WorldSBK: Bulega Under Lap Record As Testing Concludes At Jerez

David Swarts

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January 25, 2024

WorldSBK: Bulega Under Lap Record As Testing Concludes At Jerez

Editorial Note: The official All-Time WorldSBK Lap Record at Jerez is 1:38.247, which was set by Jonathan Rea in 2019.

Bulega impresses with blazing fastest lap while Bautista explores combined weight set-up

Nicolo Bulega continued to set the pace at Jerez, clocking an impressive 1’37.809s lap time that remained untouched throughout the day.

Jonathan Rea (65). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Jonathan Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu, adjusting to their new teams, concluded the second day with the second- and fourth-fastest times, respectively. Scott Redding claimed the third spot on the timesheets.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Challenges arose for Alvaro Bautista, the reigning WorldSBK Champion, as he navigated the Jerez test, focusing on adapting to the new weight regulation.

Alvaro Bautista (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.

On the second day of testing at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, Andalucía, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) continued his dominance, setting an exceptional lap record pace, leaving his competitors trailing by more than half a second. In contrast, teammate Alvaro Bautista encountered difficulties, finishing in 16th, lapping in 1’39.583s. Ducati showcased strength with Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) securing fifth place while Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) also delivered a solid performance, finishing seventh. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) claiming ninth while Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) was 15th on his sole day of testing.

Andrea Iannone (29). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) showcased Yamaha’s prowess, securing second place with a 1’38.345s, while teammate Andrea Locatelli completed the top ten. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) secured eighth place, while Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) took 12th.

Scott Redding (45). Photo courtesy Dorna.

In a surprising turn, Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) surged late to claim third place with a 1’38.572s, pushing Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) to fourth. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) also performed well, securing sixth place. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) finished 13th with a best time of 1’39.224s.

Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Leading the Kawasaki camp, Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) finished in 11th place, focusing on race pace, with Axel Bassani improving to 14th. Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was 18th.

Honda had a challenging day, with Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) leading the team in 16th, and teammate Iker Lecuona finishing 19th.

The WorldSBK Paddock is set to move to Portimao, continuing its testing program on January 29th and 30th.

Nicolo Bulega | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati

“It was a solid test. We tried things that I liked. The time attack was very good, and the pace was consistent all day with race tyres. I’m very proud and happy of my fast lap. It’s our first test of the year, and we already have this great feeling with the bike. It wasn’t easy, but when I saw the dashboard with 1’37.8s, I was smiling. I’m happy with all the work done during this first test of the year. I’m already looking forward to the next one. We’ll continue working this way and keep improving the feeling with the bike in Portimao.”

Jerez Test Day 2 Results:

1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’37.809, 69 laps

2. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) 1’38.345s, 78 laps

3. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) 1’38.572s, 77 laps

4. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’38.638s, 78 laps

5. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) 1’38.744s, 61 laps

6. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) 1’38.832s, 74 laps

7. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) 1’38,852s, 91 laps

8. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’38.871s, 76 laps

9. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) 1’38.907s, 73 laps

10. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) 1’38.943s, 73 laps

Stefano Manzi (62). Photo courtesy Dorna.

2023 WorldSSP runner-up Stefano Manzi (Pata Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) took top spot in the World Supersport field with a 1’41.338s, completing 64 laps. He was three tenths clear of Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) in second as he continues his comeback from arm surgery, while Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) took P3. With Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) in fourth, four different manufacturers were inside the top four at the end of Day 2.

More, from a press release issued by Team HRC Honda:

Team HRC preps for the 2024 WorldSBK Championship with a two-day test at Jerez

Team HRC has kicked off preparations for the upcoming 2024 Superbike World Championship with two days of testing at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Spain.

Benefiting from almost ideal weather conditions on both Wednesday and Thursday, with clear skies and mild temperatures for the time of year, factory riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge made the most of the track time, riding from 10.30am until 6.00pm.

The squad focused on identifying a solid base-setup for the new CBR1000RR-R. This involved testing a series of upgrades made to different areas of the machine, and building on the work completed in November when the bike made its debut outing at Jerez. In addition to this setup work, the team also tested the new E40 sustainable fuel, the use of which is part of the 2024 Superbike regulation, in order to gather data and insights.

Lecuona and Vierge made an impressive number of laps over the course of two intense days, further developing their understanding of the bike’s performance and potential as a result.

Team HRC now looks ahead to its next testing session at Portugal’s Autódromo Internacional do Algarve on 29-30 January, when the preparations for the upcoming racing season will continue.

