A new path on the Road to MotoGP™ is set to begin in 2022
Tuesday, 23 November 2021
Dorna Sports is delighted to announce a new path on the Road to MotoGP™: the North America Talent Cup. Following the blueprint of other Talent Cup programmes, the series will be a one-make competition, with race weekends set to take place across the USA. The promoter and organiser will be a collaborative effort between MotoAmerica and Rise Moto. Rise Moto is an integral partner to MotoAmerica in the FIM MiniGP North America Series.
The new North America Talent Cup will partner with MotoAmerica and aims to provide riders across the continent with a vital link on the Road to MotoGP™, creating the stepping-stone between the FIM MiniGP North America Series and the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup or FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship. The sanctioning body will be the American Motorcyclist Association and FIM North America.
Riders will race on equal Aprilia RS250SP2 machinery and be between 13 and 16 years of age for the first season, with the minimum age raising to 14 from 2023 – as it will globally for similar competitions.
Rob Dingman, AMA and FIM North America President: “The North America Talent Cup is a perfect complement to MotoAmerica’s development efforts and will provide a critical element to the development of young road racers in North America.”
Wayne Rainey, MotoAmerica President: “The new North America Talent Cup will most definitely help us with our goal of developing more young riders who aspire to compete and represent the U.S. internationally, and we’re happy to be working with Dorna, Aprilia and Rise Moto to help make this happen. This program ensures that we will continue to build a system where young racers can advance their talents in a program designed to give them the tools they need to succeed. We look forward to the first race at Circuit of The Americas in April and to having the North America Talent Cup join us in our season finale at Barber Motorsports Park in September.”
Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing: “The North America Talent Cup, as a forge of future talent, fully reflects Aprilia’s racing philosophy of training technicians and riders who have gone on to make sports motorcycling history. Promising young American talent can count on a product we are proud of, the RS 250 SP2, already extremely popular as an intermediate step between MiniGP bikes and ‘high wheel’ bikes, thanks to its combination of performance and easy operation. I’m certain that we’ll see fun and educational races truly capable of launching new talent.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “We are delighted to announce this new project with Rise Moto and MotoAmerica, creating a vital new path on the Road to MotoGP. With the incredible success of the first FIM MiniGP World Series, we are more committed than ever to creating the best possible pathway for young riders from all over the world to further their careers, and the new North America Talent Cup, along with the MotoAmerica Championship, will complete the Road to MotoGP for riders across that continent.
“The support of Aprilia sees a new manufacturer become a key player on the Road to MotoGP, and all our partners will ensure the series is competitive and affordable – removing as many barriers as we can for those who wish to begin a career in racing and ensuring young talent has the best possible stage on which it can shine.”
THE EQUIPMENT & PARTNERS
Riders will race on equal Aprilia RS250SP2 machinery, with an affordable, complete race package to be priced especially for competitors.
The sole, official tyre supplier will be Dunlop. Seven sets of tyres will be provided per rider, per season.
KYT will be the helmet provider, providing two helmets per rider per season along with trackside support.
THE CALENDAR
The North America Talent Cup will be run across the USA as an Amateur National Series. The series will be limited to 20 riders for the first year with aims to expand the amount of riders permitted to 26 by 2023.
The season opener is planned to take place alongside MotoGP™ at the Circuit of the Americas. The remaining rounds will be held in partnership with AMA sanctioned racing organization WERA, and the final round will be with MotoAmerica at their season finale at Barber Motorsports Park.
OPPORTUNITIES ON THE ROAD TO MotoGP™
Riders accepted into the North American Talent Cup will benefit from trackside coaching at each round from professional riders, as well as training in communication, fitness and nutrition.
The Champion of FIM MiniGP North America Series will automatically gain a place on the North America Talent Cup grid the following season.
The top two in each season of the North America Talent Cup will be invited to take part in the selection event for the following season of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
APPLICATIONS
Applications for the inaugural Cup will open on the 1st of December and close on the 31st of December, 2021.
ANY ROAD, ANY TIME
The Kawasaki Versys® line of motorcycles was developed for people who have an adventurous spirit and seek out opportunities to explore the world we live in. Whether it’s reaching a remote corner of the world, devouring highway miles or commuting through the city, the passenger-friendly Versys motorcycles provide the ultimate platform for your next adventure or navigating through those long commutes.
The widely popular Versys® 650 and Versys® 650 LT return to Kawasaki’s lineup stronger than ever for 2022 with several upgrades including Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC), new TFT Color Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity, sharper front cowl styling, LED headlight, and an adjustable windshield to ensure you enjoy every ride.
The Versys 650 and Versys 650 LT are ready to take on any road, any time for your next adventure with their long-travel suspension, proven reliability, back-road capabilities, and superb fuel-efficiency. Having already solidified their place as fan favorites, the Versys 650 continues to be a top choice as the ultimate travel guide for riding enthusiasts who are looking for reliable performance and versatile fun.
· NEW TFT Color Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity
· NEW Sharper front cowl styling
· NEW LED headlight
· NEW 4-Way adjustable windshield
· Slim, upright riding position
· Sporty 17-inch cast aluminum wheels
· Standard ABS
ELECTRONIC RIDER AIDS
· NEW Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC)
For the first time on a Versys 650, the 2022 model is equipped with Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system that allows for enhanced sport riding performance and greater rider confidence. The system looks at a variety of factors for an accurate, real-time picture of conditions and acts before slippage exceeds the range for optimal traction and rider confidence. Two modes allow riders to adjust the system’s settings to suit the riding conditions and rider’s preference. In Mode 1, which is the least intrusive, the system helps manage traction during cornering and facilitates acceleration out of corners. Mode 2 allows for earlier intervention and reduces engine output when excessive wheel spin is detected, allowing for the tire to get maximum grip. Riders also have the option to turn the traction control system off using the switch located on the handlebar.
INSTRUMENTATION + STYLING
· NEW TFT Color Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity
· NEW Sharper front cowl styling
· NEW LED headlights
· NEW 4-Way adjustable windshield
A new 4.3” full-color all-digital TFT (thin-film transistor) instrument meter adorns the cockpit of the Versys 650 for model year 2022, giving the rider a high level of visibility during both day or night. The high-grade full color display features TFT technology, a selectable background color is offered (black or white) and the screen brightness automatically adjusts to suit available light. A wide variety of display functions are available and include a digital speedometer, digital bar-style tachometer, gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, external air temperature, clock, battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder, oil change reminder, and an Economical Riding Indicator. A Bluetooth® chip allows for connection to a compatible smartphone device and RIDEOLOGY THE APP*.
* RIDEOLOGY THE APP is not intended for use during vehicle operation. Only use RIDEOLOGY THE APP when the vehicle is not being operated and it is safe to do so.
All meter functions and traction control modes can be easily controlled with switches located on the left side of the handlebar.
Taking after its larger Versys 1000® brethren, the Versys 650 features sharp, flowing styling from the front of the motorcycle to the rear. The refreshed design of the upper cowling and surrounding bodywork updates the Versys 650 to the latest eye-catching Versys family look, and the sharp tail cowl reinforces the bike’s compact, sporty image. A redesigned under-cowl and the use of color and graphics on the gas tank and side covers add to the strong Versys family looks and create an appealing visual flow. New LED headlights add a modern and aggressive look to the front of the motorcycle, while an LED taillight gives the Versys a modern, sporty visual identity.
Accompanying the redesigned upper cowl is a new windshield, offering increased wind protection and adding to the rider’s comfort, making the Versys 650 a highly capable touring partner. The stylish windshield features four positions for three inches of total adjustability, ranging from a sporty lower height to a taller wind protection height, to suit the rider’s preference. The four positions can be conveniently adjusted by hand using a release button below the TFT screen.
ENGINE
The dependable fuel-injected 649cc, parallel twin engine powers this light and nimble street motorcycle with its lively performance and smooth acceleration. Tuned for excellent torque, the engine inspires confidence for daily commuters and provides fun on weekend trips. The torquey twin delivers a deep ribbon of power in the low- and mid-range of the powerband, while also pulling vigorously to the top of the rev range.
The exhaust is tuned to enhance high-end RPM power, with matching ECU settings that optimize fuel economy. When combined with a large 5.5-gallon fuel tank, the fun-to-ride 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 can enjoy extended periods between fill-ups.
Adding to the versatility of the motorcycle is its proven six-speed cassette style transmission that seamlessly shifts between the gears, enhancing maneuverability.
CHASSIS + SUSPENSION
Unique long-travel, high-tech suspension coupled with a comfortable riding position is critical to the multi-role mission of the Versys 650. Combine these qualities with a small, light and narrow frame and you have one of the most versatile bikes in Kawasaki’s motorcycle line-up.
In the front, the adjustable Showa fork increases rider confidence and comfort in all situations. It splits the damping and spring functions into separate fork tubes, giving the rider adjustability while the single spring also helps reduce weight. Longer outer fork tubes help to improve rigidity and provide the ultimate combination of light handling and supreme comfort. At the rear, a Showa shock allows riders to quickly make preload adjustments via the remote-mounted adjuster. This can compensate for cargo or passenger weight or be tuned to the rider’s preference.
BRAKES & WHEELS
The linear action ABS brake system comes as standard equipment and offers exellent performance and enhanced rider confidence in adverse conditions. Dual 300mm petal-style rotors with two-piston calipers in front and a single 220mm petal rotor with a single-piston caliper on the rear provide ample stopping power for the Versys 650, offering improved cooling and warp resistance compared to traditional brake discs. In fact, the same rotor design can be found on Kawasaki’s Ninja® supersport machines.
The Versys 650 features six-spoke cast aluminum wheels that are similar to the ones found on Ninja® ZX™-6R and ZX™-10R motorcycles, utilizing less material in between the spokes to reduce rim thickness and overall wheel weight. The lightweight wheels help to increase suspension performance, handling, acceleration, deceleration, and initial turn-in performance and come equipped with Dunlop Sportmax D222 tires for light handling and comfort.
VERSYS 650 LT FEATURES
In addition to all of the Versys 650’s features, the Versys 650 LT comes equipped with hand guards that help protect the rider’s hands against weather and wind, and a 28-liter KQR™ hard saddlebag set with quick release capabilities that can be removed and installed without the use of tools and offers enough space to fit a full face helmet. The hard saddlebag set also utilizes Kawasaki’s One Key System to keep things as simple as possible with the use of the ignition key.
ACCESSORIES
· NEW USB outlet
· NEW Tall Windshield
· LED Auxiliary Light Set
· KQR™ 28 Liter Hard Saddlebags
· Engine Guards
· Tank Pad
A full range of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories are available at authorized Kawasaki dealers, allowing riders to further enhance the Versys 650 to better suit their preferences. Options for the Versys 650 and Versys 650 LT include a new USB outlet with dual covers for high water resistance, engine guards, a tank pad, windshield kit that is lower for better wind resistance, a LED auxiliary light set, hand covers, a meter cover, a GPS navigation bracket, oil filler caps, hard saddlebag sets and fitting kits, and top case sets and fitting kits.
COLORS AND MSRP
The 2022 Versys® 650 motorcycle is available in Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black with an MSRP of $8,899 or Candy Lime Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black with an MSRP of $9,099.
The 2022 Versys® 650 LT motorcycle is available in Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black with an MSRP of $9,999.
A 12-month limited warranty is included with the Versys 650, while the Versys 650 LT features a 24-month limited warranty. Additionally, the Kawasaki Protection Plus™ plan (KPP) offers comprehensive coverage to extend the factory warranty and is available for purchase.
ABOUT KAWASAKI
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.
IN ITS FIRST TIME PARTICIPATING, RS 660 DOMINATES IN MOTOAMERICA
A SPECIAL STARS AND STRIPES LIVERY CELEBRATES THE TRIUMPH OF THE MEDIUM SIZED ITALIAN SPORT BIKE IN THE PRESTIGIOUS AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP
1500 NUMBERED UNITS WITH RACING PACKAGE AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT TO INCLUDE SINGLE-SEAT TAIL-FAIRING COVER, OVERSIZED TOP FAIRING, AND QUICK SHIFT WITH UPSIDE-DOWN GEARBOX
A year after its launch on the market, Aprilia RS 660 is already celebrating its first important sports milestone. The medium-sized Italian sport bike made this achievement in the United States, dominating the 2021 edition of the Twins Cup, the prestigious American championship dedicated to medium engine capacity twin-cylinders within MotoAmerica, the premier motorcycle racing series in the States.
In celebration of this victory, at EICMA 2021, Aprilia introduces a numbered special edition of 1500 units of RS 660, characterized by a new stars and stripes livery inspired by the American flag. A color scheme closely derived from the special graphics on the bike that the Twins Cup champion, Kaleb De Keyrel, rode in the race at Vallelunga for the final round of the Aprilia RS 660 Trophy, where Kaleb had been invited to participate as a reward for his important championship victory on American soil.
Aprilia RS 660 Limited Edition also boasts a standard equipment package that includes some of the racing content from the competition version that proved to be unparalleled in the Twins Cup, taking 10 wins out of the 13 races held.
