MV Agusta Brings Back DAZEROA300 and Marco Lucchinelli

Not only will World Champion Marco Lucchinelli be coaching, but he will be joined by the one and only Noriyuki Haga! I will spare you commentary as the press release has it all. However, I will say this is a very limited opportunity. If you are in Italy or can get there, get your reservation in early.

 

Here is the official MV Agusta PR about the special rider and racer training program, DAZEROA300:

World Champion Marco Lucchinelli

Varese, 14 May 2014 - DAZEROA300 is back on the track, inaugurating a new season of safety and sports-oriented riding courses thanks to close collaboration with MV Agusta and coordination by former World Champion Marco Lucchinelli, a pro rider and team manager who has enjoyed outstanding success in the World GP and Superbike Championships.

Following the success of the first day, held last year on the Vairano di Vidigulfo race track, the DAZEROA300 instructor team, made up of highly qualified pro racers, is now ready to offer all participants an awesome, fun-packed track day specifically designed to improve their riding skills in absolute safety.

　

The courses have the following goals:

The Basic course is aimed at beginners. It involves a series of exercises, to be carried out in a suitably set-up practice area, that aim to give riders the skills needed to handle all riding situations safely. Course effectiveness is enhanced by innovative teaching tools such as additional frames and supplementary shock absorbers.

The Master course is intended for expert riders looking to hone their technique or experiment with track riding in complete safety.

　

The calendar for this new season is:

• 16 May 2014 - Vairano di Vidigulfo race track (Pavia - Italy)
• 09 June 2014 - Adria race track (Rovigo - Italy)
• 27 June 2014 - Vairano di Vidigulfo race track (Pavia - Italy)
• 12 July 2014 - Vairano di Vidigulfo race track (Pavia - Italy)
• 25 July - Adria race track (Rovigo - Italy)
• 15 September 2014 - Vairano di Vidigulfo race track (Pavia - Italy)
• 06 October 2014 - Adria race track (Rovigo - Italy)

The first day's Special Guest will be a true motorcycling legend, Japanese rider Noriyuki Haga, who will giving the more expert riders on the Master course a truly unforgettable experience. Only four places are available on the course with Haga: this ensures participants get plenty of attention and benefit from the champion's unique tuition throughout the day.

"We look forward to seeing you on our courses and sharing a breathtaking day dedicated to riding," says Marco Lucchinelli, co-founder and instructor of the DAZEROA300 school. "Being able to continue this adventure with MV Agusta, together with some of the best professionals in the business, is an enormous pleasure. We want to share our passion for riding with the pupils: their support meant that we had the privilege of racing for a living. Now we want to give something back by letting them benefit from the experience and skills we've acquired on race tracks all over the world".

　

In addition to the riding courses there will also be practice sessions open to all enthusiasts eager to try out their bikes on a race circuit and have fun safely; moreover, it will also be possible to consult the instructors and riders of team DAZEROA300 and get some great riding technique and bike set-up tips.

To register and obtain information: www.dazeroa300.com

 

 

Aprilia-Powered Norton to Compete at Isle of Man TT

Norton will not be bringing their own V4 to a MotoGP circuit anytime soon; no one has any doubt that they want to, and as soon as they are able. As a stop-gap, and a very good learning experience, they will field a kit Aprilia RSV4 engine - not too different from what the CRT teams have access to - in a Spondon frame in this year's Isle of Man TT. That last connection is interesting as Spondon used to frame many racing Nortons in its previous incarnation. And, Norton's new owner, one Stuart Garner, also happens to own Spondon. It's better to keep the program in-house as much as possible so as to learn everything it is possible to learn when using another marque's engine. In this way, Norton can prepare to create their own future MotoGP CRT engine. Since Norton already has some designs for this, I doubt very much that they will make a duplicate RSV4 engine - they will want their own. Norton has a reputation to protect if they plan to stay connected to their heritage in a meaningful way.

http://tinyurl.com/7xogr79

Volkswagen Owns Ducati - Bought for $1.12 Billion

It is now final and official; after months - nee years if you listened to VW fans and their chatter - of rumor and speculation, VW's Audi brand has officially purchased Ducati for the sum of €860 million (US$1.12 billion). Some are arguing over why they did this. One of the articles linked here gets close. Audi wanted Ducati for the same reason VW wanted Bugatti and Lamborghini - prestige, a nameplate to put on the stock and letterhead. And, why not? Really, what kind of idiot would not buy a company on the rocketship rise, as is Ducati, for what is essentially a few days of revenue for VW/Audi? Not this idiot! Check it out and lust after the Panigale (someone needs to tell the Wired author that Ducati has actually named this one; no, not a great name, but a real name) in the photo here.