Xavi Vierge 97

“I’m happy to be back working with my squad and all the members of my team. We’ve had two days of ideal weather conditions here in Jerez, which has allowed us to complete a lot of laps and get through a significant amount of work. It’s true that we’ve had a little more difficulty than expected, especially during the traction phase, so one of our main goals here was to improve traction and grip. The overall feeling on the bike is quite good, but as soon as we close the throttle, we cannot exploit the power and have too much spin. We’ve made a number of adjustments to the bike setup and electronics, and now it will be crucial for the engineers to analyze all the data and come up with a solid plan for Portimão, so that we can quickly make progress.”

Iker Lecuona 7

“Over the winter I had a small surgery on my left hand, as I’d been having some issues last season, an after-effect of having broken my hand back in 2021. Although I’ve had to scale back my gym work a little, I’m almost 100% and am now training properly again; I feel strong physically but also mentally and was looking forward to getting on the bike yesterday. I see 2024 as being an important year for me, and so I want to do my best to be ready for it. I feel we’ve taken a step with the aero package, and the bike overall seems to work in a different way, thanks to updated electronics and the like, which helps us to improve in certain areas. Having said that, the bike is new, and we’re still struggling with certain aspects. I wanted to find better front feeling this week, and we worked hard to achieve that but are not there yet. The next two days of testing at Portimão will be important, giving us the chance to understand how the bike feels at a completely different track and to establish the best possible base before we head to Phillip Island.”

More, from a press release issued by Aruba.it Racing Ducati:

Bulega in great form at Jerez (P1). Intense set up work for Bautista. Huertas does well in WorldSSP (P3)

The first two days of testing for the 2024 WorldSBK season concluded at Jerez de la Frontera (Spain).

At the Angel Nieto Circuit, Nicolò Bulega proved to be already at ease on the Ducati Panigale V4R of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, finishing first on both Day 1 and Day 2 and setting an impressive chrono of 1’37.809, the fastest time ever set at the Angel Nieto Circuit by a World Superbike rider.

Extremely intense work by Bautista: for the first time, he was able to test the bike in the 2024 configuration, with the extra kilos of ballast required by the new regulations. The Spanish rider (still not at the top of his condition after the scary crash he was involved in during the previous winter test at Jerez) carried out extensive set-up work with his team, completing 149 laps in two days. The time of 1’39.583 (P17) is not indicative, as Bautista was one of the very few riders not taking to the track on a qualifying tire.

Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #11)

“I am happy because we took another step forward, even compared to yesterday, and the feeling has grown steadily. We worked well on the time attack and that means I was also able to improve on the qualifying tires. I think it was an important test and now we go to Portimao to continue on this path. Today’s lap time? It doesn’t change anything: I remain a rookie and my objectives are different to the top riders”.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #1)

“I am satisfied because on Day 1, due to some pain, I didn’t get the best feeling; today things went better and this is undoubtedly a good sign. I can say that my condition has even improved. We worked a lot on the set-up, especially in light of the new regulations, and we got some important indications. We haven’t tried a time attack but that wasn’t the priority of this testing. I am looking forward to being at Portimao to continue on this path and to get further feedback on my condition”.

WorldSSP

Good start for Adrian Huertas and the Ducati Panigale V2 of the Aruba.it Racing WSSP team. The Spanish rider completed 124 laps, lowering today (1’41.942) by more than 6 tenths of a second the time recorded on Day 1 and finishing in third place among the 13 WorldSSP riders on track.

Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WSSP #99)

“I am very satisfied with the work we did. We tried many solutions and we were able to understand which of them could be useful and which ones did not work well. We didn’t focus on the lap time but we will have a chance to do that in the upcoming tests.”

More, from a press release issued by Elf Marc VDS Racing:

Lowes steps up WorldSBK preparations in Jerez

With their debut season in the WorldSBK Championship fast approaching, the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team and Sam Lowes were back on track for the first time in 2024 to complete a positive two-day test session at the Circuito de Angel Nieto in Jerez.

Riding in the stunning new Elf Marc VDS WorldSBK livery for the first time, favourable weather conditions enabled Lowes to continue his adaptation to Ducati’s Panigale V4 R machine in impressive fashion.

With the majority of this year’s star-studded WorldSBK line-up on track in Jerez, Lowes finished the test in a hugely encouraging eighth position, with plenty of data and experience gained ahead of next month’s season opener in Australia.

The Elf Marc VDS Racing Team now leaves Spain to cross the border into Portugal for another two-day test session at the spectacular Algarve International Circuit next week.

Sam Lowes

/// 8th, 1:38.852, 173 laps

After the winter break, Lowes was busy on track on day one to complete 82 laps, with his prime focus on finding a base set-up while also gaining crucial experience of Pirelli’s hard compound tyres.