The sporty personality of Aprilia RS 660 Limited Edition is highlighted by the single-seat tail-fairing cover, which eliminates the passenger seat, enhancing the sleek design of the rear. The passenger’s seat comes with the bike, which is still approved for two-up riding. The oversized top fairing ensures greater protection for the rider against the wind, both on the road and on the track, and it also has the software that lets you set up the quick shift gearbox in upside-down configuration. This means that, depending on your needs, you can configure the gearbox entirely on your own, without replacing any parts on the bike, in street or upside-down version – ideal for the occasional track day.
A badge located on the fuel tank bears the progressive number of the bike and indicates the limited-edition of 1500 units.
Aprilia RS 660’s Winning Streak in MotoAmerica
Just a few months after making its début in the U.S.A. on an American track that is one of the most iconic in the world, the Laguna Seca circuit in California – ridden by Pikes Peak record holder astride an Aprilia Tuono V4, Rennie Scaysbrook – Aprilia RS 660 was the immediate protagonist of a thrilling sports story. Approved just in time for the beginning of the 2021 Twins Cup, the Italian twin-cylinder 659cc motorcycle took the top three spots straight away in the opening race on the Road Atlanta circuit. It was a blinding start, in some ways unexpected, followed by a winning streak: 10 total wins out of 13 races held, plus another 16 podiums (9 second places and 7 third places) and 6 pole positions. That first, extraordinary one-two-three was followed by others, at historic Laguna Seca circuit and in both races held in New Jersey.
Five of the 10 total wins were achieved by Kaleb De Keyrel, crowned Twins Cup 2021 champion astride his Aprilia RS 660 prepared by the Robem Engineering team. The other victories were credited to Jody Barry, Cory Ventura, Anthony Mazziotto (two wins) and Tommaso Marcon. The Aprilia RS 660 therefore confirmed its status as a versatile bike, able to win on extremely different circuits and with riders who have different riding styles.
TUONO 660 FACTORY DESCENDS DIRECTLY FROM TUONO V4 FACTORY AND INHERITS ITS KEY VALUES, BOASTING CONSIDERABLE EQUIPMENT AND PERFORMANCE
EVERY APRILIA FACTORY IS AN EXTRAORDINARY BIKE. TUONO 660 IS DEDICATED TO THE NEW GENERATION OF MOTORCYCLISTS WHO DEMAND MAXIMUM RIDING ENJOYMENT
181 KG FOR 100 HP: TUONO 660 FACTORY IS LIGHTER, MORE SOPHISTICATED, AND FLAUNTS FIRST-RATE EQUIPMENT
The Factory versions of Aprilia sports bikes have always been flagship products, dedicated to the most demanding and skilled riders, who can appreciate the quality of the most sophisticated outfitting.
And now, the Factory trim is also available for the Tuono 660, which makes for a Tuono with unparalleled dynamic qualities, the most efficient and fun to use on the road and a true generator of emotions, accessible to everyone. All this, while respecting the Aprilia 660 project that promises bikes with a sensational weight/power ratio that are lightweight, high-performance, and built around the brand-new latest generation Aprilia parallel twin.
With respect to Tuono 660, already widely recognized and appreciated by the public and critics for its outstanding chassis qualities, Tuono 660 Factory boasts more sophisticated suspension, better suited to sport riding. The Kayaba fork with 41mm stanchions is fully adjustable in its compression and rebound damping and spring pre-load, while the Sachs shock with separate reservoir is also adjustable in its compression and rebound damping and spring pre-load.
There is an even better weight/power ratio, one of the main goals for all new Aprilia 660 models and already outstanding on the Tuono 660, thanks to the adoption of a light lithium battery that contributes to reducing the overall weight by roughly 2 kg (the curb weight is now 181 kg) and better engine performance.
A compact and lightweight latest-generation engine, the 660cc forward-facing twin with DOHC timing and four valves per cylinder is the result of experience gained with the very powerful engine that equips RSV4, from which the construction philosophy and basic concepts derive. The engine has a load-bearing function and houses the aluminum swingarm in its rear section. Combustion is asymmetric and offset by 270° to obtain irregular combustion which translates into performance and sound like that of a V-twin. The engine boasts even more drive-in acceleration, thanks to the use of a shorter final drive, with a 16-tooth pinion gear, one less than Tuono 660. The maximum torque remains unchanged, with 67 Nm at 8500 rpm, 80% of which is available from 4000 rpm, or 90% on reaching 6250 rpm.
Tuono 660 Factory offers a full suite of APRC electronic controls with a Ride-by-Wire electronic accelerator and six-axis inertial platform as standard. The latter, thanks to the accelerometers and gyroscopes it contains, can recognize the bike’s condition with respect to the road, measuring and processing the inputs that result from riding and sending the data to a control unit that intervenes to optimize the control parameters. The Tuono 660 Factory APRC includes ATC (Aprilia Traction Control), adjustable traction control characterized by high-performance intervention strategies; AWC (Aprilia Wheelie Control), the adjustable wheelie control system; ACC (Aprilia Cruise Control) to maintain a steady speed without using the throttle; AQS (Aprilia Quick Shift), the electronic gearbox that allows for very rapid shifting without closing the throttle or using the clutch. It is also equipped with the downshift function, to allow for clutchless downshifting; AEB (Aprilia Engine Brake), the adjustable system to control engine braking when closing the throttle; AEM (Aprilia Engine Map), with different mappings via which to alter the engine’s character and delivery.
Tuono 660 Factory also benefits from multi-map Cornering ABS. With its extremely contained weight and dimensions, the system can optimize braking and ABS intervention through the corners, thanks to a specific algorithm that constantly monitors various parameters such as lateral acceleration, the pressure applied to the front brake lever, and the lean, pitch and yaw angle, modulating the braking action to optimize the ratio between deceleration and stability.
As with the Tuono 660, there are five customizable Riding Modes (three for road use and two for track use) to simplify life on-board. The rider needs only to choose the Riding Mode that best interprets his or her riding needs to automatically obtain the best settings in terms of traction control, wheelie control, engine brake, ABS, and the other managed parameters. Adoption of the inertial platform has also allowed for activation of the “bending lights” function, incorporated into the front LED light cluster complete with perimeter DRL (this pair of additional lights illuminate the entire corner, increasing visibility when leaning).
With its reduced surfaces effectively highlighting a dynamic, sport character, the bike’s design stands out for the innovative double fairing that serves as an aerodynamic appendage. The pressure of the air channeled between the two walls contributes to optimizing stability at high speeds and, at the same time, increases rider comfort by protecting against direct air flow, also deflecting the hot air extracted from the engine. The Tuono 660 Factory version is further enhanced with the aggressive and sporty Factory Dark graphics and the presence of the single-seat tail fairing, painted black and red and supplied as standard together with the passenger seat and footpegs. These pegs, like those of the rider, are the same as those of the Aprilia RS 660.
Celestino Vietti, riding his VR46 Racing Team Kalex, was unofficially quickest on Day Two of private Moto2 and Moto3 team testing at the Jerez Circuit, in Spain. Vietti’s best lap time was a 1:41.706, which isn’t far off Sam Lowes’ race lap record of 1:41.313.
Celestino Vietti (13). Photo courtesy VR46 Racing Team.
American Sean Dylan Kelly (1:42.749), the 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and a rookie in the Moto2 World Championship, was unofficially ninth out of at least 20 riders testing Monday. Kelly’s teammate, five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier (1:43.237), was unofficially ranked 17th on Monday.
“No words!!!” Kelly posted to his Facebook page. “Incredible test and so happy to have started working with the American Racing Team. 177 laps in 2 days! Learning, adapting, working!! Really enjoyed riding the Moto2 bike and really happy with the outcome of these two days. Now eyes on 2022!!! Thank you ALL #SDK40”
The timing and scoring screen at the end of the day Monday at Jerez.
More, from a press release issued by VR46 Racing Team:
MOTO2 DEBUT ON THE KALEX FOR NICCOLÒ ANTONELLI
Two days of testing in Andalusia for the rookie of the VR46 Racing Team on track today with Celestino Vietti Ramus
Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), November 22nd 2021 – First steps towards the start of the 2022 season for the VR46 Racing Team in Jerez de la Frontera for a two days of testing for the Moto2 crew.
Yesterday Niccolò Antonelli make his debut on the Kalex and began to become familiar with the new bike. Overall a good Sunday and positive feelings with a best lap time of 1: 45.388 (51 laps) for the rookie who returned to work again today for the Dunlop test reserved to the Moto2 class, signing a good 1: 43.214 (64 laps).
Celestino Vietti Ramus was also on track today and immediately found the feeling he has in the last races and finished at the top of the standings with a best lap time of 1: 41.706 (78 laps).
Both riders will be back on track next February for the first testing session of the 2022 season.
Celestino Vietti:
A good test, definitely positive also considering the 2022 season. We tried new settings and the Dunlop compounds. The feeling was not bad at all and I am happy to say goodbye to the Team in this way. They were two beautiful days with the guys and also my new team mate (Niccolò Antonelli). Now a few weeks off and then full gas for the new season.
Niccolo Antonelli:
An incredible experience, I’m really happy to have tried the Moto2: I immediately felt at ease with the new Team. A pity for the weather, the tarmac has never been completely dry, but we have already managed to understand a lot about the new bike. Compared to yesterday, the feelings are good and we already know where to improve during the winter to be able to make a step forward. I can’t wait to get back on track in 2022.
Pablo Nieto, Team Manager:
A good debut for Niccolò and Celestino in Jerez. Two days of uncertain weather and not very high temperatures where it was important, especially for Niccolò, to begin to become familiar with the new bike. Niccolò took his first steps on the Kalex and the feelings are good. Celestino also did well, on the positive trend that has characterised the last races of the season. Let’s enjoy a few weeks off now and get back on track in 2022.
More, from a press release issued by Marc VDS Racing Team:
Lowes and Arbolino kick off 2022 Moto2 preparations in Jerez
Elf Marc VDS Racing has concluded a productive and positive one-day Dunlop tyre test at the Jerez track in Spain, with the Belgian squad thrilled to welcome Tony Arbolino for his first public appearance in the Team’s famous livery.
Damp and cool conditions prevented Sam Lowes and Arbolino from venturing out on track yesterday, but they were able to circulate in more favourable weather today.
Arbolino enjoyed a busy but positive final day on track in 2021 while assessing a range of tyres for Dunlop and acquainting himself with his new crew for next season.
Lowes limited his time on track today while still in considerable discomfort from the right foot injury he suffered during the opening practice session ahead of the final round in Valencia earlier this month.
“I’ll focus on being strong when we return in 2022”
Sam Lowes:
“We weren’t able to complete as many laps as I’d hoped coming into this test, but my foot was more painful than I expected. On a race weekend there’s not much time to think about an injury and the adrenaline always helps block out the pain. But at a test there’s more time to think and my foot felt quite sore. Track conditions weren’t fantastic, and I didn’t feel like I was able to push at my limit to give Dunlop the correct information and feedback required, so it was the right decision to stop and begin the recovery in the winter. It’s still been a positive test from the perspective of meeting some new members in the Team and sharing some time with Tony. The atmosphere is really good between everybody and that’s a great way to go into the winter break so I can focus on being strong when we get going again in 2022.”
“Already in this Team I feel we can achieve great results in 2022”
Tony Arbolino:
“Honestly, I’m feeling a bit tired at the end of the day because I did 96 laps, but it feels fantastic to begin working with my crew and this Team and we did a lot of good work. I instantly felt at home and comfortable with my crew and I felt very good on the bike, and we made some positive improvements throughout the day. The important thing now is to enjoy the winter break and have a good rest because already I feel like in this Team we can achieve great results in 2022.”
More, from a press release issued by Gresini Racing:
POSITIVE DEBUT FOR SALAC AND ZACCONE WITH GRESINI MOTO2 TEAM
Gresini Racing has concluded the opening test of the 2022 Moto2 World Championship winter season – and the last track outing of 2021 – with new arrivals Alessandro Zaccone and Filip Salac, both rookies in the category. It was surely an interesting two-day test, which saw both riders trying their skills in every possible track condition, from wet to dry, with the sole goal to find the best feeling with their Triumph-powered Kalex machines.
The two days of testing have been positive, with both riders able to constantly improve both their lap-times and confidence with the new bike. Filip Salac finished eighth after completing around 100 laps between yesterday and today. Alessandro Zaccone ended up right behind his new teammate (10th) despite a crash in the final moments of the test.
8º – FILIP SALAC #12 (1’42.548)
“The first day on the Moto2 bike was perfect. We quickly adapted to this bike even though we still need a lot more to be competitive. There’s a great feeling with the team already, and so with the bike: we improved lap after lap while trying to find the limit on a track which was far from ideal. We also had more reference points today with all riders on track – and dry conditions. We have been fast and I’m happy with the work done and I believe the team is, too.”
10º – ALESSANDRO ZACCONE #61 (1’42.783)
“Good feeling with the team and the bike. We tried a lot of things and with the soft tyre today we were unable to be quick, but it’s more due to my fitness condition than else. Despite a bit of traffic in the last split we were able to lap in 1’42.7… We could have almost been in the top five lap-time wise. Too bad for the crash at the last lap: I let the tyre cool down a bit too much, hence the crash. Generally speaking, though, things went very well and I think we can have a good season.”
