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Harley-Davidson Introduces 150-Horsepower Pan America 1250

EXPLORE ENDLESS HORIZONS: NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON PAN AMERICA 1250 AND PAN AMERICA 1250 SPECIAL MOTORCYCLES DEBUT

Built to Endure, Designed to Explore, and Engineered for Adventure

MILWAUKEE (February 22, 2021) – The Pan America™ motorcycle is Harley-Davidson’s explore-it-all machine for riders who see touring as detouring – on road and off. This rugged, powerful, technologically advanced multi-purpose vehicle is designed from the ground up to inspire rider confidence and fuel the spirit of adventure, wherever the road may take you.

Harley-Davidson has leveraged its cutting-edge design and engineering capabilities to create the Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special, all-new, adventure-touring motorcycles, each designed with premium features, outstanding performance and innovative technology.

 

The left-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
The left-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

 

“From its inception more than a century ago, when many roads were little more than dirt trails, Harley-Davidson has stood for adventure. So, I’m very proud to present Pan America as the first adventure touring bike designed and built in America,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO Harley-Davidson. “The Pan America models exude that go-anywhere spirit, shared today by riders in the US and around the globe who want to experience the world on a motorcycle.” That same adventurous spirt is deeply shared by actor and brand ambassador, Jason Momoa, who is joining creative forces with the Company to bring Pan America’s passion for adventure to the world.

Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special models are powered by the new 150hp Revolution® Max 1250 engine, a liquid-cooled 1,250cc-displacement V-Twin designed to offer a broad powerband that builds to a rush of high-RPM power. To minimize overall motorcycle weight (Pan America 1250 534lb. wet/Pan America 1250 Special 559lb. wet), the Revolution Max engine is integrated into the vehicle as the central member of the chassis.

 

The right-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
The right-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

 

Pan America models are equipped with technologies designed to enhance the riding experience, including multiple electronically controlled ride modes plus Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements. This broad collection of technologies is designed to match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration and braking. The Pan America 1250 Special model is equipped with electronically adjustable semi-active front and rear suspension. As an industry-first innovation, Pan America is equipped with Adaptive Ride Height (ARH), a revolutionary new suspension system which automatically transitions between a low stopped position and optimal ride height when the motorcycle is in motion.

Harley-Davidson design and engineering teams collaborated throughout the process of creating and refining the Pan America™ 1250 and Pan America™ 1250 Special models with a vision guided by utility. Like a good multi-tool, function leads the form of these Harley-Davidson® models. From grab handles to integrated luggage mounts, to a horizontal headlamp configured to better illuminate an off-road trail, function defines style. Inspired by the spirit of rugged North American off-road versatility, the Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special models stand out visually in the adventure touring landscape, with design that reflects the capability of the motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson® dealers will offer a complete line of accessories for the Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special models, including three durable luggage systems, and new technical riding gear for men and women developed in collaboration with respected European motorcycle apparel specialist, REV’IT!.

The Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special models will arrive at Harley-Davidson dealerships in Spring 2021.

 

A 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 in action. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
A 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 in action. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

 

PAN AMERICA 1250 MODEL

The Harley-Davidson® Pan America 1250 model is a rugged, powerful, technologically advanced multi-purpose motorcycle designed for riders ready to embrace real-life adventure. The riding experience is capable and intuitive, on a motorcycle that stays composed and confident wherever your adventure takes you.

 

Optimized Chassis

A focus on performance and minimizing weight drove both vehicle and engine architecture, material choices, and aggressive component design optimization, all with the goal of achieving a desirable power-to-weight ratio. The powertrain is a stressed member of the chassis, eliminating the traditional frame. Three distinct elements – the front frame, the mid frame and the tail section – bolt directly to the powertrain. This design reduces motorcycle weight and results in a stiff chassis that contributes to precise handling. The cast-aluminum swingarm minimizes unsprung weight. The chassis is designed with a 62.2-inch wheelbase, ideal for touring capability (especially with a passenger and loaded luggage) and agile handling required for off-road maneuverability.

Cast aluminum wheels (19-inch front and a 17-inch rear) are designed to be strong, yet light weight, intended for use on paved roads and un-paved surfaces, such as gravel roads and fire roads. Harley-Davidson and Michelin collaboratively designed a Scorcher Adventure tire for the Pan America models to meet the demands associated with adventure touring. Michelin Anakee Wild tires with an aggressive “knobby” tread pattern will be offered through Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories for riders seeking maximum off-road traction and a bold style profile.

 

Brembo® Braking

Harley-Davidson and Brembo collaborated on an all-new braking system for the Pan America™ models that is designed to provide the rider with outstanding braking feel and performance. A new radial monoblock four-piston (30 mm) caliper takes full advantage of the material characteristics to increase stiffness while reducing overall weight. Dual front brake rotors are 320mm in diameter; single rear-brake rotor is 280mm diameter. A new lightweight front brake master cylinder offers adjustable lever response.

 

Adjustable Suspension

The Pan America 1250 model features premium passive front and rear suspension that is fully adjustable for pre-load and compression/rebound damping. Suspension travel front and rear is 7.48 inches (190mm). Front suspension is provided by a SHOWA® 1 by 1 47mm inverted cartridge fork. Rear suspension is a SHOWA® Piggyback reservoir shock with adjustable hydraulic preload. The rear suspension incorporates a linkage system which provides a progressive feel through the stroke and maintains a comfortable, compliant ride on-road, while providing superior support for off-road conditions.

 

Touchscreen Display

All instrumentation and infotainment functions are displayed on a tilting 6.8-inch TFT touchscreen (thin-film-transistor, a type of liquid-crystal display noted for high image quality and contrast). Its non-reflective glass cover makes it easier to view in most lighting conditions. The touchscreen function is disabled when the motorcycle is in motion, but the rider can use hand controls to manage many functions of the screen display when the motorcycle is moving. The display supports infotainment generated by the rider’s Bluetooth-equipped mobile device, including music and calls. Navigation is supplied by the free Harley-Davidson® App for iOS or Android.

 

Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements

The Pan America 1250 model is equipped with Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements, a collection of technologies designed enhance rider confidence during unexpected situations or poor road conditions. The systems are electronic and utilize the latest chassis control, electronic brake control and powertrain technology. Cornering enhanced technology utilizes an inertial measurement unit, IMU, for optimal intervention when the motorcycle is leaned compared to when the motorcycle is upright. Elements of Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements for the Pan America 1250 model include: Cornering Enhanced Electronically Linked Braking, Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System, Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System, Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System, and Hill Hold Control.

 

Ride Modes

Selectable Ride Modes electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle, and the level of technology intervention. Five modes are available on the base model (4 are pre-programmed and one can be customized). The Pan America™ 1250 Special model has two additional modes that can be customized by the owner. Pre-programed ride modes for the Pan America 1250 models include Road, Sport, Rain, Off-Road and Off-Road Plus. Each Ride Mode consists of a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) and Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS) settings. The rider may use the MODE button on the right-hand controller to change the active ride mode while riding the motorcycle or when stopped, with some exceptions.

 

Additional Pan America™ 1250 Model Features

The lightweight exhaust system is crafted from corrosion-resistant 304-series stainless steel and designed to meet global emissions (including Euro V) and sound regulations without compromising durability or the performance experienced by the rider. The catalyst is located as close to the engine as possible to minimize its size and weight and also keep heat away from the rider. A pair of mufflers – one below the engine and the second on the right side of the motorcycle – adds volume to the exhaust system, which allows effective sound muffling with minimal back pressure, which improves performance. The exhaust system is designed to create clearance under the motorcycle to limit potential impact damage during off-road riding, and to not compromise lean angle.

The rider portion of the seat has a high and low position which allows the rider to achieve a better fit on the motorcycle. Seat height adjustment does not require tools. Unladen seat height is 34.2 inches in the low position and 35.2 inches in the high position.

A four-position windscreen can be adjusted with one hand, using a lever adjacent to the display screen, through a range of 1.8 inches to best match rider stature, preference or changing environmental conditions.

Cruise control is standard equipment.

A lightweight aluminum fuel tank holds 5.6 gallons for extended riding range. The fuel filler is located forward on the top of the tank so it will not be covered by most tank bags, making it easier to fuel up with a bag in place. The fuel tank is shaped to optimize the capacity of the engine intake airbox, which is located below the tank.

The Pan America™ 1250 model features all-LED lighting designed to deliver signature style and outstanding performance with and additional focus on rugged durability in the off-road environment. The Daymaker® Signature LED headlamp has been designed using new photometric analysis technology to produce outstanding “punch” down the road with a very homogenous spread of light; eliminating distracting “hot spots.”

The front turn signals are positioned to be protected by the brush guard during off-road riding.

Paint Color: Vivid Black, River Rock Gray with Medallion

 

 

The right-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
The right-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

 

PAN AMERICA 1250 SPECIAL MODEL

The Pan America 1250 Special model is a premium adventure touring motorcycle loaded with the following additional exclusive features:

 

Semi-Active Front and Rear Suspension with Vehicle Load Control

The Pan America™ 1250 Special model is equipped with electronically adjustable semi-active front and rear suspension. Utilizing data provided by sensors on the motorcycle, this suspension system automatically controls damping to suit the prevailing conditions and riding activity. These suspension components are provided by SHOWA, while the control software was developed by Harley-Davidson. The Vehicle Loading Control system senses the weight of the rider, a passenger and luggage to select optimal suspension sag by automatically adjusting rear preload. Unladen seat height is 33.4 inches in the low position and 34.4 inches in the high position.

 

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The TPMS displays current front and rear tire pressure on the on the color display screen and displays an indicator to alert the rider when tire pressure is low, and the pressure should be checked. Maintaining proper tire air pressure is important both for vehicle performance and tire life.

 

Center Stand

The center stand supports the parked motorcycle in an upright position. With the center stand deployed the parked motorcycle takes up less space than it would leaning on its side stand, a benefit when garage space is tight. The stand also raises the rear wheel off the ground to facilitate maintenance and tire changes, at home or in the backcountry.

 

The left-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
The left-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

 

Multi-Position Rear Brake Pedal

Without using tools, the rear-brake foot pedal height can be changed between two positions to improve control and comfort when the rider is standing. Standing while riding through off-road terrain can improve control of the motorcycle and improve rider’s vision of the trail ahead.

 

Brush Guard

Tubular steel brush guards are designed to protect the radiator and help support the motorcycle in a tip-over event.

 

Aluminum Skid Plate

This rugged skid plate is designed to protect the engine crankcase from impacts.

 

A 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special in action. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
A 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special in action. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

 

Daymaker® Signature Adaptive Headlamp

Advanced Daymaker® Adaptive Headlamp technology utilizes the ABS IMU to determine the lean angle of the motorcycle and automatically project additional light into corners to illuminate areas of the road that may be unlit by an LED headlamp without this technology. This may give the rider more confidence on dark roads.

The system includes three LED elements per side, located just above the main Daymaker headlamp.

The adaptive lamps illuminate in sequence based on motorcycle lean angle, at 8 degrees, 15 degrees and 23 degrees.

Rather than just switching on and off, the current to the adaptive elements ramps up gradually so the additional lighting is progressive and appears almost seamless to the rider.
The system functions when the headlight is in either high-beam or low-beam mode.

