The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is heading to Donington Park, the home round for Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), who will be hoping to kickstart his campaign in style. After a tricky start to life in blue, the six-time Champion sat down at Misano to discuss the season so far, whether there have been any regrets about leaving Kawasaki and the progress he’s made at Yamaha since jumping on the R1 for the first time.
LEAVING GREEN FOR BLUE: “I can see the light, but I’m nowhere near there yet”
Rea left the Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK squad after nine seasons and six unprecedented World Championships, helping the Northern Irishman become statistically the greatest of all time in WorldSBK. After difficult seasons in 2022 and 2023, Rea left Kawasaki to pursue a new challenge with the Pata Prometeon Yamaha team, but success hasn’t been forthcoming so far. While KRT added two wins thanks to Alex Lowes in Australia, Rea is yet to step on the rostrum for Yamaha.
Discussing whether there were any regrets about his move, Rea categorically ruled them out: “Of course, I don’t regret any decision coming to Yamaha. I think I came for a different challenge in my career, and I’ve certainly found that. We say in English, ‘you’re always looking for the light at the end of the tunnel’ in difficult moments. I can see the light, but I’m nowhere near there yet. I know we’re going to find that way. As a racer, you want it tomorrow. Maturity has told me let’s ride this way and it’s going to come.”
2024 SO FAR: “Definitely not the dream I expected…”
This season has provided moments of brilliance for Rea, including a stunning pole in the wet at Assen, but he’ll be hoping these don’t turn into a flash in the pan. No podiums so far, just 31 points from 12 races and sitting 14th in the Championship standings so far is not how anyone would’ve envisaged Rea’s journey in blue beginning. During the interview, the 37-year-old reviewed his season so far, covering the highs and lows of 2024.
Reviewing the first part of the season, Rea said: “2024 definitely hasn’t been the dream I expected. Joining a new team, the opportunity was there to do well but, unfortunately, Phillip Island started the year horribly with a huge crash in the test and finished the weekend with another huge crash. That sucked a lot of energy. I was quite injured. I didn’t speak too much but it was my leg and shoulder. I just took some time to recover from that physically and mentally. Coming from a solid first test on the Yamaha R1, where I’d been fast and felt confident and good, in Australia I was a shadow of that. I wouldn’t say I was broken, but I was really frustrated. All the positive things we’d worked towards in the winter had been destroyed in one weekend.
“Throughout Barcelona, it was about rebuilding my confidence in the bike and the team and working in a positive direction. From the first race of the year, we’ve been making progress in a positive way. It would’ve been horrible if I started out with a race win and the season went the opposite way! The trend of the Championship is a positive one. We’re making slower progress than we want. Assen was a good weekend for me. It was the first time I rode the R1 in the wet. I didn’t feel great in the morning in the wet, but in Superpole, I committed to going out and doing laps. Step by step, I was fast. In the end, when the chequered flag fell, I was fastest. Pole position was a nice reward for me and all the team, to have a little lift in the project; it’s been tough, but I came here to try to win races and compete for podiums. There’s no points for Superpole, but it was nice just to give that little bit of a boost to everybody. What’s more important is to be stronger throughout the races.”
THE GOAL AT YAMAHA: “My dream is to win a race… step by step, we’re getting closer”
Although it’s been a difficult year so far, Rea was keen to outline what he feels is possible on the Yamaha R1 package, which was a race-winning bike last season and has been on the podium this year through teammate Andrea Locatelli and Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team). It hasn’t quite clicked for Rea yet, but the Ulsterman is hopeful that it will soon as he goes in search of podiums and victories for the Japanese manufacturer.
Rea added: “My dream is to win a race. I feel quite far from that right now, but step by step we’re getting closer. I need to understand my bike riding on the limit. I love the bike, right from the first moment I rode it, I loved everything. At race speed, there’s a few areas of my confidence and trust in electronics, some things that aren’t falling into place right now. The Championship’s so strong right now that when everything isn’t completely lined up to ride on that level, I have no feeling; no real confidence to do that. I know what I need to do, but it’s just working with my crew to do that. I have to adjust my style, but I think, now, I need to keep my way and try to make this bike fit my style well. When the rider doesn’t 100% feel or have confidence, it’s really hard to make the difference. Once I’ve managed that, I’m sure I’ll be able to be there, competing with, at the very least, the other Yamaha riders. I think we have a really good base to fight with the top guys when everything’s together. The good thing is I feel there’s a lot of room to improve. I’m looking forward to unharnessing all the potential.”
Vermont’s unmaintained Class IV roads offer access to truly off-the-beaten-path scenery and long-forgotten historic sites as well as enchanting along this Vermont motorcycle ride. Photos by Susan Dragoo.
It’s all scenic. It’s all charming. And it’s all green … except when it’s not, and then it’s even better.
