2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR Intro, From The August 2023 Issue (With Video)

David Swarts

-

January 13, 2024

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR Intro, From The August 2023 Issue (With Video)

Editorial Note: This article originally appeared in the August 2023 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine. Scroll all the way down to watch the video from the intro event at Thunderhill Raceway Park.

Intro: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR

Screaming Fun!

By Chris Ulrich

Kawasaki Motors Corp, U.S.A.'s decision to import the ZX-4RR global model paid off, with sales exceeding expectations. They'll bring in more for 2024. The theme is more-usable power. Photo by Kevin Wing. — Kawasaki Motors Corp, U.S.A.’s decision to import the
ZX-4RR global model paid off, with sales exceeding expectations. They’ll bring in more for 2024. The theme is more-usable power. Photo by Kevin Wing.

I was tucked in and flat-out with the throttle pinned as the revs climbed toward 15,000 rpm. I shifted into fourth gear before lifting my head and sticking my knee out just enough to create some drag as I turned into Thunderhill’s fast Turn 9 kink without breathing the throttle. It had taken me a couple of sessions and a few setting changes to get where I could go through the turn wide-open, but once I dialed in the bike’s set-up and my line, I could run through it at 107 mph lap after lap.

Ripping through corners flat out and picking up the throttle far earlier than sensible brought back memories of ripping around on my two-stroke Honda RS125 as a teenager. Except I was on a 400-class inline four-cylinder with a steel-tube chassis and street tires. The equipment was wildly different, but the technique used to hustle them around the racetrack is pretty close to being the same. And, sometimes, thinking (or over-thinking) about that progress, it’s mind-blowing how far mass-produced sportbikes have progressed over the years.

Why This Bike?

These days, high performance, small-displacement, four-cylinder sportbikes are not seen in the American market. Most of the motorcycles sold in the U.S. in this displacement category are price-point machines, so they cost less to build and buy, and have lower-performance engines, chassis, and assorted components. In the case of Kawasaki, its current entry-level model is the Ninja 400, powered by a Parallel Twin engine making less than 35 horsepower stock, and coming with conventional forks and a spindly, steel-tube chassis. Other products in the 400cc category—the twin-cylinder Yamaha YZF-R3 and the single-cylinder KTM RC390—share the same built-to-a-budget traits. A step up in terms of performance leads the consumer to the Yamaha YZF-R7, Kawasaki Ninja 650, and Suzuki SV650, but they all have a similar cost-down manufacturing directive and easy riding characteristics. None of them are pure-bred performance-oriented sportbikes.

Kawasaki is now changing the entry-level sportbike game with the new Ninja ZX-4RR, a 399cc Inline four-cylinder with a high-performance chassis, ride-by-wire throttle, and a premium electronics package, priced at $9,699. It’s a bold strategy, but brings another bike to the market with attainable performance for a regular rider and enough performance to entertain an experienced track-day or racing enthusiast. Kawasaki hopes that 15% of riders who purchase the ZX-4RR take it to the racetrack for track days or racing. If that happens, it would mean that owners are 40% more likely to take their bike to a racetrack than the next bike in Kawasaki’s sportbike line up, which is the 636cc ZX-6R.

Chris Ulrich at speed on the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR. Photo by Kevin Wing.

Ninja ZX-4RR TECH

Comparing the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR to the other bikes in its displacement category doesn’t do it justice, because Kawasaki’s 40%-sized Superbike is a ripper! The Ninja ZX-4RR is essentially in a performance category of its own. Most of the tech was previously covered in the March issue, but let’s hit a few of the high points.

The ZX-4RR has the same look and feel as its larger displacement brothers. It has a low fuel tank and sleek bodywork with styling similar to the ZX-6R. A large ram-air scoop in the center of the upper fairing takes advantage of the high-pressure zone to send cold air to the airbox via a tube that snakes around the left fork leg. The aerodynamic tailsection is sleek.

The Ninja is powered by a liquid-cooled, 16-valve, double-overhead cam (DOHC) 399cc Inline-Four engine with a 57mm bore and a 39.1 mm stroke. Like other high-performance Kawasaki models, the ZX-4RR has machined combustion chambers and pistons that are cast to match. A friction-reducing molybdenum coating has been applied to the piston skirts to reduce friction. The valve pockets on top of each piston are wide to accommodate the two large (for its displacement) 22.1mm intake and two 19mm exhaust valves that are actuated by a set of forged hollow core camshafts. The valve angle is narrow, with the intakes set at 11.8 degrees from the cylinder centerline and exhausts at 13 degrees, so included valve angle is 24.8 degrees. The air -fuel mixture is fed to the ZX-4RR engine via a set of electronically-controlled 34mm throttle bodies. To improve intake efficiency, Kawasaki engineers worked to straighten the intake path from the throttle bodies to the valves. The compression ratio is a relatively-low 12.6:1, which allows the little Superbike to run on 87-octane fuel.

The engineers paid close attention to reducing engine mechanical losses and vibration. A lightweight flywheel decreases rotating mass. The crankshaft has been balanced to reduce vibration and the lightweight rods were put through a carburizing treatment to harden the steel and improve durability. An interesting add to the ZX-4RR is a deep sump oil pan, to maintain oil pressure during acceleration and deceleration.

The stainless-steel 4-2-1 exhaust system has 31.8mm head pipes, and all four are connected with cross tubes to balance out the exhaust speed and the volume flowing though each pipe. Kawasaki also placed the three catalyzers (required to meet strict emission standards) in the collector, so riders can easily add a slip-on muffler and still be compliant.

The Kawasaki ZX-4RR handles well, with the right rigidity balance. Photo by Kevin Wing.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R has an electronics suite with features usually reserved for a 1000c flagship model. Headlining the electronic capabilities is the Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) system, which features three levels of traction control (TC), plus an off position. As usual, TC Mode 1 is the least intrusive, Mode 2 is in the middle, and Mode 3 delivers the most intervention. The ZX-4RR does not have an IMU, so interventions are based on wheel speeds and the rate of rpm change. Two Power Modes are available; Low reduces power and the throttle opening rate, while Full has a more aggressive throttle map. (After riding the bike for a day, I believe the Full power throttle map gives more throttle opening than the rider is actually asking for in some rpm ranges.) Four Riding Modes—Sport, Road, Rain, and Rider—are available, with Sport, Road, and Rain pre-loaded with appropriate settings for each. Selecting Rider Mode allows customizing the power delivery, by mixing the KTRC settings and Power Mode settings individually. Another premium feature is the addition of a Kawasaki Quickshifter system, which allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts.