 

Heated Hand Grips and Hand Wind Deflectors

Both provide added comfort when riding in cool weather. Heated grips have three temperature settings, selected with a button on the hand control.

 

Steering Damper

A steering damper enhances dynamic performance during aggressive off-road riding.

 

The 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special can be fitted with Adaptive Ride Height. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
The 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special can be fitted with Adaptive Ride Height. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

 

Factory Installed Option: Adaptive Ride Height

Harley-Davidson is the first to offer this technology in the motorcycle industry, and Adaptive Ride Height (ARH) is an option for the Pan America™ 1250 Special model only. Adaptive Ride Height unlocks confidence you can feel in different scenarios by enabling a lower seat height when the motorcycle is at rest, without compromising ground clearance in motion.

This revolutionary suspension system automatically transitions the motorcycle between a low stopped position and optimal ride height when the motorcycle is in motion. The system allows the rider to mount the Pan America 1250 Special model with ease, and facilitates placing feet down to the ground at a stop, by lowering the seat height 1 to 2 inches (depending on automatically selected rear pre-load, which determines ride height when the bike is moving). Unladen seat height is 32.7 inches in the low position and 33.7 inches in the high position.  ARH retains all of the features of the semi-active front and rear suspension.

ARH does not compromise suspension travel – full travel is always maintained – and does not compromise lean angle, ground clearance or ride quality.

There are four selectable Adaptive Ride Height sub-modes:

Auto Mode: The system determines how quickly to lower the suspension based on how aggressive the braking action is, with the target of having the suspension fully lowered when the bike comes to a stop.

Short Delay and Long Delay Modes: In these modes the lowering function is delayed until the motorcycle comes to a stop, so that full ride height is maintained while the motorcycle is moving at low speeds, such as when negotiating a parking lot.

Locked Mode: The Adaptive Ride Height system will always maintain the normal ride height and does not lower at a stop. This mode might be selected by a tall rider who does not need Adaptive Ride Height to be flat footed at a stop, or for off-road riding when full ride height is desirable at low speeds.

 

Factory Installed Option: Tubeless Laced Wheels

The stainless-steel spokes are inserted through the aluminum wheel rim outside of the tire bead. These wheels offer the rider several advantages over the cast wheels in off-road conditions.

This design allows the use of a tubeless tire, which eliminates the weight of an inner tube.
The spokes are repairable in the field without removing the wheel from the motorcycle or removing the tire from the wheel.

The laced wheels look both rugged and high-tech.

Paint Colors: Vivid Black; Gauntlet Gray Metallic; Deadwood Green (available in select international markets only); two-tone Baja Orange and Stone Washed White Pearl; all with Split Graphic

Learn more about the Harley-Davidson® Pan America™ 1250 and Pan America™ 1250 Special models at www.harley-davidson.com.

Follow the Pan America story on social media at:

https://www.instagram.com/hdpanamerica

https://www.facebook.com/hdpanamerica

 

About Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Our ambition is to maintain our place as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture by delivering a motorcycle lifestyle with distinctive and customizable motorcycles, experiences, motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get riders on the road. www.harley-davidson.com.

Metzeler Tires Chosen As Original Equipment On New Indian Motorcycles

The partnership between the brands METZELER and Indian Motorcycle is strengthened: several new Indian Motorcycle models equipped with tires of the blue elephant brand

Along with the Indian Challenger, METZELER CRUISETEC™ will be original equipment tires of the Indian Roadmaster, Chieftain, Springfield and Vintage models. METZELER SPORTEC™ M9 RR will now be original equipment on the brand new Indian FTR

ROME, Ga. – The technical partnership between the brands METZELER and Indian Motorcycle forges ahead since the first collaboration between the German-born tire brand and the legendary US motorcycle manufacturer happened in 2019. METZELER brand was chosen as the development partner and exclusive supplier for the powerful touring model, the 2020 Indian Challenger. It was an extremely successful project, thanks to the joint work between two brands that share the same philosophies of enhancing their company heritage and at the same time aiming for the highest level of performance, in compliance with the most challenging quality standards.

From that moment, the technical collaboration between the two historic brands has been further strengthened and to date it has been extended to other important models of the American manufacturer. In fact from 2021, in addition to the Indian Challenger, METZELER tires will exclusively equip the brand new Indian FTR, which was recently unveiled to fans all over the world, and other iconic models from America’s first motorcycle company, such as the Indian Roadmaster, Chieftain, Springfield and Vintage.

For the Indian FTR, including the FTR S and FTR R Carbon versions, METZELER SPORTEC™ M9 RR tires were selected as original equipment, in 120/70 ZR 17 front and 180/55 ZR 17 rear sizes. Pulling inspiration from its American Flat Track race bike, the FTR750, the new 2022 FTR is an exciting motorcycle that combines style and performance, ideal for both weekend trips and daily use. The FTR offers incredible power, and at the same time, thanks in part to the agility conferred by the original equipment SPORTEC™ M9 RR tires, extraordinary handling. The powerful 1203cc, 120hp, 117.9Nm torque V-Twin engine precisely manages power delivery, which is safely discharged to the ground via SPORTEC™ M9 RR tires.

SPORTEC™ M9 RR combines in the best way the versatility typical of everyday use with the brand’s experience in Road Racing competitions, exploiting the latest technological advances in the German brand’s research and development field. SPORTEC™ M9 RR was designed for motorcyclists, primarily owners of supersport and naked machines, with a sporty riding style and who use their bikes almost every day, from the urban jungle to the winding roads out of town. Motorcyclists looking for riding pleasure and sporty performance even in the wet need a sport tire that provides precise and safe feedback while enjoying their bike’s performance at full capacity.

METZELER CRUISETEC™ has been selected as the original equipment tire for several models within Indian Motorcycle’s cruising and touring portfolio, including the Challenger, Roadmaster, Chieftain, Springfield and Vintage models, also in the Limited and Dark Horse versions.

METZELER CRUISETEC™ is designed to offer motorcyclists with power cruisers, custom and touring bikes, a tire that is more performance oriented than others in the segment to date. CRUISETEC™ has been developed to take advantage of the full performance potential of these heavyweight and powerful motorcycles thanks to the high level of grip even in wet conditions, revolutionary handling, and the structural characteristics oriented towards riding pleasure thanks to stability and precision.

Lost At Sea: Motool Slacker Shipping Nightmare

By Michael Gougis

An order of 2,000 Motool Slacker sag measuring units is missing. The units may be bobbing in the Pacific, or they may be crushed under damaged shipping containers on a massive cargo vessel at berth in Japan, or they may be perfectly fine but unreachable for the moment.

In any case, the November sea catastrophe – when a containerized cargo ship lost nearly 1,900 containers in a storm off of Hawaii – has battered the small company, best known for a remarkably clever digital tool that has revolutionized the process of setting the sag on a motorcycle.

“It’s a brutal situation. I’ve had a tough couple of months,” says John Casebeer, founder and owner of Motool.

On November 30, the vessel ONE Apus, a Bird-class container ship nearly 1,200 feet long and with a capacity of 14,000 TEU (20-foot equivalent unit) suffered a stack collapse when it encountered high seas en route from Yantian, China to the Port of Long Beach. Experts say the rough seas sent the ship into what is known as parametric rolling, where the vessel is pitched into dramatic lean angles of up to 30 degrees in a matter of seconds.

This motion places extreme stress on the mechanisms by which containers stacked on the deck are secured, and can cause the stack retention mechanisms to snap and the stack of containers to collapse.

ONE Apus lost 1,816 containers, and several others were askew on the deck of the ship when it reached port in Kobe, Japan.

And that’s where Motool’s limbo began.

The order of 2,000 Slacker units takes up only part of a single container, Casebeer said. And the shipping company has not yet released information as to which containers are missing, which are damaged, and which are still on the ship, he said.

“I still don’t know if I lost my stuff or not,” Casebeer said. “I just know it was on the deck. “They’re being real tight-lipped. My stuff might be there. It might be in the Pacific. This is the largest maritime loss of cargo in history when they didn’t lose the ship.”

The shipping claims specialist firm W K Webster posted on its website that even figuring out what is still aboard the Apus is still not clear.

*As at Wednesday, 3rd February, 638 containers have been discharged from the ONE APUS at the port of Kobe, Japan,” the company said in its latest update. “Progress is still relatively slow although the rate of discharge does appear to be increasing slightly as the most severely damaged containers are discharged, leaving others that are more easily handled to be removed. It is still likely to be a few more weeks before discharge is completed and necessary repairs made to the vessel.”

Out of inventory, Casebeer had to scramble. He contacted his factory in the Guangdong Province and placed another order for 720 of the units. And then, to meet his growing backlog, he had to have these airfreighted at six to eight times the cost of ocean shipping, he said.

As the world starts to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and learns to live and operate in the current health environment, goods are pouring out of China and other countries in the Asian/Pacific Rim, straining supply lines like never before. Even airfreight was delayed, Casebeer said.

Finally, the air shipment of 720 Slackers arrived and Casebeer got them into his possession on Tuesday. He shipped 590 units in three days, he said.

It is unclear what will happen in regards to the other 2,000 units, Casebeer says. He has an agent in Japan working on the situation. Containers are being removed from the ship one by one and their contents inventoried and inspected. But Casebeer does not expect the situation to be resolved any time soon.

“It has been a wild ride,” Casebeer says.

To see video of the ONE Apus before and after the disaster, go HERE.

MotoGP: LCR Honda IDEMITSU Team Introduced (Video)

 

 

2021 LCR Honda IDEMITSU Team 

Takaaki Nakagami

Bio

Born in Chiba (Japan) on February 9, 1992, Nakagami joined the Japanese Road Race
Championship in the GP125 category in 2005 and in 2006 became the youngest ever
winner of the Japanese 125cc Championship. The same year he also joined the MotoGP
Academy which gave him the chance to compete overseas for the first time in the CEV
(Spanish) 125GP series. In 2007 he decided to focus on the CEV 125GP championship
(under the Academy banner) and had the chance to compete as a wildcard in 125cc
World Championship at the final round in Valencia.

He impressed enough to secure a full-time ride in the 125cc World Championship in
2008, joining the Italian I.C. Team riding an Aprilia and he continued in the Championship
in 2009 with Ongetta I.S.P.A. Aprilia. Despite having offers to remain in the 125cc
championship in 2010, Nakagami decided to return to Japan and re-join the Harc-Pro
team (with Honda) for 2 years winning the Japanese Moto2™ title in 2011 was drafted in
by the Italtrans Team at the Japan GP as a substitute rider.

The team offered him a fulltime seat for 2012, and in 2013 just missed out on a maiden
race victory on numerous occasions – not least when he scored four consecutive second
place finishes in the middle of the season. He switched to Idemitsu Honda Team Asia in
2014, but he had to wait until the following year to return to the podium with third in
Misano. He remained with the team in 2016 and took his first win in Assen at the Dutch
GP, and by the end of 2017 had garnered eight podiums and two poles.

For 2018 Nakagami graduated to the premier class to ride with LCR Honda IDEMITSU
and was the best qualifying rookie with several appearances in Q2. Nakagami got his
best result at the last round in Valencia crossing the line in 6th position (Best
Independent Rider of the Spanish round) and was impressive in winter testing.