First tiny blurb: http://tinyurl.com/7s5zloj

Wired piece (far more informative): http://tinyurl.com/cmllp7e

Shell Advance 7 Riding Wonders FINALLY!

This was a story which I wanted to write last year, but the contest seemed to only be focused on central Asia and parts of Europe, so it did not match the audience I had at the time. Searching did not even turn up an entry link on the Shell Advance USA website. I have never ridden in India, but the contest certainly seemed to turn up a number of Indian roads - and the winning route is located there - but there are many who have been and their stories make this seem a little more possible. And, after all, it was an Italian who won the grand prize of the trip there and two Ducati motorcycles on which to experience it!

I still want to ride this road no matter how the decision was made:

http://tinyurl.com/ca5lquz

Moto Morini is Back! with a new model...for some reason

Sorry to be so late with this...again.

Moto Morini is actually ramping up production of the company's first new model since Sandro Capotosti and Ruggeromassimo Jannuzzelli bought the rights to the firm and brought it back from the receivership. Unfortunately, the first model is what the company has dubbed the Rebello; it sounds like it could be a cool name for a genre-bending bespoke machine. Instead it seems a bit humorous and over-the-top for a machine which looks much like it was designed on an 8-bit PC used for a 1980's video game. It's just my first opinion, but the lines simply do not flow well - the stop lines are all wrong and that makes it look like a Transformer in mid-change. It does sport top-shelf components, though, so maybe she rides better than she looks...judge for yourself:

http://tinyurl.com/6p3hf2m

http://tinyurl.com/d7o5xw9

P.S. The process for getting hands on one of the new Rebello models is a bit convoluted too...

Lamborghini Design 90 - Did You Know?

Did you know it existed? Very few did...probably one reason only six Lamborghini Design 90 motorcycles, a partnership between the ultra-car company and French motorcycle racing extraordinaire Boxer, were built. Enjoy that 1980s design aesthetic.

http://tinyurl.com/63rwbq6

Oberdan Bezzi "Builds" A Beautiful MV

If only someone would actually put this into real steel - or some alloy - it would be mine. OK, that is not strictly true; I could not afford it - and it WILL become reality very soon, according to one source (linked below). It could be mimicked by a cleaver builder with a salvaged Brutale or F4...and, it would not be extraordinarily expensive, either. The Oberdan Bezzi MV Agusta 750S Classic Concept will debut at EICMA Milan in only a few weeks' time. Isn't she a beauty!

http://tinyurl.com/6fqg259

Well, it was not the revolutionary V-4 I was naively expecting, but it is a serious redesign even if the displacement remains unchanged. The new Ducati Panigale will run with a 1199 cc V-Twin (or L-Twin to Ducatisti) known as the Superquadro, and the most recent details can be found after the link.

http://tinyurl.com/6gacckb

A Look at Something We Like...The MV Agusta 500 Triple & Agostini

Just because it is there and I an direct some traffic that way - a short piece on the history of the MV Agusta 500/3 which Ago ran starting in the FIM Grand Prix starting in 1966. Hold on for the ride beyond the link...the images on the other side are potentially dangerous...

http://tinyurl.com/5tk3b6d

Hey, that's looks somewhat similar to the lid I wear now...I wonder why?

The Italian Motorcycle Owners Club 28th Annual All-Italian Bike Rally

Coming up on 18 September in Sturbridge, MA, is the 28th Italian Motorcycle Owners Club All-Italian Motorcycle Rally. A passion for motorcycles is all you need to attend. Directly from the announcement:

The Italian Motorcycle Owners Club (IMOC) will be holding its 28th Annual all-Italian motorcycle Rally on Sunday, September 18, 2011 in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The IMOC Rally is the biggest and longest-running Italian motorcycle event in America. If the weather cooperates, it's not uncommon to have some 400 Italian bikes and 1,000 spectators on hand.

As usual, the Rally is held at the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club, 24 Hamilton Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566...from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Judging begins at Noon.