Yamaha Unveils Thrilling Next Generation MT-10 & New MT-10 SP
The Definitive New ‘Master of Torque’
MARIETTA, Ga. – November 22, 2021 –Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is excited to announce the next generation of our flagship MT model, the all-new 2022 Yamaha MT-10, and for the first time in the North American market, the all-new 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP. Derived from the World Superbike and MotoAmerica Superbike dominating Yamaha YZF-R1, the MT-10 is the pinnacle of Yamaha’s Hyper Naked range boasting the renowned high-torque 998cc CP4 engine, supremely capable aluminum Deltabox YZF-R1 frame and ultra-aggressive naked styling for superbike levels of performance in a refined, street-focused package.
The Dark Side of Japan
Since 2013, the Dark Side of Japan has been the inspiration behind the development of Yamaha’s ‘Master of Torque’ MT models, bringing a new level of excitement and dynamism to the sport-naked class. Inspired by the provocative design concepts emerging from Japan’s vibrant, unconventional motorsport subculture, Yamaha’s MT models are conceived and built by people who eat, breathe and sleep motorcycles. With a focus on torque-rich engine performance, agile handling and aggressive looks, every MT is designed to deliver a thrilling, sporty ride that reinforces the passion for two wheels. With over a quarter of a million MT models sold since the first model arrived eight years ago, Yamaha’s Hyper Naked family provides enthusiasts around the world the opportunity to experience the Dark Side of Japan for themselves.
2022 YAMAHA MT-10—THE DEFINITIVE ‘MASTER OF TORQUE’
Compact, Minimalist Styling & Enhanced Ergonomics
From the launch of the very first MT-10, Yamaha’s flagship Hyper Naked established a reputation for being one of the most distinctive and aggressively styled bikes in the category. The next evolution of the MT-10 continues this tradition with a stripped-down new look achieved by removing unnecessary bodywork elements and refocusing attention on the pure mechanical beauty of the muscular engine and compact frame. Mounted on either side of the fuel tank cover, enlarged functional intake ducts increase efficiency while visually enhancing the bike’s new, aggressive look.
The ‘face’ of every motorcycle is one of the most significant design elements, shaping the way it is perceived. New twin-eye mono-focus LED headlights and LED position lights situated above the headlights combine with a more compact nose assembly to minimize overhang and lend a more refined, dominant look. Separate high and low beam units provide excellent illumination and project a powerful, even beam with softer light at the edges.
Ergonomics are also enhanced for greater comfort and control. Protruding areas around the fuel tank are reduced offering more freedom of movement and better feel when the rider grips the tank with their knees under hard braking or cornering. The 2022 model’s ‘rider triangle’—the bar/footrest/seat relationship—is improved with the hip position lowered for a feeling of sitting more within the bike. Additionally, seat firmness is modified to further enhance comfort.
New Six-Axis Inertial Measurement Unit with Rider Aids
New for 2022, the MT-10 takes a significant step forward in technological advancement with the addition of Yamaha’s state-of-the-art six-axis IMU. Originally developed for the YZF-R1, the new IMU on the MT-10 has now evolved into a smaller and lighter unit, featuring two sensors that measure three-axis angular velocity (pitch, roll and yaw) and three-axis acceleration (forward/backward, up/down and left/right). This data is transmitted to the ECU to seamlessly control the bike’s increased array of electronic rider aids based on the vehicles speed and position.
Lean Sensitive Traction Control System The new MT-10 benefits from one of the most advanced traction control systems in its class. Using the six-axis IMU data in conjunction with relative front and rear wheel speed data, this new lean sensitive traction control system adjusts the degree of intervention to correspond with the bike’s lean angle. A total of five intervention levels are available or the system can be turned off completely.
Slide Control System (SCS) For increased cornering confidence, the MT-10 is equipped with the latest Slide Control System (SCS). When IMU sensors identify that the rear wheel is beginning to slide sideways, the ECU intervenes by reducing drive to the rear wheel until the chassis is stabilized. The system is adjustable between three pre-set intervention levels or can be turned off completely.
Lift Control System (LIF) The MT-10’s new Lift Control System (LIF) uses IMU data to monitor front wheel lift. This data is sent to the ECU and used to control engine output for a seamless regulation of front wheel lift during starts and acceleration. The system is adjustable between three pre-set intervention levels or can be turned off completely.
Engine Brake Management (EBM) EBM controls the degree of engine braking force when decelerating, providing the rider with a choice of two level settings. Level 1 allows more engine braking while Level 2 reduces engine braking, enabling the rider to choose their preferred level for prevailing riding conditions.
Brake Control System (BC) The Brake Control (BC) System allows riders to select between two modes of ABS intervention. BC1 Mode is a standard ABS-active mode for straight-line braking conditions. BC2 Mode uses IMU data to determine lean angle and changes the ABS sensitivity as lean angle increases.
Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) While all electronic rider aids on the new MT-10 can be adjusted independently, Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) simplifies the process for owners by offering four different selectable riding modes, each with pre-set traction control, SCS, QSS, LIF, EBM and BC system settings to match ride preference.
Quick Shift System
An up and down Quick Shift System (QSS) is standard on the 2022 MT-10. By enabling quick, clutchless shifting both up and down the gear box, this system makes full-on acceleration more exciting, downshifting faster and smoother, with less chassis disruption when changing gears.
Updated ‘High-Torque’ 998cc CP4 Engine
The next evolution of the MT-10 is equipped with a refined version of the liquid-cooled CP4 crossplane engine derived from the race-ready YZF-R1 powerplant. With a linear, torque-rich delivery, this is the most potent and technologically advanced engine ever seen on a Yamaha Hyper Naked motorcycle. Fuel injection settings have been optimized, and design of the intake and exhaust systems were modified to lend the MT-10 a torquier, more street-focused engine character.
Tuned Intake Sound
The sound made by any motorcycle—whether intake or exhaust—is one of its most defining characteristics. Yamaha’s engineers have focused intently on creating an unrivaled soundtrack for the MT-10 by designing an all-new intake system. With the crossplane CP4 engine’s innovative uneven firing interval, the MT-10 emits a distinctive intake and exhaust noise characterized by a rumbling growl at low rpm and a high-pitched roar at high rpm. A new air box with three differing-length intake ducts tuned to resonate harmoniously at varying engine speeds creates a unique intake roar that enhances the overall riding experience. Sound is heightened further by new Acoustic Amplifier Grilles positioned on the front left and right of the fuel tank, transmitting this tuned induction soundtrack directly to the rider, adding to the thrill when opening the throttle.
Advanced Ride-By-Wire Throttle with Four Power Delivery Modes
New for 2022, the next generation MT-10 now features the Accelerator Position Sensor Grip (APSG), the same unit found on the YZF-R1. Eliminating the need for traditional throttle cables by using a sensor and magnet within the throttle grip housing to send throttle position data to the ECU, the system also employs a spring, slider and gear mechanism to produce varying degrees of resistance to recreate a natural throttle feel during use. The rider can also change throttle response characteristics by adjusting the PWR (Power delivery mode) between four different power modes.
New 4.2-Inch Full-Color TFT Display
The 2022 MT-10 now comes equipped with a new premium 4.2-inch full-color TFT display, featuring a clear, easy to read screen and intuitive function navigation controlled by a scrolling menu switch on the right handlebar and a quick-select mode switch on the left handlebar.
Brembo Radial Master Cylinder
The MT-10’s front braking system features large 320mm dual floating discs paired with 4-piston radial-mounted calipers. New for 2022, performance is enhanced with the addition of a Brembo radial brake master cylinder, offering improved feel at the lever and increased control under hard braking.
Lightweight Aluminum Deltabox Frame
Derived from the class leading R1, the MT-10’s aluminum Deltabox frame is central to the confidence inspiring handling. Originally developed to cope with the demands of a high-horsepower superbike under race conditions, this high-tech frame uses the CP4 engine as a fully stressed member to keep weight to a minimum. Equipped with a long aluminum swingarm while still maintaining a compact 55.3-inch (1405mm) wheelbase, the chassis delivers stable, light and agile handling in a wide variety of low- and high-speed riding conditions.
Optimized Front & Rear Suspension
The MT-10’s suspension system uses optimized model-specific settings front and rear that are designed to provide confidence-inspiring grip, precise handling and a plush ride, whether navigating urban streets or carving up mountain bends. The fully adjustable high-spec 43mm KYB front forks and fully adjustable KYB rear shock can be easily set up to match varying loads and personal riding preferences.
MT-10 Colors, Availability & Price
The 2022 Yamaha MT-10 will be offered in two color options reflecting the Dark Side of Japan styling ethos: Cyan Storm or Matte Raven Black. It will be available from dealers in March 2022 for an MSRP of $13,999.
2022 YAMAHA MT-10 SP—THE ULTIMATE ‘MASTER OF TORQUE’
Yamaha’s much revered SP models represent the pinnacle of machine development, featuring the most sophisticated specifications available. For 2022, Yamaha is excited to offer an all-new Yamaha MT-10 SP model to the U.S. market. Just as the Yamaha MT-10 draws inspiration from the Yamaha YZF-R1 superbike, the all-new MT-10 SP draws inspiration from the ultimate Yamaha superbike, the ultra-advanced, ultra-exclusive Yamaha YZF-R1M. Along with all the high-spec features of the standard 2022 MT-10, the new MT-10 SP takes the model to an even higher level of performance and advancement with the inclusion of Öhlins Semi-Active Suspension and exclusive YZF-R1M-inspired colorway with premium styling accents for the ultimate Hyper Naked.
Öhlins Semi-Active Suspension System
The new MT-10 SP is designed for riders who want the most exclusive Hyper Naked with the most advanced chassis technology. Although the Yamaha R1M features a similar Öhlins suspension system, the new MT-10 SP is the first production motorcycle to be fitted with the Öhlins’ next generation electronically controlled suspension employing the latest spool valve damping. This state-of-the-art technology provides an even greater range of damping adjustments and a higher degree of response.
Riders can choose between three semi-active damping modes (A-1, A-2, A-3), as well as three manual settings (M-1, M-2, M-3). When any of the automatic modes are selected the system adjusts rebound and compression damping continuously to match the current running conditions, ensuring the most appropriate settings are always in play. Semi-active damping modes include:
A-1 (Sport) – Designed to provide exceptional feedback on the track or twisty secondary roads with a high degree of front and rear feel, along with good chassis stability during hard acceleration or braking.
A-2 (Intermediate) – Best suited to daily riding or urban commuting.
A-3 (Tour) – Designed for touring conditions with an emphasis on comfort and stability.
Manual mode allows precise electronic adjustment of compression and rebound damping for both the front fork and rear shock. Managed through the YRC menu, the suspension can be tailored to suit the exact rider style or riding environment required.
Exclusive Lower Fairing
The new MT-10 SP also comes equipped with an exclusive color-matched lower fairing for a more aggressive race-bred look, additionally serving to direct more air to the oil cooler at speed.
Braided Steel Brake Lines
Braided steel brake lines are fitted as standard on the MT-10 SP, providing a high level of feel at the lever and more resistance to fade under track conditions and extreme temperatures.
MT-10 SP Color, Availability & Price
The 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP’s exclusive Liquid Metal/Raven color scheme signifies its top of the Hyper Naked range status and highlights the close technological links with the YZF-R1M. It will be available from dealers in May 2022 for an MSRP of $16,899.
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About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida) and Kracor Systems (Wisconsin), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana).
More, from a press release issued by FIM CEV Repsol Press Office:
Holgado and Martinez crowned Champions in Valencia
The Spaniards wrapped up the FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship and Hawkers European Talent Cup titles on a thrilling final race day of the year
In front of 10,000 fans at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Daniel Holgado (Aspar Team) and Maximo Martinez (Team Honda Laglisse) were crowned 2021 Champions on a phenomenal Sunday finale, as the duo wrapped up the FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship and Hawkers European Talent Cup titles respectively. The Spaniards join Fermin Aldeguer (Boscoscuro Team Ciatti) in becoming the 2021 FIM CEV Repsol Champions across the Moto3™, Moto2™ European Championship and Hawkers European Talent Cup classes.
In the FIM Moto3™ JWCh, Holgado took the title in Race 1 after finishing ninth, with closest rival David Muñoz (Avatel – Cardoso Racing) unable to make a comeback from a pitlane start. With Muñoz 19th and Ivan Ortola (Team MTA) third, Holgado was crowned Champion on Sunday morning in a race that saw Joel Kelso (AGR Team) take a sensational win from the back row of the grid. David Alonso (Aspar Team) joined Kelso and Ortola on the Race 1 podium. In Race 2, the shackles were off. Holgado grabbed the holeshot and was in the lead group throughout, with the race ultimately coming down to the final lap. Ortola led out the final corner, but Holgado snatched victory to end his title-winning campaign on top, with Ortola and David Salvador (TM Factory Racing) completing the rostrum.
Race 1 in the Hawkers ETC saw Martinez show no signs of Championship leading pressure. The Spaniard fended off Jacob Roulstone (Leopard Impala Junior) to win, putting him 20 points clear of Xabi Zurutuza and fellow Cuna de Campeones rider Adrian Cruces heading into the final showdown. Despite a nervy race – which saw Martinez tackle a Long Lap Penalty and a drop one position penalty for exceeding track limits on the last lap – Martinez’ sixth place handed him the 2021 title, with Zurutuza and Cruces colliding and running into the gravel at Turn 12 on the last lap. Alvaro Carpe (MT-Foundation 77), after a crash in Race 1, notched up his second win of the season in Race 2, as Brian Uriarte (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) and Roulstone made up the last podium of 2021.
