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Suzuka 8-Hours Preview

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From a press release issued by Honda Racing, and yes, it really did show up here with a question mark where Nicky’s number is supposed to be:

Suzuka 8 Hours. Suzuka, Japan August 3, 2003.

Honda Chasing Magic Seventh Consecutive Suzuka 8 Hour Victory

Honda teams and riders go into the 26th running of the Suzuka 8 Hours chasing their seventh consecutive victory in the race, Japan’s premier motorcycle event. The Honda assault will be spearheaded by the two Seven Stars Honda teams, both equipped with the latest version of the VTR1000SP-W.

Grand prix stars Nicky Hayden, the reigning AMA Superbike Champion and Ryuichi Kiyonari, the All Japan Supersport Champion, will race with number? While Tohru Ukawa, a three-time winner of the race, will be partnered by Hitoyasu Izutsu, racing with the sole intention of giving Honda their 18th victory in 26 starts in the prestigious race.

Ukawa is a man with a special mission, a victory on Sunday will see him equal Wayne Gardner’s record of four 8-hour victories. He missed the race in 2002 due to a broken ankle sustained in a crash at the British GP, at Donington Park. He crashed at the same event two weeks ago but this time emerged with a gashed elbow and heavy bruising, not serious enough to prevent him racing at the German GP, or Suzuka.

It will be Izutsu’s first 8-hours with HRC prepared machinery but he has a good record at Suzuka and will match Ukawa’s speed and determination in the race. His best result so far was in 1999, when he partnered Akira Yanagawa to third place.

Hayden is making his eight-hour debut but the young American has already tested the VTR he will race on Sunday, an up-dated version of the machine that carried him to the US Superbike title in 2002. Kiyonari has virtually no experience on a big twin VTR1000SP-W. His sole All Japan Superbike Championship appearance was aboard a CBR954RR Honda, a wet race at Aida last season, which he won handsomely. The partnership will be aiming to emulate the US – Japanese combination of Edwards and Kato who took the win in 2002.

Fuel consumption is a vital element in race strategy and HRC Team manager Nobuo Ohno will work with a six-stop race plan. The VTR had previously run a seven-stop race plan but the six-stop strategy was successful in 2002 and the HRC teams will go to the start with the intention of repeating that performance. However, Ohno has prepared contingency plans in the event of accidents, inclement weather, and the intervention of the pace car disrupting his plans.

The Sakurai Honda team will also race VTR1000SP-W machines in the Japanese classic. Double 8-hour victor Tadayuki Okada, who is teamed with Chozum Kameya, will lead the two-team entry.

Kameya’s participation is particularly poignant as he is a cousin of the late Daijiro Kato, who died of injuries incurred in a crash at the grand prix held at Suzuka in April of this year. The Okada – Kameya combination will race with Kato’s number 74 plate in a tribute to the 2002 World 250cc Champion. Kato carried number 74 throughout his illustrious grand prix career.

The second Sakurai Honda will be in the capable hands of Yukio Nukumi and Manabu Kamata, both experienced 8-hour campaigners. Few riders know the VTR1000SP-W better than Kamata, while not racing Kamata works as test rider for HRC and has undertaken hours of development work on the big twin he will race on Sunday. Partner Nukumi, now 31-years old, contests his 10th Suzuka 8 Hours.

The four teams competing with factory prepared VTR1000SP-W’s will have to be at their very best to withstand the challenged of several fast, reliable Honda teams in the field. Chief among them former grand prix riders Takeshi Tsujimura and Shinichi Ito, near veterans but still very fast particularly at Suzuka. The two seasoned campaigners will race a CBR954RR F.C.C TSR for the Zip – FM team.

Former two-time 125cc World Champion Haruchika Aoki is teamed with Osamu Deguchi for team Weider Honda Gakuen, while Tatuya Yamaguchi is paired with Yuki Takahashi, so impressive on his way to third at the 250cc Pacific GP at Motegi last year, on a 555 Honda. Both squads equipped with CBR954RRs.

The circuit has been changed slightly for the 8-hours, the chicane reverting to near pre-grand prix lay out.

Honda rider quotes:
Nicky Hayden: “I’m really excited about racing the 8 hours, it will be the first time for me. As a kid you read about your heroes racing the 8 hours and hope you will take part one day. I like the idea of the pit stops, race strategy, and racing at night, sounds pretty cool. The only pit stop race I’ve done is Daytona, but this is a whole lot different I’m sure. The race is really important to Honda so I want to do well.

“After the GP at Assen we tested the bike at Suzuka, it was the first time I rode a RC51 (VTR) since last August, this bike is pretty much the same as my US Superbike was last year. I’m racing with Kiyo San (Ryuichi Kiyonari) so we tried each other’s bikes at the test, but only in the rain. We’re pretty close on set up, and we both use similar riding positions so I think we will have no problems riding together. The VTR is a good package for this kind of race and race track.

“It’s a long race but I like the track, doing a lot of laps will help with other races at Suzuka. There seems to be a lot of traffic to get passed in the race, which will be interesting. I’m looking forward to the experience.”

Ryuichi Kiyonari: “This will be my third Suzuka 8 Hours and my first on a VTR, I raced a CBR last time out, in 2001. We broke the engine after my first session so I hope this time to have a good result. Although I have not much experience at the 8 hours I have raced many times at Suzuka circuit, I started my road race career there in 1991, at the ‘Suzuka Racing School.’ I’ve also raced the Suzuka 4 Hours, I like the track and I think I will enjoy racing the VTR on Sunday.

“We tested for two days after Assen and the bike was really good, perfect for Suzuka. I’m riding with Nicky (Hayden) and we are close on set up and riding position, so we have no problems with that. We will be the ‘VTR Rookies’ at Suzuka.”

Tohru Ukawa: “This year I’m racing with Izutsu San, for the first time. He’s a good rider, fast. We used to race against each other before I started GP racing. He’s a good guy – we will do well, of that I’m sure. In the test after Assen our machine set up was almost the same, and our lap times were also very close, so I’m confident we will be fast.

“We start practice on Wednesday on the revised track, the chicane has been changed again it’s back to almost the old lay out. Fuel consumption is important to Honda and last year the teams ran the race with only six pit stops, instead of seven. They hope to use the same strategy this year.

“Last year I didn’t race the 8-hours, I broke my ankle at Donington Park and was not fit enough to race. I did the same thing this year but only cut my elbow and bruised my arm. The arm is OK now, I have full movement so I think it will not be a problem for Suzuka.

“I’m not thinking about equalling Wayne Gardner’s record of four wins, if I win the race the record will come naturally. The race is a one off, a podium place has no meaning, only a win matters in the 8-hours.”

Izutsu’s best result so far was in 1999, when he partnered Akira Yanagawa to third place.

Hitoyasu Izutsu: “This is my first 8hr race on Honda and am really looking forward to it. When I was riding Kawasaki, Honda was a high barrier but I wanted to beat Honda. Now I am in the Honda camp and all the circumstances are ready for me to win the race. I want to win the race and I am quite confident about it as my partner is the experienced Ukawa, and the machine I will be riding is the same as the last year’s winning machine. As we are doing 6 pit stops, Ukawa will be riding longer than me. Our goal is to mark 220 laps ( previous record 219 laps last year). I have marked 2:08s during the test but the race time will be around 2:9-10. We will not try hard to get the pole position as the pole-sitter hasn’t won the race past ten years or so. Our main aim is to win the race and not to get the pole-position.”

Tadayuki Okada: “I requested to race the 8-hours this year, I get too much stress just watching races, it’s a completely different life. I enjoy the fun of racing. I will race with Chozun Kameya, a cousin of Daijiro (Kato), and we will race with number 74. I choose number 74 for the race, it will give me strength, ‘Daichan’ was like one of my own family. I am happy to accept the responsibility of racing with the 74 plate.

“Kameya San is a good rider, he’s leading the national 250cc championship. He doesn’t have much big bike experience but I am happy to race with him, his lap time at the Suzuka test was good. We will race with respect for ‘Daichan’ but we will be racing to win, that’s all we will have in mind.

“I’m interested to race with the new Michelin MotoGP tyre. It was me and Colin (Edwards) who did a lot of the development work with the tyres but I have never raced with it. The character of the Michelin tyres in my time was that they took a little time to get warm but when they did the tyres were very good. This tyre warms very quickly. The VTR1000SP-W is much different to the RC211V but the tyre works well on the big twin. The VTR is much better now than when I last raced it, it handles better now, and maybe has a little more power.”