Lowes ended the first day only 0.3s behind reigning World Champion Alvaro Bautista, with continual improvements made throughout, which was reflected in his fast and constant pace in race trim.

More valuable set-up work was accomplished in a marathon stint of 91 laps on the second day, which saw Lowes use Pirelli’s super grippy soft rear tyre for his first time attack on the Ducati Panigale VR 4.

His performance on softer rubber was particularly eye-catching, with Lowes able to lap 1.3s faster compared to his best time on day one and he ended eighth overall with a fastest lap of 1:38.852 to finish third fastest Ducati on track.

“This test was full of positives”

“I’m really happy with how the test finished. I improved a lot compared to the first day and I felt a lot better on the bike. That’s a normal evolution as I get more used to the Ducati and know what I need to be fast. The team has done an amazing job in helping me understand more how to ride a superbike and I’m starting to feel like this is my bike. I did a lot of good laps on my own and today was the first time I tried the super soft Pirelli tyre. My time was fast, but I only used one tyre, so I’m sure I could go even faster again. We must be happy with the job we’ve done, and I know there is a plenty more to come as we do more laps and get more comfortable with the Ducati. We did a lot of laps in Jerez, and I feel pretty tired now, but I can’t thank the team enough for all their hard work. We tried a lot of different set-ups to help us get very important information and now I’m looking forward to going to Portimao next week to understand the bike on a completely different track. This test was full of positives and gives me a big boost heading to Portugal.”

American Flat Track: BigR Racing Signs Jared Lowe For AFT Singles

David Swarts

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January 25, 2024

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American Flat Track: BigR Racing Signs Jared Lowe For AFT Singles

BigR Racing Signs Jared Lowe for 2024 Progressive AFT Season

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 25, 2024) – BigR Racing is excited to announce it has signed up-and-coming talent Jared Lowe to contest the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER championship aboard a Honda CRF450R during the 2024 Progressive American Track season.

Lowe enters his fourth professional season coming off his most impressive campaign yet and expects to continue the upward trend in ‘24. Last season, “the Jet” signaled his arrival as a serious contender in the extraordinary competitive class, notching up a host of personal bests, including his total number of top-ten finishes (five), championship points (80), top Main Event finish (seventh), and top qualifying performance (fourth).

Lowe’s rise mirrors that of BigR Racing. The Kansas-based outfit burst onto the scene as a top-ten entity in 2022 and then increased its top-ten haul, up from three to four, in 2023. Along with the signing of Jared as the team’s lead pilot for the upcoming season, BigR Racing has also recruited Sam Lowe to serve as the squad’s Crew Chief.

BigR Team Owner Ron Belt said, “The entire Lowe racing family brings good things to the series. And after watching Jared and Sam work together in 2023, I knew they would be a great fit with the team.”

Lowe said, “I’m excited to be a part of BigR Racing this year. I’ve got some seat time on the bikes, and I already feel very comfortable. I’m ready to compete.”

BigR Racing and the team is supported by several of the sport’s leading sponsors. Mike Vinson of Vinson Construction, Mission Foods, Roof Systems of Dallas, Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda, Scott Scherb of Scherb Racing, Ryan Sangals of SPC Racing, Motion Pro, L&R Racing, VP Racing Fuel, and LBP, along with many others.

MotoGP: The Best Of The Best Over The Last 75 Years

David Swarts

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January 25, 2024

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MotoGP: The Best Of The Best Over The Last 75 Years

#MotoGP75: the Champions!

The deeper dive into 75 years of racing starts with some of the biggest names in the sport: the Champions

Thursday, 25 January 2024

As we celebrate the 75 years of competition that have brought us to 2024, we’re taking a deeper dive into some of the facts and stats – starting with some of the biggest names in the sport! Check them out, and head to our all-new 75th anniversary page to enjoy some of the best content from then and now, with plenty more to be added throughout the season.

ALL CLASSES

126 Champions

126 riders have won Championships. 56 have more than one, leaving 70 riders with one Grand Prix motorcycle racing Championship to their name – in some cases, so far, as they include a number of familiar names from the current grid.

Champions with the most titles

Giacomo Agostini leads with 15: 8 in the premier class and 7 in the 350cc category. Next up it’s Angel Nieto with 12+1 titles – 7x125cc and 6x50cc – before 3 riders who have 9 titles each: Carlo Ubbiali (6x125cc, 3x250cc), Mike Hailwood (4x500cc, 2x350cc, 3x250cc) and Valentino Rossi (7x500cc/MotoGP™, 1x250cc, 1x125cc).