Admission is still only $5, per person. ALL proceeds in excess of expenses are donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (J.D.R.F.). Dealer Flea Market and Club spaces available. Refreshments and a food concession available
on-site.

This year's feature is the original, small-Block Ducati Pantah (500, 600, 650, 750)...such as the SL, TL, F1, Paso, Indiana, 750 Sport, etc., along with the Cagiva Allazzurra and Elefant.

All Italian motorcycles and scooters are welcome. No open pipes or pets, please.

Directions: from the Mass. Pike take exit 9, Rte. 20 West. Go 1/2-mile to New Boston Road, follow signs to Gun Club...which is a left turn onto Hamilton Road. From I-84, take exit 3B to Rte. 20 West...then proceed as above.

For more information and coverage of past IMOC Rallies visit www.imocusa.com.

Steven
Rossi
IMOC Rally Co-Chair
(860) 873-2999 Home
(248) 470-5788
Cell
SLDMRossi@aol. com

A Letter from Giovanni Castiglioni

Giovanni Castiglioni wrote a heartfelt letter to the many people who have been affected by the death of his father, Claudio Castiglioni - the man who saved the Italian motorcycle industry and built it into what we know and love today. Taken directly from the letter, in his own words:

I am writing you this letter to personally thank you for the outpouring of affection that you have demonstrated both towards my father and our family.

All of you have come to know Claudio, but I believe that I knew him more intimately than anybody else as he was more than a father to me, he was also my best friend, business partner, reference point and the person whom I could call on at anytime, day or night, to share both good and bad news.

I would like to tell you a little bit about him. In a few words he could only be defined as crazy, a volcano full of energy and infinite well of ideas… courageous, tenacious and a risk taker. Sometimes he would even risk a little bit too much.

He was different than most other business men in that he never put a lot of importance on money or personal success. He was driven by his emotions and lived for his company and his motorcycles.

My father personally re-launched the Italian motorcycle industry in the last 25 years and he did so risking everything, working day and night, fighting against a complex system in an industrial sector that is continually more difficult, and going up against the colossal motorcycle manufacturers without fear. Rather, he continually challenged them thanks to the brands and historic models that he came up with and developed.

I am not going to list all of the things that would not be if not for him, we all know the impact he had. But, I would like to explain how the company developed during the periods starting from 2007, the year that Husqvarna was sold to the multinational BMW, and 2008 when MV and Cagiva were sold to the glorious Harley-Davidson. In this period, the company was in financial difficulty due to the large investments and lack of liquidity. But, this was not the crisis that made him lose his resolve. Reflecting on the situation, we thought that our Group needed a stronger partner that would help us guarantee the continuity, as happened with a large number of privately held, family-owned companies in various sectors.

And that’s what we did.

But, companies run by these colossal giants do not always improve…

Besides the fact of the difficult times, the day that Harley-Davidson decided to put MV Agusta up for sale, my father whom was already battling his illness said “We will never give up on MV and all of the people who work there, we need to save it at all costs”.

I said to my father, for the thousandth time, that this would be crazy. But, his craziness infected even me and we came up with a new plan for this great adventure. A challenge against everyone…

Today, my father is no longer with us, but he has left us a grand inheritance: the best brand in the world, a four-cylinder line-up from 920cc to 1090cc with two F4’s and three Brutale’s that are all new and the new F3 675 and Brutale 675 that will allow us to increase our volumes while entering in the middle weight class. But, above all, he set the path for our future. Two concepts for new models were formed by him during the fight against his illness and I will continue his work developing these new models together with our strong team.

Today, MV is a solid company with strong economic results that are very different from those in the past and we are a company that is without debt, something very rare in these challenging economic times. This is a unique historical period, the crisis and the difficulty in finding financial support for product development do not help, but we are full of resolve. With our clear plan and direction we are certain that we will grow stronger than ever.

I cannot be everything that my father was, nor could the Engineer Bordi, who is a key figure in our present and future success, be. None of us can replace my father, but one thing is certain: none of us are afraid of the future and we will never give up. We will continue to go forward as before, but with even more determination and resolve. We will tighten our belts and make whatever sacrifices will need to be made to bring MV the success that it deserves.

My father has taught me many things, the most important of which is that you need to be a man and never give up.

