Following the thrilling 2024 Pirelli Dutch Round, the TT Circuit Assen and WorldSBK are delighted to announce the extension of their agreement, securing the venue as a host circuit until 2031. This extension promises continued excitement for motorsport fans and ensures a Dutch Round in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship calendar for a further six years.
The 2024 event attracted 56,734 attendees over three days, showcasing the circuit’s appeal and its importance to the community and the championship. The Dutch Round remains a pivotal event, especially for home-grown talents like Michael van der Mark, Jeffrey Buis, and up-and-coming riders such as Loris Veneman, and Glenn van Straalen, the latter clinching his first WorldSSP victory this year.
The agreement builds on a strong tradition of racing at the TT Circuit Assen, known affectionately as the ‘Cathedral of Speed’. Having hosted WorldSBK since 1992, the circuit’s role is further underscored with the renewed commitment with MotoGP™, also extended until 2031. This double commitment underlines TT Circuit Assen’s prominent role in both world-class motorcycle racing championships.
Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director, commented: “We are proud to announce the continuation of TT Circuit Assen as a staple venue in the WorldSBK calendar through 2031. TT Circuit Assen, with its rich history and thrilling racing, remains an essential part of the WorldSBK heritage. We are excited to keep delivering outstanding racing experiences to our fans.”
Arjan Bos, Chairman of TT Circuit Assen, added: “WorldSBK is such an important fixture on our calendar. Because of the constant interaction with the fans, young and old, we can continue to grow our fanbase for motorsport in general. World Superbike always gets a lot of appreciation from riders and public alike. We are very proud to continue as a location for this major event.”
Watch classic Assen races from years gone by and don’t miss out on the 2024 season using the WorldSBK VideoPass!
As far as starting a new chapter with a different manufacturer, things don’t get much better than Toprak Razgatlioglu’s (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) new journey with BMW. He’s the first rider to three wins in a season where many doubted if he’d be a Championship contender, whilst he’s just six points away from top spot – answering the critics in true Toprak style on the track. A podium in just his second race for the manufacturer followed by three wins in the last six races, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers said that they’re “going to go for it” in terms of a Championship charge immediately after Race 2, whereas technical director Chris Gonschor spoke of the developments of the project from all aspects and how it feels to be part of it right now.
“RACE 2 WAS THE BEST PART OF THE WEEKEND… SPECIAL TIMES” – Gonschor on Toprak’s third win
“Race 2 was the best part of the weekend but anyway, it was a good weekend,” began Gonschor as the teams packed away from the Pirelli Dutch Round. “Toprak showed a good performance on the SC0 tyre, and he managed to do it perfectly until the end of the race. The Superpole Race was a gamble for everybody, as everyone went with the SCQ but nobody had experience with it. So it was a hard race for Toprak and for us to watch, but it is very good to see how strong he came back in Race 2 and finish an incredible race.”
Talking about how the position of the project now and them being regular winners and contenders, he continued: “It is special times with special focus for all of our riders and bikes. OK, we don’t have all four of our riders at the front right now but the performance from Mikey in Race 2 showed how hard we can fight and work with the bike, which is the most important thing for me as an engineer. Toprak managed it from his point of view from the lead and then from sixth to recover by staying calm. Mikey was fighting like the good old Mikey and we saw today why he was a race winner in the past, and I am sure he will come back to the podium soon.”
“ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN” – title tilt talks after three rounds
Experessing how talk of a Championship challenge feels following on from Bongers’ comments in pitlane, Gonschor echoed the sentiment and wants it to become normal: “It feels good there is nothing more to say. It shows that the work we do is going in the right direction, and now we have already proved it in the second round. Even during winter testing at Jerez and Portimao, we have been competitive at five tracks now. For sure, it is a long season, and anything can happen, but we will try and fight.”