Bluetooth capability has been added to the ZX-4RR to allow connection to Kawasaki’s Rideology app. The app allows the user to log rides, make Mode changes, receive messages on the dash, and receive important vehicle data. Obviously, the phone must be in range to run the real-time features like GPS.

Moving onto the chassis, Kawasaki engineers chose to use a steel-tube trellis main frame that connects to large swingarm pivot plates. Tubular steel is also used for the subframe, which is not removable from the main frame.

Kawasaki says the engineers used the ZX-10R as a reference when deciding on the relative engine position, pivot position, center of gravity, and castor angle. There’s not a direct correlation considering that the ZX-4RR has 23.5 degrees of rake and 96.5mm of trail while the ZX-10RR comes with 25 degrees of rake and 106.6mm of trail. To be fair, the smaller and lighter bike doesn’t need as much rake and trail, but it also explains why raising the front improved the front feel of the ZX-4RR (more on that later).

The ZX-4RR comes with Showa suspension fitted on both ends. At the front there are 37mm Showa Separate Function Fork-Big Piston (SFF-BP) inverted forks. The SFF-BP system separates the spring and damping functions of the fork legs. In the case of the ZX-4RR, the right fork leg has spring-preload adjustment only, while the left fork takes care of the damping duties. There is no damping adjustment on the front, but the ZX-4RR still performs well on track. The SFF-BF forks help reduce unit costs without sacrificing a ton of performance. A Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion Lite (BFRC-Lite) is used at the rear of the ZX-4RR. Unlike the forks, the BFRC has adjustable compression and rebound damping, plus spring pre-load adjustment. The shock mounts directly to a relatively long steel swingarm.

Stopping the ZX-4RR is a set of Kawasaki-labeled four-piston Nissin brake calipers that place a larger 32mm piston above a 30mm piston in each side. The calipers clamp onto a set of fully-floating 11.4-inch (290mm) rotors. To comply with Euro5 safety standards, the Kawasaki has a Nissin ABS unit that reads wheel speeds to determine slip conditions.

Part of the appeal of riding the ZX-4RR on a racetrack is the ability to use all of its power more often. Photo by Kevin Wing.

Spinning Laps On Track

I could tell the Ninja ZX-4RR was not a normal small-displacement, cost-down model a few corners into my first lap around Thunderhill Raceway Park. I fit on the bike pretty well; the rider triangle is sporty but not too cramped. The seat is firm and the fuel tank offers plenty of support.

I was comfortable right away on the ZX-4RR and that meant I quickly found the limit of the stock suspension settings. I was immediately into the bump stop on the front, and the rear setting didn’t allow me to finish the corners the way (and at the speed) I wanted to. While the stock suspension settings were too soft for me during the first session, I could still tell the ZX-4RR has a good engineering foundation. Meaning, the forks and head tube didn’t flex under heavy braking and turn-in; the bike didn’t wallow though the corners; and the rear did not twist and bind up on corner exits.

With the Electronic Throttle Valve (ETV) system Power Level set to Full and the Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) set on Level 1, the bike made good power, but was a little lazy during acceleration. Turning the KTRC off later in the day woke the ZX-4RR up. The quarter-size Superbike was happiest operating in a 4,500 rpm range from 10,000 to 14,500 rpm; the power nosed over as it approached the 15,000-rpm rev limit. (Early promotional materials said the ZX-4RR turned to 16,500 rpm, but that was before the EPA’s sound police stepped in.) Top speed is impressive for a 400; at Thunderhill, I was able to tag the rev limiter in fourth gear with a terminal speed of 121 mph just before letting off and dragging the front brake to set the front forks before peeling into Turn 1.

Moving to corner entry, the braking power and feel from the Nissin four-piston calipers and dual front brake discs were both great. But the behavior of the twist grip during deceleration was strange. I could feel the twist grip moving, mimicking the throttle plates, at certain points in the deceleration zone. This didn’t upset the chassis or add inputs and I eventually learned to ignore the movement, but it was alarming during the opening laps! The Kawasaki Quickshifter was good during acceleration, and each upshift was smooth and precise. But the ZX-4RR had a tendency to catch a false neutral downshifting between the 4th and 3rd-gear, so I had to be really deliberate on that downshift if I was using auto-blip—and I finally started using the clutch after my fifth missed shift. The throw is a bit long between those gears, so it takes care to get the shift. (The downshift between fourth and third is also a little dodgy on older Honda CBR1000RR and BMW S100RR models fitted with auto-blip, so it sometimes happens.)

With the first session over, I went to work on the chassis, taking advantage of the limited, yet effective, suspension adjustments available from the 37mm SFF-BP inverted forks and BFRC-Lite shock. My first change was adding 1.5mm of spring pre-load to the forks and shock. This change raised the bike, which improved cornering clearance and added support on both ends. As expected, I was then able to brake later at corner entry; front stability at the apex improved slightly; and the support at the rear helped the bike finish the corners. I then added a ¼-turn of compression and rebound damping to the Showa BFRC rear shock to improve support and slow down the pitch. This really helped me rotate the bike through the middle part of the corner. And increasing the rebound slowed the rate at which the shock returned, so braking stability was improved and the ZX-4RR was calmer on corner entry.

Compared to a 1000, a 400 is easier to ride well, and doesn't burn up as many tires. Photo by Kevin Wing. — Compared to a 1000, a 400 is easier to ride well, and doesn’t burn up as many tires. Photo by Kevin Wing.

A bigger, more time-consuming change was adding 2mm of ride height to the front of the ZX-4RR by moving the tubes down in the triple clamps. Adding ride height to the front changed the weight bias, which made the Ninja more calm overall. The bike was then more stable on corner entry and at the apex, but the front sat a little high to really finish the corner. So, I then removed 1mm of preload from the front to balance out the changes, turned off the traction control, and rode the bike for the rest of the day with those settings.

Once the settings were in the zone, the Ninja ZX-4RR was really a lot of fun to ride. The chassis was stable in the low and mid-speed corners as well as in the fast sweepers at Thunderhill, and the relatively low overall weight and lack of crankshaft inertia made it easy to turn in, and nimble when I flicked side-to-side. It rotated and finished the corners well.

Rear grip wasn’t an issue; it shouldn’t be with around 65 horsepower at the rear wheel. I did have to constantly work on getting the throttle open as early as possible during the day. Convincing myself to grab a handful of throttle with a lot of lean angle is always an adjustment when coming off larger-displacement bikes!

