Featured In the September 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
The speedometer flashed 133 mph at the end of Chuckwalla Valley Raceway’s short front straight just before I hit the brakes and leaned the bike slightly to the right to get through the kink before the upcoming left-hand carousel.This sort of behavior is theoretically outside of this motorcycle’s normal theater of operations. A streetfighter is designed, not surprisingly, to work well on the street, and some motorcycle marketeers work hard to try to keep motojournalists from riding these streetbikes on the racetrack.
Engineers at some companies even take out power when they put sportbike engines in naked chassis, and use lines like “it’s a streetbike” and “how much power do you need on the street?”
Streetfighters are supposed to be punchy and torquey, flexible and agile, delivering thrills and excitement in a highway environment at something close to legal speeds. It says something about Triumph’s confidence in the new 2022 Speed Triple 1200 RS that for its official U.S. introduction, the company rented a racetrack, invited some journalists and turned them loose to push the bike as hard as they could, testing it at the very edge of its performance envelope…
—Intro: 2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS, by Editor-At-Large Michael Gougis
Triumph’s confidence in its latest Speed Triple was not misplaced. All of the characteristics that make the Speed Triple so enjoyable in its natural habitat also make it very good for track day use. Get the rundown in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
PREVIEW the September 2021 Issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Read the September 2021 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
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Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld
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FHO Racing BMW and Xavi Forés have mutually parted company ahead of the next round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park (September 24/25/26).
During the 2021 season, Forés has been simultaneously competing in both Bennetts BSB and the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) for the factory BMW team. However, ahead of the recent Bol D’or round, it was agreed that the Spanish rider would focus purely on his EWC duties for the remainder of the season, given the compacted calendars for both championships.
Unfortunately, bad luck has since beset Forés as during testing at the Paul Ricard circuit for the Bol D’or 24 Hours he was involved in a collision sustaining a back and shoulder injury, which rendered him unfit for the race weekend.
Forés said: “I would like to thank Faye Ho and the whole FHO Racing BMW Team for the opportunity to ride with them this season. It was a very nice experience and despite a bit of bad luck with some injuries earlier in the year, I always felt at home.
“Now, after my incident at the EWC race weekend, I need to recover and try to be fit for the season finale in Most in a couple of weeks’ time. I want to wish the FHO Racing BMW Team all the best and send them all my support for the Showdown and in the future.”
Team Owner Faye Ho commented: “We have mutually decided to part company with Xavi ahead of the next event at Oulton Park, so he can dedicate his focus to one discipline after a relentless run of events from both championships. We wish him well with his immediate recovery and for the future.”
Ducati World Première 2022: from September 30 the Season for the Introduction of new Ducati Products Will Begin and Will Culminate on December 9 with the New DesertX
Every two weeks, starting on Thursday, September 30 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time, an appointment dedicated to the new models of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer for 2022 will transpire
All episodes from the Ducati World Première 2022 will be available on the Ducati.com website, Ducati YouTube channel and on Ducati’s social networks
The new DesertX, shown as a concept bike in November 2019, will be presented to enthusiasts all over the world on December 9
Borgo Panigale, Bologna, September 23, 2021 – The first appointment for the Ducati World Première 2022 web series will be held on Thursday, September 30 at 7:00 a.m. PDT: an episodic journey through which the Borgo Panigale manufacturer will show the new models of the 2022 Ducati range to fans from all over the world. All episodes will be visible on the Ducati.com website and on the YouTube channel of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer.
The season will culminate on December 9, 2021, when Ducati will unveil the long-awaited new bike, the DesertX.
The DesertX is Ducati’s new adventure bike, designed to offer great off-road capabilities thanks to an all-new chassis designed around a 21″ front wheel, and it will harness the performance and reliability of the liquid-cooled 937 cc Testastretta engine.
Whether it’s exploring the hills behind your home, braving the desert or discovering new mountain trails, the new Ducati DesertX is the bike that will allow riders to make their most adventurous travel dreams come true.
Below is the calendar for all the episodes of the Ducati World Première 2022 web series:
September 30, 2021: Ducati World Première – Episode 1 | Your everyday wonder
October 14, 2021: Ducati World Première – Episode 2 | Mark your roots
October 28, 2021: Ducati World Première – Episode 3 | Rule all mountains
November 11, 2021: Ducati World Première – Episode 4 | A new Fighter in town
November 25, 2021: Ducati World Première – Episode 5 | The evolution of Speed
December 9, 2021: Ducati World Première – Episode 6 | Dream Wilder – DesertX
The complete Press Kits of the models revealed in each episode will be available on Ducati Media House after a few minutes into the episode.
Chaz Davies, who currently races for Team Go Eleven Ducati in the FIM Superbike World Championship, posted the following announcement to his social media pages today.
In a press conference Thursday at Jerez, Davies said he planned to finish the 2021 season — as soon as his broken ribs will allow it — and will be open to opportunities to stay involved at the track, including serving as a test rider.
Paasch returns and Webb gears up for Dynavolt Triumph debut
Dynavolt Triumph head to Oulton Park for the second time this season for round nine of the 2021 Quattro Group British Supersport Championship this weekend. Set in the Cheshire countryside, the track’s natural undulations and blind crests make it one of the most challenging destinations on the calendar.
As reported last week, Dynavolt Triumph regular Kyle Smith will be absent this weekend owing to the pelvic injury he sustained at Silverstone and in his stead will be former Moto3 and 125cc rider Danny Webb. Webb is looking forward to making a return to the British Championship and putting his experience to good use in developing the Dynavolt Triumph.