There was only one race for the Moto2™ ECh riders to contend with, and Alonzo Lopez (Boscoscuro Team Ciatti) won for the second time this season in a red-flagged encounter. The race was stopped five laps from the end after Leon Orgis’ (Avintia Esponsorama Junior) machine spilt oil on the start/finish straight. This handed race leader Lopez victory over second place Aldeguer, with Lukas Tulovic (Liqui Moly Intact SIC Racing) picking up P3 as the top three in the overall standings celebrate the final podium of the season together.
So that’s it for FIM CEV Repsol action – both in 2021 and for good. Next year, a new era begins in the form of the FIM JuniorGP. Congratulations to Holgado, Martinez and Aldeguer for their title-winning seasons!
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office;
Rea doubles up in Indonesia with wet-weather WorldSBK victory after thrilling battles
Jonathan Rea (1) beats Scott Redding (45) to the checkered flag in Indonesia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
The season ended with an incredible battle between second and third in the Championship in a rain-affected shortened Race 2
A shortened Race 2 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit provided plenty of drama in wet conditions, with a delay to the start due to weather conditions meaning the race was run to a reduced 12 laps, down from the originally planned 21 laps. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) doubled up on victories in Indonesia as he battled it out with Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) for victory.
A WET WEATHER MASTERCLASS FROM REA AND REDDING…
As the race got underway, newly crowned Champion Toprak Razgatligolu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) kept the lead from the race, with the lead five quickly looking to break away. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) were able to break away with relentless pace as they battled it out for Race 2 honours.
Rea and Redding both exchanged first place as they looked to end the season on the top step of the rostrum, including a superb move around the outside of the Ducati rider on Lap 7, although Redding was able to respond. As the final lap started, Redding was able to make a move into Turn 1 before Rea responded into Turn 10. Heading into Turn 16, Redding went up the inside of Rea but ran wide, allowing Rea to move back into the lead of the race and claim his second victory at Mandalika for the 215th podium of his career. Redding’s second place earnt Ducati their 660th race on the podium.
INTENSE BATTLE FOR THE PODIUM
Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) got a good start to be in the lead group of five riders, and on Lap 4 he looked to move up the order into a podium place. Into Turn 17, Bassani and Michael van der Mark (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) made contact and Bassani crashed out of the race, with the incident placed under investigation by the FIM WorldSBK Stewards, with no further action taken. On the run to Turn 17, Bassani and Razgatlioglu were battling which allowed van der Mark to get alongside Bassani on the exit.
Van der Mark and Razgatlioglu battled it out for third place with the former teammates going head-to-head for the final place on the podium, with van der Mark passing the 2021 Champion on Lap 7 to claim his third podium of the 2021 and the 50th podium placement in WorldSBK for BMW. Razgatlioglu came home in fourth place meaning the gap between him and Rea at the end of the season was 13 points, while it also secured the Manufacturers’ Championship for Yamaha for only the second time; Yamaha winning the Riders’, Teams’ and Manufacturers’ titles in 2021.
ROUNDING OUT 2021 IN THE TOP TEN
Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) finished his BMW stint with a top five finish in the wet conditions, finishing three seconds clear of Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in sixth place. Gerloff’s result, coupled with Bassani’s retirement, meant Gerloff claimed the Best Independent Rider award for 2021. He finished ahead of teammate Kohta Nozane in seventh place, the best of his rookie season in WorldSBK as he ended the season on a high.
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) finished in eighth place after a battle with Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in Race 2. Although Rinaldi did get ahead of Locatelli on track, he had a crash at Turn 6 which forced him out of the race and allowed Locatelli to claim fourth in the Championship standings. Following the race, Rinaldi was transported to RSUD NTB Hospital by air ambulance for further assessments after being diagnosed with a cervical strain. Isaac Viñales (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) ended his rookie campaign with his best result of the season with ninth, ahead of fellow Spaniard Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC); whose Team HRC career ended with a top ten finish.
TAKING HOME POINTS
Frenchman Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha) finished 11th place after he battled with the retiring Chaz Davies (Team GoEleven) in the closing stages of the race, with Davies ending his WorldSBK career with 99 podiums, 32 victories and 2999.5 points. Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) finished in 13th place and Samuele Cavalieri (Barni Racing Team) was 14th and the last of the classified riders.
TO NOTE
Despite a good start and running in the top six, Leandro Mercado (MIE Racing Honda Team) crashed out of the race at Turn 14.
Oliver König (OUTDO TPR Team Pedercini Racing) was declared unfit after a Race 1 crash, where he was diagnosed with a minimal head injury. Leon Haslam’s Team HRC farewell came to a premature end after he was declared unfit with a right shoulder functional impairment and missed both races, while Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was declared unfit with a right acromioclavicular join separation.
P1 Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)
“Super happy. Thanks to my team, they made all the right decisions. After our tough FP1, we got the bike in a really good area. To come here and win in the dry, win in the wet, in front of the amazing fans… massive thanks to the fans who stayed around in the wet weather. It was so nice to get a race, albeit it was very wet. Super happy with our effort this year. I rode with a lot of heart. I did my best, no regrets. Congratulations again to Toprak and Yamaha and look forward to battling again in 2022.”
P2 Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“I didn’t do as well as Chaz when he left, he took the win! I did my best. None of us have done any wet weather riding this weekend. It was just everyone for themselves, go out and you see it at the beginning of the race; swapping and changing. Jonny got the rhythm. I felt strong then he come past me. I was behind him, I was faster. I think you get a lot of judgement when someone’s in front of you. I tried at the end. Jonny made a small mistake. I pushed. He passed me quite hard on the brakes, it was a big aggressive. I said ‘okay, let’s try it back for the last corner’. I was locking fronts, locking rears. It’s been an amazing season.”
P3 Michael van der Mark (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
“I’m really happy with this podium. I had an amazing fight with Toprak on track and I really enjoyed this even though I think I could’ve ended up further towards the front. I’m really proud to be on the podium here. We saw today the tarmac is fantastic and in the wet conditions we could have some awesome battles, and in the dry.”
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Gerloff Wins Independent Riders’ Championship, Nozane Achieves Best WorldSBK Result in Indonesia
Garrett Gerloff. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
At the 2021 FIM Superbike World Championship finale in Indonesia, the GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team added to their Independent Teams’ trophy, with Garrett Gerloff winning the Independent Riders’ title, while rookie teammate Kohta Nozane scored his best result in seventh.
Rain returned to the Mandalika International Street Circuit on Sunday, but it held off for the morning’s postponed first race. With the track still damp from the early showers though, Gerloff immediately lost positions from his fourth-place grid slot to run 13th early on. He was unable to challenge back inside the top 10 and eventually crossed the line in 11th.
Race 2 was delayed due to a heavy downpour prior to the start, and the organisers took the decision to shorten the contest to 12 laps. After a good initial getaway, the American dropped back outside the top 10 in the melee of the first corners, but he was able to make an impressive comeback through the field and eventually brought his Yamaha R1 home in sixth place. The result saw the Texan end the 2021 campaign seventh in the overall standings and first of the Independent riders.
Nozane was 15th in the tricky mixed conditions in Race 1, but went on to enjoy his best performance yet of his maiden WorldSBK campaign in the afternoon. Starting 16th, the Japanese rider was up to ninth by the end of the first lap, and showed impressive pace to run sixth by lap four. Gerloff managed to pass the 2020 JSB1000 All-Japan Champion, who was comfortably ahead of Pata Yamaha’s Andrea Locatelli by the chequered flag.
Garrett Gerloff: P11 & P6
GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team
“I wish we could have had a dry race. To have ever-changing conditions for two days in a row was a bit frustrating, but I am happy to have finished the season. The track in the wet was amazing today, it had a lot of grip and there was not too much standing water, but it just took me a while to find the limit. I just prefer racing in the dry, it’s less scary. Now I know where the limit in the wet is, though, and I felt really fast in the dry earlier in the weekend, so I look forward to coming back next year. I am also really happy that I was able to keep the lead in the Independents’ Championship to give it to the team, they deserved a positive result. I look forward to 2022 and to the winter tests, so we can work on some things. Next year I need to improve my consistency and the first couple of laps of my races, for sure, because I am not quick nor aggressive enough at the start. The bike feels great, but I need to work on myself.”
Kohta Nozane: P15 & P7
GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team
“Today, I had a very difficult time in Race 1. The conditions were very tricky as sometimes it was raining, sometimes it wasn’t, and my final result was not good. Then I hit the reset button and focused fully on Race 2, which was run in the wet. I like these conditions but it was my first time at this track in the rain, so it wasn’t easy. It was the same for everybody, though, and I was confident I could do well. In the end I achieved my best result of the season, a seventh place result, after running my best race so far in WorldSBK. Next season, though, I will need to make a step up and the target for 2022 is to make it onto the podium for the first time.”
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Toprak Razgatlioglu is the new WorldSBK Champion
The Turkish rider claimed the 2021 WorldSBK Championship in Indonesia, denying Jonathan Rea a seventh consecutive title
Toprak Razgatlioglu, the 2021 FIM Superbike World Champion. Photo courtesy Dorna.
After a hard-fought 2021 season, Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) was crowned the 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Champion at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit. Toprak Razgatlioglu is the first rider to dethrone six-time WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), also becoming the first ever Turkish WorldSBK Champion.
Razgatlioglu claimed the lead of the standings after an eventful Donington Park weekend, although his lead didn’t last long when a Rea hat-trick at Assen vaulted him back to the top. The lead kept changing hands, with Razgatlioglu back on top after Navarra – albeit by virtue of full-race wins as he and Rea were level on points going to Magny-Cours – before two changes throughout the Catalunya Round: Rea taking the lead after Race 1 in Barcelona before the newly-crowned Champion claimed it back after Race 2. A dramatic Portuguese Round provided more twists and turns with Razgatlioglu holding the lead by 24 points heading into the penultimate round of the season at the Circuito San Juan Villicum venue, whilst the Turkish rider arrived at the season finale with a 30-point advantage over Rea. Second place at the end of Sunday’s Race 1 in the season-ending Indonesian Round, Razgatlioglu claimed the 2021 WorldSBK title.
At 25 years, 1 month and 5 days, Razgatlioglu becomes the third-youngest Champion of the category, behind James Toseland (23 years 11 months and 28 days, 2004) and Troy Corser (24 years 11 months, 1996). He started his motorcycle career competing in the IDM Yamaha R6 Cup and in the Turkish Road Race 600cc Championship in 2011 and 2012. He then moved to the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup for 2013 and 2014. He took one win in the class in 2014 during the Sachsenring event, showcasing his potential from very early on. Later in the year, he made his European Superstock 600 Championship debut at Magny-Cours as a wildcard, winning his first ever race. It was clear that a future star was emerging right before us. In 2015, he joined the WorldSBK paddock racing in the Superstock 600 class full-time, claiming the title in his first season in the category. He then moved to Superstock 1000 for the 2016 and 2017 seasons, finishing second in the standings in his second season and taking wins.
In 2018, he made the move to the premier class with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing, shocking everyone when he took two podiums – a first by beating Jonathan Rea in the last lap of Race 2 at Donington Park and a second at the all-new San Juan venue – and was the rookie of the year. 2019 was a significant year in many ways for Razgatlioglu; he emerged as a true contender and after eight podiums, he took a first win in a last lap fight with Rea at Magny-Cours, doubling up in the Tissot Superpole Race. Ending the year fifth overall with 13 podiums and the Best Independent Riders’ award, Toprak switched from Kawasaki to join the ranks of Yamaha and the Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK outfit.
In 2020, he finished his first season with Yamaha in fourth place, taking a stunning win in his first ever race for the team at Phillip Island, before two more followed during the final round of the year at Estoril. In 2021, he achieved 13 wins, 29 podiums and 3 pole positions. With a 25-point advantage over his closest competitor Jonathan Rea, Toprak Razgatlioglu becomes the 2021 WorldSBK Champion, the 18th one in Championship history, coincidentally crowned in the 18th final round title decider.
The newly-crowned Champion will remain with Yamaha until 2023 and both will aim to continue challenging many records. Their target will be set on making it two in a row for Razgatlioglu.
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK:“First, I want to say thank you to my family and to Kenan Sofuoglu because we are a big family. Also, thanks to my team, they did an incredible job this year. Sometimes we crashed, sometimes we had good races and finally we are here. I’m really happy. It’s a special day for me today because this Championship is for my dad. It has always been my dream. He’s not here anymore, he passed away, but I feel he is watching. I’m really happy. It’s an incredible day for me and we are World Champion. Thanks to everyone!”
Aprilia Racing Technical Director Romano Albesiano (left) with Rise Moto CEO Brandon Cretu (right) with an Aprilia RS250 SP2, the spec motorcycle to be used in the North America Talent Cup. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Introducing: the North America Talent Cup
A new path on the Road to MotoGP™ is set to begin in 2022
Tuesday, 23 November 2021
Dorna Sports is delighted to announce a new path on the Road to MotoGP™: the North America Talent Cup. Following the blueprint of other Talent Cup programmes, the series will be a one-make competition, with race weekends set to take place across the USA. The promoter and organiser will be a collaborative effort between MotoAmerica and Rise Moto. Rise Moto is an integral partner to MotoAmerica in the FIM MiniGP North America Series.