Leading Honda entries.
Tohru Ukawa – Hitoyasu Izutsu J/J VTR1000SPW Seven Stars Honda

Nicky Hayden – Ryuichi Kiyonari USA/J VTR1000SPW Seven Stars Honda

Yukio Nukumi – Manabu Kamata J/J VTR1000SPW Sakurai Honda

Tady Okada – Chozun Kemeya J/J VTR1000SPW Sakurai Honda


Nodell Wins RACE Pro Formula Championship

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From a press release issued by Nodell Motorsports:

Nodell clinches Pro Formula Championship aboard 250

The Nodell Motorsports motorcycle team clinched the overall number one plate on their Canada Post/The Bear Chair Co. backed Honda RS250 in the R.A.C.E Superseries over defending series champion Frank Trombino on his factory Yamaha this past weekend.

Rider Stuart Nodell battled head to head against Frank Trombino for most of the featured event in wet conditions. The two riders swapped the lead position numerous times in the opening laps. While Trombino lead Nodell into turn one he had a big slide and crashed allowing Nodell to go on to clinch the championship with one round still remaining.

Nodell continued to lead the event until the halfway point when he decided to be smart and run a calculated race, finishing third behind Canadian Kawasaki’s Matt McBride and Andrew Nelson to ensure the team would win the championship. By virtue of winning the qualifying heat race on Saturday, Nodell banked the two bonus points and only had to finish ahead of Trombino to secure the title.

The Ben Gartner prepared Bridgestone shod RS250 has been the class of the field all season long. Following the race Nodell stated “This championship is gratifying as our team set this objective following the 2002 season and succeeded in dominating fashion aboard a 250 against factory backed efforts of 1000s and 600s.” Gartner also replied “This is one of Canada’s most prestigious championships and all of Canada’s best have at one time or another attempted to win this title from Lang Hindle, Art Robbins, Michel Mercier, Steve Crevier, Pascal Picotte and even Miguel Duhamel.”

The team also went on to score a dominating victory in the 250 Grand Prix class over Jeff Lowe and Christian Rose.

The team’s next event is The Can-Am 125 Grand Prix Challenge held at Le Circuit in Mont Tremblant, Quebec in conjunction with the Canadian Superbike Championship where the team sits only seven points back of first place in the championship.

Canada Post, The Bear Chair Co, Bridgestone Tires, Crossbeam.com, Absolute AD Ventures, Bickle Tire Warmers and EBC Brakes sponsor the Nodell Motorsports Motorcycle Racing Team.

Please visit our website at www.nodellmotorsports.com to follow the team’s progress.

1.Matt McBride KAW 600
2.Andrew Nelson HON 600
3.Stuart Nodell HON 250
4.Darren Wilbur YAM 600
5.Frank Trombino YAM 600

Colin Jensen Back At Work

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Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Colin Jensen, whose violent crash caused the AMA 250cc Grand Prix race at Mid-Ohio to be red-flagged Sunday, is back at work at Jensen-Stern in Ketchum, Idaho.

“I’m OK,” said Jensen by phone Tuesday. “I’m really sore and stiff and my head is banged up. I cracked a rib and broke a process, which is the little thing on the end of the vertebra, but I think I did that at Laguna Seca.

“I’ll be at VIR, racing.”

Tornado Motorsports Grand Opening This Saturday In New Hampshire

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From a press release issued by Tornado Motorsports:
Tornado Motorsports, Dealer Of Benelli/Moto Guzzi/Vertemati, Opens In Manchester, New Hampshire

We are proud to announce the opening of Tornado Motorsports, offering marque Italian motorcycles, accessories, and apparel. Tornado Motorsports will be immediately offering the complete Moto Guzzi lineup. Tornado Motorsports is the exclusive New Hampshire/Maine/Vermont Benelli dealership; Benelli’s motorcycles are expected to arrive shortly, also coming soon will be the Vertemati brand.

Tornado Motorsports is located next to EagleRider – New Hampshire in Manchester, New Hampshire. Tornado Motorsports will offer a wide selection of Benelli, Moto Guzzi, and Vertemati Motorcycles, parts and accessories with factory trained technicians working in a fully equipped service department.

Tornado Motorsports will focus on attention to detail, exceptional customer service and outstanding product selection.

The Grand Opening event for Tornado Motorsports is on Saturday, August 2nd, 2003 between 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.. There will be refreshments and door prizes.

Tornado Motorsports is located at 21 W. Auburn Street, Manchester, NH 03101, phone (603) 626-1606, www.tornadomotorsports.com

Updated Post: Racer–AMA Official Spent Red-flag Period Talking To Noce, Then Ordered Him Black-flagged

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Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

More on Sandy Noce being twice black-flagged out of the AMA 250cc Grand Prix race at Mid-Ohio, because AMA Pro Racing officials mistook his bike for someone else’s:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail

Just to add a further unfathomable series of events to the Sandy Noce debacle: The very official who called for the black flag sat on the hot pit talking to Sandy during the red flag downtime! This guy not only personally interacted with Sandy during the whole time he would supposedly have been away getting his spare bike, but he NEVER WROTE DOWN THE NUMBER of the bike that actually committed the infraction.

When Sandy pulled in the second time and pulled off his helmet, the official looked at him and said, “Oh, shit!” because he recognized Sandy’s face and knew that he couldn’t possibly be the one. He told Sandy that he knew it was “a white bike.”

We invest a year of our lives chasing dreams and goals racing in this professional circus. To think that some “official” can ruin everything with one vague and cavalier accusation is unconscionable.

Sandy Noce would have ridden to a well-deserved 5th or 6th place. He deserves a helluva lot more than an apology.

Stephen Bowline
AMA 250GP #314
Burbank, California

More, from a race report sent out by former racer Bruce Lind, who now tunes for a number of AMA racers:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I was standing at the lower hot pit entrance when an all-white bike with #12 on it (Keith Floyd) came rolling down the entry road. Keith stopped and talked to an AMA official (male) and explained that he was being honest. He had a mechanical on his primary bike and had gone back to the paddock to get his spare bike. The official told him he could not re-enter the pits/race and Keith rode the bike up the back of the EZ-ups. I assume that he rode it back to the garage area, exiting at the top of the pits. His number does not appear of the charts after the restart.

I was signaling to Sean Wray (after Ed Sorbo crashed in T-11) when Sandy Noce was black-flagged. He came right into the pits (assuming like the rest of us did that he had been tagged with a stop-and-go). As soon as Sandy re-entered the track after not finding any official at either pit entrance/exit, the black flag came out again.

This time there were AMA officials waiting for Sandy.

The pit official remembered an all-white bike had tried to re-enter the pits, but could not remember the number on the bike. Sandy’s bike is all white. The official called out for the wrong bike to be brought in and be disqualified. As you can imagine, Sandy was HOT. He was called into the pits from 6th place.

Sandy was credited with 24th place.

Since then I have learned that (AMA Pro Racing’s) Ron Barrick has not only given Sandy an apology, but has given him the points and purse for 6th place.

Bruce Lind
Snohomish, Washington

See related post,

7/28/2003 Updated Post: Mistaken Identity At Mid-Ohio, Or, Why Have Numbers On Racebikes If Not To ID Racers?

Recent Birth

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Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

LRRS racer Jason Hillsgrove and wife Heather had a daughter, Lilianne Paige Hillsgrove, July 24 in Rochester, New Hampshire. Hillsgrove rides for Double Apex Racing Team (DART).

Hey, It’s A Slow News Day: Assorted Press Releases That Came In While We Were Away At Mid-Ohio Last Week

From a press release issued by WERA:

LOCAL RACERS SHINE DURING WERA NATIONAL AT GRATTAN RACEWAY; BATEY WINS SUZUKI WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

BELDING, Mich.- Local riders proved that they know the fast way around Grattan Raceway during the Dunlop/WERA National Endurance and WERA National Challenge Series races, July 19-20.

Tray Batey, Mark Junge and John Jacobi won the seven and a half hour Dunlop/WERA National Endurance Series race by seven laps on the Vesrah
Suzuki GSX-R1000, and they were joined on the podium by two local teams.

Taylor Knapp/Ray C’s Racing was second overall and first in the Mediumweight Superstock class. Local riders Fritz Kling and Ray Yoder teamed up to ride the Yamaha YZF-R6.

Firehawk, another local team, was third on the overall podium and second in Mediumweight Superstock. Scotty VanScoik, Cole Wyatt, JP Tache and Steve Steinman were also riding a Yamaha YZF-R6.

Rain was unable to mar the close competition during the WERA National Challenge Series sprint races. Several local racers rode to wins, including Northville, Mich., resident Chuck Bannon, who battled with series regular David Weber to win 750 Superbike on a Suzuki GSX-R750.

Scott Trautmann of Holland, Mich., won both 125 Grand Prix and Formula 2 on a Honda RS125.

Mark Junge rode the Vesrah Suzuki GSX-R1000 to a win in Open Superstock, and he later won 600 Superstock on a Suzuki GSX-R600.

