Details are sparse (actually, non-existent) about what the 890 Duke GP will entail, but it will follow on the heels of an updated 890 Duke R. More when we get it.
Begin press release:
FEBRUARY 2022 IS MIDWEIGHT DUKE MONTH AT KTM
KTM is kicking off its ‘Midweight NAKED’ campaign in February 2022. This will see the launch of two Middle weight titans into this segment.
The wildly contested middle weight motorcycle segment is one that throws a lot of punches. However, the KTM DUKE range has proven to be an undisputed champion in the middle weight arena, boasting impressive performance and unmatched handling with scalpel-like precision, appealing to riders looking for agility, punch, and poise.
February 2022 will see the Midweight NAKED campaign enter the ring, bringing with it some big hitters. Orange bleeders can look forward to a refreshed KTM 890 DUKE R, which sees some fresh new colorways, catapulting THE SUPER SCALPEL to the top step of the Midweight segment. A new DUKE offering also enters the fray, with a Grand Prix-inspired KTM 890 DUKE stepping into the ring as a re-fire title contender.
In typical KTM fashion, Midweight NAKED February will be a no-holds-barred event, unleashing the best middle weight nakeds into the market. Keep your RPM high and your clutch at the ready for the full release of the aforementioned models on the below dates:
7 February
KTM 890 DUKE R – An even sharper iteration of THE SUPER SCALPEL slices onto the scene.
22 February
KTM 890 DUKE GP – A Grand Prix-inspired entry into DUKEDOM.
Keep your visor down, your new ride is about to be unveiled, visit ktm.com for details on the models.
New Euro 5 cylinder heads produce better low-midrange torque
Updated electronics suite, rear shock
Commemorative paint stands out
Downs
Don’t get too carried away riding off-road
Sluggish steering and handling on road
Only 40th anniversary paint scheme available
Verdict
As a throwback model, the R nineT Urban does a great job of representing the bike that started the adventure bike segment, the 1980 R80G/S. And true to its R nineT bloodline, it’s simpler and more accessible than the current BMW GS models; no huge fuel tank or equally huge price tag, no dizzying array of electronics. Just don’t try to emulate the off-road (and actually, even on-road) capabilities of a modern GS; stick to easier routes and keep your speed in check, and you’ll have a blast.
2022 BMW R nineT Urban G/S. (BMW/)
Overview
Just like the original R80G/S, BMW likely had no idea that the original 2014 R nineT was going to be such a successful model for the company. The back-to-basics R nineT proved to be a hit with the burgeoning retro-classic heritage bike movement, and swiftly spawned numerous offshoot models. The Urban G/S is one of them, debuting in 2017, and it has continued to be one of the more popular versions of the R nineT. Utilizing the same “oilhead” boxer engine platform, the Urban G/S gets slightly longer-travel suspension and different chassis geometry to give it some off-road capability, and wire spoke wheels (including a larger 19-inch wheel up front) to bolster the adventure bike look. Check out CW’s First Ride Review of the 2018 R nineT Urban G/S here.
Updates for 2021
The entire R nineT lineup received numerous subtle upgrades for 2021. In order to comply with stricter Euro 5 emissions regs, new cylinder heads with improved combustion not only run cleaner, but also boost low-midrange power. The cylinder head covers and round analog speedometer have been restyled, a USB charging port for your phone is now standard, and all lighting is now handled by LED units. A new rear shock with travel-dependent damping is also equipped with a handwheel spring preload adjuster. Electronics have been upgraded, with Road and Rain Ride Modes now available, in addition to ABS Pro (cornering ABS) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC, adjustable engine braking). With the optional Ride Modes Pro, you can access Dirt Ride Mode, which optimizes throttle response, traction control, and ABS to better suit off-road conditions. For 2022, the Urban G/S is only available in Imperial Blue Metallic and the “40 Years of G/S Edition” has been eliminated.
Pricing And Variants
The base model R nineT Urban starts at $13,995, but there likely won’t be any available without the $1,000 Select Package option, which includes Dynamic Traction Control, Adaptive Headlight, Dynamic Engine Brake Control, heated grips, cruise control, and Ride Modes Pro. Other options such as off-road tires, black or gold rims on the wire-spoke wheels, or the Scrambler-type dual-muffler high-mount exhaust are available at no extra cost.
