Posts
A new concept motorcycle from the mind of Oberdan Bezzi has come to light. He has designed a Benelli flat-track motorcycle which he calls the Benelli 2 TechnoTracker. It is based on the as yet unreleased Benelli 2ue 756 naked streetbike, and Bezzi expects his design would be competitive in the AMA flat track racing events. We have to get the new bike out of Benelli first, but it sure looks good to me!
http://tinyurl.com/yz5g8f4
The US side of the Avon Tyres company has released a new website. It offers company news, technical details and more! It will also have information on motorcycle events, featured builders, contests and testimonials from Avon users. The website is most useful for researching Avon products, as you might expect, and has some of the best technical details of any tire website on the Internet! Check it out for yourself.
http://tinyurl.com/yk8unxh
More Afternoon Moto News - Benelli 2 TechnoTracker & Avon Tires
Tuesday Afternoon Moto News - Elias Fastest Again & Derbi GPR125
Toni Elias left the Moto2 test, which ended on Monday, as the fastest rider on the circuit again! Wet weather really slowed things down on the first and last days of the test, so Sunday's times were the fastest. Elias' Gresini Racing Moriwaki finished up third overall at the previous test, so it does seem that they found more power or handling somewhere! Most of the other riders at the top were also on top at the last test...however, some have improved greatly. For the details, please take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/yhc8e4b
Derbi, builder of some of the most exciting small-displacement motorcycles on the road (though, mostly in Europe), has announced the new high-tech GPR 125 four-stroke machine. It is a very well designed and built motorcycle which was developed by Derbi and Piaggio. If you look closely at this bike, you will see some of the most innovative ideas ever executed for a motorcycle of this size. It is worth a look...and it would be a very cool machine to own just for fun!
http://tinyurl.com/yhkzjqu
More Morning Moto News - MCI Celebrates 100 Years & MotoGP Rookies Cup
The Motor Cycle Industry is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and they are letting it be known that motorcycling provides some 3 billion British Pounds in added value to the UK. Of course, they plan on keeping up their best work and improving on other programs with the main goal to protect, promote and expand the motorcycle industry in the United Kingdom. Give them a hand by taking the link and getting more detail on what is planned this year!
http://tinyurl.com/yagf6zy
The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup has started to accept applications now for the 2010 selection season (for competition in the Cup in 2011). If you are young enough or know someone who is - get them to head on over and fill out an application for the series. Of course, there are expenses to worry about, but a chance at becoming a World Champion motorcycle racer is worth a great deal to a great many people. Take the link and get your details!
http://tinyurl.com/yf8wgha
More Morning Moto News - CAME Yamaha & Worx Crescent Suzuki
CAME Yamaha will launch their British Supersport Championship team at the grand opening of their new Manchester location during 25 - 27 March 2010. You will have a chance to meet the entire team - that includes riders, techs and other support members of the team. There will also be plenty of marketing schwag - hats, t-shirts and the like - as well as a chance to win tickets to selected rounds of the BSB series!
http://tinyurl.com/ydutthc
In more testing for the BSB season at Cartegena, Yukio Kagayama and his Worx Crescent teammate Tommy Hill were still the fastest on the track - both went past the track record lap time during their testing. We have covered this before, but this is a great piece from Alex Gobert, so go on over and check it out!
http://tinyurl.com/ydnyfug
Tuesday Morning Moto News - SA Superbike, Masterbike & Thundersport GB
They actually refer to it as the 2010 South African Motorcycle championship, but it is the premier motorcycle road-race series in South Africa. This coming weekend will mark races three and four at the Western Cape Killarney circuit. Currently, Sheridan Morais and Lance Isaacs are tied in the points for first in the Superbike class. In Supersport 600 racing, Ronan Quarmby has the overall lead. For all the details, you know what to do!
http://tinyurl.com/ye6cncv
The BMW S1000RR has wiped the rest of the competition off of the circuit at the annual Masterbike shootout which takes place in Spain every year. The BMW went up against all of the top liter-class sportbikes from Europe and Japan as well as the 1200cc V-Twins - and it smashed them all. For more details, check your usual motorcycle rag as they are bound to cover it.
http://tinyurl.com/yeazcwc
The Thundersport GB season kicks off this coming weekend (12 - 14 March 2010) at Mallory Park in the UK. Many of the teams were out practicing this pas weekend at the same venue - as well as racing on Sunday in a local series. The F1 Sidecar series will start at the second round at Pembrey along with the first races of the British Supermono Championship and the Aprilia GP450 series. For all the news, please take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/y8djcfv
Monday Night Moto News - Leigh Adams to Join Speedway Broadcast
Former FIM Speedway star Leigh Adams just announced his retirement early this year. Now we hear that Adams will be spending time in the announcing booth with the Sky Sports broadcast team during the 2010 FIM Speedway Grand Prix season. Having him on the team should add to the knowledge from which they draw their commentar. It could be a very good move...
http://tinyurl.com/yaydlz3
Monday Afternoon Moto News - Speed Dating!
Yep, it's that time of the week again, Road Racer X's 'Speed Dating' article. This week's birthdays are Bill Lomas, Jamie James, Franco Uncini, Rocky Robinson, Barry Sheene, Mat Mladin, Eddie Lawson, Henry Riles, Dr. Martin Raines, Elmer Trett, Graziano Rossi, and Philip Conrad Vincent. This week also marks the date of the first MotoGP night race in 2008 and the first race of the 800cc era of MotoGP as well. Take the link and get the stories behind the names.
http://tinyurl.com/ylakg8n
Monday Afternoon Moto News - IronHorse Auction Date Set & Honda VFR1200F Sales
We probably all heard that American IronHorse has closed and its assets will be offered at auction by a liquidation specialist. Well, they have finally set a date for the auction itself - bids may be entered on items in the auction up until 17:00 (local time) 19 March 2010 and the auction will be taking place in New York City on 23 March 2010. All trademarks will be up for sale as well as the entire builder's shop (tools, patents, motorcycles, motorcycle parts, etc.). For all of the details, please take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/yl3lowt
In the UK, the Honda VFR1200F became the top-selling motorcycle in the nation during the month of February. This comes at the expense of critics there which pretty much panned the new sport-tourer from the team at Honda - MCN(UK) called it a serious let-down and not worth the asking price. Given the competition, it was not exactly un-called for - the VFR needs a little more high-tech equipment to really unseat such tourers as the BMW models, Ducati's Multistrada and even the Guzzi Stelvio ABS. But, the buyers seem happy enough...and Honda is the one laughing its way to the bank...
http://tinyurl.com/y8ak7c9
More Morning Moto News - Oceania MX & Marouane Bembli
The Australian contingent at the Oceania Motocross Championships managed to turn in a very impressive race performance which saw them win the title at the event. New Zealand was their main competition, but the Kiwis did not have all of the racers finish on the podium and thus gave the event to their Aussie neighbors. Oz won by a mere 18 points, but the results looked rather better for them than NZ.
http://tinyurl.com/ygja2xj
Marouane Bembli has created a concept motorcycle which was inspired by the insipid "Transformers" movie, but the bike looks much more Batbike than something Megan Fox would ride. In fact, it even has the long and low look of the Bat-machine from the new Batman films. Take a look for yourself, though there is precious little information on the bike anywhere as of yet.
http://tinyurl.com/yzp2mt2
Monday Morning Moto News - Camier Auction, Simon Andrews & Spanish Tests
Leon Camier is making the best out of a nasty situation...well, a problem he had last weekend as he crashed his factory Aprilia RSV-4 during Superpole qualifying at Phillip Island. Camier is auctioning off the screen from the bike with all proceeds going to Sport Relief. He is hoping that something bad for him can turn in to something good for someone else...not a bad plan...
http://tinyurl.com/yj338q7
Simon Andrews has finally faced sentencing in his case involving his 24 October 2009 early morning crash. Since there was no evidence of 'drink-driving', he was not sentenced under that statute. Instead, he was instructed to pay a fine and had some penalty points added to his license. But, the judge was rather sure that Andrews should have been given a harsher sentence, but he had not evidence to do so...
http://tinyurl.com/ylh4bev
The bevy of Bristish Superbike Championship teams testing at Cartagena, Spain, over the last few days has finally wrapped things up and some reports are coming in. I may have posted about one or two of these before, but these should be fresh stories on the subject. Take a look...