The new North America Talent Cup will partner with MotoAmerica and aims to provide riders across the continent with a vital link on the Road to MotoGP™, creating the stepping-stone between the FIM MiniGP North America Series and the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup or FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship. The sanctioning body will be the American Motorcyclist Association and FIM North America.
Riders will race on equal Aprilia RS250SP2 machinery and be between 13 and 16 years of age for the first season, with the minimum age raising to 14 from 2023 – as it will globally for similar competitions.
Rob Dingman, AMA and FIM North America President: “The North America Talent Cup is a perfect complement to MotoAmerica’s development efforts and will provide a critical element to the development of young road racers in North America.”
Wayne Rainey, MotoAmerica President: “The new North America Talent Cup will most definitely help us with our goal of developing more young riders who aspire to compete and represent the U.S. internationally, and we’re happy to be working with Dorna, Aprilia and Rise Moto to help make this happen. This program ensures that we will continue to build a system where young racers can advance their talents in a program designed to give them the tools they need to succeed. We look forward to the first race at Circuit of The Americas in April and to having the North America Talent Cup join us in our season finale at Barber Motorsports Park in September.”
Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing: “The North America Talent Cup, as a forge of future talent, fully reflects Aprilia’s racing philosophy of training technicians and riders who have gone on to make sports motorcycling history. Promising young American talent can count on a product we are proud of, the RS 250 SP2, already extremely popular as an intermediate step between MiniGP bikes and ‘high wheel’ bikes, thanks to its combination of performance and easy operation. I’m certain that we’ll see fun and educational races truly capable of launching new talent.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “We are delighted to announce this new project with Rise Moto and MotoAmerica, creating a vital new path on the Road to MotoGP. With the incredible success of the first FIM MiniGP World Series, we are more committed than ever to creating the best possible pathway for young riders from all over the world to further their careers, and the new North America Talent Cup, along with the MotoAmerica Championship, will complete the Road to MotoGP for riders across that continent.
“The support of Aprilia sees a new manufacturer become a key player on the Road to MotoGP, and all our partners will ensure the series is competitive and affordable – removing as many barriers as we can for those who wish to begin a career in racing and ensuring young talent has the best possible stage on which it can shine.”
THE EQUIPMENT & PARTNERS
Riders will race on equal Aprilia RS250SP2 machinery, with an affordable, complete race package to be priced especially for competitors.
The sole, official tyre supplier will be Dunlop. Seven sets of tyres will be provided per rider, per season.
KYT will be the helmet provider, providing two helmets per rider per season along with trackside support.
THE CALENDAR
The North America Talent Cup will be run across the USA as an Amateur National Series. The series will be limited to 20 riders for the first year with aims to expand the amount of riders permitted to 26 by 2023.
The season opener is planned to take place alongside MotoGP™ at the Circuit of the Americas. The remaining rounds will be held in partnership with AMA sanctioned racing organization WERA, and the final round will be with MotoAmerica at their season finale at Barber Motorsports Park.
OPPORTUNITIES ON THE ROAD TO MotoGP™
Riders accepted into the North American Talent Cup will benefit from trackside coaching at each round from professional riders, as well as training in communication, fitness and nutrition.
The Champion of FIM MiniGP North America Series will automatically gain a place on the North America Talent Cup grid the following season.
The top two in each season of the North America Talent Cup will be invited to take part in the selection event for the following season of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
APPLICATIONS
Applications for the inaugural Cup will open on the 1st of December and close on the 31st of December, 2021.
ANY ROAD, ANY TIME
The Kawasaki Versys® line of motorcycles was developed for people who have an adventurous spirit and seek out opportunities to explore the world we live in. Whether it’s reaching a remote corner of the world, devouring highway miles or commuting through the city, the passenger-friendly Versys motorcycles provide the ultimate platform for your next adventure or navigating through those long commutes.
The widely popular Versys® 650 and Versys® 650 LT return to Kawasaki’s lineup stronger than ever for 2022 with several upgrades including Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC), new TFT Color Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity, sharper front cowl styling, LED headlight, and an adjustable windshield to ensure you enjoy every ride.
The Versys 650 and Versys 650 LT are ready to take on any road, any time for your next adventure with their long-travel suspension, proven reliability, back-road capabilities, and superb fuel-efficiency. Having already solidified their place as fan favorites, the Versys 650 continues to be a top choice as the ultimate travel guide for riding enthusiasts who are looking for reliable performance and versatile fun.
· NEW TFT Color Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity
· NEW Sharper front cowl styling
· NEW LED headlight
· NEW 4-Way adjustable windshield
· Slim, upright riding position
· Sporty 17-inch cast aluminum wheels
· Standard ABS
ELECTRONIC RIDER AIDS
· NEW Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC)
For the first time on a Versys 650, the 2022 model is equipped with Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system that allows for enhanced sport riding performance and greater rider confidence. The system looks at a variety of factors for an accurate, real-time picture of conditions and acts before slippage exceeds the range for optimal traction and rider confidence. Two modes allow riders to adjust the system’s settings to suit the riding conditions and rider’s preference. In Mode 1, which is the least intrusive, the system helps manage traction during cornering and facilitates acceleration out of corners. Mode 2 allows for earlier intervention and reduces engine output when excessive wheel spin is detected, allowing for the tire to get maximum grip. Riders also have the option to turn the traction control system off using the switch located on the handlebar.
INSTRUMENTATION + STYLING
· NEW TFT Color Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity
· NEW Sharper front cowl styling
· NEW LED headlights
· NEW 4-Way adjustable windshield
A new 4.3” full-color all-digital TFT (thin-film transistor) instrument meter adorns the cockpit of the Versys 650 for model year 2022, giving the rider a high level of visibility during both day or night. The high-grade full color display features TFT technology, a selectable background color is offered (black or white) and the screen brightness automatically adjusts to suit available light. A wide variety of display functions are available and include a digital speedometer, digital bar-style tachometer, gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, external air temperature, clock, battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder, oil change reminder, and an Economical Riding Indicator. A Bluetooth® chip allows for connection to a compatible smartphone device and RIDEOLOGY THE APP*.
* RIDEOLOGY THE APP is not intended for use during vehicle operation. Only use RIDEOLOGY THE APP when the vehicle is not being operated and it is safe to do so.
All meter functions and traction control modes can be easily controlled with switches located on the left side of the handlebar.
Taking after its larger Versys 1000® brethren, the Versys 650 features sharp, flowing styling from the front of the motorcycle to the rear. The refreshed design of the upper cowling and surrounding bodywork updates the Versys 650 to the latest eye-catching Versys family look, and the sharp tail cowl reinforces the bike’s compact, sporty image. A redesigned under-cowl and the use of color and graphics on the gas tank and side covers add to the strong Versys family looks and create an appealing visual flow. New LED headlights add a modern and aggressive look to the front of the motorcycle, while an LED taillight gives the Versys a modern, sporty visual identity.
Accompanying the redesigned upper cowl is a new windshield, offering increased wind protection and adding to the rider’s comfort, making the Versys 650 a highly capable touring partner. The stylish windshield features four positions for three inches of total adjustability, ranging from a sporty lower height to a taller wind protection height, to suit the rider’s preference. The four positions can be conveniently adjusted by hand using a release button below the TFT screen.
ENGINE
The dependable fuel-injected 649cc, parallel twin engine powers this light and nimble street motorcycle with its lively performance and smooth acceleration. Tuned for excellent torque, the engine inspires confidence for daily commuters and provides fun on weekend trips. The torquey twin delivers a deep ribbon of power in the low- and mid-range of the powerband, while also pulling vigorously to the top of the rev range.
The exhaust is tuned to enhance high-end RPM power, with matching ECU settings that optimize fuel economy. When combined with a large 5.5-gallon fuel tank, the fun-to-ride 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 can enjoy extended periods between fill-ups.
Adding to the versatility of the motorcycle is its proven six-speed cassette style transmission that seamlessly shifts between the gears, enhancing maneuverability.
CHASSIS + SUSPENSION
Unique long-travel, high-tech suspension coupled with a comfortable riding position is critical to the multi-role mission of the Versys 650. Combine these qualities with a small, light and narrow frame and you have one of the most versatile bikes in Kawasaki’s motorcycle line-up.
In the front, the adjustable Showa fork increases rider confidence and comfort in all situations. It splits the damping and spring functions into separate fork tubes, giving the rider adjustability while the single spring also helps reduce weight. Longer outer fork tubes help to improve rigidity and provide the ultimate combination of light handling and supreme comfort. At the rear, a Showa shock allows riders to quickly make preload adjustments via the remote-mounted adjuster. This can compensate for cargo or passenger weight or be tuned to the rider’s preference.
BRAKES & WHEELS
The linear action ABS brake system comes as standard equipment and offers exellent performance and enhanced rider confidence in adverse conditions. Dual 300mm petal-style rotors with two-piston calipers in front and a single 220mm petal rotor with a single-piston caliper on the rear provide ample stopping power for the Versys 650, offering improved cooling and warp resistance compared to traditional brake discs. In fact, the same rotor design can be found on Kawasaki’s Ninja® supersport machines.
The Versys 650 features six-spoke cast aluminum wheels that are similar to the ones found on Ninja® ZX™-6R and ZX™-10R motorcycles, utilizing less material in between the spokes to reduce rim thickness and overall wheel weight. The lightweight wheels help to increase suspension performance, handling, acceleration, deceleration, and initial turn-in performance and come equipped with Dunlop Sportmax D222 tires for light handling and comfort.
VERSYS 650 LT FEATURES
In addition to all of the Versys 650’s features, the Versys 650 LT comes equipped with hand guards that help protect the rider’s hands against weather and wind, and a 28-liter KQR™ hard saddlebag set with quick release capabilities that can be removed and installed without the use of tools and offers enough space to fit a full face helmet. The hard saddlebag set also utilizes Kawasaki’s One Key System to keep things as simple as possible with the use of the ignition key.
ACCESSORIES
· NEW USB outlet
· NEW Tall Windshield
· LED Auxiliary Light Set
· KQR™ 28 Liter Hard Saddlebags
· Engine Guards
· Tank Pad
A full range of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories are available at authorized Kawasaki dealers, allowing riders to further enhance the Versys 650 to better suit their preferences. Options for the Versys 650 and Versys 650 LT include a new USB outlet with dual covers for high water resistance, engine guards, a tank pad, windshield kit that is lower for better wind resistance, a LED auxiliary light set, hand covers, a meter cover, a GPS navigation bracket, oil filler caps, hard saddlebag sets and fitting kits, and top case sets and fitting kits.
COLORS AND MSRP
The 2022 Versys® 650 motorcycle is available in Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black with an MSRP of $8,899 or Candy Lime Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black with an MSRP of $9,099.
The 2022 Versys® 650 LT motorcycle is available in Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black with an MSRP of $9,999.
A 12-month limited warranty is included with the Versys 650, while the Versys 650 LT features a 24-month limited warranty. Additionally, the Kawasaki Protection Plus™ plan (KPP) offers comprehensive coverage to extend the factory warranty and is available for purchase.
ABOUT KAWASAKI
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.
A 2022-model Aprilia RS 660 Limited Edition. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
APRILIA RS 660 LIMITED EDITION
IN ITS FIRST TIME PARTICIPATING, RS 660 DOMINATES IN MOTOAMERICA
A SPECIAL STARS AND STRIPES LIVERY CELEBRATES THE TRIUMPH OF THE MEDIUM SIZED ITALIAN SPORT BIKE IN THE PRESTIGIOUS AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP
1500 NUMBERED UNITS WITH RACING PACKAGE AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT TO INCLUDE SINGLE-SEAT TAIL-FAIRING COVER, OVERSIZED TOP FAIRING, AND QUICK SHIFT WITH UPSIDE-DOWN GEARBOX
A year after its launch on the market, Aprilia RS 660 is already celebrating its first important sports milestone. The medium-sized Italian sport bike made this achievement in the United States, dominating the 2021 edition of the Twins Cup, the prestigious American championship dedicated to medium engine capacity twin-cylinders within MotoAmerica, the premier motorcycle racing series in the States.
In celebration of this victory, at EICMA 2021, Aprilia introduces a numbered special edition of 1500 units of RS 660, characterized by a new stars and stripes livery inspired by the American flag. A color scheme closely derived from the special graphics on the bike that the Twins Cup champion, Kaleb De Keyrel, rode in the race at Vallelunga for the final round of the Aprilia RS 660 Trophy, where Kaleb had been invited to participate as a reward for his important championship victory on American soil.
Aprilia RS 660 Limited Edition also boasts a standard equipment package that includes some of the racing content from the competition version that proved to be unparalleled in the Twins Cup, taking 10 wins out of the 13 races held.
