Bagnaia, along with Claudio Domenicali (Ducati CEO), Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager), Paolo Ciabatti (Ducati Corse Sporting Director), Davide Tardozzi (Ducati Lenovo Team Manager) and a Ducati delegation, paid a visit to Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic, at the Quirinale.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club: “As a founder-member of the FIA, it is a pleasure to host the FIA/FIM Women in Motorsports Conference at our London clubhouse. With 125 years of history, the Club’s distinguished history mirrors that of motoring and motorsport itself – it founded the Auto-Cycle Union in 1903, which organised the inaugural Isle of Man TT in 1907. Today, the Club continues to develop and support automobilism, whether with two, three or four wheels, through an active array of events, activities and awards. We very much look forward to welcoming everyone in December.”
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Royal Enfield is aiming to get a piece of the midsize cruiser market in the States in 2023 with its Super Meteor 650. The platform uses the brand’s existing 648cc twin engine to create a relaxed, capable cruiser that will likely have an appealing price tag.
As usual, Enfield worked with Harris Performance, the UK-based motorcycle performance firm Eicher Motors Ltd. acquired back in 2015, to create a brand-new chassis. The aim was high-speed stability and easy handling. The design, a steel tube frame suspended by a 43mm USD fork and dual shocks out back, is simple and highlights Enfield’s air-cooled 648cc parallel twin.
We sampled the engine in Enfield’s INT650 back in 2020 and found the powerplant to be surprisingly smooth, comfortable, and flexible. We have no doubt it will work well in the Super Meteor cruiser.
Royal Enfield also plans to offer an extensive line of accessory upgrades for distance riding. These items include, but aren’t limited to: dual seating, touring windscreen, passenger backrest, machined wheels, upgraded footpegs, panniers, and LED indicators.
Enfield will offer two variants of the Super Meteor, a solo tourer and a grand tourer. The solo version will be available in Astral Black, Astral Blue, Interstellar Gray, and Interstellar Green. The grand tourer variant will come in either Celestial Red or Celestial Blue.
Here’s what Siddhartha Lal, managing director of Eicher Motors Ltd., had to say in a company press release following the Super Meteor’s announcement at EICMA.
“We have always had a differentiated approach to building motorcycles and our new cruiser, the Super Meteor 650, is the next evolution of this approach. Inspired by our own long-distance riding experiences and those of our customers, we have built the Super Meteor to be absolutely enjoyable to all senses. The engine is super refined and responsive and offers relaxed part-throttle experience at highway-plus speeds, the riding ergonomics are fine-tuned to offer a leisurely, yet in-control riding experience, and the overall premium fit and finish of parts and materials evoke visual and sensory delight. The gorgeous silhouette and contours of the Super Meteor have been inspired by generations of cruisers from Royal Enfield, and are at the same time, familiar, yet absolutely distinct.”
2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Technical Specifications and Price
| Price: | TBD |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 648cc, SOHC, air-cooled parallel twin |
| Bore x Stroke: | 78.0 x 67.8mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Delivery: | EFI |
| Clutch: | Wet, multi-disc |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Frame: | Steel tube |
| Front Suspension: | 43mm USD fork; 4.7 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Dual shocks, preload adjustable; 4.0 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | 2-piston floating caliper, 320mm disc w/ ABS |
| Rear Brake: | 2-piston floating caliper, 300mm disc w/ ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | 19 in./16 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | 100/90-19 / 150/80-16 |
| Wheelbase: | 59.1 in. |
| Seat Height: | 29.1 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4.1 gal. |
| Claimed Curb Weight: | 531 lb. |
| Available: | Summer 2023 |
| Contact: | royalenfield.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
When you put together the words ‘modern’ and ‘classic,’ what do you think of?
For MV Agusta, it’s a new café racer capable of 115.5hp at 7000rpm and 116.5Nm of peak torque, with a potential due date in 2024.