He stayed with LCR Honda IDEMITSU in 2019 alongside his team-mate Cal Crutchlow,
noticing the best finish of 5th in the Italian GP (Best Independent Rider of the round in
Mugello). Unfortunately, his season saw an early end as he had to take a difficult
decision to undergo shoulder surgery right after his home GP in Motegi, just to be sure
he is fully fit for the upcoming 2020 season.

Nakagami showed great consistency in 2020 and made important progress. He achieved
his first ever pole position in MotoGP at Aragon and he finished the Championship, 10th
overall. In 2021, his fifth year in MotoGP, Taka will be riding a full factory spec bike,
alongside new teammate Alex Marquez.

 

Rider ID

Date of Birth: 09/02/1992

Place of Birth: Chiba – Japan

Height: 175cm

Weight: 68kg

Instagram: @takanakagami

 

Bike

Bike: Honda RC213V

Engine: 1000cc V4, liquid cooled, pneumatic valves, 4-valve DOHC

Power: Over 260hp

Gearbox: 6-speed seamless transmission

Suspension: Öhlins

Chassis: Aluminium twin-tube

Brakes: Brembo

Fuel allowance: 22 litres

Software: Magneti Marelli

Tyres: Michelin, 17” front and rear

Dry weight: 157kg

 

Technical Crew

Giacomo Guidotti Chief Engineer

Alessandro Damia Engine Mapping

Eric Perez Salva Data Recording

Federico Vicino Mechanic

Filippo Brunetti Mechanic

Marc Canellas Mechanic

Willibrord Kleine Tire Responsible

Enrique Pintor Rider’s associate

 

LCR Team History

The LCR Team (Lucio Cecchinello Racing) was born in 1996 when Lucio decided to
establish his own Team following the footsteps of other racing champions who successfully
done the same thing. Simply starting with two mechanics and one van, over the years the
LCR Team continued to grow turning into a complex and highly organized structure. After
nine years in 125cc class, five years in 250cc class LCR is actually competing in the
MotoGP class (since 2006) with two riders and more than 50 highly qualified collaborators
and also in MotoE category with two riders.

The LCR Team lined up with the most talented riders of the international field such as
Nobby Ueda, Alex De Angelis, Mattia Pasini, Randy De Puniet, Roberto Locatelli, Carlos
Checa, Casey Stoner, Stefan Bradl, Jack Miller, Cal Crutchlow and many others with more
than 600 races held in the four different categories.

85 podiums, 24 victories, 2 “Rookie of the Year”, 1 Runner-Up Award and the Best
Independent Team Rider awards are the maximum expression of the daily work conducted
by Lucio and the Team members during 25 years of racing competitions.

 

Lucio Cecchinello

Bio

Team Manager and former Top 125cc rider Lucio Cecchinello, is one of the true
personalities of the Grand Prix paddock as he began racing in the 80s and his passion for
this sport is the same as it was on day one.

At the age of 7, Lucio dissembled his dad’s old motorcycle engine and that was his first
step into his future “racing life”.

He initially worked as a mechanic for teams in national and international racing field and in
1989 he began racing in the Italian Sports Production Championship before moving into
the European Championship in ’91 and, two years later, progressing to Grand Prix.
The year 1996 was the first turning point: Lucio organized his own small team for the World

Championship in the 125 class, obtaining several important results in the top ten. It was
the same in 1997 and in 1998, after 4 Grands Prix, Lucio obtained his first VICTORY in the
World Championship. He remained with Honda until 2000 earning further important results
in the smaller class and in 2001 the Team left the Japanese Constructor to Aprilia
Manufacturer. Lucio finished the championship in 4th place repeating the same result in
2002. In 2003, his last season as a professional racer, Lucio finally crossed the finishing
line in 1st place at the Italian GP in Mugello putting a lasting mark on his career (with a
total of 19 podiums, 7 victories and 4 pole positions).

Today he is a well-known and highly valued Team Manager of the LCR Honda Team
competing in the premier class as well as a 16-year member of the IRTA Committee
(Teams internal paddock commission involved in the improvement and development of the
MotoGP Championship).

Since 2019 Cecchinello doubled his commitment as a Team Manager, managing also the
LCR E-Team (MotoE™ World Cup).

MotoAmerica: Lochoff Joins Team Hammer

LOCHOFF JOINS TEAM HAMMER FOR 2021

Team Hammer, Inc. is thrilled to announce the signing of top prospect Sam Lochoff to contest the 2021 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing series. The 18-year-old South African will step up to MotoAmerica Supersport competition in 2021 aboard a Team Hammer built M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R600.

Lochoff turned heads by landing on the podium in his MotoAmerica debut in 2019, finishing third in the Junior Cup season-opener. Following an abbreviated rookie season in 2019, Lochoff made his presence felt in 2020, earning 13 podium finishes — including five runner-up finishes — en route to an overall third-place ranking in the 2020 Junior Cup standings.

His recent MotoAmerica achievements are just the latest in a string of accolades the teenager has packed into a very short time frame. His racing career kicked off less than five years back, the first year of which was dedicated primarily to four wheels. Once he switched his focus to motorcycle sport, the Cape Town native quickly racked up a pair of regional championships in his home country before graduating to the international scene.

In 2018, he stormed to the title in both the Alpe Adria International Motorcycle and FIM Supersport 300 European Championships, while getting his first taste of world championship competition in FIM World Supersport 300.

Looking ahead to 2021, Lochoff said, “I’ve always attempted to join the most professional and accomplished teams possible. I did a lot of research on the history of Team Hammer before signing this contract, and I’m convinced this is the best team I’ve ever been lucky enough to race for. I think this is going to be the year where I prove to myself that I can really make a career out of racing.”

Lochoff has dug deep to find speed. “Early last year, I found myself in the pack battling for fifth through 13th, 40 seconds behind the leader. After that, I said, ‘We can’t do this anymore — I have to find something.’ That’s when I really started training and focusing. After that I closed the gap down to 16 seconds, and then eight, and by the end of the year, I was battling for the win.”

Lochoff expects to continue his learning curve in 2021. “I don’t expect to come out and win straightaway in my first Supersport race. I plan to make the same kind of steady progress, and work my way into contention.”

About Team Hammer

The 2021 season will mark Team Hammer’s 41st consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 108 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 291 times, and have won nine AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA titles.

World Supersport 300: Yamaha Backing Viñales Racing Team

Viñales Racing Team Becomes Yamaha Supported WorldSSP300 Team for 2021

For the 2021 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship season, the newly formed Viñales Racing Team will be a Yamaha Supported WorldSSP300 Team, fielding young talents Kevin Sabatucci and Dean Berta Viñales.

The Spanish outfit was created by Ángel Viñales, father of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team rider Maverick Viñales, and will be running a pair of R3 GYTR-kitted bikes. Their commitment to helping young riders on their first steps towards the pinnacle of motorcycle racing is shared by Yamaha Motor Europe, and the team will now benefit from official support.

Italian youngster Sabatucci is no stranger to the Yamaha family, having raced in the 2019 WorldSSP300 championship with support from the bLU cRU program. The year prior, the 21-year-old took a podium on his debut at Imola, riding a R3 GYTR-kitted bike, with his first victory coming at Donington Park in 2019. Last year, the 21-year-old was a consistent front-runner and scored eight points finishes in WorldSSP300.

For Berta Viñales, Maverick’s cousin, this marks his first foray into the WorldSSP300 championship, having contested the European Talent Cup in 2019 and 2020, where he took a best result of 13th last year in Estoril. The Spaniard will be just 15 years-old when the season gets underway and has already impressed in Spanish national championships during his junior career so far.

 

Kevin Sabatucci

Viñales Racing Yamaha Supported WorldSSP300 Team

“The team approached me in December and it didn’t take long for us to get everything agreed. They are confident in my potential and that’s all I needed to know before getting started. I knew Angel Viñales wanted to build a good project and I believe we have a good starting point. To be honest, I prefer not to have any specific targets for me or the team, just to focus on myself and to be in the best form possible to start the season. My one and only target is to give my best, build a good relationship with the team and then we will see what happens. I know the team is working hard at the workshop to build the 2021 bike and honestly I can’t wait to test it. When I trained with the Viñales family, their advice was so important. Angel told me some things and I will try to improve them, especially about being fast riding alone, which is something that can help me a lot in qualifying, my biggest problem in the past. I’m working on that with the help of all the team and I’m confident I can improve my skills for the start of the season.”

Dean Berta Viñales

Viñales Racing Yamaha Supported WorldSSP300 Team

“This year I’ve been given the opportunity to be with the Viñales Racing Yamaha-supported WorldSSP300 Team and we’re excited, very happy and looking forward to getting started as soon as possible. I am very grateful for the opportunity the team have given me to take part in the WorldSSP300 championship. We are slowly fulfilling our dreams. I’m sure together we will do a good job. I am looking forward to start working together with the team and my teammate. I must thank my family and sponsors greatly for their help and trust they are placing in me.”

Ángel Viñales – Team Manager

Viñales Racing Yamaha Supported WorldSSP300 Team

“We needed a rider in the team with the experience that we lack in the rest of this championship so we could adapt more easily. Kevin is definitely a born winner, a committed rider and hardworking. I hope he feels really happy with the team and can bring out all the potential on track. Not to put pressure on him, but I wish to see a lot of finishes on the podium. It’s a pride for me to be able to count on Dean in the team. He deserves this opportunity so much, he is a great talent, and he will finally be able to show it. I want him to learn, have fun, evolve, and work hard to celebrate together all the successes he will definitely reap. Also, getting Yamaha support means everything for me and the team. It’s our first year in the WorldSBK paddock and to be handed this opportunity is more than a dream come true, we are really happy and excited for that. This comes while Maverick is also entering his fifth season as a Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Rider, so it’s amazing for us. Thanks to the Yamaha family for putting their trust in us.”

NASCAR Curbs In Daytona Chicane Will Not Be Used With Motorcycles

The tall, yellow curbs recently installed in the chicane on the back straightaway of the infield road course at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) for this coming weekend’s NASCAR road races will not be used for the upcoming Daytona 200 and ASRA/CCS races, according to ASRA/CCS.

The “turtle” curbs, as some are calling them, were installed to keep four-wheel race vehicles from straight-lining the course, dropping tires off the pavement, and sending dirt and debris onto the track and the windshields of other cars and trucks, according to numerous media reports.

Martin Truex Jr. crashed out of the lead of the Busch Clash NASCAR road race February 9 at DIS when he said he hit dirt and mud on the track in the chicane.

“Andrew Gurtis (DIS Vice President of Operations) called me right away,” ASRA President Kevin Elliott told Roadracingworld.com Friday, “because he knew those new curbs would not work for motorcycles. So, we started working on solutions.”

 

The so-called "turtle" curbing installed at the exit of the chicane at Daytona International Speedway for the February 19-21 NASCAR races on the infield road course. Photo courtesy NASCAR.
The “turtle” curbing installed on rider’s right and left at the exit of the chicane at Daytona International Speedway. Photo courtesy NASCAR.

 

Gurtis is also the person who approved the application of anti-slip paint on the DIS infield road course after Valentin Debise touched a painted line and suffered a huge highside crash while leading the 2018 Daytona 200.

According to Elliott, DIS will remove the “turtle” curbs after the cars are done using the road course and they will be replaced with FIA-approved curbs. The FIA curbs will have a more gradual taper and be less of a hazard for riders who encounter them during a crash while still preventing advantages from being gained by riding over them, said Elliott.