A few days into a trip to the lush forests of northeastern Vermont, we were reminded of Sedona, Arizona. The connection between these two dramatically different climes may at first seem nebulous, but Vermont’s consistent beauty called to mind the time we visited an outdoors outfitter in Sedona and asked, “Which are the most scenic trails?” The jaded clerk responded with a sigh, “All of them. They’re all scenic.” His tone let us know there was nothing to be gained by pressing him for further details. We would have to make our own choices from the seemingly infinite good ones available.
Burke Mountain’s ski lift sits idle in the summer, when the resort is popular with mountain bikers riding the nearby Kingdom Trails Network.
Likewise, trying to narrow down the best scenery in Vermont is a fool’s errand. It would be difficult to make a bad choice. Our adventure riding journey to the state’s Northeast Kingdom took us into what may be some of Vermont’s most remote territory, lending itself beautifully to the pursuit of riding motorcycles down dark, green, tree‑canopied lanes and over roads the likes of which Paul Revere might have traveled in colonial days.
Willoughby Gap is Burke Mountain’s most iconic view.
These are Vermont’s northeastern highlands, dubbed the Northeast Kingdom in the 1940s by a former Vermont governor in recognition of the area’s distinct culture and geography. The region lies within the southernmost range of the cold boreal forest of spruce and fir, birch and aspen, which stretches to the Arctic. It’s a place of long winters and short growing seasons where ponds, lakes, and villages nestle in valleys and twisting roads follow clear streams between small granite hills and mountains. Adventure in Vermont, like the New England states themselves, comes in tight and tidy packages, so the remoteness here can be surprising to the traveler accustomed to the vast, open American West.
Remnants of a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps camp at the summit of Burke Mountain.
It was mid‑September, on the cusp of the imminent explosion of fall colors for which this place is famous. Still, there was plenty of sensory stimulation. Besides the inexplicable feeling of navigating these woods in a late summer shower, leaves were beginning to carpet the trail like gold doubloons cast forth from some cosmic seeder. Pungent scents of cut evergreens, vegetation at the end of its cycle, and earth, freshly disturbed by our tires and dampened by the rain, filled our heads with aromas fit for expensive candles sold in artisan shops. Days that started with fog and mist and ended with afternoon showers added mystique and urgency to move along yet held us in the moment, hoping it would never stop.
Riding in the Northeast Kingdom is an experience of lush, green forests and nearly infinite backroads.
Eric Milano, owner of MotoVermont (see sidebar below), led our group of a dozen riders from all walks of life. Most were successful in business and seeking another way to enjoy the outdoors. Sailors, skydivers, scuba divers, and racecar drivers, they were here to learn the nuances of adventure riding versus railing through the woods with their hair on fire, replaying the antics of their younger selves.
An adventure bike is the perfect vehicle for enjoying it, and MotoVermont organizes great tours to get the most out the area.
Our business, D.A.R.T. (Dragoo Adventure Rider Training), is often invited on such tours to coach guests not only on the finer points of riding well over difficult terrain but also the philosophy of leaving behind a legacy of responsibility as we explore on adventure motorcycles, a term that can apply to most any off‑road‑capable two‑wheeled machine with enough legs to make it between fuel stops.
Descending a rocky ledge lends the perfect opportunity for a little fun.
A high priority for adventure riders is respecting landowners and other trail users, helping to ensure trails stay open. There is more than enough joy in smelling the roses (and other flora) while tackling technical trails with natural obstacles. Adventure riders see no need to run loud pipes, ride at breakneck speeds, or travel off trail, risking damage to adjacent lands and hard‑earned relationships.
Respectful behavior on roads and trails helps to ensure continued access.
Our first day together was dedicated to enhancing rider skills, and the second was spent applying them over some of Vermont’s most remote backroads. Many are Class IV roads, barely maintained byways kept open mostly by locals who traverse their craggy, narrow tunnels on snow machines during winter and by motorcycle the rest of the year.
The mountains of the Northeast Kingdom offer some of the area’s most iconic scenery.
Our troupe traveled west out of Burke Mountain Resort, stopping off at Cafe Lotti in East Burke before turning north and entering the woods and our first Class IV challenge. Cafe Lotti is a homegrown hangout set in a typical aging Vermont building which has no doubt fueled generations of local folk and travelers alike with a belly full of breakfast and a hot cup of craft coffee or tea. It is the perfect meeting spot for adventure seekers of all types, from mountain bikers to adventure riders to cross‑country and downhill skiers.
Whether crossing a burbling stream or stopping for Pure Vermont Maple Syrup, there’s plenty to see along the trail.
We left town westbound and turned north into the woods, winding our way past drop lines – pieces of tubing strung between taps in a forest of maple trees like webs from a giant prehistoric and overactive arachnid. Eric stopped at the entrance to a steep, rocky uphill and explained the best options for a successful path of travel. Rain had turned the rocks into slippery entrapments like greased turtle shells, ranging from tiny spotted tortoises to 6‑foot sea turtles.
Most riders made the climb without incident, but one or two forgot their training and sat down or, worse, dragged their feet, losing control and learning the hard way why adventure riders stand up. Steering, suspension, and sight are all improved by standing tall and proud, and this mild lesson was a graphic illustration of just how important it is to do so in the rough.