Overall feel from the steel chassis was good. I had a big front-wheel slide going into Turn 5 late in the day, but I felt it start to go early and was able to slightly decrease brake pressure and dig my knee in to save myself from hitting the ground. At the rear, the feel from the chassis helped me gain the confidence to aggressively open the throttle mid-corner. Overall, Kawasaki got the rigidity balance of the chassis right, at least on the Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 radial tires.

The ZX-4RR's dash is ready to take lap times when the bike is in Rider mode. Photo by Kevin Wing. — The ZX-4RR’s dash is ready to take lap times when the bike is in Rider mode. Photo by Kevin Wing.

Engine performance improved with the ZX-4RR set to Full power with the KTRC turned off. Throttle response was more direct and the engine gained rpm more quickly during acceleration, and recovered rpm fast between shifts. Top speed was also improved and I saw 120 mph on the dash. I get it, electronic aids are a selling point, and the European standards require them in the name of safety. But in my opinion, a good rider doesn’t need traction control on a bike with less than 150-horsepower.

By the end of day, I’d completed over seven 30-minute sessions on the racetrack and it felt like I could keep riding for seven more sessions. I rode the Ninja ZX-4RR to the limit of the tires, chassis, and my ability all day. Yet I wasn’t fatigued mentally or physically, and I had a blast. That is the best part of smaller-displacement high-performance motorcycles: Getting into a rhythm, pounding out the laps, and having so much fun. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR has the chassis and engine performance to entertain a seasoned Superbike guy like me, but is mellow enough that anyone can ride it. Which makes it stand alone in its spot in the industry.

The Kawasaki looks the part of the serious sportbike, but without 200 horsepower. Photo by Kevin Wing.

Specifications: 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR

Engine Configuration: Inline Four, 4-stroke,

Engine Displacement: 399cc

Engine Cooling: Liquid

Compression Ratio: 12.3:1

Combustion Chamber Design: Pentroof

Valves Per Cylinder: 4

Intake Valves Per Cylinder (Material): 2 (Stainless Steel)

Exhaust Valves Per Cylinder (Material): 2 (Stainless Steel)

Bore x Stroke: 57.0 mm x 39.1 mm

Connecting Rod Length (center-to-center): N.A.

Connecting Rod Material: Steel

Claimed Peak Horsepower: N.A.

Claimed Peak Torque: 26.5 lbs.-ft. @ 11,000 rpm

Engine Redline: 15,000 rpm

Valve Angle (Included): 11.8 degrees Intake/ 13 degrees Exhaust

(24.8 degrees)

Combustion Chamber Volume: N.A.

Valvetrain Type: DOHC, Roller Chain Drive, Bucket

Tappets, Shim-under-bucket Lash Adjustment

Valve Adjustment Interval: 15,000 miles

Intake Valve Diameter: 22mm

Exhaust Valve Diameter: 19mm

Intake Valve Stem Diameter: N.A.

Exhaust Valve Stem Diameter: N.A.

Intake Valve Maximum Lift: N.A.

Exhaust Valve Maximum Lift: N.A.

Intake Valve Timing:

Open BTDC: 23 degrees

Closed ABDC: 63 degrees Duration: 266 degrees

Exhaust Valve Timing:

Open BBDC: 55 degrees

Closed ATDC: 25 degrees

Duration: 260 degrees

Valve Timing Measurement Point (lift): 0.3mm

Fuel Delivery System: Keihin Digital Fuel Injection

Throttle Body Venturi Size: 34mm

Air Filter Type: Pleated Paper

Exhaust System Type (Material): 4-2-1 (Stainless Steel)

Ignition System: Digital

Rider Aids:

IMU: No Traction Control: 3 Levels, Plus Off

Slide Control: No

Wheelie Control: No

ABS: Yes (Nissin ABS Unit)

Quickshifter: Kawasaki Quick Shifter Up/Down (KQS)

Ride Modes Available: Rain, Road, Sport, Rider

Lubrication System: Wet Sump

Oil Capacity: 3.8 quarts (3.6 liters)

Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gallons (15.1 liters)

Transmission Type: Cassette, 6-speed, Constant Mesh

Clutch Type: Multi-plate, Wet, Back-torque limiting,

With Acceleration Assist

Clutch Actuation System: Cable

Clutch Spring Type: Coil

Number of Clutch Springs: 3

Number of Clutch Plates: 14

Drive Plates: 8

Driven Plates: 6

Primary Drive: Gear (Straight-cut)

Primary Drive Gear Teeth (Ratio): 14/41 (2.029:1)

Final Drive Sprocket Teeth (Ratio): 14/48 (3.429:1)

Transmission Gear Teeth (Ratios):

6th: 28/27 (1.037:1)

5th: 30/26 (1.154:1)

4th: 32/24 (1.333:1)

3rd: 34/21 (1.619:1)

2nd: 37/18 (2.056:1)

1st 41/14 (2.929:1)

Transmission Overall Ratios:

6th: 7.21:1

5th: 8.03:1

4th: 9.27:1

3rd: 11.29:1

2nd: 14.30:1

1st: 20.38:1

Theoretical Speed In Gears At Redline:

6th: 153 mph

5th: 136 mph

4th: 118 mph

3rd: 97 mph

2nd: 77 mph

1st: 53 mph

Engine Speed At 60 mph: 5,880 rpm

Frame Design (Material): Trellis (Steel)

Rake/Trail: 23.5 degrees/ 3.8 inches (96.5mm)

Claimed Wheelbase: 54.33 inches (1,380mm)

Claimed Swingarm Length: 22.5 inches (573mm)

Seat Height: 31.5 inches (800mm)

Footpeg Height: 12.4 inches (315mm)

Handlebar Height: 33.7 inches (857mm)

Steering Stem to Seat Center: 26.4 inches (670mm)

Front Forks: Showa Inverted SFF-BP, Cartridge

Fork Tube Diameter: 37mm

Fork Adjustments:

Rebound Damping: None

Compression Damping: None

Spring Preload: 10-turn Range

Front Wheel Travel: 4.7 inches (120mm)

Rear Wheel Travel: 5.3 inches (134mm)

Rear Suspension Type: Showa BFRC-Lite Single Shock

Rear Shock Adjustments:

Rebound Damping: 3-turn Range

Compression Damping: 5-turn Range

Spring Preload: 10mm Range

Front Brakes: 290mm (12.2-inch) Dual Discs, 4-piston

Radial-Mount Nissin Monoblock Calipers

Rear Brake: 220mm (8.7-inch) Disc, Single-piston Nissin Caliper

Front Wheel: 3.50 x 17.0-inch Cast Aluminum Alloy

Rear Wheel: 5.50 x 17.0-inch Cast Aluminum Alloy

Front Tire: 120/70-ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 Radial

Rear Tire: 160/60-ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 Radial

Claimed Wet Weight: 415 pounds (188.2 kg)

Claimed Weight Distribution, Percentage: N.A.