The sporty personality of Aprilia RS 660 Limited Edition is highlighted by the single-seat tail-fairing cover, which eliminates the passenger seat, enhancing the sleek design of the rear. The passenger’s seat comes with the bike, which is still approved for two-up riding. The oversized top fairing ensures greater protection for the rider against the wind, both on the road and on the track, and it also has the software that lets you set up the quick shift gearbox in upside-down configuration. This means that, depending on your needs, you can configure the gearbox entirely on your own, without replacing any parts on the bike, in street or upside-down version – ideal for the occasional track day.
A badge located on the fuel tank bears the progressive number of the bike and indicates the limited-edition of 1500 units.
Aprilia RS 660’s Winning Streak in MotoAmerica
Just a few months after making its début in the U.S.A. on an American track that is one of the most iconic in the world, the Laguna Seca circuit in California – ridden by Pikes Peak record holder astride an Aprilia Tuono V4, Rennie Scaysbrook – Aprilia RS 660 was the immediate protagonist of a thrilling sports story. Approved just in time for the beginning of the 2021 Twins Cup, the Italian twin-cylinder 659cc motorcycle took the top three spots straight away in the opening race on the Road Atlanta circuit. It was a blinding start, in some ways unexpected, followed by a winning streak: 10 total wins out of 13 races held, plus another 16 podiums (9 second places and 7 third places) and 6 pole positions. That first, extraordinary one-two-three was followed by others, at historic Laguna Seca circuit and in both races held in New Jersey.
Five of the 10 total wins were achieved by Kaleb De Keyrel, crowned Twins Cup 2021 champion astride his Aprilia RS 660 prepared by the Robem Engineering team. The other victories were credited to Jody Barry, Cory Ventura, Anthony Mazziotto (two wins) and Tommaso Marcon. The Aprilia RS 660 therefore confirmed its status as a versatile bike, able to win on extremely different circuits and with riders who have different riding styles.
A 2022-model Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
APRILIA TUONO 660 FACTORY
TUONO 660 FACTORY DESCENDS DIRECTLY FROM TUONO V4 FACTORY AND INHERITS ITS KEY VALUES, BOASTING CONSIDERABLE EQUIPMENT AND PERFORMANCE
EVERY APRILIA FACTORY IS AN EXTRAORDINARY BIKE. TUONO 660 IS DEDICATED TO THE NEW GENERATION OF MOTORCYCLISTS WHO DEMAND MAXIMUM RIDING ENJOYMENT
181 KG FOR 100 HP: TUONO 660 FACTORY IS LIGHTER, MORE SOPHISTICATED, AND FLAUNTS FIRST-RATE EQUIPMENT
The Factory versions of Aprilia sports bikes have always been flagship products, dedicated to the most demanding and skilled riders, who can appreciate the quality of the most sophisticated outfitting.
And now, the Factory trim is also available for the Tuono 660, which makes for a Tuono with unparalleled dynamic qualities, the most efficient and fun to use on the road and a true generator of emotions, accessible to everyone. All this, while respecting the Aprilia 660 project that promises bikes with a sensational weight/power ratio that are lightweight, high-performance, and built around the brand-new latest generation Aprilia parallel twin.
With respect to Tuono 660, already widely recognized and appreciated by the public and critics for its outstanding chassis qualities, Tuono 660 Factory boasts more sophisticated suspension, better suited to sport riding. The Kayaba fork with 41mm stanchions is fully adjustable in its compression and rebound damping and spring pre-load, while the Sachs shock with separate reservoir is also adjustable in its compression and rebound damping and spring pre-load.
There is an even better weight/power ratio, one of the main goals for all new Aprilia 660 models and already outstanding on the Tuono 660, thanks to the adoption of a light lithium battery that contributes to reducing the overall weight by roughly 2 kg (the curb weight is now 181 kg) and better engine performance.
A compact and lightweight latest-generation engine, the 660cc forward-facing twin with DOHC timing and four valves per cylinder is the result of experience gained with the very powerful engine that equips RSV4, from which the construction philosophy and basic concepts derive. The engine has a load-bearing function and houses the aluminum swingarm in its rear section. Combustion is asymmetric and offset by 270° to obtain irregular combustion which translates into performance and sound like that of a V-twin. The engine boasts even more drive-in acceleration, thanks to the use of a shorter final drive, with a 16-tooth pinion gear, one less than Tuono 660. The maximum torque remains unchanged, with 67 Nm at 8500 rpm, 80% of which is available from 4000 rpm, or 90% on reaching 6250 rpm.
Tuono 660 Factory offers a full suite of APRC electronic controls with a Ride-by-Wire electronic accelerator and six-axis inertial platform as standard. The latter, thanks to the accelerometers and gyroscopes it contains, can recognize the bike’s condition with respect to the road, measuring and processing the inputs that result from riding and sending the data to a control unit that intervenes to optimize the control parameters. The Tuono 660 Factory APRC includes ATC (Aprilia Traction Control), adjustable traction control characterized by high-performance intervention strategies; AWC (Aprilia Wheelie Control), the adjustable wheelie control system; ACC (Aprilia Cruise Control) to maintain a steady speed without using the throttle; AQS (Aprilia Quick Shift), the electronic gearbox that allows for very rapid shifting without closing the throttle or using the clutch. It is also equipped with the downshift function, to allow for clutchless downshifting; AEB (Aprilia Engine Brake), the adjustable system to control engine braking when closing the throttle; AEM (Aprilia Engine Map), with different mappings via which to alter the engine’s character and delivery.
Tuono 660 Factory also benefits from multi-map Cornering ABS. With its extremely contained weight and dimensions, the system can optimize braking and ABS intervention through the corners, thanks to a specific algorithm that constantly monitors various parameters such as lateral acceleration, the pressure applied to the front brake lever, and the lean, pitch and yaw angle, modulating the braking action to optimize the ratio between deceleration and stability.
As with the Tuono 660, there are five customizable Riding Modes (three for road use and two for track use) to simplify life on-board. The rider needs only to choose the Riding Mode that best interprets his or her riding needs to automatically obtain the best settings in terms of traction control, wheelie control, engine brake, ABS, and the other managed parameters. Adoption of the inertial platform has also allowed for activation of the “bending lights” function, incorporated into the front LED light cluster complete with perimeter DRL (this pair of additional lights illuminate the entire corner, increasing visibility when leaning).
With its reduced surfaces effectively highlighting a dynamic, sport character, the bike’s design stands out for the innovative double fairing that serves as an aerodynamic appendage. The pressure of the air channeled between the two walls contributes to optimizing stability at high speeds and, at the same time, increases rider comfort by protecting against direct air flow, also deflecting the hot air extracted from the engine. The Tuono 660 Factory version is further enhanced with the aggressive and sporty Factory Dark graphics and the presence of the single-seat tail fairing, painted black and red and supplied as standard together with the passenger seat and footpegs. These pegs, like those of the rider, are the same as those of the Aprilia RS 660.
Sean Dylan Kelly (4) in action during Moto2 testing at Jerez in early 2022. Photo courtesy Sean Dylan Kelly.
Celestino Vietti, riding his VR46 Racing Team Kalex, was unofficially quickest on Day Two of private Moto2 and Moto3 team testing at the Jerez Circuit, in Spain. Vietti’s best lap time was a 1:41.706, which isn’t far off Sam Lowes’ race lap record of 1:41.313.
Celestino Vietti (13). Photo courtesy VR46 Racing Team.
American Sean Dylan Kelly (1:42.749), the 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and a rookie in the Moto2 World Championship, was unofficially ninth out of at least 20 riders testing Monday. Kelly’s teammate, five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier (1:43.237), was unofficially ranked 17th on Monday.
“No words!!!” Kelly posted to his Facebook page. “Incredible test and so happy to have started working with the American Racing Team. 177 laps in 2 days! Learning, adapting, working!! Really enjoyed riding the Moto2 bike and really happy with the outcome of these two days. Now eyes on 2022!!! Thank you ALL #SDK40”
The timing and scoring screen at the end of the day Monday at Jerez.
More, from a press release issued by VR46 Racing Team:
MOTO2 DEBUT ON THE KALEX FOR NICCOLÒ ANTONELLI
Two days of testing in Andalusia for the rookie of the VR46 Racing Team on track today with Celestino Vietti Ramus
Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), November 22nd 2021 – First steps towards the start of the 2022 season for the VR46 Racing Team in Jerez de la Frontera for a two days of testing for the Moto2 crew.
Yesterday Niccolò Antonelli make his debut on the Kalex and began to become familiar with the new bike. Overall a good Sunday and positive feelings with a best lap time of 1: 45.388 (51 laps) for the rookie who returned to work again today for the Dunlop test reserved to the Moto2 class, signing a good 1: 43.214 (64 laps).
Celestino Vietti Ramus was also on track today and immediately found the feeling he has in the last races and finished at the top of the standings with a best lap time of 1: 41.706 (78 laps).
Both riders will be back on track next February for the first testing session of the 2022 season.
Celestino Vietti:
A good test, definitely positive also considering the 2022 season. We tried new settings and the Dunlop compounds. The feeling was not bad at all and I am happy to say goodbye to the Team in this way. They were two beautiful days with the guys and also my new team mate (Niccolò Antonelli). Now a few weeks off and then full gas for the new season.
Niccolo Antonelli:
An incredible experience, I’m really happy to have tried the Moto2: I immediately felt at ease with the new Team. A pity for the weather, the tarmac has never been completely dry, but we have already managed to understand a lot about the new bike. Compared to yesterday, the feelings are good and we already know where to improve during the winter to be able to make a step forward. I can’t wait to get back on track in 2022.
Pablo Nieto, Team Manager:
A good debut for Niccolò and Celestino in Jerez. Two days of uncertain weather and not very high temperatures where it was important, especially for Niccolò, to begin to become familiar with the new bike. Niccolò took his first steps on the Kalex and the feelings are good. Celestino also did well, on the positive trend that has characterised the last races of the season. Let’s enjoy a few weeks off now and get back on track in 2022.
More, from a press release issued by Marc VDS Racing Team:
Lowes and Arbolino kick off 2022 Moto2 preparations in Jerez
Elf Marc VDS Racing has concluded a productive and positive one-day Dunlop tyre test at the Jerez track in Spain, with the Belgian squad thrilled to welcome Tony Arbolino for his first public appearance in the Team’s famous livery.
Damp and cool conditions prevented Sam Lowes and Arbolino from venturing out on track yesterday, but they were able to circulate in more favourable weather today.
Arbolino enjoyed a busy but positive final day on track in 2021 while assessing a range of tyres for Dunlop and acquainting himself with his new crew for next season.
Lowes limited his time on track today while still in considerable discomfort from the right foot injury he suffered during the opening practice session ahead of the final round in Valencia earlier this month.
“I’ll focus on being strong when we return in 2022”
Sam Lowes:
“We weren’t able to complete as many laps as I’d hoped coming into this test, but my foot was more painful than I expected. On a race weekend there’s not much time to think about an injury and the adrenaline always helps block out the pain. But at a test there’s more time to think and my foot felt quite sore. Track conditions weren’t fantastic, and I didn’t feel like I was able to push at my limit to give Dunlop the correct information and feedback required, so it was the right decision to stop and begin the recovery in the winter. It’s still been a positive test from the perspective of meeting some new members in the Team and sharing some time with Tony. The atmosphere is really good between everybody and that’s a great way to go into the winter break so I can focus on being strong when we get going again in 2022.”
“Already in this Team I feel we can achieve great results in 2022”
Tony Arbolino:
“Honestly, I’m feeling a bit tired at the end of the day because I did 96 laps, but it feels fantastic to begin working with my crew and this Team and we did a lot of good work. I instantly felt at home and comfortable with my crew and I felt very good on the bike, and we made some positive improvements throughout the day. The important thing now is to enjoy the winter break and have a good rest because already I feel like in this Team we can achieve great results in 2022.”
More, from a press release issued by Gresini Racing:
POSITIVE DEBUT FOR SALAC AND ZACCONE WITH GRESINI MOTO2 TEAM
Gresini Racing has concluded the opening test of the 2022 Moto2 World Championship winter season – and the last track outing of 2021 – with new arrivals Alessandro Zaccone and Filip Salac, both rookies in the category. It was surely an interesting two-day test, which saw both riders trying their skills in every possible track condition, from wet to dry, with the sole goal to find the best feeling with their Triumph-powered Kalex machines.
The two days of testing have been positive, with both riders able to constantly improve both their lap-times and confidence with the new bike. Filip Salac finished eighth after completing around 100 laps between yesterday and today. Alessandro Zaccone ended up right behind his new teammate (10th) despite a crash in the final moments of the test.
8º – FILIP SALAC #12 (1’42.548)
“The first day on the Moto2 bike was perfect. We quickly adapted to this bike even though we still need a lot more to be competitive. There’s a great feeling with the team already, and so with the bike: we improved lap after lap while trying to find the limit on a track which was far from ideal. We also had more reference points today with all riders on track – and dry conditions. We have been fast and I’m happy with the work done and I believe the team is, too.”
10º – ALESSANDRO ZACCONE #61 (1’42.783)
“Good feeling with the team and the bike. We tried a lot of things and with the soft tyre today we were unable to be quick, but it’s more due to my fitness condition than else. Despite a bit of traffic in the last split we were able to lap in 1’42.7… We could have almost been in the top five lap-time wise. Too bad for the crash at the last lap: I let the tyre cool down a bit too much, hence the crash. Generally speaking, though, things went very well and I think we can have a good season.”