Utilizing the previous-generation air/oil-cooled 1,170cc opposed-twin “boxer” engine with updated cylinder heads for improved combustion in order to pass stricter Euro 5 emissions regs, BMW is claiming 109 horsepower at 7,250 rpm with 85 lb/ft of torque at 6,000 rpm for the newest R nineT. This is one horsepower down on the prior version, but BMW is claiming a marked increase in midrange power with peak power occurring 500 rpm sooner than the old version.
2022 BMW R nineT Urban G/S. (BMW/)
Handling
The Urban G/S has some major differences from the standard R nineT or Pure models, starting with the larger 19-inch front wheel, more than two degrees increase in rake angle (28.5° versus 26.8° on the standard R nineT and 26.6° on the Pure) for better stability off-road, and a wheelbase that’s more than an inch longer. This results in steering that’s noticeably heavier and more sluggish than the standard R nineT on the street, and if you choose the off-road Conti TKC80 rubber, even more so. Softer spring and damping rates in the suspension jar your wrists over sharp potholes and washouts if you try to push the pace in any way, either on or off-road. Keep the speed down and the route not too bumpy, and alle ist gut. Read Zach Courts’ take on the Urban G/S in this Motorcyclist review.
Brakes
The Urban G/S utilizes the same dual four-piston Brembo caliper/320mm front disc combination up front as all the other R nineT models, providing excellent stopping power. A two-piston sliding-pin caliper and 264mm disc handle rear brake duties.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
There are no fuel economy figures for the 2021 R nineT Urban G/S Edition 40 Years GS.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
The R nineT Urban G/S has your typical standard-style upright riding position, with a short reach to the tubular handlebar, decent legroom, and a firmly padded one-piece seat. Speaking of the seat, it’s noticeably higher than the other R nineT models at 33.5 inches, so those short of inseam might be tip-toeing at stoplights. Because of the one-piece seat, passenger accommodations are adequate as well.
Electronics
Part of the upgrades in 2021 included rider aid electronics, in the form of the making Road and Rain Ride Modes, ABS and ABS Pro (cornering ABS), and Dynamic Engine Braking Control all installed as standard equipment. The Ride Modes Pro option is also now available, which allows access to Dirt Ride Mode; this mode delays the intervention parameters for the traction control, ABS/ABS Pro, and Dynamic Engine Brake Control to allow the rider more leeway when riding off-road. The headlight, taillight, and turn signals are all LED units, and a USB charging port for your smartphone or other personal electronics is included.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The R nineT Urban G/S comes with BMW’s excellent 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, as well as its 3-year/unlimited-mile Roadside Assistance.
Quality
The R nineT Urban G/S has the typical quality BMW feel throughout, and all the available options and parts are just as top shelf. The company prides itself on the quality of its motorcycles, and the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty shows how confident it is of those products.
In 2015, there were two women on the Moto3™ grid, as Maria Herrera represented the Husqvarna Factory Laglisse team. The Toledo native, who also came through the FIM CEV Repsol, bagged 11th place at Phillip Island, which remains her best result. Herrera collected eight more points during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, and after a brief transit through the WorldSSP300, she embarked on an FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup adventure. Herrera is still riding for the Aspar Team, with the aim of beating a personal best fifth position, achieved at Misano in 2019.
The new-for-2022 Indian Scout Rogue is the most aggressive iteration of the Scout platform yet, and it does look pretty cool. But rather than an all-new model, it’s basically a Scout Bobber with higher bars and a taller front wheel, plus the addition of a quarter-fairing and a few other bits and bobs.
The mini-ape handlebar from the Bobber Twenty places a rider’s hands a few inches lower than shoulders, and footpegs are positioned moderately forward. The 19-inch aluminum front wheel contrasts with the 16-inchers on all other Scouts.
The most obvious distinction for the Rogue is its decently sized fairing that should take some sting out of highway travels. Also new for the Rogue is a sport-style solo seat with Indian embossed on the backrest portion, as well as blacked-out fenders and valve covers.
As with previous Scouts, the Rogue uses Indian’s liquid-cooled V-Twin, available in two displacements. The Rogue Sixty comes with a 60 cubic-inch (999cc) motor producing a claimed 78 horsepower. The Black Metallic version retails for a reasonable $9,999, but ABS is a $900 option. Titanium Smoke and Bronze Smoke colorways retail for $11,399 and include ABS.