GVWR 811 pounds (1,788 kg)

Overall Length: 78.3 inches (1,990mm)

Overall Width: 20.1 inches (765mm)

Overall Height: 43.7 inches (1,110mm)

Ground Clearance: 5.3 inches (135mm)

Suggested Retail Price: $9,699

California Superbike School Returning To India

David Swarts

-

January 12, 2024

0

California Superbike School Returning To India

California Superbike School returns to India.

The California Superbike School (CSS) is making a return to the Madras International Circuit in Chennai, India. Having been a regular presence at the 12-turn, 2.3-mile circuit since 2009, the school is holding two 3-day weekend events January 26-28 and February 2-4.

California Superbike School instructors and students at a previous event at Madras International Circuit in Chennai, India. Photo by Aditya Bedre, courtesy California Superbike School.

Lead Instructor Dylan Code shared his thoughts on the upcoming events, saying, “Typically, we bring together our international coaches from the UK, USA, Australia, Poland, and Greece for the India events. Visiting India is a far out experience for our coaches, providing a change of pace. The track is fun and in good condition but probably the best part is the Indian students. They come with enthusiasm and eagerness that’s off the charts, and that amps us up, too. We don’t just get wealthy riders showing up. There is an emerging middle class there and also a program in place to provide school seats to riders who would otherwise not be able to afford the training.”

California Superbike School students in the classroom at Madras International Circuit in Chennai, India. Photo by Aditya Bedre, courtesy California Superbike School.

Code also mentioned CSS’s international activities, stating, “During the off-season in the USA, we take the opportunity to visit our foreign branches in Australia and Asia. We recently did schools in Taiwan and will return to the Philippines in April. For those interested in the idea of ‘running away with the circus,’ we are always looking for riders willing to put in the hard work and time to train as a professional coach with us.”

MotoAmerica: Tickets On Sale Now For 82nd Daytona 200

David Swarts

-

January 12, 2024

0

MotoAmerica: Tickets On Sale Now For 82nd Daytona 200

Tickets Now On Sale For The 82nd Running Of The Daytona 200

General Admission, VIP, Harley-Davidson Ticket Packages And Camping Now Available For All The Action At Daytona International Speedway

IRVINE, CA (January 12, 2024) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for the 82nd running of the Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway, including the Harley-Davidson Factory Race Fan ticket package.

The 82nd running of the Daytona 200 is expected to be one of the best yet as riders from all over the world will battle at the World Center Of Racing. But the Supersport-spec motorcycles and racers like Josh Hayes, Tyler Scott, PJ Jacobsen, Kayla Yaakov and more won’t be the only race at Daytona International Speedway as the event will feature the opening round of the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship, the Twins Cup title chase and the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship.

To celebrate the event, Harley-Davidson has its Harley-Davidson Factory Race Fan ticket package in place with exclusive perks as you watch the Factory Harley-Davidson team of Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli do battle.

The Harley-Davidson ticket package includes a three-day pass (a one-day pass is also available) to the Speedway to watch all the practice and qualifying sessions and, of course, the two Mission King Of The Baggers races.

Ticket package purchasers will get admission, an exclusive welcome gift and access to all Harley-Davidson displays and covered seating area in the H-D activation area for a livestream of the race. Harley fans who purchase the package also get Harley-Davidson motorcycle parking, and the opportunity to take part in the Harley-Davidson Parade Laps. The three-day Harley-Davidson Factory Race Fan passes sell for $110 per person (three-day), with single-day Friday and Saturday passes going for $80 each.

MotoAmerica fans also have the option of purchasing Daytona 200 VIP Superfan Experience tickets in three-day, two-day, and single-day options. All three of those feature two-day premier VIP admission and parking, access to the climate-controlled Daytona 500 Club suite with live feed on Friday and Saturday, meet and greets with MotoAmerica racers and industry reps, catered continental breakfast, coffee and iced tea, lunch and snacks on Friday and Saturday, a Superfan VIP appreciation bag, a MotoAmerica merchandise voucher, escorted pre-grid access for the Mission King Of The Baggers race (Friday) and the Daytona 200 (Saturday), preferred podium viewing and podium photos during King Of The Baggers and Daytona 200 post-race activities, premier viewing of the Pit Stop Challenge, the Cardo Fan Lap, a photo opportunity with the Daytona 200 trophy and a commemorative digital magazine is provided to all guests.

The Daytona VIP Superfan Experience packages are available for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday ($600 per person), for Friday and Saturday ($550 per person) and for single-day tickets – Friday and Saturday ($350 per person).

Single-day general admission tickets, which include infield access, start at $25 for Thursday and Friday and $35 for Saturday.

To purchase tickets for the Daytona 200, visit https://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/events/daytona-200/

To purchase the Harley-Davidson Factory Race Fan ticket package, visit https://motoamerica.tixonlinenow.com/daytona200/

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.

Video: Jonathan Rea Does Q&A From Winter Training Base In Spain, Part One

David Swarts

-

January 12, 2024

0

Video: Jonathan Rea Does Q&A From Winter Training Base In Spain, Part One

In this video, six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea answers fans’ questions from his winter training base in Spain. There were so many questions that Rea decided to do two videos.

Video: AMA Celebrating 100th Anniversary Throughout 2024

David Swarts

-

January 11, 2024

0

Video: AMA Celebrating 100th Anniversary Throughout 2024

American Motorcyclist Association Celebrates 100 Years

AMA to commemorate its 100-year anniversary throughout 2024

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is gearing up for a year-long, historic celebration as it proudly commemorates its 100th anniversary in 2024. For a century the AMA has been at the forefront of promoting and protecting the interests of motorcyclists, creating a vibrant community of enthusiasts dedicated to the joy of riding.

AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman expressed excitement about the organization’s milestone, stating, “Reaching 100 years is a testament to the enduring spirit of motorcycling and the passionate community that has supported the AMA throughout its history. We invite the entire motorcycling community to join us in celebrating this incredible journey as we look forward to shaping the future of motorcycling over the next 100 years.”

