymmetric front construction features a very wide vent panel, which combined with the large opening vent panel on the back, delivers optimum levels of airflow. Ventilation can be enhanced even further, thanks to the jacket’s removable sleeves that reveal fully ventilated mesh inner sleeves with Nucleon Flex armor for unrivalled airflow in the warmest environments, while still delivering full protection against impacts.

HALO LEATHER GLOVE: FEEL THE VENTILATION
A short cuff glove designed and optimized for pure adventure riding, the Halo Leather Glove has a perforated construction for maximum airflow and breathability, with an over-injected knuckle for protection against repeated impacts. This glove also has a thin, streamlined cuff for reduced bulk, allowing it to be easily worn under the sleeves of any jacket.

RT-7 DRYSTAR® BOOT – COMFORT WITHOUT COMPARISON
The RT-7 Drystar® Boot is a protective touring boot engineered for superior comfort. Utilizing a new sole construction derived from Alpinestars’ latest performance shoes, the RT-7 sole unit offers unrivalled, all-day riding and walking comfort. With a very efficient and durable lug pattern capable of tackling any terrain, the RT-7 Boots also deliver exceptional protection and riding feel. The boot’s compact design allows the RT-7s to fit effortlessly under any pants.

These new introductions and new colorways complete the Spring 2023 Touring Collection, complementing the line that also includes innovative touring gear like the AMT-10/10R Drystar®XF Jackets and Pants, the Monteira Jacket and the Bogotá Pro Drystar® Jacket and Pants.

AMT-10/10R DRYSTAR®XF JACKETS AND PANTS – THE ULTIMATE IN CLIMATE MANAGEMENT
The modular, multi-season AMT-10 and AMT 10R Drystar®XF Jackets and Pants have been engineered to deliver premium protection, unrivalled versatility, and adapt to extreme weather conditions. A new approach to advanced all-weather, protective riding apparel, the AMT-10 and 10R Jackets and Pants utilize a modular construction and the most advanced materials technologies, as well as Alpinestars’ new laminated 2.5L Drystar®XF waterproof and highly breathable membrane for effective climate management. The Tech-Air® Ready, AMT-10 and AMT-10R Jackets and Pants offer superior protective performance, climate management, versatility, and premium comfort.

MONTEIRA DRYSTAR®XF JACKET – UNRIVALLED FUNCTION AND PERFORMANCE
The multi-season Monteira Drystar®XF Jacket has been engineered to ensure that adventure touring riders travel fully protected and in optimal comfort in all climates and weather conditions. With a focus on the jacket’s overall practicality, the product development team added a new level of detail and ergonomic designs that incorporate intuitive and functional features including closures, vents, and pockets, as well as magnetic zippers, magnetic connectors, liner connection, and closure systems to meet the real-life needs of the adventure touring rider. When it comes to the jacket’s construction, the Tech-Air® Ready, Monteira has a 2-layer laminated Drystar®XF waterproof membrane with large direct opening vents that provides superior breathability in wet and dry conditions.

BOGOTÁ PRO DRYSTAR® JACKET AND WOMEN’S STELLA BOGOTÁ PRO DRYSTAR® JACKET – BEAT THE ELEMENTS
The all-season Bogotá Pro Drystar® and Stella Bogotá Drystar® Jackets utilize Alpinestars’ Drystar® membrane, engineered to provide superior breathability, exceptional comfort, and all-weather performance, wet or dry – with the Bogotá Pro it’s goodbye to soggy gear. The 3-layer ‘liner to drop’ system allows the jacket to be quickly configured to the conditions. Constructed from 100% GRS-certified, recycled Nylon 6 materials, the Tech-Air® Ready Bogotá Pro has extensive ventilation panels on the chest, full back, and arms for effective climate control.

URBAN
Alpinestars’ Urban Collection seamlessly connects life on the motorcycle to our daily urban lives, accompanying riders throughout the city, and during the commute, to provide the ultimate in protection and style.