Vermont’s deepest lake, glacial Lake Willoughby, boasts distinctive fjord-like rock formations and is a popular summer attraction.
The onset of rough terrain was the portal to this enchanted Northeast Kingdom, a region mentioned in Patricia Schultz’s book 1000 Places to See Before You Die, which boasts that when the foliage flames in autumn, this may well be the most beautiful place in America. Indeed, it should not be missed. A few years back, we made the trip by motorcycle during the peak of fall color, and years ago, Bill traversed Vermont by bicycle on his way across the northern tier of the United States, a solo journey that permanently pinned this place to his psyche and keeps us coming back.
Our rugged upward trail eventually turned down, and the trail from the top was no disappointment. Sketchy ruts through mudholes, strategically dispersed to reward good judgment in not rushing, kept us on our toes. Most of these roads shed water well and remained rideable, but caution was of the essence. The road continued to undulate throughout the 100‑plus‑mile clockwise loop that would eventually take us back to our starting point.
Roadside stands along the way offer a variety of goodies, including fresh eggs.
But first, a stop at Devaney Farmstand near the intersection of Hudson Road and Town Highway 29 outside West Charleston, Vermont. The clouds opened and rain came down in full force as we dismounted and climbed a stairway, ducking into a loft room where lunch had been laid out for us by Bob and Sharyl Devaney. Calzones, fresh corn on the cob, and apple pie awaited. We gobbled down the fare as rain drummed on the roof. Maple syrup, candles, fresh jams, and pies of all kinds added their fragrance to the shop, and antiques and other local trinkets were neatly displayed for anyone wanting a souvenir.
Our timing was perfect. The sun began to peek through the clouds as we said our thank‑yous and goodbyes to the Devaneys and fired up our machines. A short ride on twisty pavement led us back to the reason we were here: more Class IV roads. After skirting the fjord‑like Lake Willoughby, a glacial lake dotted with vacation cabins and summer camps, Eric turned right onto a barely noticeable two‑track trail that climbed steadily toward the mountain top.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Vermont without a covered bridge. The state has 104 historic covered bridges, and many of them are still in use today.
Eventually we descended again and crossed an old bridge leading onto a magnificent, fast gravel road following a river through the canyon. Although tempted to open up the throttle, good judgment kept our horses in check, and we ran at a brisk but reasonable pace. Riding right is critical here, as some turns are blind and, as remote as these roads are, we still saw other users. Respectfully, we would hold up five fingers to oncoming traffic if there were five or more riders behind us, then four, three, two, one, and the sweep rider held up a closed fist to indicate he was the last one. Trail etiquette is critical to maintain good relationships with the locals who hold the power to shut us out. We happily demonstrated good stewardship and appreciation for the privilege of exploring their home turf.
Riders take a break at Devaney Farms after a filling and delicious lunch.
We hit pavement just as the rain began again and made our way the last few miles to the resort. Parking under the canopy, we shed our outer gear and immediately began to relive all that had happened in a short couple of days. New friendships had been made and lessons learned. Everyone left with a quiver full of new skills and a renewed appreciation for our freedom to ride, perhaps not by lantern light warning the colonists of the British invasion, but with our own versions of enthusiasm as we explored the Enchanted Kingdom.
MotoVermont specializes in adventure motorcycle tours, training, rentals, and retail sales. Tours range from day rides in Vermont to week-long adventures farther afield, including New Mexico, Arizona, North Carolina, and other locations. Training events are typically 1-2 days in length with a focus on balance, mastery of bike controls, preparedness, and courtesy. Rental options include the Yamaha Ténéré 700, Kawasaki KLX 300, and Yamaha XT250.
MotoVermont founder and operator Eric Milano is a Backcountry Discovery Routes ambassador and a member of the development team for the NEBDR route. He spends much of his time developing tours and organizing events for adventure motorcyclists. MotoVermont has a retail store in Milton, Vermont, or you can meet them at one of the many rallies and events they attend throughout the Northeast. For more information, visit the MotoVermont website.
SIDEBAR: Burke Mountain Resort
Burke Mountain Resort offers a comfortable stay with great views of Burke Mountain or Willoughby Gap from every suite. Located three miles from the Kingdom Trails Welcome Center, the resort has 116 suites ranging from studios to three-bedroom suites.
Guests can enjoy pub food, craft beers, and cocktails at The View Pub on the second floor, with large windows looking out to Willoughby Gap. Edmund’s Coffee Shop, located in a cozy timber-framed room with stone fireplaces, serves breakfast and coffee. The resort also includes on-site retail shopping opportunities at Bear Essentials and Vertical Drop Retail, with products ranging from basic groceries to home décor and outdoor gear. Other amenities include a heated pool and hot tub, a family arcade, and a fitness center. For more information, visit the Burke Mountain Resort website.
Bill and Susan Dragoo own and operate Dragoo Adventure Rider Training (D.A.R.T.) in Norman, Oklahoma, and are widely published writers, especially in the field of adventure travel. Learn more at BillDragoo.com and SusanDragoo.com.