The only current rider able to join that club soon is Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), who has 8: 6xMotoGP™, 1xMoto2™ and 1x125cc. After all the former riders who have 7, 6, 5 or 4 titles each, the next current competitor with most titles overall is reigning MotoGP™ World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), who has 3: 2xMotoGP™ and 1xMoto2™
.
Championship Streaks

One rider holds the overall record: Giacomo Agostini, with 7 titles in a row in the 500cc class from 1966 to 1972, and 7 in a row in the 350cc class from 1968 to 1974.

PREMIER CLASS

Champions with the most premier class titles

Looking at the premier class only, the rider with the most doesn’t change – it’s Giacomo Agostini (8). Then it’s Valentino Rossi with 7, ahead of Marc Marquez on 6 – putting the number 93 in reach of another piece of history.

The only rider with 5 premier class crowns is Mick Doohan, and 4 have 4: Mike Hailwood, John Surtees, Geoff Duke and Eddie Lawson.

Some riders have only won titles in the premier class. Those with the most are Mick Doohan (5), Eddie Lawson (4), Wayne Rainey (3) and Kenny Roberts (3).

Championship Streaks: premier class

Pecco Bagnaia became only the third rider in the MotoGP™ era to defend the crown when he did so in 2023. The others are Valentino Rossi, who won from 2002 to 2005 (adding to his maiden premier class 500cc crown in 2001), and then again in 2008 and 2009, and Marc Marquez – he reigned 2013 and 2014, and then from 2016 to 2019.

Over 75 years of premier class history, Giacomo Agostini leads the way with the longest winning streak: those 7 premier class titles we mentioned above.

There are two riders in second on the list of most premier class crowns in a row, with 5 each: Valentino Rossi from 2001 to 2005, and Mick Doohan from 1994 to 1998. Completing the top five, there are two riders who have four in a row: Marc Marquez (2016 to 2019) and Mike Hailwood (1962 to 1965).

HISTORY ON THE LINE

As the most decorated rider on the grid as it stands, there’s history on the line for Marc Marquez this year. He could:

– Join Carlo Ubbiali, Mike Hailwood and Valentino Rossi as a nine-time Champion

– Equal Valentino Rossi in second on the list of riders with most premier class titles

– Become the first rider with an Independent Team to win the crown in the MotoGP™ era

– Join only Valentino Rossi (Honda – Yamaha) and Casey Stoner (Ducati – Honda) as riders who have won Championships in the MotoGP™ era with more than one manufacturer

Join us for the Sepang Shakedown to see our first glimpse of 2024 before we see Marc Marquez start his new adventure, in new colours, at the Sepang Test from the 6th to the 8th of February. And then it’s one more test before we start a record-breaking 2024 calendar!

Video: Kawasaki Running Super Bowl Ad To Help Launch New Ridge Side X Side

David Swarts

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January 25, 2024

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Video: Kawasaki Running Super Bowl Ad To Help Launch New Ridge Side X Side

Editorial Note: Scroll down to watch Kawasaki’s Super Bowl commercial.

KAWASAKI SET TO DEBUT FIRST SUPER BOWL AD

Mullets Take Center Stage in Super Bowl Spot from Goodby Silverstein & Partners

Foothill Ranch, Calif. – Known for Ninja® motorcycles, JET SKI® personal watercraft and MULE™ side x sides, Kawasaki will literally blaze a new trail at Super Bowl LVIII with the first-ever Big Game spot for an off-road side x side vehicle to promote their new Kawasaki RIDGE side x side. The commercial, created by Goodby Silverstein & Partners (GS&P), pays homage to an all-American hairstyle that’s roared back to popularity in recent years: the mullet.

“The Kawasaki RIDGE combines industry-leading performance and a premium automotive-inspired interior; it’s a mix of work and play.” said Bob O’Brien, Director of Marketing, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. “The mullet is a perfect metaphor—business in the front, party in the back. We hired GS&P to help us bring this category from its current niche audience to the biggest stage in the world and generate mass awareness.”

The ad features two adventure seekers who magically grow mullets upon entering the RIDGE. As the duo tear across backcountry trails, creatures such as bald eagles and bears sprout mullets that look like they’re straight out of an ’80s metal show—culminating in the famously hair-free pro wrestling legend (and real-life Kawasaki enthusiast) Steve Austin suddenly sporting a blonde mullet as the RIDGE passes him by.

“This has all the earmarks of great Super Bowl advertising. Instant RIDGE action. Animals. A big name. Humor. And mullets. Watch any NBA game or hot video. The mullet is everywhere,” said Jeff Goodby, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, GS&P. “Given the hairstyle’s versatile nature, it’s an unexpectedly simple way to introduce the RIDGE.”