Daytona 200: $175,000 Purse And Rolex Grand Prize Confirmed

A cash purse of $175,000 plus a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona wristwatch grand prize for the winner have been confirmed for the 79th running of the Daytona 200, which is scheduled to take place March 13, 2021 at Daytona International Speedway.

In the absence of an official announcement, Roadracingworld.com reached out to Kevin Elliott, President of ASRA, which co-sanctions the race along with AMA, to ask about the purse for the upcoming race.

Elliott confirmed the same $175,000 purse that has been posted for the last several years will once again be up for grabs in 2021. Plus, said Elliott, he is adding a special $1,000 cash prize for the top-finishing Canadian rider, “just because I know what they are going to have to go through [quarantine] to get back into Canada after the race.”

There will also be a special prize for the rider who qualifies on pole position, a brand new Arai Corsair X helmet, courtesy of Arai Helmet Inc.

Here is a breakdown of the 2021 Daytona 200 purse payouts:

1st          $25,000.00

2nd        $20,000.00

3rd         $15,000.00

4th         $12,500.00

5th         $10,500.00

6th         $9,000.00

7th         $8,000.00

8th         $7,000.00

9th         $6,000.00

10th       $5,000.00

11th       $4,500.00

12th       $4,000.00

13th       $3,500.00

14th       $3,200.00

15th       $2,900.00

16th       $2,600.00

17th       $2,300.00

18th       $2,000.00

19th       $1,800.00

20th       $1,600.00

21st       $1,500.00

22nd      $1,500.00

23rd       $1,500.00

24th       $1,500.00

25th       $1,500.00

26th       $1,500.00

27th       $1,500.00

28th       $1,500.00

29th       $1,500.00

30th       $1,500.00

31st       $1,400.00

32nd      $1,400.00

33rd       $1,400.00

34th       $1,400.00

35th       $1,400.00

36th       $1,400.00

37th       $1,300.00

38th       $1,300.00

39th       $1,300.00

40th       $1,300.00

Total: $175,000.00

American Flat Track: Red Bull KTM Announces AFT Singles Rider Lineup

RED BULL KTM ANNOUNCES AN EXCITING TWO-RIDER LINEUP FOR 2021 AFT SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP

SHAYNA TEXTER-BAUMAN AND MAX WHALE READY TO RACE INTO THE NEW SEASON

February 19, 2021

MURRIETA, Calif. – The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team is eager to kick off the 2021 Progressive American Flat Track Championship next month with an exciting two-rider lineup in the AFT Singles Class. Returning for her third season with the team, 19-time AFT Singles winner Shayna Texter-Bauman will line up to once again battle for the top spot alongside new teammate and 2020 AFT Singles runner-up, Max Whale. The dynamic duo will compete aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION machine.

“I’m really happy to bring a two-rider program back to AFT, thanks in a big way to our new partnership with Rocky Mountain ATV/MC,” said Team Manager, Chris Fillmore. “I feel that our program will really benefit from having two riders this season. As teammates, Shayna and Max already have a good chemistry and it will be good for them to really push each other on and off the track. It’s also valuable to have two riders providing feedback when we’re testing and at the races. We look forward to getting Shayna back on the podium this season and furthering her achievement as the winningest rider in AFT Singles history. We’re excited to bring Max on board in 2021, he is young and very motivated for the top spot, so I expect his hard work to pay off. We’re really looking forward to seeing both riders achieve their goals this season.”

Texter-Bauman, a multi-time race winner, collected two podium finishes last season in the AFT Singles Class where she finished 12th overall in the championship. The Pennsylvania native has been working hard during the offseason to put her #52 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION into the mix up front in 2021.

 

Shayna Texter Bauman (52). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM.
Shayna Texter-Bauman (52). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM.

Shayna Texter-Bauman: “Being a part of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team is an honor that I am very proud of. I’m more motivated than ever to achieve the goals that I have set for myself in the 2021 season. The team has been working hard and we are all anxious to get back to racing.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s newest addition, Max Whale, will debut his #18 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION in 2021 as he enters his fourth season in the AFT Singles Class. The Australian native has progressively climbed through the ranks over the last four years, taking home a respectable second overall in last year’s championship with two race-wins and four podium finishes. With an all-new bike and team behind him, Whale looks to battle up front this season with hopes of claiming the 2021 crown.

 

Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM.
Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM.

Max Whale: “Riding for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team this season, I feel like we have a really strong chance at the top spot. I have been fortunate enough to spend a bit of time with the team in California during the offseason and it’s been awesome. I really feel at home on the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, doing a lot of testing and just enjoying my time out here. It’s been a dream of mine to ride for Red Bull KTM and I just really want to come out and do these guys proud and end up with the number one plate.”

The 2021 American Flat Track Championship kicks off with a double-header at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida on March 12 and 13. For more information on the American Flat Track Championship, please visit their website www.americanflattrack.com.

MotoGP: LCR Honda Castrol Team Launched (Video)

 

2021 LCR Honda CASTROL Team

Alex Marquez

Bio

Born on April 23, 1996 in Lleida, Alex Márquez has lived surrounded by motorcycles
practically from very early on in his life and found himself fascinated with everything
related to the world of two wheels.

When he was little, he wanted to be a mechanic for his brother, but he soon realized that
he also wanted to take the handlebar and squeeze the throttle to the maximum.
There are few combinations more infallible than talent, work and humility to end up being
a great rider. But if you also add a family passionate about motorcycles and a brother,
Marc, who has been breaking barriers in all the competitions he has gone through, it is
evident that the fate of Alex Márquez would lead him sooner or later to shine and become
a name in motorcycling.

At eight years old, Alex had already started competing and fighting for victory in the 50cc
PromoRacc and followed him up with the Catalan Championship title. He progressively
burned stages until his debut in 2010 in the Campeonato de España de Velocidad. In
2012 he achieved the 125cc Spanish Championship in the CEV and in 2013 he already
did his first full World Championship in Moto3.

From here on, the story of Alex Márquez is well known, two-time World Champion with
the Moto3 Titles in 2014 and Moto2 in 2019. At the end of 2019, he joined the Repsol
Honda Team with his brother Marc Márquez as a teammate for the 2020 season. On his
first year in the premier class, Alex claimed back-to-back second places in the French
and Aragon GPs. He narrowly missed out on the Rookie of the Year award, ending 14th
overall.

In 2021, Alex Márquez will continue being a Honda rider, this time with the LCR Honda
CASTROL Team in the year that marks it’s 25th anniversary of participation in the
MotoGP World Championship.

 

Rider ID

Date of Birth: 23/04/1996

Place of Birth: Lleida, SPA

Height: 180cm

Weight: 65kg

Instagram: @alexmarquez73

 

Bike

Bike: Honda RC213V

Engine: 1000cc V4, liquid cooled, pneumatic valves, 4-valve DOHC

Power: Over 260hp

Gearbox: 6-speed seamless transmission

Suspension: Öhlins

Chassis: Aluminium twin-tube

Brakes: Brembo

Fuel allowance: 22 litres

Software: Magneti Marelli

Tyres: Michelin, 17” front and rear

Dry weight: 157kg

 

Technical Crew

Christophe Bourguignon Chief Engineer

Jaume Carrau Engine Mapping

David Garcia Data Recording

Joan Casas Mechanic

Christopher Richardson Mechanic

Michele Andreini Mechanic

Sergi Sangra Lluch Tire Responsible

José Carrion Rider’s associate

Yuji Kikuchi HRC Technician

Katsuhiko Imai HRC Staff

 

LCR Team History

The LCR Team (Lucio Cecchinello Racing) was born in 1996 when Lucio decided to
establish his own Team following the footsteps of other racing champions who successfully
done the same thing. Simply starting with two mechanics and one van, over the years the
LCR Team continued to grow turning into a complex and highly organized structure. After
nine years in 125cc class, five years in 250cc class LCR is actually competing in the
MotoGP class (since 2006) with two riders and more than 50 highly qualified collaborators
and also in MotoE category with two riders.

The LCR Team lined up with the most talented riders of the international field such as
Nobby Ueda, Alex De Angelis, Mattia Pasini, Randy De Puniet, Roberto Locatelli, Carlos
Checa, Casey Stoner, Stefan Bradl, Jack Miller, Cal Crutchlow and many others with more
than 600 races held in the four different categories.

85 podiums, 24 victories, 2 “Rookie of the Year”, 1 Runner-Up Award and the Best
Independent Team Rider awards are the maximum expression of the daily work conducted
by Lucio and the Team members during 25 years of racing competitions.

 

Lucio Cecchinello

Bio

Team Manager and former Top 125cc rider Lucio Cecchinello, is one of the true
personalities of the Grand Prix paddock as he began racing in the 80s and his passion for
this sport is the same as it was on day one.

At the age of 7, Lucio dissembled his dad’s old motorcycle engine and that was his first
step into his future “racing life”.

He initially worked as a mechanic for teams in national and international racing field and in
1989 he began racing in the Italian Sports Production Championship before moving into
the European Championship in ’91 and, two years later, progressing to Grand Prix.

The year 1996 was the first turning point: Lucio organized his own small team for the World Championship in the 125 class, obtaining several important results in the top ten. It was the same in 1997 and in 1998, after 4 Grands Prix, Lucio obtained his first VICTORY in the World Championship. He remained with Honda until 2000 earning further important results in the smaller class and in 2001 the Team left the Japanese Constructor to Aprilia
Manufacturer. Lucio finished the championship in 4th place repeating the same result in
2002. In 2003, his last season as a professional racer, Lucio finally crossed the finishing
line in 1st place at the Italian GP in Mugello putting a lasting mark on his career (with a
total of 19 podiums, 7 victories and 4 pole positions).

Today he is a well-known and highly valued Team Manager of the LCR Honda Team
competing in the premier class as well as a 16-year member of the IRTA Committee
(Teams internal paddock commission involved in the improvement and development of the
MotoGP Championship).

Since 2019 Cecchinello doubled his commitment as a Team Manager, managing also the
LCR E-Team (MotoE™ World Cup).

Harley-Davidson Introduces 150-Horsepower Pan America 1250

Harley-Davidson's new Pan America 1250 adventure touring bike. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
Harley-Davidson's new Pan America 1250 adventure touring bike. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

EXPLORE ENDLESS HORIZONS: NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON PAN AMERICA 1250 AND PAN AMERICA 1250 SPECIAL MOTORCYCLES DEBUT

Built to Endure, Designed to Explore, and Engineered for Adventure

MILWAUKEE (February 22, 2021) – The Pan America™ motorcycle is Harley-Davidson’s explore-it-all machine for riders who see touring as detouring – on road and off. This rugged, powerful, technologically advanced multi-purpose vehicle is designed from the ground up to inspire rider confidence and fuel the spirit of adventure, wherever the road may take you.

Harley-Davidson has leveraged its cutting-edge design and engineering capabilities to create the Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special, all-new, adventure-touring motorcycles, each designed with premium features, outstanding performance and innovative technology.