Speaking personally about how it makes him feel, having been in BMW for his entire working life as well as in the World Superbike team’s official entry as chassis engineer in their first years, he stated: “It feels good because, as I have said, it is passion and everything that I develop with the ladies and gents in Munich makes me happy. It is a technical solution for our rider that they request and that we deliver, so if the rider is happy, we are happy.”
2024 IS UNMISSABLE: enjoy all the stories, drama, emotion and racing with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Honda has updated three of its middleweight motorcycles for the 2024 model year. Included in this announcement are the Honda NX500 adventure bike (formerly called the CB500X), the Honda CBR500R sportbike, and the Honda CB500F naked bike.
“Honda’s midsize lineup remains a core focus for the company, as these models suit a wide range of riders, in terms of skill levels and preferred riding experience,” said Colin Miller, assistant manager of public relations at American Honda. “The advancements made with the NX500, CBR500R, and CB500F are aimed at enhancing the experience for all riders, from casual commuters to lifelong enthusiasts.”
These models join the list of Honda motorcycles already announced for 2024, including the new Honda Transalp, the updated Honda Shadow Phantom, the updated Honda Africa Twin, the returning Gold Wing family, the Rebel family, the NC750X, the SCL500, and others.
The CB500X adventure bike has been renamed the NX500 for 2024. Powered by a liquid-cooled 471cc parallel-Twin, the NX500 has a claimed wet weight of 432 lb (7 lb lighter than the CB500X), a wheelbase of 56.8 inches, a seat height of 32.8 inches, a 4.7-gallon fuel tank, 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, and 7.1 inches of ground clearance. Suspension is provided by a 41mm fork with 5.9 inches of travel and a Pro-Link shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability and 5.3 inches of travel. Up front are dual 296mm discs with two-piston calipers, and in the rear is a single 240mm disc. ABS is standard.
Updates for the NX500 include a new ECU, lighter wheels, upgraded suspension settings, a new LED headlight, the addition of Honda Selectable Torque Control, and a new TFT display.
The 2024 Honda NX500 will be available in Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $7,399.
2024 Honda CBR500R
2024 Honda CBR500R in Grand Prix Red
The Honda CBR500R sportbike gets refreshed for 2024. The CBR500R is also powered by the 471cc parallel-Twin. It has a wet weight of 421 lb, a wheelbase of 55.5 inches, a seat height of 31.1 inches, a 4.5-gallon tank, dual 296mm front brake discs with two-piston calipers, a 240mm rear disc, and standard ABS. Suspension consists of a 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork and a Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability.
2024 Honda CBR500R in Matte Black Metallic
For 2024, the Honda CBR500R receives sharper Fireblade-inspired styling, including a new fairing with winglets. Also included are new LED headlights, a new 5-inch TFT display, and Honda Selectable Torque Control.
The 2024 Honda CBR500R will be available in Grand Prix Red or Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $7,399.
2024 Honda CB500F
2024 Honda CB500F in Matte Black Metallic
The Honda CB500F naked bike shares an engine, brakes, suspension, and dimensions with the CBR500R, but with a lighter wet weight of 414 lb. Updates include new styling, a new 5-inch TFT display, and Honda Selectable Torque Control.
The 2024 Honda CB500F will be available in Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $6,899.
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has been the home to sensational battles for victory and incredible tussles for the title. In this series, we’ll look at some of the best races the Championship has ever seen, from the mid-90s to last couple of years. From Fogarty to Razgatlioglu, Davies to Laconi, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo offers more power, sophistication, and capability than its predecessor. (Photos by Francesc Montero & Sebas Romero)
KTM is celebrating “30 Years of Duke” this year, and we’ve already reviewed two updated models, the 390 Duke and 990 Duke. We’ve saved the best – and biggest – for last, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo. Known for years as “The Beast,” the Super Duke gets a displacement bump from 1,301cc to 1,350cc (hence the evolutionary name change from 1290 to 1390) and other upgrades for 2024. KTM says it’s 60% new.
With an extra 10 hp and new cam shift technology, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo’s engine delivers more performance throughout the rev range.