Powersports—and especially side x side vehicles—have left their once-niche world of ranchers and adrenaline junkies and are on the verge of entering mainstream consciousness. The fastest-growing segment in powersports is now side x side vehicles, sales of which have skyrocketed as of late. During the pandemic many families realized that side x side vehicles provided the perfect way to get outside, spend time on adventures and have more fun together. Even as motorcycles sales continue to rise, side x side sales have outpaced them and are projected to overtake the powersports category.

“Kawasaki has built a legacy on pushing the limits in innovation, performance, style and attitude.” said Eigo Konya, President, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. “Over the decades our products have evolved, but one thing remains the same—Kawasaki exists to ‘Let the Good Times Roll’.”

GS&P has a history of making famous Super Bowl ads. Over the years it’s created memorable ads for Doritos, Cheetos, bubly, Pepsi, BMW, Hyundai, Emerald Nuts, E*TRADE, Budweiser and many others.

In tandem with GS&P’s Super Bowl campaign, Kawasaki also developed a RIDGE launch campaign with marketing partner Fuse Interactive. The launch campaign, which focuses on the vehicle’s top features, introduces the tagline Peak Premium Performance. This statement will firmly plant the Kawasaki flag at the top of the premium Side x Side segment.

Interview: Marc Marquez Tells Why He Quit Honda, In The January Issue

Trudy Ulrich

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January 25, 2024

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Interview: Marc Marquez Tells Why He Quit Honda, In The January Issue

Featured In the January 2024 issue of Roadracing World:

Why did Marc Márquez quit a hugely lucrative factory Repsol Honda ride to race a second-hand Ducati for an independent team? The six-time MotoGP World Champion ended the first half of the 2023 season crashing Honda’s uncompetitive RC213V seven times during June’s German and Dutch Grands Prix.

Even for Márquez, who has always ridden on the ragged edge, that was a lot. He knew he couldn’t go on like this. “After the summer break I said to myself, ‘I will ride more calmly,’ so I started riding in a safety way,” says the 30-year-old Spaniard. “But that was so boring! For me it was like a nightmare to go to a circuit and ride in easy mode and fight for 15th place. I said to myself, ‘Can I do one more year like this?’ ”

“Marc Marquez Interview,” by MotoGP Editor Mat Oxley

The short answer is no, Marc Marquez could not see himself doing one more year on the Honda RC213V. He explains why he quit Honda to race an independent-team Ducati in 2024, why the Ducati is MotoGP’s best bike, and why he wouldn’t wish his recent injuries on anyone. It’s all in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.

Click here for a sample issue of Roadracing World magazine. (Print Edition, one sample issue per household, U.S. address only.)

PREVIEW January 2024 Issue of Roadracing World

Click to SUBSCRIBE NOW ! Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

—Read the January2024 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription. Log in HERE

Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.

Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.

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MotoGP Revolution: What Aerodynamic Devices Do, In The January Issue

Trudy Ulrich

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January 24, 2024

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MotoGP Revolution: What Aerodynamic Devices Do, In The January Issue

Featured In the January 2024 issue of Roadracing World:

The aerodynamic revolution took place in plain sight, fundamentally changing the way MotoGP machines work by undercutting the physical limitations in effect since their inception.

MotoGP racebikes have gone far beyond the streamlining of the traditional full fairing and even the wings that started appearing about seven years ago on Ducati’s Desmosedici racebikes.

Now, it’s about downforce. With horsepower to burn, MotoGP engineers are heading down the path of racing car designers in the late 1960s and early 1970s, who realized that downforce was worth the extra drag and the top-speed penalty that came with it, because lap times tumbled…

“How Far Is Too Far?,” by Michael Gougis

Everything on a contemporary MotoGP motorcycle is designed around aerodynamic downforce. Here’s a step-by-step description of the main areas of aerodynamic development, what is happening in each, and how they interact—which is critical. It’s in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.

Click here for a sample issue of Roadracing World magazine. (Print Edition, one sample issue per household, U.S. address only.)

PREVIEW January 2024 Issue of Roadracing World

Click to SUBSCRIBE NOW ! Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

—Read the January2024 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription. Log in HERE

Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.

Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world

Video: Harley-Davidson Launches New CVO Road Glide ST

David Swarts

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January 24, 2024

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Video: Harley-Davidson Launches New CVO Road Glide ST

Editorial Note: Scroll down to watch a video featuring Harley-Davidson’s factory MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers racers James Rispoli and Kyle Wyman.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON USHERS IN A NEW ERA OF MOTORCYCLE TOURING, REIMAGINING TWO OF THE MOST ICONIC MOTORCYCLES IN HISTORY AND SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR THE FUTURE OF ADVENTURE ON TWO WHEELS

The All-New Street Glide® and Road Glide® Models Feature Exceptional Performance, Cutting-Edge Innovation, and Bold New Design

Celebrating 25 Years of Custom Vehicle Operations™, the CVO™ Lineup Expands with the Introduction of the All-New CVO™ Road Glide ST®, Representing the Pinnacle of Bagger Performance, and the CVO™ Pan America®, Fully Kitted out for Extraordinary Adventures

MILWAUKEE (Jan. 24, 2024) – Harley-Davidson® today revealed four new 2024 motorcycle models ushering in a new era of touring performance, technology, and design. The all-new Street Glide® and Road Glide® models featuring the new Milwaukee-Eight 117, are more powerful, comfortable, and lighter, and packed with advanced technology, including a new infotainment system, all wrapped up in a dramatic new visual design. Commemorating the 25^th anniversary of Custom Vehicle Operations, the new CVO™ Road Glide® ST model takes hot rod bagger performance to the next level with racing inspired high performance suspension and brakes, and a potent new Milwaukee-Eight® 121 HO engine, and low final drive ratio that combine to produce the kind of acceleration and mid-range thrust aggressive riders crave. And the new CVO™ Pan America® debuts as the first CVO offering in the adventure touring segment, ready to take on anything with a host of standard equipment all wrapped up in exclusive custom paint and finishes.

Each of these 2024 models are scheduled to reach authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships in January 2024.

“These exciting new models represent a new era for Harley-Davidson, elevating every aspect of performance, technology, comfort, and style,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “Without question, these are the most enticing touring motorcycles ever offered by Harley-Davidson.”

A 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide ST. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson. — A 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

NEW 2024 Street Glide and Road Glide Models

The 2024 Street Glide and Road Glide models are more powerful, lighter, and more dynamic, and feature all-new visual design elements that combine a cohesive dynamic flow from the front fenders to the saddlebags. Both models feature an evolved fairing profile that appears refreshingly modern yet retains Harley-Davidson design DNA that makes them instantly familiar. Additional key features include:

An updated Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin engine features a new cooling system which further optimizes thermal comfort for the rider and enhanced intake and exhaust flow to boost performance.
Selectable Ride Modes – Road, Sport, Rain and Custom – electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle.
Infotainment technology is powered by Skyline™ OS and presented on a 12.3-inch TFT color touch screen that replaces all analog instrumentation and most switches. A new 200-watt audio amplifier powers a pair of fairing-mounted speakers.
Improved aerodynamics enhance rider comfort and reduce subjective helmet buffeting at highway speed by an average of 60 percent. Rear suspension travel is increased to 3-inches. A redesigned one-piece seat shape and padding materials offer a significant improvement in long-range comfort for most riders.

A 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide ST. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson. — A 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

NEW CVO Road Glide ST Model Leads 2024 CVO Lineup

The CVO Road Glide ST is the quickest, fastest, and most-sophisticated performance bagger ever produced by Harley-Davidson, and represents a unique collection of components providing high value to performance minded riders. A deep solo seat and six-inch riser paired with a moto handlebar put the rider in an aggressive, upright position with West Coast custom style. Key features include:

Two premium paint choices: Golden White Pearl or Raven Metallic. A Screamin’ Eagle graphic on the fairing sides and fuel tank is inspired by the Screamin’ Eagle® Harley-Davidson® Factory motorcycles raced in the MotoAmerica® Mission King of the Baggers series. CVO™ 25th Anniversary graphics celebrate a milestone in factory customization.
The Milwaukee-Eight® 121 High Output V-Twin engine is exclusive to the CVO Road Glide ST model, tuned to produce 127 horsepower (94kW) and 145 lb. ft. (193 Nm) of torque – the most horsepower and torque ever from a factory-installed engine in a production Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. A lower final drive ratio is selected to enhance acceleration performance in every gear.
The use of alternate materials helps reduce dry weight to 800 pounds (363 kg). Mufflers have lightweight titanium shells and forged carbon fiber end caps; forged carbon fiber composite is used to form the front fender, seat cowl and tank console; the oil pan is formed of lightweight composite; and wheel design and wave-style front brake rotors are optimized to minimize unsprung weight.
Fully adjustable front and rear suspension includes SHOWA® rear shock absorbers with remote reservoirs and inverted 47mm SHOWA® 1×1 forks.
Premium Brembo™ braking components provide outstanding braking feel and performance for added rider confidence.
Selectable Ride Modes – Road, Sport, Track, Track Plus, Rain, and multiple Custom modes – electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle.
A suite of infotainment technology is powered by Skyline™ OS. A color touch screen replaces all analog instrumentation and most switches. A premium audio system features a 500-watt amplifier and Harley-Davidson® Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate® Stage II 6.5-inch fairing speakers.