 

The left-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
The left-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

 

“From its inception more than a century ago, when many roads were little more than dirt trails, Harley-Davidson has stood for adventure. So, I’m very proud to present Pan America as the first adventure touring bike designed and built in America,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO Harley-Davidson. “The Pan America models exude that go-anywhere spirit, shared today by riders in the US and around the globe who want to experience the world on a motorcycle.” That same adventurous spirt is deeply shared by actor and brand ambassador, Jason Momoa, who is joining creative forces with the Company to bring Pan America’s passion for adventure to the world.

Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special models are powered by the new 150hp Revolution® Max 1250 engine, a liquid-cooled 1,250cc-displacement V-Twin designed to offer a broad powerband that builds to a rush of high-RPM power. To minimize overall motorcycle weight (Pan America 1250 534lb. wet/Pan America 1250 Special 559lb. wet), the Revolution Max engine is integrated into the vehicle as the central member of the chassis.

 

The right-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
The right-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

 

Pan America models are equipped with technologies designed to enhance the riding experience, including multiple electronically controlled ride modes plus Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements. This broad collection of technologies is designed to match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration and braking. The Pan America 1250 Special model is equipped with electronically adjustable semi-active front and rear suspension. As an industry-first innovation, Pan America is equipped with Adaptive Ride Height (ARH), a revolutionary new suspension system which automatically transitions between a low stopped position and optimal ride height when the motorcycle is in motion.

Harley-Davidson design and engineering teams collaborated throughout the process of creating and refining the Pan America™ 1250 and Pan America™ 1250 Special models with a vision guided by utility. Like a good multi-tool, function leads the form of these Harley-Davidson® models. From grab handles to integrated luggage mounts, to a horizontal headlamp configured to better illuminate an off-road trail, function defines style. Inspired by the spirit of rugged North American off-road versatility, the Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special models stand out visually in the adventure touring landscape, with design that reflects the capability of the motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson® dealers will offer a complete line of accessories for the Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special models, including three durable luggage systems, and new technical riding gear for men and women developed in collaboration with respected European motorcycle apparel specialist, REV’IT!.

The Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special models will arrive at Harley-Davidson dealerships in Spring 2021.

 

A 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 in action. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
A 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 in action. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

 

PAN AMERICA 1250 MODEL

The Harley-Davidson® Pan America 1250 model is a rugged, powerful, technologically advanced multi-purpose motorcycle designed for riders ready to embrace real-life adventure. The riding experience is capable and intuitive, on a motorcycle that stays composed and confident wherever your adventure takes you.

 

Optimized Chassis

A focus on performance and minimizing weight drove both vehicle and engine architecture, material choices, and aggressive component design optimization, all with the goal of achieving a desirable power-to-weight ratio. The powertrain is a stressed member of the chassis, eliminating the traditional frame. Three distinct elements – the front frame, the mid frame and the tail section – bolt directly to the powertrain. This design reduces motorcycle weight and results in a stiff chassis that contributes to precise handling. The cast-aluminum swingarm minimizes unsprung weight. The chassis is designed with a 62.2-inch wheelbase, ideal for touring capability (especially with a passenger and loaded luggage) and agile handling required for off-road maneuverability.

Cast aluminum wheels (19-inch front and a 17-inch rear) are designed to be strong, yet light weight, intended for use on paved roads and un-paved surfaces, such as gravel roads and fire roads. Harley-Davidson and Michelin collaboratively designed a Scorcher Adventure tire for the Pan America models to meet the demands associated with adventure touring. Michelin Anakee Wild tires with an aggressive “knobby” tread pattern will be offered through Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories for riders seeking maximum off-road traction and a bold style profile.

 

Brembo® Braking

Harley-Davidson and Brembo collaborated on an all-new braking system for the Pan America™ models that is designed to provide the rider with outstanding braking feel and performance. A new radial monoblock four-piston (30 mm) caliper takes full advantage of the material characteristics to increase stiffness while reducing overall weight. Dual front brake rotors are 320mm in diameter; single rear-brake rotor is 280mm diameter. A new lightweight front brake master cylinder offers adjustable lever response.

 

Adjustable Suspension

The Pan America 1250 model features premium passive front and rear suspension that is fully adjustable for pre-load and compression/rebound damping. Suspension travel front and rear is 7.48 inches (190mm). Front suspension is provided by a SHOWA® 1 by 1 47mm inverted cartridge fork. Rear suspension is a SHOWA® Piggyback reservoir shock with adjustable hydraulic preload. The rear suspension incorporates a linkage system which provides a progressive feel through the stroke and maintains a comfortable, compliant ride on-road, while providing superior support for off-road conditions.

 

Touchscreen Display

All instrumentation and infotainment functions are displayed on a tilting 6.8-inch TFT touchscreen (thin-film-transistor, a type of liquid-crystal display noted for high image quality and contrast). Its non-reflective glass cover makes it easier to view in most lighting conditions. The touchscreen function is disabled when the motorcycle is in motion, but the rider can use hand controls to manage many functions of the screen display when the motorcycle is moving. The display supports infotainment generated by the rider’s Bluetooth-equipped mobile device, including music and calls. Navigation is supplied by the free Harley-Davidson® App for iOS or Android.

 

Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements

The Pan America 1250 model is equipped with Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements, a collection of technologies designed enhance rider confidence during unexpected situations or poor road conditions. The systems are electronic and utilize the latest chassis control, electronic brake control and powertrain technology. Cornering enhanced technology utilizes an inertial measurement unit, IMU, for optimal intervention when the motorcycle is leaned compared to when the motorcycle is upright. Elements of Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements for the Pan America 1250 model include: Cornering Enhanced Electronically Linked Braking, Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System, Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System, Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System, and Hill Hold Control.

 

Ride Modes

Selectable Ride Modes electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle, and the level of technology intervention. Five modes are available on the base model (4 are pre-programmed and one can be customized). The Pan America™ 1250 Special model has two additional modes that can be customized by the owner. Pre-programed ride modes for the Pan America 1250 models include Road, Sport, Rain, Off-Road and Off-Road Plus. Each Ride Mode consists of a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) and Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS) settings. The rider may use the MODE button on the right-hand controller to change the active ride mode while riding the motorcycle or when stopped, with some exceptions.

 

Additional Pan America™ 1250 Model Features

The lightweight exhaust system is crafted from corrosion-resistant 304-series stainless steel and designed to meet global emissions (including Euro V) and sound regulations without compromising durability or the performance experienced by the rider. The catalyst is located as close to the engine as possible to minimize its size and weight and also keep heat away from the rider. A pair of mufflers – one below the engine and the second on the right side of the motorcycle – adds volume to the exhaust system, which allows effective sound muffling with minimal back pressure, which improves performance. The exhaust system is designed to create clearance under the motorcycle to limit potential impact damage during off-road riding, and to not compromise lean angle.

The rider portion of the seat has a high and low position which allows the rider to achieve a better fit on the motorcycle. Seat height adjustment does not require tools. Unladen seat height is 34.2 inches in the low position and 35.2 inches in the high position.

A four-position windscreen can be adjusted with one hand, using a lever adjacent to the display screen, through a range of 1.8 inches to best match rider stature, preference or changing environmental conditions.

Cruise control is standard equipment.

A lightweight aluminum fuel tank holds 5.6 gallons for extended riding range. The fuel filler is located forward on the top of the tank so it will not be covered by most tank bags, making it easier to fuel up with a bag in place. The fuel tank is shaped to optimize the capacity of the engine intake airbox, which is located below the tank.

The Pan America™ 1250 model features all-LED lighting designed to deliver signature style and outstanding performance with and additional focus on rugged durability in the off-road environment. The Daymaker® Signature LED headlamp has been designed using new photometric analysis technology to produce outstanding “punch” down the road with a very homogenous spread of light; eliminating distracting “hot spots.”

The front turn signals are positioned to be protected by the brush guard during off-road riding.

Paint Color: Vivid Black, River Rock Gray with Medallion

 

 

The right-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
The right-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

 

PAN AMERICA 1250 SPECIAL MODEL

The Pan America 1250 Special model is a premium adventure touring motorcycle loaded with the following additional exclusive features:

 

Semi-Active Front and Rear Suspension with Vehicle Load Control

The Pan America™ 1250 Special model is equipped with electronically adjustable semi-active front and rear suspension. Utilizing data provided by sensors on the motorcycle, this suspension system automatically controls damping to suit the prevailing conditions and riding activity. These suspension components are provided by SHOWA, while the control software was developed by Harley-Davidson. The Vehicle Loading Control system senses the weight of the rider, a passenger and luggage to select optimal suspension sag by automatically adjusting rear preload. Unladen seat height is 33.4 inches in the low position and 34.4 inches in the high position.

 

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The TPMS displays current front and rear tire pressure on the on the color display screen and displays an indicator to alert the rider when tire pressure is low, and the pressure should be checked. Maintaining proper tire air pressure is important both for vehicle performance and tire life.

 

Center Stand

The center stand supports the parked motorcycle in an upright position. With the center stand deployed the parked motorcycle takes up less space than it would leaning on its side stand, a benefit when garage space is tight. The stand also raises the rear wheel off the ground to facilitate maintenance and tire changes, at home or in the backcountry.

 

The left-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
The left-side view of a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

 

Multi-Position Rear Brake Pedal

Without using tools, the rear-brake foot pedal height can be changed between two positions to improve control and comfort when the rider is standing. Standing while riding through off-road terrain can improve control of the motorcycle and improve rider’s vision of the trail ahead.

 

Brush Guard

Tubular steel brush guards are designed to protect the radiator and help support the motorcycle in a tip-over event.

 

Aluminum Skid Plate

This rugged skid plate is designed to protect the engine crankcase from impacts.

 

A 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special in action. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
A 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special in action. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

 

Daymaker® Signature Adaptive Headlamp

Advanced Daymaker® Adaptive Headlamp technology utilizes the ABS IMU to determine the lean angle of the motorcycle and automatically project additional light into corners to illuminate areas of the road that may be unlit by an LED headlamp without this technology. This may give the rider more confidence on dark roads.

The system includes three LED elements per side, located just above the main Daymaker headlamp.

The adaptive lamps illuminate in sequence based on motorcycle lean angle, at 8 degrees, 15 degrees and 23 degrees.

Rather than just switching on and off, the current to the adaptive elements ramps up gradually so the additional lighting is progressive and appears almost seamless to the rider.
The system functions when the headlight is in either high-beam or low-beam mode.

 

Heated Hand Grips and Hand Wind Deflectors

Both provide added comfort when riding in cool weather. Heated grips have three temperature settings, selected with a button on the hand control.

 

Steering Damper

A steering damper enhances dynamic performance during aggressive off-road riding.

 

The 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special can be fitted with Adaptive Ride Height. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
The 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special can be fitted with Adaptive Ride Height. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

 

Factory Installed Option: Adaptive Ride Height

Harley-Davidson is the first to offer this technology in the motorcycle industry, and Adaptive Ride Height (ARH) is an option for the Pan America™ 1250 Special model only. Adaptive Ride Height unlocks confidence you can feel in different scenarios by enabling a lower seat height when the motorcycle is at rest, without compromising ground clearance in motion.

This revolutionary suspension system automatically transitions the motorcycle between a low stopped position and optimal ride height when the motorcycle is in motion. The system allows the rider to mount the Pan America 1250 Special model with ease, and facilitates placing feet down to the ground at a stop, by lowering the seat height 1 to 2 inches (depending on automatically selected rear pre-load, which determines ride height when the bike is moving). Unladen seat height is 32.7 inches in the low position and 33.7 inches in the high position.  ARH retains all of the features of the semi-active front and rear suspension.