Expected to make his return to the team at the stunning 2.69-mile circuit is US rider Brandon Paasch who recently underwent successful surgery to his fractured right scaphoid following a crash at Snetterton at the beginning of the month. Paasch was sidelined at Silverstone on account of the injury and is hoping to bounce back here at Oulton Park.
Brandon Paasch: “I’m super excited to be coming back and trying to ride again at Oulton Park. It should be a good weekend. For sure it’s not going to be easy and I think there will be some pain but we’ll see how it goes!”
Dynavolt Triumph Team Manager Simon Buckmaster: “Silverstone was a big disappointment for us with the injury to Kyle. He’s at home in Spain now, I spoke to him today, he’s going to have a check in three weeks to see if there’s any possibility he can ride at Brands Hatch. He’s in good spirits and we just want him to get better and to be able to ride as the Kyle Smith that we know and love as soon as possible.”
“Danny Webb will stand in for Kyle. Danny was a regular top six-to-ten runner in World Supersport last year so he’s got good experience with a four-cylinder machine and it will be good to get his input as we continue the development of the Dynavolt Triumph. Danny has ridden at Oulton Park before when he was in British Championship some years ago so he kind of knows the layout of the track but it’s never easy coming in with just two free practice sessions then qualifying but he’s a professional and I’m sure he’ll do a good job. I’m looking forward to working with him again.”
“I just spoke to Brandon; he feels good and he feels fit to ride. Obviously he will have to be passed fit by MSVR but his surgeon and everyone on his side are happy so they will provide that report to MSVR. We are looking forward to it, it’s great that he will be back on the bike and hopefully challenging at the front where he was before the crash. He’s developed fantastically well with us this year. We’ve been working on improving the bike in the weekend we had off and we’ve made some big steps so it will be an even better package at Oulton Park. We’ve got a good bike, a good team and two good riders so let’s see what we can do.”
British Supersport action kicks off at Oulton Park with Free Practice One on Friday at 09:35hrs (BST).
Even if it is only for one day, the five-time world champion is set to return to Manuel Puccetti’s team, taking to the track to mark the historic change between “his” Supersport era and the one which will begin in 2022.
On Friday 24 September, Kenan Sofuoglu will climb aboard Kawasaki Puccetti Racing’s Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R during the two free practice sessions of the ninth Supersport World Championship round. Throughout his Supersport career, the 37-year old Turkish rider achieved five world titles, 43 race wins, 85 podiums and 34 pole positions. Records and numbers that make Sofuoglu the most successful Supersport 600 rider of all time and the undisputed symbol of this category. What better ambassador then to greet the “new era” and mark the change that the intermediate class will undergo next season?
As has been announced already, the Permanent Bureau of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has decided to add further models to the list of homologated bikes for the FIM Supersport World Championship in 2022 and beyond, also introducing some changes to the technical regulations, made by the Superbike Commission and to be announced shortly.
Manuel Puccetti – Team Principal: “We are very pleased and emotional at the thought of seeing Kenan back on track after three years with one of our bikes, even if it’s only for a day. I believe that Sofuoglu is the ideal ambassador to mark the change that the Supersport category will undergo next year, a class in which he has won so much and become the very symbol of this category.”
Tom Sykes to not participate in the WorldSBK Jerez round.
Munich. BMW Motorrad WorldSBK rider Tom Sykes (GBR) will not participate in the coming round of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Jerez de la Frontera (ESP) this weekend. The decision has been taken in light of the injury he suffered in the accident in last Sunday’s race in Barcelona (ESP). Sykes will now fully focus on his recovery in order to be ready for the following round at Portimão (POR).
At Jerez de la Frontera, BMW factory rider Eugene Laverty (IRL) will stand in and line up for the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.
The entire BMW Motorrad Motorsport family wishes Tom a very speedy recovery.
The 2021 Canadian Superbike Championship wrapped up this weekend at Calabogie Motorsports Park with Ben Young claiming 2nd place overall.
Coming into the final two races at Calabogie, expectations were high, and Young knew it wouldn’t be an easy battle – Dumas had won the opening two races at the same venue. Within the second practice, Young had improved his times from the first round, showing his hunger for the weekend.
A shortened race weekend meant Young was on track Friday and Saturday only, leaving very little time to work on the set up of the Van Dolder’s Home Team BMW S1000RR. Despite this, Young took 2nd place on the grid, only 0.171 seconds off pole position. This closeness would give an idea of just how competitive the racing would be, and it didn’t disappoint.
Young charged hard off of the line of race one. He maintained a close second position for the entirety of the race. Due to the high speed at such a technical track, Young couldn’t make any attempts to take first stick, and he crossed the line with a solid 2nd place and a blistering fastest lap of 2:00:836, a time which hasn’t been seen in years at Calabogie.
In race two, Young took the hole-shot heading in to the first corner, but unfortunately, the race was red-flagged on the second lap. The restarted race was shortened to an 8-lap dash in which Young had less success getting off the line. Despite heading into turn 1 in 4th place, Young made it into second position in short order though a second behind Dumas in first. Young again took the fastest lap in his chase of first, but ultimately couldn’t take the lead finishing 2nd again.
“It wasn’t quite the season finish we hoped for, but we knew it wouldn’t be easy. Considering that we took a year out in 2020 due to COVID, having a new bike and dealing with some gremlins, we are delighted with 2nd place in the championship. The team and I worked really hard right to the end, and it just makes us hungrier for next year. ”
Young’s partners for his 2021 CSBK Championship season include; BMW Motorrad Canada, Van Dolder’s Home Team, Scot-Build Developments Inc, Parts Canada, HJC Helmets, Alpinestars, Motul, Hindle Exhaust, Barrie Trim and Mouldings, Alpha Racing and Vass Performance Cycle.