LEGIT CREW FLEECE: DESIGNED WITH THE URBAN COMMUTE IN MIND
Designed for urban riding and commuting, the Legit Crew Fleece is a great option for riders looking for a casual-styled fleece that offers a high standard of protection. Constructed from protective material offering a soft, comfortable fit and with two side zippers for easy on and off, the Legit Crew Fleece, with its two hidden inner pockets, is a functional motorcycling pullover.

CHROME DRYSTAR® SHOES & CHROME WOMEN’S DRYSTAR® SHOES – ENGINEERED FOR STREET RIDING
The Chrome Drystar® Shoes are perfect for those urban riders looking for a pair of comfortable, casual, and stylish shoes that’ll go perfectly with their favorite pair of riding denim. The protective and lightweight Chrome Drystar® Shoes have a waterproof and breathable membrane, plus a removable OrthoLite® insock for even greater comfort and versatility, offering all-weather performance.

CR-X WOMEN’S DRYSTAR® RIDING SHOES
The CR-X Women’s Drystar® Riding Shoes offer unrivalled all-day walking comfort, protection, and wet weather performance and have been anatomically crafted specifically for female riders. Renowned for being a lightweight, protective touring shoe with waterproof performance, the CR-X Women’s Drystar® Shoes provide a high level of grip on all terrains; the perfect choice for women riders living and riding in wet climates.

STRATOS, CALIBER, & WOMEN’S CALIBER SLIM FIT TECH RIDING PANTS: ENGINEERED FOR THE STREETS
The all-new Stratos Slim Fit Tech Riding Pants are a popular jogger-styled pant offering a regular fit with a tapered look. Inspired by military functionality, the combat style Caliber and Women’s Caliber Pants feature practical cargo pockets, ergonomically angled for easy access with gloves. Both the Stratos and the Caliber are excellent protective tech denim pants for riders interested in a casual or utilitarian and functional style and are CE Level A rated.

RACING
RACING ABSOLUTE V2: DEVELOPED AT THE TRACK, ENGINEERED FOR PERFORMANCE
The Racing Absolute v2 is a top-level professional-grade racing suit incorporating all the same lightest weight and most advanced materials and technologies that the world’s fastest MotoGP and WorldSBK riders wear on the track. The suit features Kevlar® reinforced stretch inserts at the crotch, inner arms, and armpit areas for increased cut, tear, and abrasion resistance, offering highly reduced heat transfer to the rider’s body generated from any friction during a slide on the asphalt. A-CS®Tech is incorporated all throughout the suit and provides increased breathability, comfort, freedom of movement, and lightweight.

GP PLUS V4: LEATHERS REIMAGINED
The Tech-Air® Ready, GP Plus v4 Leather Suit features a blend of Flex Plus Racing bovine leather, A-CS® Tech, Matryx®, HRSF, and GP DFS sliders. The GP Plus v4 Leather Suit provides unrivalled comfort, feel, freedom of movement, and precise fitment.

RACING SPORT
ZACA AIR JACKET
The Zaca Air is the ideal jacket for street and sport riders, with its blend of 3D stretch mesh, polyfabric, and stretch softshell inserts that provide premium breathability as well as excellent levels of range of motion and freedom of movement. The protective and Tech-Air® Ready, Zaca Air Jacket has DFS Lite external shoulder sliders, as well as Nucleon Flex Plus CE Level 1 rated armor on the shoulders, elbows, and forearms. The jacket sports a detachable 2L waterproof liner and a detachable hood which comes with an air extraction channel on the top, to allow airflow to pass through and prevent it from filling up and flapping around while on the bike.

SMX AIR JACKET AND STELLA SMX AIR JACKET – MX INSPIRED FOR THE STREET
Constructed from tech mesh and polyfabric for excellent levels freedom of movement and airflow, the MX-inspired SMX Jacket also comes with a detachable windbreaker liner to help reduce airflow when it’s not needed, offering optimal climate comfort. The SMX Air is the perfect choice for the everyday commuter and weekend rider.

MONZA SPORT JACKET
The comfortable and lightweight Monza Sport Jacket is a great option for commuters and weekend riders looking to ride with discreet protection and style. Constructed from a multi-panel, lightweight tech twill, the Monza Sport combines polyamide stretch at the shoulders and armpit areas, providing freedom of movement, while its removable thermal vest, provides versatility year-round.