A 2022-model Yamaha MT-10 SP. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Unveils Thrilling Next Generation MT-10 & New MT-10 SP
The Definitive New ‘Master of Torque’
MARIETTA, Ga. – November 22, 2021 –Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is excited to announce the next generation of our flagship MT model, the all-new 2022 Yamaha MT-10, and for the first time in the North American market, the all-new 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP. Derived from the World Superbike and MotoAmerica Superbike dominating Yamaha YZF-R1, the MT-10 is the pinnacle of Yamaha’s Hyper Naked range boasting the renowned high-torque 998cc CP4 engine, supremely capable aluminum Deltabox YZF-R1 frame and ultra-aggressive naked styling for superbike levels of performance in a refined, street-focused package.
The Dark Side of Japan
Since 2013, the Dark Side of Japan has been the inspiration behind the development of Yamaha’s ‘Master of Torque’ MT models, bringing a new level of excitement and dynamism to the sport-naked class. Inspired by the provocative design concepts emerging from Japan’s vibrant, unconventional motorsport subculture, Yamaha’s MT models are conceived and built by people who eat, breathe and sleep motorcycles. With a focus on torque-rich engine performance, agile handling and aggressive looks, every MT is designed to deliver a thrilling, sporty ride that reinforces the passion for two wheels. With over a quarter of a million MT models sold since the first model arrived eight years ago, Yamaha’s Hyper Naked family provides enthusiasts around the world the opportunity to experience the Dark Side of Japan for themselves.
2022 YAMAHA MT-10—THE DEFINITIVE ‘MASTER OF TORQUE’
Compact, Minimalist Styling & Enhanced Ergonomics
From the launch of the very first MT-10, Yamaha’s flagship Hyper Naked established a reputation for being one of the most distinctive and aggressively styled bikes in the category. The next evolution of the MT-10 continues this tradition with a stripped-down new look achieved by removing unnecessary bodywork elements and refocusing attention on the pure mechanical beauty of the muscular engine and compact frame. Mounted on either side of the fuel tank cover, enlarged functional intake ducts increase efficiency while visually enhancing the bike’s new, aggressive look.
The ‘face’ of every motorcycle is one of the most significant design elements, shaping the way it is perceived. New twin-eye mono-focus LED headlights and LED position lights situated above the headlights combine with a more compact nose assembly to minimize overhang and lend a more refined, dominant look. Separate high and low beam units provide excellent illumination and project a powerful, even beam with softer light at the edges.
Ergonomics are also enhanced for greater comfort and control. Protruding areas around the fuel tank are reduced offering more freedom of movement and better feel when the rider grips the tank with their knees under hard braking or cornering. The 2022 model’s ‘rider triangle’—the bar/footrest/seat relationship—is improved with the hip position lowered for a feeling of sitting more within the bike. Additionally, seat firmness is modified to further enhance comfort.
New Six-Axis Inertial Measurement Unit with Rider Aids
New for 2022, the MT-10 takes a significant step forward in technological advancement with the addition of Yamaha’s state-of-the-art six-axis IMU. Originally developed for the YZF-R1, the new IMU on the MT-10 has now evolved into a smaller and lighter unit, featuring two sensors that measure three-axis angular velocity (pitch, roll and yaw) and three-axis acceleration (forward/backward, up/down and left/right). This data is transmitted to the ECU to seamlessly control the bike’s increased array of electronic rider aids based on the vehicles speed and position.
Lean Sensitive Traction Control System The new MT-10 benefits from one of the most advanced traction control systems in its class. Using the six-axis IMU data in conjunction with relative front and rear wheel speed data, this new lean sensitive traction control system adjusts the degree of intervention to correspond with the bike’s lean angle. A total of five intervention levels are available or the system can be turned off completely.
Slide Control System (SCS) For increased cornering confidence, the MT-10 is equipped with the latest Slide Control System (SCS). When IMU sensors identify that the rear wheel is beginning to slide sideways, the ECU intervenes by reducing drive to the rear wheel until the chassis is stabilized. The system is adjustable between three pre-set intervention levels or can be turned off completely.
Lift Control System (LIF) The MT-10’s new Lift Control System (LIF) uses IMU data to monitor front wheel lift. This data is sent to the ECU and used to control engine output for a seamless regulation of front wheel lift during starts and acceleration. The system is adjustable between three pre-set intervention levels or can be turned off completely.
Engine Brake Management (EBM) EBM controls the degree of engine braking force when decelerating, providing the rider with a choice of two level settings. Level 1 allows more engine braking while Level 2 reduces engine braking, enabling the rider to choose their preferred level for prevailing riding conditions.
Brake Control System (BC) The Brake Control (BC) System allows riders to select between two modes of ABS intervention. BC1 Mode is a standard ABS-active mode for straight-line braking conditions. BC2 Mode uses IMU data to determine lean angle and changes the ABS sensitivity as lean angle increases.
Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) While all electronic rider aids on the new MT-10 can be adjusted independently, Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) simplifies the process for owners by offering four different selectable riding modes, each with pre-set traction control, SCS, QSS, LIF, EBM and BC system settings to match ride preference.
Quick Shift System
An up and down Quick Shift System (QSS) is standard on the 2022 MT-10. By enabling quick, clutchless shifting both up and down the gear box, this system makes full-on acceleration more exciting, downshifting faster and smoother, with less chassis disruption when changing gears.
Updated ‘High-Torque’ 998cc CP4 Engine
The next evolution of the MT-10 is equipped with a refined version of the liquid-cooled CP4 crossplane engine derived from the race-ready YZF-R1 powerplant. With a linear, torque-rich delivery, this is the most potent and technologically advanced engine ever seen on a Yamaha Hyper Naked motorcycle. Fuel injection settings have been optimized, and design of the intake and exhaust systems were modified to lend the MT-10 a torquier, more street-focused engine character.
Tuned Intake Sound
The sound made by any motorcycle—whether intake or exhaust—is one of its most defining characteristics. Yamaha’s engineers have focused intently on creating an unrivaled soundtrack for the MT-10 by designing an all-new intake system. With the crossplane CP4 engine’s innovative uneven firing interval, the MT-10 emits a distinctive intake and exhaust noise characterized by a rumbling growl at low rpm and a high-pitched roar at high rpm. A new air box with three differing-length intake ducts tuned to resonate harmoniously at varying engine speeds creates a unique intake roar that enhances the overall riding experience. Sound is heightened further by new Acoustic Amplifier Grilles positioned on the front left and right of the fuel tank, transmitting this tuned induction soundtrack directly to the rider, adding to the thrill when opening the throttle.
Advanced Ride-By-Wire Throttle with Four Power Delivery Modes
New for 2022, the next generation MT-10 now features the Accelerator Position Sensor Grip (APSG), the same unit found on the YZF-R1. Eliminating the need for traditional throttle cables by using a sensor and magnet within the throttle grip housing to send throttle position data to the ECU, the system also employs a spring, slider and gear mechanism to produce varying degrees of resistance to recreate a natural throttle feel during use. The rider can also change throttle response characteristics by adjusting the PWR (Power delivery mode) between four different power modes.
New 4.2-Inch Full-Color TFT Display
The 2022 MT-10 now comes equipped with a new premium 4.2-inch full-color TFT display, featuring a clear, easy to read screen and intuitive function navigation controlled by a scrolling menu switch on the right handlebar and a quick-select mode switch on the left handlebar.
Brembo Radial Master Cylinder
The MT-10’s front braking system features large 320mm dual floating discs paired with 4-piston radial-mounted calipers. New for 2022, performance is enhanced with the addition of a Brembo radial brake master cylinder, offering improved feel at the lever and increased control under hard braking.
Lightweight Aluminum Deltabox Frame
Derived from the class leading R1, the MT-10’s aluminum Deltabox frame is central to the confidence inspiring handling. Originally developed to cope with the demands of a high-horsepower superbike under race conditions, this high-tech frame uses the CP4 engine as a fully stressed member to keep weight to a minimum. Equipped with a long aluminum swingarm while still maintaining a compact 55.3-inch (1405mm) wheelbase, the chassis delivers stable, light and agile handling in a wide variety of low- and high-speed riding conditions.
Optimized Front & Rear Suspension
The MT-10’s suspension system uses optimized model-specific settings front and rear that are designed to provide confidence-inspiring grip, precise handling and a plush ride, whether navigating urban streets or carving up mountain bends. The fully adjustable high-spec 43mm KYB front forks and fully adjustable KYB rear shock can be easily set up to match varying loads and personal riding preferences.
MT-10 Colors, Availability & Price
The 2022 Yamaha MT-10 will be offered in two color options reflecting the Dark Side of Japan styling ethos: Cyan Storm or Matte Raven Black. It will be available from dealers in March 2022 for an MSRP of $13,999.
2022 YAMAHA MT-10 SP—THE ULTIMATE ‘MASTER OF TORQUE’
Yamaha’s much revered SP models represent the pinnacle of machine development, featuring the most sophisticated specifications available. For 2022, Yamaha is excited to offer an all-new Yamaha MT-10 SP model to the U.S. market. Just as the Yamaha MT-10 draws inspiration from the Yamaha YZF-R1 superbike, the all-new MT-10 SP draws inspiration from the ultimate Yamaha superbike, the ultra-advanced, ultra-exclusive Yamaha YZF-R1M. Along with all the high-spec features of the standard 2022 MT-10, the new MT-10 SP takes the model to an even higher level of performance and advancement with the inclusion of Öhlins Semi-Active Suspension and exclusive YZF-R1M-inspired colorway with premium styling accents for the ultimate Hyper Naked.
Öhlins Semi-Active Suspension System
The new MT-10 SP is designed for riders who want the most exclusive Hyper Naked with the most advanced chassis technology. Although the Yamaha R1M features a similar Öhlins suspension system, the new MT-10 SP is the first production motorcycle to be fitted with the Öhlins’ next generation electronically controlled suspension employing the latest spool valve damping. This state-of-the-art technology provides an even greater range of damping adjustments and a higher degree of response.
Riders can choose between three semi-active damping modes (A-1, A-2, A-3), as well as three manual settings (M-1, M-2, M-3). When any of the automatic modes are selected the system adjusts rebound and compression damping continuously to match the current running conditions, ensuring the most appropriate settings are always in play. Semi-active damping modes include:
A-1 (Sport) – Designed to provide exceptional feedback on the track or twisty secondary roads with a high degree of front and rear feel, along with good chassis stability during hard acceleration or braking.
A-2 (Intermediate) – Best suited to daily riding or urban commuting.
A-3 (Tour) – Designed for touring conditions with an emphasis on comfort and stability.
Manual mode allows precise electronic adjustment of compression and rebound damping for both the front fork and rear shock. Managed through the YRC menu, the suspension can be tailored to suit the exact rider style or riding environment required.
Exclusive Lower Fairing
The new MT-10 SP also comes equipped with an exclusive color-matched lower fairing for a more aggressive race-bred look, additionally serving to direct more air to the oil cooler at speed.
Braided Steel Brake Lines
Braided steel brake lines are fitted as standard on the MT-10 SP, providing a high level of feel at the lever and more resistance to fade under track conditions and extreme temperatures.
MT-10 SP Color, Availability & Price
The 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP’s exclusive Liquid Metal/Raven color scheme signifies its top of the Hyper Naked range status and highlights the close technological links with the YZF-R1M. It will be available from dealers in May 2022 for an MSRP of $16,899.
Follow Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, through your favorite social media sites at www.facebook.com/yamahamotorusa, www.instagram.com/yamahamotorusa, www.twitter.com/yamahamotorusa. #Yamaha #YamahaMotor #YamahaMotorUSA
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida) and Kracor Systems (Wisconsin), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana).
More, from a press release issued by FIM CEV Repsol Press Office:
Holgado and Martinez crowned Champions in Valencia
The Spaniards wrapped up the FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship and Hawkers European Talent Cup titles on a thrilling final race day of the year
In front of 10,000 fans at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Daniel Holgado (Aspar Team) and Maximo Martinez (Team Honda Laglisse) were crowned 2021 Champions on a phenomenal Sunday finale, as the duo wrapped up the FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship and Hawkers European Talent Cup titles respectively. The Spaniards join Fermin Aldeguer (Boscoscuro Team Ciatti) in becoming the 2021 FIM CEV Repsol Champions across the Moto3™, Moto2™ European Championship and Hawkers European Talent Cup classes.
In the FIM Moto3™ JWCh, Holgado took the title in Race 1 after finishing ninth, with closest rival David Muñoz (Avatel – Cardoso Racing) unable to make a comeback from a pitlane start. With Muñoz 19th and Ivan Ortola (Team MTA) third, Holgado was crowned Champion on Sunday morning in a race that saw Joel Kelso (AGR Team) take a sensational win from the back row of the grid. David Alonso (Aspar Team) joined Kelso and Ortola on the Race 1 podium. In Race 2, the shackles were off. Holgado grabbed the holeshot and was in the lead group throughout, with the race ultimately coming down to the final lap. Ortola led out the final corner, but Holgado snatched victory to end his title-winning campaign on top, with Ortola and David Salvador (TM Factory Racing) completing the rostrum.