To keep up-to-date on Ben Young throughout the year visit; www.BenYoungRacing.com, www.facebook.com/BenYoungRacing and on Twitter and Instagram: @benyoung_86
Featured In the September 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
Hector Barbera shot to the top of motorcycle road racing and spent 17 seasons in the Grand Prix World Championships. But now the 34-year-old from Spain is looking to take a page out of countryman Toni Elias’ book and write a new chapter for himself in MotoAmerica Superbike…
—Hanging With: Hector Barbera, by David Swarts.
After years of success in trials, racing officials urged Hector Barbera’s family to enter him in road races, and he was instantly successful. All these years later, and Barbera’s desire to win is just as strong, and he’s brought that will to win to MotoAmerica. Read the back story of one of racing’s more compelling characters – in the latest Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
PREVIEW the September 2021 Issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Read the September 2021 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.
Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld
Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world
Unofficial Combined Lap Times From Both Days (all on Michelin tires):
Francesco Bagnaia, Italy (Ducati), 1:31.524
Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Aprilia), 1:31.584
Pol Espargaro, Spain (Honda), 1:31.631
Joan Mir, Spain (Suzuki), 1:31.707
Takaaki Nakagami, Japan (Honda), 1:31.735
Jack Miller, Australia (Ducati), 1:31.798
Fabio Quartararo, France (Yamaha), 1:31.959
Luca Marini, Italy (Ducati), 1:31.998
Maverick Vinales, Spain (Aprilia), 1:32.002
Jorge Martin, Spain (Ducati), 1:32.135
Miguel Oliveira, Portugal (KTM), 1:32.136
Marc Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:32.151
Brad Binder, South Africa (KTM), 1:32.169
Valentino Rossi, Italy (Yamaha), 1:32.170
Alex Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:32.259
Michele Pirro, Italy (Ducati), 1:32.331*
Johann Zarco, France (Ducati), 1:32.348
Alex Rins, Spain (Suzuki), 1:32.352
Franco Morbidelli, Italy (Yamaha), 1:32.635
Andrea Dovizioso, Italy (Yamaha), 1:32.665
Iker Lecuona, Spain (KTM), 1:32.751
Enea Bastianini, Italy (Ducati), 1:32.837
Dani Pedrosa, Spain (KTM), 1:32.959*
Danilo Petrucci, Italy (KTM), 1:33.526
Raul Fernandez, Spain (KTM), 1:33.988*
Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Aprilia), 1:34.043*
Sylvain Guintoli, France (Suzuki), 1:34.141*
Stefan Bradl, Germany (Honda), 1:34.280*
Remy Gardner, Australia (KTM), 1:34.641*
*=test rider
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Aprilia top Day 2, Honda continue stealing the headlines at Misano
Aleix Espargaro just shadows Pecco’s Day 1 best on the timesheets, and there’s plenty more to talk about as Day 2 of testing concludes
Wednesday, 22 September 2021
Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro (41) was quickest on Day Two. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Much to everyone’s delight, the weather played ball on Day 2 of the Official Misano MotoGP™ Test as every factory was able to get some valuable track time under their belts, with more new parts introduced on Wednesday. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) finishes top of the combined timesheets thanks to his 1:31.524 on Day 1, but it’s Aleix Espargaro and Aprilia Racing Team Gresini who reigned the timesheets on Day 2, 0.080 ahead of Bagnaia’s Wednesday best as the Italian remained consistently quick.
The two-day schedule mainly made headlines for the new parts and upgrades on show, however, and no one had more to test than Honda. Test rider Stefan Bradl rolled out of the garage on a damp Tuesday morning with a radically new RC213V, with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) heading out on it in the afternoon when conditions cleared. The most noticeable differences from the outside were the air intake shape, the tail unit and the exhaust positioning.
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Then, on Wednesday morning, Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) ventured out on the bike Marc Marquez and Bradl had been seen using, while the number 93 also lapped on another new Honda – slightly different once again, with a different air intake. Marc Marquez was also out on the new bike with the current 2021 aero package that Honda have been using since the German GP, with Pol Espargaro testing it with the new aero. He did his best lap in the FP4 Wednesday session on a new bike too, a 1:32.105. He ended Day 2 sixth with a better lap from the morning, with teammate MM93 in 10th.
LCR Honda boss Lucio Cecchinello revealed that Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) has been working on his bike’s weight distribution, and they’ve found a setting that he feels more comfortable with. The two-time World Champion was also back-to-back testing the regular, carbon bonded chassis and the chassis that Marc Marquez and Espargaro have been using on and off since Assen. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) – again according to Cecchinello – was working with the aero package that was first seen at the Sachsenring, and both of his bikes were fitted with the carbon-bonded HRC chassis. The Japanese rider impressed to end Wednesday fourth on a 1:31.735.
Jack Miller (43). Photo courtesy Dorna.
On Day 1 at Ducati, the Bologna marque unveiled two new aero packages. The first very similar to the one they’re using in 2021, but the second splits the second winglet into two different elements, meaning the aero package has four elements in total when including the downwash duct at the bottom of the fairing.
Bagnaia and Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) were back-to-back testing the different aero packages across the two days at Misano, with a Day 1 crash not affecting Pecco’s schedule. The Italian called it a day just before lunch on Wednesday, in second with a 0.080 deficit to Aleix Espargaro. Miller ended Day 2 in fifth.
Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) tested Ducati’s new aero as well as the factory duo, whereas teammate Johann Zarco went home after Day 1 to have arm pump surgery – successfully completed – and the Frenchman was replaced by test rider Michele Pirro.
It wasn’t the ideal test for San Marino podium finisher Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama). The Italian suffered a crash on both Day 1 and Day 2, the second seeing him sit out the rest of Wednesday, but rider ok. Bastianini’s teammate Luca Marini (Sky VR46 Avintia) had a very successful test, however, and the Italian was able to lap quicker than he went all weekend at the San Marino GP.
Alex Rins (42) with a new chassis. Photo courtesy Dorna.
At Suzuki, reigning World Champion Joan Mir and Team Suzuki Ecstar teammate Alex Rins were both impressed by the new chassis Suzuki brought to the Misano Test on Day 2. So much so, it may be seen on their GSX-RRs in 2021. The new chassis has a carbon bond at the top, unlike the current one.
In addition, Suzuki were testing the 2022 engine that we first saw at the pre-season Qatar Tests. Test rider Sylvain Guintoli joined Mir and Rins on Wednesday fresh from his Bol D’Or win, as we witnessed Suzuki also unveil a new side fairing.
Joan Mir (36) with a new side fairing. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Mir was able to improve something on the braking side of things that he’s been missing all season on Day 2, and the number 36 was third on Wednesday. Rins confirmed that the 2022 engine seems a bit more powerful, but the aero package needs adjusting to match the extra power. Rins also said that he did a couple of long runs, one with the rear ride height device, and it looked like he was quicker with the device fitted – overall a solid test for Suzuki.
Meanwhile, current World Championship leaders Yamaha had a new chassis to try, but Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Manager Massimo Meregalli said that 2022 wasn’t their main focus across the two days. Fabio Quartararo was able to give the 2022 prototype a shakedown on Tuesday, before switching his attention to finding some improvements for the second Misano race coming up in October. He was seventh on Day 2.
Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was unhurt in two crashes on Day 2 as the Italian continued his adaptation to the 2021 YZR-M1, as well as working his way back to full fitness. Morbidelli felt better than he did during the San Marino GP according to Meregalli, especially with the front end. 70 laps were completed by Morbidelli on Tuesday and Wednesday, now it’s time for some rest ahead of the Americas GP.
This was Valentino Rossi’s (46) final test as a full-time MotoGP rider. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) took part in his final test as a full-time rider on home turf, and on the agenda for the nine-time World Champion was electronic settings, to try and sort out the traction issues he’s been facing. New teammate Andrea Dovizioso’s main aim was to simply get used to his new bike. The Italian did end up testing a carbon swingarm on Day 2, as Dovizioso completed a mammoth 130 laps across the two days.
Meregalli also confirmed that Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow will be in Aragon for two days to test the 2022 bike, before heading to Jerez soon after for a three-day test. The British rider will be busy putting next year’s YZR-M1 through its paces over the next couple of months before the 2022 pre-season test in Jerez after the Valencia GP.
KTM’s Miguel Oliveira (88). Photo courtesy Dorna.
After a quiet opening day, Day 2 was a busy one for KTM. A new aero package and air intake were introduced: the intake is bigger and the aero package has an additional set of wings further down than the 2021 RC16. Additionally, Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had another all-black bike but the aero, air intake and shape of the fairings is the same as the regular bike – which could mean the Austrian factory had something new internally. Oliveira was ninth on Day 2 and teammate Brad Binder 12th.
Remy Gardner (87). Photo courtesy Dorna.
The other major news on Day 2 was the debut of Moto2™ title contenders Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and teammate Raul Fernandez. Both will be stepping into the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing ranks at the end of the season, and unsurprisingly, the duo more than enjoyed their first outing on a MotoGP™ bike. Both were impressive in terms of pace despite Gardner having a crash, and Fernandez finished the day just over two seconds off the fastest time set by Aleix Espargaro.
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy Dorna.
For Aprilia, the timesheets told a good story, and the Noale factory first rolled out some new, smaller, thinner aero on test rider Lorenzo Savadori’s bike on the opening day of testing. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) was the first rider on track as the Spaniard continued to adapt to his new bike, trying different set-ups, and he was able to improve the overall pace. Finding 0.7s, the number 12 made good progress across the two days and finished Wednesday in P8. Viñales didn’t try anything for 2022 in the 149 laps he notched up during the test.
Aleix Espargaro, meanwhile, tried some new aerodynamic configurations and other new parts for the 2022 bike, including a couple of evolutions of the front fairing. The Spaniard confirmed he and Aprilia have made a step forward, with the fastest lap of the day bearing good witness.
A busy, exciting and very interesting Misano Test has drawn to a close! Next up for the MotoGP™ paddock is a trip to Austin and the Circuit of the Americas for Round 15 of the 2021 World Championship, so make sure to join us next weekend for the horsepower rodeo.
The 2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS is lighter, more compact, more powerful, and has better electronics and more features than its predecessors. Photo by Caliphotography.com
Featured In the September 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
The speedometer flashed 133 mph at the end of Chuckwalla Valley Raceway’s short front straight just before I hit the brakes and leaned the bike slightly to the right to get through the kink before the upcoming left-hand carousel.This sort of behavior is theoretically outside of this motorcycle’s normal theater of operations. A streetfighter is designed, not surprisingly, to work well on the street, and some motorcycle marketeers work hard to try to keep motojournalists from riding these streetbikes on the racetrack.