Carole Nash ambassador Jonathan Rea isn’t just a six-time WorldSBK champion, he’s a passionate motorcyclist who loves everything with two wheels and an engin… Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship continues at Donington Park with the Prosecco DOC UK Round, while it’s also the second round of the WorldWCR. That Championship starts the weekend action at 09:40 Local Time (UTC+1) on Friday with Free Practice, before WorldSBK Free Practice 1 at 10:20. An hour later, WorldSSP Free Practice starts. In the afternoon, WorldWCR Superpole is at 14:10 and WorldSSP Superpole at 16:00, with WorldSBK Free Practice 2 at 15:00. On Saturday, WorldSBK FP3 is at 09:00 before WorldWCR and WorldSSP Warm Up sessions at 09:30 and 09:50. WorldSBK Tissot Superpole is at 11:00 before racing action starts, with WorldWCR Race 1 at 12:20, WorldSBK Race 1 at 15:00 and WorldSSP Race 1 at 15:15. On Sunday, Warm Up sessions start the day at 09:00 before WorldSBK Tissot Superpole Race at 11:00, WorldWCR Race 2 at 12:20, WorldSBK Race 2 at 14:00 and WorldSSP Race 2 at 15:15.
It’s coming home – that’s the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, not football; although the latter could join WorldSBK on Sunday and there will be a few in the paddock hoping for a double celebration. World Superbike hits Donington Park, the circuit where it all started back in 1988, this weekend for Round 5 of an enthralling 2024 campaign with the Prosecco DOC UK Round. Grab your cuppas, enjoy a beautiful Sunday roast, and hope the British summer is in full swing for what’s set to be an epic visit to the United Kingdom.
THE FORM RIDER AT HIS FAVOURITE TRACK: will Razgatlioglu reign again?
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) heads into Donington in form, with four wins on the bounce and six in the first 12 races of 2024. The historic venue is one of a few that he calls his favourite, and the stats show why: 14 races, six wins, five P2s and only three races outside the top two. He comes into the round with a slight injury – bruising to his leg – from a training accident, and it remains to be seen how that’ll impact ‘El Turco’. It’s also a track that’s suited BMW in recent years, with teammate Michael van der Mark on the podium there in 2021, Tom Sykes with two rostrums in the same year and Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) taking a third-place finish in 2022 when racing for the ROKiT BMW outfit. Elsewhere, Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) claimed a podium finish when at Yamaha back in 2021 with second in Race 2, so could this be the round where the Bonovo BMW team bounce back?
RED CELEBRATIONS? Bulega and Bautista aim for return to winning ways
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) has endured a difficult start to 2024 with only two wins in 12 races; last year, he won 11 of the first 12 races. However, the #1 has generally made progress throughout each weekend and he’ll take confidence from the fact he won two races at Donington last season, despite it being a track the Bologna manufacturer had struggled at before. For teammate Nicolo Bulega, it’s his first time at Donington on World Superbike machinery but he did the double in the UK last year in WorldSSP and has three podiums in four races. Perhaps this is the circuit where the Italian manufacturer can really kickstart their season, although history suggests it could be difficult.
HOME HEROES AIMING HIGH: Rea to fight for podiums, Lowes twins in contention?
2024 has been nothing short of a disaster for Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) so far but there have been promising signs. Pole at Assen, gains in testing and moving forward in races all show signs of what could happen and what better place for it to all come together than Donington Park? Five wins and 18 podiums on home soil, at a track Yamaha have gone well at in the past, mean the #65 will be hoping for a strong result. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) has been a standout performer this season with consistency the name of his game and that could prove crucial this year. No wins at Donington for the #22 have come so far, but he’s only been outside the top six twice at his home circuit since 2014. Twin brother Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) will be hoping he can impress at his local track too with his first appearance in WorldSBK in the UK, although he did take a WorldSSP win in 2012 at Donington. Elsewhere, Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) and Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) will be hoping for strong results on home soil, both having won there in British Superbikes.
SHOCKS ON THE CARDS? Lots of steps forward at Misano and in testing…
Almost exactly a year ago, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed his first WorldSBK rostrum and last time out, he completed a heroic comeback to take P6 on Sunday at Misano. A podium might be one step too far as he’s still recovering but it’s something ‘Petrux’ will be aiming for. Donington has often proved tricky for Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) with the Italian yet to score a podium; his best is P4, but will that change this year? Misano seemed to be a step forward for Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) with three top-ten finishes, his and Honda’s best weekend of the season so far and will be looking to continue that in the UK along with teammate Xavi Vierge. For Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), it’s a first weekend at Donington on the ZX-10RR but he seemed to make progress over recent rounds and tests, so he’ll be hoping he’s close to teammate Alex Lowes throughout the weekend. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) has experience of Donington from the 125cc World Championship with his only points finish there coming in 2007 with 15th although he did crash out of the lead of the same race a year later, handing victory to 15-year-old Scott Redding. Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) has showed good pace in testing; will it be the same this weekend?