ARH does not compromise suspension travel – full travel is always maintained – and does not compromise lean angle, ground clearance or ride quality.

There are four selectable Adaptive Ride Height sub-modes:

Auto Mode: The system determines how quickly to lower the suspension based on how aggressive the braking action is, with the target of having the suspension fully lowered when the bike comes to a stop.

Short Delay and Long Delay Modes: In these modes the lowering function is delayed until the motorcycle comes to a stop, so that full ride height is maintained while the motorcycle is moving at low speeds, such as when negotiating a parking lot.

Locked Mode: The Adaptive Ride Height system will always maintain the normal ride height and does not lower at a stop. This mode might be selected by a tall rider who does not need Adaptive Ride Height to be flat footed at a stop, or for off-road riding when full ride height is desirable at low speeds.

 

Factory Installed Option: Tubeless Laced Wheels

The stainless-steel spokes are inserted through the aluminum wheel rim outside of the tire bead. These wheels offer the rider several advantages over the cast wheels in off-road conditions.

This design allows the use of a tubeless tire, which eliminates the weight of an inner tube.
The spokes are repairable in the field without removing the wheel from the motorcycle or removing the tire from the wheel.

The laced wheels look both rugged and high-tech.

Paint Colors: Vivid Black; Gauntlet Gray Metallic; Deadwood Green (available in select international markets only); two-tone Baja Orange and Stone Washed White Pearl; all with Split Graphic

Learn more about the Harley-Davidson® Pan America™ 1250 and Pan America™ 1250 Special models at www.harley-davidson.com.

Follow the Pan America story on social media at:

https://www.instagram.com/hdpanamerica

https://www.facebook.com/hdpanamerica

 

About Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Our ambition is to maintain our place as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture by delivering a motorcycle lifestyle with distinctive and customizable motorcycles, experiences, motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get riders on the road. www.harley-davidson.com.

Metzeler Tires Chosen As Original Equipment On New Indian Motorcycles

A 2022-model Indian FTR R Carbon. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
A 2022-model Indian FTR R Carbon fitted with Metzeler Sportec M9 RR tires. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.

The partnership between the brands METZELER and Indian Motorcycle is strengthened: several new Indian Motorcycle models equipped with tires of the blue elephant brand

Along with the Indian Challenger, METZELER CRUISETEC™ will be original equipment tires of the Indian Roadmaster, Chieftain, Springfield and Vintage models. METZELER SPORTEC™ M9 RR will now be original equipment on the brand new Indian FTR

ROME, Ga. – The technical partnership between the brands METZELER and Indian Motorcycle forges ahead since the first collaboration between the German-born tire brand and the legendary US motorcycle manufacturer happened in 2019. METZELER brand was chosen as the development partner and exclusive supplier for the powerful touring model, the 2020 Indian Challenger. It was an extremely successful project, thanks to the joint work between two brands that share the same philosophies of enhancing their company heritage and at the same time aiming for the highest level of performance, in compliance with the most challenging quality standards.

From that moment, the technical collaboration between the two historic brands has been further strengthened and to date it has been extended to other important models of the American manufacturer. In fact from 2021, in addition to the Indian Challenger, METZELER tires will exclusively equip the brand new Indian FTR, which was recently unveiled to fans all over the world, and other iconic models from America’s first motorcycle company, such as the Indian Roadmaster, Chieftain, Springfield and Vintage.

For the Indian FTR, including the FTR S and FTR R Carbon versions, METZELER SPORTEC™ M9 RR tires were selected as original equipment, in 120/70 ZR 17 front and 180/55 ZR 17 rear sizes. Pulling inspiration from its American Flat Track race bike, the FTR750, the new 2022 FTR is an exciting motorcycle that combines style and performance, ideal for both weekend trips and daily use. The FTR offers incredible power, and at the same time, thanks in part to the agility conferred by the original equipment SPORTEC™ M9 RR tires, extraordinary handling. The powerful 1203cc, 120hp, 117.9Nm torque V-Twin engine precisely manages power delivery, which is safely discharged to the ground via SPORTEC™ M9 RR tires.

SPORTEC™ M9 RR combines in the best way the versatility typical of everyday use with the brand’s experience in Road Racing competitions, exploiting the latest technological advances in the German brand’s research and development field. SPORTEC™ M9 RR was designed for motorcyclists, primarily owners of supersport and naked machines, with a sporty riding style and who use their bikes almost every day, from the urban jungle to the winding roads out of town. Motorcyclists looking for riding pleasure and sporty performance even in the wet need a sport tire that provides precise and safe feedback while enjoying their bike’s performance at full capacity.

METZELER CRUISETEC™ has been selected as the original equipment tire for several models within Indian Motorcycle’s cruising and touring portfolio, including the Challenger, Roadmaster, Chieftain, Springfield and Vintage models, also in the Limited and Dark Horse versions.

METZELER CRUISETEC™ is designed to offer motorcyclists with power cruisers, custom and touring bikes, a tire that is more performance oriented than others in the segment to date. CRUISETEC™ has been developed to take advantage of the full performance potential of these heavyweight and powerful motorcycles thanks to the high level of grip even in wet conditions, revolutionary handling, and the structural characteristics oriented towards riding pleasure thanks to stability and precision.

Lost At Sea: Motool Slacker Shipping Nightmare

A Motool Slacker sag measuring device. Photo courtesy Motool.
A Motool Slacker sag measuring device. Photo courtesy Motool.

By Michael Gougis

An order of 2,000 Motool Slacker sag measuring units is missing. The units may be bobbing in the Pacific, or they may be crushed under damaged shipping containers on a massive cargo vessel at berth in Japan, or they may be perfectly fine but unreachable for the moment.

In any case, the November sea catastrophe – when a containerized cargo ship lost nearly 1,900 containers in a storm off of Hawaii – has battered the small company, best known for a remarkably clever digital tool that has revolutionized the process of setting the sag on a motorcycle.

“It’s a brutal situation. I’ve had a tough couple of months,” says John Casebeer, founder and owner of Motool.

On November 30, the vessel ONE Apus, a Bird-class container ship nearly 1,200 feet long and with a capacity of 14,000 TEU (20-foot equivalent unit) suffered a stack collapse when it encountered high seas en route from Yantian, China to the Port of Long Beach. Experts say the rough seas sent the ship into what is known as parametric rolling, where the vessel is pitched into dramatic lean angles of up to 30 degrees in a matter of seconds.

This motion places extreme stress on the mechanisms by which containers stacked on the deck are secured, and can cause the stack retention mechanisms to snap and the stack of containers to collapse.

ONE Apus lost 1,816 containers, and several others were askew on the deck of the ship when it reached port in Kobe, Japan.

And that’s where Motool’s limbo began.

The order of 2,000 Slacker units takes up only part of a single container, Casebeer said. And the shipping company has not yet released information as to which containers are missing, which are damaged, and which are still on the ship, he said.

“I still don’t know if I lost my stuff or not,” Casebeer said. “I just know it was on the deck. “They’re being real tight-lipped. My stuff might be there. It might be in the Pacific. This is the largest maritime loss of cargo in history when they didn’t lose the ship.”

The shipping claims specialist firm W K Webster posted on its website that even figuring out what is still aboard the Apus is still not clear.

*As at Wednesday, 3rd February, 638 containers have been discharged from the ONE APUS at the port of Kobe, Japan,” the company said in its latest update. “Progress is still relatively slow although the rate of discharge does appear to be increasing slightly as the most severely damaged containers are discharged, leaving others that are more easily handled to be removed. It is still likely to be a few more weeks before discharge is completed and necessary repairs made to the vessel.”

Out of inventory, Casebeer had to scramble. He contacted his factory in the Guangdong Province and placed another order for 720 of the units. And then, to meet his growing backlog, he had to have these airfreighted at six to eight times the cost of ocean shipping, he said.

As the world starts to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and learns to live and operate in the current health environment, goods are pouring out of China and other countries in the Asian/Pacific Rim, straining supply lines like never before. Even airfreight was delayed, Casebeer said.

Finally, the air shipment of 720 Slackers arrived and Casebeer got them into his possession on Tuesday. He shipped 590 units in three days, he said.

It is unclear what will happen in regards to the other 2,000 units, Casebeer says. He has an agent in Japan working on the situation. Containers are being removed from the ship one by one and their contents inventoried and inspected. But Casebeer does not expect the situation to be resolved any time soon.

“It has been a wild ride,” Casebeer says.

To see video of the ONE Apus before and after the disaster, go HERE.

MotoGP: LCR Honda IDEMITSU Team Introduced (Video)

Takaaki Nakagami and his LCR Honda IDEMITSU RC213V. Photo courtesy LCR Honda IDEMITSU.
Takaaki Nakagami and his LCR Honda IDEMITSU RC213V. Photo courtesy LCR Honda IDEMITSU.

 

 

2021 LCR Honda IDEMITSU Team 

Takaaki Nakagami

Bio

Born in Chiba (Japan) on February 9, 1992, Nakagami joined the Japanese Road Race
Championship in the GP125 category in 2005 and in 2006 became the youngest ever
winner of the Japanese 125cc Championship. The same year he also joined the MotoGP
Academy which gave him the chance to compete overseas for the first time in the CEV
(Spanish) 125GP series. In 2007 he decided to focus on the CEV 125GP championship
(under the Academy banner) and had the chance to compete as a wildcard in 125cc
World Championship at the final round in Valencia.

He impressed enough to secure a full-time ride in the 125cc World Championship in
2008, joining the Italian I.C. Team riding an Aprilia and he continued in the Championship
in 2009 with Ongetta I.S.P.A. Aprilia. Despite having offers to remain in the 125cc
championship in 2010, Nakagami decided to return to Japan and re-join the Harc-Pro
team (with Honda) for 2 years winning the Japanese Moto2™ title in 2011 was drafted in
by the Italtrans Team at the Japan GP as a substitute rider.

The team offered him a fulltime seat for 2012, and in 2013 just missed out on a maiden
race victory on numerous occasions – not least when he scored four consecutive second
place finishes in the middle of the season. He switched to Idemitsu Honda Team Asia in
2014, but he had to wait until the following year to return to the podium with third in
Misano. He remained with the team in 2016 and took his first win in Assen at the Dutch
GP, and by the end of 2017 had garnered eight podiums and two poles.

For 2018 Nakagami graduated to the premier class to ride with LCR Honda IDEMITSU
and was the best qualifying rookie with several appearances in Q2. Nakagami got his
best result at the last round in Valencia crossing the line in 6th position (Best
Independent Rider of the Spanish round) and was impressive in winter testing.

He stayed with LCR Honda IDEMITSU in 2019 alongside his team-mate Cal Crutchlow,
noticing the best finish of 5th in the Italian GP (Best Independent Rider of the round in
Mugello). Unfortunately, his season saw an early end as he had to take a difficult
decision to undergo shoulder surgery right after his home GP in Motegi, just to be sure
he is fully fit for the upcoming 2020 season.

Nakagami showed great consistency in 2020 and made important progress. He achieved
his first ever pole position in MotoGP at Aragon and he finished the Championship, 10th
overall. In 2021, his fifth year in MotoGP, Taka will be riding a full factory spec bike,
alongside new teammate Alex Marquez.