To achieve the larger displacement, KTM bored out the Super Duke’s twin cylinders from 108mm to 110mm but left stroke the same at 71mm. There’s also a new cam shift system that alternates between two different valve lifts above and below 5,700 rpm, allowing for both a deep well of low-end torque and a screaming top end rather than having to compromise between the two. The 1390 Super Duke R Evo’s liquid-cooled, 75-degree LC8 V-Twin now makes a claimed 190 hp (up from 180) at 10,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque (up from 103) at 8,000 rpm, all while meeting Euro 5+ homologation.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo is available in KTM’s signature “Ready to Race” orange as well as black. The black bike on the left is closest to stock, while the two orange bikes are fitted with many accessores from KTM’s PowerParts catalog.
Other engine changes include a redesigned airbox with a reduced stack height due to shorter throttle bodies, a larger throttle body inlet diameter (60mm, up from 56), a repositioned top-feed injector for better atomization of the fuel-air mixture, and revised 5th and 6th gears. Improvements in durability have enabled longer service intervals, with valve inspection checks now required every 60,000 km (37,282 miles).
2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo in stock trim
The redesigned air intake and airbox allowed KTM to increase the volume of the fuel tank from 4.2 to 4.6 gallons. Refreshed bodywork includes revised tank spoilers with new winglets that produce downforce at speed, a slimmer subframe cover, and a new, 1.5-lb-lighter LED headlight unit that’s shared with the 990 Duke.
New winglets on the tank spoilers add downforce at speed.
As before, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo has a chromoly-steel trellis main frame that uses the engine as a stressed member, and holding up the tailsection is a cast-aluminum/composite subframe. The updated WP Apex semi-active suspension consists of a 48mm inverted fork and a rear shock with multiple modes (Auto, Comfort, Street, Sport, and Rain). The optional Suspension Pro package adds Track and Pro modes, automatic preload leveling, anti-dive, and Factory Start, which reduces rear preload when coming to a stop to lower the seat height.
Updated WP Apex suspension with Semi Active Technology provides real-time damping adjustment with multiple modes. Nope, that triple clamp isn’t a stock item.
Throttle-by-wire and a 6-axis IMU allow for a full suite of electronics, including ride modes (Sport, Street, and Rain), cornering ABS with a Supermoto mode that disables ABS at the rear, lean-sensitive traction control, and cruise control. The optional Tech Pack adds Motor Slip Regulation, Quickshifter+, Suspension Pro, and the Track Pack, which adds Track and Performance ride modes, engine-brake control, wheelie control, telemetry, and a lap timer.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo has top-shelf brakes and new stickier, lighter Michelin Power GP tires.
Top-shelf Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers squeeze 320mm discs up front, and they are controlled by a Brembo MCS (multiple-click system) radial master cylinder. A self-venting Brembo clutch master cylinder eliminates the need to bleed the hydraulic clutch system. The Super Duke’s 17-inch wheels are shod with new dual-compound Michelin Power GP tires, which save 1.2 lb of unsprung weight over the previous tires. Claimed wet weight for the Super Duke is 441 lb.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo has a 4.6-gallon fuel tank, which adds 0.4 gallon compared to the 1290.
We tested the 1390 Super Duke R Evo at Almeria Circuit, a racetrack in southern Spain. The English translation of the track’s website describes the 2.5-mile, 15-turn circuit as “expectacular” with “more hours of sun of Europe.” Actually, it’s a tricky track with multiple blind corners. And when we were there, it was cold with “more hours of clouds” and, after the first few sessions, “tears falling from the sky” (rain).
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo is a light, compact machine, but it has a reasonably spacious cockpit with a comfortable riding position.
As a naked bike, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo has agreeable ergonomics, with an upright handlebar, adequate legroom, and a well-padded seat. Despite its “Beast” moniker, in today’s world of sophisticated electronics and refined tuning, the Super Duke is quite civilized, or at least it can be. Our slow-speed riding was limited to pit lane, but during our tests of previous models, the Super Duke has been well-behaved on city streets.