Junge’s teammate Tray Batey won Pirelli Formula 1 on a Suzuki GSX-R750 and Heavyweight Twins on a borrowed Suzuki SV1000. He set a new track record of 1:19.15 during the Formula 1 race.

Batey also won the first of three Suzuki World Cup Qualifier races that will be held in the United States. The winner of each race gets to travel to Magny Cours, France, to represent the United States in the Suzuki World Cup.

Reuben Frankenfield won 750 Superstock on a Suzuki GSX-R750, and Bradley Champion took the victory in Lightweight Twins on a Suzuki SV650. Team InfoTech’s Nicky Wimbauer won the 600 Superbike race on a Yamaha YZF-R6. It was the first WERA National win for the 15-year-old racer.

In the novice classes, Eddie Kraft from Shelby Township, Mich., won Heavyweight Twins, Lightweight Twins and Formula 2 on the Kart2Kart.com/BRGRacing.com Suzuki SV650. Sparta, Mich., racer Bradley Anderson won 750 Superbike on a Honda CBR600F4.

Adam Sylvester of Holland, Mich., won the 600 Superbike race by just a few bike lengths on his Yamaha YZF-R6.

Matt Lynn won 750 Superstock on a Suzuki GSX-R600 and Eddie Robinson took the victory in the STAR School 600 Superstock race on a Yamaha YZF-R6.

The next round of the WERA National Challenge and the Dunlop/WERA National Endurance Series will be at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia, August 1-3. The endurance race will be six hours in length.

More information about WERA, including complete race results and class points, can be found on the Internet at www.WERA.com.

More, from a press release issued by Team Velocity Racing:

TEAM VELOCITY RACING FINISHES 4TH IN MEDIUMWEIGHT SUPERSTOCK, 6TH OVERALL DURING WERA ENDURANCE AT GRATTAN

BELDING, Mich.- Team Velocity Racing’s Chuck Ivey, Steven Breckenridge and Reuben Frankenfield persevered for seven and a half hours to finish sixth overall and fourth in the Mediumweight Superstock class during the WERA National Endurance Series round held at Grattan Raceway on June 19, despite crashing twice.

Ivey started the race and was fifth in the opening laps on the Team Velocity Suzuki GSX-R600. He then pitted and handed the bike over to Frankenfield, who was setting consistent, quick laps until he crashed.

“My first stint went well, except for falling in the bowl turn. Luckily I didn’t even stall the motor. I got it picked up, went back to the pits, we got the bike teched and went back out,” said Frankenfield.

The team made a routine pit stop about halfway though the race for fuel, new tires and a rider change, and Ivey got on the bike for his second stint. When he got to turn one on his first lap, Ivey realized that the brakes had not been pumped up following the tire change. He ran off the track and crashed in the turn one gravel trap.

“I felt really good in my first stint. I was doing some decent times when I started,” commented Ivey. “The second stint, we changed the front and rear tires with a Superstock setup in a minute and 15 seconds. Of course we lost it all in turn one when I reached for the brake and nothing was there. I locked up the rear and it was wanting to highside me on each side. I rode into the gravel and fortunately just tipped over. Everybody did really well, we just had some mistakes.”

“‘Trials and tribulations’ sums up the day,” said Breckenridge. “We had a lot of misfortune. Otherwise we probably would have finished on the podium in our class. As for me, I went out in my second stint and hooked up with Jeff Walker on the Army of Darkness bike, and we were going at it. I had a lot of fun.

“Reuben put a fresh motor in the bike for this weekend and it runs great. We were able to run right along Army of Darkness’ Superbike. We’re happy with that, and with all of the teamwork.”

Frankenfield stayed at Grattan to run the WERA National Challenge Series sprint races the next day. He won the 750 Superstock race on a Suzuki GSX-R750, pulling away for a 19.28-second margin of victory over second-place finisher Tray Batey.

The 750 Superstock race was held after a rainstorm, and the track was beginning to dry. Frankenfield quickly mounted intermediate Pirelli tires, barely making the starting grid in time.

“At first I didn’t think I was going to be able to stay with the leaders, but I got a really good start,” said Frankenfield. “I wanted to stay with Tray, and then he had a big moment coming onto the front straightaway. He gathered it up and did a big long wheelie down the front straight, which cost him some time. The next lap I had a really big moment; I thought I was off. Eventually I realized I was catching Tray. I made the pass and rode away.”

Later in the day, Frankenfield also competed in the Suzuki World Cup Qualifier race, finishing fifth. He ran as high as third in the first half of the race.

Team Velocity Racing will be competing in the next round of the WERA National Endurance Series, which will be a six-hour race at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia, August 1-3.

More information about Team Velocity Racing can be found on the Internet at www.TeamVelocityRacing.com.

More, from a press release issued by Witchkraft Racing:

Witchkraft Racing Successful at First National

WERA National Series
Grattan Raceway
July 19/20, 2003

Witchkraft Racing’s Eddie Kraft teamed up with Gary Schilling and Steve Bell to finished strong enough to take 2nd place in the Lightweight class of WERA’s 8 hour Endurance race, which took place at the scenic and technical Grattan Raceway.

Riding Schilling’s Blue Ridge Performance Suzuki SV650, the team suffered a major setback when electrical problems struck on the opening laps of the race. Switching to the B bike, Kraft put in consistent laps for the first hour, while Schilling and Bell followed suit–battling back from over 10 laps down to take 2nd place. Blue Ridge was able to build a substantial cushion, as other teams were left chasing problems of their own. The final hour wasn’t without drama, as clutch problems forced Blue Ridge to come in, losing valuable laps to both the lightweight leaders and third place. Forced to finish the remaining 35 minutes in 4th gear around the entire Grattan course, Bell took the checkered flag and 2nd place, while Blue Ridge Performance legitimately earned their first podium finish in the National Endurance Series.

On Sunday, Eddie switched over to his Kart2Kart.com/BRGRacing.com Suzuki SV650 to take on the National riders, along with the questionable weather for the National Series Sprint races.

Running the Lightweight Twins class with full rains, Eddie won his first National race, while chasing down expert riders, and finishing 2nd overall behind Bradley Champion on his SV650. A big thanks to his team members, who helped get the bike setup for the wet track conditions.

With a semi-dried track for Heavyweight Twins, the call for slicks was made, as Eddie went on to win his second race of the day, and take a top 10 overall finish. His dad and Crew Chief, Joe Kraft, took all the credit for the win, as he saved the day when electrical problems caused Eddie to miss the green flag and join the race at the back of the pack.

Finishing on a strong note, Eddie was able to end the weekend winning the Formula 2 race, which was held on a fully dried track. Taking 1st overall, expert #104 Scott Trautman kept the pressure on, aboard his Honda RS125. A solid start helped Eddie build an early lead, where he was able to put in consistent laps and finish the weekend on an high note.

While some of the Witchkraft Racing team is racing the WERA event at Mid Ohio this week, Eddie will be finishing the remainder of the North Central series schedule, which next hits Putnam Park on August 9/10.

More, from a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

SIDI TO SPONSOR AMA RED BULL SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Sidi, a world leader in motorcycling and cycling footwear has agreed to be a sponsor of AMA Pro Racing’s newest series, the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship.

According to Andy Leisner, AMA Pro Racing Vice President, the agreement will provide Sidi with significant on-site exposure as well as “exclusive boot sponsor” status.

Bill Berroth, president of Motonation, the American distributor of Sidi products, is looking forward to his company’s involvement with the series. “Sidi was founded in 1960 and has always lead the industry in terms of innovation,” said Berroth. “The technology that goes into every Sidi product is evident in both the comfort and design of our boots. We have a number of products that appeal to the Supermoto fan and racer so it’s a natural for us to be involved with the series.”

Leisner added that Sidi’s involvement in this series is particularly fitting because of the wide variety of racing backgrounds that the riders bring to this championship. “With motocrossers, road racers and dirt trackers competing in the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship, everyone approaches it a little differently,” said Leisner. “This is evident even in the gear worn by the participants. Most racers wear motocross boots while some favor more of a road racing-style boot. The synergy to the various products in the Sidi line is ideal.”

The AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship is comprised of six events running from July through November. The championship finale will take place on Nov. 21, 2003 in Las Vegas in connection with the AMA Awards Banquet.