PHENOM LEATHER GLOVES, STELLA PHENOM LEATHER GLOVES, AND PHENOM AIR LEATHER GLOVES
The universal, sport performance Phenom Leather Gloves are perfect for everyday use and weekend riding – a great short glove that riders on any type of bike will appreciate. The gloves come in two other versions, the Women’s Stella Phenom Leather Gloves, and the fully perforated Phenom Air version. Constructed from new, premium, soft goat leather on the palm and top hand, with synthetic accordion inserts and stretch fourchettes in between the fingers, the Phenom Gloves provide instant and lasting comfort from the moment the rider puts them on.

For more Alpinestars news check out our dedicated page Alpinestars News

You find out where to buy in the UK via Oxford Products website

or head to the official Alpinestars website alpinestars.com/

Drag Specialties Offering $67,000 In Contingency Money For Mission King Of The Baggers

Frank Duggan

March 1, 2023

Aftermarket Parts Company To Begin Second Year Of Multi-Year Sponsorship And Contingency Program For MotoAmerica.

MotoAmerica, North America’s premiere motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that Drag Specialties will begin year two of its three-year deal as an official partner of the MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Championship. In addition to its sponsorship, Drag Specialties will again offer a contingency program for the V-twin class.

Last year, Drag Specialties posted $52,000 in contingency money and that has gone up to $67,200 for the expanded 14-round championship with a payout of $4800 per event. The winner of Mission King Of The Baggers race is eligible to take home $2000; second place will earn $1250; third will take home $750; and fourth and fifth will earn $500 and $300, respectively.

“We had a successful first season of our multi-year sponsorship with MotoAmerica,” said Hylton Beattie, Global Motorsports Director for Drag Specialties. “The Mission King Of The Baggers class is exciting to watch, the fans love it and the series continues to grow every year with 14 races scheduled for the 2023 season. We also share the same customers as MotoAmerica so our sponsorship of the Mission King Of The Baggers goes hand in hand with the growth of our business.”

“We have a wonderful relationship with Drag Specialties and working together to make Mission King Of The Baggers better than ever has been great for both MotoAmerica and Drag Specialties,” said Lance Bryson, MotoAmerica’s Director of Sponsorship. “The 2023 season promises to be bigger and better than ever with more races, more big V-twins on the grid and more of our stars competing in the class.

We can’t wait to get things rolling at Daytona.

The Drag Specialties contingency payout requirements are as follows: Logos must be unobstructed, visible, and applied at all rounds; an authorized Drag Specialties patch is to be worn on either upper sleeve or front upper chest of the riders’ leathers; and three-inch Drag Specialties decals must be present on either of the bikes side panels or tail section.

For more info checkout our dedicated MotoAmerica Support Series News page motoamerica-support-series-latest-news/

Or visit the official MotoAmerica website motoamerica.com/

Husqvarna Motorcycles lifts the covers off an exciting new touring machine

Frank Duggan

March 1, 2023

Husqvarna Motorcycles lifts the covers off an exciting new touring machine – the Norden 901 Expedition 2023.

Premium suspension and essential travel components allow riders to experience unrestricted global adventures in complete comfort.

Husqvarna Motorcycles is excited to unveil the Norden 901 Expedition – a new and highly capable touring machine designed to offer endless exploration. Expertly assembled with premium Technical Accessories to improve ease of use, the Norden 901 Expedition comes complete with long travel WP XPLOR suspension to ensure all riders can explore further, for longer. This new travel motorcycle is finished with a striking new colour scheme to signify its outstanding capabilities both on and offroad.

Guaranteeing the Norden 901 Expedition excels across the roughest terrain, the new offroad-specific 240 mm travel WP XPLOR suspension is fitted to both the front and rear of the motorcycle. This premium, fully adjustable suspension gives riders the opportunity to fine-tune the compression, rebound and preload settings to create a personalised set-up based on their individual preferences.