A 2024 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

The CVO™ Pan America® motorcycle is a new vehicle of discovery and the CVO™ program’s first adventure touring (ADV) motorcycle. All of the features that have made the Pan America® 1250 Special model a leading choice among discerning global Adventure Touring riders are retained, including the smooth-and-powerful Revolution® Max 1250 engine, semi-active front and rear suspension, touch screen display, selectable ride modes, and Daymaker® Adaptive Headlamp technology. The CVO™ Pan America® model is outfitted with a host of rugged accessories selected to enhance the journey, including Adaptive Ride Height suspension, rugged aluminum top and side cases, a Screamin’ Eagle® quickshifter, tubeless laced wheels, auxiliary LED forward lighting, an aluminum skid plate, providing excellent value to the adventure rider who wants it all and more.

A 2024 Harley-Davidson CVO Pan America. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

In 2023, the CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models introduced a bold new design direction for the Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring platform, the extraordinary performance of the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 powertrain and advanced suspension, and infotainment technology powered by the exclusive Skyline™ OS. Both models reprise all of those features for 2024 with exciting new color options.

Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure and freedom for the soul. Go to H-D.com to learn more about the complete line of Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring, Sport, Adventure Touring, Cruiser and Trike motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Certified™ pre-owned motorcycles, Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories, Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® apparel and accessories, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services.

MotoAmerica: JD Beach Announces Tytlers Cycle BMW Superbike Deal

David Swarts

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January 24, 2024

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MotoAmerica: JD Beach Announces Tytlers Cycle BMW Superbike Deal

Fan favorite JD Beach announced today that he has signed a deal to ride a Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR in the 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. Beach made the announcement via a video he recorded and which was posted first to MotoAmerica’s YouTube channel.

Watch the video below.

Beach will be paired with five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier, who is in the middle of a two-year contract with Tytlers Cycle Racing.

Beach has spent the last five seasons racing for the Yamaha-supported Estenson Racing team in the American Flat Track (AFT) SuperTwins Championship. There, he scored multiple race wins and was a perennial front-runner.

Prior to this, Beach was a highly successful road racer, winning the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Championship (2008), AMA Supersport East Championship (2010), MotoAmerica Supersport Championship (2015 and 2018), as well as two MotoAmerica Superbike races.

Beach’s most recent Superbike win came at New Jersey Motorsports Park at the end of the 2023 MotoAmerica season, when he rode a Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha in place of injured Cameron Petersen.

WorldSBK: Rookie Bulega Best On Day One Of Testing At Jerez

David Swarts

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January 24, 2024

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WorldSBK: Rookie Bulega Best On Day One Of Testing At Jerez

Charging into 2024: Jerez test unveils new dynamics in WorldSBK landscape!

Ducati’s Rookie Nicolo Bulega stealed the spotlight, clocking the fastest time on the day on soft tyres.

Having recently switched teams, BMW’s Toprak Razgatlioglu and Yamaha’s Jonathan Rea delivered on their promises with rapid lap times.

Making their WorldSBK debuts, Andrea Iannone seized the seventh spot, while Sam Lowes holds his ground at 15th, setting the foundation for what promises to be an exciting rookie season.

On day one of the WorldSBK test at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, Andalucía, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) set the pace with an impressive lap time of 1’38.292s, leaving competitors over a second behind by electing to gain some mileage on the Pirelli SCQ tyre. However, teammate Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) faced challenges, finishing tenth as he strategized for the new 2024 weight rules.

In the Kawasaki camp, despite health issues, Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) secured the second position with a fastest lap of 1’39.474s, while teammate Axel Bassani finished 14th, familiarising himself with the ZX-10RR setup. Independent rider Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) aimed for progress with a factory bike from KRT.

BMW had a noteworthy day, with Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) claiming third place with a time of 1’39.521s, and Michael van der Mark securing fourth. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) and teammate Scott Redding made significant contributions to BMW’s testing program, securing the eighth and 13th positions, respectively.

Remy Gardner (87). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Yamaha showcased strength, with Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) leading in fifth place with a time of 1’39.679s, closely trailed by newcomer Jonathan Rea (Pata Yamaha Prometeon) in sixth. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon) just missed the top ten, securing 11th place, while Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) claimed 12th.