FIM World Superbike Calendar Includes Two U.S. Dates In 2005

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From a press release issued by the FIM:

Superbike World Championship
2005 Pre-Calendar

The pre-calendar for the 2005 season of the Superbike World Championship is the following:

Dates Superbike Circuit

February 20
Qatar, Doha

March 6
Spain, Valencia

March 27
Australia, Phillip Island

April 17
San Marino, Misano

May 1
Japan, Sugo (tbc)

May 15
Italy, Monza

May 29
Germany, Oschersleben

June 12
Great-Britain, Silverstone

June 26
United States, tba

July 10
United States, Laguna Seca

July 24
Great-Britain, Brands Hatch

September 4
Netherlands, Assen

September 25
Italy, Imola

October 2
France, Magny-Cours

Tba: to be announced

Tbc: to be confirmed





Analysis: Number Of AMA Teams And Rides Will Decrease In 2004

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Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

ANALYSIS/OPINION

Based on what is currently known about 2004 AMA Pro Racing rules, which companies are currently participating and what company executives and team owners and sponsors are saying privately, a Roadracing World analysis predicts that there will be far fewer sponsored rides in the AMA paddock next year.

Roadracing World is predicting that six current support teams with a total of 10 riders will not return for the 2004 AMA Pro Road Racing Series.

Primary causes of the reduction in the number of support teams will be rising costs, less available sponsorship money and an increase in direct factory-team participation in support classes versus participation using contracted support teams.

The trend of factory teams competing directly in support classes has already been seen in Formula Xtreme with Suzuki and in Superstock with Kawasaki and Yamaha; full factory-team participation in Superstock is expected to expand to include Suzuki when Superstock switches to a 1000cc format in 2004.

AMA Pro Racing’s policy of reducing the number of classes has already eliminated three teams and five paid rides from the paddock, with the departure of Pro Thunder teams running Buells and Ducatis following the 2002 season. The elimination of 250cc Grand Prix at the end of this season will eliminate two current support teams–Stargel Aprilia and Oliver Yamaha–and two more rides.

Mid-season economic troubles have eliminated one team, Dream Team Ducati, and one ride, this season, and several other teams without substantial title sponsorship deals are on the bubble for 2004.

Which means that, if the analysis is correct, AMA Pro Racing will have lost 12 road racing teams and 18 road racing rides in two seasons.

All that remains now is to stand back and see what actually happens.


Aprilia Launches New RSV1000R And RSV1000R Factory

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While Sam Fleming flies to Mugello to ride the new Aprilia models, we whet your appetite with various press releases issued by Aprilia and Aprilia USA:

Improve the best. The new RSV 1000 R aims to do precisely this: to become the absolute epitome of sportiness, performance and design. The world’s most appreciated supersport bike has become even more beautiful, more high performing and more effective. The utmost twin-cylinder sportbike.

APRILIA RSV 1000 R

Very few road bikes can boast as many official awards from sector magazines as the Aprilia RSV 1000. During its first five years of life, it has come to be regarded as the absolute benchmark for performance, rideability and track success. A supersport bike with pedigree which, thanks to its first-rate technology and the best content/price ratio on the market, has won the hearts of 27,000 riders worldwide.

The best that could be desired, at least up to now, because Aprilia has decided to move the performance, sporting and pleasure-to-ride limits up even further with the new RSV 1000 R 2004. In short, Aprilia has decided to improve the best.

The RSV 1000 R inherits the full legacy of the previous model, but shifts all the technical and performance characteristics up and adds an R to its name to symbolize this increase.

The fastest production twin-cylinder bike on the track today is even faster. The main aim of the Aprilia RSV 1000 R project was in fact to increase on-track performance.

A new engine, frame and swing arm. The overall layout is new: it is lower (-25 mm) shorter (-35 mm) and more compact. And the revolutionary design is new, with improved aerodynamic penetration.

The RSV 1000 R sets a new benchmark for road sportbikes due to its technology and its extraordinary performance.

But what counts most is the further development of the concept of “total rideability” which has always characterized this bike and which has been the primary reason for its success.

The maniacal attention to ergonomics and its easy rideability make the rider feel immediately at ease with the bike so that he can quickly and almost effortlessly reach clock-times which would otherwise be unapproachable.

A less demanding ride means first and foremost a less physically and mentally tiring, faster and safer ride, during which the rider can keep his concentration higher for longer. These are determining factors for race performance, but are also important on the road.

The RSV 1000 R is Aprilia’s new benchmark for road supersport bikes.

Here are the project’s distinctive characteristics item by item:

? New design

? New V 60 Magnesium engine

? Air Runner air scoop

? Close gear ratio

? New electronic injection system with 57 mm throttle bodies

? New 16-bit electronic control unit

? New exhaust with double silencer, three-way catalytic converter and Lambda sensor

? New aluminium alloy perimetric frame

? New double banana aluminium swing arm

? New rear suspension linkage

? Lighter and less loaded steering plate

Attention has been paid to every minimum detail of this exclusive refined bike with its aggressive unmistakable look. The RSV 1000 R is the perfect balance between quality, technology, components and finish.

Everything has been developed, tested and suitably adjusted to further improve the performance of a bike with incomparable rideability.

The new engine has pushed performance limits even further. 138.72 hp (102 kW) at the crank giving a maximum speed of over 170 mph (280 km/h). These are the “figures” which make the RSV 1000 R a real benchmark among production twin-cylinder supersport bikes.

Its completely redesigned set-up improves the bike’s dynamic characteristics in every situation, making it incredibly even more successful on the track.

All this, of course, goes hand in hand with top-quality components, selected to make the RSV 1000 R a reference supersport bike among enthusiasts.

DESIGN
When performance becomes beauty. The design of the RSV 1000 R is truly revolutionary. It is lower and more compact with an unmistakable aggressive look.

Not design for design’s sake, but design at the disposal of technology and performance. Every detail has been designed not just to be pretty, but above all to be effective.

Finding the best possible air system for the V60 Magnesium engine has meant fundamental changes to the front. The air scoop has been placed in the middle of the windscreen, the point where the dynamic pressure is greatest. A fundamental factor for the bike’s performance therefore also becomes a fundamental part of the design.

The front headlamp insert is split with four lamps which work together in pairs thus getting rid of that unpleasant “Cyclops effect” typical of many modern sportbikes.

The RSV 1000 R is smaller, lower and slimmer, and this dimensional compactness is its strong point. All this without forgetting ergonomics which has always distinguished the RSV range.

The slender tail quickly converts from a one-seater to a two-seater. It is extremely compact and one of the most characteristic features of the bike. The compact rear LED light provides excellent brightness despite its extremely moderate dimensions. Even seen from behind, the RSV 1000 R is immediately recognizable.

The quest for the cleanest possible line and maximum aerodynamic penetration has led to elimination of the traditional indicator lights. The front ones are now incorporated in the rear-view mirrors, and the rear ones are built into the tail.

So no protrusions for a perfectly clean line able to cut through the air like no other. Thanks to these stratagems and long studies in a wind tunnel, the RSV 1000 R further improves the already exceptional CX of the RSV Mille 2003, which drops from 0.306 to 0.3.

V60 MAGNESIUM ENGINE
The 1000 “V 60 Magnesium” marks a turning point in the history of Aprilia twin-cylinder engines. It is based on the famous and appreciated V990, but has been so completely revised that it has changed name. The far-reaching changes make it the utmost benchmark for production twin-cylinder engines. It performs exceptionally, responds in every situation and has the proverbial Aprilia reliability.

The cylinder heads with magnesium covers have been completely redesigned. On-track experience has been turned to good use to improve their fluid dynamic efficiency and optimize combustion. In particular, the squish areas between the exhaust and intake valves have been made bigger. Thanks to this new design, best performance is obtained with a single spark plug, which at the same time increases combustion efficiency precisely due to the greater turbulence.

With the new layout, it has even been possible to distribute the cooling liquid more evenly around the combustion chamber which leads to more constant efficiency and reliability. Optimization of the ignition-injection system mapping has also led to ideal combustion even at low loads and low speeds.

As well as new cylinder heads, there are also new camshafts and new valve springs. The lubrication circuit has also been completely redesigned in this delicate area, not only to improve lubrication itself, but also to minimize viscous drag and consequent power loss.

The intake ducts have been redesigned to match the throttle bodies perfectly. The exhaust duct has also been redesigned: it now has an oval section to facilitate the passage of exhaust gases towards the silencer.

To improve the air supply to the “V60 Magnesium” the intake section has been completely redesigned. An air scoop, known as the “Air Runner”, has been placed in the middle of the windscreen, right where the dynamic pressure is greatest and perfectly in line with the bike.
A duct passes through the headstock to bring the pressurized air to the filter casing, which holds a good 10.3 litres.

A choke inside the duct, controlled by the electronic control unit, regulates air flow, thus providing the engine with the right amount of air at the right pressure at all revs. In this way, the engine performs better and provides a spurt unknown to the Aprilia V2 up to now. In fact the rev limiter has been upped to 11,000 rpm.

The mighty voice of the V60 Magnesium is muffled by two Helmotz resonators with different volumes which lower the intake noise at the most critical revs.