An updated 5-inch TFT display with new menus and graphics simplifies navigation through the 1390 Super Duke’s many settings. KTMconnect Bluetooth smartphone connectivity adds navigation, music, and phone functions.
While learning an unfamiliar track on a cold day, the 1390 never felt edgy or twitchy. It was easy to modulate the bike’s throttle, and its handling characteristics were neutral and reassuring. After a couple sighting laps, I started to figure out Almeria’s layout and dial up my speed through the bends. It’s on corner exits that The Beast really comes alive, with heaps of torque at the ready. On the circuit’s two straights, I was able hold the throttle WFO and feel the remarkable amount of thrust the Super Duke is capable of.
A beauty of a beast, but definitely not stock, especially those slicks.
Approaching the end of those straights, a firm squeeze on the right lever threw everything into reverse, returning man and machine to more manageable speeds, and a light push on the handlebar quickly initiated a lean into the next corner. As my confidence increased, the Super Duke was right there with me, always ready to give more without ever crossing that invisible line into the abyss, where things go from great to oh-shit in the blink of an eye.
Judging by the speeds at which the former racers and track rats in our group passed me, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo is capable of much more than I was able to wring out of it. Then it started raining.
We huddled and shivered in the unheated paddock as dark clouds dumped sheets of rain on the track, glum faces all around. After a while, when the downpour gave way to drizzle, the KTM guys asked if we wanted to go out on the track to do rolling burnouts and wheelies. Not being a wheelie guy, normally I’d pass, but this was the perfect opportunity to test the new adjustable wheelie control, which can be set to one of five levels, from very low to very high, or it can be turned off.
The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo makes more than enough power to loop a ham-fisted wheelie, so the adjustable anti-wheelie function provides a reassuring safety net.
Ripping a stylin’ wheelie turned out to be easy. The Super Duke makes so much low-end torque that no clutch work is required. I selected the medium wheelie setting, got going in 2nd gear, rolled off the throttle to compress the fork, then wacked the throttle open. The front wheel came right up but wouldn’t go higher than the set lift angle thanks to intervention from the IMU-based traction control system. From zero to hero with the press of a button.
Up, up, up to the desired height and then no more.
Later, I ventured out onto the track for one last session on damp pavement, but when another ride low-sided into the gravel ahead of me, I tucked my tail and returned to the paddock.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo is a potent machine, with more power, sophistication, and capability than before. While its full potential can only be unleashed on a track in the right hands in the right conditions, it’s also a helluva streetbike, provided you can resist the temptation to go too far on the wild side.
The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship might only be three rounds in, but already, attention is turning into what the 2025 grid will look like. Some riders are under contract for next season, plenty have their futures up in the air, and there have been plenty of comments made about what to expect in 2025. So, what is known so far about the complexion of next year’s grid.
NOT YET SORTED FOR 2025: the riders aiming to secure a ride
The biggest name without a deal for next season is reigning Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), who opted to sign a one-year contract last season. Both GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team riders, Dominique Aegerter and Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team), Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing), Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing), Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team), Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team), Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) and Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) are all yet to sign for next year. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) is also out of contract, while teammate Axel Bassani is on a multi-year deal– of course, next year, it’ll be the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team squad. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) revealed last year he was contracted for 2023 and 2024, so he’s a free agent for 2025 as it stands. Elsewhere, Andrea Iannone’s (Team GoEleven) contract expires at the end of 2024.
WHAT’S BEEN SAID SO FAR: retirement talk, factory team ambitions
With rumours already circulating about next year, riders have been asked about it already. Bautista said in an interview that “he doesn’t have anything in his mind” and that he’ll keep racing while he’s having fun, but isn’t in a hurry to make a decision. However, in his media debrief on Friday, Bautista made a contradictory statement by saying he wants to decide soon: “If the top management in Ducati want me, it’s always a pleasure! I’m focused on riding with my best performance. I think I will make a decision soon for me and for my team.”