Engineers at some companies even take out power when they put sportbike engines in naked chassis, and use lines like “it’s a streetbike” and “how much power do you need on the street?”
Streetfighters are supposed to be punchy and torquey, flexible and agile, delivering thrills and excitement in a highway environment at something close to legal speeds. It says something about Triumph’s confidence in the new 2022 Speed Triple 1200 RS that for its official U.S. introduction, the company rented a racetrack, invited some journalists and turned them loose to push the bike as hard as they could, testing it at the very edge of its performance envelope…
—Intro: 2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS, by Editor-At-Large Michael Gougis
Triumph’s confidence in its latest Speed Triple was not misplaced. All of the characteristics that make the Speed Triple so enjoyable in its natural habitat also make it very good for track day use. Get the rundown in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
PREVIEW the September 2021 Issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Read the September 2021 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.
Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld
Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world
Xavi Fores, circa 2021. Photo courtesy FHO Racing BMW.
FHO Racing BMW and Xavi Forés part company
FHO Racing BMW and Xavi Forés have mutually parted company ahead of the next round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park (September 24/25/26).
During the 2021 season, Forés has been simultaneously competing in both Bennetts BSB and the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) for the factory BMW team. However, ahead of the recent Bol D’or round, it was agreed that the Spanish rider would focus purely on his EWC duties for the remainder of the season, given the compacted calendars for both championships.
Unfortunately, bad luck has since beset Forés as during testing at the Paul Ricard circuit for the Bol D’or 24 Hours he was involved in a collision sustaining a back and shoulder injury, which rendered him unfit for the race weekend.
Forés said: “I would like to thank Faye Ho and the whole FHO Racing BMW Team for the opportunity to ride with them this season. It was a very nice experience and despite a bit of bad luck with some injuries earlier in the year, I always felt at home.
“Now, after my incident at the EWC race weekend, I need to recover and try to be fit for the season finale in Most in a couple of weeks’ time. I want to wish the FHO Racing BMW Team all the best and send them all my support for the Showdown and in the future.”
Team Owner Faye Ho commented: “We have mutually decided to part company with Xavi ahead of the next event at Oulton Park, so he can dedicate his focus to one discipline after a relentless run of events from both championships. We wish him well with his immediate recovery and for the future.”
Ducati Motor Holding's headquarters and factory in Borgo Panigale, Italy. Photo courtesy of Ducati.
Ducati World Première 2022: from September 30 the Season for the Introduction of new Ducati Products Will Begin and Will Culminate on December 9 with the New DesertX
Every two weeks, starting on Thursday, September 30 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time, an appointment dedicated to the new models of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer for 2022 will transpire
All episodes from the Ducati World Première 2022 will be available on the Ducati.com website, Ducati YouTube channel and on Ducati’s social networks
The new DesertX, shown as a concept bike in November 2019, will be presented to enthusiasts all over the world on December 9
Borgo Panigale, Bologna, September 23, 2021 – The first appointment for the Ducati World Première 2022 web series will be held on Thursday, September 30 at 7:00 a.m. PDT: an episodic journey through which the Borgo Panigale manufacturer will show the new models of the 2022 Ducati range to fans from all over the world. All episodes will be visible on the Ducati.com website and on the YouTube channel of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer.
The season will culminate on December 9, 2021, when Ducati will unveil the long-awaited new bike, the DesertX.
The DesertX is Ducati’s new adventure bike, designed to offer great off-road capabilities thanks to an all-new chassis designed around a 21″ front wheel, and it will harness the performance and reliability of the liquid-cooled 937 cc Testastretta engine.
Whether it’s exploring the hills behind your home, braving the desert or discovering new mountain trails, the new Ducati DesertX is the bike that will allow riders to make their most adventurous travel dreams come true.
Below is the calendar for all the episodes of the Ducati World Première 2022 web series:
September 30, 2021: Ducati World Première – Episode 1 | Your everyday wonder
October 14, 2021: Ducati World Première – Episode 2 | Mark your roots
October 28, 2021: Ducati World Première – Episode 3 | Rule all mountains
November 11, 2021: Ducati World Première – Episode 4 | A new Fighter in town
November 25, 2021: Ducati World Première – Episode 5 | The evolution of Speed
December 9, 2021: Ducati World Première – Episode 6 | Dream Wilder – DesertX
The complete Press Kits of the models revealed in each episode will be available on Ducati Media House after a few minutes into the episode.
Chaz Davies, who currently races for Team Go Eleven Ducati in the FIM Superbike World Championship, posted the following announcement to his social media pages today.
In a press conference Thursday at Jerez, Davies said he planned to finish the 2021 season — as soon as his broken ribs will allow it — and will be open to opportunities to stay involved at the track, including serving as a test rider.
Brandon Paasch (96) in action at Snetterton earlier in 2021. Photo by Barry Clay.
Paasch returns and Webb gears up for Dynavolt Triumph debut
Dynavolt Triumph head to Oulton Park for the second time this season for round nine of the 2021 Quattro Group British Supersport Championship this weekend. Set in the Cheshire countryside, the track’s natural undulations and blind crests make it one of the most challenging destinations on the calendar.
As reported last week, Dynavolt Triumph regular Kyle Smith will be absent this weekend owing to the pelvic injury he sustained at Silverstone and in his stead will be former Moto3 and 125cc rider Danny Webb. Webb is looking forward to making a return to the British Championship and putting his experience to good use in developing the Dynavolt Triumph.