The airbox also houses a new air by-pass stepper motor which acts on an electronically controlled valve and sends air downstream of the butterfly valve thus making it easier to cold-start the bike and stabilizing the engine idling speed.

The Air Runner also acts as a structural component. Thanks to two light aluminium arms it holds the windscreen and the front headlight, therefore doing away with unattractive supports.

The new panel filter ensures less air resistance, therefore improving engine efficiency. It also costs less as a spare part than the previous RSV filter, leading to lower running costs.

The air intake section has been completely revised: the engine can now count on an injection system with 57 mm throttle bodies and a single injector per cylinder.

Thank to the Air Runner the pressure in the airbox increases as the bike runs faster leading to a 3% gain in power at maximum speed.

A new electronic control unit, made together with Siemens VDO, manages the whole engine. It receives all the vital parameters from 15 sensors in real time (temperature: air and liquid; pressure: atmospheric, airbox and oil; Lambda sensor; rotation sensors: driveshaft, camshaft, throttle and rear wheel; position sensors: kickstand, clutch and idle; battery voltage) and redistributes them instantly to the actuators.
A 36-minus-2-tooth wheel is coupled to the driveshaft, which is therefore able to manage the engine with greater precision (every 10°, rather than every 60°).

All the data passes through a CAN line (Controlled Area Network) to the instrument panel, which acts as an autodiagnosis terminal. In the event of a malfunction, the mechanic will be able to identify the problem immediately. The CAN line uses two wires only to transmit all this data, which enormously simplifies the electrical system and keeps the overall weight of the bike down.

The already excellent performance of the V990 is outclassed by the V60 Magnesium which pumps out a maximum power of 138.72 hp (102 kW) at 9,500 rpm with maximum torque of 107 Nm at 7,500 rpm. All this despite the fact the new engine is extremely “clean” since it is fitted with a three-way catalytic converter with lambda sensor and complies with the EC Euro2 standards.

Technological research does not only mean better performance; it also means keeping this performance up over time. The reliability of the RSV 1000 R has grown along with its performance. New high resistance specially designed rods have further increased the robustness of the engine.

But the V60 Magnesium is not only more powerful and robust, it is also lighter than the old V990 thanks to the use of special materials, such as magnesium for the cylinder-head covers and clutch cover.

Aprilia was the first to use a close ratio gearbox on a production bike. The RSV 1000 R is also fitted with this device which, more than ever before, allows the rider to get the full exceptional performance from the V60 Magnesium.
The result is even more aggressive acceleration and exhilarating gear changes off the bends, which may be experienced both on the road and on the track. The engine responds absolutely brilliantly even at the highest gears thus increasing the sportiness of the bike and riding fun.

This technical evolution has not eliminated those special characteristics which have made the RSV series stand out right from the first model.

? Longitudinal 60° V-twin engine with 4 valves per cylinder and double overhead camshaft, controlled by a mixed chain and gear system.

? Electronic fuel injection: with 57 mm throttle bodies and “Air Runner” air scoop. One injector per cylinder.

? CDI ignition with 1 plug per cylinder. Ignition is controlled by an integrated engine management system which also controls injection.

? Dry sump lubrication with double trochoidal pump, separate oil tank and cooling radiator.

? Mixed gear/chain drive: the two gears (one for each drive chain) inserted in the base reduce the space occupied by the cylinder heads.

The sophisticated twin-cylinder engine comes complete with exclusive patent Aprilia devices:

? AVDC (Anti Vibration Double Countershaft).

? Hydraulically controlled clutch with radial pump, assisted by a patented PPC (Pneumatic Power Clutch) system for separate rear wheel bounce control.

EXHAUST
The new exhaust system was designed on the basis of experience acquired in the Superbike championships.

It follows the 2 in 1 in 2 layout and is completely made of stainless steel, with 10/10 mm thick manifolds and oval section head mounting flanges made of precision cast stainless steel.

The silencers are lined with 8/10 mm thick stainless steel, with surface electroplating, and assembled with clamps and rivets according to the typical racing construction technique. They are positioned in order to minimize aerodynamic resistance and improve weight distribution.

FRAME
Years of high level racing have helped Aprilia R&D design an even better frame than the previous model, which was already acknowledged as one of the best production bike frames.

The primary aim when designing the new RSV 1000 R frame was perfect mass centralization. In accordance with the Aprilia tradition, the structure uses cast aluminium-silicon and die cast Peraluman 450 parts. The frame was optimized through long finite-element studies, and its torsional rigidity is 5% better than the previous model. Despite this the new frame is a good 600 grams lighter, bringing its total weight down to only 9650 grams: a weight only matched by racing bikes.

The headstock is positioned differently in order to lower the whole bike and consequently its centre of gravity. The swing arm pivot has been moved 0.5 mm forward, whereas both the swing arm mounting and the saddle frame have been lowered to make the bike more compact and concentrate its mass around the centre of gravity as much as possible.

The engine has been moved 4 mm to the right, together with the new exhaust system manifold, for perfect bike balancing.

Times change, riding styles change and bikes must change too. For this reason, the frame and swing arm assembly has been designed specifically not only to ensure maximum performance, but also to allow riders to manage skids perfectly (when entering and leaving bends).

Each component has been made more compact and optimized to adapt it to the new bike layout. The rear suspension linkage has been redesigned, the saddle frame is fixed vertically to the bike frame in order to decrease its thickness in the under-saddle area by 3 cm. The suspension supporting crossbars are cast and not extruded, so that they are better shaped around the rear suspension and contribute further towards perfect mass centralization.

The new RSV 1000 R swing arm has been designed using the know how acquired in motorbike GPs. It is also made with extruded Peraluman and cast Al Si 7. Its double banana shape leaves space for the new double-silencer exhaust system to pass through.

Again in this case, sections and thicknesses have been optimized using finite-element analysis. The RSV 1000 R swing arm weight has been decreased by a good 400 grams, to 4860 grams, well under the 5 kg threshold taken as reference for this particular component.

SUSPENSION
The Showa 43 mm upside-down fork is a perfect compromise between sportiness and road comfort. It has been taken from the racing units and has continuously adjustable preload and hydraulically adjustable rebound (2.5 turns) and compression (2.25 turns).

The Sachs mono-tube shock-absorber is fitted with a separate piggy back nitrogen cylinder built into the body. It has adjustable rebound, compression, preload and length in order to lift and lower the rear axle according to the required settings, rider’s preferences and other adjustments made.

Among the optional components is a continuous tyre pressure measuring system, to keep the alignment under control according to the suspension settings.

BRAKING SYSTEM
The Brembo Tripe Bridge Gold Series front system is without a doubt the best conventional system for motorbikes on the market today.

The RSV-R is fitted with two four-piston (34 mm diameter) callipers with four separate sintered pads (one per piston). The four pads double the pad-disc adhesion, thus increasing the braking force applied for the same amount of effort on the lever. Their more compact size also leads to more uniform pad wear.

The Brembo “Tripe Bridge” calliper structure (with central strengthening bridge) is the most rigid conventional system.

The double 320 mm diameter floating steel disc has a very short braking distance, in order to minimize inertia and weight, and uses an exclusive Aprilia design six-spoke flange.
The brake pump is radial to improve response precision and the feel of the lever.

The rear braking system is a Brembo Gold Series with 220 mm diameter stainless steel disc and two-piston (32 mm diameter) calliper.

Both the front and rear systems use braided metal lines taken from the aeronautics industry, which eliminate the irritating pressure smoothing effect of conventional lines and ensure maximum braking precision.

COMPONENTS
What particularly characterizes and distinguishes the Aprilia RSV 1000 R is the care and attention paid to every single component and part. This attention leads to better performance and functional characteristics, through a decrease in weight and considerable increase in product quality and finish.

Great care was particularly taken to rationalize the construction of the RSV 1000 R. Less pieces, less screws, less weight. The RSV 1000 R fairing consists of only 14 pieces compared to the 25 pieces on the previous version. The couplings have also been studied in a wind tunnel to optimize air flow over the bike, and improve CX and cooling.

As regards components, the following are worth mentioning:

– Dashboard: mixed type (digital-analogue). It receives all its data from a CAN line and is an integral part of the autodiagnosis system due to its memory. It has all the indicators of the previous model (including self lap-timing with a 40 lap memory), an extremely modern compact design and a drastically decreased weight (down from 560 to only 220 g). Its functional characteristics have been improved: all the functions are controlled by three convenient keys. The LED lighting may be set to three levels: white in the analogue area and red in the digital area.

– the headlight has four lights for perfect night-riding vision. The bike’s highly refined finish is also evident from the care taken over apparently accessory parts, such as the lamp holders made of blue anodized aluminium.