Riders who are hungry for power will want to upgrade to the non-Sixty Rogue, which is fitted with the 69 cubic-inch (1,133cc) motor that is said to produce 100 horsepower, rated at the crankshaft. When we recently tested the Scout Bobber with this engine, it spat out 85 horsepower to the rear wheel, arriving at 8,100 rpm. Torque peaked at 5,700 rpm with 64.5 lb-ft of twist.
Its MSRP starts at $11,499 for the Black Metallic base model, in which ABS is a $900 upgrade. ABS is factory-equipped on Storm Blue, Sagebrush Smoke, Black Smoke, Black Smoke Midnight and Stealth Gray versions, with MSRPs starting at $12,899.
“For so many motorcyclists, riding carries a rogue spirit – a bold statement of freedom and individuality that brings riders together – and Scout Rogue delivers that in spades,” said Aaron Jax, Indian Motorcycle Vice President.
Indian also touts its line of accessories for the Scout range. Perhaps most intriguing is the Pathfinder adaptive LED headlight, which activates 15 individual beams inside the lamp’s 5.75-inch housing based on the bike’s lean angle. The $500 headlight utilizes patented technology that is claimed to project light farther and with an improved light spread.
Other accessories available include adjustable shocks ($800), a tachometer with shift light ($300), seats, luggage, and smoked turnsignal lenses. The Rogue’s fairing can be fitted to other Scouts, retailing for $350 for an unpainted unit or $500 when painted.
The 2022 Indian Scout Rogue and Scout Rogue Sixty will begin shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers in early 2022. More info at IndianMotorcycle.com.
“Today has been a really positive day. I am starting to feel better on the bike because we made some good changes,” said Gardner. “Although overall I can manage, I am still trying to deal with my wrist as it became a bit more painful as the day went by. Anyway, these days are for testing many things, it is all going smooth at the moment, I am enjoying the process, and I can’t wait for tomorrow.”
HRC Test Rider Stefan Bradl, after missing Day 1 of the Shakedown, was giving the new RC123V a runout. The German was working on the second 2022 chassis that Honda have in their arsenal, previously seen in Jerez at the end of last year. In addition, the exhausts and the tail unit have been updated from the Jerez Test.
Sunderland celebrates GasGas’s Dakar win in Mattihhofen
The entire GASGAS family congratulated Sam Sunderland on his outstanding performance at Dakar Rally in Mattighoffen in Australia, with history made for the manufacturer in just their third try at the Dakar. For Pierer Mobility AG which includes KTM and Husqvarna, it also marked their 19th title.
Sam Sunderland and the GasGas Team
To celebrate the 2022 Dakar victory in style, Sam Sunderland handed over the trophy at the Headquarters to Stefan Pierer, before riding his winning Dakar bike through various buildings to the delight of all employees.
Sam Sunderland
“It’s incredible to celebrate my Dakar win with everyone from GASGAS, I will remember this day forever. This really was a team effort with so many people at the factory in Austria fully behind the rally program, so it’s amazing to share this special result with all of them. This Dakar win really does feel so much better than my first! It’s my first rally win with GASGAS and things couldn’t have gone any better. The bike worked perfectly from the start, which made things a lot easier, as this year’s race was one of the toughest I’ve ever done. It’s been five years since my first win and with it being such a tight race this year, it makes this victory much sweeter.”
Stefan Pierer – CEO PIERER Mobility AG
“Winning our 19th Dakar Rally title and to bring back the trophy to Mattighofen is a very special moment for everyone here in the company. It clearly underlines our commitment to this very special event and writes a positive new chapter in our incredible Dakar history. Sam’s performance was truly impressive. With the support of the GASGAS team, he managed the race perfectly, fighting hard and using his experience perfectly. This is a result everyone involved in GASGAS can be very proud of.”
Sam Sunderland and the GasGas Factory team
Pit Beirer – Motorsport Director
“Sam has done an incredible job at this year’s Dakar. It was a long fight, with many challenges to overcome, but with the support of the whole Motorsports team he was able to bring the trophy back to Austria. We are so proud of all the hard work the whole GASGAS team have put in to achieve their first Dakar win – it’s an historic victory and hopefully just the first success in what will be a successful year for the brand. When you think about what goes into a race like Dakar – the preparation, the logistics, the trucks, everything that goes on behind the scenes – all of this must come together to claim a win at one of the toughest events on the motorsport calendar. This is another important step in the onward progression of the GASGAS brand.”