We have all the tools at our disposal to achieve a new level of success and to grow together in the future. I am confident that we have all of your continued support for this great challenge.

Buon lavoro e grazie

Giovanni Castiglioni

Claudio Castiglioni Has Died

From the MV Agusta PR:

Claudio Castiglioni, 64 years old and President of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. passed away this morning in Varese, Italy after a courageous battle against an illness.

The man who personally elevated the Italian motorcycle industry to its current role as world leader and the businessman who excelled with MV Agusta, Cagiva, Ducati and Husqvarna brands has left us.

After his experience in the family business’s specializing in metalworking and manufacturing, in 1978 Castiglioni founded the company Cagiva which continually developed new and innovative motorcycles that have influenced the direction of the Italian and world motorcycle markets through the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Intuitive, tenacious, and a true visionary: these qualities drove Claudio Castiglioni to purchase the historic brands like Ducati, Husqvarna and MV Agusta. Coupled with his vision, diligence, hard work and financial investment these brands have once again become the protagonist of the two wheeled market.

Claudio Castiglioni has given us some of the most important motorcycles ever built, personifying performance, elegance and style: Cagiva Elefant and Mito, Ducati 916 and Monster as well as the MV Agusta F4 and Brutale. Finally, the President crafted the latest jewels in every detail, a testament to his insatiable passion for motorcycles: the MV Agusta F3 and Brutale 675.

Racing has always been one of his greatest passions, and his forays into competition have resulted in success at every level of world championship racing. With Cagiva came the titles of World Motocross Champion as well as the triumphs in the most enduring desert race, the Paris-Dakar. Also with Cagiva were the numerous successes in the 500 GP class. Ducati, under his guidance, dominated entire seasons of the World Superbike Championship thanks to models such as the 851 and 916. Finally, Husqvarna acquired a number of World Championships in Enduro, Motocross and Supermotard.

At the very center of his personal and professional history there is MV Agusta, to which he dedicated over 15 years creating motorcycles which have come to be considered the world wide icon for style and exclusivity as well as representing excellence Made in Italy. With the MV Agusta motorcycles, nothing was ever left to chance, the smallest details were reviewed and revised hundreds of times in order to create motorcycles that are simply unique, personifying perfection. Behind every detail, there are the ideas, heart and soul of Claudio Castiglioni.

For the past year, the President has left the guidance of MV Agusta to his son Giovanni, who has been by his side during many of the battles that have formed the story of the manufacture in Varese. These challenges, day after day, constructed and invisible fabric that was so well woven by this truly unique person and businessman. Giovanni, with the same passion and tenacity as his father, from this day forth will continue to create what Claudio Castiglioni described as “the most beautiful motorcycles in the world”.

The funeral will take place Friday August 19th at 14:00 in the Church of the Brunella in via Crispi, Varese (Italy).

PR ends...

Another legend leaves us behind...maybe he will be able to host a race team with Gary Nixon, who joins on The Other Side...

RIP

Valentino Rossi Sells Out - Will Ride Ducati in 2011

Since it seems that very few people on this side of the pond know this, I figured it would be a good idea to post it. It seems that the big and exclusive 'secret story' which MCN (UK) had been prepping us with over the last 24 hours is that Yamaha MotoGP racer Valentino Rossi has fled Yamaha and will ride on a Ducati for the 2011 MotoGP Championship. The details are not clear as of yet, but you can confirm this by taking the link below.

http://tinyurl.com/2buctow

Moto Morini Dead? Looks Possible Now...

Yep, the bad news is that it seems the deal between Paolo Berlusconi, his New Garelli company, and Moto Morini has fallen apart. The interested parties are blaming the labor unions for this situation, but we will not know the whole truth until we hear from both sides. As it is now, though, there seems to be little hope that Moto Morini will be able to survive as it is. What will likely happen is a bankruptcy, selling of assets and then someone, possibly Berlusconi, will purchase the rights to the name and start all over again...All we can do is hope that Moto Morini will survive somehow...

http://tinyurl.com/23g72f7

Big Bad News from Moto Morini - Buyout Rejected by Unions

The trade unions working for Moto Morini have voted against the buyout offer presented by Paolo Berlusconi, which essentially kills the deal for now. Most familiar with the proceedings believe that Berlusconi will tender another offer within weeks. For everyone who wishes this marque a win for a change, let's hope a deal is reached very soon. It will be nice to see something good come from all the suffering...

http://tinyurl.com/23rr2jo

Oberdan Bezzi Brings Us the MMB1 - Bimota's First Moto Morini - And MMB2!