 

Rider ID

Date of Birth: 09/02/1992

Place of Birth: Chiba – Japan

Height: 175cm

Weight: 68kg

Instagram: @takanakagami

 

Bike

Bike: Honda RC213V

Engine: 1000cc V4, liquid cooled, pneumatic valves, 4-valve DOHC

Power: Over 260hp

Gearbox: 6-speed seamless transmission

Suspension: Öhlins

Chassis: Aluminium twin-tube

Brakes: Brembo

Fuel allowance: 22 litres

Software: Magneti Marelli

Tyres: Michelin, 17” front and rear

Dry weight: 157kg

 

Technical Crew

Giacomo Guidotti Chief Engineer

Alessandro Damia Engine Mapping

Eric Perez Salva Data Recording

Federico Vicino Mechanic

Filippo Brunetti Mechanic

Marc Canellas Mechanic

Willibrord Kleine Tire Responsible

Enrique Pintor Rider’s associate

 

LCR Team History

The LCR Team (Lucio Cecchinello Racing) was born in 1996 when Lucio decided to
establish his own Team following the footsteps of other racing champions who successfully
done the same thing. Simply starting with two mechanics and one van, over the years the
LCR Team continued to grow turning into a complex and highly organized structure. After
nine years in 125cc class, five years in 250cc class LCR is actually competing in the
MotoGP class (since 2006) with two riders and more than 50 highly qualified collaborators
and also in MotoE category with two riders.

The LCR Team lined up with the most talented riders of the international field such as
Nobby Ueda, Alex De Angelis, Mattia Pasini, Randy De Puniet, Roberto Locatelli, Carlos
Checa, Casey Stoner, Stefan Bradl, Jack Miller, Cal Crutchlow and many others with more
than 600 races held in the four different categories.

85 podiums, 24 victories, 2 “Rookie of the Year”, 1 Runner-Up Award and the Best
Independent Team Rider awards are the maximum expression of the daily work conducted
by Lucio and the Team members during 25 years of racing competitions.

 

Lucio Cecchinello

Bio

Team Manager and former Top 125cc rider Lucio Cecchinello, is one of the true
personalities of the Grand Prix paddock as he began racing in the 80s and his passion for
this sport is the same as it was on day one.

At the age of 7, Lucio dissembled his dad’s old motorcycle engine and that was his first
step into his future “racing life”.

He initially worked as a mechanic for teams in national and international racing field and in
1989 he began racing in the Italian Sports Production Championship before moving into
the European Championship in ’91 and, two years later, progressing to Grand Prix.
The year 1996 was the first turning point: Lucio organized his own small team for the World

Championship in the 125 class, obtaining several important results in the top ten. It was
the same in 1997 and in 1998, after 4 Grands Prix, Lucio obtained his first VICTORY in the
World Championship. He remained with Honda until 2000 earning further important results
in the smaller class and in 2001 the Team left the Japanese Constructor to Aprilia
Manufacturer. Lucio finished the championship in 4th place repeating the same result in
2002. In 2003, his last season as a professional racer, Lucio finally crossed the finishing
line in 1st place at the Italian GP in Mugello putting a lasting mark on his career (with a
total of 19 podiums, 7 victories and 4 pole positions).

Today he is a well-known and highly valued Team Manager of the LCR Honda Team
competing in the premier class as well as a 16-year member of the IRTA Committee
(Teams internal paddock commission involved in the improvement and development of the
MotoGP Championship).

Since 2019 Cecchinello doubled his commitment as a Team Manager, managing also the
LCR E-Team (MotoE™ World Cup).

MotoAmerica: Lochoff Joins Team Hammer

Sam Lochoff, age 18, will compete in MotoAmerica Supersport in 2021. Photo courtesy Team Hammer.
Sam Lochoff, age 18, will compete in MotoAmerica Supersport in 2021. Photo courtesy Team Hammer.

LOCHOFF JOINS TEAM HAMMER FOR 2021

Team Hammer, Inc. is thrilled to announce the signing of top prospect Sam Lochoff to contest the 2021 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing series. The 18-year-old South African will step up to MotoAmerica Supersport competition in 2021 aboard a Team Hammer built M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R600.

Lochoff turned heads by landing on the podium in his MotoAmerica debut in 2019, finishing third in the Junior Cup season-opener. Following an abbreviated rookie season in 2019, Lochoff made his presence felt in 2020, earning 13 podium finishes — including five runner-up finishes — en route to an overall third-place ranking in the 2020 Junior Cup standings.

His recent MotoAmerica achievements are just the latest in a string of accolades the teenager has packed into a very short time frame. His racing career kicked off less than five years back, the first year of which was dedicated primarily to four wheels. Once he switched his focus to motorcycle sport, the Cape Town native quickly racked up a pair of regional championships in his home country before graduating to the international scene.

In 2018, he stormed to the title in both the Alpe Adria International Motorcycle and FIM Supersport 300 European Championships, while getting his first taste of world championship competition in FIM World Supersport 300.

Looking ahead to 2021, Lochoff said, “I’ve always attempted to join the most professional and accomplished teams possible. I did a lot of research on the history of Team Hammer before signing this contract, and I’m convinced this is the best team I’ve ever been lucky enough to race for. I think this is going to be the year where I prove to myself that I can really make a career out of racing.”

Lochoff has dug deep to find speed. “Early last year, I found myself in the pack battling for fifth through 13th, 40 seconds behind the leader. After that, I said, ‘We can’t do this anymore — I have to find something.’ That’s when I really started training and focusing. After that I closed the gap down to 16 seconds, and then eight, and by the end of the year, I was battling for the win.”

Lochoff expects to continue his learning curve in 2021. “I don’t expect to come out and win straightaway in my first Supersport race. I plan to make the same kind of steady progress, and work my way into contention.”

About Team Hammer

The 2021 season will mark Team Hammer’s 41st consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 108 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 291 times, and have won nine AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA titles.

World Supersport 300: Yamaha Backing Viñales Racing Team

A rendering of a Viñales Racing Team Yamaha YZF-R3 racebike. Photo courtesy Yamaha Racing.
A rendering of a Viñales Racing Team Yamaha YZF-R3 racebike. Photo courtesy Yamaha Racing.

Viñales Racing Team Becomes Yamaha Supported WorldSSP300 Team for 2021

For the 2021 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship season, the newly formed Viñales Racing Team will be a Yamaha Supported WorldSSP300 Team, fielding young talents Kevin Sabatucci and Dean Berta Viñales.

The Spanish outfit was created by Ángel Viñales, father of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team rider Maverick Viñales, and will be running a pair of R3 GYTR-kitted bikes. Their commitment to helping young riders on their first steps towards the pinnacle of motorcycle racing is shared by Yamaha Motor Europe, and the team will now benefit from official support.

Italian youngster Sabatucci is no stranger to the Yamaha family, having raced in the 2019 WorldSSP300 championship with support from the bLU cRU program. The year prior, the 21-year-old took a podium on his debut at Imola, riding a R3 GYTR-kitted bike, with his first victory coming at Donington Park in 2019. Last year, the 21-year-old was a consistent front-runner and scored eight points finishes in WorldSSP300.

For Berta Viñales, Maverick’s cousin, this marks his first foray into the WorldSSP300 championship, having contested the European Talent Cup in 2019 and 2020, where he took a best result of 13th last year in Estoril. The Spaniard will be just 15 years-old when the season gets underway and has already impressed in Spanish national championships during his junior career so far.

 

Kevin Sabatucci

Viñales Racing Yamaha Supported WorldSSP300 Team

“The team approached me in December and it didn’t take long for us to get everything agreed. They are confident in my potential and that’s all I needed to know before getting started. I knew Angel Viñales wanted to build a good project and I believe we have a good starting point. To be honest, I prefer not to have any specific targets for me or the team, just to focus on myself and to be in the best form possible to start the season. My one and only target is to give my best, build a good relationship with the team and then we will see what happens. I know the team is working hard at the workshop to build the 2021 bike and honestly I can’t wait to test it. When I trained with the Viñales family, their advice was so important. Angel told me some things and I will try to improve them, especially about being fast riding alone, which is something that can help me a lot in qualifying, my biggest problem in the past. I’m working on that with the help of all the team and I’m confident I can improve my skills for the start of the season.”

Dean Berta Viñales

Viñales Racing Yamaha Supported WorldSSP300 Team

“This year I’ve been given the opportunity to be with the Viñales Racing Yamaha-supported WorldSSP300 Team and we’re excited, very happy and looking forward to getting started as soon as possible. I am very grateful for the opportunity the team have given me to take part in the WorldSSP300 championship. We are slowly fulfilling our dreams. I’m sure together we will do a good job. I am looking forward to start working together with the team and my teammate. I must thank my family and sponsors greatly for their help and trust they are placing in me.”

Ángel Viñales – Team Manager

Viñales Racing Yamaha Supported WorldSSP300 Team

“We needed a rider in the team with the experience that we lack in the rest of this championship so we could adapt more easily. Kevin is definitely a born winner, a committed rider and hardworking. I hope he feels really happy with the team and can bring out all the potential on track. Not to put pressure on him, but I wish to see a lot of finishes on the podium. It’s a pride for me to be able to count on Dean in the team. He deserves this opportunity so much, he is a great talent, and he will finally be able to show it. I want him to learn, have fun, evolve, and work hard to celebrate together all the successes he will definitely reap. Also, getting Yamaha support means everything for me and the team. It’s our first year in the WorldSBK paddock and to be handed this opportunity is more than a dream come true, we are really happy and excited for that. This comes while Maverick is also entering his fifth season as a Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Rider, so it’s amazing for us. Thanks to the Yamaha family for putting their trust in us.”

NASCAR Curbs In Daytona Chicane Will Not Be Used With Motorcycles

The so-called "turtle" curbing installed on rider's left at the exit of the chicane at Daytona International Speedway. The curbing was installed for the February 19-21 NASCAR races on the infield road course, but it will be replaced before the motorcycles hit the track for the Daytona 200. Photo courtesy NASCAR.
The so-called "turtle" curbing installed on rider's left at the exit of the chicane at Daytona International Speedway. The curbing was installed for the February 19-21 NASCAR races on the infield road course, but it will be replaced before the motorcycles hit the track for the Daytona 200. Photo courtesy NASCAR.

The tall, yellow curbs recently installed in the chicane on the back straightaway of the infield road course at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) for this coming weekend’s NASCAR road races will not be used for the upcoming Daytona 200 and ASRA/CCS races, according to ASRA/CCS.

The “turtle” curbs, as some are calling them, were installed to keep four-wheel race vehicles from straight-lining the course, dropping tires off the pavement, and sending dirt and debris onto the track and the windshields of other cars and trucks, according to numerous media reports.

Martin Truex Jr. crashed out of the lead of the Busch Clash NASCAR road race February 9 at DIS when he said he hit dirt and mud on the track in the chicane.

“Andrew Gurtis (DIS Vice President of Operations) called me right away,” ASRA President Kevin Elliott told Roadracingworld.com Friday, “because he knew those new curbs would not work for motorcycles. So, we started working on solutions.”