LOOKING TO MOVE UP THE ORDER AT DONINGTON: hoping to turn their UK fortunes around
Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) heads into Donington on the back of a MotoGP™ return as he stood in for Alex Rins at the German Grand Prix, putting in a respectable performance on the Yamaha M1 machine. Both Gardner and teammate Dominique Aegerter struggled to make the top ten here last year but will be aiming to break that barrier this year. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) had a run of top-ten results at Donington between 2021 and 2022 but a difficult start to the year means this could be tricky to replicate. Adam Norrodin (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) and Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) will be looking to impress after tricky starts to their campaigns.
The 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure receives significant upgrades.
For 2024, the BMW R 1300 GS was massively updated, including a new and more powerful Boxer engine, a new sheet-metal main frame, a new cast-aluminum subframe, a next-gen suspension system, and more. For 2025, the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure is added to the lineup, with a few changes that make it even more capable of long-haul touring and adventure riding.
The 2025 R 1300 GS Adventure benefits from the upgrades made to the base GS, including the 1,300cc Boxer engine that produces a claimed 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and 110 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. The new engine is also lighter in weight than the previous 1,254cc engine by 9 lb, while the whole powertrain weighs 14 lb less.
Another upgrade to the GS and GSA is the laser-welded sheet-metal main frame and cast-aluminum subframe, which is said to be lighter, stiffer, narrower, and more tightly bonded to the main frame. The Telelever and Paralever suspension systems have been replaced with the next-gen EVO Telelever and Paralever systems. Both bikes also receive significant styling updates, including a replacement of the signature asymmetrical headlight with a centralized X-shaped headlight. For a more comprehensive overview of the BMW R 1300 GS upgrades, read our First Ride review here.
The BMW R 1300 GSA departs from the GS in a few key aspects meant to make it more capable for longer adventures. Most noticeable is the massive 7.9-gallon fuel tank, which holds nearly three gallons more than the tank on the GS. This large tank has rubberized trays on either side, where tools and items can be placed when stopped.
The GSA also gets longer suspension travel than the GS, from 7.5 inches front and 7.9 inches rear to 8.3 inches front and 8.7 inches rear, the same travel length found on the previous R 1250 GS Adventure. The seat height is a tall 34.3-35.0 inches, which can be reduced to 33.1-33.9 inches when stopped if equipped with the optional Adaptive Vehicle Height Control. The wheels on the GSA are spoked compared to the GS’s cast wheels, and the GSA has a wet weight of 593 lb compared to the GS’s 523 lb.
The BMW R 1300 GS Adventure also includes a few extras that do not come standard on the GS. Where the GS comes with a short Sport windscreen, the GSA has a standard large windscreen with two large transparent wind deflectors. Riders can also choose to purchase the optional electric windscreen adjustment. The GSA also includes an engine guard and a centerstand as standard, adding more adventure-ready attitude to the beefier GSA.
Electronics on the GSA include a 6.5-inch TFT with connectivity, Full Integral ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic Cruise Control, Dynamic Engine Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, a keyless ignition, three riding modes, heated grips, full LED lighting, a USB-C charging port, a 12-volt power socket, and Intelligent Emergency Call.
One exciting option for the GSA is the Automated Shift Assistant, in which two electromechanical actuators automate the clutch and gearshift of the 6-speed transmission, eliminating the need to use the hand clutch lever at all.
Other optional technology includes Ride Modes Pro with three additional riding modes, Electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment, Adaptive Vehicle Height Control, Headlight Pro with an adaptive headlight, and Riding Assistant with Active Cruise Control, Front Collison Warning, and Lane Change Warning.
The GSA is designed to be modified, and BMW offers many accessories for this model. Riders will notice three fastening elements on the upper tank paneling that are prepared to mount the optional 12-liter tankbag with a waterproof inner bag. A range of aluminum side and top cases are available, as well as items to enhance passenger comfort, wind protection, heated seats, and more.
2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure with optional equipment
GSA owners can also choose options packages to equip. The Premium Package includes Ride Modes Pro, sport brakes, Riding Assistant, Shift Assistant Pro or Automated Shift Assistant, Headlight Pro, GPS prep, chrome plated headers, electrically adjustable windscreen, aluminum side case mounts, and aluminum top case mount. The Enduro Package Pro includes handlebar risers, short enduro hand levers, height-adjustable GS Vario rider footrests, hand protectors, and front turn signal relocation stalks.
2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure
The 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure base model will be available in solid Racing Red. The Style Triple Black version, with large aluminum radiator cowls with holders for bags, comfort seats with seat heating, a luggage holder, and a high windshield with large wind defectors, comes in a black color scheme.
2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Style Triple Black
The Style GS Trophy version comes in Racing Blue and Racing Red and includes a smaller Sport windscreen and sport grab handles for the passenger, large radiator cowls with mounts for bags, and aluminum tank trays.
2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Style GS Trophy
The Option 719 Karakorum comes in Aurelius Green with gold accents and includes small aluminum radiator cowls, a protective grille on the auxiliary headlights, heated rider and passenger comfort seats, a luggage rack, and a small Sport windscreen.