Unfortunately, it is just a drawing presently. And, of course, many malign the Moto Morini powerplant. However, this design concept just simply works. It is beautiful, Italian and looks like it would be one to add to my garage - if I can ever afford another motorcycle. Oberdan Bezzi is a talented idea man who has brought us some of the most interesting designs I have seen. It is called the MMB1 - meaning Moto Morini Bimota, first model. Just take a look and then read the story behind why this came about...

http://tinyurl.com/y4euvd2

Just a few days later...we get yet another design from the mind of Oberdan Bezzi! This one is a cross between a streetfighter and supermoto concept with a more upright ergonomic setup and a surprisingly edgy look. It sure would be nice to know that Bimota would at least consider something like these machines. I am certain they would sell well - at least for the boutique perfectionism of this fine Italian marque. It would be nice to get one or both of these lovely works of mechanical art! If only they will become reality...

http://tinyurl.com/25jc97a

HOPE! Hope for Moto Morini - Berlusconi Buys!

Brother to Italian Prime Minister Silvio, Paolo Berlusconi has purchased Moto Morini and may have just saved it from becoming history. This is great news if Mr. Berlusconi is a fan of the marque's heritage and its desire to build its own engines. The word is that a new business plan - and, hopefully, an emergence from bankruptcy - should be in place by the 2010 EICMA show in Milan. Berlusconi also owns Italian marque Garelli and is in serious talks to take over MV Agusta...the plot thickens...

http://tinyurl.com/y3ykd27

2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Ride & Motocorse Monster 1100 Titanium!

Here we ave another impression on the new Ducati Multistrada 1200. The odd aura around this machine seems to be holding back the big mag reviews. Must be waiting to sell some serious ads; that makes sense. This is a first impression of the Multistrada S model - the one I want - and it is a bit short. However, it is a nice rational look at this beast. Take the link and read it for yourself. (You already know that the author will drool over this of all bikes.)

http://tinyurl.com/yebczap

This comes right out of Japan and Italy; the new machine of the moment from the brilliant folks at Motocorse have produced a rather severely beautiful and light Ducati Monster 1100. It is tricked out with all of their best kit and is loaded with titanium (obviously) and carbon fibre - saving nearly 29 lb. of weight. Put these Japanese artists to work with the Italian artists and the work of Motocorse is what you get - abject beauty. Take the link and learn the rest of the specs. No price has yet been announced, but if you have to ask...

http://tinyurl.com/y8z7vyp

Italian Motocross Championship Results & Spanish Enduro Championship Husaberg-Style

The fourth and final round of the Italian Motocross Championship is in the books. This final round took place in the town of San Severino and it was thought that Aprilia rider Josh Coppins would be the man to beat. It did not turn out that way, though, as Coppins had technical issues which kept him from finishing high enough to take the Championship. That honor went to Davide Guarneri for 2010. Take the link to learn more...

http://tinyurl.com/yak9drr

Husaberg has two rider competing in the Spanish Enduro Championship, Oriol Mena in E3 and Xavi Galindo in E2. When the flag fell in the E3 category, Mena was second in the race and fourth overall for the weekend. Galindo had similar luck, but he could not get to the podium slot in time and finished in fourth. Overall, Husaberg was happy with the results when the severely wet weather in taken into account.

http://tinyurl.com/yhmhdod

Isle of Man TT Newcomers & 2010 MV Agusta F4 First Impression

The Isle of Man TT always brings riders form all over the world to race on its Mountain Course. Well, this year will actually be something special and there are several well-known racers who will be taking to the TT for the first time. Some of these riders are multi-time champions, and yet they have never thrown a leg over during TT week. Well, take the link to learn exactly who will be running the 37.73 mile course this summer...

http://tinyurl.com/yaoyzps

The all-new for 2010 MV Agusta F4 may look very similar to its predecessor, but there are several major changes which add up to make this liter-class Italian exotica something more than just a slight upgrade. The handling is better, engine performance more linear and overall control has been tamed somewhat. Still, it is from MV Agusta, so it will always be the beast it is at heart - and for which we all love the F4!

http://tinyurl.com/y9y6bzt