According to the report from Bennets, the café racer – christened the ‘921 S’ – is the byproduct of a recent deal between the Italian bike marque and KTM’s parent company, Pierer Mobility, who purportedly invested a 25% stake in MV Agusta a few days before the bike was shown off at EICMA 2022.
Inspired by the 1973 MV Agusta 750S and based on Agusta’s highly popular Brutale naked offering, the 921 S concept already gives off a nice list of functional perks:
“Presented in a cafe racer style, the 921S Concept eschews the Brutale’s more dramatic elements in favour of a stripped back appearance fronted by a stylised ringed circular headlight, looming over a carved silver front mudguard and prominent crescent-shaped front brake cover,” states the report.
Time will tell on whether this build will truly see a 2024 debut like MV CEO Timur Sardarov confirmed to MCN; in the meantime, stay connected, drop a comment below letting us know what you think, and as always – stay safe on the twisties.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
And, just like that, EICMA has concluded to incubate for another year.
This year saw a plethora of new machines to the floor, all of which brought in a purported 38% spike in attendance – 82% of which was booked online, thanks to new digital content and services inspiring this year’s boom in numbers.
All told, 1,370 brands were present, with 59% from abroad, the culmination of which represented 45 different nations – brand like Honda, Suzuki, Energica, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Ducati, and Damon Motors – all of whom were present and had something new and titillating to offer our good global motorcycle communities.
“It is…the embrace of the general public, the massive presence of exhibitors who have emphasized their solid satisfaction and whom we thank for having always believed in EICMA,” enthuses EICMA S.p.A. president Pietro Meda in the brand’s most recent press release.
“…the attractiveness and international centrality, the positive increase in every performance indicator that affirm the unique value and indispensability of our event…EICMA unquestionably remains in its place: on the highest step in the entire international scene.”
With 2023’s EICMA already slotted for November 7-12th, we’ll be marking the spot in our calendars to relive the experience all over again.
Stay tuned with us by checking back at our homepage, drop a comment below letting us know what you think, and as ever – stay safe on the twisties.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Who wouldn’t appreciate a 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 with $12,000-worth of upgrades? Backcountry Discovery Routes, an adventure motorcycling non-profit organization, is giving one away for its annual Motorcycle Sweepstakes Fundraiser, taking place now until January 20, 2023. The entry fee is $25.
Watch Rider’s 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 Video Review here
“We’ve worked with our industry partners to turn this bike into the ultimate adventure machine,” says Inna Thorn, BDR Executive Director. “It’s set up specifically for tackling any or all of the Backcountry Discovery Routes. This is by far the most well-equipped sweepstake bike that BDR has ever offered, and we hope the community will be just as excited to participate in this year’s sweepstakes as we are to offer it.”
The aftermarket accessories on the Norden 901 include:
Backcountry Discovery Routes is a non-profit that works to create and preserve off-highway riding opportunities for dual-sport and adventure motorcyclists. All proceeds from the sweepstakes will go toward helping BDR with these goals.
BDR’s work includes “promoting rider education and safety campaigns, driving economic relief to rural communities, and encouraging responsible motorcycle travel in the backcountry.”
Anyone can enter to win the 2022 Norden 901. International entries are welcome with the understanding that the prize will be collected in Seattle, Washington, and may be subject to tax or importation limitations.
The winner will be drawn live on January 20, 2023 at 1 pm PST on BDR’s YouTube channel.
Click here to visit Backcountry Discovery Routes’ website for more information about the organization and the sweepstakes.
The post Backcountry Discovery Routes to Give Away a 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com
As part of this year’s EICMA Motorcycle Show, Aprilia showcased a lighter version of its popular RS 660 middleweight sportbike. The RS 660 Extrema packs numerous elements which help it to shave weight, giving it one of the most impressive power to weight ratios in the class. There’s no information on pricing or if the bike will be available in the States, but in the meantime it sure is fun to look at.
Editor’s note: we’ve reported on the performance of the RS 660 during the 2021 Aprilia RS 660 First Ride Review article and video.