2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Option 719 Karakorum
The 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure will be available in the last quarter of 2024, and pricing will be announced closer to the market launch.
It was billed as a new era ahead of the season and we’re getting it with interest; the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has been absolutely off the wall and there’s still a whole lot of room for a whole lot more stories. We take a look at some of the biggest stories of the year so far after just four rounds, to see where we’re at as we head for the halfway point.
TOPRAK AND BMW’S SUCCESS: mesmerising achievements after four rounds
One thing that’s clear is that Toprak Razgatlioglu’s (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) gamble to join BMW has been one that has paid enormous dividends. Six wins from 12 races, including the last four, he’s leading the Championship by 21 points over rookie Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). What has been a surprise to many is that Toprak’s success comes so early on in the journey with BMW and at tracks he and the manufacturer had never previously won – Barcelona and Assen are tracks neither had won at, whilst Misano welcomed the manufacturer’s first ever triple despite never winning there before. Toprak’s proving his worth and making the difference and with the successive tracks coming up, he’s in the driving seat of the World Championship.
STRUGGLING MORE THAN BEFORE: Bautista competitive but not in control
He came into the preseason injured following a testing crash at the end of last year and with the new weight rules, hasn’t quite struck a sweet spot with his Ducati Panigale V4 R – we’re talking about Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). The reigning double World Champion has struggled at times in 2024, particularly in Superpole, where his best effort came at Misano but was still only fifth. Besides that, he’s been a third row starter at best. In the racing however, he’s been able to pull through but hasn’t looked convincingly like he’ll dominate like he did at the start of 2023. Barcelona’s Race 2 and Assen’s Superpole Race are all that he can celebrate in terms of wins so far, with him not even his beloved leaving Phillip Island as a winner. His future hangs in the balance: does he stay? Does he leave? He’s focused on returning to winning for the timebeing.
FEELING BLUE: Rea’s switch to Yamaha has been far from a dream
When it was announced that Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) would leave Kawasaki after nine seasons in pursuit of a seventh World Championship but with Yamaha, everyone instantly got excited and optimistic. However, so far, it couldn’t have been further from what he had wished for and what we expected. A solitary pole position at Assen is about the highlight of the season for the #65, whilst he was fifth in the Superpole Race at Assen, albeit by his own admissions in a “conditions” weekend. Six races to just score points and so far, no threat of a podium, Donington Park will hope to offer a reprieve for the 37-year-old. Although, podiums are in his words, ‘out of the question’ right now and instead, just finishing races and challenging for the top ten are his targets, as of Sunday afternoon at Misano. Other Yamahas suchas teammate Andrea Locatelli and Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) have been on the rostrum and are having good seasons, so the potential is there for Rea too.
BULEGA IMPRESSIVE: the best WorldSSP graduate we’ve ever seen?
Coming up from WorldSSP as Champion, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) is punching above what was perhaps expected of him. The #11 has been something of a revelation, winning his first-ever WorldSBK race – which was a flag-to-flag nonetheless and his only win so far – and going on to lead the Championship and take six further podiums. However, they’ve all been in P2 and when he’s not been there, he’s been outside the top four more often than not, hence why he’s trailing Toprak in the standings, albeit a solid Misano weekend saw him comfortably the fastest Ducati. An improvement consistency and notching up a couple more wins will help Bulega, who’s already made a step in opening lap aggression to keep himself in contention early on from Misano.
MARKED IMPROVEMENTS FOR ALEX LOWES: consistent and podiums put him P4
It was a majestic start to the season for Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) as he took a double win at Phillip Island, something of a solid foundation to build from. Now the team leader within KRT and working with new crew chief Pere Riba, Lowes managed to put the bike in the top five in Barcelona – a circuit it has historically struggled at – whilst podiums have come at both Assen and Misano since. Kawasaki’s upgrades have helped but along with working with Riba, being the team’s captain and all the experience and understanding of the ZX-10RR have all worked together to put Lowes fourth in the standings, just 31 points behind Bautista in P3 and 55 from Razgatlioglu who leads.
OTHER STORIES: Iannone strength, BMW overall rise and Honda struggles and a surprise winner
A myriad of other stories include Andrea Iannone’s (Team GoEleven) rather seamless return to World Championship action, having had a podium in his first-ever race at Phillip Island and another in Barcelona. However, Assen and Misano were more challenging for the #29 even if he was able to fight for the podium in the former and make amends at the latter. BMW’s overall uptick in form has been echoed by Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), with the Dutchman having taken nine top ten finishes and a best of fourth in Race 2 in Barcelona.
It’s been a tricky season so far for Honda as Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) and teammate Iker Lecuona struggled to make an impact early on, the latter being injured. However, since the Cremona test in May, there’s been an improvement and at Misano, Lecuona was in the top ten in every race. A second strong test came at Cremona whereas team boss Jose Escamez claimed ‘little by little, we’re getting there’ after a Barcelona test. Now review of the opening third is complete without a mention to Nicholas Spinelli either, who was in the right place at the right time but crucially, on the right tyre to take a historic WorldSBK win at Assen, the first for Marco Barnabo’s Barni outfit.