Rob Mac Racing/Motorpoint Yamaha: http://tinyurl.com/ygb7wck
Worx Crescent Suzuki: http://tinyurl.com/yhuttts
Sunday Afternoon Moto News - AMA Supercross & GNCC Results
At Daytona Bike Week, attendees have the chance to experience just about any form of motorcycling they wish to. Of course, the racing is one of the more important items on anyone's list, and the AMA Supercross race is always a good choice for entertaining racing with some of the world's best off-road racers. In this round, class rookie Ryan Villopoto. He led the race from start to finish on his Monster Kawasaki, dominating the proceedings. In the Supercross Lites East, Christophe Pourcel conquered the 250cc class.
http://tinyurl.com/ykcozj5
Well, you might get to read the article...it depends on whether you can load the page or not. However, at least we know that the winner of the recent AMA GNCC round is Josh Strang.
http://tinyurl.com/yhcwnlp
Sunday Morning Moto News - Tommy Hill & Rene Cormier
On the second-to-last day of British Superbike Practice at the Cartagena, Spain, circuit, Worx Crescent rider Tommy Hill pulled the fastest lap of the day. The telling part of this feat is that Hill was setting consistent laps while working on many different aspects of race set up. This is a positive test for this team!
http://tinyurl.com/yj3yn8c
By the end of the test, Hill was still on top: http://tinyurl.com/yzs9fvt
Rene Cormier is another person who decided to take a motorcycle around the world. Seven years ago, Cormier sold just about everything he owned and packed up a BMW F650GS motorcycle and took off. The book he wrote about the journey is called "The University of Gravel Roads: Global Lessons From a Four Year Motorcycle Adventure" and Cormier will be in Calgary today discussing it. For all the details, please take the link...
http://tinyurl.com/ylmds3b
Saturday Night Moto News - British Speedway Fights New Championship
Actually, it is the new structure of the World Under-21 Speedway Championship which they are fighting over. It seems that the new four race format will force competitors to miss some six British Speedway events. It's like robbing the best young riders from the circuit for half the season, and the team managers and owners are not happy about this - as I am sure you can imagine. Something will hopefully be worked out before this becomes a much larger issue.
http://tinyurl.com/ykcznn2
Nice to post one more before I enjoy a relatively warm evening ride...
More Morning Moto News - BSB Tickets & Neil Hodgson
You could win tickets to the opening round of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch, which takes place over Easter weekend, 2 - 5 April 2010. For your chance to see the race action yourself - for free - take the link and answer the question on the page. If you get it right and are selected, you will get two tickets to see the event!
http://tinyurl.com/yztdmlr
Neil Hodgson is starting to like the way his race machine feels - this after some seven days of testing in Spain at two different locations. Motorpoint Yamaha has been working hard to give him the mount he needs to be competitive. His teammate Dan Linfoot is also expected to do very well this year. But, if Hodgson does come to terms with the sweet R1 he is racing, everyone else must take care and keep their eyes open - Hodgson is heading for the win!
http://tinyurl.com/yk8actj
More Morning Moto News - Rossi and Simoncelli & 2010 Triumph Thunderbird
Valentino Rossi has said that Marco Simoncelli needs to take some time to figure out why the rookie is having a tough time getting used to his new MotoGP role. Given the young Italian's crashing ways during the winter testing, Rossi thinks that Simoncelli should analyze his issues and find a way to get past them. After all, Simoncelli does have some serious potential. I hope he listens; I want to see him fighting for podium slots!
http://tinyurl.com/yfn2k33
The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird is a huge motorcycle, and it has the power to match its looks. But, how did it come about? Where does this new machine come from? For a great tale of how the new T-Bird came to be, you should take the link and read about the process at Triumph which brought this great motorcycle to the streets.
http://tinyurl.com/ya3xvjt
Saturday Morning Moto News - MV Agusta 0% & Aprilia Cheating(?)