– The indicator lights are perfectly integrated into the bike. The front ones are incorporated in the rear-view mirrors and the rear ones are built into the tail. Consequently, they do not need removing for track use. The rear number plate holder may be quickly removed for the same reason.

– The specially made RSV 1000 R key has internal coding, and the ignition block has an immobilizer fitted as standard.

COLOURS
The three colour combinations highlight the RSV 1000 R’s modern line and are able to satisfy all tastes. The RSV 1000 R is available in Lead Grey/Magnet Grey, Aprilia Black/Diablo Black and Fluo Red/Lead Grey

All colour combinations come with polished frame and swing arm.

ACCESSORIES
? Akrapovic Exhausts – Aprilia Racing
? Titanium Exhausts – Aprilia Racing
? Reversed gearbox
? Tyre pressure indicator
? Rear kickstand
? Tank bag

APRILIA RSV 1000 R Specifications

Engine type
V60 Magnesium: four-stroke longitudinal 60° V-twin; liquid cooling with three-way pressurized circuit; double overhead camshaft operated by a mixed gear/chain system; four valves per cylinder; patent AVDC (Anti Vibration Double Countershaft).

Fuel
95 RON unleaded petrol

Bore and stroke
97 x 67.5 mm

Displacement
997.62 cc

Compression ratio
11.8 : 1

Maximum power at crank
138.72 hp (102 kW) at 9,500 rpm

Maximum torque at crank
10.9 kgm (107 Nm) at 7,500 rpm

Fuel system
Integrated electronic engine management system. Indirect multipoint electronic injection. Throttle body diameter: 57 mm. 10,3 litre airbox, with Air Runner air scoop.

Ignition
Digital electronic ignition, with one spark plug per cylinder and integrated injection

Starter
Electric

Exhaust
Double silencer with three-way catalytic converter and Lambda sensor (Euro 2)

Alternator
12V – 500 W

Lubrication
Dry sump with separate oil tank.
Double trochoidal pump with oil cooling radiator.
Steel oil tank

Gearbox
six speed with ratios:
1st 34/15 (2.27)
2nd 31/19 (1.63)
3rd 26/20 (1.3)
4th 24/22 (1.091)
5th 24/25 (0.96)
6th 23/26 (0.88)

Clutch
Multiple disc wet clutch with patented PPC power-assisted hydraulic control. Braided metal clutch line. Radial pump with 15 mm piston.

Primary drive
Straight cut gears with ratio: 60/31 (1.935)

Final drive
Chain
Ratio: 40/16 (2.5)

Frame
Box section sloping twin-spar aluminium alloy frame.

Front suspension
Showa 43 mm diameter upside-down fork, with adjustable compression, rebound and preload. Wheel travel: 120 mm.

Rear suspension
Aluminium alloy double banana swing arm; APS progressive system linkage.
Sachs hydraulic shock-absorber with adjustable rebound, compression, preload and length. Wheel travel: 133 mm.

Brakes
Front: Brembo double 320 mm diameter floating stainless steel disc. Brembo “Tripe bridge” callipers with four 34 mm diameter pistons and 4 sintered pads. Braided metal brake line.
Rear: Brembo 220 mm diameter stainless steel disc. Two-piston (32 mm diameter) calliper and sintered pads. Braided metal brake line.
Wheels

Aluminium alloy
Front: 3.50 X 17″
Rear: 6.00 X 17″

Tyres
Tubeless radial;
front: 120/70 ZR 17
rear: 190/50 ZR 17 (alternative: 180/55 ZR 17)

Dimensions
Overall length: 2035 mm
Overall width: 730 mm (at handlebars)
Overall height: 1145 mm (at windscreen)
Saddle height: 810 mm
Handlebar height 830 mm (at bar ends)

Wheelbase 1,415 mm

Trail 101.7 mm
Steering angle 24.80°

Dry weight, 189 Kg

Tank, 18 litre capacity (including 4 litre reserve)

Colours available
Lead Grey / Magnet Grey, Aprilia Black / Diablo Black, and Fluo Red / Lead Grey

All colour combinations come with a polished frame.

Factory is a magic word which immediately conjures up the world of racing and special bikes for special riders who fully appreciate the thrill of sports riding. The RSV 1000 R Factory is the top bike in the RSV 1000 R range. It is a refined supersport bike which is awesomely successful on the track.

APRILIA RSV 1000 R FACTORY

The RSV 1000 R Factory is an enhanced RSV 1000 R, i.e. the top twin-cylinder supersport bike. The twin V60 Magnesium engine and new RSV 1000 R settings together with special ultralight materials and the world’s best quality production components bring the RSV 1000 R Factory up to track-riding excellence.

The Aprilia RSV 1000 R Factory is the utmost expression of Aprilia’s technological and sporting heritage.

A project for those who demand maximum track-riding performance. Like the models which came before it, the Factory includes the very best motorcycle technology at a reasonable price, with an incomparable price/quality-component ratio for its category.

An RSV 1000 R raised to the umpteenth power, modified and further enhanced with the best possible components.

The most important parts which mark the difference between the RSV 1000 R Factory and the RSV 1000 R are:

? Radial callipers

? Fully adjustable Öhlins fork

? Adjustable Öhlins shock absorber

? Öhlins steering damper fitted as standard

? Forged aluminium wheels

? Rider’s saddle with nonslip racing seat

? Matt black painted frame

? Carbon parts

The Aprilia RSV 1000 R Factory is fitted with the world’s best components (also in order to reduce weight), and many devices and parts have been taken directly from the world of racing.
This is important in terms of design and production, and makes the RSV 1000 R Factory a precise reference standard not only for other twin-cylinder bikes, but above all for other supersport bikes. It is the perfect balance between quality, technology, components and finish. The very best, offered however at an absolutely competitive price.

Of course all the technical innovations introduced on the new RSV 1000 R are found on the Factory too, which can also count on current state of the art brakes and suspension.

ENGINE
No change to the V60 Magnesium already fitted to the RSV 1000 R, with the same innovative features and high level performance. It pumps out 138.72 hp (102 kW) at 9,500 rpm with a maximum torque of 107 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The double-silencer exhaust has a three-way catalytic converter with Lambda sensor which brings the RSV 1000 R Factory within the Euro 2 limits.

FRAME
The Factory has the same extremely light frame as the RSV 1000 R, apart from its black colour which gives it a slightly more aggressive look. The double banana swing arm is also the same, not polished but painted to resist surface wear better.

SUSPENSION
The 43 mm upside-down Öhlins Racing fork is titanium nitride coated to optimize smoothness. Its special structure with elongated sleeves and shortened legs reduces the load on two critical points of the forks themselves (the sliding bush and stanchion-leg coupling). The wheel travel is 120 mm.

Like the racing models, the fork rebound, compression and preload may be precision adjusted.

The forged aluminium brake calliper mounting bracket allows the new radial callipers to be fitted, perfectly in line with the latest GP and world SBK trends.

The rear Öhlins Racing shock absorber originates directly from experience on the track. It is fitted with a separate piggy back nitrogen cylinder built into the body. It has adjustable rebound, compression, preload and length in order to lift and lower the rear axle and adjust the suspension to different riding styles and different race tracks.

Among the optional components is a continuous tyre pressure measuring system, to keep the alignment under complete control according to the settings and suspension.

BRAKING SYSTEM
The best sportbike deserves the best braking system, and the RSV 1000 R Factory is once more on the leading edge of technology, with a radial clamp front braking system developed by Aprilia together with Brembo. Aprilia is certainly not new to this kind of technology. It was in fact the first to use this sophisticated braking system, fitted to a 250 GP.

The benefits for the rider are:

? More effective braking

? More precise response to the driver’s actions. Any free lever movement due to calliper “elasticity” is almost completely eliminated since radial mounting prevents any movement of the calliper itself.

? Longer pad life. With radial mounting, the pads work more in line with the disc, precisely because the calliper is kept more strictly aligned with its theoretical working position even when under extreme stress. This lengthens pad life basically because better alignment leads to more even surface wear.

? Better system stability and consequently less difference between hot and cold performance.

The 320 mm front floating steel discs use lowered mounts to minimize weight and inertia, leading to more effective handling.

The radial system on the RSV 1000 R Factory is combined with a radial pump to form the most sophisticated braking system currently fitted to a production bike

The rear braking system is a Brembo Gold Series with 220 mm diameter stainless steel disc and a two-piston (32 mm diameter) calliper.

Both the front and rear systems use braided metal lines taken from the aeronautics industry, which eliminate the irritating pressure smoothing effect of conventional lines and ensure maximum braking precision.

COMPONENTS
What particularly characterizes and distinguishes the Aprilia RSV 1000 R Factory is the care taken in construction and attention paid to every single component and part. This attention leads to an increase in performance, feel and rideability, through a decrease in weight and considerable improvement in product quality and finish.

