SportbikeBlog

WSBK: World Superbike Philip Island Highlights 2011

2011-03-01T00:29:00.000-08:00

Kawasakis Still Suck

2011-03-01T00:23:00.000-08:00

Not that I particularly dislike them on the street or anything, but come on. Kawasaki supposedly poured its heart and soul and lots of money into becoming a serious force in World Superbike.

They withdrew from MotoGP (after consistently running at the back of the pack). At the beginning of every World Superbike race for the past several years you could see a nearly comedic sea of neon green lagging 5 seconds behind everyone before the first corner. I can see why they wanted to just focus on this and get it right.

Yet what did was see last weekend at Philip Island? This was the all-new Ninja that's supposed to be tickling the BMW S1000RR's horsepower levels and has been relabelled "ZX" explicitly - a race bike - , while the new "Ninja 1000" assumes the former's former dual street/race role. This is a team that's been in Superbike since the early days in some shape or form.

Yet what did we see? A sea of neon green at the back of the pack. What is the deal?

Philip Island World Superbike Results 2011

2011-03-01T00:05:00.000-08:00

Carlos Checa and Ducati rose like a pair of phoenixes at Philip Island, pulling off a double win and leading virtually every minute of both race one and two.

Carlos Checa came to World Superbike from MotoGP in the twilight years of his racing career (and probably in the the eyes of many pissed them away on a Honda he showed moments of untouchable speed on but mostly mediocrity). At the end of last year, The long-time headline attraction of World Superbike made the shocking and upsetting announcement that they were withdrawing factory support from the series (this was around the time they announced they'd hired Rossi for 90 zillion dollars).

None of that mattered on the opening weekend of the 2011 World Superbike Championship season. Checa simply walked away in both superbike class races. Mind you, as the announcers repeatedly mentioned, Philip Island is a historically Ducati-oriented track... but then again, in WSBK, what track hasn't been dominated by Ducatis? Checa was incredibly smooth - almost boringly - and the race for third place was some of the best I've seen in years. MotoGP continues to become more Formula 1-ish in its anti-climactic racing, but Superbike has been on the warpath for the past half-decade.

Max Biaggi had to be the second-best rider of the day, not only utilizing his Aprilia RSV4's monsterous power extremely well, but cutting through the field like a hot knife through butter after a poor start in race two. You could really see how unique and gradual his lines are compared to the rest of the field, and there were admittedly moments I were I thought he'd T-bone someone but he just cruised by like they weren't moving.

The whole time, Marco Melandari was getting the better of his Yamaha teammate Laverty and Leon Haslam was showing that last season was no fluke. Fellow BMW rider actually chased down and outpaced Haslam for a short stint, but headbanged in anger after offshooting a turn mid-race. Seeing all-of-the-above 4, even 5 wide through top gear chicanes was quite a spectacle.

The biggest surprise for me was in World Supersport. Luca Scassa isn't an old rider but seems nonetheless like he's been around forever. He's ridden a lot of bikes and been in some hellish crashes. I just didn't imagine him winning the opening supersport championship race in 2011,, but obviously I was wrong.

Supersport:

1. Luca Scassa ITA ParkinGO Yamaha YZF-R6 21 Laps
2. Broc Parkes AUS Kawasaki Motocard.com ZX-6R +0.009s
3. Sam Lowes GBR Parkalgar Honda CBR600RR +0.033s
4. David Salom ESP Kawasaki Motocard.com ZX-6R +0.272s
5. Robbin Harms DEN Harms Benjan Honda CBR600RR +16.969s
6. James Ellison GBR Bogdanka PTR Honda CBR600RR +23.943s
7. Florian Marino FRA Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR +31.788s
8. Vittorio Iannuzzo ITA Lorenzini Kawasaki ZX-6R +31.837s
9. Alexander Lundh SWE Cresto Guide Honda CBR600RR +31.870s
10. Danilo Dell'Omo ITA Suriano Triumph Daytona 675 +32.817s
11. Ronan Quarmby RSA Suriano Triumph Daytona 675 +43.799s
12. Ondrej Jezek CZE SMS Honda CBR600RR +56.116s
13. Bastien Chesaux SUI Moto-Academy Honda CBR600RR +1min 00.055s
14. Balazs Nemeth HUN Team Hungary Toth Honda CBR600RR +1min 05.909s
15. Imre Toth HUN Team Hungary Toth Honda CBR600RR +1min 06.318s

16. Vladimir Ivanov UKR Step Racing Honda CBR600RR +1min 14.472s
17. Marko Jerman SLO MD Jerman Triumph Daytona 675 1min 24.183s
18. Chaz Davies GBR ParkinGO Yamaha YZF-R6 +1 lap
19. Luca Marconi ITA Bike Service Yamaha YZF-R6 +1 lap
20. Roberto Tamburini ITA Bike Service Yamaha YZF-R6 +1 lap

Not Classified

21. Fabien Foret FRA Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR 15 lap completed
22. Massimo Roccoli ITA Lorenzini Kawasaki ZX-6R 15 laps completed
23. Miguel Praia POR Parkalgar Honda CBR600RR 10 laps completed
24. Pawel Szkopek POL Bogdanka PTR Honda CBR600RR 10 laps completed
25. Gino Rea GBR Step Racing Honda CBR600RR 5 laps completed
26. Mitchell Pirotta AUS Kuja Honda CBR600RR 1 lap completed

SBK Race 1:

1. Carlos Checa ESP Althea Ducati 1098R 34mins 16.503s
2. Max Biaggi ITA Aprilia Alitalia Racing RSV-4 +4.365s
3. Leon Haslam GBR BMW Motorrad S1000RR +10.719s
4. Eugene Laverty IRL Yamaha WSBK YZF R1 +11.266s
5. Marco Melandri ITA Yamaha WSBK YZF R1 +11.293s
6. Michel Fabrizio ITA Suzuki Alstare GSX-R1000 +12.039s
7. Jakub Smrz CZE Effenbert Liberty Ducati 1098R +20.294s
8. Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki RTS ZX-10R +20.742s
9. Noriyuki Haga JPN PATA Aprilia RSV-4 +22.421s
10. Troy Corser AUS BMW Motorrad S1000RR +25.822s
11. Roberto Rolfo ITA Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +29.270s
12. Jonathan Rea GBR Castrol Honda CBR1000RR +31.059s
13. Leon Camier GBR Aprilia Alitalia Racing RSV-4 +31.721s
14. Ayrton Badovini ITA BMW Italia S1000RR +36.389s
15. Bryan Staring AUS Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +36.470s

16. Ruben Xaus ESP Castrol Honda CBR1000RR +41.928s
17. James Toseland GBR BMW Italia S1000RR +55.239s
18. Josh Waters AUS Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 +1min 00.312s
19. Mark Aitchison AUS Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +1min 00.316s
20. Maxime Berger FRA Supersonic Ducati 1098R +1min 30.125s

Not Classified

21. Joan Lascorz ESP Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 13 laps completed
22. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Effenbert Liberty Ducati 1098R 6 laps completed

SBK Race 2:

1. Carlos Checa ESP Althea Ducati 1098R 34mins 15.041s
2. Max Biaggi ITA Aprilia Alitalia Racing RSV-4 +1.188s
3. Marco Melandri ITA Yamaha WSBK YZF R1 +1.406s
4. Jonathan Rea GBR Castrol Honda CBR1000RR +10.563s
5. Leon Haslam GBR BMW Motorrad S1000RR +10.885s
6. Leon Camier GBR Aprilia Alitalia Racing RSV-4 +16.914s
7. Noriyuki Haga JPN PATA Aprilia RSV-4 +17.558s
8. Michel Fabrizio ITA Suzuki Alstare GSX-R1000 +17.679s
9. Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki RTS ZX-10R +18.070s
10. Ruben Xaus ESP Castrol Honda CBR1000RR +19.053s
11. Jakub Smrz CZE Effenbert Liberty Ducati 1098R +19.060s
12. Roberto Rolfo ITA Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +23.771s
13. Josh Waters AUS Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 +23.956s
14. James Toseland GBR BMW Italia S1000RR +28.713s
15. Eugene Laverty IRL Yamaha WSBK YZF R1 +32.673s

16. Mark Aitchison AUS Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +33.226s
17. Bryan Staring AUS Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +42.598s
18. Maxime Berger FRA Supersonic Ducati 1098R +51.819s
19. Troy Corser AUS BMW Motorrad S1000RR +55.738s

Not Classified

20. Joan Lascorz ESP Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 14 laps completed
21. Ayrton Badovini ITA BMW Italia S1000RR 0 laps completed

Did Not Start

Sylvain Guintoli FRA Effenbert Liberty Ducati 1098R

Chris Vermeulen Anxious to Return to WSBK

2011-01-03T10:45:00.000-08:00

There was a lot of hype around the entry of former MotoGP star Chris Vermuelen (not to mention the even more ill-fated Hopkins) which failed to climax due to a serious knee injury not long after his debut. Vermeulen says that it's up to Kawasaki to decide when/if he returns to the series and team, but hopes to be back by Sepang. The Australian recently rode a motorcycle for the first time since his injury:

"I had my first ride on a motorbike today, on a little flat track circuit at my house, which has got a few left and right corners around it. Not motocross or anything like that, just a flat dirt track. I was pretty steady but it was good to get back on a bike. I only rode for about 20 minutes but I hope to ride every couple of days from now on. It wasn't actually that weird a feeling, but that was the first time I had ridden any motorbike since the Brno WSBK round."

2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R photos

2010-09-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R revealed...

World Superbike Monza 2010 Highlight Videos

2010-05-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

World Superbike Monza 2010 Highlight Videos. Superbike races 1 and 2 + Supersport.

BMW S1000RR: More stock Horsepower than a Hayabusa

2010-04-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

I caught these graphs online and was very surprised. Hopefully Chip at KWS Motorsports in SC won't mind me giving his shop a little free advertising, but if he does I'll be happy to take them down. Either way, the S1000RR topped both the GSX1000R and Hayabusa in stock horsepower. It put down 196.4 ponies, which is the first bike I've seen bordering the monumental "200 HP stock". that's compared to much bigger, heavier, higher-displacement Hayabusa's 183.9.

German engineering has legitimately entered the sportbike world.

As always, click images to see full versions.

S1000RR vs GSX1000R

S100RR vs Hayabusa

WSBK: World Superbike from Asen 2010 Highlight Videos

2010-04-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

SBK Video Press Releases

WSBK Asen 2010 Superbike Race 1 Highlights:

WSBK Asen 2010 Superbike Race 2 Highlights:

WSBK Asen 2010 Supersport Highlights:

WSBK: World Superbike 2010 Philip Island Highlight Videos

2010-02-28T19:25:00.000-08:00

Superbike Race 1 Highlights:

Superbike Race 2 Highlights:

Supersport Highlights:

2010 World Superbike Season Begins With Closest WSBK Finish Ever

2010-02-28T19:05:00.000-08:00

0.004 seconds

That's the span which ultimately separated Suzuki's Leon Haslam and Ducati's Michel Fabrizio at the end of Sunday's WSBK season opener at Philip Island. Race 1 was so close that Michel was presumed winner during the cool-down lap. Upon further review, Haslam was handed his first-ever World Superbike victory. After a valiant chase, the race came down to a full-throttle, full-tuck drag race.

Austrlian fans also witnessed MotoGP veteran and former factory Honda man Carlos Checa heroically piloting his privateer Althea Ducati to a race 2 victory, making a spectacular final-moments pass on race one's winner, Haslam.

It was a tough day for some other Moto GP converts, including ex-Rizla Suzuki pilot Chris Vermuelen and former WSBK champion James Toseland, both of whom were forced to retire.

In the supersport class, Laverty made a profound statement early in the season with a dominant win at the Philip Island circuit.

Full Results:

Superbike Race 1:

1 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 34'13.435 (171,442 kph)
2 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 0.004
3 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 0.769
4 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 10.201
5 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 10.782
6 50 Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 11.079
7 7 Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 11.208
8 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 16.522
9 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 20.291
10 57 Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 26.352
11 2 Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 29.775
12 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR 30.155
13 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX 10R 31.951
14 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 31.957
15 88 Pitt A. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 55.082
16 31 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'10.932
17 15 Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'11.237
18 95 Hayden R. (USA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'17.357
19 25 Brookes J. (AUS) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 35 Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1
RET 77 Vermeulen C. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R
RET 52 Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1

Superbike Race 2:

1 7 Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 34'16.428 (171,192 kph)
2 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 0.307
3 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 0.434
4 50 Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 0.837
5 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 3.453
6 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 11.530
7 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 12.026
8 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 13.068
9 35 Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 14.401
10 52 Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 14.707
11 2 Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 14.743
12 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 14.851
13 57 Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 15.143
14 25 Brookes J. (AUS) Honda CBR1000RR 30.947
15 88 Pitt A. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 41.855
16 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR 48.844
17 31 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'06.866
18 95 Hayden R. (USA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'07.751
RET 15 Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R
RET 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX 10R
RET 77 Vermeulen C. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R
RET 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R

Supersport:

1 50 Laverty E. (IRL) Honda CBR600RR 33'37.836 (166,536 kph)
2 26 Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-6R 4.359
3 54 Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 4.500
4 25 Salom D. (ESP) Triumph Daytona 675 11.779
5 99 Foret F. (FRA) Kawasaki ZX-6R 17.266
6 55 Roccoli M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 25.034
7 127 Harms R. (DEN) Honda CBR600RR 27.834
8 40 DiSalvo J. (USA) Triumph Daytona 675 30.102
9 117 Praia M. (POR) Honda CBR600RR 31.931
10 4 Rea G. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 31.991
11 37 Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 40.552
12 7 Davies C. (GBR) Triumph Daytona 675 40.556
13 16 Charpentier S. (FRA) Triumph Daytona 675 1'28.553
14 33 Cazzola P. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR
15 9 Dell'Omo D. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR
RET 51 Pirro M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR
RET 5 Lundh A. (SWE) Honda CBR600RR

Ben Spies 2009 World Superbike Champion

2009-12-10T02:53:00.000-08:00

Good luck next year in MotoGP on the Tech 3 Yamaha team

Buell 1125RR to Race in AMA/DMG Superbike Class

2009-07-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

Buell Press Release:

"(July 15) Buell Motorcycle Company today introduced the 1125RR, a race-use only motorcycle intended for competition in the AMA Pro Racing American Superbike class.

"The 1125RR is designed to give privateer racers a turn-key machine to compete in the American Superbike class in AMA Pro Racing. We want to build on our program that has proven so successful for privateers in the Daytona SportBike class," said Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Buell Motorcycle Company.

The Buell 1125RR features a modified Helicon 1125cc (103mm bore x 67.5mm stroke) liquid-cooled 72-degree V-Twin engine. Power increases come from components including a larger airbox and intake manifold, revised valves and camshafts, a higher compression ratio, titanium exhaust system and other weight-reduced components.

The 1125RR chassis is the standard 1125R design with fuel-in-the-frame, plus a billet axle adjustment system and chain-drive to allow gearing changes. Suspension travel is managed by fully adjustable units, with a Showa 43mm front fork and a remote-reservoir rear shock. A ZTL2 (Zero Torsional Load) eight-piston front caliper is mated with a modified front rotor."

_____
END

The presence of Buell and the role DMG sees Buell playing in their series can't be disputed. I have Buell coming out of my ears, even as someone who is disinterested in the AMA (hence the general lack of published AMA results on this blog). From the Sportbike class controversy to the new Buell "pacebike", to this, Buell is not going away any time soon.

Is the 1125rr a bad thing? It's almost definitely a hypocritical thing: It was only months ago that Mat Mladin was 'busted' for an illegal crankshaft; a part required to be within AMA homogenization specifications. The Buell 1125rr will come out-of-the-box with "custom" parts which would normally be subject to similar homogenization, such as the camshaft.

Yet, is it bad for the sport? It depends. Would the podium ability of the "rr" mean the gradual end of the presence of the "stock" 1125r in the Sportbike class?

Even the most casual motorcycle racing fan knows what cubic centimeters and pistons are. It's been asked for a long time why a modern, liquid-cooled v-twin machine pushing a dozen hundred cc is racing 600cc inline-fours half its size rather than Ducati 1098 Superbikes. The valves, camshaft, and other hypocritical details on the "rr" will not be nearly as blatant an unfair advantage to the spectators. That may be a step in the right direction.

For that I say: Let Buell sidestep homogenization requirements for the remainder of this season. It's a small price to pay if we can divert Buell's invasion of US roadracing from the Sportbike class into the Superbike class, where sadly I doubt cams, valves, and other tidbits will give a bike which previously raced 600s the extra 400-600 cubes of power to compete with the bikes of Mladin, Pegram, and co., not to mention the chassis.

To Buell: It's great that you're supporting roadracing to a dramatically increased degree, but how about next time around you just design a quality, purpose-built sportbike from the get-go? I doubt Ducati would maintain the amount of racing prestige it currently enjoys by racing bikes with 3000cc engines. Sure, the racing could be close: That 3000cc bike may have the worst handling on the market and match up perfectly with the laptimes of an R1 at Monza, but does anyone care?

Rea Fastest at Imola WSBK testing, Spies 3rd, Neukirchner Injured AGAIN!

2009-07-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

"Max Neukirchner, back on his Alstare Suzuki for the first time since the Monza incident, high-sided at the Tamburello ninety minutes into the morning session. He was stretchered to the medical centre but a further X-ray scan at Imola hospital revealed a D12 dorsal vertebra fracture in his lower back as well as three minor cracks in the right L1, L2 and L3 lumbar vertebrae. Neukirchner will return to Germany and must remain at total rest in a plaster cast for 30 days."
Superbike:

1 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'48.670
2 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'48.847
3 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'49.262
4 57 Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'49.309
5 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'49.422
6 121 Hopkins J. (USA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'49.443
7 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1'49.467
8 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'49.555
9 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1'49.577
10 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'49.645
11 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1'49.736
12 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1'50.226
13 14 Lagrive M. (FRA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'50.265
14 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'50.310
15 100 Tamada M. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'50.414
16 10 Nieto F. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1'50.423
17 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1'50.486
18 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'50.518
19 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'50.583
20 53 Polita A. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'50.743
21 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'51.077
22 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'52.547

Supersport:

1 54 Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 1'51.552
2 35 Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R6 1'51.705
3 50 Laverty E. (IRL) Honda CBR600RR 1'51.890
4 99 Foret F. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R6 1'52.531
5 24 McCoy G. (AUS) Triumph Daytona 675 1'53.152
6 1 Pitt A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 1'53.612
7 69 Nannelli G. (ITA) Triumph Daytona 675 1'53.767
8 117 Praia M. (POR) Honda CBR600RR 1'53.803
9 13 West A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 1'53.931
10 8 Aitchison M. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 1'53.963
11 15 O'Halloran J. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 1'54.316
12 16 Lowes S. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 1'54.331
13 9 Dell'Omo D. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1'54.346
14 105 Vizziello G. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1'54.778
15 132 Morais S. (RSA) Triumph Daytona 675 1'54.882
16 25 Laverty M. (IRL) Honda CBR600RR 1'55.502

A Day at the Office with Team Yamaha (MotoGP)

2009-07-09T00:27:00.000-07:00

AMA Results from 2009 Laguna Seca Round

2009-07-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

Supersport:

1 Ben Bostrom Yamaha Yamaha YZF-R6
2 Chaz Davies Factory Aprilia Millennium Technologies Team Aprilia RSV
3 Josh Herrin Team Graves Yamaha Yamaha YZF-R6
4 Tommy Aquino Team Graves Yamaha Yamaha YZF-R6
5 Robertino Pietri Team E.S.P. Yamaha Yamaha YZF-R6
6 Steve Rapp Bazzaz / Pat Clark Motorsports Yamaha YZF-R6
7 Chris Peris Erion Racing Honda CBR600RR
8 Danny Eslick Daytona Racing/RMR Buell Buell 1125R
9 Jamie Hacking Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
10 Bobby Fong
11 Michael Barnes GEICO Powersports Buell 1125R
12 Michael Beck Team Beck Racing Yamaha YZF-R6
13 Shawn Higbee Higbee-Racing.com Buell 1125R

Cardenas and Di Salvo: DNF/Crash

Superbike:

1 Mat Mladin Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki Suzuki GSX-R1000
2 Blake Young Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki Suzuki GSX-R1000
3 Aaron Yates Jordan Suzuki Brand Suzuki GSX-R1000
4 Joshua Hayes Yamaha Motor Corp Yamaha R1
5 Ben Bostrom Yamaha Motor Corp Yamaha R1
6 Neil Hodgson Corona Extra Honda Honda CBR1000RR
7 Jake Holden Holden Racing Honda CBR1000RR
8 Tommy Hayden Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki Suzuki GSX-R1000
9 Geoff May National Guard Jordan Suzuki Suzuki GSX-R1000
10 Larry Pegram Pegram Racing Ducati 1098R
11 Taylor Knapp Taylor Knapp Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000
12 Chris Ulrich Roadracingworld.com Suzuki GSX-R1000
13 Hawk Mazotta
14 Aaron Gobert AGR Inc. Honda CBR1000RR

Major confusion throughout the race - pace cars sitting on track, multiple jump starts, red flags, restarts, re-restarts... not a good show from DMG

USGP: MotoGP from Laguna Seca 2009 Results

2009-07-07T21:43:00.001-07:00

1 Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda Honda
2 Valentino Rossi Fiat Yamaha Yamaha
3 Jorge Lorenzo Fiat Yamaha Yamaha
4 Casey Stoner Ducati Marlboro Ducati
5 Nicky Hayden Ducati Marlboro Ducati
6 Tony Elias San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda
7 Colin Edwards II Tech 3 Yamaha Yamaha
8 Chris Vermeulen Rizla Suzuki Suzuki
9 Randy De Puniet LCR Honda Honda
10 Marco Melandri Hayate Racing Kawasaki
11 Alex De Angelis San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda
12 Niccolo Canepa Pramac Racing Ducati
13 Andrea Dovizioso Repsol Honda Honda
14 Sete Gibernau Grupo Fransisco Hernando Ducati
15 Loris Capirossi Rizla Suzuki Suzuki
16 Gabor Talmacsi Scot Racing Honda
17 James Toseland Tech 3 Yamaha Yamaha

World Superbike 2009: Donington Highlight Vids

2009-07-07T21:38:00.000-07:00

Superbike Race 1

Superbike Race 2

Supersport

The Triumph 675 Daytona makes podium!