We’ve found the 400-ish-pound base-model RS 660 to be above average on track and street rides, so the 365-pound Extrema likely won’t disappoint in the slightest. Elements of the Extrema that help it achieve such an impressive weight savings include carbon fiber parts throughout, such as the new front mudguard and bellypan.
There’s also a street-legal exhaust system designed by SC-Project with a carbon silencer, positioned so the passenger footpegs can easily be removed if desired. The bike will come with software installed to make equipping a quickshifter a breeze.
The Extrema also features a single-seat tail fairing, though the bike will still come with a two-up seat if riding with a passenger is required, and will be available in a red, white, and green livery paying homage to its country of origin.
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
I am sure those exhausted global MotoGP™ travellers spending their first proper weekend at home for many a month would not agree now, but it will not be long before they start getting itchy feet. Enjoy and overindulge over Christmas and the New Year with family and friends but then your mind wanders. Whether you are a gladiator, team manager, mechanic, journalist, commentator, circuit builder, cook or doctor you will be thinking, and then planning, 2023.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Yep, you read right.
Somebody has just figured out a way to make a hybrid conversion kit that would likely cost no more than $1,000 USD – and yes, it’s designed for bikes over 125cc.
The conversion kit was created in lieu of what the company thinks could be an upcoming problem for Germany; with many believing Deutschland “will start forcing motorcycle companies to use hybrid power,” auto supply business Vitesco has built a system that could help with the emissions side of things – at least, for the low-to-middling speeds.
“Designed for motorcycles over 125cc, Vitesco’s kit includes a 48-volt, 12-kW (16-hp) electric motor – indeed, it’s a starter/generator from Vitesco’s automotive supply business,” explains the report from NewAtlas.
“…if properly integrated into a production motorcycle, the hybrid system would add less than US$1,000 to the cost of the bike.”
The kit involves a 48-volt, 12-kW (16hp) electric motor that also includes ‘smart transmission,’ a centrifugal clutch, ‘intelligent actuator,’ and powertrain domain control unit.’
The end result?
A machine with “more punch than a conventional bike with a 1,000cc engine” – nearly double the torque, and 75% cuts in emission.
It’s a nice set of figures to present to this year’s iteration of EICMA – and no one is more jazzed than Torsten Bellon, Vitesco’s head of 2-Wheeler & Powersports products.
“…our development focus was initially entirely on reducing CO2,” Bellon explains.
“During our development work, it became increasingly clear that our hybrid concept opens up completely new possibilities for making motorcycling more dynamic, more comfortable and safer.”
“We exploited these options and are now in a position to support manufacturers with an easy-to-implement, low-cost and highly effective system.”
We should be clear; this is only a prototype, so there’s no mention of a debut date – but with an approximate $1,000 USD value, there’s no doubt the motorcycle community will want to play with this thing.
Stay tuned, drop a comment below to start the conversation, and as ever – stay safe on the twisties.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Honda’s Africa Twin adventure motorcycle will be available in four trims in 2023, with base and DCT models alongside the Adventure Sports ES and Adventure Sports ES DCT models. There will be no significant mechanical updates to any of the models this coming year, though there will be new color options to choose from.
The standard Africa Twin and DCT editions will be dressed in a Matte Ballistic Black Metallic with all-black frame or a Glint Wave Blue Metallic Tricolor scheme that comes with a blue headlight cowl, blue front fender, and red and white detailing throughout. The Grand Prix Red option will remain available as well.
The Adventure Sports models will still come in a Pearl Glare White Tricolor with gold wheels. There will also be a new Matte Iridium Gray Metallic color scheme that features jet black wheels.
The Africa Twin’s latest update came for the 2020 model year and was a fairly big revamp, introducing the larger 1,100cc engine, updated electronics package, better TFT display, improved seat, and better suspension among other enhancements. We took a spin on the revamped machine not long after it came to market and found the improvements to be impressive, especially the electronics suite and cockpit comfort. It remains a fantastic touring bike for riders that want to log real miles both on and off road.
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