Allowing for maximum rider comfort on all long-distance adventures, the Norden 901 Expedition is equipped with many of Husqvarna Motorcycles’ Technical Accessories as standard. For early morning starts and especially beneficial for riders exploring colder climates, the adjustable heated grips and rider seat provide instant warmth. Additionally, rider fatigue is reduced considerably with the fitment of a new Touring Windshield. Deflecting wind around the motorcycle, particularly at higher speeds, riders are fully protected and able to discover new worlds in complete comfort.

Turning journeys into expeditions, this new practical and ultra-capable travel motorcycle is built to begin any adventure straight from the showroom thanks to the standard-fitment Side Bag Set. This neat luggage solution integrates perfectly with the bodywork and offers up to 36 litres of storage capacity.

Powered by an 889 cc parallel-twin engine producing 105 hp and 100 Nm of torque, the Norden 901 Expedition offers a broad spread of smooth, controllable power, which is particularly efficient across challenging offroad terrain. Housed inside the steel trellis frame, the versatile engine works together with the chromium-molybdenum chassis to provide exceptional agility, rider feedback and comfort throughout the longest of riding days.

Completing the build and improving protection and ease of maintenance on the longest of riding days, a new centre stand, engine guard and Connectivity Unit are fitted as standard to enhance every adventure. With the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app installed onto a smartphone, and with the device paired to the motorcycle’s Connectivity Unit via Bluetooth, riders will benefit from downloadable maps, Turn-by-Turn+ navigation, Call-In, Call-Out and view real-time traffic information. Music selection and volume can also be controlled safely while riding via the handlebar-mounted buttons.

Technical highlights:

WP XPLOR suspension offers longer travel (240 mm) and full adjustability
Heated grips and rider seat for cold weather comfort
Touring Windshield for reduced fatigue on extended rides
Side Bag Set offers convenient storage
Centre Stand for easier maintenance
Heavy duty Skid Plate for complete protection of tank and engine
Connectivity Unit provides Turn-by-Turn+ navigation, Call-In, Call-Out, and music selection from the rider’s smartphone
Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app available from Apple AppStore and Google Playstore
Chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame with engine as stressed member
889 cc parallel-twin engine with 105 hp peak power and 100 Nm of torque
Four selectable ride modes (Street, Rain, Offroad, Explorer)
Cutting-edge, switchable cornering ABS with Offroad mode
Easy Shift function
Cornering-sensitive traction control allows for nine levels of adjustable rear wheel slip (in Explorer mode)
Power Assist Slipper Clutch (PASC)
Tubeless spoked wheels in offroad dimensions and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres for maximum performance on the street and offroad
Large capacity 19-litre fuel tank provides an extended range of up to 400 km

To be fully prepared for all conditions, the Functional Apparel Collection features riding gear produced for the Norden rider that delivers the highest levels of protection, functionality and comfort. In addition, further customisation of the Norden 901 Expedition can be achieved with the extensive line-up of Technical Accessories designed to add protection, performance and personalisation.

Husqvarna Motorcycles’ 2023 Norden 901 Expedition is available in authorised dealers from mid-March and available to order now, retailing at £13,599.00 OTR.

For more information on the 2023 Norden 901 Expedition, click [here]

For more Husqvarna Motorcycles news check out our dedicated page Husqvarna Motorcycles News

or head to the official Husqvarna Motorcycles website husqvarna-motorcycles.com/en-gb.html

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The success of the 2022 MotoGP eSport Championship was the latest in a long line of positive motorsports-themed developments in the sector.

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With a look towards spring/summer riding on this test we decided on some more casual wear rather than standard leather or textile jackets and trouser we have done in the past.

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The World’s Leading Brand Of Tortillas And Wraps Set For Title Sponsorship Of Expanded 14-Race Series.

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The Ducati rider bounced back after his DNF in the Tissot Superpole Race to take the win ahead of Razgatlioglu and Vierge.

Federico Caricasulo took his first Supersport win since 2019 and his first one with Ducati in Race 2.

Lightweight, stable and hassle-free luggage solution for the MT-10
Ventura has added the latest generation MT-10 and MT-10SP to its Evo System fitment list, providing much-needed carrying capacity for the stripped down street bikes.