Iannone addressed rumours about his future at Assen, saying: “I’m happy I’m being spoken about. I know if I’m on top, I have many chances. My target is to be in a factory team, but we will see. I’m happy because after a long time, I felt many things, and interest from many manufacturers. I’m honoured. I think, after Assen at Misano, we will know something more about this.”
Alex Lowes was also asked about silly season at Assen, and the #22 said: “I don’t really know, it’s very early. Like we’re seeing in MotoGP™ and previous years in WorldSBK, everything starts really early. We have a break after the Assen round, so maybe there’ll be some more news in the break. From my side, I don’t know yet.”
Gardner has been quoted by Motorsport-Total.com as saying he has an option for 2025 to be with GRT Yamaha, while Aegerter – in the same article – said “the conditions must be right” to stay with the team and that there are “other alternatives” for the double WorldSSP Champion.
2025 WorldSBK grid (TBA = To Be Announced)
Aruba.it Racing – Ducati: Nicolo Bulega and TBA
Pata Prometeon Yamaha: Jonathan Rea and Andrea Locatelli
Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team: Axel Bassani and TBA
Team HRC: Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge
ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: Toprak Razgatlioglu and TBA
Follow all the news and on-track action from WorldSBK in 2024 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was one of the big movers for the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, moving from Independent Ducati machinery to the factory Kawasaki squad. It’s been a challenging start to the season for the #47, with two top-ten finishes to his name so far. In an interview, Bassani reviewed his season so far, how his adaptation is going, having a teammate for the first time in his career and his home round at Misano.
THREE ROUNDS IN: “a difficult season, because the level of WorldSBK is really high…”
Bassani has become known for challenging for podiums since he debuted in WorldSBK in 2021, but that hasn’t happened so far. Assen was the highlight, fighting in the podium positions in difficult conditions, but he dropped back as the track dried. The Feltre-born star reviewed his 2024 season so far, calling it difficult but explaining how he sees positives in the hard start to the year.
Bassani said: “It’s been a difficult season, at the moment, because the level of World Superbike at the moment is really high and changing team and the motorbike is never easy. The level of WorldSBK isn’t helping me at the moment. This means if you start to go well and have a good speed, you’ll be fast and strong. We need to work step by step, slowly.”
ADAPTING TO THE BIKE: “if you start out of the first or second row, it’s difficult to have a good race”
The Ducati and Kawasaki machines are very different, in terms of how to ride them, the engine configuration and much more. Speaking about this, and also how the Tissot Superpole sessions are currently his weakest point – with a best of 15th so far – Bassani said: “It’s a completely different bike. There are always two wheels but it’s a completely different feeling! You have to change your riding style, under braking and the exit of corners, because the bike is different. The first time was not easy but now, weekend by weekend, I’m starting to feel better on the bike. On the bike, I don’t have a bad feeling, but it’s always difficult to be fast and especially in Superpole we have some problems. We’ll try to have a better Superpole because now, if you start out of the first or second row, it’s really difficult to have a good race.
“When we put the softer tyres, the bike starts to be more difficult for me to ride. It starts to be difficult for me to do what I want to do. With harder tyres, it’s better. We have to improve a lot with the softer tyres because the bike starts to do something strange for my riding style. We need to improve. We’ll work on this point. We have to work on the SCQ tyre but also the soft tyre for the race because, after ten laps, we start to have some problems. We have a lot of work to do but we know what we need.”