MV Agusta UK has a deal you cannot pass up. Purchase any new model of the MV Agusta Brutale - 990R or 1090RR - and you will get either 0, 2, or 3 % interest! Take the link to learn the rest of the details and then get to your MV dealer ASAP!
http://tinyurl.com/yjabuj3
In the most recent round of the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island, the Aprilia factory team chose to test out some gear-driven cams versus the stock machines chain-driven cams. This is allowed in the rules, but certain conditions must be met first. This will probably not cost Aprilia points, but a decision may force them to race with chain-driven cams like on the streetgoing version of the bike.
http://tinyurl.com/ygsqh6v
More Night Moto News - Teka Suzuki & Nelis 1000R
The FIM Motocross World Championship - as well as Belgian and German National events - team of Teka Suzuki has joined forces with Rockstar Energy as a major sponsor in all of their racing. This brings this already strong AMA Motocross pairing of Rockstar and Makita Suzuki (Ryan Dungey) even closer to the Suzuki factory. International sponsorship is incredibly important and has a stabilizing force on a race team. Riders Clement Desalle and Steve Ramon should be able to just worry about racing now. Look for some incredible results from this team thanks to this new deal!
Friday Night Moto News - Daytona AMA Pro Racing Update
It was another close finish in the second race of the AMA Pro Racing American Superbike series at Daytona International Speedway. And, Jake Zemke pulled it off again! Two wins, two days. Two very close finishes again. I wish I would have been there...Please, take the link below to learn more about the race.
http://tinyurl.com/yhtkmdn
In the world famous Daytona 200 Yamaha notched their dominance of the class with Team Graves rider Josh Herrin taking the victory. I knew this would happen, and you likely did as well; this guy is good. Dane Westby pulled in second place and Ducati 848 rider Steve Rapp rounds out the podium. A past acquaintance, Ricky Orlando finished up in 14th...a solid accomplishment for a privateer effort. Take the link to see the full list of finishers - it is preliminary, so it could change slightly after verification.
http://tinyurl.com/yzs4rzt
More news: http://tinyurl.com/yhntt4s
Post-race press conference: http://tinyurl.com/ygdhase
More Afternoon Moto News - Ducati/Italwin & Daytona 200 History
We now hear that the Ducati e-bike, which is made by Italian bicycle manufacturer Italwin and simply branded Ducati, will soon be available for purchase. Worldwide distribution has begun for the City Pearl and the Cucciolo (named after the very first Ducati) and one should be at a bicycle or Ducati motorcycle dealer soon. To see more, please take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/y9pg58t
The Daytona 200 turns 69 tomorrow. That's a very long time to be in the motorcycle racing business these days - so many other historic races have disappeared. With that in mind, we should have a look back at the history of this American motorcycle road race and see why it is so important to us. So many great racers have pushed themselves to the limit at the event - both on the current track and on the old beachfront. And, many have lost their lives there too. Unfortunately, the linked piece is short, but at least you can have a quick read.
http://tinyurl.com/yej59wd
More Afternoon Moto News - Husaberg Wins & Neil Freeman
Husaberg has won its first US National win for the 2010 National Enduro Series. Rider Mike Lafferty won the third round of the event held at Daytona Beach for Daytona Bike Week. His teammate, Nick Fahringer, placed third after pushing very hard to catch Russell Bobbit, who finished in second. The event was a bit of a struggle as there was plenty of mud, but the Husaberg factory team pulled off an impressive showing!
http://tinyurl.com/ye9bb3c
Neil Freeman (former crew chief for Jamie Hacking on the Monster Kawasaki AMA team) has joined forces with Spectrum Motorsports to offer customers access to a true speed shop. Out of this comes the Spectrum Speed Shop, which can take just about any motorcycle and make it more powerful and, of course, more powerful! For the details and how you can get your bike in for some work, please take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/ydplroe