WSBK: Monza and Kyalami 2009 Highlights

2009-06-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

Monza, Race 1:

Monza, Race 2:

Kyalami, Race 1:

Kyalami, Race 2:

The 2009 1000cc/Literbike Shootouts: Who Won?

2009-06-05T10:37:00.001-07:00

Earlier this year we posted a preview of the 2009 lineup of 1000 - 1200cc sportbikes and superbikes, and the time has rolled around again where most of the major websites and magazines have put (some of) these machines head to head.

Unfortunately, probably due to availability or objections from the Japanese factories, bikes like the KTM rc8, Aprilia rsv4 and BMW S1000RR (which still isn't widely available for "first rides" at the time I'm writing this) are absent in most. The Ducati 1198 and 1198s were also sidelined from several.

MCN was somewhat of an outlier this year, ranking the Yamaha ahead of all other machines in it's class - even the RSV4. However it's overall "sportbike of the year" was the spectacular Triumph 675.

Motorcycle USA (which included the 1198 in their shootout) chose the Honda CBR1000RR as their #1 pick on the track with the new R1 rolling in at dead last with the slowest average lap time and a "disappointing" motor.

Roadracing World magazine (did not include the 1198) came to a simular conclusion, ranking the Honda first and Yamaha last of this years bikes. However where Motorcycle USA ranked the Suzuki in 2nd place, Roadracing World chose the Kawasaki ZX10R as this year's runner-up.

Motorcycle.com (which included the 1198 in a cheesy "side shootout" due to Japanese objections to it being directly compared to their offerings) also chose the Honda and ranked the Yamaha last, noting that with the right setup the Ducati would "leave them crying".

My personal favorite test (even though I can't read Spanish), the Masterbike test, which is a collaboration between Spanish moto mag Motociclismo and several other contributors (and usually has the widest variety of tested machines due to it's prestiege and handy location), chose the RSV4 as it's 2009 champion. This was over the likes of the KTM RC8, Ducati 1198, the "big four" Japanese machines, and the aging former champion due for a replacement, the MV Agusta F4.

While the Honda seems to be the overall preference in the literbike class (with exotics like the Aprilia and Ducati surpassing it in some areas, especially price), the supersport/600cc class is a bit more hotly disputed. The new Kawasaki zx6r has pulled off several major shootout wins, but you'll find many editors picking the CBR600RR as their "personal choice" due to the aftermarket appeal. MCN chose the Triumph 675 (which has been the reigning Masterbike supersport champion for multiple years now).

WSBK: 2009 World Superbike Results from Miller Motorsports Park, Utah

2009-05-31T16:50:00.000-07:00

Race 1:

1 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 38'30.945 (160,527 kph)
2 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 9.394
3 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 12.742
4 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 14.276
5 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 14.915
6 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 15.461
7 2 Hacking J. (USA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 22.901
8 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 25.425
9 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 25.870
10 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 26.093
11 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 26.181
12 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 29.275
13 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 38.365
14 36 Lavilla G. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 39.454
15 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 39.513
16 10 Nieto F. (ESP) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 48.889
17 57 Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 50.747
18 98 Zemke J. (USA) Honda CBR1000RR 51.446
19 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 54.472
20 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 58.525
21 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1'07.572
22 64 Nigon E. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'18.092
RET 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R
RET 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory
RET 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9

Race 2:

1 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 38'25.391 (160,914 kph)
2 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 9.080
3 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 14.357
4 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 15.636
5 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 17.156
6 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 17.546
7 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 19.659
8 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 23.455
9 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 30.489
10 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 31.775
11 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 33.246
12 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 36.758
13 10 Nieto F. (ESP) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 36.887
14 57 Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 37.290
15 98 Zemke J. (USA) Honda CBR1000RR 42.639
16 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 42.777
17 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 45.596
18 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'09.237
19 2 Hacking J. (USA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'26.703
RET 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 36 Lavilla G. (ESP) Ducati 1098R
RET 64 Nigon E. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R1
RET 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R

The S1000RR... How it Should Have Looked

2009-05-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

The real deal:

The dream:

What do you think?

New BMW S1000RR Roadbike Officially Revealed

2009-05-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE [BMW Motorrad]:

The New BMW S 1000 RR

Overall Concept and Features.
Introducing the new BMW S 1000 RR on the legendary Monza Racing Circuit, BMW Motorrad is for the fi rst time launching an absolutely innovative supersports with a straight-four power unit.

With this world debut, BMW Motorrad is indeed establishing a true milestone in the world of sports machines, combining engine output of 142 kW (193 hp) with overall weight of just 204 kg (450 lb) including fuel (183 kg/403.5 lb dry weight, 206.5 kg/455.3 lb overall with Race ABS).

Specifications of this calibre make this supersports machine not only an absolute highlight in terms of its power-to-weight ratio and performance, but also, equipped with Race ABS and DTC Dynamic Traction Control, a new benchmark in terms of riding dynamics, safety and innovation.

The decision to present this unique performer in Monza was by no means a coincidence. For since the beginning of this year Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport has been playing an active role in the World Superbike Championship, the new S 1000 RR setting the foundation for the production-based racing machines ridden by BMW Motorrad's two works riders Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus. And obviously the Royal Park in Monza is the ideal place for a presentation of this calibre.

The Challenge for BMW Motorrad.
To successfully enter the World Championship with a Superbike today, a manufacturer needs a production model with the right kind of overall concept consistently applied in all areas. The essential factors, therefore, are supreme power, a wide range of engine speed, fast revving capacity also over a long period, optimum chassis stiffness, and perfect set-up of the engine.

Other features absolutely essential more than ever particularly in the top league of supersports motorcycles are simple and straightforward rideability, lightfooted handling, and above all safety features such as rider assistance systems like ABS and traction control giving the customer precisely what he needs.

Developing the S 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad has entered completely new, unchartered terrain. Clearly, this meant a huge range of new challenges and responsibilities for the entire Development Team, but also gave the Team enormous motivation in seeking to set new standards.

The specific targets in developing the S 1000 RR were therefore clear:
• To achieve output and performance of the highest standard.
• To make the suspension absolutely stable, with top handling and supreme traction.
• To give the new machine that unmistakable, dynamic design of BMW Motorrad.
• To reduce the weight of the motorcycle to an absolute minimum.
• To ensure top quality typical of BMW .

Unique against the competition.
Over the years and decades, the principle of combining a straight-four power unit with an aluminium bridge frame has been consistently developed and has become the dominating technical concept particularly in the supersports segment. The reason, quite simply, is that a motorcycle of this kind offers significant benefits in terms of riding dynamics, long-distance endurance, and straightforward production.

Precisely this is why the new S 1000 RR also applies this concept with its proven fortes and advantages. But even while the S 1000 RR, in its concept teaming up a straight-four power unit and an aluminium bridge frame, may appear at first sight to have similarities with some competitors, the Development Team at BMW Motorrad has succeeded in enhancing the existing status of this concept in virtually every respect.

As a result, the S 1000 RR offers not only a wide range of USPs in terms of technology, performance, and design, but also, through its particularly compact overall layout, clearly demonstrates the high school of European engineering in the supersports four-cylinder segment.

Maximum performance and riding dynamics.
The consistent concept of the S 1000 RR supersports is borne out in particular by the truly fascinating, innovative high-performance technology and incomparable riding dynamics of this new machine. The result is an exceptional combination of supreme riding precision and agility, on the one hand, with unparalleled engine power and performance, on the other, providing an overall package truly unique in the market.

Never before has a BMW motorcycle been conceived and built more consistently for supersports riding in terms of its concept and overall construction. But at the same time the new S 1000 RR retains many of the virtues so typical of every BMW to this day: Extreme sportiness and riding dynamics combined with supreme everyday riding qualities, playful handling together with supreme riding stability, outstanding performance combined with unparalleled active safety, as well as dynamic, unmistakable design in conjunction with optimum ergonomics and aerodynamics.

Free choice of engine characteristics as well as Race ABS and DTC Dynamic Traction Control
The new S 1000 RR also excels through features and qualities typical of BMW such as a long running life, superior quality of production and optimum environmental compatibility thanks to the use of the most advanced exhaust management with two fully controlled three-way catalytic converters also able to fulfil future standards and requirements.

Active safety when braking is signifi cantly enhanced by Race ABS developed especially for the S 1000 RR as a genuine supersports and available as an option straight from the factory. A further most signifi cant feature likewise contributing to active safety of the highest standard is DTC Dynamic Traction Control also available as an option and masterminded electronically for supreme precision and practical value.

Facing various riding conditions such as wet roads ("Rain"), regular road conditions ("Sport"), a race track with supersport tyres ("Race"), or a race track with slicks ("Slick"), the rider also has the choice of various engine characteristics and set-ups available at the touch of a button. And last but not least, Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control are combined with the respective riding modes and coordinated with one another to ensure a supreme standard of performance and safety all in one.

Valve drive like in a BMW Formula 1.
The primary objective in developing the new S 1000 RR was to create a supersports with supreme engine power combined with optimum rideability for the highest conceivable standard of all-round performance.

The water-cooled four-cylinder inline power unit chosen to provide these qualities is brand-new from the ground up, developing maximum output of 142 kW (193 hp) at 13,000 rpm and revving up to a maximum speed of 14,200 rpm. Maximum torque of 112 Nm (82.5 lb-ft), in turn, comes at 9,750 rpm.

Following the example of BMW 's Formula 1 engines, the two intake and exhaust valves per cylinder made of extra-light titanium are operated by very small and equally light single cam followers. In conjunction with the short sprocket driving the camshaft via an intermediate gear, this ensures supreme revving qualities at the highest speeds as well as exact maintenance of valve timing combined with very compact dimensions.

The use of extremely small and light cam followers furthermore gives the engineer greater freedom in choosing the ideal valve lift curves and, accordingly, in selecting optimum performance characteristics on both road and track.

All engine components are particularly compact and light, limiting weight of the overall engine without ancillaries to 59.8 kg (131.8 lb) and keeping the entire power unit very slim and slender.

Innovative exhaust system with interference pipe butterfl ies for optimum power and performance.
Made completely of stainless steel, the exhaust system featured by the S 1000 RR is designed consistently for optimum power and performance. It works according to the 4-in-2-in-1 principle with four individual manifolds of equal length fi rst merging into two pipes beneath the engine block and then extending into a large-volume pre-silencer. From there the exhaust emissions flow through a very short and dynamically designed rear-end silencer to the outside.

A homogeneous power and torque curve ensuring optimum rideability is acknowledged as the requirement for sporting performance on the road and fast lap times on the track. Precisely this is why the exhaust system featured on the S 1000 RR comes with two fully controlled interference pipe butterflies housed in two connection pipes for the two outer and two inner manifolds, in the immediate vicinity of the exhaust ducts. As a function of various parameters such as engine speed and the position of the throttle butterfly, an adjuster opens or closes these flaps, allowing exhaust gas to flow freely between the two manifolds or, respectively, interrupting the flow of gas. This coordinates the sequence of oscillations in the exhaust gas mass flow, reducing exhaust gas counter-pressure at the decisive point (like on a racing muffler) and increasing the cylinder charge accordingly.

This factor alone makes a signifi cant contribution to the very high standard of
homogenous overall performance offered by the S 1000 RR.

Lightest supersports with ABS.
The new S 1000 RR offers the highest standard of technology also on its suspension and running gear. Weighing just 206.5 kg or 455.3 lb in road trim and with a full tank, BMW 's new supersports is by far the lightest machine of its calibre displacing 999 cc and featuring ABS brakes.

One of the features that ensures this light weight is the aluminium bridge frame integrating the engine tilted to the front at an angle of 32° as a loadbearing element for optimum torsional stiffness on minimum weight. The front wheel runs on an upside-down fork with a fi xed tube measuring an ample 46 milli metres or 1.81" in diameter, while a torsionally stiff swing arm made of aluminium holds the rear wheel in position.

The spring and damping action required is provided by a central spring strut pivoting on a guide lever.

The rear frame section of the S 1000 RR is a welded light-alloy structure belted
to the mainframe, combining low weight with superior stability and a high standard of robust strength particularly important to riders and teams on the race track.

Putting the rider right in the centre.
The rider's seating position leaning forward towards the front wheel for an active style of riding is simply ideal for the sporting rider with his particularly dynamic style.

Developing the S 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad has given particular attention to the superior ergonomics of the machine, providing ideal qualities for both small and tall riders and therefore focusing consistently on the rider's individual requirements. The tank section is as slender as on a 600-cc machine, giving the rider the assurance of excellent control and handling at all times.

In the process of developing the S 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad focused not only on a lightweight structure, but also on minimum dimensions as an absolutely essential requirement. Cylinder bore of 80 millimetres or 3.15", for example, the largest bore in this segment, and the resulting width of the cylinder head, called for particularly attention on the part of the engineers in order to make the front silhouette of the S 1000 RR extremely slim and slender, on the one hand, while providing an efficient flow of cooling air, on the other.

Technical challenges of this kind as well as a development period of just four years made the S 1000 RR the ideal project for consistent, all-out use of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) technology as well as the most advanced calculation methods, for example for the machine's aerodynamics.

As the bottom line, the S 1000 RR is the absolutely ideal motorcycle for the customers of BMW Motorrad looking for new, unprecedented standards and qualities in the supersports segment.

Overview of technical highlights:
• Best-in-class performance and supreme riding dynamics in the supersports segment.
• Engine output 142 kW (193 hp) at 13,000 rpm, peak torque 112 Nm (82.5 lb-ft) at 9,750 rpm.
• Weighing 206.5 kg (455.3lb) in road trim and with a full tank, this is the lightest supersports in the 1000-cc class with ABS.
• Best power-to-weight ratio in this class of just 1.05 and, respectively, 1.06 kg
(2.31 and, respectively, 2.34 lb) per horsepower without/with Race ABS.
• Optional Race ABS for outstanding brake performance and safety. Weight of the entire system just 2.5 kg (5.51 lb), while other systems of a similar kind weigh up to 10 kg.
• Optional DTC Dynamic Traction Control in conjunction with Race ABS for optimum performance and maximum active safety when accelerating.
• Only supersports machine with Race ABS and DTC Dynamic Traction Control.
• Various riding modes available at the touch of a button for wet surfaces, regular road requirements, race tracks with sports tyres and race tracks with slicks.
• All-round set-up, coordination and balance of Race ABS, DTC Dynamic Traction Control and engine management for all four riding modes.
• High-speed, extra-sturdy valve drive with individual cam followers and titanium valves following the example of BMW 's Formula 1 engines.
• Innovative exhaust system with a small and short rear-end muffl er, pre-silencer and electronically controlled interference pipe fl aps as well as a fully controlled exhaust gas manifold and two fully controlled three-way catalytic converters.
• Optimum gas dosage combined with maximum functional reliability ensured by E-gas (ride-by-wire), incorporating two bowden cables
(opening and closing cable) leading to the throttle butterfl y adjuster.
• Fulfilment of all environmental standards with the potential to meet future emission requirements ensured by two fully controlled catalytic converters and digital motor electronics.
• Damper elements with a wide range of adjustment on the spring base, the inbound and rebound stroke, as well as the greatest damping reserves, particularly for racing.
• New, clearly defi ned, simple and straightforward options to adjust the suspension and running gear.
• Aluminium tank unique in this segment for further reduction of overall weight.
• Supreme handling combined with best-in-class high speed and braking stability.
• Multi-functional instrument cluster with racing features such as a laptimer. The rider is able to set all functions directly from the ends of the handlebar.
• New generation of switches with optimised ergonomics.
• Supreme aerodynamics and sporting ergonomics ideal for both the tall and short rider.
• Optional HP Gearshift Assistant for shifting up without operating the clutch and without the slightest interruption of torque and pulling power.
• Wide range of equipment, special features and options tailored to the S 1000 RR and naturally offering full BMW quality.

AMA Press Release

2009-05-06T14:01:00.001-07:00

U.S. House hears testimony on measure to designate 24 million acres of public land as Wilderness

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) submitted comments today to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources arguing against a bill that would designate more than 24 million acres of public land in Western states as Wilderness or Wilderness Preservation System land.

The hearing was held in the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands of the Committee on Natural Resources. The legislation is H.R. 980, the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act.

"This bill is especially disconcerting due to the fact that it's being proposed by a representative from a densely populated urban area, New York City," said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. "In fact, it is being considered without the support of a single member of Congress who represents the affected districts. Shouldn't the people who live in these areas have some say in whether or not they should be banned from riding in them?

"To keep OHV riders from being shut out of even more public land, we have to act immediately," Moreland said. "Concerned motorcyclists, ATV riders and others must let their lawmakers know that they enjoy motorized recreation, and that we have a right to do so responsibly on America's public lands."

Moreland's written comments submitted to the U.S. House included the following statement: "Our public lands are for the enjoyment of all Americans and not just an elite few who would have you build a fence around them for those who are physically able to enjoy them. Enthusiasts who enjoy the public lands of our nation are not just the nimble and fit but also families with small children who wish to recreate together as well as active senior citizens and the handicapped who enjoy the freedom to access the outdoors that OHVs and ATVs provide... In fact, a compelling argument could be made that this type of broad legislation does more to protect public lands from future generations rather than for future generations."

The full text of Moreland's statement can be downloaded here: http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/legisltn/ama_statement_hr980.pdf

Riders and AMA members can contact their federal lawmakers to tell them to oppose this bill by selecting "Issues and Legislation" in the Rights section of the AMA website at AmericanMotorcyclist.com. There, the names, addresses and telephone numbers for members of each congressional delegation appear. There is even a pre-written letter that can be sent via e-mail.

The AMA also encourages individuals to sign up for the AMA Government Relations Department's Action E-list, using the same section of the AMA website, so that they can be notified by e-mail when their support is needed to make a difference on important issues.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

World Superbike: Online WSBK Assen 2009 Videos

2009-05-05T05:15:00.000-07:00

Superbike Race 1 Highlights:

Superbike Race 1 Best Lap:

Superbike Race 2 Highlights:

Superbike Race 2 Best Lap:

Supersport Highlights:

Supersport Best Lap:

STK600 Highlights:

STK600 Best Lap:

STK1000 Highlights:

STK1000: Best Lap:

BSB: British Superbike Oulton Park Results

2009-05-05T05:13:00.000-07:00

Race 1:

1. Leon Camier GBR Airwaves Yamaha
2. Karl Harris GBR Hydrex Honda
3. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Worx Crescent Suzuki
4. Stuart Easton GBR Hydrex Honda
5. James Ellison GBR Airwaves Yamaha
6. Glen Richards AUS HM Plant Honda
7. Ian Lowry GBR Relentless TAS Suzuki
8. Jason O'Halloran AUS SMT Honda
9. Gary Mason GBR Quay Honda
10. Joshua Brookes AUS HM Plant Honda
11. Chris Walker GBR Motorpoint/Henderson Yamaha
12. Julien Da Costa FRA MSS Colchester Kawasaki
13. Jon Kirkham GBR Jentin Yamaha
14. Atsushi Watanabe JPN Relentless TAS Suzuki
15. Tristan Palmer GBR Buildbase Kawasaki
16. Martin Jessopp GBR Riders Racing Honda
17. Michael Rutter GBR North West 200 Yamaha
18. Peter Hickman GBR Ultimate Yamaha
19. Tom Tunstall GBR Hardinge Doodson Honda
20. Kenny Gilbertson GBR JX Fuelcard Kawasaki
21. Dan Stewart GBR Wilcock Consulting Honda
22. Brian McCormack IRL MAR Kawasakil

Race 2:

1. Leon Camier GBR Airwaves Yamaha
2. Karl Harris GBR Hydrex Honda
3. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Worx Crescent Suzuki
4. James Ellison GBR Airwaves Yamaha
5. Glen Richards AUS HM Plant Honda
6. Ian Lowry GBR Relentless TAS Suzuki
7. Gary Mason GBR Quay Honda
8. Simon Andrews GBR MSS Colchester Kawasaki
9. Chris Walker GBR Motorpoint/Henderson Yamaha
10. Jason O'Halloran AUS SMT Honda
11. Jon Kirkham GBR Jentin Yamaha
12. Atsushi Watanabe JPN Relentless TAS Suzuki
13. Martin Jessopp GBR Riders Racing Honda
14. David Johnson AUS Maxxis Adept Yamaha
15. Peter Hickman GBR Ultimate Yamaha
16. Tom Tunstall GBR Hardinge Doodson Honda
17. Aaron Zanotti GBR Red Viper Honda
18. Alastair Fagan GBR Red Viper Honda

Shane Byrne Victorious at Italian CIV Round at Monza

2009-05-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

Byrne prepares for the WSBK round at Monza by winning in the CIV series...