Robert Jonas – Vice President Motorsports Offroad
“To win the Dakar Rally is a huge achievement for both Sam and the GASGAS Factory Racing team. We are extremely proud of the victory and definitely thankful to the hard work of so many. Sam did an amazing job, maintaining good speed and consistency at this year’s race, as well as navigating well through every stage to ensure he stayed near the top of the standings. And with such a dedicated team behind him, that performance was rewarded with a win at the world’s toughest rally raid. Congratulations to Sam and the whole of GASGAS Factory Racing.”
Sam Sunderland and the GasGas Factory teamMoto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Riders Talk 2022 AMA Supercross Round Four, Anaheim II
450 Main
Ken Roczen took the early lead ahead of Shane McElrath, Malcolm Stewart and Jason Anderson. Eli Tomac was fifth ahead of Marvin Musquin and Chase Sexton on lap one.
Eli Tomac
Malcolm Stewart moved up to second place on the following lap and then both Jason Anderson, and Eli Tomac, followed by Chase Sexton pushed McElrath further back to sixth.
Jason Anderson was on a charge and took Stewart for second place, two laps later Tomac did the same to relegate to Stewart back to fourth.
Jason Anderson
Jason Anderson reeled in Ken Roczen and the two then collided in the sand resulting in Roczen going down. Roczen was all the way down in 18th place by the time he was back up and running, while Anderson now led the race.
Meanwhile Chase Sexton had moved up to third place after passing Stewart.
Jason Anderson then jumped a little too far through a rhythm section and ran wide which allowed Tomac through to the lead.
Dylan Ferrandis
Tomac then took it home all the way to the chequered flag and now leads the championship by six-points over Chase Sexton, the Honda man finished third tonight.
The second place for Anderson moved him up to third place in the points standings.
Ken Roczen managed to make his way back up to 13th but that was a hefty blow to his title aspirations, the German drifting back to ninth place on the points table. However, things are still pretty tight as he is only 23-points away from the championship lead, and there is a hell of a lot of racing still to go this season.
Supercross next heads to Glendale in Arizona for round five of what is a 17-round championship.
Eli Tomac – P1
“It feels great to get this win. It also feels good to get this win for everyone behind me. The team has been working so hard, and what we’ve been able to do and how we’ve been able to improve each weekend is awesome. We’ve just been inching our way forward and fine-tuning every week, so it feels so good to get everyone that result that we all work for. The track was so cool, with really technical rhythm sections, and my motorcycle was so good tonight. I could put it wherever I wanted to – inside, outside – and it was good for the distance, so that’s exciting for us.”
Eli Tomac
Jason Anderson – P2
“To come away with second tonight was solid. I felt a bit off all day and that led to a few mistakes in the heat race which set me back as far as gate pick. When it came time for the Main Event, I knew I could put it all together aboard my KX™450SR and fight for a win on this track. I made the most of the start and came out of the first turn about fifth. I executed a few really quick passes to get out front and was leading the race until I mistimed that triple-triple line after the finish. I was able to get the rhythm clean the rest of the race and my speed was strong throughout. It’s nice to have a podium finish tonight, I just have a few things to clean up to improve for next weekend.”
Jason Anderson
Chase Sexton – P3
“I felt really good tonight. This weekend the whoops section of the track was unpredictable and had a lot of edges, but I feel like I managed them well. The track was good though. I had fun all day. It was a pretty technical track especially with a long set of whoops and a long rhythm section that was pretty tough. It was nice to have a long lap time and not so many laps in the main event though. My bike felt good all day but it’s an ongoing process; I just have to be better. I stalled my bike once but only lost a second or so. Eli [Tomac] and Jason [Anderson] were riding really good, but I expect to be in the mix with the frontrunners this year. Last year I learned a lot so I’m trying not to make those mistakes I made last year. I want to be on the podium every weekend and racing with these guys. I just have to get better for next weekend.”