Expected to make his return to the team at the stunning 2.69-mile circuit is US rider Brandon Paasch who recently underwent successful surgery to his fractured right scaphoid following a crash at Snetterton at the beginning of the month. Paasch was sidelined at Silverstone on account of the injury and is hoping to bounce back here at Oulton Park.
Brandon Paasch: “I’m super excited to be coming back and trying to ride again at Oulton Park. It should be a good weekend. For sure it’s not going to be easy and I think there will be some pain but we’ll see how it goes!”
Dynavolt Triumph Team Manager Simon Buckmaster: “Silverstone was a big disappointment for us with the injury to Kyle. He’s at home in Spain now, I spoke to him today, he’s going to have a check in three weeks to see if there’s any possibility he can ride at Brands Hatch. He’s in good spirits and we just want him to get better and to be able to ride as the Kyle Smith that we know and love as soon as possible.”
“Danny Webb will stand in for Kyle. Danny was a regular top six-to-ten runner in World Supersport last year so he’s got good experience with a four-cylinder machine and it will be good to get his input as we continue the development of the Dynavolt Triumph. Danny has ridden at Oulton Park before when he was in British Championship some years ago so he kind of knows the layout of the track but it’s never easy coming in with just two free practice sessions then qualifying but he’s a professional and I’m sure he’ll do a good job. I’m looking forward to working with him again.”
“I just spoke to Brandon; he feels good and he feels fit to ride. Obviously he will have to be passed fit by MSVR but his surgeon and everyone on his side are happy so they will provide that report to MSVR. We are looking forward to it, it’s great that he will be back on the bike and hopefully challenging at the front where he was before the crash. He’s developed fantastically well with us this year. We’ve been working on improving the bike in the weekend we had off and we’ve made some big steps so it will be an even better package at Oulton Park. We’ve got a good bike, a good team and two good riders so let’s see what we can do.”
British Supersport action kicks off at Oulton Park with Free Practice One on Friday at 09:35hrs (BST).
Kenan Sofuoglu (54) will mark the end of the current era of World Supersport by riding in practice Friday at Jerez, according to Kawasaki. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Kawasaki Puccetti Racing – Welcome back Kenan
Even if it is only for one day, the five-time world champion is set to return to Manuel Puccetti’s team, taking to the track to mark the historic change between “his” Supersport era and the one which will begin in 2022.
On Friday 24 September, Kenan Sofuoglu will climb aboard Kawasaki Puccetti Racing’s Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R during the two free practice sessions of the ninth Supersport World Championship round. Throughout his Supersport career, the 37-year old Turkish rider achieved five world titles, 43 race wins, 85 podiums and 34 pole positions. Records and numbers that make Sofuoglu the most successful Supersport 600 rider of all time and the undisputed symbol of this category. What better ambassador then to greet the “new era” and mark the change that the intermediate class will undergo next season?
As has been announced already, the Permanent Bureau of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has decided to add further models to the list of homologated bikes for the FIM Supersport World Championship in 2022 and beyond, also introducing some changes to the technical regulations, made by the Superbike Commission and to be announced shortly.
Manuel Puccetti – Team Principal: “We are very pleased and emotional at the thought of seeing Kenan back on track after three years with one of our bikes, even if it’s only for a day. I believe that Sofuoglu is the ideal ambassador to mark the change that the Supersport category will undergo next year, a class in which he has won so much and become the very symbol of this category.”
Eugene Laverty. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
Tom Sykes to not participate in the WorldSBK Jerez round.
Munich. BMW Motorrad WorldSBK rider Tom Sykes (GBR) will not participate in the coming round of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Jerez de la Frontera (ESP) this weekend. The decision has been taken in light of the injury he suffered in the accident in last Sunday’s race in Barcelona (ESP). Sykes will now fully focus on his recovery in order to be ready for the following round at Portimão (POR).
At Jerez de la Frontera, BMW factory rider Eugene Laverty (IRL) will stand in and line up for the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.
The entire BMW Motorrad Motorsport family wishes Tom a very speedy recovery.
Ben Young (86) leads Alex Dumas (23), Jordan Szoke (behind Dumas), and Trevor Daley (9). Photo courtesy Ben Young Racing.
YOUNG WRAPS UP 2021 CSBK SEASON IN SECOND
The 2021 Canadian Superbike Championship wrapped up this weekend at Calabogie Motorsports Park with Ben Young claiming 2nd place overall.
Coming into the final two races at Calabogie, expectations were high, and Young knew it wouldn’t be an easy battle – Dumas had won the opening two races at the same venue. Within the second practice, Young had improved his times from the first round, showing his hunger for the weekend.
A shortened race weekend meant Young was on track Friday and Saturday only, leaving very little time to work on the set up of the Van Dolder’s Home Team BMW S1000RR. Despite this, Young took 2nd place on the grid, only 0.171 seconds off pole position. This closeness would give an idea of just how competitive the racing would be, and it didn’t disappoint.
Young charged hard off of the line of race one. He maintained a close second position for the entirety of the race. Due to the high speed at such a technical track, Young couldn’t make any attempts to take first stick, and he crossed the line with a solid 2nd place and a blistering fastest lap of 2:00:836, a time which hasn’t been seen in years at Calabogie.
In race two, Young took the hole-shot heading in to the first corner, but unfortunately, the race was red-flagged on the second lap. The restarted race was shortened to an 8-lap dash in which Young had less success getting off the line. Despite heading into turn 1 in 4th place, Young made it into second position in short order though a second behind Dumas in first. Young again took the fastest lap in his chase of first, but ultimately couldn’t take the lead finishing 2nd again.