An exclusive two-chamber steering damper from the specialist Öhlins Racing line is fitted as standard. It may of course be adjusted to adapt the bike’s response to various riding conditions.

The extensive use of carbon components make the motorbike even lighter and more refined. The mudguards and several parts of the fairing are made of extremely light “woven carbon composite”.
Furthermore the RSV 1000 R Factory headstock shaft is made of aluminium and not steel, which also contributes to reducing the overall weight of the bike.

The exclusively designed forged wheels deserve a particular mention, since they are definitely one of the most distinctive parts of the bike, not just aesthetically, but also technically. They are forged from Anticorodal 6061 aluminium using an 8,000 ton hydraulic press.

This technique produces wheels without defects or the porosity which may always result from the casting process, and gives them exceptional mechanical characteristics.

Finite-element analysis was used to find the best design, which came out to be a front wheel with six spokes and back wheel with five which split in two towards the rim.

This was not just an aesthetic choice; this structure provides excellent lateral and torsional rigidity (thus keeping the suspension stable). As with the whole RSV 1000 R project, performance becomes beauty in this case too.

The weight saving is exceptional: about 25% less for each wheel compared with the lightest wheels on the market made using the traditional aluminium casting technique.

Inertia too is consequently 25 % lower than for cast aluminium alloy wheels.

The maniacal care taken over the RSV 1000 R Factory project has not overlooked even the most insignificant details. The wheels are anodized and not painted. This leads to a further weight saving on this essential component and ensure

Suzuka 8-Hours Preview

From a press release issued by Honda Racing, and yes, it really did show up here with a question mark where Nicky’s number is supposed to be:

Suzuka 8 Hours. Suzuka, Japan August 3, 2003.

Honda Chasing Magic Seventh Consecutive Suzuka 8 Hour Victory

Honda teams and riders go into the 26th running of the Suzuka 8 Hours chasing their seventh consecutive victory in the race, Japan’s premier motorcycle event. The Honda assault will be spearheaded by the two Seven Stars Honda teams, both equipped with the latest version of the VTR1000SP-W.

Grand prix stars Nicky Hayden, the reigning AMA Superbike Champion and Ryuichi Kiyonari, the All Japan Supersport Champion, will race with number? While Tohru Ukawa, a three-time winner of the race, will be partnered by Hitoyasu Izutsu, racing with the sole intention of giving Honda their 18th victory in 26 starts in the prestigious race.

Ukawa is a man with a special mission, a victory on Sunday will see him equal Wayne Gardner’s record of four 8-hour victories. He missed the race in 2002 due to a broken ankle sustained in a crash at the British GP, at Donington Park. He crashed at the same event two weeks ago but this time emerged with a gashed elbow and heavy bruising, not serious enough to prevent him racing at the German GP, or Suzuka.

It will be Izutsu’s first 8-hours with HRC prepared machinery but he has a good record at Suzuka and will match Ukawa’s speed and determination in the race. His best result so far was in 1999, when he partnered Akira Yanagawa to third place.

Hayden is making his eight-hour debut but the young American has already tested the VTR he will race on Sunday, an up-dated version of the machine that carried him to the US Superbike title in 2002. Kiyonari has virtually no experience on a big twin VTR1000SP-W. His sole All Japan Superbike Championship appearance was aboard a CBR954RR Honda, a wet race at Aida last season, which he won handsomely. The partnership will be aiming to emulate the US – Japanese combination of Edwards and Kato who took the win in 2002.

Fuel consumption is a vital element in race strategy and HRC Team manager Nobuo Ohno will work with a six-stop race plan. The VTR had previously run a seven-stop race plan but the six-stop strategy was successful in 2002 and the HRC teams will go to the start with the intention of repeating that performance. However, Ohno has prepared contingency plans in the event of accidents, inclement weather, and the intervention of the pace car disrupting his plans.

The Sakurai Honda team will also race VTR1000SP-W machines in the Japanese classic. Double 8-hour victor Tadayuki Okada, who is teamed with Chozum Kameya, will lead the two-team entry.

Kameya’s participation is particularly poignant as he is a cousin of the late Daijiro Kato, who died of injuries incurred in a crash at the grand prix held at Suzuka in April of this year. The Okada – Kameya combination will race with Kato’s number 74 plate in a tribute to the 2002 World 250cc Champion. Kato carried number 74 throughout his illustrious grand prix career.

The second Sakurai Honda will be in the capable hands of Yukio Nukumi and Manabu Kamata, both experienced 8-hour campaigners. Few riders know the VTR1000SP-W better than Kamata, while not racing Kamata works as test rider for HRC and has undertaken hours of development work on the big twin he will race on Sunday. Partner Nukumi, now 31-years old, contests his 10th Suzuka 8 Hours.

The four teams competing with factory prepared VTR1000SP-W’s will have to be at their very best to withstand the challenged of several fast, reliable Honda teams in the field. Chief among them former grand prix riders Takeshi Tsujimura and Shinichi Ito, near veterans but still very fast particularly at Suzuka. The two seasoned campaigners will race a CBR954RR F.C.C TSR for the Zip – FM team.

Former two-time 125cc World Champion Haruchika Aoki is teamed with Osamu Deguchi for team Weider Honda Gakuen, while Tatuya Yamaguchi is paired with Yuki Takahashi, so impressive on his way to third at the 250cc Pacific GP at Motegi last year, on a 555 Honda. Both squads equipped with CBR954RRs.

The circuit has been changed slightly for the 8-hours, the chicane reverting to near pre-grand prix lay out.

Honda rider quotes:
Nicky Hayden: “I’m really excited about racing the 8 hours, it will be the first time for me. As a kid you read about your heroes racing the 8 hours and hope you will take part one day. I like the idea of the pit stops, race strategy, and racing at night, sounds pretty cool. The only pit stop race I’ve done is Daytona, but this is a whole lot different I’m sure. The race is really important to Honda so I want to do well.

“After the GP at Assen we tested the bike at Suzuka, it was the first time I rode a RC51 (VTR) since last August, this bike is pretty much the same as my US Superbike was last year. I’m racing with Kiyo San (Ryuichi Kiyonari) so we tried each other’s bikes at the test, but only in the rain. We’re pretty close on set up, and we both use similar riding positions so I think we will have no problems riding together. The VTR is a good package for this kind of race and race track.

“It’s a long race but I like the track, doing a lot of laps will help with other races at Suzuka. There seems to be a lot of traffic to get passed in the race, which will be interesting. I’m looking forward to the experience.”

Ryuichi Kiyonari: “This will be my third Suzuka 8 Hours and my first on a VTR, I raced a CBR last time out, in 2001. We broke the engine after my first session so I hope this time to have a good result. Although I have not much experience at the 8 hours I have raced many times at Suzuka circuit, I started my road race career there in 1991, at the ‘Suzuka Racing School.’ I’ve also raced the Suzuka 4 Hours, I like the track and I think I will enjoy racing the VTR on Sunday.

“We tested for two days after Assen and the bike was really good, perfect for Suzuka. I’m riding with Nicky (Hayden) and we are close on set up and riding position, so we have no problems with that. We will be the ‘VTR Rookies’ at Suzuka.”

Tohru Ukawa: “This year I’m racing with Izutsu San, for the first time. He’s a good rider, fast. We used to race against each other before I started GP racing. He’s a good guy – we will do well, of that I’m sure. In the test after Assen our machine set up was almost the same, and our lap times were also very close, so I’m confident we will be fast.

“We start practice on Wednesday on the revised track, the chicane has been changed again it’s back to almost the old lay out. Fuel consumption is important to Honda and last year the teams ran the race with only six pit stops, instead of seven. They hope to use the same strategy this year.

“Last year I didn’t race the 8-hours, I broke my ankle at Donington Park and was not fit enough to race. I did the same thing this year but only cut my elbow and bruised my arm. The arm is OK now, I have full movement so I think it will not be a problem for Suzuka.

“I’m not thinking about equalling Wayne Gardner’s record of four wins, if I win the race the record will come naturally. The race is a one off, a podium place has no meaning, only a win matters in the 8-hours.”

Izutsu’s best result so far was in 1999, when he partnered Akira Yanagawa to third place.

Hitoyasu Izutsu: “This is my first 8hr race on Honda and am really looking forward to it. When I was riding Kawasaki, Honda was a high barrier but I wanted to beat Honda. Now I am in the Honda camp and all the circumstances are ready for me to win the race. I want to win the race and I am quite confident about it as my partner is the experienced Ukawa, and the machine I will be riding is the same as the last year’s winning machine. As we are doing 6 pit stops, Ukawa will be riding longer than me. Our goal is to mark 220 laps ( previous record 219 laps last year). I have marked 2:08s during the test but the race time will be around 2:9-10. We will not try hard to get the pole position as the pole-sitter hasn’t won the race past ten years or so. Our main aim is to win the race and not to get the pole-position.”