Since its inception in 1924, the AMA has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of motorcycling in the United States. With a rich history rooted in passion, advocacy and the freedom of the open road, the AMA has become a driving force for riders across the nation.

As one of the largest motorcycling organizations in the world, the AMA has consistently championed the rights of motorcyclists from all walks of life, evolving to embrace a diverse and growing community of riders.

To mark this momentous occasion, the AMA has planned special events and initiatives throughout the year, including:

Centennial Celebrations: Join the AMA as it commemorates its 100-year anniversary at its Spring Bike Night (May 18), at AMA Hall of Fame Days (Oct. 10-13), and at its biggest event — AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days (July 25-28) — which will be the organization’s ultimate anniversary celebration, complete with an all-points ride from across the U.S. to the event. The AMA will also have anniversary displays at various AMA-sanctioned events throughout the year, including Daytona Bike Week, select AMA Supercross events, the Buckeye Motorcycle & Music Rally, and more.
Historical Exhibits: Explore a fascinating journey through the history of motorcycling and the AMA at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame with special curated exhibits showcasing iconic motorcycles, memorable AMA moments, and the individuals who have shaped the association.
Commemorative Merchandise: Exclusive 100-year anniversary merchandise, including limited-edition apparel and accessories, are now available for enthusiasts who want to own a piece of AMA history at https://AMAGear.com.
Advocacy Initiatives: The AMA will continue its commitment to advocating for the rights of motorcyclists, addressing key issues affecting the community, promoting a positive image of motorcycling, and encouraging government recognition — at the local, state and federal levels — of the organization’s centennial.

As the American Motorcyclist Association enters its second century, it remains dedicated to its mission — promoting the motorcycle lifestyle and protecting the future of motorcycling — ensuring that the legacy of the organization and the freedom of the open road is preserved for generations to come.

In celebration of its 100th Anniversary, the organization released a video commemorating a century of the AMA.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Track Time Track Days Signs Smith, Yaakov As Guest Instructors

David Swarts

-

January 11, 2024

0

Track Time Track Days Signs Smith, Yaakov As Guest Instructors

Exciting Additions to Track Time Track Days and Instruction: Kayla Yaakov and Benjamin Smith Join as Guest Instructors

Olympia, Wa. Jan 11, 2024 – Track Time Track Days and Instruction, the Pacific Northwest’s premier motorcycle track day provider, is thrilled to announce the addition of motorcycle road racing professionals, Kayla Yaakov and Benjamin Smith, as guest instructors for the 2024 track day season. Their expertise and passion for racing and coaching will undoubtedly enhance the experience for Track Time customers, providing valuable insights and guidance on the track.

Kayla, known for her most recent achievements in MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Twins Cup classes, expresses gratitude to her new team, Rahal Ducati Moto for their continuous support. Kayla states, “I will be racing a Ducati V2 Panigale in the MotoAmerica Supersport class and I look forward to bringing the knowledge gained from my experiences to benefit customers at Track Time Track Days.”

Benjamin Smith, a seasoned professional in MotoAmerica, extends his appreciation to Flo4Law Racing for their support this year. Benjamin states. “I will be racing a Yamaha R1 in the Stock 1000 and Superbike classes in 2024 and I am excited to contribute my expertise to enhance the learning journey of participants at Track Time Track Days.

Alan Schwen, Owner of Track Time, is proud to be bringing Kayla Yaakov and Benjamin Smith to Track Time Events. Schwen states, “We believe their presence will elevate the overall experience for our participants, and we’re excited to see the positive impact on our track day community.”

Booking Information: Participants can now book a track day experience, one-on-one instruction, and rent a track-prepped motorcycle directly on the Track Time website at www.tracktime.bike. If you have more questions, give Track Time a call at 360-559-1400.

About Track Time Track Days and Instruction: Track Time Track Days and Instruction is the Pacific Northwest’s premier motorcycle track day provider, offering high-quality motorcycle instruction and track day experiences. With a commitment to excellence, the organization aims to empower enthusiasts to improve their riding skills and enjoy the thrill of the track in a safe and supportive environment.

MotoGP: Alex Marquez And Marc Marquez, Face To Face (Video)

David Swarts

-

January 11, 2024

0

MotoGP: Alex Marquez And Marc Marquez, Face To Face (Video)

Marc Márquez and Alex Márquez, face to face

After the 2024 presentation of the main ambassadors of Estrella Galicia 0,0 in the MotoGP World Championship as new teammates, Marc and Alex, Alex and Marc, analyzed their chances in the season that is about to begin.

After the multitudinous presentation to the media of Marc and Alex Márquez as Estrella Galicia 0,0 ambassadors for another year in the MotoGP World Championship, this season also as teammates in the Gresini Racing MotoGP team, the two brothers agreed to a more familiar interview to talk about the challenge with Ducati, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of competing to the maximum against a tough rival to whom, as a human being, you also have indissoluble emotional ties.

Q. You both shared the garage back in 2020, riding for Honda. You Alex were just a rookie and Marc was the reigning champion. How do you both feel about this new chapter in your racing careers?

AM73: “Excited, isn’t it?”

MM93: “Excited, optimistic. Of course, it’s a new chapter, especially in my career. The project is exciting and motivation is super high, but I also feel especially calm. I made a very important decision. I chose a way and we will see if it’s the good one or not in the future, but the project is to try to find again that motivation and that racing spirit in the races, and fight for a good position.”

AM73: “For me, it will be my second year with Gresini team, but it will be very special to share again the team with Marc, as he will be a very good rival, also for the team and for myself in order to achieve the next level and become more consistent. He’s a world champion, so he’ll fast for sure. We need to be there and take a profit from his experience to achieve a great level, work together or, as I said, to achieve great things for the team.”

Q. If you are both in a position to fight for victory against each other, do you think there will be any limits or will it be a fight to the maximum as it would be with any other rider? Is there any room for family concessions on this new scene?

MM93: “If we’re fighting, we’re fighting…” (Laughs).

AM73: “Yeah, exactly” (Laughs). Yeah, it’s like this. Well, I’m sure you have a little more respect. Maybe not respect, but you will overtake and think: “Ok, if I make any mistake, I better leave some room to let him go” or something like that, but in the end, if you’re on track fighting for a victory, you just try to find the best way for yourself.”

MM93: “Yeah, I agree with that. Of course, overtaking on the last lap is always critical, even if it’s your brother or any other rider, but if he is also your teammate, you have to be extra careful with the situation. We showed in 2022 that if we were fighting for a seventh position, it wasn’t even for a victory, we fought each other like if it was with any other rider, and this is also important, the spirit, because in the end he’s my brother and my teammate but also another opponent.”