Chase Sexton
Dylan Ferrandis – P4
“We had a really challenging track, but I was feeling good on the bike, and the lap times were great all day. I finally got a good start in the heat race, which I was really happy about, and finished third. In the main event, I went on the outside, which wasn’t ideal, but I didn’t really have a nice spot on the inside. It was an okay start, but I got pinched in the first turn and was pretty far back in position. Then I just charged the best I could, made many passes, and finished fourth. The bike is good, and I felt strong in the whoops, so there are a lot of positives from today, but after the podium last week, I wish I would have finished on the box again. This season, the competition is tough, so it’s not always easy. I just gave everything I had, and fourth was my position today.”
Dylan Ferrandis
Marvin Musquin – P6
“I wanted to rebound this weekend and not do what I did last weekend. I was in a decent position off the start and made a mistake, missed a rhythm and lost one or two spots, but I ended up sixth tonight. I had the potential to do a little better but man, it was difficult for me through the whoops, I was losing time there, but the rest of the track I was doing great. Overall, a little bit more consistent Main Event, a little better fight and we move forward to the next round.”
Marvin Musquin
Justin Barcia – P7
“All-in-all, it was a good day. We were having a lot of fun in practice! I felt like it was one of my better practices of the year so far and I was getting comfortable on the bike. I got a really bad start in the Main Event and with how the field is so fast right now, I wasn’t able to get where I wanted to be so seventh was the best finish I could pull off tonight. I’m going to go back to the drawing board, get my starts dialed and we’ll be back in Phoenix and ready to be back on the podium!”
Justin Barcia
Cooper Webb – P8
“Extremely tough night tonight at A2. I didn’t get a great start and I was pretty buried in the pack early on. I was able to make some passes and get up to around seventh, and then ended up falling backwards a few spots. I was able to get back up, make some more passes and ended up eighth. Definitely not a great night at all, but the only thing we can do now is regroup and try to get better for next weekend in Arizona.”
Cooper Webb
Ken Roczen – P13
“Our weekend was a nightmare. I’ve been struggling lately with my bike setup, just not really getting comfortable. It was a tough one for us but we did decent; when nighttime comes, it seems like we always get our stuff together. I got second in the heat race, and we got the holeshot in the main event. Things were going pretty decent. I struggled with the whoops so that was definitely not my strong point; I almost went down there once, and the same lap I got taken down by [Jason] Anderson – unfortunately left the door open. Probably not the right turn for him to put on a pass, but obviously it got me and I crashed pretty hard right there. I had to make a stop after that to get all the sand out of my goggles, and our night was pretty much over after that; I could only salvage 13th place, but we never gave up. We’re quite a few points down. It’s a bummer, but I’m looking forward to next weekend to get some consistency in and do some training and riding; I couldn’t really do that last week. Hopefully we’ll head to Phoenix with a bit more confidence and more riding time under my belt.”
Ken Roczen
450 Main Results
Pos
Rider
Bike
Laps/Interval
1
Eli Tomac
Yamaha
20 Laps
2
Jason Anderson
Kawasaki
+04.619
3
Chase Sexton
Honda
+06.644
4
Dylan Ferrandis
Yamaha
+15.997
5
Malcolm Stewart
Husqvarna
+18.695
6
Marvin Musquin
KTM
+20.387
7
Justin Barcia
GASGAS
+35.384
8
Cooper Webb
KTM
+42.691
9
Dean Wilson
Husqvarna
+44.500
10
Shane McElrath
KTM
+54.115
11
Max Anstie
KTM
+57.597
12
Brandon Hartranft
Suzuki
+59.753
13
Ken Roczen
Honda
+1:00.886
14
Justin Bogle
Suzuki
+1:12.661
15
Mitchell Oldenburg
Honda
19 Laps
16
Kyle Chisholm
Yamaha
+05.101
17
Alex Martin
Yamaha
+29.954
18
Josh Hill
KTM
+30.994
19
Ryan Breece
Yamaha
+41.038
20
Fredrik Noren
KTM
18 Laps
21
Justin Brayton
Honda
14 Laps
22
Aaron Plessinger
KTM
2 Laps
450 Championship Standings (Round 4 of 17)
Pos
Rider
Rnd1
Rnd2
Rnd3
Rnd4
Total
1
Eli Tomac
17
19
23
26
85
2
Chase Sexton
18
14
26
21
79
3
Jason Anderson
13
26
15
23
77
4
Cooper Webb
23
16
19
15
73
5
Justin Barcia
21
21
14
16
72
6
Malcolm Stewart
16
18
18
18
70
7