“It wasn’t quite the season finish we hoped for, but we knew it wouldn’t be easy. Considering that we took a year out in 2020 due to COVID, having a new bike and dealing with some gremlins, we are delighted with 2nd place in the championship. The team and I worked really hard right to the end, and it just makes us hungrier for next year. ”
Young’s partners for his 2021 CSBK Championship season include; BMW Motorrad Canada, Van Dolder’s Home Team, Scot-Build Developments Inc, Parts Canada, HJC Helmets, Alpinestars, Motul, Hindle Exhaust, Barrie Trim and Mouldings, Alpha Racing and Vass Performance Cycle.
To keep up-to-date on Ben Young throughout the year visit; www.BenYoungRacing.com, www.facebook.com/BenYoungRacing and on Twitter and Instagram: @benyoung_86
Hector Barbera (80) leads Josh Herrin (2), Cam Petersen, and Kyle Wyman (33) in Superbike Race Two at Road America. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Featured In the September 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
Hector Barbera shot to the top of motorcycle road racing and spent 17 seasons in the Grand Prix World Championships. But now the 34-year-old from Spain is looking to take a page out of countryman Toni Elias’ book and write a new chapter for himself in MotoAmerica Superbike…
—Hanging With: Hector Barbera, by David Swarts.
After years of success in trials, racing officials urged Hector Barbera’s family to enter him in road races, and he was instantly successful. All these years later, and Barbera’s desire to win is just as strong, and he’s brought that will to win to MotoAmerica. Read the back story of one of racing’s more compelling characters – in the latest Roadracing World!
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The lap time Francesco Bagnaia (63) turned on Day One ended up being fastest overall during the two day MotoGP test at Misano. Photo courtesy Ducati.
FIM MotoGP World Championship
Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli
Rimini, San Marino
September 21-22, 2021
Unofficial Combined Lap Times From Both Days (all on Michelin tires):
Francesco Bagnaia, Italy (Ducati), 1:31.524
Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Aprilia), 1:31.584
Pol Espargaro, Spain (Honda), 1:31.631
Joan Mir, Spain (Suzuki), 1:31.707
Takaaki Nakagami, Japan (Honda), 1:31.735
Jack Miller, Australia (Ducati), 1:31.798
Fabio Quartararo, France (Yamaha), 1:31.959
Luca Marini, Italy (Ducati), 1:31.998
Maverick Vinales, Spain (Aprilia), 1:32.002
Jorge Martin, Spain (Ducati), 1:32.135
Miguel Oliveira, Portugal (KTM), 1:32.136
Marc Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:32.151
Brad Binder, South Africa (KTM), 1:32.169
Valentino Rossi, Italy (Yamaha), 1:32.170
Alex Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:32.259
Michele Pirro, Italy (Ducati), 1:32.331*
Johann Zarco, France (Ducati), 1:32.348
Alex Rins, Spain (Suzuki), 1:32.352
Franco Morbidelli, Italy (Yamaha), 1:32.635
Andrea Dovizioso, Italy (Yamaha), 1:32.665
Iker Lecuona, Spain (KTM), 1:32.751
Enea Bastianini, Italy (Ducati), 1:32.837
Dani Pedrosa, Spain (KTM), 1:32.959*
Danilo Petrucci, Italy (KTM), 1:33.526
Raul Fernandez, Spain (KTM), 1:33.988*
Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Aprilia), 1:34.043*
Sylvain Guintoli, France (Suzuki), 1:34.141*
Stefan Bradl, Germany (Honda), 1:34.280*
Remy Gardner, Australia (KTM), 1:34.641*
*=test rider
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Aprilia top Day 2, Honda continue stealing the headlines at Misano
Aleix Espargaro just shadows Pecco’s Day 1 best on the timesheets, and there’s plenty more to talk about as Day 2 of testing concludes
Wednesday, 22 September 2021
Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro (41) was quickest on Day Two. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Much to everyone’s delight, the weather played ball on Day 2 of the Official Misano MotoGP™ Test as every factory was able to get some valuable track time under their belts, with more new parts introduced on Wednesday. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) finishes top of the combined timesheets thanks to his 1:31.524 on Day 1, but it’s Aleix Espargaro and Aprilia Racing Team Gresini who reigned the timesheets on Day 2, 0.080 ahead of Bagnaia’s Wednesday best as the Italian remained consistently quick.
The two-day schedule mainly made headlines for the new parts and upgrades on show, however, and no one had more to test than Honda. Test rider Stefan Bradl rolled out of the garage on a damp Tuesday morning with a radically new RC213V, with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) heading out on it in the afternoon when conditions cleared. The most noticeable differences from the outside were the air intake shape, the tail unit and the exhaust positioning.
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Then, on Wednesday morning, Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) ventured out on the bike Marc Marquez and Bradl had been seen using, while the number 93 also lapped on another new Honda – slightly different once again, with a different air intake. Marc Marquez was also out on the new bike with the current 2021 aero package that Honda have been using since the German GP, with Pol Espargaro testing it with the new aero. He did his best lap in the FP4 Wednesday session on a new bike too, a 1:32.105. He ended Day 2 sixth with a better lap from the morning, with teammate MM93 in 10th.
LCR Honda boss Lucio Cecchinello revealed that Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) has been working on his bike’s weight distribution, and they’ve found a setting that he feels more comfortable with. The two-time World Champion was also back-to-back testing the regular, carbon bonded chassis and the chassis that Marc Marquez and Espargaro have been using on and off since Assen. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) – again according to Cecchinello – was working with the aero package that was first seen at the Sachsenring, and both of his bikes were fitted with the carbon-bonded HRC chassis. The Japanese rider impressed to end Wednesday fourth on a 1:31.735.