A TEAMMATE FOR THE FIRST TIME: “strange to have a teammate… Alex is a really good guy”
For the first time in WorldSBK, Bassani has a rider alongside him in the garage. He’s teamed up with Alex Lowes for 2024, with the #22 in his fifth season in green. Explaining how their relationship is going and how Lowes is helping him, Bassani said: “After three years alone with Ducati, it’s strange to have a teammate. At the same time, it’s good, because you have someone who’s riding the same bike and it’s always good to see what they’re doing. Alex is a really good guy. He always tries to do his best; he pushes to the limit with the Kawasaki because it’s his fifth season with Kawasaki. It’s really important for me to see his data and see where I can improve. He can help me, but you have to remember that he’s my teammate, but always one of my rivals. He can help me somewhere… but not too much! It’s normal. It’s the same for me. We’re two riders riding for the same team, but, at the same time, we want to be the best. He’s doing his work and the same for me.”
A HOME BREAKTHROUGH: “I want to get a podium, but we need to be realistic”
Misano is up next and has often been the scene of the start of Bassani’s charge to the front, and he’ll be hoping for more of the same in 2024. When asked about this, the Italian rider said that he would like to be on the rostrum on home soil but also played down expectations, stating that the focus has to be on improving the bike.
He said: “I want to get a podium at Misano because it’s my home round, it’s always important. Usually, there are a lot of people pushing not only me but all the Italian riders. It will be important for me to get a good result, but we need to be realistic. We have to improve a lot. I think, for us, for my side of the team, it’s important to think about improving the bike and try to find our setup and then, after, think about podiums. It’s really difficult at the moment because the level of WorldSBK is really high.”
Spring means the days are getting longer and the weather is warming up. Motorcycles that have been on trickle chargers in the garage are coming out into the sunshine and getting ready to hit the road. We know you are too!
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SW-Motech Micro WP Tank Bag
SW-Motech’s most popular product is now available in a waterproof version. This tankbag is made from thermo-welded TPU material backed with shape-preserving EVA elements, and it attaches to the tank with SW-Motech’s PRO Tank Ring System and magnetic guide. The bag’s MOLLE-compatible lid features a magnetic closure. The bag holds 5 liters, the zippers are lockable, and reflective details provide nighttime visibility. It is available for $204. The bike-specific Tank Ring starts at $30, and riders can find the correct ring for their motorcycle by using the bike filter on the SW-Motech website.
The Roadsmart IV tires feature a revamped formula with a claimed 23% more mileage for the front tire and 26% more for the rear compared to the previous generation. The new compound has Hi Silica X and Fine Carbon technology for better grip and stopping performance in wet conditions, and a new sidewall construction improves handling. The rear tire features Multi Tread Technology, which allows the center compound to last longer while compounds on the shoulders provide better grip. Dunlop says the tires have 15% lighter steering on turn-in than their predecessor. They have a ZR speed rating and start at $227.95.
The RPHA 12 is built with HJC’s Premium Integrated Matrix EVO construction, which provides a light weight with a robust structure. The helmet prioritizes aerodynamic performance with an optimized rear spoiler and a shell shape that reduces lift and drag for stability at high speeds. Also reducing drag and noise is the HJ-42 curved faceshield (Pinlock-ready) and two-way pivot ratchet system. The interior is fully removable and washable, and the cheek pads can be changed for a custom fit. A pull tab allows quick removal of the helmet in an emergency. It comes in solid and graphic colors starting at $479.99.
National Cycle Yamaha Ténéré 700 VStream Windscreen
National Cycle’s VStream windscreen for the Yamaha Ténéré 700 offers excellent wind protection in three sizes. The patented V shape and advanced dimensional contours push wind away from the rider’s helmet for a peaceful, quiet ride, and the passenger also receives some wind protection. The screen is made of polycarbonate for better optics, and it has 23 times the impact strength of acrylic. The screen also includes a Quantum hardcoat for scratch resistance. The Sport size (12 inches tall) is available for $134.95, the Sport/Touring size (15.5 inches) is $154.95, and the Touring size (18 inches) is $164.95.