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It’s where the FIM Superbike World Championship started and it’s where many classics have happened; at least one thing is coming home to England and the UK next week and it’s WorldSBK for the 2024 Prosecco DOC UK Round. However, whether it be Donington Park or past battlegrounds of Silverstone and Brands Hatch, hard racing, unrivalled emotion and historic achievements happen in the United Kingdom…
Having been a full-time WorldSBK rider up until 1998, Neil Hodgson was back on the grid as a wildcard at Donington Park in 2000, making one of the greatest returns ever. In a thrilling final lap, he closed down full-time star Frankie Chili from nearly a second back to hit the front down into the Foggy Esses, after the Italian rider’s tyre had cried enough. ‘Hodgy’ took honours ahead of BSB title rival Chris Walker for a first-ever British 1-2 at home, making it a 1-2 for the wildcards too. A memorable day for all there.
In what would go on to be a phenomenal 2002 season, two crashes for Championship leader Troy Bayliss would be rather costly. His first crash came at Vale when the rear stepped out on him from the lead, forcing Edwards to go across the grass. Remounting, Bayliss was working his way back through the field when, for a second time, he fell – this time at Luffield. As the ‘Texas Tornado’ went on to win, Australian Bayliss worked his way back for a fine P5 – an eventful first WorldSBK race at Silverstone.
One of the greatest races we’ve seen in the UK, Neil Hodgson’s homecoming in what was a dominant 2003 season wasn’t perhaps as easy as he’d have hoped. James Toseland, Ruben Xaus, Chris Walker, Gregorio Lavilla, Regis Laconi, wildcards John Reynolds and Yukio Kagayama, all traded blows and battled in a frantic scrap. After a big moment for Kagayama and Lavilla fell, it was Toseland vs Hodgson – just two weeks after they clashed at Oschersleben – but they stayed on track, Hodgson triumphing over the #52.
Having won Race 1, 2003 BSB Champion-elect Shane Byrne rocked up to Brands Hatch as a wildcard and absolutely dominated the regular riders. Race 2 was a tense stand off in the closing stages between Byrne and John Reynolds – riding for Paul Denning’s Crescent Racing Rizla Suzuki outfit and also a wildcard. Reynolds couldn’t quite make a pass meaning it was Paul Bird’s Monstermob Ducati team and Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne who made it two out of two in front of over 100,000 fans; local boy done good.
On his way to the 2007 World Superbike title, James Toseland had never achieved a double win. He won Race 1 at Donington Park earlier in the year but a technical problem retired him out of Race 2. At Brands Hatch, it was a different story however, as having won Race 1, he went on to do the dream double and although he didn’t know it’d be his last win, he celebrated it like it was. The leathers were in the crowd, fans lined the circuit and Toseland took one giant step to title number two.
A dream Race 1 for BMW gave a first ever win with Marco Melandri – leading home a 1-2 with Leon Haslam P2. In Race 2, it looked like a repeat 1-2 for them… it all came down to a last turn duel with Melandri going to deny Haslam a first win with BMW but missing the apex completely; this forced the ‘Pocket Rocket’ off the racing line, opening the door for Jonathan Rea’s Honda to come through. Rea touched Haslam, spearing the #91 into teammate Melandri, whilst the #65 took a first win at home.
In a restarted Race 1 at Silverstone in 2012, one of the craziest finishes to a race we’d ever seen. Going onto the final lap, Max Biaggi crashed out of victory and podium contention, whilst it was Loris Baz aboard the ZX-10RR Kawasaki who led the way, aiming for a first race win. Goldbet BMW riders Michel Fabrizio and Ayrton Badovini were duking it out with Jonathan Rea and defending Champion Carlos Checa. With the kerbs being wet, Baz had a huge moment exiting the final corner but held on for a historic win whilst behind, Badovini crashed after the same rear end slide, leaving nowhere for Jonathan Rea to go as both crashed after the finishing line. Both were classified though, behind Baz and Fabrizio.
A true classic for Tom Sykes and indeed the history books in WorldSBK; coming from outside the top ten in the early stages, reigning World Champion Sykes picked his way through the field before getting into the top two places, with only teammate Loris Baz standing between him and a heroic comeback. The two traded paint to the roar of the home crowd in the final three laps but ultimately, Baz couldn’t respond to a determined #66 for one of his greatest wins; he went on to double up in Race 2.