Jack Miller (43). Photo courtesy Dorna.
On Day 1 at Ducati, the Bologna marque unveiled two new aero packages. The first very similar to the one they’re using in 2021, but the second splits the second winglet into two different elements, meaning the aero package has four elements in total when including the downwash duct at the bottom of the fairing.
Bagnaia and Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) were back-to-back testing the different aero packages across the two days at Misano, with a Day 1 crash not affecting Pecco’s schedule. The Italian called it a day just before lunch on Wednesday, in second with a 0.080 deficit to Aleix Espargaro. Miller ended Day 2 in fifth.
Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) tested Ducati’s new aero as well as the factory duo, whereas teammate Johann Zarco went home after Day 1 to have arm pump surgery – successfully completed – and the Frenchman was replaced by test rider Michele Pirro.
It wasn’t the ideal test for San Marino podium finisher Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama). The Italian suffered a crash on both Day 1 and Day 2, the second seeing him sit out the rest of Wednesday, but rider ok. Bastianini’s teammate Luca Marini (Sky VR46 Avintia) had a very successful test, however, and the Italian was able to lap quicker than he went all weekend at the San Marino GP.
Alex Rins (42) with a new chassis. Photo courtesy Dorna.
At Suzuki, reigning World Champion Joan Mir and Team Suzuki Ecstar teammate Alex Rins were both impressed by the new chassis Suzuki brought to the Misano Test on Day 2. So much so, it may be seen on their GSX-RRs in 2021. The new chassis has a carbon bond at the top, unlike the current one.
In addition, Suzuki were testing the 2022 engine that we first saw at the pre-season Qatar Tests. Test rider Sylvain Guintoli joined Mir and Rins on Wednesday fresh from his Bol D’Or win, as we witnessed Suzuki also unveil a new side fairing.
Joan Mir (36) with a new side fairing. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Mir was able to improve something on the braking side of things that he’s been missing all season on Day 2, and the number 36 was third on Wednesday. Rins confirmed that the 2022 engine seems a bit more powerful, but the aero package needs adjusting to match the extra power. Rins also said that he did a couple of long runs, one with the rear ride height device, and it looked like he was quicker with the device fitted – overall a solid test for Suzuki.
Meanwhile, current World Championship leaders Yamaha had a new chassis to try, but Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Manager Massimo Meregalli said that 2022 wasn’t their main focus across the two days. Fabio Quartararo was able to give the 2022 prototype a shakedown on Tuesday, before switching his attention to finding some improvements for the second Misano race coming up in October. He was seventh on Day 2.
Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was unhurt in two crashes on Day 2 as the Italian continued his adaptation to the 2021 YZR-M1, as well as working his way back to full fitness. Morbidelli felt better than he did during the San Marino GP according to Meregalli, especially with the front end. 70 laps were completed by Morbidelli on Tuesday and Wednesday, now it’s time for some rest ahead of the Americas GP.
This was Valentino Rossi’s (46) final test as a full-time MotoGP rider. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) took part in his final test as a full-time rider on home turf, and on the agenda for the nine-time World Champion was electronic settings, to try and sort out the traction issues he’s been facing. New teammate Andrea Dovizioso’s main aim was to simply get used to his new bike. The Italian did end up testing a carbon swingarm on Day 2, as Dovizioso completed a mammoth 130 laps across the two days.
Meregalli also confirmed that Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow will be in Aragon for two days to test the 2022 bike, before heading to Jerez soon after for a three-day test. The British rider will be busy putting next year’s YZR-M1 through its paces over the next couple of months before the 2022 pre-season test in Jerez after the Valencia GP.
KTM’s Miguel Oliveira (88). Photo courtesy Dorna.
After a quiet opening day, Day 2 was a busy one for KTM. A new aero package and air intake were introduced: the intake is bigger and the aero package has an additional set of wings further down than the 2021 RC16. Additionally, Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had another all-black bike but the aero, air intake and shape of the fairings is the same as the regular bike – which could mean the Austrian factory had something new internally. Oliveira was ninth on Day 2 and teammate Brad Binder 12th.
Remy Gardner (87). Photo courtesy Dorna.
The other major news on Day 2 was the debut of Moto2™ title contenders Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and teammate Raul Fernandez. Both will be stepping into the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing ranks at the end of the season, and unsurprisingly, the duo more than enjoyed their first outing on a MotoGP™ bike. Both were impressive in terms of pace despite Gardner having a crash, and Fernandez finished the day just over two seconds off the fastest time set by Aleix Espargaro.
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy Dorna.
For Aprilia, the timesheets told a good story, and the Noale factory first rolled out some new, smaller, thinner aero on test rider Lorenzo Savadori’s bike on the opening day of testing. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) was the first rider on track as the Spaniard continued to adapt to his new bike, trying different set-ups, and he was able to improve the overall pace. Finding 0.7s, the number 12 made good progress across the two days and finished Wednesday in P8. Viñales didn’t try anything for 2022 in the 149 laps he notched up during the test.
Aleix Espargaro, meanwhile, tried some new aerodynamic configurations and other new parts for the 2022 bike, including a couple of evolutions of the front fairing. The Spaniard confirmed he and Aprilia have made a step forward, with the fastest lap of the day bearing good witness.
A busy, exciting and very interesting Misano Test has drawn to a close! Next up for the MotoGP™ paddock is a trip to Austin and the Circuit of the Americas for Round 15 of the 2021 World Championship, so make sure to join us next weekend for the horsepower rodeo.
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