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Ryvid Working On New Electric Model, New Factory In America

RYVID EV ACCELERATES PHENOMENAL GROWTH INTO 2024

Pioneering electric motorcycle maker to introduce new model and inaugurate new California Factory this year. Ryvid Anthem appears at CES 2024 with Weel

Electric Light Mobility company Ryvid has been on a single-minded mission to produce more efficient, lightweight, eco-friendly vehicles for a dynamic world since its inception in 2021. After creating a prototype of its first product – the Anthem electric motorcycle – in June 2022, Ryvid delivered the first production version of its affordable, highway-capable electric commuter motorcycle in September 2023 and is now in higher rate production at its new factory facility in San Bernardino, CA.

Part of the company’s meteoric success can be attributed to a recent grant provided by  the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to stimulate innovation, technology and job creation. This funding through the California Competes Program (business.ca.gov/california-competes-tax-credit)  allowed Ryvid to hire key employees, accelerate product development, and get American-produced machines into the hands of new and experienced riding enthusiasts in record time.

As part of the master plan devised by company founder and automotive designer Dong Tran, 2024 will see Ryvid complete its factory facility and conduct a ribbon-cutting ceremony in San Bernardino. Not only will this allow the company to continue production of its Anthem model to meet the increased demand, but will also provide capacity for new models to join the roster.

The advantage of an American-based production team and manufacturing is that it rejects traditional, complex practices in favor of an extremely flexible, responsive and adaptable process with a simplified supply chain. It will mean that issues, requests and suggestions can be funneled to the engineers and into the assembly area, giving owners direct access to product development.

“Opening our own factory facility has allowed us to streamline the manufacturing process further, speeding up what is already a rapid production process, allowing Ryvid to quickly pivot to new models and focus on new market segments. While growth is important for any business model, we’re going to prioritize the pillars of our company, which are accessibility, innovation, sustainability and community,” Dong Tran explained.

 

The Ryvid Anthem electric motorcycle is built in San Bernardino, California. Photo courtesy Ryvid.
The Ryvid Anthem electric motorcycle is built in San Bernardino, California. Photo courtesy Ryvid.

 

RYVID ANTHEM

The Anthem is a lightweight electric motorcycle designed for commuters and adventure-seekers alike. In common with existing two-wheeled EVs, the aim is to provide sustainable personal transportation as an alternative to heavy, thirsty automobiles, helping to solve a raft of socio-economic issues. Ryvid has sought to keep its concept affordable, doing almost everything in-house and innovating thoughtful solutions to control costs without resorting to overseas production. 

Among the key differentiators is a stainless steel folded sheet metal frame, chosen for strength and constructed without any welding, simplifying the assembly process without passing along labor costs to the rider. The ingenuous modular construction of the Anthem focuses on products that are exactly what they need to be; not more, not less. They serve a specific purpose and have allowed the designers to reduce weight and complexity. As part of this process, the team ensured all its major components were located low to the ground, creating a low center of gravity and nimble handling. 

With the Ryvid Anthem tipping the scales at just 313 lb, the 4.3 kWh lithium-ion battery and its integrated 3.3 kW charger sits under the frame and is removable to provide flexible charging options. It powers a 72V air-cooled brushless DC motor, which is mounted behind the battery in the aluminum swingarm and delivers 53 ft-lb of torque. Range is stated as 75 miles* using the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule.

Another key Ryvid innovation is the patent-pending electrically adjustable seat height. Long recognized as a major obstacle for new riders, Anthem ensures a wider range of riders can comfortably sit on the Anthem and place their feet securely on the ground. Using a hydraulic ram, the rider can rapidly adjust the seat height at the flick of a button from 30-34” without affecting the rear suspension geometry. 

Thanks to its electric motor, the engineers were also able to provide a speed-limited reverse gear. This is yet another feature that helps novice and experienced riders alike, allowing users to reverse out of tight spots or inclines that could otherwise prove challenging.

Capable of speeds in excess of 75mph for highway use, the Anthem requires a motorcycle license but the power delivery and riding position will be familiar to e-bike riders, especially in the Eco riding mode. Sport mode provides a noticeable boost in performance, delivering a high level of two-wheeled entertainment. Anthem uses motorcycle brake lever positions and a twist throttle but the direct drive motor meant a clutch lever was unnecessary.

The high-performance brakes, suspension and Pirelli tires differentiate Anthem from the majority of electric motorcycle brands, giving the rider a level of control, involvement and satisfaction beyond its peers. Anthem also provides an incredible ownership experience that helps to ensure a low cost of overall ownership thanks to minimal maintenance needs, low cost of charging, a significantly reduced parts list to ease repairs, as well as easy storage and charging. 

The Ryvid Anthem can charge to 80% in 2.5 hours using 110V or 1.25 hours using the supplied 220V adapter. It carries a two-year limited warranty on motorcycle parts and battery, and is supported by the Ryvid Service Team.

“The Anthem was designed to fill the space between electric bicycles and full-sized motorcycles, empowering a new generation of two-wheel riders with an EV mindset. We’re confident that the excitement of our high-performance, two-wheeled vehicles will also bring experienced riders to the light electric vehicle space as they discover the many benefits of battery-powered propulsion,” said Dong Tran.

Despite its ground-breaking innovation and American manufacture, the feature-filled Ryvid Anthem costs only $8,995 and can be ordered directly from ryvid.com

 

NEW MODELS

While the Anthem is still a brand new product, everyone at Ryvid is focused on achieving the next breakthrough. The design and engineering teams have been working on a number of new variants and models and is expecting to make some exciting announcements this year.

The company hopes to reveal the first new model in the Spring/Summer, which will add another highly entertaining model to the Ryvid lineup. It will also reinforce the company’s primary pillars of accessibility, innovation, sustainability and community. It’s predicted that the new, American manufactured model will shake up current motorcycle manufacturing concepts by offering riders an extraordinarily flexible platform to attract a wide range of riders and provide plenty of options for personalization.  

 

CES 2024

During the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, an enhanced version of the Ryvid Anthem, powered by Weel, was showcased in the Amazon Experience Area. CES brings together the tech industry, providing a platform for global audiences to engage with major brands and startups, and the modified Anthem attracted significant attention. It captured the interest of many attendees curious about the latest developments in EV technology. We appreciate everybody who took the time to meet our team and look forward delving into the advanced Weel innovations in the future.

 

*Battery range depends on conditions such as rider weight, speed, temperature, wind, tire pressure, terrain, incline, etc. Mileage may vary

MotoAmerica: Landers Joins Gillim On Vance & Hines Bagger Team

REVZILLA/MISSION/ VANCE & HINES HARLEY-DAVIDSON TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Indianapolis, IN – January 18, 2024 – Thrilling Team Announcement! Today, Vance & Hines Motorsports proudly presents the dynamic duo set to conquer the 2024 MotoAmerica season.

 

Hayden Gillim, the defending MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion. Photo courtesy Vance & Hines.
Hayden Gillim, the defending MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion. Photo courtesy Vance & Hines.

 

Hayden Gillim, MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers defending champion, leads the charge with the RevZilla/Mission/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team. Fresh off a winning season, Gillim is geared up for more podium moments and ready to defend the title.

 

Rocco Landers. Photo courtesy Vance & Hines.
Rocco Landers. Photo courtesy Vance & Hines.

 

Joining the powerhouse lineup is rising star Rocco Landers in the MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Series. Landers, with an impressive track record, is ready to make waves.

 

About Vance & Hines Motorsports

Vance & Hines Motorsports is a powerhouse in the world of motorcycle racing, boasting a rich legacy of success. With a focus on innovation, performance, and a commitment to pushing boundaries, the team continues to redefine excellence in the NHRA and MotoAmerica.

About Revzilla

Revzilla is a leading online retailer specializing in motorcycle gear and accessories. Known for its extensive selection, expert customer service, and commitment to rider satisfaction, Revzilla is a trusted destination for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking top-quality products.

 

 

MotoAmerica: TopPro Racing Signs Chiavini For Twins Cup

TopPro Racing Signs Romeo Chiavini Targeting Twins Cup Title in 2024

Coral Springs, Fla.  TopPro Racing has officially announced that it has signed 18-year-old rider Romeo Chiavini from Monaco, to complete in the 2024 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship on an Aprilia RS 660.

In his first year of racing, Romeo secured the National Speed Championship in 2020. This performance allowed him to make the leap to the Junior Speed Italian Championship on an Aprilia RS 250 in 2021, where he finished 9th in the Championship. In 2022, he entered the Italian Speed Championship on an Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo to continue his support of the Aprilia project.

In 2023, Romeo piloted both a Yamaha R7 in the R7 Cup and an Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo in the Italian Championship. He achieved a pole position in Spain on the R7, which was also his first time on that track. He also achieved a front-row finish on the Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo in the Italian Championship.

 

Romeo Chiavini. Photo courtesy TopPro Racing.
Romeo Chiavini. Photo courtesy TopPro Racing.

 

“I’m super excited to be joining the TopPro Racing Team for the 2024 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship,” Romeo stated. “I’ve wanted to compete in this amazing series for so long, and I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity. I feel we have a great lineup, and from keeping an eye on the team’s progress last season, I think our overall package will be very strong. I look forward to meeting my teammates and crew, and work towards producing a strong result come race day.”

TopPro Racing Team co-owner, Alex Arango stated, “We have followed Romeo’s progress over the last year and believe he is a talented rider who can provide results on race day. Romeo has shown he can adapt to new tracks quickly, so it will be interesting to watch his adaptation to American circuits.”

WorldSBK: BMW Introduces Its 2024 Teams In Berlin

BMW Motorrad Motorsport Team Presentation: The 2024 WorldSBK kickoff takes place in the BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin.

The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team, along with BMW Motorrad factory riders Toprak Razgatlioglu, Michael van der Mark, Scott Redding, and Garrett Gerloff, present themselves to the public in Berlin.

Visit to the BMW Motorrad Plant Berlin, the heart of BMW Motorrad production, and birthplace of the BMW M 1000 RR.

Many fans also follow the event in the new BMW Motorrad Welt.
 

Berlin. About five weeks before the season opener at Australian Phillip Island, BMW Motorrad Motorsport presented the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) line-up to the public in Berlin (GER) on Wednesday. The two teams, the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team, as well as the four BMW Motorrad WorldSBK factory riders Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR), Michael van der Mark (NED), Scott Redding (GBR), and Garrett Gerloff (USA), unveiled their BMW M 1000 RR superbikes for the WorldSBK 2024 for the first time. The event took place at a special location, in the new BMW Motorrad Welt at the BMW Motorrad Plant Berlin. This plant is the heart of the BMW Motorrad production and the birthplace of the BMW M 1000 RR.
 

On Tuesday, Razgatlioglu, van der Mark, Redding, and Gerloff were guests at the BMW Motorrad Plant, and during an exclusive autograph session, the employees had the opportunity to personally meet their racing colleagues from the BMW Motorrad family. On Wednesday, the four BMW Motorrad WorldSBK factory riders gained closer insights into the production of the bikes, including their racing machines, during a tour of the plant.

 

The actual team presentation took place afterwards in BMW Motorrad World, the new “Home of the Brand” in Berlin, opened in autumn 2023. The official start of the 2024 WorldSBK occurred with the unveiling of the BMW M 1000 RR superbikes, which Razgatlioglu, van der Mark, Redding, and Gerloff will ride in the upcoming season with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team.
 

A special feature of the team presentation in Berlin was that in addition to invited guests, fans also had the opportunity to witness the event live on-site. Many of them seized the opportunity, secured the coveted free tickets for the event, and could personally interact with the four BMW Motorrad WorldSBK factory riders during the subsequent autograph session.
 

In preparation for the 2024 season, BMW Motorrad Motorsport, the two teams, and the riders will be back on the track soon. The next test sessions will take place at Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, on January 24th and 25th. The first race weekend of the season is scheduled from February 23rd to 25th at Phillip Island (AUS).
 

Quotes after the Team Presentation in Berlin.
 

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “First of all, I would like to thank everyone involved in the organisation. It was an absolutely cool event here at BMW Motorrad Welt. It was very nice to show the team managers and riders what we do here in Berlin. We haven’t done this in this form before. The atmosphere among all involved was fantastic, and that is also extremely important for performance because we have this one team mentality. The presentation itself in BMW Motorrad Welt was also very successful. I am confident for the new season. We still need a few tests; last year, we didn’t necessarily have the best conditions but we have prepared a lot of things. Now there is not much time left until Phillip Island. Although the first two events take place on tracks that haven’t necessarily been our strong suit in the past, I am still optimistic that we will have a good start, carry this positive energy into the first races and through the entire season.”
 

Shaun Muir (Team Principal ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “First of all it is an outstanding venue for such a presentation. It think it really captures the spirit of what BMW Motorrad are trying to achieve here so I am super proud to be part of that. The tour around the plant was sensational. A big round of applause to all the guys, everyone in the factory; they really welcomed us. Moving on to the championship as such, I think it is absolutely clear that the combination of Michael and Toprak brings some special qualities. I think that is something we are really looking forward to working with. Already we can see what Toprak requires in terms of a package and a bike. It is a little bit different, not an awful lot, we just need to steer in a slightly different direction to give Toprak what he needs. And I say that in terms of letting him amplify his strengths which is hard on the brakes, corner entry, balance on the bike, something we know the BMW M 1000 RR can work well with. We want to put ourselves in a strong position, we want to compete for the podium in Australia. Can we get a podium? It’s a tough question, but Toprak’s personal aims are that he thinks he can and we give him all the support to do that. Michael has missed large parts of the past two seasons, and he does not underestimate what he is up against but he is definitely up for that challenge. I feel that Toprak can bring a lot of strengths out of Michael. I am looking forward to seeing that because we saw how good Michael can be when things go well. The bike is getting better, there is a development team behind us. From where the project started in 2019 to where we are now is night and day. I hope we can take advantage of that and get our rewards.”
 

Michael Galinski (Team Manager Bonovo action BMW Racing Team): “The team presentation was truly impressive. Many people attended, and it was very interesting at the BMW Motorrad plant and in the BMW Motorrad Welt. It was my first time at the plant itself, and it was fascinating to see the engine department and how all the motorcycles are assembled. It was great to take a behind-the-scenes look and also to present ourselves here as a team. We are very happy with our rider duo. They are two real top riders. Scott is the Vice World Champion, Garrett had a very strong second half of the season last year. Our goal is to move further forward, and with the BMW Motorrad family, this is certainly possible this season. So much manpower has been added that we are really happy now. Of course, we still need a bit of time, but we are confident that we will move forward this year.”
 

Garrett Gerloff (#31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team): “It has been exciting. There has been a really cool energy here at Berlin. It’s great to be in Berlin, it’s really nice to see all the amazing people that work here in the plant, that develop and produce the BMW M 1000 RR that we race. So it’s really cool to have the team presentation here. It has been really nice to see Scott, Toprak and Michael and to get together after a couple of months of holidays and seeing family and friends. I can tell that we are all excited to get back on the track and to start testing again. In just over a month we are going to be racing in Australia. Everything is going to happen really fast from here on but I’ve been doing my part to make sure that I am ready for the season and I am excited to get started. I think we have a really good base now. I have one year behind me with BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team, so a lot of information and I think we can come up with solutions faster than last year if we do have a problem. It is going to be good to go to every track with a higher potential, and I think it can be a really good season. My goal is to work on qualifying and to be a bit better there and that can help me in the beginning of the races and then at the end of the races, when I am strong, I think we can make some real progress and be up front.”
 

Toprak Razgatlioglu (#54 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “I am very happy to join the BMW Motorrad family. When I arrived at Berlin on Monday and left the airport I was really surprised because everyone spoke Turkish. Also at the plant, there a so many Turkish employees. I am very happy for this. In general, I am very positive. Especially today, there were a lot of people and I understand that a lot of people like me. A lot of people came here to see me, also many Turkish guys, and a lot of them came from very far away. Everyone can’t wait for the season, and that also goes for me. My focus is now on the season. I realized that the people believe in me, but it is important that you believe in your bike. Many people say that the BMW is not ready to fight for the championship but I believe that my bike is ready to fight for wins and the championship. We just need my setup, because my riding style is complete different. When we have this, we can easily fight for the win. Now I am just focusing on the test next week. It is really important for me. I need to adapt to the bike and I believe that we can fight for the podium and the wins this season. I am excited. I signed with BMW but I am also a part of the family. This is something I saw today again and it is great. I will give more than 100 percent, I will try to win with BMW. Everyone is working hard and this is a great extra motivation also for me. If we keep doing this, we will win the World Championship.”
 

Scott Redding (#45 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team): “It’s good to come here to Berlin. To come into the plant and to see how everything is made is always interesting, seeing the people in action at their work is always good. It’s also very interesting to see where the engines are built and how they do it, so it’s really nice to be here and to witness how everything is made. A launch is also always great, to unveil the colours of the bikes and the suites, together with the team-mates and the teams. Speaking about the coming season, for me it would be nice to have our bike to be more consistently competitive which I think we can do. We’ve had some good changes made and obviously Toprak is coming over. We also have a test team which makes a big difference. I think we are going in the right direction, which is important. It would be nice to stand on the podium again this year and more frequently, and to try to make our bad weekends not so bad and have a good, consistent year.”
 

Michael van der Mark (#60 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “It’s nice to start the season, it’s great to be here in Berlin. We all know that BMW is a big company but we got a nice tour through the plant and I must say that it is really impressive. It was also great to see where they prepare the race engines and I am really ready to start the season. I can’t wait to go testing again, I feel one hundred percent fit, I got a new teammate that seems to be really fast – so I am looking forward to it. Like I said, I am fit again, the bike is getting better and better, Toprak is pushing the project even more and I think we want to win races and be on the podium as soon as possible.”

MotoAmerica: Max Van Moving Up To Supersport

MotoAmerica Junior Cup racer Max Van, age 18, is moving up the racing ladder and is entering the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship in 2024.

“I’m doing the full season in the MotoAmerica Supersport class aboard a Team Hammer-built Suzuki GSX-R750,” Van told Roadracingworld.com. “It will be a Team Hammer-supported program with technical information, etc.”

While some racers tend to move from the 50-horsepower Junior Cup bikes to 95-horsepower Twins Cup motorcycles, Van has made the decision to leapfrog the Twins Cup class and jump onto a 130-horsepower Supersport machine.

“Building out and maintaining a Twins Cup racebike, as you know, can be crazy expensive,” said Van, who has racked up three wins and nine total podium finishes during the past two Junior Cup Championship seasons. “Plus, I want to do the full nine-round season instead of just six.

“Plus, I’ve ridden the Suzuki a few times and it suits my style. I’m already a bigger guy as it is, so I don’t think I’ll have any problem riding the bigger bike.”

 

Max Van (48) testing his new Suzuki GSX-R750 at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy SportbikeTrackGear.com.
Max Van (48) testing his new Suzuki GSX-R750 at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy SportbikeTrackGear.com.

 

Van will also have the advantage of working with rider coach Josh Hayes, the all-time AMA/MotoAmerica race win leader.

“Josh coached me all last year,” said Van, “but it was difficult for him because he had never ridden a small bike like mine, and riding that thing is completely different than riding a Supersport. But he’s going to be able to help me a lot more this season.”

Instead of competing in the 2024 Daytona 200, which is a MotoAmerica Supersport race that does not pay points toward the Championship, Van made the strategic decision to skip the spring classic in exchange for more testing time ahead of round one at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in April.

Van said that with support from SportbikeTrackGear.com (STG) he has everything in place to do the full season, but he is seeking more sponsorship, including a title sponsor, for his program.

MotoAmerica: Honda More Than Doubles Contingency Prizes For 2024

Editorial Note: American Honda has posted just under $2.8 million in contingency in MotoAmerica for the 2024 season plus contingency with 13 other road racing organizations.

 

Honda Offers Most Red Rider Rewards Ever for 2024 MotoAmerica Racing

Industry’s most generous MotoAmerica package in Superbike, Stock 1000

Over $1 million available for Red Rider road racers in 2024

American Honda announced today that it will offer the powersports industry’s most generous Red Rider Rewards payouts for MotoAmerica’s Superbike and Stock 1000 classes for 2024. The new season of the AMA’s professional road racing national championship will see Red Riders competing for an available total of over $1 million across the series’ top categories, with additional payouts going to the Mini Cup series. This is Honda’s richest racing-contingency offering ever for MotoAmerica—well over twice as high as the 2023 season!

At each round, the program offers payments to Red Riders in the top 10 finishing positions in MotoAmerica’s top two classes, including a whopping $25,000 for a Superbike win and $10,000 for a Stock 1000 victory. That said, Red Rider Rewards don’t just benefit racers who battle at the front of the pack, as a 10th place result pays out $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.

“It’s been exciting to see MotoAmerica continue to improve their program, and the series is really hitting its stride,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Racing & Experiential Marketing at American Honda. “Road racing plays an important role in Honda’s heritage, including a rich record of success in AMA-sanctioned competition. That being the case, we’re excited to significantly increase our offerings for Superbike and Stock 1000 racers of our CBR sport bikes. In addition, we’re pleased to support tomorrow’s stars with our offerings in the Mini Cup series. We’re confident that Red Riders will enjoy their best MotoAmerica season ever in 2024, and we look forward to rewarding them for their efforts.”

Of course, Honda’s Red Rider Rewards program also continues to offer generous payouts in other disciplines this year, including motocross, Supercross, SuperMotocross, off-road, and ATV and side-by-side competition.

For more information, visit the Honda Powersports website.

Revzilla/Mission/Vance & Hines Suzuki NHRA Team Announced

REVZILLA/MISSION/ VANCE & HINES SUZUKI TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Indianapolis, IN – January 17, 2024 – Thrilling Team Announcement! Vance & Hines Motorsports is gearing up for an epic 2024 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Championship season with a powerhouse lineup! 

 

Gaige Herrera, the 2023 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Champion. Image courtesy Vance & Hines.
Gaige Herrera, the 2023 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Champion. Image courtesy Vance & Hines.

 

Returning champion Gaige Herrera, fresh off his 2023 NHRA Pro Stock triumph, is set to defend his title on the RevZilla/Mission/Vance & Hines Suzuki. With a record-breaking 11 wins last season, Herrera is ready to face the competition head-on. Joining forces with Herrera is seasoned racer Richard Gadson [nephew of drag racing legend Ricky Gadson], making his rookie debut in NHRA Pro Stock after securing titles in various circuits. Gadson, with Eddie Krawiec as his full-time crew chief alongside Andrew Hines, is set to add his expertise to the team.

 

Richard Gadson, the nephew of drag racing legend Ricky Gadson. Image courtesy Vance & Hines.
Richard Gadson, the nephew of drag racing legend Ricky Gadson. Image courtesy Vance & Hines.

 

About Vance & Hines Motorsports

Vance & Hines Motorsports is a powerhouse in the world of motorcycle racing, boasting a rich legacy of success. With a focus on innovation, performance, and a commitment to pushing boundaries, the team continues to redefine excellence in the NHRA and MotoAmerica.

About Revzilla

Revzilla is a leading online retailer specializing in motorcycle gear and accessories. Known for its extensive selection, expert customer service, and commitment to rider satisfaction, Revzilla is a trusted destination for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking top-quality products.

 

WorldSBK: Date Of Season Finale Changed

New dates for 2024 Prometeon Spanish Round

Jerez will once again play host to the final of the 2024 WorldSBK season, with an adjustment to the initially slated dates.
 

Responding to the dynamic demands of the local events calendar and the request of the township of Jerez de la Frontera, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and WorldSBK agreed to delay this year’s curtain closer by one week.
 

The Prometeon Spanish Round is now scheduled to unfold on October 18th-20th at the famed Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto.

 

MOTUL_FIM_Superbike_World_Championship_2024_Calendar_updated_17_January

Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: “New Year’s Special – The Big Machine Roundup”

Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom have started “The Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast,” which will be focused on the FIM MotoGP World Championship.

This podcast is “New Year’s Special – The Big Machine Roundup.”

The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.

 

From the Oxley Bom Podcast:

Earth has finished another lap around the sun, again not breaking it’s record of 365 days. But while the Big Blue Marble isn’t going to change speed any time soon, the same can’t be said for the bikes in MotoGP. 

 So today, at very edge between 2023 and 2024, Mat and Peter dust off their crystal balls to take a peak at what the future holds for all our favorite competitors. We’re going through the bikes of 2024, machine by machine, and see what we can expect of them. So cheers to the new year, and enjoy!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman’s Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!  

R.I.P. Anthony Gobert (Updated)

Former AMA Pro, World Superbike, and 500cc Grand Prix racer Anthony Gobert has died at age 48. The talented star was brilliant on a racebike and a fan favorite but struggled with alcohol and drug addiction throughout his career. Survivors include his mother (and manager) Suzanne and younger brothers Aaron and Alex.

Godspeed Anthony Gobert.

 

Suzanne Gobert posted the following earlier Wednesday on social media:

“My heart is breaking as I write this as my first born beautiful son Anthony has passed late this afternoon [Australian time] I loved him from the moment he was born until the day I die. At times he was challenging, to say the least, but he always had a kind heart and cared for everyone. Sadly, he was a victim of addiction, which runs deeply in our families. He tried many times to get better, but he couldn’t quite make it. I am so proud of him and thank all those good people who added to his life. You know who you are.”

 

Alex Gobert posted the following on his social media:

My eldest brother was my first proper hero. In a lot of ways, his influence on my childhood and our connection to the sport still stands strong to this day and I genuinely treasure those early memories. I always will.

Hopefully, especially for his sake, we can all celebrate the better times in his life, the moments beyond the immense struggles and also take the time to recognise once again that both addiction and mental health battles are very real, very difficult obstacles to overcome.

Thank you to all who have extended their thoughts and shared memories.

 

Read MotoGP Editor Max Oxley’s obituary for Anthony Gobert HERE.

Ryvid Working On New Electric Model, New Factory In America

A Ryvid Anthem electric motorcycle at speed. Photo courtesy Ryvid.
A Ryvid Anthem electric motorcycle at speed. Photo courtesy Ryvid.

RYVID EV ACCELERATES PHENOMENAL GROWTH INTO 2024

Pioneering electric motorcycle maker to introduce new model and inaugurate new California Factory this year. Ryvid Anthem appears at CES 2024 with Weel

Electric Light Mobility company Ryvid has been on a single-minded mission to produce more efficient, lightweight, eco-friendly vehicles for a dynamic world since its inception in 2021. After creating a prototype of its first product – the Anthem electric motorcycle – in June 2022, Ryvid delivered the first production version of its affordable, highway-capable electric commuter motorcycle in September 2023 and is now in higher rate production at its new factory facility in San Bernardino, CA.

Part of the company’s meteoric success can be attributed to a recent grant provided by  the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to stimulate innovation, technology and job creation. This funding through the California Competes Program (business.ca.gov/california-competes-tax-credit)  allowed Ryvid to hire key employees, accelerate product development, and get American-produced machines into the hands of new and experienced riding enthusiasts in record time.

As part of the master plan devised by company founder and automotive designer Dong Tran, 2024 will see Ryvid complete its factory facility and conduct a ribbon-cutting ceremony in San Bernardino. Not only will this allow the company to continue production of its Anthem model to meet the increased demand, but will also provide capacity for new models to join the roster.

The advantage of an American-based production team and manufacturing is that it rejects traditional, complex practices in favor of an extremely flexible, responsive and adaptable process with a simplified supply chain. It will mean that issues, requests and suggestions can be funneled to the engineers and into the assembly area, giving owners direct access to product development.

“Opening our own factory facility has allowed us to streamline the manufacturing process further, speeding up what is already a rapid production process, allowing Ryvid to quickly pivot to new models and focus on new market segments. While growth is important for any business model, we’re going to prioritize the pillars of our company, which are accessibility, innovation, sustainability and community,” Dong Tran explained.

 

The Ryvid Anthem electric motorcycle is built in San Bernardino, California. Photo courtesy Ryvid.
The Ryvid Anthem electric motorcycle is built in San Bernardino, California. Photo courtesy Ryvid.

 

RYVID ANTHEM

The Anthem is a lightweight electric motorcycle designed for commuters and adventure-seekers alike. In common with existing two-wheeled EVs, the aim is to provide sustainable personal transportation as an alternative to heavy, thirsty automobiles, helping to solve a raft of socio-economic issues. Ryvid has sought to keep its concept affordable, doing almost everything in-house and innovating thoughtful solutions to control costs without resorting to overseas production. 

Among the key differentiators is a stainless steel folded sheet metal frame, chosen for strength and constructed without any welding, simplifying the assembly process without passing along labor costs to the rider. The ingenuous modular construction of the Anthem focuses on products that are exactly what they need to be; not more, not less. They serve a specific purpose and have allowed the designers to reduce weight and complexity. As part of this process, the team ensured all its major components were located low to the ground, creating a low center of gravity and nimble handling. 

With the Ryvid Anthem tipping the scales at just 313 lb, the 4.3 kWh lithium-ion battery and its integrated 3.3 kW charger sits under the frame and is removable to provide flexible charging options. It powers a 72V air-cooled brushless DC motor, which is mounted behind the battery in the aluminum swingarm and delivers 53 ft-lb of torque. Range is stated as 75 miles* using the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule.

Another key Ryvid innovation is the patent-pending electrically adjustable seat height. Long recognized as a major obstacle for new riders, Anthem ensures a wider range of riders can comfortably sit on the Anthem and place their feet securely on the ground. Using a hydraulic ram, the rider can rapidly adjust the seat height at the flick of a button from 30-34” without affecting the rear suspension geometry. 

Thanks to its electric motor, the engineers were also able to provide a speed-limited reverse gear. This is yet another feature that helps novice and experienced riders alike, allowing users to reverse out of tight spots or inclines that could otherwise prove challenging.

Capable of speeds in excess of 75mph for highway use, the Anthem requires a motorcycle license but the power delivery and riding position will be familiar to e-bike riders, especially in the Eco riding mode. Sport mode provides a noticeable boost in performance, delivering a high level of two-wheeled entertainment. Anthem uses motorcycle brake lever positions and a twist throttle but the direct drive motor meant a clutch lever was unnecessary.

The high-performance brakes, suspension and Pirelli tires differentiate Anthem from the majority of electric motorcycle brands, giving the rider a level of control, involvement and satisfaction beyond its peers. Anthem also provides an incredible ownership experience that helps to ensure a low cost of overall ownership thanks to minimal maintenance needs, low cost of charging, a significantly reduced parts list to ease repairs, as well as easy storage and charging. 

The Ryvid Anthem can charge to 80% in 2.5 hours using 110V or 1.25 hours using the supplied 220V adapter. It carries a two-year limited warranty on motorcycle parts and battery, and is supported by the Ryvid Service Team.

“The Anthem was designed to fill the space between electric bicycles and full-sized motorcycles, empowering a new generation of two-wheel riders with an EV mindset. We’re confident that the excitement of our high-performance, two-wheeled vehicles will also bring experienced riders to the light electric vehicle space as they discover the many benefits of battery-powered propulsion,” said Dong Tran.

Despite its ground-breaking innovation and American manufacture, the feature-filled Ryvid Anthem costs only $8,995 and can be ordered directly from ryvid.com

 

NEW MODELS

While the Anthem is still a brand new product, everyone at Ryvid is focused on achieving the next breakthrough. The design and engineering teams have been working on a number of new variants and models and is expecting to make some exciting announcements this year.

The company hopes to reveal the first new model in the Spring/Summer, which will add another highly entertaining model to the Ryvid lineup. It will also reinforce the company’s primary pillars of accessibility, innovation, sustainability and community. It’s predicted that the new, American manufactured model will shake up current motorcycle manufacturing concepts by offering riders an extraordinarily flexible platform to attract a wide range of riders and provide plenty of options for personalization.  

 

CES 2024

During the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, an enhanced version of the Ryvid Anthem, powered by Weel, was showcased in the Amazon Experience Area. CES brings together the tech industry, providing a platform for global audiences to engage with major brands and startups, and the modified Anthem attracted significant attention. It captured the interest of many attendees curious about the latest developments in EV technology. We appreciate everybody who took the time to meet our team and look forward delving into the advanced Weel innovations in the future.

 

*Battery range depends on conditions such as rider weight, speed, temperature, wind, tire pressure, terrain, incline, etc. Mileage may vary

MotoAmerica: Landers Joins Gillim On Vance & Hines Bagger Team

A rendering of Rocco Landers' new Revzilla/Mission/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Road Glide racebike. Image courtesy Vance & Hines.
A rendering of Rocco Landers' new Revzilla/Mission/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Road Glide racebike. Image courtesy Vance & Hines.

REVZILLA/MISSION/ VANCE & HINES HARLEY-DAVIDSON TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Indianapolis, IN – January 18, 2024 – Thrilling Team Announcement! Today, Vance & Hines Motorsports proudly presents the dynamic duo set to conquer the 2024 MotoAmerica season.

 

Hayden Gillim, the defending MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion. Photo courtesy Vance & Hines.
Hayden Gillim, the defending MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion. Photo courtesy Vance & Hines.

 

Hayden Gillim, MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers defending champion, leads the charge with the RevZilla/Mission/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team. Fresh off a winning season, Gillim is geared up for more podium moments and ready to defend the title.

 

Rocco Landers. Photo courtesy Vance & Hines.
Rocco Landers. Photo courtesy Vance & Hines.

 

Joining the powerhouse lineup is rising star Rocco Landers in the MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Series. Landers, with an impressive track record, is ready to make waves.

 

About Vance & Hines Motorsports

Vance & Hines Motorsports is a powerhouse in the world of motorcycle racing, boasting a rich legacy of success. With a focus on innovation, performance, and a commitment to pushing boundaries, the team continues to redefine excellence in the NHRA and MotoAmerica.

About Revzilla

Revzilla is a leading online retailer specializing in motorcycle gear and accessories. Known for its extensive selection, expert customer service, and commitment to rider satisfaction, Revzilla is a trusted destination for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking top-quality products.

 

 

MotoAmerica: TopPro Racing Signs Chiavini For Twins Cup

Romeo Chiavini (9). Photo courtesy TopPro Racing.
Romeo Chiavini (9). Photo courtesy TopPro Racing.

TopPro Racing Signs Romeo Chiavini Targeting Twins Cup Title in 2024

Coral Springs, Fla.  TopPro Racing has officially announced that it has signed 18-year-old rider Romeo Chiavini from Monaco, to complete in the 2024 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship on an Aprilia RS 660.

In his first year of racing, Romeo secured the National Speed Championship in 2020. This performance allowed him to make the leap to the Junior Speed Italian Championship on an Aprilia RS 250 in 2021, where he finished 9th in the Championship. In 2022, he entered the Italian Speed Championship on an Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo to continue his support of the Aprilia project.

In 2023, Romeo piloted both a Yamaha R7 in the R7 Cup and an Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo in the Italian Championship. He achieved a pole position in Spain on the R7, which was also his first time on that track. He also achieved a front-row finish on the Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo in the Italian Championship.

 

Romeo Chiavini. Photo courtesy TopPro Racing.
Romeo Chiavini. Photo courtesy TopPro Racing.

 

“I’m super excited to be joining the TopPro Racing Team for the 2024 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship,” Romeo stated. “I’ve wanted to compete in this amazing series for so long, and I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity. I feel we have a great lineup, and from keeping an eye on the team’s progress last season, I think our overall package will be very strong. I look forward to meeting my teammates and crew, and work towards producing a strong result come race day.”

TopPro Racing Team co-owner, Alex Arango stated, “We have followed Romeo’s progress over the last year and believe he is a talented rider who can provide results on race day. Romeo has shown he can adapt to new tracks quickly, so it will be interesting to watch his adaptation to American circuits.”

WorldSBK: BMW Introduces Its 2024 Teams In Berlin

(From left) Michael van der Mark; Toprak Razgatlioglu; Shaun Muir, Team Principal ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team; Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director; Michael Galinski, Team Manager Bonovo action BMW Racing Team; Garrett Gerloff; and Scott Redding. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
(From left) Michael van der Mark; Toprak Razgatlioglu; Shaun Muir, Team Principal ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team; Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director; Michael Galinski, Team Manager Bonovo action BMW Racing Team; Garrett Gerloff; and Scott Redding. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport Team Presentation: The 2024 WorldSBK kickoff takes place in the BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin.

The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team, along with BMW Motorrad factory riders Toprak Razgatlioglu, Michael van der Mark, Scott Redding, and Garrett Gerloff, present themselves to the public in Berlin.

Visit to the BMW Motorrad Plant Berlin, the heart of BMW Motorrad production, and birthplace of the BMW M 1000 RR.

Many fans also follow the event in the new BMW Motorrad Welt.
 

Berlin. About five weeks before the season opener at Australian Phillip Island, BMW Motorrad Motorsport presented the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) line-up to the public in Berlin (GER) on Wednesday. The two teams, the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team, as well as the four BMW Motorrad WorldSBK factory riders Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR), Michael van der Mark (NED), Scott Redding (GBR), and Garrett Gerloff (USA), unveiled their BMW M 1000 RR superbikes for the WorldSBK 2024 for the first time. The event took place at a special location, in the new BMW Motorrad Welt at the BMW Motorrad Plant Berlin. This plant is the heart of the BMW Motorrad production and the birthplace of the BMW M 1000 RR.
 

On Tuesday, Razgatlioglu, van der Mark, Redding, and Gerloff were guests at the BMW Motorrad Plant, and during an exclusive autograph session, the employees had the opportunity to personally meet their racing colleagues from the BMW Motorrad family. On Wednesday, the four BMW Motorrad WorldSBK factory riders gained closer insights into the production of the bikes, including their racing machines, during a tour of the plant.

 

The actual team presentation took place afterwards in BMW Motorrad World, the new “Home of the Brand” in Berlin, opened in autumn 2023. The official start of the 2024 WorldSBK occurred with the unveiling of the BMW M 1000 RR superbikes, which Razgatlioglu, van der Mark, Redding, and Gerloff will ride in the upcoming season with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team.
 

A special feature of the team presentation in Berlin was that in addition to invited guests, fans also had the opportunity to witness the event live on-site. Many of them seized the opportunity, secured the coveted free tickets for the event, and could personally interact with the four BMW Motorrad WorldSBK factory riders during the subsequent autograph session.
 

In preparation for the 2024 season, BMW Motorrad Motorsport, the two teams, and the riders will be back on the track soon. The next test sessions will take place at Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, on January 24th and 25th. The first race weekend of the season is scheduled from February 23rd to 25th at Phillip Island (AUS).
 

Quotes after the Team Presentation in Berlin.
 

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “First of all, I would like to thank everyone involved in the organisation. It was an absolutely cool event here at BMW Motorrad Welt. It was very nice to show the team managers and riders what we do here in Berlin. We haven’t done this in this form before. The atmosphere among all involved was fantastic, and that is also extremely important for performance because we have this one team mentality. The presentation itself in BMW Motorrad Welt was also very successful. I am confident for the new season. We still need a few tests; last year, we didn’t necessarily have the best conditions but we have prepared a lot of things. Now there is not much time left until Phillip Island. Although the first two events take place on tracks that haven’t necessarily been our strong suit in the past, I am still optimistic that we will have a good start, carry this positive energy into the first races and through the entire season.”
 

Shaun Muir (Team Principal ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “First of all it is an outstanding venue for such a presentation. It think it really captures the spirit of what BMW Motorrad are trying to achieve here so I am super proud to be part of that. The tour around the plant was sensational. A big round of applause to all the guys, everyone in the factory; they really welcomed us. Moving on to the championship as such, I think it is absolutely clear that the combination of Michael and Toprak brings some special qualities. I think that is something we are really looking forward to working with. Already we can see what Toprak requires in terms of a package and a bike. It is a little bit different, not an awful lot, we just need to steer in a slightly different direction to give Toprak what he needs. And I say that in terms of letting him amplify his strengths which is hard on the brakes, corner entry, balance on the bike, something we know the BMW M 1000 RR can work well with. We want to put ourselves in a strong position, we want to compete for the podium in Australia. Can we get a podium? It’s a tough question, but Toprak’s personal aims are that he thinks he can and we give him all the support to do that. Michael has missed large parts of the past two seasons, and he does not underestimate what he is up against but he is definitely up for that challenge. I feel that Toprak can bring a lot of strengths out of Michael. I am looking forward to seeing that because we saw how good Michael can be when things go well. The bike is getting better, there is a development team behind us. From where the project started in 2019 to where we are now is night and day. I hope we can take advantage of that and get our rewards.”
 

Michael Galinski (Team Manager Bonovo action BMW Racing Team): “The team presentation was truly impressive. Many people attended, and it was very interesting at the BMW Motorrad plant and in the BMW Motorrad Welt. It was my first time at the plant itself, and it was fascinating to see the engine department and how all the motorcycles are assembled. It was great to take a behind-the-scenes look and also to present ourselves here as a team. We are very happy with our rider duo. They are two real top riders. Scott is the Vice World Champion, Garrett had a very strong second half of the season last year. Our goal is to move further forward, and with the BMW Motorrad family, this is certainly possible this season. So much manpower has been added that we are really happy now. Of course, we still need a bit of time, but we are confident that we will move forward this year.”
 

Garrett Gerloff (#31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team): “It has been exciting. There has been a really cool energy here at Berlin. It’s great to be in Berlin, it’s really nice to see all the amazing people that work here in the plant, that develop and produce the BMW M 1000 RR that we race. So it’s really cool to have the team presentation here. It has been really nice to see Scott, Toprak and Michael and to get together after a couple of months of holidays and seeing family and friends. I can tell that we are all excited to get back on the track and to start testing again. In just over a month we are going to be racing in Australia. Everything is going to happen really fast from here on but I’ve been doing my part to make sure that I am ready for the season and I am excited to get started. I think we have a really good base now. I have one year behind me with BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team, so a lot of information and I think we can come up with solutions faster than last year if we do have a problem. It is going to be good to go to every track with a higher potential, and I think it can be a really good season. My goal is to work on qualifying and to be a bit better there and that can help me in the beginning of the races and then at the end of the races, when I am strong, I think we can make some real progress and be up front.”
 

Toprak Razgatlioglu (#54 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “I am very happy to join the BMW Motorrad family. When I arrived at Berlin on Monday and left the airport I was really surprised because everyone spoke Turkish. Also at the plant, there a so many Turkish employees. I am very happy for this. In general, I am very positive. Especially today, there were a lot of people and I understand that a lot of people like me. A lot of people came here to see me, also many Turkish guys, and a lot of them came from very far away. Everyone can’t wait for the season, and that also goes for me. My focus is now on the season. I realized that the people believe in me, but it is important that you believe in your bike. Many people say that the BMW is not ready to fight for the championship but I believe that my bike is ready to fight for wins and the championship. We just need my setup, because my riding style is complete different. When we have this, we can easily fight for the win. Now I am just focusing on the test next week. It is really important for me. I need to adapt to the bike and I believe that we can fight for the podium and the wins this season. I am excited. I signed with BMW but I am also a part of the family. This is something I saw today again and it is great. I will give more than 100 percent, I will try to win with BMW. Everyone is working hard and this is a great extra motivation also for me. If we keep doing this, we will win the World Championship.”
 

Scott Redding (#45 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team): “It’s good to come here to Berlin. To come into the plant and to see how everything is made is always interesting, seeing the people in action at their work is always good. It’s also very interesting to see where the engines are built and how they do it, so it’s really nice to be here and to witness how everything is made. A launch is also always great, to unveil the colours of the bikes and the suites, together with the team-mates and the teams. Speaking about the coming season, for me it would be nice to have our bike to be more consistently competitive which I think we can do. We’ve had some good changes made and obviously Toprak is coming over. We also have a test team which makes a big difference. I think we are going in the right direction, which is important. It would be nice to stand on the podium again this year and more frequently, and to try to make our bad weekends not so bad and have a good, consistent year.”
 

Michael van der Mark (#60 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “It’s nice to start the season, it’s great to be here in Berlin. We all know that BMW is a big company but we got a nice tour through the plant and I must say that it is really impressive. It was also great to see where they prepare the race engines and I am really ready to start the season. I can’t wait to go testing again, I feel one hundred percent fit, I got a new teammate that seems to be really fast – so I am looking forward to it. Like I said, I am fit again, the bike is getting better and better, Toprak is pushing the project even more and I think we want to win races and be on the podium as soon as possible.”

MotoAmerica: Max Van Moving Up To Supersport

Max Van during a recent test on his new Team Hammer-built Suzuki GSX-R750 Supersport machine. Photo courtesy SportbikeTrackGear.com.
Max Van during a recent test on his new Team Hammer-built Suzuki GSX-R750 Supersport machine. Photo courtesy SportbikeTrackGear.com.

MotoAmerica Junior Cup racer Max Van, age 18, is moving up the racing ladder and is entering the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship in 2024.

“I’m doing the full season in the MotoAmerica Supersport class aboard a Team Hammer-built Suzuki GSX-R750,” Van told Roadracingworld.com. “It will be a Team Hammer-supported program with technical information, etc.”

While some racers tend to move from the 50-horsepower Junior Cup bikes to 95-horsepower Twins Cup motorcycles, Van has made the decision to leapfrog the Twins Cup class and jump onto a 130-horsepower Supersport machine.

“Building out and maintaining a Twins Cup racebike, as you know, can be crazy expensive,” said Van, who has racked up three wins and nine total podium finishes during the past two Junior Cup Championship seasons. “Plus, I want to do the full nine-round season instead of just six.

“Plus, I’ve ridden the Suzuki a few times and it suits my style. I’m already a bigger guy as it is, so I don’t think I’ll have any problem riding the bigger bike.”

 

Max Van (48) testing his new Suzuki GSX-R750 at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy SportbikeTrackGear.com.
Max Van (48) testing his new Suzuki GSX-R750 at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy SportbikeTrackGear.com.

 

Van will also have the advantage of working with rider coach Josh Hayes, the all-time AMA/MotoAmerica race win leader.

“Josh coached me all last year,” said Van, “but it was difficult for him because he had never ridden a small bike like mine, and riding that thing is completely different than riding a Supersport. But he’s going to be able to help me a lot more this season.”

Instead of competing in the 2024 Daytona 200, which is a MotoAmerica Supersport race that does not pay points toward the Championship, Van made the strategic decision to skip the spring classic in exchange for more testing time ahead of round one at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in April.

Van said that with support from SportbikeTrackGear.com (STG) he has everything in place to do the full season, but he is seeking more sponsorship, including a title sponsor, for his program.

MotoAmerica: Honda More Than Doubles Contingency Prizes For 2024

Geoff May (99), as seen in 2022 at Road Atlanta. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Geoff May (99), as seen on his Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in 2022 at Road Atlanta. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Editorial Note: American Honda has posted just under $2.8 million in contingency in MotoAmerica for the 2024 season plus contingency with 13 other road racing organizations.

 

Honda Offers Most Red Rider Rewards Ever for 2024 MotoAmerica Racing

Industry’s most generous MotoAmerica package in Superbike, Stock 1000

Over $1 million available for Red Rider road racers in 2024

American Honda announced today that it will offer the powersports industry’s most generous Red Rider Rewards payouts for MotoAmerica’s Superbike and Stock 1000 classes for 2024. The new season of the AMA’s professional road racing national championship will see Red Riders competing for an available total of over $1 million across the series’ top categories, with additional payouts going to the Mini Cup series. This is Honda’s richest racing-contingency offering ever for MotoAmerica—well over twice as high as the 2023 season!

At each round, the program offers payments to Red Riders in the top 10 finishing positions in MotoAmerica’s top two classes, including a whopping $25,000 for a Superbike win and $10,000 for a Stock 1000 victory. That said, Red Rider Rewards don’t just benefit racers who battle at the front of the pack, as a 10th place result pays out $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.

“It’s been exciting to see MotoAmerica continue to improve their program, and the series is really hitting its stride,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Racing & Experiential Marketing at American Honda. “Road racing plays an important role in Honda’s heritage, including a rich record of success in AMA-sanctioned competition. That being the case, we’re excited to significantly increase our offerings for Superbike and Stock 1000 racers of our CBR sport bikes. In addition, we’re pleased to support tomorrow’s stars with our offerings in the Mini Cup series. We’re confident that Red Riders will enjoy their best MotoAmerica season ever in 2024, and we look forward to rewarding them for their efforts.”

Of course, Honda’s Red Rider Rewards program also continues to offer generous payouts in other disciplines this year, including motocross, Supercross, SuperMotocross, off-road, and ATV and side-by-side competition.

For more information, visit the Honda Powersports website.

Revzilla/Mission/Vance & Hines Suzuki NHRA Team Announced

A computer rendering of a Revzilla/Mission/Vance & Hines Suzuki Hayabusa drag race bike. Image courtesy Vance & Hines.
A computer rendering of a Revzilla/Mission/Vance & Hines Suzuki Hayabusa drag race bike. Image courtesy Vance & Hines.

REVZILLA/MISSION/ VANCE & HINES SUZUKI TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Indianapolis, IN – January 17, 2024 – Thrilling Team Announcement! Vance & Hines Motorsports is gearing up for an epic 2024 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Championship season with a powerhouse lineup! 

 

Gaige Herrera, the 2023 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Champion. Image courtesy Vance & Hines.
Gaige Herrera, the 2023 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Champion. Image courtesy Vance & Hines.

 

Returning champion Gaige Herrera, fresh off his 2023 NHRA Pro Stock triumph, is set to defend his title on the RevZilla/Mission/Vance & Hines Suzuki. With a record-breaking 11 wins last season, Herrera is ready to face the competition head-on. Joining forces with Herrera is seasoned racer Richard Gadson [nephew of drag racing legend Ricky Gadson], making his rookie debut in NHRA Pro Stock after securing titles in various circuits. Gadson, with Eddie Krawiec as his full-time crew chief alongside Andrew Hines, is set to add his expertise to the team.

 

Richard Gadson, the nephew of drag racing legend Ricky Gadson. Image courtesy Vance & Hines.
Richard Gadson, the nephew of drag racing legend Ricky Gadson. Image courtesy Vance & Hines.

 

About Vance & Hines Motorsports

Vance & Hines Motorsports is a powerhouse in the world of motorcycle racing, boasting a rich legacy of success. With a focus on innovation, performance, and a commitment to pushing boundaries, the team continues to redefine excellence in the NHRA and MotoAmerica.

About Revzilla

Revzilla is a leading online retailer specializing in motorcycle gear and accessories. Known for its extensive selection, expert customer service, and commitment to rider satisfaction, Revzilla is a trusted destination for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking top-quality products.

 

WorldSBK: Date Of Season Finale Changed

Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, in Spain. Photo by Polarity Photo, courtesy KTM.
Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, in Spain. Photo by Polarity Photo, courtesy KTM.

New dates for 2024 Prometeon Spanish Round

Jerez will once again play host to the final of the 2024 WorldSBK season, with an adjustment to the initially slated dates.
 

Responding to the dynamic demands of the local events calendar and the request of the township of Jerez de la Frontera, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and WorldSBK agreed to delay this year’s curtain closer by one week.
 

The Prometeon Spanish Round is now scheduled to unfold on October 18th-20th at the famed Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto.

 

MOTUL_FIM_Superbike_World_Championship_2024_Calendar_updated_17_January

Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: “New Year’s Special – The Big Machine Roundup”

Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley (right) and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom (left). Photo courtesy Mat Oxley.
Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley (right) and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom (left). Photo courtesy Mat Oxley.

Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom have started “The Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast,” which will be focused on the FIM MotoGP World Championship.

This podcast is “New Year’s Special – The Big Machine Roundup.”

The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.

 

From the Oxley Bom Podcast:

Earth has finished another lap around the sun, again not breaking it’s record of 365 days. But while the Big Blue Marble isn’t going to change speed any time soon, the same can’t be said for the bikes in MotoGP. 

 So today, at very edge between 2023 and 2024, Mat and Peter dust off their crystal balls to take a peak at what the future holds for all our favorite competitors. We’re going through the bikes of 2024, machine by machine, and see what we can expect of them. So cheers to the new year, and enjoy!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman’s Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!  

R.I.P. Anthony Gobert (Updated)

Anthony Gobert at Road America in 2001. Photo by Larry Lawrence.
Anthony Gobert at Road America in 2001. Photo by Larry Lawrence.

Former AMA Pro, World Superbike, and 500cc Grand Prix racer Anthony Gobert has died at age 48. The talented star was brilliant on a racebike and a fan favorite but struggled with alcohol and drug addiction throughout his career. Survivors include his mother (and manager) Suzanne and younger brothers Aaron and Alex.

Godspeed Anthony Gobert.

 

Suzanne Gobert posted the following earlier Wednesday on social media:

“My heart is breaking as I write this as my first born beautiful son Anthony has passed late this afternoon [Australian time] I loved him from the moment he was born until the day I die. At times he was challenging, to say the least, but he always had a kind heart and cared for everyone. Sadly, he was a victim of addiction, which runs deeply in our families. He tried many times to get better, but he couldn’t quite make it. I am so proud of him and thank all those good people who added to his life. You know who you are.”

 

Alex Gobert posted the following on his social media:

My eldest brother was my first proper hero. In a lot of ways, his influence on my childhood and our connection to the sport still stands strong to this day and I genuinely treasure those early memories. I always will.

Hopefully, especially for his sake, we can all celebrate the better times in his life, the moments beyond the immense struggles and also take the time to recognise once again that both addiction and mental health battles are very real, very difficult obstacles to overcome.

Thank you to all who have extended their thoughts and shared memories.

 

Read MotoGP Editor Max Oxley’s obituary for Anthony Gobert HERE.

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