The Hair Glove prevents knotting and tangling while keeping hair protected from dirt, dust, and other damaging elements, and it provides a sleek and stylish look with its cylindrical design. Snap buttons running the length of the Hair Glove keep hair in place, and the built-in Flex-Hook attaches to an elastic band to prevent it from sliding off even at high speeds. Simply hook it, wrap it, snap it, and go. The American Flag Angel Wings with Gems design ($33.99) pictured here is available in 4-inch and 8-inch (shown) versions, and some designs offer 12-inch sizes and smaller 1.25-inch bands.
The Contour-X full-face helmet features a new Peripherally Belted Complex Laminate Construction shell that’s thinner and lighter thanks to a new fiber material and resin. The shell flares out 5mm around the opening to make the helmet easier to slide on and off, and the bottom of the shell also features Arai’s Hyper Ridge, which improves strength and shock absorption. The helmet includes a new odor-resistant, brushed-nylon interior that’s removable and washable and features adjustable Facial Contour System cheek pads. It includes seven intakes and six exhausts for airflow. Available in sizes XS-2XL starting at $739.95.
These adventure and dual-sport tires focus on off-road performance with some on-road capability as well, with a 20% on-road and 80% off-road bias. The tires’ profile and tread pattern excel in aggressive off-road riding while being predictable on-road with consistent wear and comparatively low road noise. These tires are available in a Standard version and a Dakar version with a yellow stripe, a stiffer carcass, and a longer-wearing rubber compound. The XT+ tires are available for both tubeless and tube-type applications and in various sizes starting at $103.95.
The new Nelson-Rigg Hurricane Tail Bag comes in adventure (28 liters) or dual-sport (12 liters) sizes and is constructed from heavy-duty UV-treated PVC tarpaulin material with electronically heat-welded seams to make it 100% waterproof and dustproof. The bag is mounted using heavy-duty tension lock buckles and web straps. Two adjustable cross-straps inside hold your gear in place, and the bag includes reflective piping, a rubberized carrying handle, and a MOLLE panel on the lid. The adventure size is priced at $159.95, and the dual-sport size is $139.95.
Now that spring is here, it’s time to roll your motorcycle out of the garage and knock off the accumulated dust. You can get your bike shining like new again with Spectro Performance Oils’ Motorcycle Wash and Suspension Cleaner. The Motorcycle Wash is a spray-on/rinse-off cleaner that tackles the toughest dirt, grease, grime, bug splatter, brake dust, and road film. The Suspension Cleaner is a fast-acting, deep-cleaning degreaser that removes stubborn suspension fluid, grease, dirt, and debris without harming your seals or O-rings. Available at your local dealer or powersports retailer.
This helmet is constructed with a durable and lightweight polymer shell, and inside is a dual-density EPS liner with one softer layer and one that’s firmer for progressive impact absorption. The clear faceshield comes with an antifog coating and a durable hardcoat for scratch resistance, and the shield lock ensures the shield will remain closed in all conditions. The faceshield can be raised and fully hidden under the visor, and it’s designed to accommodate goggles with straps. The helmet also includes a drop-down sunshield. Available in sizes XS-2XL and four colors for $219.95.
The 2024 Triumph Daytona 660 is a new middleweight sportbike powered by a liquid-cooled 660cc inline-Triple that makes a claimed 94 hp at 11,250 rpm, with redline at 12,650 rpm, and 51 lb-ft of torque at 8,250 rpm, with more than 80% of the torque available from 3,125 rpm. Its MSRP is $9,195.
To test the Daytona 660, we rode the bike on a variety of roads in Alicante, Spain, and we found it to be a versatile, exciting motorcycle that is affordable enough for entry-level riders but capable enough for those with more experience and buying power.
Whilst there’s an abundance of headlines at the front of the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field, Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) took a best finish of the year in 11th at Assen, a circuit he knows well. Race 2 saw him fight tooth and nail with factory counterpart Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) and followed him home, just missing out on a first top ten by just 0.103s. However, despite not being able to lay claim to top Honda honours, both he and crew chief Mick Shanley spoke of the work done to be in the position to fight for such positions.