Dylan Ferrandis
7
17
21
19
64
8
Marvin Musquin
19
15
13
17
64
9
Ken Roczen
26
10
16
10
62
10
Aaron Plessinger
14
23
17
1
55
11
Dean Wilson
11
13
9
14
47
12
Max Anstie
9
8
11
12
40
13
Shane McElrath
5
9
10
13
37
14
Brandon Hartranft
6
7
8
11
32
15
Joey Savatgy
15
12
27
16
Justin Brayton
10
12
2
24
17
Adam Cianciarulo
12
11
23
18
Mitchell Oldenburg
8
7
8
23
19
Kyle Chisholm
5
6
7
18
20
Alex Martin
6
3
6
15
21
Josh Hill
0
3
5
5
13
22
Justin Bogle
0
1
0
9
10
23
Ryan Breece
1
0
4
4
9
24
Fredrik Noren
3
2
3
8
25
Justin Starling
2
4
0
6
26
Cade Clason
4
0
4
27
Joan Cros
0
2
0
2
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
250 Main
Vince Friese and Michael Mosiman got the best starts but Christian Craig was soon on the move and up to third after the first few turns.Jo Shimoda then took the battle back up to Craig to move back up to that third position. Jalek Swoll and Hunter Lawrence were fifth and sixth respectively at this early juncture.
Shimoda and Craig
Mosiman moved through to the lead as Friese and Craig tussled over second position, after the championship leader had got the better of Shimoda once again. Their battle was allowing Mosiman to break away a little. Hunter Lawrence was now up tofourth with 12-minutes still left on the shot clock.
Christian Craig eventually broke away from Friese and chased down Mosiman. With five-minutes remaining Craig put a fairly stiff move on Mosiman, the GASGAS rider came back at him at the next turn and could have pushed him over the edge but instead kept his riding clean and stayed in second, that was a pivotal moment in the race.
Hunter Lawrence
Hunter Lawrence was attacking the track while trying to look for a way past Vince Friese for third place with two-minutes left on the clock. Jo Shimoda was not out of that battle either and could capitalise if either Friese or Lawrence make a mistake. The situation was tight with two laps to run.Friese then went down in the whoops, perhaps succumbing to the pressure from Lawrence, Shimoda then hit Friese as the Kawasaki man had nowhere to go, it was ugly but both men were okay.
Up front Christian Craig had pulled away from Mosiman and that pair looked settled in those 1-2 positions while the incident between Friese and Shimoda had made Lawrence’s third place finish look safe.
Christian Craig
Christian Craig went on to victory and with it extended his championship lead over Hunter Lawrence to 11-points.With second place Michael Mosiman strengthened his third place on the points table and is now only three-points behind Lawrence.
A great consistent start to the season for Lawrence, who, while not visiting the top step on the podium yet, he has been on the podium at every round so far this season.
Supercross next heads to Glendale in Arizona for round five of what is a ten round 250 West Championship.
Christian Craig – P1
“The day started out pretty good. The track was tricky and slippery, but I kept the ball rolling. I qualified well and then went into the heat race, had a good start, and battled with my teammate a little bit. I had a good ride in that one and was able to take the win. In the main event, I just focused on myself and clicked off my laps. I had a good battle with another rider and ended up passing him. I’m stoked to get my third win of the season and extend my points lead. We’re going to try and keep it going and not change anything; just keep doing what I’m doing.”
Christian Craig
Michael Mosiman – P2
“I’m stoked to be here! It’s not too often that these things happen and when they do, I’m just going to enjoy it. Such a good race with Christian, he’s riding so good – I learned a thing or two from him and I think he learned a thing or two from me. We had clean racing out there and it was an absolute blast! I’m going to enjoy it tonight and work on some things. I look forward to challenging him all year and see if we can get some more wins.”
Mosiman and Friese
Hunter Lawrence – P3
“We had a tough day at Anaheim 2, as we just didn’t have the pace. We were kind of struggling from the get-go – a little behind the eightball from the start; we had our work cut out for us. The track was tough during the main event, and everyone was similar in regards to pace. It wasn’t a track that people got fatigued on at all; it felt like the distance was easy on the track tonight, but the track was rough. It was a tough one, but we’re looking to rebound, come back strong and kick Phoenix off with a bang.”