(WSBK Press Release)

Shane Byrne (Sterilgarda Ducati) returned to the top of the winners' podium yesterday with victory at Monza in the second round of the CIV Italian championship. Byrne was taking part in the race in preparation for the WSBK round that gets underway there this coming weekend.

The British rider, who also set pole, dominated the race from the early stages when he took the lead at the end of lap 1. He then pulled out an enormous gap of 16 seconds over his immediate pursuers. The race was red-flagged three laps from the end following a crash.

"It was a good idea to take part in the Italian championship, which is a really good level, because it allowed me to get a good feeling with the Monza track. I also had the chance to race against my team manager Marco Borciani, who takes part in the domestic series. It was fun to look at each other on the starting-grid, but then the visors were down it turned into a real race. I was able to do 16 laps at an excellent pace, which makes me confident for the world championship round next week."

AMA's Jake Zemke to Replace John Hopkins at Monza WSBK

2009-05-05T05:08:00.000-07:00

WSBK Press Release

American Formula Extreme Champion Jake Zemke will get a chance to ride in a World Superbike race after the Stiggy Racing Honda squad confirmed that he will replace the injured John Hopkins at the Monza race this weekend.

Stiggy team boss Johan Stigefelt was left with a headache after the recent injury to relatively new signing Hopkins but the ambitions of both team and Zemke have now been married up for the Monza race, although the fast American cannot ride at Kyalami the following weekend due to a clash with his existing AMA series commitments.

If, and only if, Hopkins in unfit to race at the Miller Motorsports Park round at the end of May, Zemke is also down to substitute for Hopkins.
For rider and team the choice of Zemke ticks a lot of pre-race boxes. Jake has made no secret of his desire to try his hand at World Superbike and heaped praise on both the Stiggy team, his own Erion Honda squad in America and WSB as a series in his pre-race comments.

"I am extremely excited to race for the Stiggy Racing Honda team this weekend," said Zemke. "They have a first rate team and have had some excellent results. I would like to wish Hopper a quick recovery and thank him and the team for the opportunity to make my first World Superbike start. I also have to thank my current team, Erion Honda and my sponsors for their support. The WSBK Championship is the most competitive championship there is, and making my start in the series is the next step in my career. I have been successful racing on America, but am really looking forward to joining the World Superbike paddock. The field is very fast and deep. The Monza track has a deep history of racing, and I know how passionate the Italian people are about racing. I know the odds will be against us, learning a new bike, new track, new tyres, but I will give it my all at Monza for the Stiggy Racing Honda team."

‘Stiggy' is delighted to have such an experienced rider as Zemke to call on for this race. "I know that Jake has been trying for a while to get a decent chance to come to Europe and race within the Superbike World Championship, and I am very happy that we can be the team to provide him that chance," said the Swede. "It is a tough championship, and it will not be easy to jump straight into the action at a track you have never been on before, but Jake has a lot of experience and knows the Honda bikes very well. Our team has a lot to offer him and I think we will be able to get him on the pace quickly."

Neukirchner Ready for Monza

2009-05-05T05:07:00.000-07:00

(Suzuki Press Release)

Team Suzuki Alstare Brux rider Max Neukirchner won his first ever WSBK race at Monza last year and is hoping that history will repeat itself this coming Sunday at the 5.793 kilometre circuit. His win in the first race was the first by a German rider in the 21-year history of the series and was followed by a superb runner-up spot in race two.

Team mate Yukio Kagayama had a mixed day last year, taking fourth in race one and a DNF in race two, and is hoping for an improvement this time round.

Max
Last year was a wonderful occasion for me and I will never forget my first win in World Superbikes. They always say that the first win is the hardest and really I should have got it in Valencia when I was on the way to victory when I go knocked off within sight of the chequered flag.

It’s important to have a fast bike at Monza and know how to play the slipstreaming game. It’s easy to be at the front of the pack and lose out on the draft and get beaten to the flag, so it’s something you have to watch out for. I like fast tracks and I think our bike will be well-suited to Monza. For sure, my intention is to finish on the podium in both races and if I can repeat my win of last year, I would be very happy.

Yukio
My season has been a bit up and down and this does not make me so happy so far. I have a good bike and know my results should be a lot better. Sometimes the bike is not so easy because some little changes can produce big effects - and not always in the right direction. But my job is to race, so I and the team have to find ways of making the bike work better so that I can challenge the podium again. This is what I want, and I will do my best to try and achieve it.

2008 results
Race 1: 1 Max Neukirchner (D-Alstare Suzuki), 2 Haga (J-Yamaha), 3 Bayliss (Aus-Ducati), 4 Yukio Kagayama (J-Suzuki Alstare), 5 Fonsi Nieto (E-Suzuki Alstare),
Race 2: 1 Haga, 2 Max Neukirchner (D-Alstare Suzuki), 3 Kiyonari (J-Honda), 4 Fonsi Nieto (E-Suzuki Alstare), Yukio Kagayama (J-Suzuki Alstare) DNF

World Superbike: WSBK Valencia '09 Videos

2009-04-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

Valencia Race 1 Highlights:

Valencia Race 1 Best Lap:

Valencia Race 2 Highlights:

Valencia Race 2 Best Lap:

Valencia Supersport Highlights:

Valencia Supersport Best Lap:

2009 Liter bike Shootout: MCN Picks a Winner

2009-04-06T01:03:00.000-07:00

World Superbike Results: Valencia, Spain 2009

2009-04-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

Superbike, Race 1:

Results: 1. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 36'44.766 (150,408 kph); 2. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 3.677; 3. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 3.959; 4. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 4.210; 5. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 13.824; 6. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 14.562; 7. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 15.155; 8. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 16.316; 9. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 098R 20.361; 10. Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 23.878; 11. Hopkins J. (USA) Honda CBR1000RR30.902; 12. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 31.298; 13.Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 32.660; 14. Tamada M. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX 10R 42.156; 15. Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 43.040

Superbike, Race 2:

Results: 1. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 36'46.927 (150,261 kph); 2. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 5.105; 3. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 6.386; 4. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 6.573; 5. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 14.075; 6. Checa C. (ESP)Honda CBR1000RR 17.333; 7. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 19.207; 8. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 20.697; 9. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 21.015; 10. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 22.581; 11. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 22.604; 12. Hopkins J. (USA) Honda CBR1000RR 23.952; 13. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 29.082; 14. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 29.277; 15. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 32.384

Superbike, points:

Points (after 3 of 14 rounds): 1. Haga 135; 2. Spies 95; 3. Neukirchner 65; 4. Fabrizio 60; 5. Haslam 58; 6. Laconi 56; 7. Biaggi 54; 8. Sykes 47; 9. Kagayama 35; 10. Rea 33. Manufacturers: 1. Ducati 145; 2. Yamaha 110; 3. Honda 73; 4. Suzuki 65; 5. Aprilia 57; 6 Bmw 31; 7. Kawasaki 8

Supersport, race:

Results: 1. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R6 38'15.613 (144,456 kph); 2. West A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 0.171; 3. Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 8.408; 4. Aitchison M. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 12.421; 5. Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 16.529; 6. Lagrive M. (FRA) Honda CBR600RR 19.242; 7. Pirro M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R6 26.124; 8. Veneman B. (NED) Suzuki GSX-R600 34.525

Supersport, points:

Points (after 3 of 14 rounds): 1. Crutchlow 54; 2. Sofuoglu 54; 3. Laverty 43; 4. Pitt 43; 5. West 43; 6. Lagrive 25; 7. Aitchison 24; 8. Pirro 18; 9. Roccoli 17; 10. Veneman 17

STK1000, race:

Results: 1. Corti C. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 21'18.839 (146,566 kph); 2. Simeon X. (BEL) Ducati 1098R 4.939; 3. Berger M. (FRA) Honda CBR1000RR 7.339; 4. Fores J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 11.388; 5. Burrell B. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 15.167; 6. Beretta D. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 16.927; 7. Jezek O. (CZE) Honda CBR1000RR; 17.129; 8. Magnoni M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R1 17.855

STK1000, points:

Points (after 1 of 10 rounds): 1. Corti 25; 2. Simeon 20; 3. Berger 16; 4. Fores 13; 5. Burrell 11; 6. Beretta 10; 7. Jezek 9; 8. Magnoni 8

STK600, race:

Results: 1. Petrucci D. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R6 18'31.326 (142,711 kph); 2. Lonbois V. (BEL) Yamaha YZF R6 3.923; 3. Rea G. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 4.871; 4. Bussolotti M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R6 5.108; 5. Guarnoni J. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R6 9.444; 6. Litjens J. (NED) Yamaha YZF R6 14.817; 7. Kerschbaumer S. (AUT) Yamaha YZF R6 16.528; 8. Guittet B. (FRA) Honda CBR600RR 16.743

STK600, points:

Points (after 1 of 10 rounds): 1. Petrucci 25; 2. Lonbois 20; 3. Rea 16; 4. Bussolotti 13; 5. Guarnoni 11; 6. Litjens 10; 7. Kerschbaumer 9; 8. Guittet 8.

Democrats Steal 2 Million Acres of "Public" Land from Motorcyclists

2009-03-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

AMA Press Release:

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- By a 285-to-140 vote, U.S. House members on March 25 approved a bill that closes more than 2 million acres of public land nationwide to off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and all other motorized vehicles, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

Following congressional maneuvering that breathed new life into the measure after it was defeated just a couple weeks earlier, the lawmakers approved H.R. 146, known as the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program. This bill was formerly known as S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.

Congress' first attempt to pass this measure, S. 22, was defeated two weeks ago in the House. However, following that defeat, the Senate leadership brought H.R. 146 to the floor, inserted the language from S. 22, and passed the bill on March 19 by a vote of 77 to 20.

It then went to the House for the March 25 vote.

"The measure unreasonably bans motorized recreation on 2.1 million acres of public lands by inappropriately designating it as Wilderness," said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. "This is a sad day not only for responsible motorized recreation but also for a democratic process that is supposed to welcome public input and the opportunity for congressional review.

"For example, House members never debated more than 70 of the bills included in this package before the vote," he said.

The measure, which now goes to President Obama to be signed into law, consists of a daunting collection of more than 160 pieces of legislation and more than 1,300 pages of text.

Under the bill, areas where motorized vehicles won't be allowed include parts of the Monogahela National Forest in West Virginia; Jefferson National Forest in Virginia; Mount Hood, Badlands, Spring Basin and Copper Salmon areas in Oregon; Sabinoso in New Mexico; Riverside County in California; and Washington County in Utah.

U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) noted in a House floor speech on Feb. 9 that "there are recreation restrictions in this bill.

"These (the AMA and other responsible recreation) groups' members include millions of off-highway enthusiasts, vacationing families, and small businesses involved in the system. And what they have pleaded with us to do is, quoting from the letter that many groups signed, 'It is our sincere hope that this Congress will develop a thoughtful approach to managing our public lands more than simply eliminating public access and creating additional layers of bureaucracy. Continued reasonable access to public lands is vitally important for current and future generations.'

"So why the rush on this particular bill?" Bishop asked. "And who are the losers, other than Americans who enjoy recreating on public land?"

Moreland warned that these kinds of threats aren't going to end.

"This land grab is just the latest effort by the federal government to restrict recreational access to America's public lands," he said. "AMA members responded to our calls to action and helped us shape the debate of this legislation.

"Our voice must grow stronger if we are to head off these and other threats in the future, and I encourage all motorcyclists to sign up for AMA's legislative alerts," he said.

Through the AMA Government Relations Department's Action E-list, riders can be notified by e-mail when they can make a difference on important issues. To sign up, go to the AMA website at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on "Rights," then "Issues & Legislation," and then "Action E-list."

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has promoted and protected the motorcycling lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycle organization with nearly 300,000 members, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition events than any other organization in the world. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

WSBK Videos: World Superbike Videos from Losail / Qatar / Doha 2009

2009-03-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

Superbike Superpole:

Superbike Race 1 Highlights:

Superbike Race 1 Best Lap:

Superbike Race 2 Highlights:

Superbike Race 2 Best Lap:

Supersport Highlights:

Supersport Best Lap:

WSBK: John "Hopper" Hopkins to World Superbike

2009-03-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

MotoGP staple John "Hopper" Hopkins will be crossing over to the World Superbike Championship just in time for the April 3-5 Spanish round at Valencia aboard a Stiggy Honda CBR1000RR, sources say, bringing along his major personal sponsors such as Monster Energy, Alpinestars, Arai and Spy Optics.

Previously under contract with Kawasaki Heavy Industries in the MotoGP series, the Californian was released when Kawasaki announced a sudden program pullout due to financial woes. Dorna pressure later resulted in a semi-factory effort fielding only one green bike (piloted by ex-Ducati man, Italian Marco Melandri).

Hopper's new teammate, Leon Haslam, has already shown the promise of the Stiggy CBR with a strong finish at Philip Island, however having missed 2 rounds (thus 4 races and several major tests), don't expect Hopper's Grand Prix background nor even his AMA titles to carry him to the front of one of the deepest talent pools in WSBK history without difficulty.

Hopper will first test his new ride next week via Almeria, Spain.

WSBK: 675 Daytona - British Triumph in World Supersport

2009-03-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

WorldSBK.com Press Release

Honda and Yamaha are the long-term powers in World Supersport racing but Garry McCoy and Gianluca Nannelli from the Triumph Team ParkinGo Be1 Racing squad are all set to challenge for honours this season.

McCoy had a fantastic ride from 20^th place on lap 1 of the recent Losail race to an eventual ninth, consistently lapping inside the leading riders' average pace of 2'03.

Had McCoy not been involved in a first lap melee he could well have challenged for a podium finish, rather than leading a three rider group home in seventh place, 9.5 seconds from the win. Nannelli had an even more interrupted Losail race and finished 19^th, losing ten seconds and five places on the final lap.

Said McCoy after his Losail experience, "I'm very satisfied with today's race but not with the result. I finished the race at only nine seconds from the winner and I know I could have fought for the podium if I hadn't been hit at the first corner. We're getting better and better and I'm confident that very soon we'll have great results. After today's result I'm sure we're going to score a podium in the near future."

Don't Forget...

2009-03-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

'AMA Pro Prime Time' will debut March 21st on the Speed channel, with coverage of AMA superbike, supersport, etc races.

2009 WSBK World Superbike / Supersport Philip Island Highlights (7 videos)

2009-03-01T17:56:00.000-08:00

Superbike Superpole:

Supersport Best Lap:

Supersport Highlights:

Superbike Race 1 Best Lap:

Superbike Race 1 Highlights:

Superbike Race 2 Best Lap:

Superbike Race 2 Highlights:

World Superbike Philip Island 2009 Results

2009-03-01T17:16:00.000-08:00

From WorldSBK.com:

Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) took his 1098R to the win in his first race for the factory Ducati squad in the opening round of the Hannspree FIM Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island, Australia. The Japanese rider got the better of German Max Neukirchner (Suzuki Alstare) on the final lap to score his 34th win. The second race saw a sensational maiden triumph for WSB rookie Ben Spies from Texas, who took his Yamaha R1 to the win over Haga. The Australian Round of the championship was watched by a record 69,300 spectators, 6% up on last year's figure.

Race 1

The first race, declared ‘wet', was held on a totally dry track, and all riders opted for slicks but a few drops of rain did fall in the final stages. The potential of the K9 Suzuki GSX-R was confirmed with third place for Yukio Kagayama, who finished ahead of Michel Fabrizio on the second Ducati Xerox machine. Spies, who started from pole, ended up on the gravel at the second turn, but returned to the track to finish just outside the points in sixteenth. Max Biaggi, second on the grid with the brand-new Aprilia RSV4 machine, finished in eleventh place. The other rookie manufacturer BMW, also had a positive debut after Troy Corser recovered from the fifth row to finish eighth, the Australian setting fastest lap of the race.

Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) : "One thing that I have is great experience because in 2005 I was in 16th and won a race, so now everybody knows it doesn't matter where the start position is, we don't need qualifying! I'm very happy for the win, I have just switched to Ducati, I already had four crashes with the bike, but our team did a great job. In the last two laps it started to rain a bit then on the last lap Max passed me but I put big pressure on him thinking where to pass him. He made a mistake and I won."

Max Neukirchner (Suzuki Alstare) : "On the last lap I made a little mistake and that probably cost me the win. The last five laps Nori was in front and I could see that he had a bit better traction on the last corner but I caught him on the last lap and I said ‘I win, I win' but it was too much and I had a small slide and that was it."

Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki Alstare) : "I'm happy to get the podium, my last one was in 2007! Both for Max and me our starting positions were not so good, and too many riders caught me in the early laps. But I did a steady ride to third."

Race 1 : 1. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 34'22.631 (170,677 kph); 2. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 0.032; 3. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 5.347; 4. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 6.587; 5. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 8.491; 6. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 8.523; 7. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098 RS 09 8.766; 8. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 11.589; 9. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 11.721; 10 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 11.761; 11. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 12.609; 12. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 19.096; 13. Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 24.149; 14. Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 27.416; 15.Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 28.173; 16. Spies B.(USA) Yamaha YZF R1 28.235

Race 2

The second encounter was all about Haga vs Spies as the Yamaha rider unleashed the R1's potential. The duel went on until a few laps from the end when the Texan pulled out a slight advantage and powered to the flag. The runner-up slot put Haga, who turns 34 tomorrow, into the lead of the championship on 45 points. Britain's Leon Haslam (Stiggy Racing Honda) had a great race for the final podium place, beating the two Ducatis of Règis Laconi (DFX) and Fabrizio to the line. The group also included Biaggi, who ran third for much of the race; on the final lap however the Italian slid off into the gravel, recovering to finish fifteenth. However Aprilia, on their return to SBK after six years, are already looking a competitive force.

Ben Spies (Yamaha World Superbike) : "The first race was not picture perfect for us. The second one was really tough, we had a couple of goes in the lead and tried to break but couldn't do it so I sat and watched Nori. We were strong in the first half but really slow in the back two corners and I couldn't stay with him, then when the tyres went off we just went to the front with four to go and I put my head down. WSB was rough but good in the end, the new R1 was great in the first weekend for the big-bang motor. It's such a new machine for the team, hopefully we can get more out of it but for sure it's a front-running bike. WSB is so tight, people don't understand how many fast riders there are here, and it was really great out there today."

Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) : "I did a nice start again and then during the race I really enjoyed fighting with Ben. It was hard to pull away from him but in the last five laps my tyres were finished and I couldn't push anymore and I just kept the second position. I think this weekend we did a good job except for qualifying and now I'm in the lead of the championship."

Leon Haslam (Stiggy Racing Honda) : "It's a big credit to the team, three months ago they were just building the bike. It's the first round and we're already on the podium. There's been a big effort and we've kind of repaid all that effort. There was a bit of argy-bargy with Fabrizio, I had a tyre mark from him from the first lap and later on in the race we had a bit of a tussle but that's what World Superbike is all about, it's a fantastic result."

Race 2 : 1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 34'20.457 (170,857 kph); 2. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1.286; 3. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 4.213; 4. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098 RS 09 4.490; 5. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 6.045; 6. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 9.947; 7. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 10.174; 8. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 12.100; 9. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 12.742; 10. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 20.061; 11. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 24.854; 12. Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 25.192; 13. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 27.162; 14. Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 29.737; 15. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 30.036; 16. Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 38.458

Points (after 1 round of 14): 1. Haga (Ducati) 45; 2. Neukirchner (Suzuki) 30; 3. Haslam (Honda) 26; 4. Spies (Yamaha) 25; 5. Kagayama (Suzuki) 24; 6. Fabrizio (Ducati) 24; 7. Laconi (Ducati) 22; 8. Rea (Honda) 18; 9. Smrz (Ducati) 16; 10 Sykes (Yamaha) 12 etc. Manufacturers: 1. Ducati 45; 2. Yamaha 31; 3. Suzuki 30; 4. Honda 27; 5. Bmw 13; 6. Aprilia 9.

FIM Supersport World Championship

Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) won a superb opening World Supersport race in a three-way sprint to the line. The Turk, 2007 champion in the category, took the flag ahead of Australian riders Andrew Pitt (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) and Anthony West (Stiggy Racing Honda). Honda, winners of the mid-range Supersport category for the last seven years, begin the new season with four CBR-RR machines in the top 4 places, with fourth going to Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda) of Ireland. For 24 year-old Sofuoglu, the win is his eleventh in the series, while Honda celebrate their 63rd win out of 117 Supersport races. The Yamahas, which looked good in qualifying, finished fifth in the hands of Cal Crutchlow and seventh with Fabien Foret, who raced with a partially dislocated right shoulder following his crash on Saturday. Spain's Joan Lascorz made his debut for Kawasaki with an encouraging seventh place. The new Triumph 675 also had a positive start, with Gianluca Nannelli finishing tenth and Garry McCoy fourteenth.