Race 1 was already a monumental occasion for Michael van der Mark, who took his first-ever WorldSBK win on Saturday afternoon at Donington Park. So, what could make it better? A double, of course; van der Mark once again showed the prowess of himself and the Yamaha package and made it two wins at the legendary British venue. In the same race, a certain Toprak Razgatlioglu found himself in P2, passing Championship leader Jonathan Rea on the final lap to claim a first WorldSBK rostrum; the rest is history…
2023’s Superpole Race was a classic as the ‘titanic trio’ of Alvaro Bautista, Toprak Razgatlioglu and Jonathan Rea all swapped places in the final two laps of the race. At the Melbourne Loop on the penultimate lap, Razgatlioglu took the lead from long-time race leader Jonathan Rea, forcing him to wait for a first win of 2023. However, Rea’s troubles weren’t finished yet as he felt into the clutches of Bautista on the final lap, with the Championship leader bullying his way into P2 at the Foggy Esses. Toprak held on for victory but it was a timely reminder that Donington Park, year after year, delivers.
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As far as rivalries go in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, the one consisting of the ‘titanic trio’ – Toprak Razgatlioglu, Alvaro Bautista and Jonathan Rea has been something quite remarkable. Some of the hardest racing ever seen, the purest of emotions and great respect, we look back at some of the best races where all three of them took their gloves off, got their elbows out and got stuck in.
The race where after their head-to-head gloves off battle for the 2021 title, a certain Alvaro Bautista said: “One day, it had to happen.” Battling for victory on the limit once more and then clad in Yamaha and Kawasaki respectively, Toprak Razgatlioglu and Jonathan Rea clashed and crashed at Assen’s Turn 1, leaving Alvaro Bautista to sweep through for victory and the Championship lead. Having knocked spots off each other all through 2021, both had finally come to blows and after battling with Bautista prior, the term ‘titanic trio’ was born.
So, next up in 2022 was Estoril; all three races were classics but starting with Race 1, it looked like it was going to be between Toprak and Jonny once again. Just a few weeks after their Assen misdemeanour, both collided again during Race 1 in Portugal too, at Turn 6. This constant battling saw Alvaro Bautista whittle away at their advantage, coming from more than two seconds back to be right in the mix and eventually overhaul Razgatlioglu on the run to the line on the last lap. Heartbreak for Toprak but elation for Bautista as his redemption in red continued.
Bautista couldn’t feature for the victory in the Superpole Race, leaving it to Razgatlioglu and Rea once more; Toprak was still chasing a first race win of the season and looked set to get the monkey off his back until a huge front-end Marc Marquez-style save at the chicane on the final lap cost him. He stayed upright but Rea had zipped on by and held on until the flag. Toprak denied again as Rea took honours.
Race 2 and more of the same incredible battling with a third race going down to the line; on the last lap, they swapped places three times from Turn 7 until Turn 9, with Rea having the advantage as they exited the chicane. However, an enormous rear-end slide on the exit of the last corner for the six-time World Champion saw a glimmer of hope for Bautista to repeat his Race 1 antics and draft through by the line, although it wasn’t to be. Rea held on for a magnificent victory, with Bautista denied a double at Estoril.
Continuing the drama throughout the 2022 season, the Czech round at Most called and offered a true head-to-head between Razgatlioglu and Rea and despite Bautista’s best efforts to have a say, he just ran out of time. On the last lap, Rea hit the front at the first chicane, only for Toprak to retaliate at the fast Turn 3; rethinking his strategy, Rea got a run out of Turn 13 and made a bold lunge at Turn 15 on the run into the big esses. He couldn’t pull it down, ran through the gravel but managed to rejoin in P2, whereas Toprak went on to take victory.
Whilst it was a duel of Razgatlioglu and Rea in 2022, 12 months later, it was all about the Turkish rider and Bautista. Lap after lap, Bautista would try to outbrake Toprak into Turn 1, only for the #54 to let them off and somehow make the apex. The most impressive was when the Ducati rider went to the inside and this time, Toprak answered by sweeping around the outside. At that point, it looked like it was all done but then disaster struck when a rear tyre failure took the 2021 World Champion out, allowing Bautista to come on through for victory and extend his Championship lead to over 70 points.
Portimao’s Race 2 from 2023 went down in history as one of the greatest of all-time; more than 30 passes for the lead between Toprak and Bautista, who had now elevated themselves as the shining members of the titanic trio. Lap after lap, the Spaniard blasted through on the straight, only for Toprak to retaliate at Turn 1, Turn 5 or Turn 13, to try and resist the onslaught. Even on the last lap, he put it all on the line, only for the Ducati to drive under him on the exit of the last corner – repeating the heroics of the Superpole Race. A race that is instantly one of the best in motorcycle racing. Just in case that wasn’t enough, the final race of 2023 at Jerez – with Toprak in his last race for Yamaha and Rea in his last for Kawasaki – was a corker, with 38 passes for victory in the last 10 laps alone.
Whilst Rea struggled with his Yamaha adaptation, Toprak’s move to BMW was going swimmingly after a first win on Saturday. For the Superpole Race in Barcelona, he closed in on Bautista during the last lap – who in-turn was going for a first win of the year – and having missed the last real overtaking opportunity at Turn 10, went all-out at Turn 14 to win. Letting the brakes off at the final corner, the #54 slung the BMW up the inside of Bautista and pushed the home-hero wide, making it a double in Montmelo, whilst Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) came to finish P2. A true Valentino Rossi-inspired pass for one of the best races of this year… so far.
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