Q. How far do you think each other can go this season?

AM73: “As he said, he made a very important change in his career. He knew he had a great opportunity to go back to the top level, but it will also be his first year on a Ducati, on a new bike, so for sure he will have some ups and downs. We need to see, and he needs to see. In the preseason he will see what he needs to improve more, if he struggles or not, if the strong points he had on last year’s bike are also useful in this bike… For sure, he’ll be fast and will put the rest of us in difficulties. Anyway, it will be great to see how far he is going with this new bike.”

MM93: “For me, Alex already showed last season that he can fight for victory. Now, the most difficult thing or the most important thing is trying to understand if he can be constantly in that position or if he has some ups and downs. His clear target is trying to be in the top eight or six on every race, that would be good. Of course, if he can fight for more, it will be welcome, but it’s better to have low expectations now because we still have to make the preseason and, after that, you will be able to realize more which goal you can approach to. The second part of last season from Alex, after his injury in India, was super good. I was fighting for victory in Malaysia, he won two sprint races and he was constantly on the front two rows (of the grid), on qualifying sessions too, also racing with the top five…, so it will be good for me to have a teammate like him in order to learn how to ride the Ducati.”

AM73: “I don’t have any doubts that he will achieve the level because he already showed it. Of course, he needs to take care at the beginning of the season because there are a lot of Ducati riders in Ducati with more experience than him with this bike. He can be a bit stronger, see if he can score good points in the first few races and make a season stepping forward, then he’ll be in the fight. But, as he said, it’s too early at the moment to have any expectations.”

What’s Happening At The Harley-Davidson Museum In January?

David Swarts

-

January 11, 2024

0

What’s Happening At The Harley-Davidson Museum In January?

The new year brings new ways to experience the Harley-Davidson Museum

Become a tourist in your hometown when Milwaukee Museum Days returns this month.

MILWAUKEE, USA (Jan. 11, 2024) – Resolve to explore more in 2024! Jan. 18 marks the return of Milwaukee Museum Days. The H-D Museum is proud to be among the 30 area attractions looking to highlight the meaningful impact museums have on our residents, tourism in Wisconsin and the local economy. Get tickets to the Harley-Davidson Museum for just $10*! Score admission from free up to $15 to explore your favorite museum or discover a hidden gem you’ve been wanting to explore from Jan. 18 – 28 (excluding Jan. 23 & 24 at the H-D Museum).

And with the thought in mind that too much of a good thing is just enough, MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant has already kicked off Carnival season! See below for mouthwatering Mardi Gras specials that are available now through Fat Tuesday and laissez les bons temps rouler! MOTOR is also excited to partner with Third Space Brewery for a Beer Social on February 16. Enjoy five beers and food pairings as well as a take-away gift bag that includes a $5 MOTOR gift card, a limited-edition Harley-Davidson® 120th Anniversary pint glass and Third Space swag! Purchase tickets now.

Hoop heads, there’s still time to hop on the Marquette Golden Eagles bandwagon before the madness. There are nine more chances to hear directly from the head coach of the No. 11 men’s basketball team in the nation as Marquette Thursdays at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant return in January.

Also this month, get ready for the dawn of a new era. Join us for the premiere of Harley‑Davidson’s all-new 2024 motorcycle model lineup on Jan. 24.

Please also note that aside from MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant (which will remain open seven days a week, Sun – Wed, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Thu – Sat, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and private events hosted by 1903® Events, the H-D Museum™ campus will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in January and February of 2024. Additionally, the H-D® Shop will be closed Jan. 30 – Feb. 2 for inventory.

PROGRAMMING / EVENTS

Milwaukee Museum Days, Jan. 18 – 22 & 24 – 28

One more reason to love Milwaukee. During its 10-day run, 30 museums will offer discounted admission, special programming and more during Milwaukee Museum Days. Running Jan. 18 – 28, immerse yourself in some of Milwaukee’s incredible museums, experiencing everything from the innovative hands-on exhibits at Discovery World to the whimsical National Bobblehead Museum and Hall of Fame, the roaring fun of the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum to the wide-open spaces of the Lynden Sculpture Garden. With admission discounts at up to 30 museums, you’ll soon discover that there’s always more to explore in the 414. Score tickets to the Harley-Davidson Museum for just $10* from Jan. 18 – 28 (excluding Jan. 23 & 24).

And on Jan. 19, join Lubar Center Director Derek Mosley for a conversation about Milwaukee Museum Days and the state of funding for museums and the arts in Wisconsin at Marquette University’s On the Issues forum.

*Mention Milwaukee Museum days and receive one (1) Harley-Davidson Museum Adult General Admission pass per adult for $10 and one (1) Harley-Davidson Museum Child General Admission pass per child under the age of 18 for $5 (kids under 5 are free). Valid from January 18, 2024, through 28, 2024 for in-person use at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Not valid for online purchases or previous H-D Museum purchases. Cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion. Offer can be changed at any time without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

“The Marquette Basketball Hour” with Shaka Smart, select Thursdays, 6 – 7 p.m., Nov. 30 – March 7

MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant at the Harley-Davidson Museum is the place to be for all Marquette fans this season. Join us on select Thursdays at 6 p.m. when men’s basketballs Head Coach Shaka Smart, Jen Lada and players will break down all the Marquette action. Don’t miss Marquette Thursdays at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant on the Harley-Davidson Museum® campus to support the defending Big East Champions.

Annual Pass

Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s Annual Pass offers individual, family and VIP levels to fit your lifestyle. Just some of the perks of the new Annual Pass include: virtual access to the H-D Museum with various Harley history topics covered in our Virtual Gallery Talk series, admission discounts, free admission for children under age 18, merchandise discounts at The Shop, dining discounts at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and more. Visit H-D Museum.com for details and other terms and conditions.

Annual Pass Level for Community Partners

Coming in 2024: Public Libraries, community centers and youth organizations will be able to purchase a Harley-Davidson Museum Annual Pass for check-out and use by the community members they serve. For additional information about this Annual Pass (Community Partner Level), please call 414-287-2789.

Guided Tours

Get closer to the artifacts, exhibits and stories with a guided tour of the H-D Museum! There are three specially designed tours in our experience portfolio:
The VIP Tour is ideal for special guests and special occasions
Our Beyond the Gate Tour takes guests into the motorcycle vault
Everyone will love the Spotlight Tour, which is a perfect intro to the story of Harley-Davidson

Group bookings are available for 2-50 guests. Call 414-287-2799 or email [email protected] for reservations. Check out the tour calendar for public tour availability, too.

Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. and Sundays at 2:15 p.m.)

All scouts are welcome to come earn their Engineering Merit Badge at the Harley-Davidson Museum! This experience will be launched by our merit badge counselor. Then, scouts will explore the history of Harley-Davidson as well as the engineering of motorcycles as they complete the nine merit badge requirements. Advance registration is required. Program registration closes one week prior to the scheduled program date.

Ticket includes: downloadable activity booklet used for the program, welcome and orientation by program facilitator, blue card signed by the facilitator (one blue card per scout registration) and an exclusive H-D Museum™ patch.

Scout Virtual Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.)

This new 90-minute online program is open to scouts from all over the country. Our program facilitator will guide the troops and explore the role an engineer plays while creating a Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle. Nine requirements for the Engineering Merit Badge will be discussed during this virtual, interactive program. Advance registration is required. Program Fee: $20 per Scout, which includes an activity booklet used during the program and a special H-D® patch upon completion of the program.

MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS

“Mama Tried: Bringing it Together” (on display now)

The Mama Tried® Motorcycle Show and adjoining Flat Out Friday races are a bright spot in the dead of cold, Wisconsin winters. The show has amassed an army of followers and fans that give the weekend its signature style: People are the heart of the show; the bikes are the social lubrication. The Harley-Davidson Museum’s special exhibit, “Mama Tried: Bringing it Together,” focuses on the builders, the racers and the fans that gather over a bike or a brew.

A riot of bikes awaits you: outrageous custom bikes, lovingly restored vintage machines and one as rare as hen’s teeth – 1929 FHAC with FLXI Sidecar Factory Racer. Don’t come alone; bring your crew. That’s what Mama Tried is about, after all. Check out the exhibit before Mama Tried and Flat Out Friday make their triumphant returns in February, then make plans to kick off the weekend at the Official Mama Tried Pre-Party on Feb 22 at the H-D Museum. And hear directly from David Kreidler, curator of the exhibit, on the Mama Tried podcast.

1972 Custom Sprint 350 Single (on display now)

J. Shia’s unconventional 1972 350cc Sprint custom just went on display at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Inspired by Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet “Swan Lake,” Shia designed a dual bike project to reflect both the contrast and parallels of the black and white swans. The “white swan” can now be found at the H-D Museum. Shia’s build style for this project is unique in both function and materials, which she designed and fabricated all out of her Boston-based shop, Madhouse Motors. Shia incorporated unexpected parts from other products to create the bike: The headlight is the projector from a microscope and the taillight is a pencil sharpener. The carburetor intake is a modified juicer, and the foot-pegs are stove handles, while the turbocharger’s exhaust is a soprano saxophone bell. This amazing build is a symbol of ingenuity in moto customization and needs to be seen to be believed.

“My Papi Has a Motorcycle” / “Mi Papi Tiene una Moto” (on display now)

From award-winning children and YA author Isabel Quintero and illustrator Zeke Peña comes the Harley-Davidson Museum’s first-ever bilingual exhibit, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” / “Mi papi tiene una moto.” Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” shares a story of family bonds strengthened by the simple act of taking a joy ride on a two-wheeled machine. With brilliant, colorful art from Peña paired with heart-warming stories from Southern Californian riding families, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” will draw smiles from kids of all ages. It’s an exhibit that focuses not only on where you can take a motorcycle, but where a two-up motorcycle ride with a loved one can take you.

Experience Gallery (on display now)

With inspiring stories from riders who have turned their dream of learning to ride into reality, a look at the epic journeys you can only experience behind the bars of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, plus the chance to throw a leg over a new 2023 Harley-Davidson #FreedomMachine, the reinstalled and all-new Experience Gallery shows the world how United We Ride! And now you can hop in the saddle of the newest, CVO™ Road Glide®, Breakout®, Road Glide® Trike, Pan America® Special and Nightster® motorcycles – the perfect photo op to commemorate your visit.

The H-D Museum @ 15 (on display now)

The Harley-Davidson Museum opened its doors for the first time in 2008. With 130,000 square-feet of factory-like buildings that honor Milwaukee’s industrial heritage and 20 acres of park-like space to gather, the H-D Museum was over 100 years in the making. Explore more about the construction and grand opening in a new display at the H-D Museum entrance.

Long-Time Riders: Lee & Pearl (on display now)

At the H-D Museum entrance, a new case featuring two long-time Wisconsin riders is on display. Lee and Pearl Christopherson have been together since meeting on a motorcycle in 1958. Lee was a member of the Blue Knights, a group of active or retired law enforcement officers. While Lee can’t begin to guess how many miles he’s ridden over 76 years, Pearl has kept track of her time in the saddle and surpassed 175,000 miles in the summer of 2023. The display features Pearl’s Motor Maids shirt and vest along with a Blue Knights Club vest from Lee, and the couple’s H.O.G.® patch and pin collection.

Clubs & Competition (on display now)

In the early part of the 20th century, motorcycle culture was a homegrown phenomenon. It grew out of the passion of riders for their evolving sport. The camaraderie that developed around riding and attending competitive events led to the formation of motorcycle clubs that hosted destination rides, family picnics with motorcycle games and other riding competitions.

The display case in the Clubs & Competition gallery highlights clothing from club members from primarily the 1930s and 1940s. The clothing selections on view include full dress uniforms, shirts, sweaters, jackets and caps, customized by the owners with their club’s name and logo, and pins or patches indicating membership in the American Motorcyclist Association. The H-D Archives collection includes Motorclothes® apparel sold in H-D® product catalogs but also non-H-D produced clothing items that have been proudly customized by riders.

“Off-Road Harley-Davidson” (on display now)

In the decades before America paved its highways, early riders had to be prepared for all sorts of terrain: sand, clay or dirt – and wandering those makeshift byways were Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Today, it’s called off-road or adventure touring; back then it was just called riding. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson® motorcycles proved their toughness by riding over wooded hills, through stone-choked creek beds and up mountain sides. “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” tells the history of motorcycles designed for rough roads, the people who rode them and the adventures they shared. This exhibition will close in March, so make tracks to see “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” before it hits the road.

Harley-Davidson® Shop + H-D® Factory Outlet

New year … new looks for you! And both the H-D® shop and the Factory Outlet got the goods for your wardrobe in 2024. Bundle up against the cold with flannels, hats, coats and more!

MOTOR® BAR & RESTAURANT

We’re starting off 2024 with inspiration from New Orleans! In anticipation of Mardi Gras, we’re offering a slate of Big Easy bites and cocktails. We’ll have these on offer though Fat Tuesday, February 13.

Feisty Crawdad Dip

Spicy Cajun crawfish and andouille sausage dip served warm with Empress Baking paprika and polenta crackers and grilled garlic bread.

Smoked Kickin’ Chicken Wings

One pound smoked jumbo chicken wings, tossed in a house blackening rub and fried. Served with blue cheese remoulade, celery & carrot sticks.

Muffuletta Salad

Salami, Black Forest ham, Mortadella, Provolone with marinated olive, carrot, red bell pepper and red onion, crispy olive oil bread croutons on a bed of romaine lettuce drizzled with remoulade.

Cajun Shrimp Po’boy

Grilled blackened shrimp, fried oysters and fried jalapeno with shredded romaine, sliced tomato and roasted red pepper remoulade on grilled garlic baguette. Served with french fries.

“Laissez les bons temps rouler” Beignets

A NOLA classic, fried choux pastry dusted with powdered sugar and served with warm chocolate sauce for drizzling or dipping … or slurping … we don’t judge.

Cocktail specials include a MOTOR Cup (a twist on the Pimm’s cup), a Cherrycane (a play on a Hurricane) and a Dark and Snowy (our version of the Dark & Stormy).

Tunemaster Bingo, Fridays, 6 p.m.

Compete for awesome prizes as Tunemaster Bingo takes over MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant on Friday nights. Enjoy beer and food specials – including the AYCE Fish Fry – as you listen to 30-second clips of iconic, popular songs and simply match them to the ones on your BINGO card they have.

1903® Events

Recently engaged? 1903® Events will host an intimate showcase on Sunday, Feb. 4, featuring a curated selection of vendors to showcase their services to newly engaged couples. We’ll be showing off our newest event space, The Garage as well as our second-floor wedding space, Rumble. Learn more and RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1903-events-wedding-showcase-tickets-772407269937

MotoAmerica: Mini Cup Qualifiers Scheduled In Nevada, Northern California

David Swarts

-

January 11, 2024

0

MotoAmerica: Mini Cup Qualifiers Scheduled In Nevada, Northern California

MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup By Motul Qualifiers Now Set For Nevada And Northern California

Young Racers Can Attempt To Qualify For National Final Via Four New Regional Qualifiers

IRVINE, CA (January 11, 2024) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce the continuing expansion of the Mission Mini Cup By Motul qualifiers as Northern Nevada Kart Club (NNKC) will host four series qualifiers at racetracks in Nevada and Northern California.

The qualifiers will feature all of the Mission Mini Cup By Motul classes – GP160, GP190, Street GP, Stock 50, Stock 110 and Stock 125 – with young racers earning points to qualify for the Mission Mini Cup By Motul National Final at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 9-11.

NNKC will hold qualifiers at Desert Park Raceway in Reno, Nevada (April 27-28), Little 99 in Stockton, California (May 25-26), Shasta Kart Track in Redding, California (June 29-30) and Kinsmen Kart Track in Dixon, California (July 20-21).

“NNKC Minimoto is delighted to include the MotoAmerica Mini Cup in our 2024 Sierra Nevada Moto Championship season,” said NNKC President Jeremy Callendar. “This will be our fourth season of operation, and we are excited to have MotoAmerica trust us with their newest generations of racers. We are working alongside three additional tracks and will be supporting the full list of Mission Mini Cup By Motul classes: GP160, GP190, Street GP, Stock 50, Stock 110 and Stock 125.”

For more information about the Mini Cup series or club participation, please contact [email protected]

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.

MotoAmerica: Travis Wyman Joins Lewis, West On Team Saddlemen

David Swarts

-

January 10, 2024

0

MotoAmerica: Travis Wyman Joins Lewis, West On Team Saddlemen

Saddlemen’s Race Development team is excited to announce that it will compete in the 2024 MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers and the Mission Super Hooligan series. Building on the success of the 2023 season, Saddlemen will continue to partner with Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle and Mission Foods as they prepare for what looks to be a very competitive eight-round Bagger and four-round Hooligan series in 2024.

In 2024, veteran riders Cory West and Jake Lewis will continue to represent Team Saddlemen along with a new rider, Tavis Wyman. Travis is a talented rider, and we are excited about the dynamic he will bring to this year’s team.

Cory West #13, Jake Lewis #85, and Travis Wyman #10 will each ride a race-prepped 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide® Limited motorcycle. Wrapped in matching Saddlemen race carbon-fiber bodywork and powered by a Screamin’ Eagle Twin-Cooled™ 131ci Milwaukee-Eight powertrain in the Mission King Of The Baggers class.

All three riders will also compete this season in the Mission Foods Super Hooligan Series. New for 2024 each will be riding a stripped-down and highly modified Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 featuring Saddlemen’s latest carbon-fiber race body work.

For 2024 Patricia Fernandez-West will step away from riding and assume the role of Director of Operations, heading up team logistics, sponsorship, and media, and John Sanders will assume the responsibilities of Team Manager.

In 2024 Team Saddlemen’s Road Glide® motorcycles will use the recently available factory-developed racing parts from Harley-Davidson and Screamin’ Eagle. We are confident it will be an exciting year with talented and experienced riders, partners, and sponsors, including Harley-Davidson, Screamin’ Eagle, Mission Foods, Drag Specialties, Motul, Darkhorse Motor Company, Bell Helmets, Barnett Clutches, Regina Chain, K&N Filter, Suicide Machine Company, NAMZ Custom Cycle Products, and 4SR.

Saddlemen is an American company based in Long Beach, California, specializing in motorcycle seats and luggage. Known as the “Gel Seat Experts” since 1987, our goal has been to improve comfort, control, and overall riding experience for millions of motorcyclists worldwide.

With over 200 employees, we are riders and builders who enjoy practically everything motorcycle. Over the last 35 years, the Saddlemen team has participated in everything from Flat Track to MotoGP. Ads many people already know, racing is one of the best places to test new products, and at Saddlemen, every trip to the racetrack or smooth ride on the open road is an opportunity to refine the products we are proud to share with our customers.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR Intro, From The August 2023 Issue (With Video)

January 13, 2024

Racing Editor Chris Ulrich has screaming fun riding the all-new 399cc, 4-cylinder, 15,000-rpm 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR at Thunderhill Raceway Park, as seen on the cover of the August 2023 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine. Photo by Kevin Wing.