 

The so-called "turtle" curbing installed at the exit of the chicane at Daytona International Speedway for the February 19-21 NASCAR races on the infield road course. Photo courtesy NASCAR.
The “turtle” curbing installed on rider’s right and left at the exit of the chicane at Daytona International Speedway. Photo courtesy NASCAR.

 

Gurtis is also the person who approved the application of anti-slip paint on the DIS infield road course after Valentin Debise touched a painted line and suffered a huge highside crash while leading the 2018 Daytona 200.

According to Elliott, DIS will remove the “turtle” curbs after the cars are done using the road course and they will be replaced with FIA-approved curbs. The FIA curbs will have a more gradual taper and be less of a hazard for riders who encounter them during a crash while still preventing advantages from being gained by riding over them, said Elliott.

Daytona 200: $175,000 Purse And Rolex Grand Prize Confirmed

Daytona International Speedway. Photo courtesy of Daytona International Speedway.
Daytona International Speedway. Photo courtesy Daytona International Speedway.

A cash purse of $175,000 plus a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona wristwatch grand prize for the winner have been confirmed for the 79th running of the Daytona 200, which is scheduled to take place March 13, 2021 at Daytona International Speedway.

In the absence of an official announcement, Roadracingworld.com reached out to Kevin Elliott, President of ASRA, which co-sanctions the race along with AMA, to ask about the purse for the upcoming race.

Elliott confirmed the same $175,000 purse that has been posted for the last several years will once again be up for grabs in 2021. Plus, said Elliott, he is adding a special $1,000 cash prize for the top-finishing Canadian rider, “just because I know what they are going to have to go through [quarantine] to get back into Canada after the race.”

There will also be a special prize for the rider who qualifies on pole position, a brand new Arai Corsair X helmet, courtesy of Arai Helmet Inc.

Here is a breakdown of the 2021 Daytona 200 purse payouts:

1st          $25,000.00

2nd        $20,000.00

3rd         $15,000.00

4th         $12,500.00

5th         $10,500.00

6th         $9,000.00

7th         $8,000.00

8th         $7,000.00

9th         $6,000.00

10th       $5,000.00

11th       $4,500.00

12th       $4,000.00

13th       $3,500.00

14th       $3,200.00

15th       $2,900.00

16th       $2,600.00

17th       $2,300.00

18th       $2,000.00

19th       $1,800.00

20th       $1,600.00

21st       $1,500.00

22nd      $1,500.00

23rd       $1,500.00

24th       $1,500.00

25th       $1,500.00

26th       $1,500.00

27th       $1,500.00

28th       $1,500.00

29th       $1,500.00

30th       $1,500.00

31st       $1,400.00

32nd      $1,400.00

33rd       $1,400.00

34th       $1,400.00

35th       $1,400.00

36th       $1,400.00

37th       $1,300.00

38th       $1,300.00

39th       $1,300.00

40th       $1,300.00

Total: $175,000.00

American Flat Track: Red Bull KTM Announces AFT Singles Rider Lineup

Red Bull KTM’s 2021 AFT Singles riders Max Whale (left) and Shayna Texter Bauman (right). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM.
Red Bull KTM’s 2021 AFT Singles riders Max Whale (left) and Shayna Texter-Bauman (right). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM.

RED BULL KTM ANNOUNCES AN EXCITING TWO-RIDER LINEUP FOR 2021 AFT SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP

SHAYNA TEXTER-BAUMAN AND MAX WHALE READY TO RACE INTO THE NEW SEASON

February 19, 2021

MURRIETA, Calif. – The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team is eager to kick off the 2021 Progressive American Flat Track Championship next month with an exciting two-rider lineup in the AFT Singles Class. Returning for her third season with the team, 19-time AFT Singles winner Shayna Texter-Bauman will line up to once again battle for the top spot alongside new teammate and 2020 AFT Singles runner-up, Max Whale. The dynamic duo will compete aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION machine.

“I’m really happy to bring a two-rider program back to AFT, thanks in a big way to our new partnership with Rocky Mountain ATV/MC,” said Team Manager, Chris Fillmore. “I feel that our program will really benefit from having two riders this season. As teammates, Shayna and Max already have a good chemistry and it will be good for them to really push each other on and off the track. It’s also valuable to have two riders providing feedback when we’re testing and at the races. We look forward to getting Shayna back on the podium this season and furthering her achievement as the winningest rider in AFT Singles history. We’re excited to bring Max on board in 2021, he is young and very motivated for the top spot, so I expect his hard work to pay off. We’re really looking forward to seeing both riders achieve their goals this season.”

Texter-Bauman, a multi-time race winner, collected two podium finishes last season in the AFT Singles Class where she finished 12th overall in the championship. The Pennsylvania native has been working hard during the offseason to put her #52 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION into the mix up front in 2021.

 

Shayna Texter Bauman (52). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM.
Shayna Texter-Bauman (52). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM.

Shayna Texter-Bauman: “Being a part of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team is an honor that I am very proud of. I’m more motivated than ever to achieve the goals that I have set for myself in the 2021 season. The team has been working hard and we are all anxious to get back to racing.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s newest addition, Max Whale, will debut his #18 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION in 2021 as he enters his fourth season in the AFT Singles Class. The Australian native has progressively climbed through the ranks over the last four years, taking home a respectable second overall in last year’s championship with two race-wins and four podium finishes. With an all-new bike and team behind him, Whale looks to battle up front this season with hopes of claiming the 2021 crown.

 

Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM.
Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM.

Max Whale: “Riding for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team this season, I feel like we have a really strong chance at the top spot. I have been fortunate enough to spend a bit of time with the team in California during the offseason and it’s been awesome. I really feel at home on the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, doing a lot of testing and just enjoying my time out here. It’s been a dream of mine to ride for Red Bull KTM and I just really want to come out and do these guys proud and end up with the number one plate.”

The 2021 American Flat Track Championship kicks off with a double-header at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida on March 12 and 13. For more information on the American Flat Track Championship, please visit their website www.americanflattrack.com.

MotoGP: LCR Honda Castrol Team Launched (Video)

Alex Marquez and his new Honda RC213V. Photo courtesy LCR Honda Castrol.
Alex Marquez and his new Honda RC213V. Photo courtesy LCR Honda Castrol.

 

2021 LCR Honda CASTROL Team

Alex Marquez

Bio

Born on April 23, 1996 in Lleida, Alex Márquez has lived surrounded by motorcycles
practically from very early on in his life and found himself fascinated with everything
related to the world of two wheels.

When he was little, he wanted to be a mechanic for his brother, but he soon realized that
he also wanted to take the handlebar and squeeze the throttle to the maximum.
There are few combinations more infallible than talent, work and humility to end up being
a great rider. But if you also add a family passionate about motorcycles and a brother,
Marc, who has been breaking barriers in all the competitions he has gone through, it is
evident that the fate of Alex Márquez would lead him sooner or later to shine and become
a name in motorcycling.

At eight years old, Alex had already started competing and fighting for victory in the 50cc
PromoRacc and followed him up with the Catalan Championship title. He progressively
burned stages until his debut in 2010 in the Campeonato de España de Velocidad. In
2012 he achieved the 125cc Spanish Championship in the CEV and in 2013 he already
did his first full World Championship in Moto3.

From here on, the story of Alex Márquez is well known, two-time World Champion with
the Moto3 Titles in 2014 and Moto2 in 2019. At the end of 2019, he joined the Repsol
Honda Team with his brother Marc Márquez as a teammate for the 2020 season. On his
first year in the premier class, Alex claimed back-to-back second places in the French
and Aragon GPs. He narrowly missed out on the Rookie of the Year award, ending 14th
overall.

In 2021, Alex Márquez will continue being a Honda rider, this time with the LCR Honda
CASTROL Team in the year that marks it’s 25th anniversary of participation in the
MotoGP World Championship.

 

Rider ID

Date of Birth: 23/04/1996

Place of Birth: Lleida, SPA

Height: 180cm

Weight: 65kg

Instagram: @alexmarquez73

 

Bike

Bike: Honda RC213V

Engine: 1000cc V4, liquid cooled, pneumatic valves, 4-valve DOHC

Power: Over 260hp

Gearbox: 6-speed seamless transmission

Suspension: Öhlins

Chassis: Aluminium twin-tube

Brakes: Brembo

Fuel allowance: 22 litres

Software: Magneti Marelli

Tyres: Michelin, 17” front and rear

Dry weight: 157kg

 

Technical Crew

Christophe Bourguignon Chief Engineer

Jaume Carrau Engine Mapping

David Garcia Data Recording

Joan Casas Mechanic

Christopher Richardson Mechanic

Michele Andreini Mechanic

Sergi Sangra Lluch Tire Responsible

José Carrion Rider’s associate

Yuji Kikuchi HRC Technician

Katsuhiko Imai HRC Staff

 

LCR Team History

The LCR Team (Lucio Cecchinello Racing) was born in 1996 when Lucio decided to
establish his own Team following the footsteps of other racing champions who successfully
done the same thing. Simply starting with two mechanics and one van, over the years the
LCR Team continued to grow turning into a complex and highly organized structure. After
nine years in 125cc class, five years in 250cc class LCR is actually competing in the
MotoGP class (since 2006) with two riders and more than 50 highly qualified collaborators
and also in MotoE category with two riders.

The LCR Team lined up with the most talented riders of the international field such as
Nobby Ueda, Alex De Angelis, Mattia Pasini, Randy De Puniet, Roberto Locatelli, Carlos
Checa, Casey Stoner, Stefan Bradl, Jack Miller, Cal Crutchlow and many others with more
than 600 races held in the four different categories.

85 podiums, 24 victories, 2 “Rookie of the Year”, 1 Runner-Up Award and the Best
Independent Team Rider awards are the maximum expression of the daily work conducted
by Lucio and the Team members during 25 years of racing competitions.

 

Lucio Cecchinello

Bio

Team Manager and former Top 125cc rider Lucio Cecchinello, is one of the true
personalities of the Grand Prix paddock as he began racing in the 80s and his passion for
this sport is the same as it was on day one.

At the age of 7, Lucio dissembled his dad’s old motorcycle engine and that was his first
step into his future “racing life”.

He initially worked as a mechanic for teams in national and international racing field and in
1989 he began racing in the Italian Sports Production Championship before moving into
the European Championship in ’91 and, two years later, progressing to Grand Prix.

The year 1996 was the first turning point: Lucio organized his own small team for the World Championship in the 125 class, obtaining several important results in the top ten. It was the same in 1997 and in 1998, after 4 Grands Prix, Lucio obtained his first VICTORY in the World Championship. He remained with Honda until 2000 earning further important results in the smaller class and in 2001 the Team left the Japanese Constructor to Aprilia
Manufacturer. Lucio finished the championship in 4th place repeating the same result in
2002. In 2003, his last season as a professional racer, Lucio finally crossed the finishing
line in 1st place at the Italian GP in Mugello putting a lasting mark on his career (with a
total of 19 podiums, 7 victories and 4 pole positions).

Today he is a well-known and highly valued Team Manager of the LCR Honda Team
competing in the premier class as well as a 16-year member of the IRTA Committee
(Teams internal paddock commission involved in the improvement and development of the
MotoGP Championship).

Since 2019 Cecchinello doubled his commitment as a Team Manager, managing also the
LCR E-Team (MotoE™ World Cup).