“IT WAS REALLY POSITIVE” – the #95 shows strength and potential
Giving an overview of Assen, Mackenzie stated: “It was a stronger weekend overall and the wet sessions just helped me build confidence and it was more of a level playing field. I had some good results, was a bit better in Superpole and closer to the guys in front. In the Superpole Race, I felt like I messed up a little bit; I felt like I could have been stronger in the opening laps but I was determined to have a good start. It made such a difference getting dragged round with the likes of Garrett and Xavi. It was cool from that side; we caught Rinaldi and then it was us three towards the end. I tried my best to pass them both but couldn’t do it; Garrett ran wide and then I managed to get by so to finish right behind Xavi is great, as well as being in the mix and scoring points. It was really positive.”
Detailing the difficulties of 2024, Mackenzie explained how important this result is for him and the team: “It was a struggle for sure and in Australia, we had no testing really compared to anyone else. We didn’t have the bike we’re riding now until the Tuesday before Australia, then I crashed, the weather didn’t help and it was just a bit of a struggle. Having Mick in my corner from the Barcelona test onwards, I made a big step and was a bit closer to the factory guys in Barcelona and had a bit of a better race there. Then, we made another step here even if it was hard. We didn’t get many dry laps so we went back to base setting from Barcelona. In the rain, we were a lot stronger so it was nice to see some light at the end of the tunnel and a bit more positivity lifts the whole morale of the team.
“Everyone’s working hard and trying their best with the package we’ve got. We’re always trying to think of new things and in the wet and dry, try to be quite competitive. OK, it’s not top ten and at the front but I think with what we’ve got, we’re doing a pretty good job. We’ve scored an 11th so for sure, the next goal is the top ten.”
“IT’S GOOD TO CHALLENGE THE RED BIKE!” – Shanley talks of fighting with factory Honda at Assen
Crew chief Mick Shanley also spoke of Mackenzie’s progress as he got nearer to Xavi Vierge: “I’m really happy for us; we made a bit of a step in Barcelona and we wanted to continue that here. It’s been tricky with the weather when it’s cold, wet and dry but Tarran handled it really well. It was the first time he had ridden the bike with traction control in the wet so there was a lot for him to learn and take on board. Things came together in Race 2 in the dry and he rode really well all the way through; just trying to judge and understand, setting off higher up the grid with a better Superpole starting place. It’s good for him to see that he can ride with these people and be in the mix to gain confidence from it. If we can keep making steps forwards in each race, it’s good to challenge the red bike!”
Speaking about the belief that Tarran could fight in the P10 to P15 battle, Shanley believes this result is confirmation of that potential: “I kept trying to tell him that and he’s not been so sure but fair play to him, he got a better Superpole with the wet session and it’s shown him that he can be in that group. We’ve gained a lot more data to be running faster for longer so we’ll see what we can learn before next time out. We have two tests – Cremona and Misano – so it’s a chance to have a play with a few things and hopefully make some steps forward.”
“HE FULLY DESERVES TO BE OUT THERE RACING WITH THESE GUYS” – Mackenzie earning his stripes
“I’ve got to take my hat off to him; he fully deserves to be out there racing with these guys and we know he can race inside the top ten. I have full belief in him. It’s been impressive and I think people underestimate just how hard this Championship is. You look up and down the grid and there’s a lot of MotoGP race winners, World Champions… it’s incredible. For him to come here in his first season, with a lot of things to learn from the electronics side, we know that as a manufacturer that there’s still work to do. He’s taken it all in his stride and step by step, it’s good to work away for the top ten.”
Finally, detailing how a result like that can help team morale after a difficult period, he said: “Definitely and not only with Tarran but it’s been a good result in WorldSSP with Kaito Toba grabbing P7. Overall, as a team, it’s good to see everyone packing up with a smile on their face and we can see the progress! Everyone’s always pushing so hard so it’s good for everyone to see a result for all their efforts.”
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