Race 1 in the Hawkers ETC saw Martinez show no signs of Championship leading pressure. The Spaniard fended off Jacob Roulstone (Leopard Impala Junior) to win, putting him 20 points clear of Xabi Zurutuza and fellow Cuna de Campeones rider Adrian Cruces heading into the final showdown. Despite a nervy race – which saw Martinez tackle a Long Lap Penalty and a drop one position penalty for exceeding track limits on the last lap – Martinez’ sixth place handed him the 2021 title, with Zurutuza and Cruces colliding and running into the gravel at Turn 12 on the last lap. Alvaro Carpe (MT-Foundation 77), after a crash in Race 1, notched up his second win of the season in Race 2, as Brian Uriarte (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) and Roulstone made up the last podium of 2021.
There was only one race for the Moto2™ ECh riders to contend with, and Alonzo Lopez (Boscoscuro Team Ciatti) won for the second time this season in a red-flagged encounter. The race was stopped five laps from the end after Leon Orgis’ (Avintia Esponsorama Junior) machine spilt oil on the start/finish straight. This handed race leader Lopez victory over second place Aldeguer, with Lukas Tulovic (Liqui Moly Intact SIC Racing) picking up P3 as the top three in the overall standings celebrate the final podium of the season together.
So that’s it for FIM CEV Repsol action – both in 2021 and for good. Next year, a new era begins in the form of the FIM JuniorGP. Congratulations to Holgado, Martinez and Aldeguer for their title-winning seasons!
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office;
Rea doubles up in Indonesia with wet-weather WorldSBK victory after thrilling battles
Jonathan Rea (1) beats Scott Redding (45) to the checkered flag in Indonesia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
The season ended with an incredible battle between second and third in the Championship in a rain-affected shortened Race 2
A shortened Race 2 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit provided plenty of drama in wet conditions, with a delay to the start due to weather conditions meaning the race was run to a reduced 12 laps, down from the originally planned 21 laps. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) doubled up on victories in Indonesia as he battled it out with Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) for victory.
A WET WEATHER MASTERCLASS FROM REA AND REDDING…
As the race got underway, newly crowned Champion Toprak Razgatligolu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) kept the lead from the race, with the lead five quickly looking to break away. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) were able to break away with relentless pace as they battled it out for Race 2 honours.
Rea and Redding both exchanged first place as they looked to end the season on the top step of the rostrum, including a superb move around the outside of the Ducati rider on Lap 7, although Redding was able to respond. As the final lap started, Redding was able to make a move into Turn 1 before Rea responded into Turn 10. Heading into Turn 16, Redding went up the inside of Rea but ran wide, allowing Rea to move back into the lead of the race and claim his second victory at Mandalika for the 215th podium of his career. Redding’s second place earnt Ducati their 660th race on the podium.
INTENSE BATTLE FOR THE PODIUM
Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) got a good start to be in the lead group of five riders, and on Lap 4 he looked to move up the order into a podium place. Into Turn 17, Bassani and Michael van der Mark (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) made contact and Bassani crashed out of the race, with the incident placed under investigation by the FIM WorldSBK Stewards, with no further action taken. On the run to Turn 17, Bassani and Razgatlioglu were battling which allowed van der Mark to get alongside Bassani on the exit.
Van der Mark and Razgatlioglu battled it out for third place with the former teammates going head-to-head for the final place on the podium, with van der Mark passing the 2021 Champion on Lap 7 to claim his third podium of the 2021 and the 50th podium placement in WorldSBK for BMW. Razgatlioglu came home in fourth place meaning the gap between him and Rea at the end of the season was 13 points, while it also secured the Manufacturers’ Championship for Yamaha for only the second time; Yamaha winning the Riders’, Teams’ and Manufacturers’ titles in 2021.
ROUNDING OUT 2021 IN THE TOP TEN
Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) finished his BMW stint with a top five finish in the wet conditions, finishing three seconds clear of Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in sixth place. Gerloff’s result, coupled with Bassani’s retirement, meant Gerloff claimed the Best Independent Rider award for 2021. He finished ahead of teammate Kohta Nozane in seventh place, the best of his rookie season in WorldSBK as he ended the season on a high.
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) finished in eighth place after a battle with Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in Race 2. Although Rinaldi did get ahead of Locatelli on track, he had a crash at Turn 6 which forced him out of the race and allowed Locatelli to claim fourth in the Championship standings. Following the race, Rinaldi was transported to RSUD NTB Hospital by air ambulance for further assessments after being diagnosed with a cervical strain. Isaac Viñales (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) ended his rookie campaign with his best result of the season with ninth, ahead of fellow Spaniard Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC); whose Team HRC career ended with a top ten finish.
TAKING HOME POINTS
Frenchman Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha) finished 11th place after he battled with the retiring Chaz Davies (Team GoEleven) in the closing stages of the race, with Davies ending his WorldSBK career with 99 podiums, 32 victories and 2999.5 points. Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) finished in 13th place and Samuele Cavalieri (Barni Racing Team) was 14th and the last of the classified riders.
TO NOTE
Despite a good start and running in the top six, Leandro Mercado (MIE Racing Honda Team) crashed out of the race at Turn 14.
Oliver König (OUTDO TPR Team Pedercini Racing) was declared unfit after a Race 1 crash, where he was diagnosed with a minimal head injury. Leon Haslam’s Team HRC farewell came to a premature end after he was declared unfit with a right shoulder functional impairment and missed both races, while Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was declared unfit with a right acromioclavicular join separation.
P1 Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)
“Super happy. Thanks to my team, they made all the right decisions. After our tough FP1, we got the bike in a really good area. To come here and win in the dry, win in the wet, in front of the amazing fans… massive thanks to the fans who stayed around in the wet weather. It was so nice to get a race, albeit it was very wet. Super happy with our effort this year. I rode with a lot of heart. I did my best, no regrets. Congratulations again to Toprak and Yamaha and look forward to battling again in 2022.”
P2 Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“I didn’t do as well as Chaz when he left, he took the win! I did my best. None of us have done any wet weather riding this weekend. It was just everyone for themselves, go out and you see it at the beginning of the race; swapping and changing. Jonny got the rhythm. I felt strong then he come past me. I was behind him, I was faster. I think you get a lot of judgement when someone’s in front of you. I tried at the end. Jonny made a small mistake. I pushed. He passed me quite hard on the brakes, it was a big aggressive. I said ‘okay, let’s try it back for the last corner’. I was locking fronts, locking rears. It’s been an amazing season.”
P3 Michael van der Mark (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
“I’m really happy with this podium. I had an amazing fight with Toprak on track and I really enjoyed this even though I think I could’ve ended up further towards the front. I’m really proud to be on the podium here. We saw today the tarmac is fantastic and in the wet conditions we could have some awesome battles, and in the dry.”
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Gerloff Wins Independent Riders’ Championship, Nozane Achieves Best WorldSBK Result in Indonesia
Garrett Gerloff. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
At the 2021 FIM Superbike World Championship finale in Indonesia, the GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team added to their Independent Teams’ trophy, with Garrett Gerloff winning the Independent Riders’ title, while rookie teammate Kohta Nozane scored his best result in seventh.
Rain returned to the Mandalika International Street Circuit on Sunday, but it held off for the morning’s postponed first race. With the track still damp from the early showers though, Gerloff immediately lost positions from his fourth-place grid slot to run 13th early on. He was unable to challenge back inside the top 10 and eventually crossed the line in 11th.
Race 2 was delayed due to a heavy downpour prior to the start, and the organisers took the decision to shorten the contest to 12 laps. After a good initial getaway, the American dropped back outside the top 10 in the melee of the first corners, but he was able to make an impressive comeback through the field and eventually brought his Yamaha R1 home in sixth place. The result saw the Texan end the 2021 campaign seventh in the overall standings and first of the Independent riders.
Nozane was 15th in the tricky mixed conditions in Race 1, but went on to enjoy his best performance yet of his maiden WorldSBK campaign in the afternoon. Starting 16th, the Japanese rider was up to ninth by the end of the first lap, and showed impressive pace to run sixth by lap four. Gerloff managed to pass the 2020 JSB1000 All-Japan Champion, who was comfortably ahead of Pata Yamaha’s Andrea Locatelli by the chequered flag.
Garrett Gerloff: P11 & P6
GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team
“I wish we could have had a dry race. To have ever-changing conditions for two days in a row was a bit frustrating, but I am happy to have finished the season. The track in the wet was amazing today, it had a lot of grip and there was not too much standing water, but it just took me a while to find the limit. I just prefer racing in the dry, it’s less scary. Now I know where the limit in the wet is, though, and I felt really fast in the dry earlier in the weekend, so I look forward to coming back next year. I am also really happy that I was able to keep the lead in the Independents’ Championship to give it to the team, they deserved a positive result. I look forward to 2022 and to the winter tests, so we can work on some things. Next year I need to improve my consistency and the first couple of laps of my races, for sure, because I am not quick nor aggressive enough at the start. The bike feels great, but I need to work on myself.”
Kohta Nozane: P15 & P7
GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team
“Today, I had a very difficult time in Race 1. The conditions were very tricky as sometimes it was raining, sometimes it wasn’t, and my final result was not good. Then I hit the reset button and focused fully on Race 2, which was run in the wet. I like these conditions but it was my first time at this track in the rain, so it wasn’t easy. It was the same for everybody, though, and I was confident I could do well. In the end I achieved my best result of the season, a seventh place result, after running my best race so far in WorldSBK. Next season, though, I will need to make a step up and the target for 2022 is to make it onto the podium for the first time.”
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Toprak Razgatlioglu is the new WorldSBK Champion
The Turkish rider claimed the 2021 WorldSBK Championship in Indonesia, denying Jonathan Rea a seventh consecutive title
Toprak Razgatlioglu, the 2021 FIM Superbike World Champion. Photo courtesy Dorna.
After a hard-fought 2021 season, Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) was crowned the 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Champion at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit. Toprak Razgatlioglu is the first rider to dethrone six-time WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), also becoming the first ever Turkish WorldSBK Champion.
Razgatlioglu claimed the lead of the standings after an eventful Donington Park weekend, although his lead didn’t last long when a Rea hat-trick at Assen vaulted him back to the top. The lead kept changing hands, with Razgatlioglu back on top after Navarra – albeit by virtue of full-race wins as he and Rea were level on points going to Magny-Cours – before two changes throughout the Catalunya Round: Rea taking the lead after Race 1 in Barcelona before the newly-crowned Champion claimed it back after Race 2. A dramatic Portuguese Round provided more twists and turns with Razgatlioglu holding the lead by 24 points heading into the penultimate round of the season at the Circuito San Juan Villicum venue, whilst the Turkish rider arrived at the season finale with a 30-point advantage over Rea. Second place at the end of Sunday’s Race 1 in the season-ending Indonesian Round, Razgatlioglu claimed the 2021 WorldSBK title.
At 25 years, 1 month and 5 days, Razgatlioglu becomes the third-youngest Champion of the category, behind James Toseland (23 years 11 months and 28 days, 2004) and Troy Corser (24 years 11 months, 1996). He started his motorcycle career competing in the IDM Yamaha R6 Cup and in the Turkish Road Race 600cc Championship in 2011 and 2012. He then moved to the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup for 2013 and 2014. He took one win in the class in 2014 during the Sachsenring event, showcasing his potential from very early on. Later in the year, he made his European Superstock 600 Championship debut at Magny-Cours as a wildcard, winning his first ever race. It was clear that a future star was emerging right before us. In 2015, he joined the WorldSBK paddock racing in the Superstock 600 class full-time, claiming the title in his first season in the category. He then moved to Superstock 1000 for the 2016 and 2017 seasons, finishing second in the standings in his second season and taking wins.
In 2018, he made the move to the premier class with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing, shocking everyone when he took two podiums – a first by beating Jonathan Rea in the last lap of Race 2 at Donington Park and a second at the all-new San Juan venue – and was the rookie of the year. 2019 was a significant year in many ways for Razgatlioglu; he emerged as a true contender and after eight podiums, he took a first win in a last lap fight with Rea at Magny-Cours, doubling up in the Tissot Superpole Race. Ending the year fifth overall with 13 podiums and the Best Independent Riders’ award, Toprak switched from Kawasaki to join the ranks of Yamaha and the Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK outfit.
In 2020, he finished his first season with Yamaha in fourth place, taking a stunning win in his first ever race for the team at Phillip Island, before two more followed during the final round of the year at Estoril. In 2021, he achieved 13 wins, 29 podiums and 3 pole positions. With a 25-point advantage over his closest competitor Jonathan Rea, Toprak Razgatlioglu becomes the 2021 WorldSBK Champion, the 18th one in Championship history, coincidentally crowned in the 18th final round title decider.
The newly-crowned Champion will remain with Yamaha until 2023 and both will aim to continue challenging many records. Their target will be set on making it two in a row for Razgatlioglu.
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK:“First, I want to say thank you to my family and to Kenan Sofuoglu because we are a big family. Also, thanks to my team, they did an incredible job this year. Sometimes we crashed, sometimes we had good races and finally we are here. I’m really happy. It’s a special day for me today because this Championship is for my dad. It has always been my dream. He’s not here anymore, he passed away, but I feel he is watching. I’m really happy. It’s an incredible day for me and we are World Champion. Thanks to everyone!”
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Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