Hunter Lawrence
Nate Thrasher – P4
“It was a good day overall. We had a good qualifying and a good heat race; I just made a couple of mistakes that kind of cost me the win. I didn’t get the best start in the main event and had to come from behind. I just didn’t get around people fast enough and got a little tight there at the end. It wasn’t my best ride, but I felt like I had the speed tonight for a podium and was maybe even able to fight for a win. It was a tough race, and I did the best I could, but it’s not where I want to be. We’re going to keep fighting and keep working, and maybe next weekend, go for a podium.”
Jo Shimoda – P7
“I had an okay start and quickly moved my way to fifth. Most of the race I was in fifth position and just slowly catching up until late in the race when I could see the podium position right there ahead of me. With only a couple of laps left I was really close to third and then Friese crashed in the whoops, and I collided with him. It’s unfortunate that we both fell, but my riding is improving, and I think we made small improvements overall tonight so I’m looking forward to Glendale next weekend.”
MotoGP Rookies and test riders took to the track yesterday in Malaysia in what for many was only their second time on a MotoGP machine. Their first time on the big bangers was at Jerez last November.
Raul Fernandez
Raul Fernandez was quickest on track yesterday with a 2m0.898, besting Ducati’s Pirro by 0.144s.The 21-year-old was also quick at the previous test and is continuing to show impressive early form.
Raul Fernandez
Ducati test rider Michele Pirro was on track with the latest iteration of the Ducati Desmosedici.
Ducati Desmosedici 2022 Prototype
The Desmosedici sported a new much longer exhaust at the Jerez Test in November and it appears that development has continued on to the latest prototype.New fairings and air intakes are also markedly different than seen in 2021.
Marco Bezzecchi – Mooney VR46 Ducati
Marco Bezzecchi was on the Ducati Desmosedici GP of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team.Among the very first guys on the track, Bezzecchi donned a special pre-season helmet with a big P on the top to indicate he is new to the class. Bezzecchi completed 38 laps with a best of 2m02.012s.
Fabio Di Giannantonio – Gresini Ducati
Fabio Di Giannantonio was also on track for Ducati as he starts his season with Gresini Ducati. The 23-year-old Italian recorded a best lap of 2m02.596s.
Remy Gardner
Remy Gardner also circulated despite recently fracturing the radius bone in his wrist while riding motocross, and having subsequent surgery on the break only a fortnight ago.
Remy Gardner
The Australian rookie was just under a second slower than Tech3 KTM team-mate and outright pacesetter Raul Fernandez.
Darryn Binder – WithU RNF Yamaha Racing Team
Three Yamaha machines were on track, two for their Japanese test riders, and the third in the hands of Darryn Binder. The South African making his debut with the new look WithU RNF Yamaha Racing Team. Binder was 1.248s from the benchmark set by day one pacesetter Raul Fernandez.
Darryn Binder – WithU RNF Yamaha Racing Team
Aprilia riders can also ride these first three shakedown days under the concessions rules for manufacturers that have not achieved any recent podium results.
Lorenzo Savadori
However, only test rider Lorenzo Savadori took to the track on the opening day as Maverick Vinales looked on. Savadori was fourth quickest behind KTM Test rider Mika Kallio.
Maverick Vinales watched on as Savadori turned laps on the Aprilia
Sylvain Guintoli was on track for Suzuki and recorded a best lap of 2m02.181s.
Sylvain Guintoli
Rookies and Test riders will be again on track today and tomorrow, then there is a break in proceedings before the full complement of MotoGP riders hit the track on February 5.
Yamaha Test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga
Sepang Test Times Shakedown Day One
Raul Fernandez – KTM – 2m0.898
Michele Pirro – Ducati – 2m01.042s
Mika Kallio – KTM – 2m01.250s
Lorenzo Savadori – Aprilia – 2m01.676s
Remy Gardner – KTM – 2m01.852s
Marco Bezzecchi – Ducati – 2m02.012s
Darryn Binder – Yamaha – 2m02.146s
Sylvain Guintoli – Suzuki – 2m02.181s
Fabio Di Giannantonio – Ducati – 2m02.596s
Katsuyuki Nakasuga – Yamaha – 2m03.442s
Fabio Di Giannantonio – Gresini DucatiDani Pedrosa – KTMMika Kallio – KTM