Results : 1. Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 33'42.156 (166,18 kph); 2. Pitt A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 0.060; 3. West A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 0.153; 4. Crutchlow C. (GBR)Yamaha YZF R6 1.097; 5 Laverty E. (IRL) Honda CBR600RR 1.098; 6. Aitchison M. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 3.631; 7. Foret F. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R6 5.023; 8. Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-6R 9.540.

Points (after 1 round of 14): 1. Sofuoglu (Honda) 25; 2. Pitt (Honda) 20; 3. West (Honda) 16; 4. Crutchlow (Yamaha) 13; 5. Laverty (Honda) 11; 6. Aitchison (Honda) 10; 7. Foret (Yamaha) 9; 8. Lascorz (Kawasaki)

Mission One Electric Sportbike

2009-02-09T16:37:00.001-08:00

The Mission One electric sportbike:

Range: 150 miles

Top Speed: 150 MPH

Transmission: 1-speed

Torque: 100 lb-ft

BMW S1000RR Street Version Photo

2009-02-09T16:22:00.000-08:00

What can I say... I'm disappointed.

From the left side, it looks like a dreary early 2000s Gixxer.

What do you think? I'll wait for some other color schemes before I make my final judgment.

KTM RC8R Launch

2009-02-09T16:18:00.000-08:00

The a first taste of the higher-spec version of KTM's premier roadracer.

MotoGP Sepang Test Times: Day 3

2009-02-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

1. C.Stoner (Ducati) 2:01.043
2. V. Rossi (Yamaha) 2:01.137
3. L. Capirossi (Suzuki) 2:01.262
4.C.Edwards (Yamaha Tech3 ) 2:01.413
5. T.Elias (San Carlo Honda Gresini) 2:01.560
6. C. Vermeulen (Suzuki) 2:01.666
7. J. Lorenzo (Yamaha) 2:01.907
8. ANDREA DOVIZIOSO (REPSOL HONDA TEAM) 2:01.955
9. M.Kallio (Pramac Ducati) 2:02.386
10. N.Hayden (Ducati) 2:02.497
11. A.De Angelis (San Carlo Honda Gresini) 2:02.523
12. S.Gibernau (Ducati guinea ecuatorial) 2:02.727
13 R.De Puniet (LCR Honda) 2:03.418
14. Yuki Takahashi (Scot honda) 2:03.474
15. N.Canepa (Pramac Ducati) 2:03.901
16. J.Toseland (Yamaha Tech 3) 2:03.953

749 Sounds

2009-02-06T15:40:00.000-08:00

Termignoni

Remus

Cored

Team Sterilgarda Ducati Press Release

2009-02-06T12:44:00.001-08:00

The Sterilgarda Team will enter the first two rounds of the incoming Superbike season with the only Shane Byrne lined up. The team leaded by Marco Borciani has been forced to take this decision due to the current economic situation. Indeed, the Sterilgarda team has had to reorganized the project started the last year for a two-riders team with the promotion of Alex Polita to the Superbike. The management will try to make any efforts in order to line up a full-team at the first European round of the season in April at Valencia.

Marco Borciani | Team Manager: “I feel really sorry about the situation that does not allow Alex Polita to enter the first two round of the season. Unfortunately the economic scenario has cut the assistance of several sponsors who were supposed to help the team for the 2009 season. I'm really sorry for Alex, who is a talented young rider with whom I hope to again be able to work with in the future. We will try to get everything ready for the third round of the championship with two riders on track".

Moto GP Sepang Test Times: Day 2

2009-02-06T12:41:00.001-08:00

1. Casey Stoner (AUS) Ducati Marlboro Team 2'01.483
2. Loris Capirossi (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 2'01.555
3. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team 2'01.626
4. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda 2'01.860
5. Chris Vermeulen (AUS) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 2'02.086
6. Toni Elias (SPA) Team San Carlo 2'02.232
7. Colin Edwards (USA) Tech 3 Yamaha 2'02.241
8. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Repsol Honda 2'02.434
9. Nicky Hayden (USA) Ducati Marlboro Team 2'03.034
10. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) Fiat Yamaha Team 2'03.056
11. Sete Gibernau (SPA) Grupo Francisco Hernando 2'03.308
12. Alex De Angelis (RSM) Team San Carlo 2'03.518
13. Mika Kallio (FIN) Alice Team 2'03.774
14. Niccolo Canepa (ITA) Alice Team 2'04.021
15. Yamaha Test Rider 1 (JPN) Yamaha Factory Racing 2'04.312
16. Yuki Takahashi (JPN) Scot Racing Team 2'04.332
17. Randy De Puniet (FRA) LCR Honda MotoGP 2'04.507
18. Yamaha Test Rider 2 (JPN) Yamaha Factory Racing 2'04.536
19. James Toseland (GBR) Tech 3 Yamaha 2'04.597

Casey Stoner stated that his wrist was still very painful and despite his excellent performance, was only able to ride for a couple laps at a time.

Moto GP Sepang Test Times: Day 1

2009-02-05T14:27:00.000-08:00

1. Loris CAPIROSSI (Suzuki) 2:01.869 (37 laps)
2. Casey STONER (Ducati) 2:02.038 (34)
3. Valentino ROSSI (Yamaha) 2:02.324 (31)
4. Chris VERMEULEN (Suzuki) 2:02.803 (55)
5. Toni ELIAS (Honda) 2:02.886 (52)
6. Andrea DOVIZIOSO (Honda) 2:03.088 (50)
7. Colin EDWARDS(Yamaha) 2:03.254 (34)
8. Dani PEDROSA (Honda) 2:03.312 (44)
9. Sete GIBERNAU (Ducati) 2:03.750 (54)
10. Jorge LORENZO (Yamaha) 2:03.894 (61)
11. Nicky HAYDEN (Ducati) 2:04.002 (60)
12. Alex DE ANGELIS (Honda) 2:04.396 (53)
13. Mika KALLIO (Ducati) 2:04.405 (60)
14. James TOSELAND (Yamaha) 2:04.502 (34)
15. Randy DE PUNIET (Honda) 2:04.882 (61)
16. Yamaha Tester (Yamaha) 2:05.024 (47)
17. Yuki TAKAHASHI (Honda) 2:05.098 (73)
18. Yamaha Tester (Yamaha) 2:05.140 (44)
19. Niccolo CANEPA (Ducati) 2:05.270 (45)

Valentino Rossi Injured In Accident in Italy

2009-02-03T21:43:00.001-08:00

Valentino Rossi Injured In Accident in Italy

Fiat Yamaha

"Valentino Rossi has received stitches to his left hand and left foot, after a slight accident at his home in Italy. The Fiat Yamaha rider was closing the curtains in his house when he tripped and fell onto a glass table, which broke, cutting the ring finger of his left hand and the sole of his left foot. He went straight to the hospital and received a few stitches to each injury.

The injuries are not serious but it is not yet clear whether or not they will make him uncomfortable when riding this week. Nevertheless Rossi will fly out to Malaysia today as planned, where he will try to give 100% at the first test of the season, which starts on Thursday."

Bad News: No Valentino Rossi in World Superbike

2009-02-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

No Rossi in WSBK...

Autosport:

Valentino Rossi has had to abandon his plan to make a one-off appearance in the Superbike World Championship after Yamaha decided they would be unable to prepare a competitive bike for him in time.

The MotoGP champion said late last year that he wanted to take on recently retired WSBK champion Troy Bayliss, who Rossi hoped would be tempted to return to the series to race against him.

Although Rossi's Yamaha team were supportive of the plan, they have now concluded that they did not have sufficient parts to provide a bike for the Italian.

"Unfortunately this wasn't possible because Yamaha is working on the new R1 motorbike, and there are not many spare parts available yet," said Yamaha team boss Davide Brivio.

continued

Hmmm... They couldn't spare even one WSBK-spec R1 for the top rider on Earth? These aren't GP prototypes... if the Yamaha SBK team is that low on spare parts lets hope Ben Spies doesn't crash for this entire season...

More likely Yamaha and perhaps MotoGP itself have too much of an investment in Rossi and can't risk seeing him injured. It's no secret that the racing in superbikes has been a lot closer and wilder than MotoGP for a couple years now...

Chaz Davies to Race an Aprilia in the AMA

2009-02-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

Former Grand Prix racer Chaz Davies will apparently be racing for KWS Aprilia in AMA sportbike. He will not be racing the new RSV4 flagship v-4 superbike, but instead the older (and still quick) RSV1000R v-twin.

From KWS courtesy of soup:

'The Factory Aprilia Millennium Technologies Team signs Chaz Davies to Race Aprilia RSV1000R in AMA Daytona SportBike.

Charleston, SC - Jan. 2009 - The Factory Aprilia Millennium Technologies team is proud to announce the signing of 2008 Daytona 200 winner Chaz Davies. Davies brings a wealth of experience to the team and will be an integral part in developing the Aprilia RSV1000R for Daytona SportBike competition.

Davies has a storied carrier in professional racing. Since his first mini-moto race at age seven, Davies has gone on to become one of the brightest young stars in the international racing community. Twenty-one year old Davies raced in the 125cc and 250cc Grand Prix World Championships for five years and MotoGp at the end of 2007. Davies still carries the honor of being the youngest rider to score points in a World Championship event. In 2006 Davies 250cc Gran Prix folded due to lack of sponsorship and Davies came to the US to race for Celtic Racing. America has been good to Davies, as he has been able to score two poles, three podiums and a race win in his two years in the AMA Championship.

Chaz Davies - "I am very excited about this new project. I have rode Aprilias in the World Championship and I know what Aprilia can do when they decide to go racing. I had a chance to test the RSV1000R with the KWS Motorsports team last week and I was very impressed. The Aprilia is awesome and the team is spot on."

Kevin Hunt (Team Owner) - "Chaz is going to be a great addition to the team. He has raced at a world level and he has won races here in the US. He knows how to get the job done. I think that Chaz and Ben Thompson will work well together and their riding styles will compliment each other. The best equipment in the world is useless without a great rider and we feel like we have two of the best riders in the paddock with Chaz and Ben."

The Factory Aprilia Millennium Technologies Team is proudly sponsored by:
Aprilia USA, Millennium Technologies, Pit Bull, LeoVince Exhaust, Motion Pro, K&N Filters, Bazzaz Performance, Sebimoto, Yoyodyne, EK Chains, BG Lubricants, Performance Friction Brakes, Worldwide Bearing, Zero Gravity, Chicken Hawk Racing, Slednecks, Hel Brake Lines'

2009 Superbike Shootout

2009-02-01T09:07:00.000-08:00

You haven't ridden most of them yet, but we have the preview wrap-up here so that you'll know which one you want to ride first. This year we'll see the all-new BMW S1000RR, all-new Aprilia RSV4, all-new Yamaha R1, mostly-new Suzuki GSXR1000 and Ducati 1198, tweaked (in possibly a revolutionary way) Honda CBR1000RR, and the return of what many considered last year's Japan league champion (neck and neck with the CBR, of course), the Kawasaki ZX-10R. We also have all-new-only-a-little-while-ago options such as the Buell 1125R and KTM Rc8 1190. Political and economic horrors aside, the next few years seem to be full of glee for the sportbike consumer.

2009 Kawasaki ZX-10R

We'll start with the bike changing the least for '09, the ZX-10R from Kawasaki. Mechanical changes are minimal, but we do get new paint on an already fantastic bike.
The Kawasaki will be offered in several different new schemes worldwide, with the US getting the three-tone green/white/black look shown above, and Europe receiving the even cooler pure arctic look shown below:

Amazing how a little bit of fresh paint can turn the Kawi from a cross-eyed mantis into an arctic wolf.

2009 KTM RC8 1190

KTM releases sporadic and scarce information regarding the development and evolution of the 2009 RC8 1190. Like the '08 model, the '09 RC8 will be of limited-production and will race in World STK1000, but not in the premier World Superbike class in the same series. If nothing goes horribly wrong, KTM seems to be planning to offer larger numbers of the fully-tweaked bike in a couple of years, simultaneously moving up to compete in SBK.

Judging from shootouts between the 2008 RC8 and 2008 Ducati 1098, the RC8 looks at the very least promising for an infant competing in the highest class of motorcycling. It's said the Ducati has the better engine (both bikes sporting oversized twin-cylinder powerplants), which should be expected from such a long-time master of 4-strike v-twin superbike motors, but the opinions regarding which machine possesses the superior handling characteristics are surprisingly disputed.

French magazine Motorevue tested an earlier RC8 against a Yamaha R1 and preferred the handling of the KTM. However, we can't exactly trust the French source too much, on the account of the French government requiring that motorcycle motor output be limited to 100 horsepower (yes, seriously), which can affect the 'feel' of a machine to say the very least.

Cycle World compared the RC8 to a Suzuki GSXR750, which one may consider unfair when taking into account the cc and price difference, but the new-comer KTM hung in there despite another (reversed) advantage: The GSXR750 being one of the most well-developed sportbikes on the planet, even if smaller and cheaper than the orange beast.

Only further evolution will tell us whether the new Austrian bike is a very cool-looking fluke of sci-fi, or as much of a long-standing success as KTM's competitive off-road lineup.

2009 Buell 1125R

The Buell 1125R, an American-made machine powered by a powerful Austrian-designed v-twin Rotax motor, has been a major love/hate scenario for most critics. In America motorcycle tradition, the Buell is the weirdest bike here, unless you count the ultra-exotic, supercharged, and also American-made, Roehr 1250sc...

More street-oriented and less track-oriented than most of the other bikes featured, the Buell has still seen surprising success in v-twin and club competition around the world against the likes of Ducati's 1098, Aprilia's RSV1000R Mille, and Boxer-based beemers. Minor mechanical improvements for this year, such as redone throttle response and improved mileage are given new clothes, like this white/blue layout:

Don't like the looks? For 2009 Buell is releasing the 1125CR, a stripped down version of the 1125R which, to me, takes the bike from humiliatingly bulbous to hauntingly, wickedly attractive. It doesn't fit in this comparison as well as the 1125R, but it is a major aesthetic improvement. Now they just need to do something with that mismatched, overly round tail...:

2009 Honda CBR100RR 'Fireblade'

The 2009 Honda CBR1000RR (lots of photos and videos can be seen HERE) will return mostly unscathed from 2008, when many believed it to be the best Japanese literbike available, but with one major change: Anti-lock brakes.

Honda claims that the anti-lock brake systems of the past were built more around safety and ease of use, but that the new C-ABS system on the CBR lineup is made just as much for pure performance. Admittedly a highly skilled racer can out-brake the ABS system on a track, but many reports are steaming in praising the transparent, confidence-inducing feel of the system for everything from a breezy sunday ride, to high-speed canyon carving, to trackdays and riding in the wet.

The 'Fireblade' will also receive some new color options, like pearl blue, a dark metallic grey/black, and a GP Repsol graphics package.

2009 Yamaha YZF-R1

First... listen...

The '09 R1 (more) is an all-new machine internally and externally. Wonky-eyed headlights deep-set within intakes were received with skepticism and even disappointment from some fans of the R1's traditional protruding lights, which over time had become the bike's visual signature. Power comes courtesy of a cross-plane MotoGP-derived 4-cylinder, which, in early brief tests, is getting rave reviews. Corner-exit power has left some testers I've spoken with breathless and I can say from hearing one roar that the sound shakes the usual "lack of passion" Japanese motorcycles are often accused of. Not since the original R1 have I been so curious about a new Yamaha.

The R1 will be available in several colors, but check out my personal favorite, a Gothic blend of flat/gloss blacks cloaking a blood-red frame:

2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000

Sportbikeblog was one of the first blogs on the internet to break out leaked photos of the new Suzuki GSX-R1000 (at, the time, nearly half of this website's total hits came during the day we revealed the bike before anyone else!).

The '09 Gixxer (see full specs and many photos and new paint schemes HERE) won't have as many obvious changes as the R1, but it has still been redone from the ground up compared to last year's model. Previously Suzuki, in terms of pure performance, was arguably the heavyweight champion of the Japanese 1000cc world. The much-needed '09 version comes at a time when Suzuki has been gradually losing ground in head-to-head comparos to the other factories, and when Yamaha's new R1 could be the nail in the coffin. Evolutionary rather than revolutionary seems to be the name of the game...

2009 BMW S100RR

The BMW S100RR (more) is one of the most exciting sportbike releases in recent memory.

Even if it alone were being unveiled, there would be a ton of buzz for '09, and yet we have not only it, but Ducati's new 1198, the return of Aprilia to superbike competition, the all new R1, Honda race-bred ABS, a new gixxer, and even more PLUS the previously unmentioned 600 class? For some people, the BMW may even be lost in the shuffle.

The BMW abandons most of the experienced German factory's innovative/experimental suspension and engine layouts in preference of a more conventional superbike, complete with an inline-four liter-sized powerplant and advanced traction control. Early testing by both the BMW and Aprilia World Superbike teams has shown them to be competitive machines right off the bat in one of the world's most contested and densely-populated motorcycle championships. That means the bike is at best, a major and permanent player, and at worst, no joke.

2009 Aprilia RSV4

Joining the legendary and incredibly timeless yet technologically now somewhat outdated RSV1000R v-twin (formerly piloted with great success in World Superbike competition, especially by Troy Corser, now a BMW man), The RSV4 (more photos, videos, and information here and here) is a truly radical step for Aprilia.

Claimed to be even lighter than the featherweight Honda CBR1000RR, the RSV4 runs on a screaming, exotic Italian V-4 engine with an abrasive, post-apocalyptic snarl which makes even the roar of the new R1 and classic bark of the Ducati 1098/1198 family pale in comparison.

I'm cold on the face of the machine. The RSV1000 was a classic, Aprilia from rubber to glass. The RSV4 is more subtle and as I've dared to say before; a bit too Japanese-looking up front. Alas, like many Japanese bikes themselves, the Aprilia is all about performance. Light weight, high power, and if you believe the man who will race the RSV4 in 2009 in the world championships, the notorious Roman Max Biaggi, it also feels as much like a MotoGP bike as a conventional Superbike in basic form...

2009 Ducati 1198

Nothing with "superbike" in the title would be complete without a Ducati. Ducati has been a staple in European motorcycling and global road-racing for decades now, and became a culture of its own with the evolution of the 996, 998, and 999. The 999 is one of my favorite motorcycles of all time for various reasons, however not everyone agrees. Some saw the 999 as Ducati's failure to capture the essence of the 996/998, and as a response Ducati came up with the 1098 as the next generation. The 996 influence is obvious; the angry narrowed eyes and pure Ducati profile reveal the father of the rounder-cheeked 1098, as does it's voice. The handling, while delicately tailored to Ducatista tastes, can turn with any nimble eastern rival.

The 1198 (several Ducati 1198 videos) is an evolution of the 1098, visually similar with even more power (some who have ridden the 1098 will surely ask, "Is that even necessary?"). The 1198 will be available in a base model, a higher-end components 1198S model, and the returning 1098R model, essentially a factory superbike honoring Troy Bayliss.

Shane Byrne and Sterilgarda Ducati On Top at Portimao Test

2009-01-23T19:46:00.000-08:00

WSBK press release on the first day of pre-season testing:

"Shane Byrne (Sterilgarda Ducati) led the time sheets for much of the first day of testing at Portimao, both in the morning session when it was wet in many places then in the afternoon as track conditions dried almost completely. His impressive pace took him to a day one overall best of 1'44.265, less than one second from the absolute track best, set by outgoing champion Troy Bayliss last year.

Byrne had to put in an effort later in the session, as first Michel Fabrizio and then Ben Spies passed him, but after his 47 laps, Byrne held the upper hand on his private 1098R.

Max Neukirchner pushed the new Suzuki to fourth fastest time, still inside the 1'44 bracket, as was the following Noriyuki Haga, getting used to his factory Ducati at a quick pace.

Every one of the 27 riders on show went quicker in the afternoon sessions, leaving Jakub Smrz (Guandalini Ducati) sixth fastest as he put in a strong challenge throughout.

The top Honda was the privateer Stiggy Motorsports machine of Leon Haslam, leading a three rider running flush of CBR machinery ahead of team-mates Jonathan Rea and Carlos Checa.

The top ten was rounded out by Yukio Kagayama's Suzuki, with Broc Parkes the leading Kawasaki runner in 14th. The all-new BMW and Aprilia machines were out in full force at this test, with Troy Corser 15th on the S1000RR and Max Biaggi 16th on the vee-four Aprilia.

In the Supersport class, the new combination of Joan Lascorz and his Kawasaki ZX-6R proved to be the quickest overall, albeit on a slightly wetter track than the Superbike riders finally got to ride on.

Second was class rookie Cal Crutchlow, on a Yamaha, with Honda rider Kenan Sofuoglu third, Suzuki man Barry Veneman fourth, making for four different types of machine inside the top four.

Two more days of testing remain."

SBK-09 Preview

2009-01-22T05:45:00.000-08:00

"2009 season gets underway with Superbike and Supersport tests at Portimao

The 22nd edition of the Superbike World Championship kicks off in just over one month's time at Phillip Island in Australia, but the bikes will be air-freighted across the globe at the start of February so as to be ready for several teams to test there one week before the opening round. This weekend's test at the Portuguese circuit of Portimao, from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th January, therefore represents the last remaining opportunity for major testing and development work, but above all it will be the first direct clash between all the WSBK contenders before the start of the new season. The test in Portugal will also see the official launch of the championship, which sees a record participation of 32 riders, with a press conference in the circuit.

MAGNIFICENT SEVEN RIDE - Portimao will see the participation of Paul Bird Motorsport's Kawasaki Superbike Racing Team, absent from the South African test in December, therefore all seven manufacturer teams, a record in bike racing, will be present. Aprilia Racing (Max Biaggi and Shinya Nakano), BMW Motorrad Alpha Racing (Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus), Ducati Xerox (Noriyuki Haga and Michel Fabrizio), Hannspree Ten Kate Honda (Carlos Checa, Jonathan Rea and Ryuichi Kiyonari), Kawasaki Superbike Racing Team (Makoto Tamada and Broc Parkes), Suzuki Alstare (Max Neukirchner and Yukio Kagayama) and Yamaha World Superbike (Ben Spies and Tom Sykes) are the 15 riders on the factory machines.

NEW ENTRIES - The Kyalami test in December demonstrated that the battle will be exceptionally close this year, as the top riders were all separated by just over one second. Expectations are high for these tests at Portimao, with the two new entries Aprilia and BMW expected to be much closer to the leading pace.

FULL GRID - But it's not just the factory teams that make up the starting-grid. The 2009 edition of the WSBK championship also includes several other top class satellite and private teams who will be aiming to carve out a role for themselves amongst the leaders. All eyes will be on Ducati Sterilgarda with Shane Byrne, the 2008 BSB champion, Stiggy Motorsport Honda with Leon Haslam and Roberto Rolfo and also Ducati Guandalini, with Jakub Smrz and 2008 Superstock 1000 FIM Cup winner Brendan Roberts.

MADE IN ITALY - Italy has never been able to win a Superbike title but this year the prospects are promising, with two top riders, Max Biaggi and Michel Fabrizio, on the grid. Biaggi has opted to debut the new Aprilia RSV4 and if development goes well, he can also be considered amongst the favourites. Fabrizio, in his second season with the factory Ducati team, has already slipped into the role of front-runner and is aiming for the top. Six Italian riders will be on the grid, all with different ambitions: Roberto Rolfo (Honda), Alessandro Polita (Ducati), Italian Superbike champion Luca Scassa (Kawasaki), Vittorio Iannuzzo (Honda) and the two Kawasaki PSG-1 youngsters, Ayrton Badovini and Matteo Baiocco, who however will not be present at Portimao.

NEW FOR 2009 - The Portimao test will also be a first chance to try out the two new regulation changes this year, in particular the Superpole ?knock-out' format. After the Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning sessions, the top 20 will go on to try out the new format in the final afternoon, an innovation that is guaranteed to add even more excitement to this year's championship.

SUPERSPORT - Supersport will also have three days of testing in Portugal, with all teams present except for the second Suzuki Hoegee rider. It will be interesting to see the battle between the Ten Kate Honda duo of Andrew Piitt and Kenan Sofuoglu, Supersport champions respectively in 2008 and 2007, but they will be up against a number of tough adversaries including Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha World Supersport's new signing, team-mate Fabien Foret, Anthony West with the Stiggy Motorsport Honda, and youngsters Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Provec) and Mark Aitchison (Honda Althea). Six Italians are present in this year's championship: Gianluca Vizziello (Honda), Gianluca Nannelli (Triumph), Massimo Roccoli (Honda), Michele Pirro (Yamaha), Fabrizio Lai (Honda) and Danilo Dell'Omo (Honda)."

From worldsbk.com

Ducati beats Ferrari: Casey Stoner beats Felipe Massa

2009-01-19T15:03:00.000-08:00

Ducati MotoGP racers Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden had a showdown at the Italian Wrooom event with Ferrari F-1 star Felipe Massa and Ferrari test-driver Luca Badoer (Kimi Raikkonen had a fever).

(click image to enlarge)

In an event which one must assume gave a slight advantage to the four-wheeled racers, -- go-karts on ice -- Stoner came out on top, beating 2nd-placed Massa, 3rd-placed Badoer, and 4th-placed Hayden.

Check out the video footage HERE at MotoGP.com.

New Ducati Desmosedici GP9

2009-01-17T00:29:00.000-08:00

Ducati has unveiled the new Desmosedici GP9 at Madonna di Campiglio with Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden in attendance.

(click images to enlarge)

The machine utilizes an at least partially carbon fiber frame and both riders seem to be very positive. Rightfully so, if we're to judge the new bike's potential by how Casey beat his own best racelap at Catalunya while testing an early GP9 back in 2008.

The free video HERE.

More on Kawasaki/MotoGP Situation, WSBK News Bits

2009-01-16T21:09:00.000-08:00

Kawasaki is testing the 2009 Ninja ZX-RR GP race machine in Australia despite a seemingly legitimate announcement that the factory would not directly support the '09 season. MotoGP.com reports that this *may* mean the Ninja will live to see another season of GP racing -- as part of a 2-bike privateer effort. With such a dwindling number of participants, MotoGP can't be happy about a manufacturer as major as Kawasaki deciding that the series is economically unjustifiable, and surely must be pressing to get some green on the grid even if it means as consistent last-placers.

Kawasaki's withdrawal from MotoGP apparently does NOT mean a withdrawal from World Superbike racing.

(click image to enlarge)

Instead, the WSBK series will enjoy a record number of both full-time entries and manufacturers this year as well as fresh tracks.

Not so long ago, it seemed that World Superbike was teetering on the edge of irrelevance and MotoGP ascending to a new level of global popularity. Now we see the opposite taking place. History has proven it: Despite each series having its "niche", factory support is a zero-sum game.

The past few seasons of MotoGP have been a droning anti-climax at best, with only a few hot moments (like the '08 Laguna Seca contest) reminding nostalgic viewers of a more colorful past. SBK on the other hand has seen some of the closest racing in years.

No longer are we seeing washed up GP riders move to SBK and SBK's best move to GP, but mutual exchanges of top talent. SBK is not only more relevant to many street riders, but significantly more affordable for teams and manufacturers. Stoner, Rossi, Hayden & gang (what's left of it) will have to work hard to make '09 buck the trends. That is, if new arrivals such as BMW, Aprilia, and Ben Spies don't bolster the popularity of WSBK even further.

Indeed, the only disappointing news as of recent coming from the WSBK camp is a statement by Aprilia's race chief: 'No SBK for Marco Simoncelli'. Marco had previously hoped to pilot the new RSV4 in the Phillip Island and Qatar Rounds. Valentino Rossi has expressed similar interest in the past (with who knows how much sincerity).

Kawasaki Quits MotoGP!

2009-01-15T01:11:00.000-08:00

(click image to enlarge)

MotoGP.com reports that Kawasaki will suspend MotoGP racing
activities for the 2009 season:

"Amid the quickly changing business environment, Kawasaki has been promptly taking countermeasures to cope with the situation. As the world economy is not likely to recover in a short period due to the major impact of the financial crisis, Kawasaki decided to suspend its MotoGP racing activities from the 2009 season onward and reallocate management resources more efficiently."

More

Ducati 996 vs Bimota sb8r

2009-01-01T15:23:00.000-08:00

1198!!!

2008-12-27T03:51:00.000-08:00

...and since I'm still alive, here's a few Ducati 1198 videos.

I'm still alive

2008-12-27T03:28:00.001-08:00

News is slow around this time of the year. The big racing series are closed up for winter and the weather keeps a lot of us from riding. Most of the big new '09 model revelations hare already months past now as well, though we still eagerly read bits of additional details about them.

In other news...

WSBK has given Miller Motorsports Park their "Organizer of the Year" award for '08

Who says the US doesn't have world-class roadcourses?

http://www.worldsbk.com/pubb_EN/news_ext.php?id=2779

They also have a brief article about the BMW S1000RR we've been talking about for so long now.

http://www.worldsbk.com/pubb_EN/news_ext.php?id=2773

"In the hands of Corser, the new factory BMW was only 1.4 seconds off the very best time of the test at Kyalami..."

The Aprilia isn't lapping too shabby thus far either. Biaggi on the new Aprilia and Corser on the new BMW duking it out down the big stretch at Kyalami... ahhh. This season hasn't even begun and already the atmosphere has become a World Superbike classic. I've re-opened the "biggest splash" poll for the occasion.

Some cool stuff up over at MCN; for example how "Bayliss and Rossi agree WSBK is more fun than MotoGP" and word that Aprilia has given the Tuono-equivalent naked version of the RSV4 the green light.

BMW S1000RR Video!

2008-11-12T11:20:00.000-08:00

Check out some footage of the new BMW S1000RR Superbike:

New 2009 Ducati Streetfighter and Ducati 1198

2008-11-02T20:35:00.000-08:00

New Ducatis! Hell for Leather Magazine has leaked photos and information regarding the new 2009 Ducati sportbike lineup -- that is the 1098 beefing up into the 1198 and 1198 S (traction control on the S versions) and even more exciting: an all-new 1098-powered Streetfighter and Streetfighter S:

Video: World Superbike 2008 Champions

2008-10-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

Troy Bayliss, Ducati, 2008 World Superbike Champion:

Andrew Pitt, Honda, 2008 World Supersport Champion:

Ducati vs Lamborghini, Parts 1 and 2

2008-10-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

Round 1: Gallardo VS 999

Round 2: Gallardo Superleggera VS 1098

New Naked: Ducati 1100 and Suzuki SFV 650 Gladius

2008-09-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

Ducati and Suzuki have both unveiled new naked offerings in the Monster 1100 and SFV 650 Gladius, respectively.

Ducati Monster 1100 (click images to enlarge)

The Ducati will be powered by a 95 horsepower, 79.5 lb-ft torque, 1100cc, air-cooled, two-valve, twin cylinder as already seen in the Hypermotard model. It be available in a basic version and higher end, Ohlins-equipped "S" version.

Where the Ducati will be a classic bigger brother to the jack-of-most-trades Monster 696, the Suzuki will be aimed purely at entry-level riders looking for something a bit more stylish than the usual 'beginner bike' options. Yes, that equates to another really poorly disguised Japanese ripoff of Italian Ducati styling, but it still probably has a marketing niche. It will be offered with optional ABS and based on the SV650.

Suzuki SFV 650 "Gladius"

Troy Corser Signs with BMW!

2008-09-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

Breaking World Superbike news: Troy Corser has struck a deal with the Germans to join current Ducatista, Ruben Xaus, and ride the BMW S1000RR superbike for the 2009 season.

With Troy's excellent levels of experience and success developing new bikes and his uncanny ability to make them serious threats on the track, many desperately wanted this to happen in order to bring BMW into the competitive fold immediately. Let us hope that the new BMW can compliment the skill of both Corser and Xaus!

From World Superbike's Website Release:

"BMW are happy to announce that Australian Troy Corser has signed to ride the all new BMW S1000RR in next year's Superbike World Championship. The former double Superbike World Champion has agreed terms for two years and ends months of speculation as to who will join Spaniard Ruben Xaus in BMW's debut in the Superbike World Championship next season.

Troy won the Superbike World Championship in 1996, becoming the youngest rider ever to do so in the process, and then again in 2005. He has been runner-up in the WSBK championship once and third place on three occasions. To date he has taken part in over 300 races, been on the podium 126 times, and his 42 pole positions have earned him the nickname of "Mr Superpole".
Troy is married to Sam and they have two children, Kalani Gray (5) and Kelissa Illiana-Rose (3). Troy was born in Wollongong, Australia, but he and the family are now Monaco residents."

Peter Mueller (Executive Vice President Development and Model Lines)
"With Troy and Ruben, I feel confident we will have the best riders possible for our start in the Superbike World Championship. Troy has unrivalled experience in the series and that, together with Ruben's exuberance, is our ‘dream team' and the combination we wanted, right from the start of this project. I feel sure that their knowledge of the series will definitely help us become competitive very quickly."

Berti Hauser (Director of BMW Motorrad Motorsport)
"I am delighted that Troy is joining our team and that our jigsaw is now complete. He was in our minds from the start and I am very happy because I believe he and Ruben are the best combination of riders for our new challenge. Troy has told me that is excited about helping us develop the bike and be part of the project from the start. He also said that he would like to be the first rider in WSBK history to win the title with three different manufacturers and that he is physically and mentally ready make that his target."

CONFIRMED! 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000

2008-09-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

Our leaked pre-release photos turned out to be the real deal and enabled us to break the new GSX-R1000 days before larger moto blogs, thanks to a certain fellow at the Gixxer forum.

The release is now official and photos from Paris and Suzuki PR and specs are surfacing online:

(Click Images to Enlarge)

Engine Type		4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Bore x Stroke		74.5 mm x 57.3 mm
Engine Displacement		999 cm³ (cc)
Compression Ratio		12.8 : 1
Carburetion		Fuel injection
Oil Capacity (overhaul)		3.6L (1.0 US gal.)
Ignition		Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Starter System		Electric
Lubrication System		Wet sump
Transmission		6-speed constant mesh
Primary Drive Ratio		1.617 (76 / 47)
Final Drive Ratio		2.471 (42 / 17)
Frame Type		Twin-spar (aluminum alloy)
Rake/Trail		23.8 degrees / 98.3 mm (3.9 in.)
Suspension	Front	Inverted telescopic, coil spring, spring preload fully adjustable, rebound and compression damping force fully adjustable
	Rear	Link type, oil damped, coil spring, spring preload fully adjustable, rebound and compression damping force 2-way fully adjustable
Wheels	Front	17 M/C x MT3.50, cast aluminum-alloy
	Rear	17 M/C x MT6.00, cast aluminum-alloy
Brakes	Front	Radial mount, 4-piston calipers 310 mm disc, twin
	Rear	1-piston caliper, 220 mm disc
Tires	Front	120/70ZR17M/C (58W), tubeless
	Rear	190/50ZR17M/C (73W), tubeless
Fuel Tank		17.5 L (4.6 US gal.)
Overall Length		2,045 mm (80.5 in.)
Overall Width		710 mm (28.0 in.)
Overall Height		1,130 mm (44.5 in.)
Wheelbase		1,405 mm (55.3 in.)
Ground Clearance		130mm (5.1 in.)
Seat Height		810 mm (31.9 in.)
Curb Mass		203kg (448 lbs.)

In other colors:

See Additional Info HERE

2009 MotoGP Season: One Tire Rule

2008-09-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

MCN reports that the 2009 MotoGP season will take place with an exclusive tire supplier rule - most likely Bridgestone.

2009 GSX-R1000

2008-09-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

(click images to enlarge)

Just like with the new R1 and RSV4 earlier, pre-official pics are leaking out of the new 2009 Suzuki GSX-r1000.

This is only an early online leak and the source may or may not be reliable! I'll keep this space updated as further details follow.

Update (9/24/08): It is looking more and more likely that this is indeed the 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Since posting this, the image has surfaced on several motorcycle forums. That alone is nothing special, however there are also several reports that Suzuki North America has requested the forums remove the images until the official release. Either an elaborate inside joke or this is the real bike.

Still not a sure thing, but if it is, remember that you saw it on Sportbikeblog first!

Aprilia RSV4 Videos

2008-09-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

The latest Aprilia propaganda:

Two older videos (with superior engine audio) of the RSV4 can be found here in a related post.

World Superbike: Vallelunga 2008 Results (Crash Video Below)

2008-09-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

(Photo: WSBK. Click to enlarge)

Amazing! Spoiler warning if you haven't watched the race yet!

Race 1:

1 41 Haga N. (JPN) Yamaha YZF-R1 39'25.030 (150,148 kph)
2 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Ducati 1098 RS 08 0.129
3 11 Corser T. (AUS) Yamaha YZF-R1 0.535
4 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R1000 5.188
5 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 6.693
6 21 Bayliss T. (AUS) Ducati 1098 F08 7.993
7 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098 F08 16.976
8 44 Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 18.359
9 34 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R1000 19.214
10 38 Nakatomi S. (JPN) Yamaha YZF-R1 19.386
11 57 Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098 RS 08 21.230
12 10 Nieto F. (ESP) Suzuki GSX-R1000 24.956
13 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098 RS 08 25.186
14 36 Lavilla G. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 31.799
15 86 Badovini A. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 33.949
16 55 Laconi R. (FRA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 34.050
17 94 Checa D. (ESP) Yamaha YZF-R1 34.665
18 9 Walker C. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 52.420
19 88 Aoyama S. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1'02.555
20 100 Tamada M. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'06.475
21 122 Smrz M. (CZE) Honda CBR1000RR 1'16.985
22 50 Lynn M. (USA) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 194 Gimbert S. (FRA) Yamaha YZF-R1
RET 13 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R
RET 111 Xaus R. (ESP) Ducati 1098 RS 08
RET 73 Zaiser C. (AUT) Yamaha YZF-R1
RET 23 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 54 Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Honda CBR1000RR

In race 1 it was Bayliss looking strong early on, but not for long, as Haga swept past and dominated for the vast majority of the race. Biaggi rode flawlessly, rarely spanning more than 0.5 seconds behind Haga throughout the ordeal and finishing 2nd to the roar of the Italian crowd, with Corser chasing in third. Neukirchner came home in 4th and Bayliss slipped back to finish in 6th just behind Checa.

Race 2:

1 41 Haga N. (JPN) Yamaha YZF-R1 39'10.265 (151,091 kph)
2 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098 F08 1.507
3 11 Corser T. (AUS) Yamaha YZF-R1 2.268
4 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R1000 11.813
5 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 17.922
6 10 Nieto F. (ESP) Suzuki GSX-R1000 18.281
7 34 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R1000 19.368
8 38 Nakatomi S. (JPN) Yamaha YZF-R1 19.717
9 55 Laconi R. (FRA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 23.868
10 44 Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 24.198
11 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098 RS 08 25.426
12 111 Xaus R. (ESP) Ducati 1098 RS 08 28.384
13 23 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 30.436
14 194 Gimbert S. (FRA) Yamaha YZF-R1 36.490
15 9 Walker C. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 42.903
16 21 Bayliss T. (AUS) Ducati 1098 F08 43.758
17 88 Aoyama S. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 44.993
18 57 Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098 RS 08 48.469
19 100 Tamada M. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-10R 58.868
20 94 Checa D. (ESP) Yamaha YZF-R1 1'18.547
21 122 Smrz M. (CZE) Honda CBR1000RR 1'42.272
22 50 Lynn M. (USA) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 86 Badovini A. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R
RET 13 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R
RET 36 Lavilla G. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 73 Zaiser C. (AUT) Yamaha YZF-R1
RET 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 54 Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Ducati 1098 RS 08

Race 2 was where it all boiled over. At the start, a horrific crash between Biaggi and Sofuoglu sent both flying at well over 100 miles per hour. The crash must have looked a bit more brutal than it was, and both men got up under their own power.

Here it is:

Lets sincerely hope that we have a healthy Biaggi for the rest of the season and for his big move to the new Aprilia team. Sofuoglu has had some of the worst repetitive bad luck I can remember of any rider in recent years. Wrapped up in seemingly every mishap on the WSBK calender, as well as having lost his brother to a motorcycle accident only months ago, Sofu also came in with a DNF in race 1. Good luck to him as far as picking up the pieces for a strong comeback next season.

That was not where the drama ended in race 2, however.

Early on, Bayliss once again took the lead but this time stayed glued to the front, and we can only assume changed something drastic about his setup. Some of the closest side-by-side racing of the year took place between Bayliss and Haga for the lead, reminiscent of Rossi and Stoner at the Laguna Seca MotoGP race.

How reminiscent? A scary-aggressive underdog Yamaha slipping past the rider on pole position with elbows touching, trading the lead back and forth throughout the race with spectators on their feet, until the Ducati loses it in a heart-pounding chase and goes off of the track. Only unlike Stoner's run off the track, Bayliss crashed on the very final lap and could not recover on the podium, ultimately finishing in a disappointing 16th.

Had Bayliss dominated the weekend, he could have decided the championship in his favor with multiple races remaining. Fabrizio piloted his Ducati 1098 F08 to a strong second after passing Corser late in the race, and then passing his ill-fated yet championship-bound teammate, Troy Bayliss.

Superbike Season Points:

1. Bayliss (Ducati) 369 punti; 2. Corser (Yamaha) 290; 3. Haga (Yamaha) 280; 4. Neukirchner (Suzuki) 280; 5. Checa (Honda) 262; 6. Biaggi (Ducati) 212; 7. Nieto (Suzuki) 206; 8. Fabrizio (Ducati) 201; 9. Kiyonari (Honda) 193; 10. Xaus (Ducati) 160; etc. Manufacturers - 1. Ducati 479; 2. Yamaha 416; 3. Honda 357; 4. Suzuki 355; 5. Kawasaki 77.

Supersport:

1 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 36'48.656 (147,38 kph)
2 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Yamaha YZF-R6 2.971
3 50 Laverty E. (IRL) Yamaha YZF-R6 6.461
4 26 Lascorz J. (ESP) Honda CBR600RR 7.135
5 77 Veneman B. (NED) Suzuki GSX-R600 10.945
6 127 Harms R. (DEN) Honda CBR600RR 14.412
7 69 Nannelli G. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 14.557
8 83 Van Keymeulen D. (BEL) Suzuki GSX-R600 19.286
9 8 Aitchison M. (AUS) Triumph 675 23.854
10 41 Hayes J. (USA) Honda CBR600RR 31.193
11 47 Clementi I. (ITA) Triumph 675 31.327
12 25 Brookes J. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 39.771
13 17 Praia M. (POR) Honda CBR600RR 40.957
14 123 Toti T. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R600 41.196
15 105 Vizziello G. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 41.337
16 11 Holland R. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 43.421
17 55 Roccoli M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF-R6 44.790
18 21 Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 45.564
19 44 Salom D. (ESP) Yamaha YZF-R6 54.098
20 126 Martin C. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-6R 58.063
21 81 Gowland G. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 1'01.773
22 7 Vostárek P. (CZE) Honda CBR600RR 1'16.595
23 10 Perret D. (FRA) Honda CBR600RR 1'16.917
24 124 Crowe J. (AUS) Yamaha YZF-R6 1'17.279
25 34 Nemeth B. (HUN) Honda CBR600RR 1'17.539
26 117 Sacchetti D. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1'28.143
27 42 Cudlin A. (AUS) Triumph 675 1'29.485
RET 88 Pitt A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR
RET 30 Günther J. (GER) Honda CBR600RR
RET 14 Lagrive M. (FRA) Honda CBR600RR
RET 35 Barone G. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR
RET 45 Zappa A. (ITA) Triumph 675
RET 199 Dell'Omo D. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR
RET 4 Alfonsi L. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR

Supersport Season Points:

1. Pitt (Honda) 169; 2. Rea (Honda) 158; 3. Brookes (Honda) 141; 4. Parkes (Yamaha) 139; 5. Lascorz (Honda) 105; 6. Jones (Honda) 100; 7. Foret (Yamaha) 97; 8. Veneman (Suzuki) 72; etc.

Aprilia RSV4: Official Release Photos

2008-09-21T05:07:00.000-07:00

Above left: WSBK Race version. Above right: Street version.
(click image to enlarge)

As promised, we have the new RSV-4 photos today. This looks to be the final production version, and any changes will most likely be minor. 180 horsepower in street trim and 220 in race form from the all-new 999cc 65-degree V4 are the numbers currently floating around. As for price, there is still no definitive answer. All we can expect is that it will be well above the pricing of Japanese literbikes, and all we can hope is that it remains below that of the Ducati 1098R.

According to Aprilia, the RSV4's 190kg wet weight with a full gas tank will make it 9kg lighter than a current featherweight Honda CBR1000RR weighs with an empty gas tank. Wow!

There are also, courtesy of the bikes styling designer, Miguel Galluzzi (what's with headlights, Miguel?!), rumors that a naked/streetfighter version of the RSV4 may possibly follow.

Max Biaggi to Ride 2009 Aprilia World Superbike

2008-09-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

"Biaggi was our number one choice, I'm delighted to have him back with us" declared Leo Francesco Mercanti, Director of Product Development and Sporting Activities of the Piaggio Group. "Max is a rider who has written a number of important chapters in Aprilia's racing history: he was involved in the company's first major triumphs, and the seasons of Aprilia domination, all of which enabled this young company to join the ‘greats' of motorcycle racing. Today, with Biaggi and the Aprilia RSV4 we begin a new challenge. We are convinced that with him, we will be able to put to the best possible use all of our passion, our expertise and desire to win".

2009 ZX-6R

2008-09-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

(click image to enlarge)

Kawasaki Press Release:

"Precise control and abundant mid-range torque provide maximum excitement

To truly push the envelope, a rider needs a calm yet responsive sportbike with precision control feel and confidence-inspiring manners. That machine is perfectly embodied by the new 2009 Ninja® ZX™-6R. Thanks to an extensive overhaul by the Kawasaki engineers; weight shaving, improving mass centralization, refining engine and chassis behavior, adding a revolutionary front fork design; the new leaner, more precise Ninja ZX-6R delivers the elusive calm and confident handling that top racers need.

Fine-tuning the chassis and tightening its mass centralization resulted in lighter handling to make it even easier to tip this ZX-6R into a corner. To optimize front-rear rigidity balance, the engineers revised frame stiffness around the swingarm pivot and the rear engine mounts. The engine was rotated around the output shaft to offer a steeper cylinder bank angle and raise its CG by 16mm. A new exhaust layout with a short side muffler lowers the weight previously located under the seat and an exhaust pre-chamber further contributes to the new ZX-6R’s mass centralization

The new Ninja ZX-6R’s leaner physique is fundamental to its lighter handling. Both the engine and chassis were evaluated to reduce weight. The intake resonator box and supports for the instrument panel and mirrors are now unitized with the enlarged –to optimize intake volume – Ram Air duct, contributing to weight savings and improving rigidity. New camshafts are now made of lighter SCM, and lightweight magnesium replaces aluminum for the engine covers. Revised internal gears – transmission, oil pump and starter – are lighter without compromising strength. Adjusting several mounting plates and the coolant reservoir locations helped shave additional weight.
Handling wasn’t the only area of improvement on the new Ninja ZX-6R; its lighter engine received a host of changes focused on delivering precise throttle control and increased performance, particularly in the mid-range. A smoother power delivery was achieved through better combustion efficiency. The changes include; adding cylindrical guides to the top of the airbox to better guide the fuel charge into the intake funnels, increasing the distance between the main and sub-throttles by 10mm to reduce inlet turbulence, revised cylinder porting to improve cylinder filling and increasing secondary coil current in the ignition coils.

In addition to healthier bottom-end torque and smoother throttle response, the engine’s mid-range performance was increased via a similar number of refinements, including; new double-bore velocity stacks with inlets at two different heights, pistons with new profiles and improved crown finishing, and reduced mechanical loss by decreasing piston ring tension and revising the cam chain guides to better stabilize the motion of the chain. A new exhaust collector layout rounds out the major changes.

The stronger mid-range torque provides greater drive out of corners and is harmonized with the engine’s silky smooth high-rpm performance. This linear throttle torque delivery results in improved controllability and offers the rider more precise throttle control at all rpm. This predictability pays dividends when making mid-corner power adjustments. When combined with the reduced need to downshift provided by its healthy mid-range performance, the predictable throttle response makes it easier for riders to maintain their rhythm when stringing corners together.

In keeping with its racing heritage, the ZX-6R employs a cassette-type transmission that simplifies gearing changes at the track, reducing set-up time and allowing more time for riding. A slipper clutch allows quick downshifts without upsetting the rest of the chassis when reducing speed on corner entry.

Corner-entry controllability receives a major performance boost, thanks to the first production-use of Showa’s revolutionary new BPF (Big Piston Front fork). The BPF utilizes a large-diameter internal piston, which permits a reduction in damping pressure, for smoother action and better front end feedback – especially under braking and initial corner turn-in. Additionally, the BPF eliminates many of the internal components used in a cartridge-type fork, simplifying construction and resulting in a lighter overall fork weight.

Having already designed a lighter and more rigid swingarm for the Ninja ZX-10R sportbike, the Kawasaki engineers utilized many of the same design components for the new ZX-6R’s swingarm. Shared swingarm parts include both left and right inner plates, the left outer plate, rear stand bosses, brake caliper stopper, chain guard and swingarm pivot shaft.

The response from Kawasaki’s acclaimed triple petal disc brake package with radial calipers was improved as well. The 220mm rear petal disc is now 10mm larger and features a revised brake lever that’s now coaxially mounted with the footpeg for increased mid-stroke braking efficiency and improved feeling. Its master cylinder reservoir was relocated forward of the swingarm – freeing up space around the footpeg, reducing parts and contributing to weight savings. Trackside maintenance is easier too, thanks to the revised front brake hose routing with a three-way joint at the lower triple-clamp to simplify bleeding the brake lines.

All of these revisions give the Ninja ZX-6R unflappable composure under braking and help provide the precise control and feel that allows Supersport racers to enter corners harder. To better capitalize on this lighter machine and its precise control response, the rider interface was appropriately fine-tuned to enhance feedback from the bike to the rider.

The relationship of the seat-to-pegs-to-bar “rider triangle” was adjusted slightly, with the handlebars moved closer to the rider and turned in slightly for a more intuitive riding position. The fuel tank cover is more flared around its top edge, providing a larger contact patch and contributing to improved rider feedback – similar to the ZX-10R. A new narrower rear sub-frame and seat leading edge, plus a 10mm lower seat height provide a slimmer riding position and a shorter reach to the pavement.

A new fairing and a less-complex one-piece front fender – previously a three-piece unit – offer improved aerodynamics and airflow to the radiator, better wind protection and help minimize the effect of crosswinds. The new inner rear fender, mounted above the swingarm, reduces turbulence and helps keep the tail clean. Like its bigger ZX-10R sibling, the ZX-6R received a new instrument panel that provides information at-a-glance and a race-quality adjustable Öhlins steering damper with relief valve and twin-tube design.

Highly confidence inspiring, the engine and chassis control precision offered by the new Ninja ZX-6R enables riders to push harder and maximize the excitement that comes from actively controlling such a high-performance track-focused machine. "

Aside from the new ZX-6R, the 2009 ZX-10R seems to be similar to last year's model, and Kawasaki has also unveiled the new ER-6n and updates the Ninja 650r.

More can be found here.

Nicky Hayden Ducati 2009: Nicky Hayden Signs with Ducati!

2008-09-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

After a ton of speculation, it has finally been officially confirmed. Nicky Hayden has signed with Ducati to ride as teammate of Casey Stoner in MotoGP:

"We are really happy to have Nicky join us," "We are certain that his never-say-die attitude, riding style and character will be great additions to our team in 2009."

Claudio Domenicali
Ducati Corse CEO/Ducati Motor Holding Product Director

More:

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Hayden+joins+Ducati+for+2009

2008 Indy MotoGP Results

2008-09-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

Photo: Motogp.com (click image to enlarge)

Wet conditions at the new Indy track. A great comeback for Hayden and great performance by Dovizioso, who both battled for the lead with Rossi, the ultimate victor of a race which was red-flagged for the difficult weather conditions. Stoner finished in 4th and it looks as though Rossi has the title wrapped up this year.

800cc Race Results:

Pos.	Rider	Nation	Team	Total time
1	V. ROSSI	ITA	Fiat Yamaha Team	37'20.095
2	N. HAYDEN	USA	Repsol Honda Team	+ 5.972
3	J. LORENZO	SPA	Fiat Yamaha Team	+ 7.858
4	C. STONER	AUS	Ducati Team	+ 28.162
5	A. DOVIZIOSO	ITA	JiR Team Scot MotoGP	+ 28.824
6	B. SPIES	USA	Rizla Suzuki MotoGP	+ 29.645
7	S. GUINTOLI	FRA	Alice Team	+ 36.223
8	D. PEDROSA	SPA	Repsol Honda Team	+ 37.258
9	C. VERMEULEN	AUS	Rizla Suzuki MotoGP	+ 38.442
10	A. DE ANGELIS	RSM	San Carlo Honda Gresini	+ 42.437
11	A. WEST	AUS	Kawasaki Racing Team	+ 47.179
12	T. ELIAS	SPA	Alice Team	+ 55.962
13	R. DE PUNIET	FRA	LCR Honda MotoGP	+ 57.366
14	J. HOPKINS	USA	Kawasaki Racing Team	+ 58.353
15	C. EDWARDS	USA	Tech 3 Yamaha	+ 1'00.613
16	L. CAPIROSSI	ITA	Rizla Suzuki MotoGP	+ 1'05.620
17	S. NAKANO	JPN	San Carlo Honda Gresini	+ 1'05.854
18	J. TOSELAND	GBR	Tech 3 Yamaha	+ 1'07.968
19	M. MELANDRI	ITA	Ducati Team	+ 1'21.023

800cc Championship Standings:

Pos.	Rider	Nation	Team	Points
1	Valentino ROSSI	ITA	Fiat Yamaha Team	287
2	Casey STONER	AUS	Ducati Team	200
3	Dani PEDROSA	SPA	Repsol Honda Team	193
4	Jorge LORENZO	SPA	Fiat Yamaha Team	156
5	Andrea DOVIZIOSO	ITA	JiR Team Scot MotoGP	129
6	Chris VERMEULEN	AUS	Rizla Suzuki MotoGP	117
7	Colin EDWARDS	USA	Tech 3 Yamaha	109
8	Nicky HAYDEN	USA	Repsol Honda Team	104
9	Shinya NAKANO	JPN	San Carlo Honda Gresini	87
10	Toni ELIAS	SPA	Alice Team	86
11	Loris CAPIROSSI	ITA	Rizla Suzuki MotoGP	86
12	James TOSELAND	GBR	Tech 3 Yamaha	85
13	Sylvain GUINTOLI	FRA	Alice Team	56
14	Alex DE ANGELIS	RSM	San Carlo Honda Gresini	55
15	Marco MELANDRI	ITA	Ducati Team	48
16	Randy DE PUNIET	FRA	LCR Honda MotoGP	43
17	John HOPKINS	USA	Kawasaki Racing Team	41
18	Anthony WEST	AUS	Kawasaki Racing Team	41
19	Ben SPIES	USA	Rizla Suzuki MotoGP	20
20	Jamie HACKING	USA	Kawasaki Racing Team	5
21	Tadayuki OKADA	JPN	Repsol Honda Team	2

250cc Race Results:

Pos.	Rider	Nation	Team	Lap time
1	H. BARBERA	SPA	Team Toth Aprilia	1'45.951
2	H. AOYAMA	JPN	Red Bull KTM 250	+ 0.206
3	A. DEBON	SPA	Lotus Aprilia	+ 0.469
4	A. BAUTISTA	SPA	Mapfre Aspar Team	+ 0.499
5	Y. TAKAHASHI	JPN	JiR Team Scot 250	+ 0.594
6	A. ESPARGARO	SPA	Lotus Aprilia	+ 0.963
7	M. SIMONCELLI	ITA	Metis Gilera	+ 0.980
8	J. SIMON	SPA	Repsol KTM 250cc	+ 1.012
9	H. FAUBEL	SPA	Mapfre Aspar Team	+ 1.496
10	R. WILAIROT	THA	Thai Honda PTT SAG	+ 1.498
11	M. PASINI	ITA	Polaris World	+ 1.520
12	L. PESEK	CZE	Auto Kelly - CP	+ 1.578
13	R. LOCATELLI	ITA	Metis Gilera	+ 1.918
14	M. KALLIO	FIN	Red Bull KTM 250	+ 2.204
15	K. ABRAHAM	CZE	Cardion AB Motoracing	+ 2.215
16	S. BIANCO	ITA	Campetella Racing	+ 2.358
17	A. BALDOLINI	ITA	Matteoni Racing	+ 3.047
18	D. PRADITA	INA	Yamaha Pertamina Indonesia	+ 3.638
19	M. HERNANDEZ	SPA	Blusens Aprilia	+ 3.762
20	S. GROTZKYJ	ITA	Campetella Racing	+ 4.197
21	I. TOTH	HUN	Team Toth Aprilia	+ 4.913
22	B. LONG	USA	Longevity Racing	+ 8.900

250cc Championship Standings:

Pos.	Rider	Nation	Team	Points
1	Marco SIMONCELLI	ITA	Metis Gilera	190
2	Mika KALLIO	FIN	Red Bull KTM 250	164
3	Alvaro BAUTISTA	SPA	Mapfre Aspar Team	163
4	Hector BARBERA	SPA	Team Toth Aprilia	142
5	Alex DEBON	SPA	Lotus Aprilia	139
6	Mattia PASINI	ITA	Polaris World	117
7	Yuki TAKAHASHI	JPN	JiR Team Scot 250	115
8	Hiroshi AOYAMA	JPN	Red Bull KTM 250	101
9	Thomas LUTHI	SWI	Emmi - Caffe Latte	95
10	Julian SIMON	SPA	Repsol KTM 250cc	83
11	Roberto LOCATELLI	ITA	Metis Gilera	72
12	Aleix ESPARGARO	SPA	Lotus Aprilia	55
13	Hector FAUBEL	SPA	Mapfre Aspar Team	49
14	Ratthapark WILAIROT	THA	Thai Honda PTT SAG	47
15	Karel ABRAHAM	CZE	Cardion AB Motoracing	31
16	Lukas PESEK	CZE	Auto Kelly - CP	31
17	Alex BALDOLINI	ITA	Matteoni Racing	24
18	Fabrizio LAI	ITA	Campetella Racing	21
19	Manuel POGGIALI	RSM	Campetella Racing	16
20	Eugene LAVERTY	IRL	Blusens Aprilia	8
21	Federico SANDI	ITA	Matteoni Racing	6
22	Manuel HERNANDEZ	SPA	Blusens Aprilia	5
23	Toni WIRSING	GER	Racing Team Germany	2
24	Imre TOTH	HUN	Team Toth Aprilia	2
25	Simone GROTZKYJ	ITA	Campetella Racing	1
26	Doni Tata PRADITA	INA	Yamaha Pertamina Indonesia	1

125cc Race Results:

Pos.	Rider	Nation	Team	Total time
1	N. TEROL	SPA	Jack & Jones WRB	29'51.350
2	P. ESPARGARO	SPA	Belson Derbi	+ 1.708
3	S. BRADL	GER	Grizzly Gas Kiefer Racing	+ 3.984
4	S. REDDING	GBR	Blusens Aprilia Junior	+ 4.277
5	S. CORTESE	GER	Emmi - Caffe Latte	+ 4.413
6	M. MARQUEZ	SPA	Repsol KTM 125cc	+ 4.454
7	S. CORSI	ITA	Jack & Jones WRB	+ 6.261
8	B. SMITH	GBR	Polaris World	+ 7.782
9	S. BONSEY	USA	Degraaf Grand Prix	+ 12.035
10	M. DI MEGLIO	FRA	Ajo Motorsport	+ 12.251
11	D. AEGERTER	SWI	Ajo Motorsport	+ 15.465
12	J. OLIVE	SPA	Belson Derbi	+ 18.312
13	R. DE ROSA	ITA	Onde 2000 KTM	+ 20.137
14	G. TALMACSI	HUN	Bancaja Aspar Team	+ 24.651
15	D. WEBB	GBR	Degraaf Grand Prix	+ 27.592
16	J. CLUZEL	FRA	Loncin Racing	+ 35.432
17	R. LASSER	GER	Grizzly Gas Kiefer Racing	+ 37.082
18	S. GADEA	SPA	Bancaja Aspar Team	+ 38.549
19	T. KOYAMA	JPN	ISPA KTM Aran	+ 38.571
20	E. VAZQUEZ	SPA	Blusens Aprilia Junior	+ 40.991
21	H. VAN DEN BERG	NED	Degraaf Grand Prix	+ 1'06.197
22	P. JACOBSEN	USA	Bancaja Aspar Team	+ 1'06.327
23	B. CHESAUX	SWI	WTR San Marino Team	+ 1'07.067
24	J. FOLGER	GER	Red Bull KTM 125	+ 1'14.709
25	R. MURESAN	ROU	Grizzly Gas Kiefer Racing	+ 1'20.413
26	A. MASBOU	FRA	Loncin Racing	+ 1'21.880
27	D. STIRPE	ITA	ISPA KTM Aran	+ 1'22.026
28	C. CARRILLO	FRA	FFM Honda GP 125	+ 1'22.159
29	K. TURNER	USA	Veloce Racing	+ 2'11.524

125cc Championship Standings:

Pos.	Rider	Nation	Team	Points
1	Mike DI MEGLIO	FRA	Ajo Motorsport	192
2	Simone CORSI	ITA	Jack & Jones WRB	167
3	Gabor TALMACSI	HUN	Bancaja Aspar Team	149
4	Stefan BRADL	GER	Grizzly Gas Kiefer Racing	142
5	Nicolas TEROL	SPA	Jack & Jones WRB	138
6	Joan OLIVE	SPA	Belson Derbi	118
7	Bradley SMITH	GBR	Polaris World	117
8	Pol ESPARGARO	SPA	Belson Derbi	103
9	Sandro CORTESE	GER	Emmi - Caffe Latte	97
10	Scott REDDING	GBR	Blusens Aprilia Junior	83
11	Andrea IANNONE	ITA	I.C. Team	77
12	Sergio GADEA	SPA	Bancaja Aspar Team	72
13	Marc MARQUEZ	SPA	Repsol KTM 125cc	56
14	Stevie BONSEY	USA	Degraaf Grand Prix	46
15	Dominique AEGERTER	SWI	Ajo Motorsport	37
16	Esteve RABAT	SPA	Repsol KTM 125cc	34
17	Raffaele DE ROSA	ITA	Onde 2000 KTM	33
18	Danny WEBB	GBR	Degraaf Grand Prix	29
19	Tomoyoshi KOYAMA	JPN	ISPA KTM Aran	22
20	Michael RANSEDER	AUT	I.C. Team	22
21	Efren VAZQUEZ	SPA	Blusens Aprilia Junior	20
22	Pablo NIETO	SPA	Onde 2000 KTM	13
23	Lorenzo ZANETTI	ITA	ISPA KTM Aran	10
24	Randy KRUMMENACHER	SWI	Red Bull KTM 125	10
25	Takaaki NAKAGAMI	JPN	I.C. Team	9
26	Pere TUTUSAUS	SPA	Bancaja Aspar Team	9
27	Stefano BIANCO	ITA	WTR San Marino Team	8
28	Marcel SCHROTTER	GER	Toni Mang Team	3
29	Jonas FOLGER	GER	Red Bull MotoGP Academy	1
30	Robin LASSER	GER	Grizzly Gas Kiefer Racing	1
31	Hugo VAN DEN BERG	NED	Degraaf Grand Prix	1
32	Alexis MASBOU	FRA	Loncin Racing	1

800cc Sportbikes: Reasons

2008-09-13T22:47:00.000-07:00

In the past few years, I've witnessed sporadic rumors and anticipation regarding the introduction of a ZX8R model from Kawasaki. Naturally, the first question in anyone's mind when approached with the idea of a new wave of 800cc Superbikes is: Why?

For some, deciding between a 600 and a 1000 is already a tough decision. 600s weigh less... but not much less. 600s cost less... but not a whole lot less. 1000s have more power, but will that power be more of a financial and psychological burden than a real help to anyone who isn't laying down qualifying laps at Monza on a monthly basis?

In essence; what would the market niche of an 800 be?

That is indeed a question. Is that a good question to ask?

No!

The problem is that this question is being asked by consumers from the perspective of the manufacturer. You are the consumer. If you would buy it, there would instantly be a niche for it. As it is, manufacturers attempt to see things from the consumer's eyes rather than from their own eyes. As the consumer, the idea of a best-of-both-worlds option stealing sales from 1000s and 600s to your benefit should prompt enthusiasm, not skepticism, and given the current climate, bikes like the ZX8R are feasible.

Here is why.

Racing:

In racing, it's a love triangle between the series, the manufacturers, and the fans/consumers when the bikes on the track have the same "identity" (brand name, model series name, engine size, color scheme, etc) as bikes on the street and in the showroom.

For the racing series itself, the ability of the fan to more easily relate the bike on the track to their own bike via one of those memorable key identity factors means more loyalty and deeper fan interest. Without ZX this, R that, Desmo this, etc., motorcycle racing would be like a ball-sports league in which teams lack hometowns. Of course hardcore fans watch for the athletes themselves, but the majority need names and representation to generate interest.

MotoGP has chosen 800cc four-strokes (formerly 500cc two-strokes, then 990cc four-strokes) for the premier class as a matter of increased relevance to street-legal machines (two-strokes just didn't cut it), without sacrificing what the series is about (technologically advanced prototypes).

So, I'm not making sense here, right? 800cc or not, those bikes will still be prototypes sharing virtually zero parts with consumer sportbikes.

The thing is, whilst most riders won't be overly concerned with the weird honeycomb thing in their exhaust pipe a MotoGP bike doesn't have, or a polished whatever the heck shaft and ECU algorithm their bike doesn't come with, most bikers will know what cubic centimeters are. Most bikers will like the idea of the dimensions of their 800cc being determined by what works in MotoGP and possibly other series which follow.

MotoGP and the factories recognized that with two-strokes dying on the streets due to politicians sticking their fingers in motorcyclists' pie, the relevance of the series to sportbike riders (and research benefits to the involved factories) would eventually begin to rot.

Just like a Denver-dwelling fan of the Denver Broncos is aware that most of the team is not actually from Denver, MotoGP fans and consumers are aware that the bike they're seeing on TV mostly consists of parts not inside of their own bike by the same brand. Still, however, a key identifying factor such as engine displacement, and model series name (ZX, YZF, etc.) functions as a fan's "hometown". When you ask what somebody in a cafe up by Angeles Crest has parked outside, they don't tell you "carbon fiber fairing and soft-compound Bridgestone qualifiers", they tell you "a 600" or "a 1000".

In summary, 800cc sportbike=MotoGP bike, at least to the average consumer's mind. The marketing value open to manufacturers would be enormous.

In World Superbike, we have a very different problem from MotoGP but with a similar solution (at least to me). The literbikes are going open. That is, open-class. Ducati's latest weapon wields 1200ccs of twin cylinder torque. In an era where debate rages on in regards to whether 1000cc is already too large, 1200cc Superbikes, whether 2 cylinder or not, racing as the main attraction in such a major series confused a lot of people. Not to mention the Japanese manufacturers don't like it (I've even seen rumors that there was a push for 1100cc inline fours with the usual walk-out threats just to show WSBK and Ducati who's boss).

I'm all for giving the twins the ability to compete head to head with fours with competitive power output, but I also know I'm not the only one who was wondering the following:

"So... Ducati wants a 200cc advantage, huh?

"Japanese manufacturers have invested massively in 800cc four cylinders over in GP, huh?"

"Ducati has the most experience with 1000cc bikes, huh?"

"Rumors of Japan pushing for 1100ccs now just to stick it to Ducati, thus spinning the whole thing out of control into a competition for who is allowed more cc, huh?"...

Do I really need to elaborate on my conclusion? No, but I will anyway. Convert WSBK rules to 800cc 4 cylinders versus 900cc 3 cyclinders versus 1000cc 2 cylinders.

In AMA (or whatever it is now) Superbike, the situation is a mix of what WSBK and MotoGP have already gone through, but even more mixed up. Simply put: auto racing is a whole lot bigger in the US than motorcycle road-racing is. Many tracks aren't willing to invest in making themselves motorcycle-friendly, and it's gotten to the point that AMA riders are threatening to refuse to ride if certain safety demands aren't met. At the same time, year after year 1000s are becoming faster and faster.

An early solution upon the series changing ownership was regulating 1000s to a semi-superstock form and elevating the 600 supersport class with some modified rules to superbike/premier status. Needless to say, there was public outcry as well as fury from the factories and riders.

600s aren't THAT much slower than 1000s, and in fact, on tight tracks we see 600s with as fast/faster cornering speeds vs the 1000s and the lead 600 times falling ahead of the back of the 1000 pack's times. There was just the whole "oh... 600s..." aura. In macho circles, 600s are seen as bikes upcoming racers screw around with before going to a 1000. The factories would also be screwed to a degree, having invested so much in impractically powerful bikes which revolve around being "the best", no longer being the best.

Mladin/Spies and Suzuki's domination of the Superbike class (to the point I often don't even bother posting the race results because it was a Spies/Mladin or Mladin/Spies 1-2 finish) is also an obvious factor in the series wanting to shake the rules up.

To make a long story short, it seems like the idea of making 600s into the main attraction was shot down brutally, but still debate continues over what to do with the Superbike class. It's gotten so messy that nobody is quite sure what the disagreement is at this point. It seems 1000s are back as the main attraction, but goes back and forth from the manufacturers united against DMG/AMA, to the manufacturers fighting each other, to the latest breaking news: the manufacturers simply creating their own rival series (rules yet to be specifically clarified).

Basically, you can be sure that with all the chaos going on within the AMA, the manufacturers releasing 800cc bikes, and MotoGP running 800cc, they would be glad to have a third party "wave" of standardized 800cc racing determine what to race rather than continue destroying the face of American motorcycle racing by splitting into factions seemingly over disagreements so obscure that the media and public can't even figure out what the disagreement is.

It just so happens that new from scratch 800ccs would also be an exact half-way point between the originally suggested 600cc solution and the maze of confusing new 1000cc rules requests.

The Bikes:

Well... the bikes. They don't exactly exist yet. Other than the ZX8R rumor, 800cc MotoGP bikes, sporadic sub1000cc replicas of MotoGP bikes, the GSX-R750, the Ducati 848, and not-quite-sportbikes like the Honda VFR800.

There is, however, history. Not all that long ago World Superbikes were 750s. The R7. The legendary Ninja 750. Just like with the GSX-R, those who rode them often painted them to be the perfect balance of an athletic-feeling 600 and a steroidal 1000. Occasionally a tiny, itsy-bitsy bit more punch was requested (something an extra 50ccs and being catapulted to the forefront of research may cure), and that was about it. They ate up tires and flung riders off at a lesser rate than 1000s, and had just enough "scary" and unnecessary power to please psychos who think a modern 600 isn't fast enough.

Then we have modern 600s and 1000s. Even as they become harder to tell apart on spec sheets, they grow apart in subtle ways and make us lust for something in the middle.

Until recently, the hot design element for a 600 was to make it smaller. Well, 600s are smaller now. Maybe too small for some riders. The engines easily fit into the chassis and 600s could be made even smaller if need be. With 800s, we could perhaps LET 600s keep getting smaller. Let 600s evolve into an option for smaller, yet skilled and experienced riders.

1000s. As stated above, the line seems to be blurring between literbikes and open bikes. The sacred liter mark has been blown out of the water with the arrival of 1200cc twins and the Hayabusa/ZX14/etc crowd are stuck in limbo between being laid back muscle-sport tourers or just superbikes with more power and longer wheelbases. The question of "What should I get, a 600, a 1000, or a Hayabusa?" is officially gone now, and there is pretty much a serious bike at every cc interval. The industry is just asking to average it out like MotoGP did and make that class the pillar of technology.

1000cc+ horsepower levels are also becoming, quite frankly, pointless. Several 180-200+ HP models are on the horizon for 2009-2011. The rising power of motorcycles has prompted France to slap a moronic/communistic enforced 100 max horsepower limit on engine output. Do I agree with governments limiting how much horsepower our bikes can have and clueless hands neutering them against our wishes? Hell NO.

Yet, when you need 200 horsepower in a 360 pound bike just to "keep up" and be cool on the street, isn't that pushing it a bit and feeding the flames? Chopping 200ccs off the "gotta have" superbikes to the benefit of racing, consumers, and performance rather than prompting totalitarian moms to slap horsepower limits on bikers around the world seems like a rational option.

So what do you think?

No single factor seems to really scream "Make us 800s for the street!" or "Unify premier rules to 800cc! 800cc prototypes for MotoGP and 800cc road bikes for Superbike", but a multitude of smaller factors and plain old logic seem to say that they would be a hit if produced. I know I would buy one.

I say bring on the:

Kawasaki ZX8R

Yamaha R8 (catchy, huh?

Suzuki GSX-R800 (GSX-R750+50cc)

Honda CBR800RR

Ducati Desmosedici 800 (and separate the 1098 twin cylinder model into 1000cc and 1200cc versions, with the 1000cc version able to race 800cc 4 cylinders)

MV Agusta F8

KTM RC8 (they'd have to change the current twin cylinder RC8's name... maybe to RC1 or RC10 and lower it to 1000cc to race 4 cylinder 800ccs!),

Aprilia RSV8 (and return of an updated RSV 1000 2 cylinder...)

Triumph Daytona 900 (Triple cylinder, of course. Mmm!)

BMW S800RR

Buell 800R (and a 1000cc version of the current 2 cylinder 1125R to race the 800cc
4 cylinders...)

Bimota DB8

Ok... you probably get the point.

Donington Superbike Highlight Videos + 2009 R1 Commercial

2008-09-13T01:01:00.000-07:00

Donington Race 1 Highlights:

Donington Race 2 Highlights:

2009 R1:

Enjoy

Breaking: 2009 Yamaha R1 Revealed

2008-09-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

After a long wait with very little information leaking out, the 2009 R1 has finally been revealed to the public. The big news is that, as some speculated, the R1 will indeed inherit the "big bang" firing order commonly seen in MotoGP racing motorcycles. Yamaha claims that this engine design retains the top-end revs of an inline 4 with the even power band spread of a v-twin.

It appears that the also highly-speculated under-engine exhaust will not make an appearance, and the R1 will retain an under-seat exhaust. With the increasing weight generated by environmental restrictions, many see placing the exhaust as low as possible on the frame to lower the center of gravity as an obvious step (it also avoids the problem of hot exhaust annoying the rider by being further from the seat).

Above: Take a close look at the headlights. The headlight assemblies themselves seem to be air intakes where normally glass would exist. Makes sense, but how quickly people will get used to the aesthetics of holes where headlights used to be, especially in a model with trademark headlights since it's inception, is yet to be seen. Below: The 2009 R6 seems to remain mostly unchanged, but for a new ECU and new color options.

More below:

[Source: Yamaha]

PRESS RELEASE:

2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 Features Uneven Firing Order For Improved Power Delivery

Cypress, Calif. – Forget everything you ever knew about the supersport liter class. Because once you hear the growl of the all-new 2009 YZF-R1, it will become clear that this bike is unlike anything before.

It's all about power – delivery of power, to be exact. That's because the all-new R1 is the world's first production motorcycle with a crossplane crankshaft. Originally pioneered in MotoGP racing with the M1, crossplane technology puts each crank pin 90 degrees from the next, with an uneven firing interval of 270-180-90-180 degrees. The result is incredibly smooth, roll-on power delivery with outrageous amounts of torque for a rush like you've never experienced before.

The unique shape of the crossplane crank smoothes out fluctuations in inertial crankshaft torque to provide very linear power delivery as the engine's combustion torque builds, giving the rider more linear throttle response with awesome power and traction exiting corners. Not just new, the R1's new crossplane crank engine represents a complete paradigm shift.

To make the crossplane crank viable an advanced ECU individually maps each cylinder's ignition and fuel injection timing. This powerful electronics package also controls Yamaha Chip Control Intake and Chip Control Throttle (YCC-I, YCC-T).

Also new for 2009 is the inclusion of D-MODE variable throttle control function that enables the rider to adjust performance characteristics to match a variety of riding conditions. In addition to standard mode mapped for optimum performance, the rider can select from A mode for sportier response in low to mid-speed range, and B mode for somewhat less sharp response for riding situations that require especially sensitive throttle operation. These 3 different maps at the push of a button allow the rider to choose the optimum power character for their riding situation.

This revolutionary new engine is housed in an equally advanced chassis. Control filled die-cast frame rails balance high vertical rigidity with relatively low lateral rigidity for increased high speed stability while improving handling, especially while leaned over during corner exit. A control filled die-cast magnesium sub frame cuts weight far from the center of balance and contributes to concentration of mass.

Visually the new R1 breaks new ground leading with twin projector beam headlights concentrated near newly placed forced air intake ducts. The sculpted body work features inner and outer shells controlling airflow around the bike at high speeds and forcing more cool air to the radiator and engine bay while eliminating the need for hot-air vents usually located at the sides of the radiator.

More than the just the next-generation of supersport; the 2009 YZF-R1 represents a major breakthrough in supersport technology and performance.

The new R1 will be available in dealerships nationwide beginning in January 2009 with a starting MSRP of $12,390. The 2009 R1 will be available in Raven/Candy Red, Pearl White/Rapid Red, Cadmium Yellow/Raven and Team Yamaha Blue/White.

Full information on all Yamaha models can be found at http://www.yamaha-motor.com.

YAMAHA RIDERS UNVEIL NEW R1 IN LAS VEGAS

All four Yamaha MotoGP riders took part in the global unveiling of the all-new Yamaha R1 today in a suitably glittering show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fiat Yamaha Team riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, plus Tech 3 Yamaha team-mates Colin Edwards and James Toseland were surprise guests at the unveiling, which took place in front of 3000 Yamaha US dealers at the famous Mirage Hotel.

The all-new version of the R1, Yamaha's premium performance road bike, is more closely linked than ever to the YZR-M1 on which the four riders contest the MotoGP championship. The riders each came on stage aboard a different colour version of the machine, before being interviewed about it's qualities in relation to their own MotoGP bikes.

Next stop for the foursome will be the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the inaugural MotoGP race at the famous venue, which takes place this Sunday.

Valentino Rossi

"This is a great bike, it's very like my M1 and it's exciting to see so many MotoGP qualities now appearing on a bike for the road. I think everyone who loves the R1 and Yamaha will be very excited about this new version, it's fantastic!"

Jorge Lorenzo

"I think this bike will be very popular. Yamaha have worked very hard to try to make it as like our M1 as possible and it seems they have done a fantastic job. The cornering and agility especially is great, which is of course one of the best qualities of the M1."

What a fascinating World Superbike Championship season 2009 will be!

The BMW S1000RR, Aprilia RSV-4, Ducati's still-strong 1098R, a possible move of the KTM RC8 up to the Superbike class from Superstock 1000, an updated CBR (will they race with the C-ABS system? Hmmm...), and an all-new big-bang-powered R1. Heck, throw some Bimotas and MV Agustas in, maybe a Buell or Vyrus.

I don't expect to see anything *quite* as revolutionary for 2009 from Kawasaki and Suzuki as what we've seen coming from Aprilia, Honda, Yamaha and BMW, but I will keep track of new Gixxer and Ninja developments as well.

2009 Honda CBR Photos + a Surprise

2008-09-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

The 2009 CBR line from Honda has been revealed. The big news is that the bikes will be available with optional ABS. Yes... anti-lock brakes on a superbike.

We have to assume that if they are a success, the other manufacturers will follow in developing their own race-bred ABS. It is already happening with traction control, and after all, is ABS not traction control for braking the same way conventional TC handles acceleration?

We also have to assume that if it fails, we won't see it attempted again (even if it can work) for several years due to the bad publicity! That's just how it is with flagship racebikes. I have included 3 videos explaining how Honda's variation works below some photos of the minor aesthetic changes to the lineup.

1000cc

1000cc repsol

600cc blue/white

Coming Soon: 2009 Yamaha R1

2008-09-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Yamaha R1 is set to be revealed on Monday, September 8 at 3pm.

WSBK Donington 2008 Results

2008-09-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

(photo: www.superbike.it)

Donington Superbike Race 1 Results:
1. Bayliss T. (AUS) Ducati 1098 F08 29'55.384 (153,267 kph)
2. Sykes T. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1.266
3. Biaggi M. (ITA) Ducati 1098 RS 08 28.636
4. Lavilla G. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 33.566
5. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R1000 35.966
6. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098 RS 08 36.034
7. Nieto F. (ESP) Suzuki GSX-R1000 36.442
8. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 41.633
9. Muggeridge K. (AUS) Honda CBR1000RR 42.075
10. Ellison J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 43.476
11. Checa D. (ESP) Yamaha YZF-R1 1'12.578
12. Badovini A. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'13.147
13. Nakatomi S. (JPN) Yamaha YZF-R1 1'34.664
14. Aoyama S. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1'56.726.

Donington Superbike Race 2 Results:
1. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 40'26.508 (137,277 kph)
2. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 2.261
3. Corser T. (AUS) Yamaha YZF-R1 9.727
4. Ellison J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 20.227
5. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098 F08 27.475
6. Biaggi M. (ITA) Ducati 1098 RS 08 28.051
7. Lavilla G. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 30.922
8. Xaus R. (ESP) Ducati 1098 RS 08 38.353
9. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 50.196
10. Sykes T. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 57.346
11. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098 RS 08 1'03.093
12. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098 RS 08 1'06.697
13. Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'08.057
14. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'15.276
15. Laconi R. (FRA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'38.848
16. Tamada M. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-10R.

Superbike Season Points (11 of 14 rounds):
1. Bayliss (Ducati) 359
2. Corser (Yamaha) 258
3. Neukirchner (Suzuki) 254
4. Checa (Honda) 240
5. Haga (Yamaha) 230
6. Nieto (Suzuki) 192
7. Biaggi (Ducati) 192
8. Kiyonari (Honda) 190
9. Fabrizio (Ducati) 172
10. Xaus (Ducati) 156

Manufacturer Points
1. Ducati 439
2. Yamaha 366
3. Honda 335
4. Suzuki 329
5. Kawasaki 69.

Donington Supersport Results:
1. Brookes J. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 34'53.607 (152,188 kph)
2. Pitt A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 0.872
3. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 4.846
4. Veneman B. (NED) Suzuki GSX-R600 5.066
5. Kennaugh H. (RSA) Yamaha YZF-R6 8.604
6. Harms R. (DEN) Honda CBR600RR 8.990
7. Lascorz J. (ESP) Honda CBR600RR 15.660
8. Van Keymeulen D. (BEL) Suzuki GSX-R600 16.674.

Supersport Points (10 of 13 rounds):
1. Pitt (Honda) 169
2. Brookes (Honda) 137
3. Rea (Honda) 133
4. Parkes (Yamaha) 119
5. Jones (Honda) 100
6. Foret (Yamaha) 97
7. Lascorz (Honda) 92
8. Veneman (Suzuki) 61; etc.

Donington Superstock 1000 Results:
1. Simeon X. (BEL) Suzuki GSX-R1000 21'30.092 (134,714 kph)
2. Polita A. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 16.109
3. Giugliano D. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 K8 34.318
4. Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R 37.319
5. Kirkham J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 44.199
6. Berger M. (FRA) Honda CBR1000RR 45.533
7. Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 47.888
8. Backlund F. (SWE) Suzuki GSX-R1000 K8 49.623.

Superstock 1000 Points (8 of 10 rounds):
1. Roberts (Ducati) 122
2. Simeon (Suzuki) 120
3. Berger (Honda) 119
4. Polita (Ducati) 114
5. Pirro (Yamaha) 83
6. Giugliano (Suzuki) 71
7. Antonelli (Honda) 57
8. Smrz (Honda) 48.

