Suzuki Motorcycles Australia has revealed the 2020 Katana will be available in two colour variations after the Glass Sparkle Black colourway was unveiled at EICMA in Milan, Italy, alongside the Metallic Mystic Silver option.

With high demand and limited supply, Suzuki will take orders exclusively online, offering customers a premium buying experience along the way in the lead up to the arrival in the third quarter of 2019.

As an added bonus and gesture of Suzuki’s appreciation for customer commitment and patience, the first 50 Katanas pre-ordered online will also receive a bonus exclusive Katana themed Arai QV-Pro helmet, valued at $995 with their bike delivery.

“This is an exciting initiative that ensures a unique and premium experience for new Katana customers,” said Suzuki Motorcycles Australia’s national marketing manager Lewis Croft. “The Katana is a very special model for Suzuki, it’s not just another model in an already crowded market. Availability will be limited, therefore we will be taking orders on behalf of our dealer network to ensure we can supply genuine customer orders.

“Our online approach allows customers to secure their Katana whilst also nominating their preferred authorised Suzuki motorcycle dealer for delivery, they also have the ability to arrange finance and insurance quotes and also trade-in valuations if required prior to arrival.

“Customers wanting a printed brochure can still access them from their Suzuki dealership. Any customers unable to complete the online order themselves can simply visit a dealership, who will be able to guide them through the online ordering process onsite at the dealership.”

The 2020 Katana was initially unveiled at Intermot in Cologne, Germany, last month. To secure your bike, visit www.store.suzukimotorcycles.com.au/katana.

Aprilia has confirmed a host of upgrades to its 2019 motorcycle range at EICMA, while also unveiling the Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory and the RS 660 concept bike.

Unmistakeable in its design lucidity and applied technology, the RSV4 is conceived around a 65-degree V4 engine never before seen on a factory sport bike, a frame which is the heir to a dynasty that has won 18 titles and 143 Grand Prix races in the 250 GP.

The Aprilia RSV4 1000 RR and RSV4 1100 Factory are fitted with an exceptional dynamic controls package designed and patented by Aprilia. Each one of the two models benefits from a specific calibration of all the controls in line with the different performance levels the two bikes can boast.

The Aprilia RSV4 RR represents a top shelf technical platform, ready to provide the rider with a race replica performance and feeling. In order to support the most demanding riders, one of the available accessories Aprilia offers is the Track kit, a package of prestigious parts that work together to improve many aspects of the RSV4 RR such as its weight, handling and aerodynamics.

The Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory is the exclusive version that comes standard with latest generation Ohlins suspension systems, lightweight aluminium forged rims and the titanium Akrapovic exhaust terminal.

It stands out for its dedicated Atomico 6 graphics which highlight and enhance the use of precious technical materials such as carbon, thanks to the contrast with the total black matt paint. The upper steering yoke enhanced by the laser etched writing ‘1100 Factory’ in contrast completes the features of the new RSV4.

While there’s no current word on the RS 660 concept going into the production, the bike is set to boast a 660cc parallel twin-cylinder engine derived from the V4 powerhouses used in the Tuono V4 and RSV4 1100 Factory.

It’s understood the manufacturer elected for a twin layout for its efficiency and compact nature, alongside the freedom that it left the designers to create a lightweight frame that uses the engine as a stressed member and a competent suspension package, capable of living up to its sporting appearance.

Unveiled by Motorcycling Australia (MA) in September, the all-new bLU cRU Oceania Rookies Cup now has an official calendar for its inaugural season next year.

The Australian junior road racing academy will run in conjunction with Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), attending five of the seven rounds on offer.

The Oceania Rookies Cup first time out on track will be the official ASBK Test at Phillip Island on 2-3 February, while the opening race of the season is set to go down at Wakefield Park 22-24 March.

The rookies will then head to Broadford State Motorcycle Complex in Victoria on 6-7 April for round two – their first and only non-ASBK round – before traveling to Queensland for round three at Morgan Park Raceway on 5-7 July.

From 6-8 September, the junior contenders will head to Winton Motor Raceway in Victoria for round four, followed by an outing at Phillip Island on 4-6 October for penultimate stop.

Rounding out the 2019 season, the show will head to Sydney Motorsport Park on 1-3 November, marking the final round of the bLU cRU Oceania Rookies Cup along with ASBK finale.

2019 Oceania Rookies Cup calendar:
Rd1 – 22-24 March – Wakefield Park Raceway, NSW
Rd2 – 6-7 April – Broadford State Motorcycle Complex, VIC
Rd3 – 5-7 July – Morgan Park Raceway, QLD
Rd4 – 6-8 September – Winton Motor Raceway, VIC
Rd5 – 4-6 October – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC
Rd6 – 1-3 November – Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW