World Supersport: PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Fielding Pawi And Toba

David Swarts

-

December 2, 2023

World Supersport: PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Fielding Pawi And Toba

The PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team to field Pawi and Toba in the 2024 Supersport World Championship

The PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team continues to formulate its plans for the 2024 racing season and can now confirm that it will field Malaysian rider Khairul Idham Pawi and Japanese rider Kaito Toba in the 2024 Supersport World Championship.

Having recently confirmed that its 2023 WorldSSP riders Tarran Mackenzie and Adam Norrodin will remain with the team but move up to compete in the Superbike category, the squad has now identified two strong young riders as its World Supersport representatives for the 2024 season.

Born on 20 September 1998, Pawi is a Malaysian rider who has extensive experience in the Moto3 and Moto2 world championships. The 25-year old is currently leading this year’s ARRC Supersport championship, and has just competed in the WorldSSP championship for the first time, having lined up with the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team as a wildcard entry in the season finale at Jerez in Spain.

Born on 7 April 2000, Toba has already amassed seven years of experience in the Moto3 World Championship despite his young age. The winner of the 2014 Asia Talent Cup, young Kaito went on to compete in the Red Bull Rookies Cup and the CEV Moto3 Junior world championship before progressing to Moto3. Much of his racing has been aboard Honda machinery. The talented Japanese currently places eleventh in the 2023 Moto3 championship standings, thanks also to a podium finish at the inaugural India GP round.

Khairul Idham Pawi

“I want to thank everyone on the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team for giving me the opportunity to compete in World Supersport. I got to know the team at Jerez, during the final round of the 2023 season, and everyone was very helpful throughout every session. WorldSSP is an ultra-competitive category with lots of fast riders. Moving from Moto2 is a big challenge, but I’ll do my best to adapt quickly and keep up with them. I know most of the circuits from my time in Moto3 and Moto2, but there are a few I’ve never visited. It’ll be tough in those cases, but I’ll try to learn fast. My initial goal is to consistently score points and then figure out how to improve as the season goes on. I’m thrilled to be part of the PETRONAS family again, just as I was in 2019 and 2020. It’s a dream come true to be associated with such a big name, and I’ll work hard to achieve the best possible results.”

Kaito Toba

“I’m thrilled to join the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team. This is a big opportunity for me, and I am very proud to be part of this project, with the prestigious PETRONAS brand as title sponsor. I extend my gratitude to PETRONAS, Honda, and Midori (Moriwaki) for putting their faith in me. This marks a brand-new chapter in my career, as I’ll be competing in the Supersport World Championship for the first time. Though I’m used to training with a 600 machine, I have yet to experience the CBR600RR. So, I plan to make the most of every winter test session we have, to build good feeling with the bike right from the outset. The 12-round calendar includes tracks I know but also two or three that I’ve never seen. Having not yet ridden the bike, I cannot have any realistic expectations, but one thing is for sure – I can’t wait to embark on this new challenge and am prepared to give it my absolute best.”

Midori Moriwaki – Team Owner

“It is a great pleasure to welcome two strong riders like Khairul Idham Pawi and Kaito Toba to our PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team. They are both incredibly skilled and real fighters, with a brilliant racing background at international level. They will be able to harness their significant experience and showcase their skills aboard the CBR600RR, challenging themselves in a new championship and lending their knowledge and skills to our team’s exciting project. The entire PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team couldn’t be happier or more excited to start working with Khairul and Kaito.”

Two-Time World Champion Cecil Sandford, R.I.P.

David Swarts

-

December 1, 2023

0

Two-Time World Champion Cecil Sandford, R.I.P.

Two-time Grand Prix World Champion and two-time Isle of Man TT winner Cecil Sandford died November 28. He was 95.

Sandford, an Englishman, made his Grand Prix debut in 1950 and went on to win the 1952 125cc World Championship on an MV Agusta, giving the Italian manufacturer its first World Championship victory. Sandford later won the 1957 250cc World Championship with Mondial.

He is survived by his wife Pat and sons Ian and Mark.

Cecil Sandford (20). Photo courtesy MV Agusta.

Australian Superbike: Waters Tops Practice Friday At “The Bend”

David Swarts

-

December 1, 2023

0

Australian Superbike: Waters Tops Practice Friday At “The Bend”

Waters and Herfoss dominate practice to set the scene for a thrilling ASBK finale

The grand final of the 2023 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, began at The Bend today, with the Superbike battle between arch-rivals Troy Herfoss and Josh Waters already in hyper mode.

Waters (McMartin Racing with K-Tech Ducati V4 R), locked on an unprecedented Alpinestars Superbike tie with Herfoss (Penrite Honda CBR1000RR-R), only annexed top spot in the final few minutes of the third practice session – and in the process set a new best-ever lap around the expansive South Australian circuit, eclipsing Wayne Maxwell’s previous mark from 2021 by 0.66 seconds.

Herfoss, after being the pacesetter for all but two minutes of day one, was second, while South Australian Olly Simpson (Yamaha YZF-R6) was the top gun in Michelin Supersport as that class also goes down to the wire on Sunday.

In fact, all the ASBK classes remain up for grabs in the most spectacular finale to the championship on record and, with more brilliant weather forecast across the weekend, there’ll be no excuses or potential spoilers: it’ll all come down to speed, guile and flair on the racetrack.

Tickets for The Bend ASBK grand final are still available online, and general admission ticket holders on Saturday will also receive free entry into racing under lights at the circuit’s recently inaugurated drag strip.

Can’t make it to the Bend on Saturday? SBS On Demand will have you covered with live and exclusive live streaming of all the qualifying and race action, starting at 10:20am and concluding at 5:30pm (ACDT).

FRIDAY PRACTICE RESULTS

ALPINESTARS SUPERBIKE

The anticipation in the Alpinestars Superbike class has started early, thanks to Waters’ withering late burst of speed taking him to the top of the timesheets over Herfoss, followed by Max Stauffer (GTR MotoStars YZF-R1).

Waters uncorked a 1:50.454 on his final flyer, while Herfoss (1:50.604) was the only other rider in the 51-second bracket after producing a consistent body of brilliant work across all three practice sessions.

The scene has been set: the championship leaders are well and truly in the zone, with the fervour and excitement to only increase as practice morphs into qualifying and then Sunday’s two 11-lap races.

“It was a good Friday for us across the three sessions,” said Waters. “We were chipping away all day and changed a lot of everything – including the suspension.

“Just look at the lap times for me and Troy and you can tell something’s important on our minds! It’s great for all the people following the championship.”

Herfoss said he took a conservative approach to day one, despite his sizzling times and timesheet-leading tempo. It was all about methodical work rate.

“We just worked slowly through a few electronic things, as well as a small chassis change in the third session,” said Herfoss, who will part ways with the Honda team after the final round.

“We are so close and trying to work with the grip levels as they change. A really solid day, and I felt really comfortable on the bike.

“It looks like Josh and I are a little bit ahead of the field at the moment, but you know racing: other riders can wake up on Saturday and be fast so I’m definitely keeping things in perspective.

“I just can’t wait for racing to get underway – it’s exciting.”

Herfoss and Bryan Staring (MotoGo YZF-R1) share the record for the most Superbike wins around The Bend with three each, ahead of Jones (one).

Stauffer (1:51.105), emboldened by his breakthrough Alpinestars Superbike podium at Phillip Island, again upstaged more seasoned riders with his third spot in practice, ahead of Yamaha Racing Team duo Cru Halliday (1:51.193) and defending champion Mike Jones (1:51.537).

Anthony West (Addicted to Track YZF-R1, 1:51.546) was sixth ahead of Arthur Sissis (Unitech Racing YZF-R1, 1:52.156), while Glenn Allerton (GT Racing M 1000 RR) – defending third place in the championship – was back in 11th place and will have to find more speed in qualifying to work himself back into calculations.

MICHELIN SUPERSPORT

Simpson (1:54.840) pushed hard from the outset in Michelin Supersport practice, with this weekend’s grid strengthened by a number of young Aussie internationals returning home for ASBK cameos.

Simpson held onto top spot despite last year’s winner Harrison Voight (YZF-R6, 1:54.866) finishing the day strongly.

Simpson is 14pts adrift of Cameron Dunker (GTR MotoStars YZF-R6, 1:55.660) in the championship, with the latter third in practice from Tom Toparis (Cube Racing Stop & Seal YZF-R6, 1:55.674) and Hayden Nelson (Cube Racing YZF-R6, 1:55.800).

South Australian Ty Lynch (AMR Motorsports YZF-R6, 1:56.370), just 2pts behind Simpson and the third cog in the thrilling championship battle, also kept his powder dry in sixth position.

SUPERSPORT 300 AND YAMAHA FINANCE R3 CUP

It’s all set up for a nerve-wrecking finale in both classes, with main contenders Brodie Gawith, Cameron Swain and Henry Snell all lurking at the top of the timesheets, with Bradon Demmery also in the hunt as well.

There are 75pts up for grabs in each class across the weekend, starting with the opening races tomorrow afternoon – which can both be seen on SBS On Demand!

BLU CRU OCEANIA JUNIOR CUP

More top guns at the very top with one and two in the series, Archie Schmidt and Bodie Paige, the stars of practice.

Schmidt, from Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills, has been a revelation all year with his fast and aggressive riding, and he’ll look to complete a stellar year with a title victory on Sunday.

Schmidt can’t slip up though, as Paige will be there to pounce only being 1pt in arrears, while Hayden Fordyce is third – the only other realistic contender.

SUREFLIGHT SUPERBIKE MASTERS

It didn’t take long for Garry McCoy to remind us why he is a three-time MotoGP winner, qualifying on pole position in his Sureflight Superbike Masters cameo – the diminutive Queensand fulfilling a long-held ambition to ride a Yamaha TZ750.

He will start from pole position after going 0.3 seconds faster than 2022 The Bend winner David Johnson (Suzuki Katana), with series leader Keo Watson (Yamaha FZR1000) third. Ryan Taylor (Suzuki GSX-R1100) will also looking to keep pace with the top three in the four five-lap races.

British Superbike: Reigning Champ Bridewell Signs With Honda

David Swarts

-

December 1, 2023

0

British Superbike: Reigning Champ Bridewell Signs With Honda

Reigning champion Tommy Bridewell joins Honda with title-defending ambition

In a clear statement of intent, Honda Racing UK is thrilled to announce that 2023 Bennetts British Superbike champion Tommy Bridewell will race for the factory-owned Honda team in 2024.

Joining Honda after achieving his lifetime ambition of championship glory, Tommy, now a 16-times race winner combines forces with Honda and the new 2024 Fireblade to mount his title defense. He is eager to put together back-to-back championship-winning seasons and become the first to win consecutive titles on different manufacturers. He arrives with a wealth of experience, a winning mentality and title-raising ambition, but also, his series-winning number 1 plate which will sit proudly at the front of his CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.

Tommy’s arrival in the team sees him spearhead a three-pronged assault on the Superbike championship alongside his already-signed teammates, Andrew Irwin and Dean Harrison. Carefully constructed pre-season preparations lie ahead for the team before official testing begins in the new year ahead of the season opener in sunny Spain at the Circuito de Navarra on 20-21 April.

#1 Tommy Bridewell

I am so excited to join such a prestigious brand, it is every rider’s dream to ride for Honda at some point and to bring with me the number 1 plate is just fantastic. The timing feels right, I have achieved my championship goals and now I am entirely focused on defending the title. I am coming here to Honda to do just that, to win another championship. I have always made my decisions on instinct and I always follow my gut, the opportunity here at Honda is something that I have always wanted to do and it was an easy decision to make. I’ve chosen to come to Honda as I feel this is the best team to help me defend my championship. Getting to ride a new bike is also really motivating and I am proud to run the number 1 plate for next season.

Team Manager Havier Beltran

Tommy is an enormously exciting rider and I am delighted to welcome him to Honda Racing UK. His achievements in the 2023 season showcased his exceptional talent and I firmly believe that his addition to our team will contribute significantly to our pursuit of success. I am certainly not alone in saying that I cannot wait to see what he is capable of achieving on our new Fireblade. Our target in 2024 is clear, we are going racing to win and to fight for the title.

Neil Fletcher – Head of Motorcycles, Honda UK

“To combine forces with a rider of Tommy’s calibre highlights Honda’s intentions for the 2024 season and I am thrilled to warmly welcome him into the fold. I am immensely proud that he has signed with Honda and honoured that he has decided to run the number 1 plate on his Fireblade next year. His ambitions for 2024 entirely align with our own and I am excited to begin this next chapter in Honda’s racing story. I believe that alongside Andrew and Dean in Superbike, Jack on the 600 and John, Dean and Nathan on the roads, Honda now has one of its strongest rider line-ups of recent years.”

Where To Ride In December: Track Days, Schools, And Races

David Swarts

-

December 1, 2023

0

Where To Ride In December: Track Days, Schools, And Races

The following track days, riding schools, and racing events are scheduled by organizations based in the United States and Canada during December 2023.

Motorcycle track days, riding schools, and races are posted under the Event Calendar tab on the home page of this website, or you can access the Event Calendar for December 2023 directly by clicking HERE.

Once on the Event Calendar page, you can search for the event you are looking for by its date.

When you click on the event you want to attend you should find a link to the website and/or email address of the host organization, a link to the website of the host venue, the physical address of the host venue, a Google map to the host venue, and buttons to add the event and its information to your calendar application.

To have your motorcycle racing or riding event added to the Event Calendar on this website and published in the print edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine, submit your calendar and contact information via the contact page on this website or by clicking HERE.

12/1 2 Wheels Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

12/1 Penguin Riding School, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

12/1 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Prather, CA (Private Training Day)

12/1-2 Cornerspin School: Roadracing In The Dirt (Dirt Track School), Cornerspin Facility, Spencer, NC

12/2 SoCal Supermoto School, Adams Motorsport Park, Riverside, CA

12/2-3 ASRA Series, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

12/2-3 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Prather, CA (Kids Ride and Wrench Camp)

12/2-3 Sportbike Track Time Track Days, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL

12/3 Superbike-Coach Corp. (Schools), Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

12/3 XCEL Trackdays Track Days, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, AZ

12/8 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Prather, CA (Private Training Game)

12/8-9 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV

12/9-10 JP43 Training School, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

12/9-10 Racers Edge Track Days and Private Coaching Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

12/9-10 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Prather, CA (Fun Camp)

12/9-10 SoCal Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

12/9-11 Jennings GP Track Days & Novice Schools, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL

12/10 Brake Free Track Time Track Days, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, AZ

12/10 John Long’s Longevity Racing School, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

12/10 Florida Trackdays, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

12/10 SoCal Supermoto School, Adams Motorsport Park, Riverside, CA

12/10 Superbike-Coach Corp. (Schools), Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

12/13-14 JP43 Training School, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

12/13-14 Racers Edge Track Days and Private Coaching Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

12/13-14 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Prather, CA (POST Motorcycle Officer Training)

12/15 Apex Assassins Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

12/15 SoCal Supermoto School, Adams Motorsport Park, Riverside, CA

12/16 Ed Bargy Advanced Riding and Racing School, Roebling Road Raceway, Bloomingdale, GA

12/16-17 CVMA 2023-2024 Winter Series, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

12/16-17 Precision Track Days, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL

12/17-18 SoCal Supermoto School, Adams Motorsport Park, Riverside, CA

12/30 SoCal Supermoto School, Adams Motorsport Park, Riverside, CA

December 2023

Magazine Issue

Trudy Ulrich

-

December 1, 2023

0

On the Front Cover: Marc Márquez (93) was all smiles after his first day riding a Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici in post-season MotoGP testing at Valencia. Honda let Márquez test his new ride before his Honda contract expired, as long as it was not branded. Photo by Kohei Hirota.

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

—

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW. Or call (909) 654-4779 to subscribe, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

Log in HERE to read the December 2023 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription.

DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE

FEATURES

Inside Info: Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 30° Anniversario 916 & Hypermotard 698 Mono, Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, KTM 990 Duke, Moto Guzzi Stelvio, Suzuki GSX-8R & GSX-S1000GX+, Triumph Scrambler 1200 X & XE, Yamaha MT-09 SP, and more…

Historic Racing: Between The Hedges, Part One

Quick Look: 2023 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RS—Speed, Sophistication, & Style

MotoGP Analysis: Looking At Marc Márquez’s 11 Years With Honda

Marc Márquez Tries Out His New Ride At Valencia

Gift Guide: Cool Presents To Give To Others—Or Yourself

Energica Is On The Charge In MotoAmerica Super Hooligan

Interview: Energica USA’s CEO On The Future Of Electrics

Shops: James Compton Customs

Pirelli’s New Diablo Supercorsa SP V4 Tires

RACING

MotoGP: Bagnaia Repeats As World Champion

World Superbike: Bautista Earns Second Title

COLUMNS

Letters To The Editor: Electronics Make Skill Count For Less

10 Years Ago, December 2013: Cover model Tom Sykes capped off his 2013 Superbike World Championship with race wins at Magny-Cours. Dani Pedrosa (Sepang) and Jorge Lorenzo (Phillip Island) were MotoGP race winners. Ben Spies announced his retirement from racing due to injury. Honda introduced what would become its best-selling streetbike—the Grom.

The Kids’ Page: Finley Romaine

The Crash Page: Marc Márquez Goes Flying In Valencia

Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride

Classified Ads/Advertiser Index

High Performance Parts & Services Directory

Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: 2023 Season, Team Highlights

*******************************************************************

Click here to receive a sample issue of Roadracing World magazine (print edition). One sample issue per household, U.S. address only.

Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: “Valencia 2023 – Don’t Deny The Hugs”

David Swarts

-

November 30, 2023

0

Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: “Valencia 2023 – Don’t Deny The Hugs”

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 “Valencia 2023 – Don’t Deny The Hugs.”

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

Recent Wedding: Roger Hayden – Elizabeth Ebelhar

David Swarts

-

November 30, 2023

0

Recent Wedding: Roger Hayden – Elizabeth Ebelhar

MotoAmerica Live+ commentator and former MotoAmerica/AMA Pro racer Roger Hayden married Elizabeth Ebelhar November 25 in Owensboro, Kentucky.

The ceremony was conducted at the Hayden family farm. Then following family tradition, the newlyweds were transported on a custom parade-style float to Victory Lane, the Hayden family’s private recreation area, for the reception.

Roger and Elizabeth Hayden riding on a custom float (utilizing Hayden's Championship-winning Kawasaki) to their reception. Photo courtesy Roger Hayden. — Roger and Elizabeth Hayden riding on a custom float (utilizing Hayden’s Championship-winning Kawasaki) to their reception. Photo courtesy Roger Hayden.

The float was constructed using Hayden’s 2007 AMA Pro Supersport Championship-winning Kawasaki ZX-6R as if it were pulling their sleigh.

American Flat Track: Bridgeport Half-Mile Tickets On Sale Now

David Swarts

-

November 30, 2023

0

American Flat Track: Bridgeport Half-Mile Tickets On Sale Now

Tickets Now on Sale for Progressive AFT’s Return to Bridgeport Speedway for the Bridgeport Half-Mile

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Tickets are now on sale for the Bridgeport Half-Mile, Round 8 of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing,

Progressive AFT returns to Swedesboro, New Jersey’s Bridgeport Speedway on Saturday, June 22, following last year’s inaugural visit. The ’23 event marked the first-ever motorcycle race in the half-century-plus history of the venue and proved well worth the wait. The world’s greatest dirt trackers on two wheels showcased exactly why the series has proven so popular over the decades, delivering remarkably close racing at remarkably high speeds.

That night, rising Mission SuperTwins star Dallas Daniels secured a milestone victory, earning his first-career Half-Mile victory while finally winning a head-to-head battle with reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees by a mere 0.095 seconds after coming up fractions of a second short in multiple previous attempts.

The two title contenders weren’t alone in vying for victory with five riders battling up front and four ultimately taking the checkered flag within a second of the winner. 2024 should bring similar fireworks with the likes of Briar Bauman, Brandon Robinson, Davis Fisher, and the rest of the world-class field hoping to establish their superiority.

Daniels’ triumph in the premier-class marked the conclusion of an all-around banner day for Estenson Racing as Daniels’ teammates in the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER class, Tom Drane and Trevor Brunner, went 1-2 in 450cc action minutes earlier.

Along with the guarantee of incredible action on track, the Bridgeport Half-Mile will also include live music, the Kids Zone, designated motorcycle parking, numerous vendors, and a variety of food and beverage options.

General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $40 (kids 12 and under $5), while Reserved Grandstand tickets are only $10 more (All Ages). A Pit Pass Upgrade provides all-day access to the pit area where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport is also available.

Multi-day camping passes are also available to purchase for $95.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/bridgeport-half-mile-86133 to reserve your seats today.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

Progressive AFT series merchandise is available via the official merchandise store at https://aftmerch.com/.

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.

KTM Re-Introduces 890 SMT

David Swarts

-

November 30, 2023

0

KING OF THE COMEBACKS: HAIL THE NEW KTM 890 SMT

Sharper, sleeker, sportier. Take a touch of touring, a pinch of unbeatable tarmac performance and a large vivid spice of Supermoto legacy and serve with speed: KTM is delighted to reintroduce the KTM SMT back to the table. No compromises and no catches. This regeneration of a KTM icon will sweep all highway traffic aside.

Imagine the ultimate Supermoto ‘play weapon’ but also a bike that boasts a number of technical features and additions necessary for extended touring capabilities: you can attack the hill but also know that the bike will take you much further.

A 2024 KTM 890 SMT at speed on a closed course. Photo courtesy KTM.

Essential information:

– KTM 890 SMT back in the spotlight with re-tuned KTM 890 LC8c platform and developed to hit marks at the top of the Supermoto touring segment for power/torque-to-weight ratio.

– A street-focused chassis, adjustable suspension, premium tires and brakes, and other components elevate this purposeful model between KTM ADVENTURE and KTM STREET product ranges. The perfect foil for hill passes and the road that lies thereafter.

– The 2024 KTM 890 SMT is relaunched with fanfare and pulsating ‘hill climb’ concept in the hands of former AMA Superbike and Supermoto racer Chris Fillmore.

The only way is up. The racing skills of former AMA Superbike and Supermoto ace Chris Fillmore were an apt conduit to display the potential and the limits of the reimagined KTM 890 SMT. The Pikes Peak winner throttled the Supermoto-tourer along a Sardinian Mountain climb to show petrol heads and the motorcycle industry what they had been missing – and what they had been waiting for.

Fillmore gassed the super-torquey 889 cc LC8c parallel twin and counted on class-leading power and torque. The engine is the same platform behind the enviable stats and output of the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R: with a 20% increase in rotating mass over the KTM 790 platform, providing stability and reassurance through corners, the knock control and 46 mm dual Dell’Orto throttle bodies guaranteeing optimum momentum while the fuel consumption from the 4.17-gallon (15.8-liter) tank is fantastically low. The KTM 890 SMT is just as happy pushed through low revs as pinned in higher gears. In fact, Fillmore used the full range of the KTM 790 DUKE’s motor to ace his second Pikes Peak hill climb record in Colorado.

The tank itself plays a forceful role in the ergonomics and has been slimmed and designed specifically for the KTM 890 SMT. The form of the tank slides the rider even further ‘into’ the bike with a wide and comfy contact patch but still compact enough for free and flowing movement, aided by the single-piece Supermoto-shaped seat at 33.8 in (860 mm) height. The aero-optimized smoked windshield is placed just above the double fender concept with a low splash guard on the fork legs. Cruise or attack?

Chassis-wise, the KTM 890 SMT has a CroMo steel frame with a tighter geometry. The structure is typically light and superbly agile on the move but also ensures fierce stability the faster a rider pushes. The shock absorber is angled further to reduce the seat height and accommodate the longer swingarm, contributing to a forwardly inclined rider position as well as straight stability.

A closeup of the front end on a 2024 KTM 890 SMT. Photo courtesy KTM.

Feeling the KTM 890 SMT on the go is a prime experience: agile, flighty and responsive. The WP APEX suspension (43 mm open cartridge upside-down forks at 180 mm of travel and same for the shock) is fully adjustable and complements the 17” wheels. The Michelin PowerGP tires supply more than enough stick for the tightest tarmac and have been especially selected for their specs and appropriateness for the KTM 890 SMT’s demands.

The state of the art 5” TFT dashboard is made from optically bonded mineral glass and is scratch and glare resistant and fully customizable while divulging the easy-to-use infographic menu system for setup preferences.

The bike can be molded even further. The three standard ride modes (RAIN, STREET, SPORT) can be expanded by an optional TRACK setting that permits the rider to toggle different amounts of throttle modes and traction control through 10 levels. Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is an important safety feature sensitive to the bike’s pitch and behavior at lean. Try six different handlebar positions with a 30 mm range. The whole show can slide and be wrenched to a halt with potent brakes, with four piston calipers spinning a 320 mm front disc and 260 mm double piston calipers on the rear. Putting this stopping power into action employs Cornering ABS and Supermoto ABS; placing both technically advanced provisions into the mix for an excellent safety profile.

More add-ons include heated grips and the chance to add Motor Slip Regulation (MSR, ideal for better control in low grip situations and for fast downshifts) to the software package. Quickshifter+ and Cruise Control are optional and ready to go with a simple activation process. Good connectivity with the bike means full access to navigation possibilities, and the advantages of the KTMconnect App (including owner manuals and digital service booklet for service and maintenance).

It would be very ‘backmarker-ish’ not to mention the looks. The KTM 890 SMT says a lot with its Supermoto-tourer style, from the wheels to the sporty graphics. The SMT cuts a sharp profile and will be impossible to miss and harder to outgun on the road. As ever, don’t forget the encompassing collection of KTM PowerParts (technical accessories and TRACK and TECH Packs) and KTM PowerWear to look the part on the hill, the highway or any hike to KTM 890 SMT happiness.

2024 KTM 890 SMT Highlights:

// KTM 890 LC8c reworked for special sport touring emphasis and the next generation of the KTM 890 SMT thanks to unbeatable power delivery

// A chassis ideal for the perfect Supermoto-tourer that achieves the desirable pitch between aggression and chilled cruising with a sportier feel

// Frame, engine, wheels, WP APEX suspension all tweaked for lithe performance

// Blast the gradient of any hill climb with Cornering MTC, Cornering ABS and Supermoto ABS all applicable thanks to premium bike behavior functionality. More customization possible with adjustable Suspension and TRACK mode options

// Performance with function: get excited by the tech specs and then revel in the touring aspect of the bike with elements such as the 5” advanced TFT dashboard, Michelin PowerGP tires and optional Quickshifter+ and Cruise Control among other add-ons

// LED lights, eye-catching styling, 17” wheels and KTM 890 SMT spirit from the first throttle roll

Beat a path to an authorized KTM dealer from December onward to lay your gloves on the 2024 KTM 890 SMT.

World Supersport: PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Fielding Pawi And Toba

December 2, 2023

The PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team to field Pawi and Toba in the 2024 Supersport World Championship

The PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team continues to formulate its plans for the 2024 racing season and can now confirm that it will field Malaysian rider Khairul Idham Pawi and Japanese rider Kaito Toba in the 2024 Supersport World Championship.

Having recently confirmed that its 2023 WorldSSP riders Tarran Mackenzie and Adam Norrodin will remain with the team but move up to compete in the Superbike category, the squad has now identified two strong young riders as its World Supersport representatives for the 2024 season.

Born on 20 September 1998, Pawi is a Malaysian rider who has extensive experience in the Moto3 and Moto2 world championships. The 25-year old is currently leading this year’s ARRC Supersport championship, and has just competed in the WorldSSP championship for the first time, having lined up with the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team as a wildcard entry in the season finale at Jerez in Spain.

Born on 7 April 2000, Toba has already amassed seven years of experience in the Moto3 World Championship despite his young age. The winner of the 2014 Asia Talent Cup, young Kaito went on to compete in the Red Bull Rookies Cup and the CEV Moto3 Junior world championship before progressing to Moto3. Much of his racing has been aboard Honda machinery. The talented Japanese currently places eleventh in the 2023 Moto3 championship standings, thanks also to a podium finish at the inaugural India GP round.

Khairul Idham Pawi

“I want to thank everyone on the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team for giving me the opportunity to compete in World Supersport. I got to know the team at Jerez, during the final round of the 2023 season, and everyone was very helpful throughout every session. WorldSSP is an ultra-competitive category with lots of fast riders. Moving from Moto2 is a big challenge, but I’ll do my best to adapt quickly and keep up with them. I know most of the circuits from my time in Moto3 and Moto2, but there are a few I’ve never visited. It’ll be tough in those cases, but I’ll try to learn fast. My initial goal is to consistently score points and then figure out how to improve as the season goes on. I’m thrilled to be part of the PETRONAS family again, just as I was in 2019 and 2020. It’s a dream come true to be associated with such a big name, and I’ll work hard to achieve the best possible results.”

Kaito Toba

“I’m thrilled to join the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team. This is a big opportunity for me, and I am very proud to be part of this project, with the prestigious PETRONAS brand as title sponsor. I extend my gratitude to PETRONAS, Honda, and Midori (Moriwaki) for putting their faith in me. This marks a brand-new chapter in my career, as I’ll be competing in the Supersport World Championship for the first time. Though I’m used to training with a 600 machine, I have yet to experience the CBR600RR. So, I plan to make the most of every winter test session we have, to build good feeling with the bike right from the outset. The 12-round calendar includes tracks I know but also two or three that I’ve never seen. Having not yet ridden the bike, I cannot have any realistic expectations, but one thing is for sure – I can’t wait to embark on this new challenge and am prepared to give it my absolute best.”

Midori Moriwaki – Team Owner

“It is a great pleasure to welcome two strong riders like Khairul Idham Pawi and Kaito Toba to our PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team. They are both incredibly skilled and real fighters, with a brilliant racing background at international level. They will be able to harness their significant experience and showcase their skills aboard the CBR600RR, challenging themselves in a new championship and lending their knowledge and skills to our team’s exciting project. The entire PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team couldn’t be happier or more excited to start working with Khairul and Kaito.”

Two-Time World Champion Cecil Sandford, R.I.P.

December 1, 2023

Two-time Grand Prix World Champion and two-time Isle of Man TT winner Cecil Sandford died November 28. He was 95.

Sandford, an Englishman, made his Grand Prix debut in 1950 and went on to win the 1952 125cc World Championship on an MV Agusta, giving the Italian manufacturer its first World Championship victory. Sandford later won the 1957 250cc World Championship with Mondial.

He is survived by his wife Pat and sons Ian and Mark.

Australian Superbike: Waters Tops Practice Friday At “The Bend”

December 1, 2023