Donington Superstock 600 Results:
1. Bussolotti M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF-R6 18'11.205 (132,723 kph)
2. Lowes A. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-6R 5.559
3. Rea G. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R6 11.227
4. Linfoot D. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R6 11.298
5. Vostárek P. (CZE) Honda CBR600RR 29.434
6. Lowes S. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 30.765
7. Lonbois V. (BEL) Suzuki GSX-R600 32.599
8. Johnston L. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 37.778.

Superstock 600 Points (8 of 10 rounds):
1. Baz (Yamaha) 146
2. Vostarek (Honda) 121
3. Bussolati (Yamaha) 107
4. Rea (Yamaha) 97
5. Linfoot (Yamaha) 87
6. Petrucci (Yamaha) 69
7. Beretta (Suzuki) 69
8. La Marra (Suzuki) 49.

MOTOGP: Pedrosa Switches to Bridgestone...

2008-08-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

...mid-season. Dani Pedrosa and Honda have made a daring switch from Michelin to Bridgestone tire brand immediately concluding the Misano round. Dani voiced his frustration with his team's current tire deal most severely following his disappointing 15th place finish at the Brno round. The Indianapolis GP will be ridden on new Bridgestone tires with relatively little prior testing.

MOTOGP RESULTS: Misano 2008: Race!

2008-08-31T12:34:00.000-07:00

Brno all over again! Stoner looked to be pulling away but (supposedly due to a problem with his front tire), came off of the bike allowing Rossi to win. Rossi now extends his points lead to 75 for the season- with only a handful of races remaining:

1 Valentino Rossi Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha
2 Jorge Lorenzo Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha
3 Toni Elias Alice Team Ducati
4 Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda Team Honda
5 Chris Vermeulen Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki
6 James Toseland Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha
7 Loris Capirossi Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki
8 Andrea Dovizioso JiR Scot Team Honda
9 Chris Vermeulen Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki
10 Colin Edwards Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha
11 Sylvain Guintoli Alice Team Ducati
12 Shinya Nakano San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda
13 Anthony West Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki
14 John Hopkins Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki

Aaron Yates Wins Superstock Title for '08

2008-08-31T12:31:00.001-07:00

Aaron Yates podium result in the AMA Superstock race at Road Atlanta has ensured him the points championship title for the AMA 2008 Superstock season! Congrats to Yates.

Geoff May (Yates' Jordan Suzuki team-mate) took the race win.

AMA Superbike Results: Road Atlanta 2008 (race 1)

2008-08-31T12:15:00.000-07:00

Mladin wins race one!

Tough day for Ben Spies, who had trouble with his bike at the start and came back up to speed only to receive a stop-go penalty for rolling out of his grid position. Spies then fought from 12th to a podium finish, despite his misfortune.

Jamie Hacking crossed the line in 13th place after an earlier spill.

1 Mathew Mladin Suzuki GSX-R1000
2 Ben Spies Suzuki GSX-R1000
3 Tommy Hayden Suzuki GSX-R1000
4 Aaron Yates Suzuki GSX-R1000
5 Eric Bostrom Yamaha YZF-R1
6 Jason DiSalvo Yamaha YZF-R1
7 Miguel DuHamel Honda CBR1000RR
8 Geoff May Suzuki GSX-R1000
9 Ben Thompson Suzuki GSX-R1000
10 Matt Lynn Honda CBR1000RR
11 Ryan Elleby GSX-R1000
12 David Anthony Suzuki GSX-R1000
13 Jamie Hacking Kawasaki ZX-10R
14 Joshua Day Yamaha YZF-R1
15 Keith Marshall Suzuki GSX-R1000
16 J Stroud Suzuki GSX-R1000
17 Scott Jensen Suzuki GSX-R1000
18 Hawk Mazzotta Suzuki GSX-R1000
19 Scott Carpenter Suzuki GSX-R1000
20 Kurtis Roberts Suzuki GSX-R1000

Misano MotoGP Qualifying Results 2008!

2008-08-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

Casey stoner will start on pole position (his seventh in a row) in Italy. However, as we saw in Laguna Seca and Brno, Rossi can not be counted out, especially starting right beside Stoner, on the first row.

Here are the qualifying standings:

1 C. STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team 1'33.378
2 V. ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team + 0.510
3 J. LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team + 0.586
4 R. DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP + 0.858
5 T. ELIAS SPA Alice Team + 0.944
6 D. PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team + 1.020
7 C. VERMEULEN AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP + 1.083
8 S. NAKANO JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini + 1.116
9 J. TOSELAND GBR Tech 3 Yamaha + 1.274
10 C. EDWARDS USA Tech 3 Yamaha + 1.417
11 L. CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP + 1.548
12 S. GUINTOLI FRA Alice Team + 1.583
13 A. DE ANGELIS RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini + 1.775
14 A. DOVIZIOSO ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP + 2.003
15 M. MELANDRI ITA Ducati Marlboro Team + 2.040
16 N. HAYDEN USA Repsol Honda Team + 2.206
17 J. HOPKINS USA Kawasaki Racing Team + 2.602
18 A. WEST AUS Kawasaki Racing Team + 3.669

Ahhh, Kawasaki...

Leon Haslam and Cal Crutchlow to race in World Superbike

2008-08-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

HM Plant Honda, top British Superbike contenders, will be entering riders Leon Haslam and Cal Crutchlow into the Donington round of the World Superbike Championship. Haslam is on a role and Donington is his one of his "home tracks", however both riders are multiple-time race winners, and have plenty of experience at the track. Haslam and Crutchlow are currently 3rd and 4th in BSB points, respectively.

Mat Mladin Disqualified!

2008-08-24T05:43:00.000-07:00

After taking the AMA Superbike races at VIR by storm, tests on the crankshaft of Mat Mladin's Rockstar Makita Suzuki have led to AMA officials disqualifying Mladin from both races due to the crank not meeting AMA rule specification.

The clone bikes of Ben Spies and Tommy Hayden reportedly did not have the same tests performed, thus disqualification for the entire Rockstar Makita Suzuki team from the VIR event ranges from questionable to unlikely from what we can tell.

Read more at Soup

Technorati Profile

Ducati Sounds!

2008-08-21T22:35:00.000-07:00

Enjoy:

Some Fly-bys:

CBR Sounds

2008-08-21T22:08:00.000-07:00

Since we had Triumph 675 sounds HERE and will have Ducati sounds HERE, something for the Honda fans, CBR1000RR sound:

'04 with Akrapovic Evolution:

More Akrapovic ('06):

More CBR!:

And a short clip of a 2008 CBR100RR on the Dyno with a full Leo Vince Corsa titanium exhaust system:

MotoGP: Melandri confirms 2009 move to Kawasaki

2008-08-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

In an earlier post (Rumors, Rumors, Rumors..., July 24th), I covered several of the latest rumors on who will be riding for whom in the 2009 season. It seems that the first big rumor on the list has come true, as Marco Melandri has signed to join John Hopkins on the Kawasaki MotoGP team next year.

The former 250cc World Champ has had a very disappointing stint with Marlboro Ducati, often struggling to break the top ten as well as being perpetually out-shined by current teammate, Casey Stoner (other than on rare occasions like Brno, where Melandri clinched a 7th place and Casey crashed out into a DNF result).

Melandri is a capable racer, and many other riders have stated that the Ducati is a unique bike which some riders mesh with, and others simply cannot control. He also states that he admires John Hopkins' skill, and believes that intra-team competition would drive both riders' race day results upwards.

Get the full story HERE.

Toriano Wilson RIP

2008-08-18T02:24:00.000-07:00

So soon after the death of Craig Jones, I regret to inform you that on Monday, 14 year old Red Bull Rookies Cup rider Toriano Wilson passed away after a crash Virginia International Raceway. Another rider involved in the Crash, Luciano Ribodino was said to be in stable condition.

Click here for more at Superbike Planet ...

Triumph 675: Killer Sound

2008-08-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

IXIL Exhaust systems:

Jardine:

On that note, the 2009 Triumph Daytona 675 will receive an update. Tweaked suspension and breaks, an impoved 'dashboard', and 3 extra horsepower seem to be what's new, other than very minor aesthetic changes.

MotoGP Brno Results 2008. Rossi Wins! Stoner Crashes!

2008-08-17T05:45:00.001-07:00

(Photo: MotoGP.com)

Rossi wins!

Stoner crashes out!

1. V. Rossi
2. T. Elias
3. L Capirossi
4. S. Nakano
5. A. West
6. C. Vermeulen
7. M. Melandri
8. A. De Angelis
9. A. Dovizioso
10. J. Lorenzo
11. J. Hopkins
12. S. Guintoli
13. J. Toseland
14. C. Edwards
15. D. Pedrosa

Stoner looked to be on his way to an easy win, despite his illness, when his bike slipped out from under him on the 6th lap, opening the way for Rossi to finish the race with a comfortably 15 second gap between him and 2nd place Elias. What a stunning ride from Toni Elias, whom qualified 13th and fought his way to 2nd.

Debon took the win in 250 and Bradl in 125.

MotoGP Qualifying Update From Brno

2008-08-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

1. Casey Stoner (AUS) Ducati Marlboro 2'11.657
2. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team 2'12.846
3. John Hopkins (USA) Kawasaki Racing 2'12.959

4. Chris Vermeulen (AUS) Rizla Suzuki 2'13.002
5. Alex De Angelis (RSM) San Carlo Honda Gresini 2'13.352
6. Anthony West (AUS) Kawasaki Racing 2'14.064

7. Shinya Nakano (JPN) San Carlo Honda Gresini 2'14.718
8. Loris Capirossi (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 2'14.805
9. Sylvain Guintoli (FRA) Alice Team 2'14.861

10. Randy De Puniet (FRA) LCR Honda MotoGP 2'15.535
11. Marco Melandri (ITA) Ducati Marlboro 2'15.880
12. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda 2'16.032

13. Toni Elias (SPA) Alice Team 2'16.510
14. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) JiR Team Scot MotoGP 2'17.632
15. Colin Edwards (USA) Tech 3 Yamaha 2'20.074

16. James Toseland (GBR) Tech 3 Yamaha 2'23.303
17. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) Fiat Yamaha Team 2'23.701

Stoner is reportedly suffering from a nasty fever but still managed to grab pole position in the wet. It will be interesting to see how his condition affects his stamina at Brno with Rossi starting on the front row. Hopkins returns from an injury for Brno and puts America on the first row. Never rule out Vermy in the second row, who has always shown strength in wet races, if the conditions thus far are an omen for what will come during the race.

Check back for race results and other updates!

Tailgunner Exhaust

2008-08-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

to The Tailgunner exhaust rotates with engine revs to resemble a Gatling gun, Check it out:

On an SV650

On an R1

Cheesy gimmick? Yes, but cool anyway (just don't put matching "spinnaz" on, please).

Kiyonari Doubles at Brands

2008-08-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

Tom Sykes aboard his Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 at Brands Hatch

(Photo: www.worldsbk.com)

Although the death of Craig Jones put a real detached mood on this weekend, the racing went on, surely how Craig would have wanted it. Kiyonari took the double win at Brands in 2 hotly contested races.

Points leader Troy Bayliss had the jump on the pack in the first race,
but Kiyonari fought his way up through the pack to catch him late. Biaggi was not blisteringly fast midway through the race, however he closed from a gap of nearly 3 seconds to challenging for the win after the 2 leaders battle wore their tires thin. If this race was 5 laps longer, I believe Biaggi's pace would have handed him a comfortable win. Haga lost his front end fairly early in the race, and wildcard Tom Sykes' bike failed while battling in the front group as well.

1. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 36'18.607 (152,933 kph);
2. Bayliss T. (AUS) Ducati 1098 F08 0.137;
3. Biaggi M. (ITA) Ducati 1098 RS 08 0.180;
4. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R1000 5.733;
5. Nieto F. (ESP) Suzuki GSX-R1000 6.499;
6. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 6.984;
7. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R1000 8.300;
8. Corser T. (AUS) Yamaha YZF-R1 10.732;
9. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098 RS 08 16.547;
10. Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 16.569;
11. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098 RS 08 18.366;
12. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098 F08 22.308;
13. Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR1000RR 26.788;
14. Lavilla G. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 26.856;
15. Walker C. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 32.877;
16. Muggeridge K. (AUS) Honda CBR1000RR 38.329.

Race 2 saw Kiyonari once again lead and win, however as close as Bayliss was in race 1, Haga was in race 2, right on the tail of Kiyo virtually throughout. A somewhat distant Troy Corser improved for race 2 and rounded out the podium in third.

Biaggi ran off of the track early and could only come back to fight for a 12th place finish. Bayliss made a poor tire compound choice and after leading early, rapidly dropped back to finish in 11th, once again right in front of Biaggi as in the first race. Skyes had better luck this time around moving into 7th and Neukirchner gained strong points in 4th.

1. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 36'14.904 (153,193 kph);
2. Haga N. (JPN) Yamaha YZF-R1 1.848;
3. Corser T. (AUS) Yamaha YZF-R1 8.883;
4. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R1000 11.180;
5. Nieto F. (ESP) Suzuki GSX-R1000 12.928;
6. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098 F08 13.696;
7. Sykes T. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 13.872;
8. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 14.009;
9. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098 RS 08 19.065;
10. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098 RS 08 19.864;
11. Bayliss T. (AUS) Ducati 1098 F08 20.479;
12. Biaggi M. (ITA) Ducati 1098 RS 08 20.621;
13. Lavilla G. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 20.722;
14. Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 24.512;
15. Walker C. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 32.090;
16. Laconi R. (FRA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 32.207.

These are how the points standings look after Brands Hatch '08. No major differences:

1. Bayliss (Ducati) 334;
2. Neukirchner (Suzuki) 252;
3. Corser (Yamaha) 242;
4. Checa (Honda) 233;
5. Haga (Yamaha) 230;
6. Nieto (Suzuki) 183;
7. Biaggi (Ducati) 166;
8. Kiyonari (Honda) 165;
9. Fabrizio (Ducati) 161;
10. Xaus (Ducati) 148.

Manufacturers points:

1. Ducati 403;
2. Yamaha 345;
3. Suzuki 303;
4. Honda 297;
5. Kawasaki 64.

Laconi had very poor luck once again this weekend and things just don't look competitive on any level for Kawasaki.

Craig Jones Dies After Supersport Crash at Brands Hatch

2008-08-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not posting World Superbike results yet because not all of us in the US have seen it aired on TV yet, however I will have to pass on some sad news from the supersport class...

23 year old British rider Craig Jones has passed away due to head injuries caused by his Brands Hatch crash. Craig was battling for the lead in front of his home crowd aboard his Parkalgar Honda when he low-sided at Clark Curve. He was then accidentally struck from behind by the wheel of Andrew Pitt. The race was stopped and Craig was airlifted to Royal London Hospital with severe head injuries and reportedly resuscitated four times before being pronounced dead early August 4, 2008. R.I.P. Craig, and I know we have to say it all too often in this hobby, but he died doing what he loved.

Chaos at Mid-Ohio

2008-08-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

Photo: amasuperbike.com

AMA Superbike race 1 at Mid-Ohio was shaping up to be a great contest. Yes you read that right. A good AMA Superbike race. This was thanks to Jamie Hacking actually RACING the Rockstar Makita Suzukis of Ben Spies and Mat Mladin- even putting up the same or faster lap times early on. Not trying to keep up; actually challenging for the win. Alas, it was not meant to be.

The race started and immediately Spies, Mladin and Hacking looked the most comfortable with the track, with the rest of the riders fighting for 4th place. Then Neil Hodgson's motor blew out and the track had a nice layer of oil and "fluid" lathered across the entry to a corner with virtually zero runoff room before a row of hay bails. Several riders go down or off the track, and reportedly the incompetent track workers were afraid to throw a flag until they got word from track central command, resulting in a rider (Robertino Pietri) literally running up and ripping the red flag away to wave to the other racers. Very heroic. Shane Narbonne and Dean Mizdal hospitalized.

The race was then restarted and just as things get going between Mladin and Hacking again... both crash out, Mladins bike is left laying in the middle of the track. A "fan" reportedly had the clever idea of emptying out his beverage cooler on the bridge directly over the track, showering it. Red flag again.

We get going again, but not for long, Matt Lynn crashes out and his gas tank is punctured, setting his bike on fire. Duhamel follows him into the same gravel trap. Red flag out as if by reflex.

A couple things should be noted... more incompetence from the Mid-Ohio track workers. Hacking was left to push his bike around half the circuit back to the pits as nobody was "given the word" to hitch him a ride. Hacking, exhausted after restarting a race multiple times and running his Kawasaki back to this pits is seen screaming in anger. Also, lets not forget Ben Spies is recovering from abdominal surgery. Reportedly in avoiding one of the crashes, he aggravated the injury and was riding in moderate to severe pain, even though by the end of the race he didn't look much more tired/slow compared with anyone else. One more thing: the location of the hay bails on the first red flag crash should have been an extremely obvious candidate for an airfence. AMA Superbike is not some minor club racing event, and even many of those have air-fences nowadays. After the first rider went down, several of the hay bails were moved exposing bare wall.

The final 9 laps went green after another restart and heres how it finished up, an incredibly awkward race somehow landed with another predictable and bland result. Not to take anything away from Mladin and Spies, they rode well as always, but Hacking being right up there with them made him the obvious star of the day.

1. Mat Mladin (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, 19 laps, crash
2. Ben Spies (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -1.965 seconds
3. Jamie Hacking (Kaw ZX-10R), Dunlop, -2.423, crash
4. Jason DiSalvo (Yam YZF-R1), Dunlop, -7.940
5. Tommy Hayden (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -8.729
6. Roger Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R), Dunlop, -11.526
7. Eric Bostrom (Yam YZF-R1), Dunlop, -11.653
8. Geoff May (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -15.569 *
9. Chris Peris (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -20.666 *
10. Scott Jensen (Suz GSX-R1000), Pirelli, -21.922
11. Ben Thompson (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -25.192
12. David Anthony (Suz GSX-R1000), Pirelli, -31.441 *
13. Ryan Elleby (Suz GSX-R1000), Pirelli, -31.888 *
14. Hawk Mazzotta (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -32.128 *
15. Scotty Van Hawk (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -60.066
16. Johnny Rock Page (Yam YZF-R1), Dunlop
17. Reno Karimian (Suz GSX-R1000)
18. Aaron Yates (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -5 laps
19. Matt Lynn (Hon CBR1000RR), Dunlop, -9 laps, DNF, crash
20. Kenny Noyes (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -9 laps, DNF, mechanical *
21. Miguel Duhamel (Hon CBR1000RR), Dunlop, -10 laps, DNF, crashed twice
22. Neil Hodgson (Hon CBR1000RR), Dunlop, -12 laps, DNF, mechanical
23. Robertino Pietri (Suz GSX-R1000), Pirelli, -12 laps, DNF, crash *
24. Shane Narbonne (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -12 laps, DNF, crash *
25. Dean Mizdal (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -12 laps, DNF, crash
26. Keith Marshall (Suz GSX-R1000), Pirelli, -19 laps, DNF, crash

Superbike Race 2 Results, no big story here:

1. Mat Mladin (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, 26 laps
2. Ben Spies (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -6.357 seconds
3. Jamie Hacking (Kaw ZX-10R), Dunlop, -20.617
4. Neil Hodgson (Hon CBR1000RR), Dunlop, -27.827
5. Tommy Hayden (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -30.492
6. Miguel Duhamel (Hon CBR1000RR), Dunlop, -31.425
7. Jason DiSalvo (Yam YZF-R1), Dunlop, -52.772
8. Geoff May (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -66.266 *
9. Chris Peris (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -73.657 *
10. Kenny Noyes (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -85.880 *
11. Ben Thompson (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -1 lap
12. David Anthony (Suz GSX-R1000), Pirelli, -1 lap, -4.341 seconds *
13. Ryan Elleby (Suz GSX-R1000), Pirelli, -1 lap, -7.196 *
14. Hawk Mazzotta (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -1 lap, -14.218 *
15. Keith Marshall (Suz GSX-R1000), Pirelli, -1 lap, -47.040 *
16. Scotty Van Hawk (Suz GSX-R1000), -1 lap, -76.789
17. Reno Karimian (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -2 laps
18. Johnny Rock Page (Yam YZF-R1), Dunlop, -3 laps
19. Aaron Yates (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, -9 laps, DNF, crash
20. Eric Bostrom (Yam YZF-R1), Dunlop, -13 laps, DNF, mechanical
21. Scott Jensen (Suz GSX-R1000), Pirelli, -15 laps, DNF, crash
22. Roger Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R), Dunlop, -18 laps, DNF, mechanical
23. Robertino Pietri (Suz GSX-R1000), Pirelli, -24 laps, DNF, retired *
24. Matt Lynn (Hon CBR1000RR), Dunlop, DNS
25. Shane Narbonne (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, DNS *
26. Dean Mizdal (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, DNS

Josh Hayes took Formula Xtreme after Garret Carter had a scary crash and was reportedly out for 2+ minutes, prompting officials to stop the race. Aaron Yates wins in superstock. Ben Bostrom looks dominant in Supersport aboard the Yamaha, but Zemke and Honda have petitioned for the AMA to inspect illegal modifications to Bostom's motorcycle. Hayden Gillim took the Red Bull Rookies Cup race.

Free Highlights or Rossi versus Stoner at Laguna Seca

2008-07-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

Check it out here!