Team HRC’s Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge focused on adapting to the new CBR1000RR-R machine, with Lecuona finishing 16th.

Notable performances from Independents included Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) in seventh, Danilo Petrucci (BARNI Spark Racing Team) in ninth, and Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in 15th.

Bridgestone Named Official Tire Of Yamaha Champions Riding School

David Swarts

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January 24, 2024

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Bridgestone Named Official Tire Of Yamaha Champions Riding School

New multi-year partnership with Yamaha Champions Riding School will feature leading products in Bridgestone’s premium motorcycle tire line to help riders gain sufficient confidence and comfort at each course.
Bridgestone tires will be utilized in all in-person training sessions, beginning in January 2024.
Yamaha Champions Riding School class registration is now open for the 2024 season.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 24, 2024) – Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) today announced that the company has been named the “Official Tire of Yamaha Champions Riding School.” The Yamaha Champions Riding School teaches all skill levels and aims to grow the sport of motorcycling through world-class rider education, with state-of-the-art tire technology a critical component of this goal.

Yamaha Champions Riding School offers ChampSchool two-day, on-bike training sessions, which are immersive, in-person training events that take place on tracks across the country. In addition to ChampSchool, Yamaha Champions Riding School also offers ChampGrad for ChampSchool graduates; ChampStreet for a single-day, scaled-down version of ChampSchool; and Champ U, which is an online, video-based curriculum accessible to any rider anywhere in the world.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Yamaha Champions Riding School,” said Jared Williams, General Manager Bridgestone Motorcycle Tire business in the United States and Canada. “This partnership reflects Bridgestone’s dedication to supporting riders with top-tier technology that is perfect for teaching students how to manage grip and ensuring a superior experience on the track.”

Yamaha Champions Riding School in-person schools will now feature tires from Bridgestone’s premium motorcycle tire line, BATTLAX, including the new Bridgestone BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23, to help riders gain sufficient confidence and comfort while learning and completing each course. The ChampStreet school will feature the flagship tire of the BATTLAX street application line, BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11, to help riders experience a stable and comfortable ride.

“Besides the rider, tires are the single most important component on the motorcycle,” said Nick Ienatsch, Founder and Chief Instructor, Yamaha Champions Riding School. “Our curriculum revolves around managing tire grip in all circumstances and for the longest period time. To properly educate riders, we need a tire partner that can supply world-class products and the latest tire technology data. After extensive research and testing, we approached Bridgestone, and we are ecstatic that they share our vision.”

Announced in October 2023, the Bridgestone BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 is a sports radial motorcycle tire for street use that is engineered to meet the requirements of sport riders, featuring increased levels of dry grip performance¹ whether riding on circuits or cornering on mountain roads. The BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 turns faster lap times in both wet and dry track conditions^2,3 compared to its predecessor, delivering confident traction in rain or shine. The BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 is available in popular sizes as of January 2024. The BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11 is a sports radial motorcycle tire for street and racing use that is engineered to improve the contact area with the road surface, enhancing cornering grip and stability⁴. The BATTLAX RS11 is the first road-oriented tire to adopt the new V-MS-Belt construction in the rear, which is currently used in Bridgestone’s highest performing race tires⁴.

Since 2014, Yamaha Champions Riding School has taught competition-proven techniques of motorcycle control to any pavement-bound rider with the ultimate goal of promoting safer riding in any condition. Riders can choose to use the school’s motorcycles and riding gear or bring their own. The 2024 ChampSchool class registration is live. To learn more, visit www.champschool.com.

Bridgestone’s partnership with Yamaha Champions Riding School aligns with the “Emotion” and “Ease” values of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment. The Bridgestone E8 Commitment, encompassing eight values all beginning with the letter “E,” solidifies Bridgestone’s dedication to fostering a more sustainable world.

For more company news, visit BridgestoneAmericas.com.

¹Comparison based on BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) vs. previous generation BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) in internal testing. Results may vary depending on proper tire and vehicle maintenance, surface conditions and riding habits.

²Comparison based on BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) vs. previous generation BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) in internal testing using a Yamaha YZF-R1 at Autopolis Speedway (2 min 03.4 sec lap time).

³Comparison based on BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) vs. previous generation BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) in internal testing using a BMW S1000RR at Bridgestone Proving Ground (1 min 19.8 sec lap time).

⁴ Comparison based on BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11 tire vs. previous generation BATTLAX RACING STREET RS10 in internal testing. Results may vary.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 45,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.

WorldSBK: Bulega Under Lap Record As Testing Concludes At Jerez

January 25, 2024