Tadayuki Okada: “I requested to race the 8-hours this year, I get too much stress just watching races, it’s a completely different life. I enjoy the fun of racing. I will race with Chozun Kameya, a cousin of Daijiro (Kato), and we will race with number 74. I choose number 74 for the race, it will give me strength, ‘Daichan’ was like one of my own family. I am happy to accept the responsibility of racing with the 74 plate.

“Kameya San is a good rider, he’s leading the national 250cc championship. He doesn’t have much big bike experience but I am happy to race with him, his lap time at the Suzuka test was good. We will race with respect for ‘Daichan’ but we will be racing to win, that’s all we will have in mind.

“I’m interested to race with the new Michelin MotoGP tyre. It was me and Colin (Edwards) who did a lot of the development work with the tyres but I have never raced with it. The character of the Michelin tyres in my time was that they took a little time to get warm but when they did the tyres were very good. This tyre warms very quickly. The VTR1000SP-W is much different to the RC211V but the tyre works well on the big twin. The VTR is much better now than when I last raced it, it handles better now, and maybe has a little more power.”

Leading Honda entries.
Tohru Ukawa – Hitoyasu Izutsu J/J VTR1000SPW Seven Stars Honda

Nicky Hayden – Ryuichi Kiyonari USA/J VTR1000SPW Seven Stars Honda

Yukio Nukumi – Manabu Kamata J/J VTR1000SPW Sakurai Honda

Tady Okada – Chozun Kemeya J/J VTR1000SPW Sakurai Honda


Nodell Wins RACE Pro Formula Championship

From a press release issued by Nodell Motorsports:

Nodell clinches Pro Formula Championship aboard 250

The Nodell Motorsports motorcycle team clinched the overall number one plate on their Canada Post/The Bear Chair Co. backed Honda RS250 in the R.A.C.E Superseries over defending series champion Frank Trombino on his factory Yamaha this past weekend.

Rider Stuart Nodell battled head to head against Frank Trombino for most of the featured event in wet conditions. The two riders swapped the lead position numerous times in the opening laps. While Trombino lead Nodell into turn one he had a big slide and crashed allowing Nodell to go on to clinch the championship with one round still remaining.

Nodell continued to lead the event until the halfway point when he decided to be smart and run a calculated race, finishing third behind Canadian Kawasaki’s Matt McBride and Andrew Nelson to ensure the team would win the championship. By virtue of winning the qualifying heat race on Saturday, Nodell banked the two bonus points and only had to finish ahead of Trombino to secure the title.

The Ben Gartner prepared Bridgestone shod RS250 has been the class of the field all season long. Following the race Nodell stated “This championship is gratifying as our team set this objective following the 2002 season and succeeded in dominating fashion aboard a 250 against factory backed efforts of 1000s and 600s.” Gartner also replied “This is one of Canada’s most prestigious championships and all of Canada’s best have at one time or another attempted to win this title from Lang Hindle, Art Robbins, Michel Mercier, Steve Crevier, Pascal Picotte and even Miguel Duhamel.”

The team also went on to score a dominating victory in the 250 Grand Prix class over Jeff Lowe and Christian Rose.

The team’s next event is The Can-Am 125 Grand Prix Challenge held at Le Circuit in Mont Tremblant, Quebec in conjunction with the Canadian Superbike Championship where the team sits only seven points back of first place in the championship.

Canada Post, The Bear Chair Co, Bridgestone Tires, Crossbeam.com, Absolute AD Ventures, Bickle Tire Warmers and EBC Brakes sponsor the Nodell Motorsports Motorcycle Racing Team.

Please visit our website at www.nodellmotorsports.com to follow the team’s progress.

1.Matt McBride KAW 600
2.Andrew Nelson HON 600
3.Stuart Nodell HON 250
4.Darren Wilbur YAM 600
5.Frank Trombino YAM 600

Colin Jensen Back At Work

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Colin Jensen, whose violent crash caused the AMA 250cc Grand Prix race at Mid-Ohio to be red-flagged Sunday, is back at work at Jensen-Stern in Ketchum, Idaho.

“I’m OK,” said Jensen by phone Tuesday. “I’m really sore and stiff and my head is banged up. I cracked a rib and broke a process, which is the little thing on the end of the vertebra, but I think I did that at Laguna Seca.

“I’ll be at VIR, racing.”

Tornado Motorsports Grand Opening This Saturday In New Hampshire

From a press release issued by Tornado Motorsports:
Tornado Motorsports, Dealer Of Benelli/Moto Guzzi/Vertemati, Opens In Manchester, New Hampshire

We are proud to announce the opening of Tornado Motorsports, offering marque Italian motorcycles, accessories, and apparel. Tornado Motorsports will be immediately offering the complete Moto Guzzi lineup. Tornado Motorsports is the exclusive New Hampshire/Maine/Vermont Benelli dealership; Benelli’s motorcycles are expected to arrive shortly, also coming soon will be the Vertemati brand.

Tornado Motorsports is located next to EagleRider – New Hampshire in Manchester, New Hampshire. Tornado Motorsports will offer a wide selection of Benelli, Moto Guzzi, and Vertemati Motorcycles, parts and accessories with factory trained technicians working in a fully equipped service department.

Tornado Motorsports will focus on attention to detail, exceptional customer service and outstanding product selection.

The Grand Opening event for Tornado Motorsports is on Saturday, August 2nd, 2003 between 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.. There will be refreshments and door prizes.

Tornado Motorsports is located at 21 W. Auburn Street, Manchester, NH 03101, phone (603) 626-1606, www.tornadomotorsports.com

Updated Post: Racer–AMA Official Spent Red-flag Period Talking To Noce, Then Ordered Him Black-flagged

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

More on Sandy Noce being twice black-flagged out of the AMA 250cc Grand Prix race at Mid-Ohio, because AMA Pro Racing officials mistook his bike for someone else’s:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail

Just to add a further unfathomable series of events to the Sandy Noce debacle: The very official who called for the black flag sat on the hot pit talking to Sandy during the red flag downtime! This guy not only personally interacted with Sandy during the whole time he would supposedly have been away getting his spare bike, but he NEVER WROTE DOWN THE NUMBER of the bike that actually committed the infraction.

When Sandy pulled in the second time and pulled off his helmet, the official looked at him and said, “Oh, shit!” because he recognized Sandy’s face and knew that he couldn’t possibly be the one. He told Sandy that he knew it was “a white bike.”

We invest a year of our lives chasing dreams and goals racing in this professional circus. To think that some “official” can ruin everything with one vague and cavalier accusation is unconscionable.

Sandy Noce would have ridden to a well-deserved 5th or 6th place. He deserves a helluva lot more than an apology.

Stephen Bowline
AMA 250GP #314
Burbank, California

More, from a race report sent out by former racer Bruce Lind, who now tunes for a number of AMA racers:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I was standing at the lower hot pit entrance when an all-white bike with #12 on it (Keith Floyd) came rolling down the entry road. Keith stopped and talked to an AMA official (male) and explained that he was being honest. He had a mechanical on his primary bike and had gone back to the paddock to get his spare bike. The official told him he could not re-enter the pits/race and Keith rode the bike up the back of the EZ-ups. I assume that he rode it back to the garage area, exiting at the top of the pits. His number does not appear of the charts after the restart.

I was signaling to Sean Wray (after Ed Sorbo crashed in T-11) when Sandy Noce was black-flagged. He came right into the pits (assuming like the rest of us did that he had been tagged with a stop-and-go). As soon as Sandy re-entered the track after not finding any official at either pit entrance/exit, the black flag came out again.

This time there were AMA officials waiting for Sandy.

The pit official remembered an all-white bike had tried to re-enter the pits, but could not remember the number on the bike. Sandy’s bike is all white. The official called out for the wrong bike to be brought in and be disqualified. As you can imagine, Sandy was HOT. He was called into the pits from 6th place.

Sandy was credited with 24th place.

Since then I have learned that (AMA Pro Racing’s) Ron Barrick has not only given Sandy an apology, but has given him the points and purse for 6th place.

Bruce Lind
Snohomish, Washington

See related post,

7/28/2003 Updated Post: Mistaken Identity At Mid-Ohio, Or, Why Have Numbers On Racebikes If Not To ID Racers?

Recent Birth

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

LRRS racer Jason Hillsgrove and wife Heather had a daughter, Lilianne Paige Hillsgrove, July 24 in Rochester, New Hampshire. Hillsgrove rides for Double Apex Racing Team (DART).

Hey, It’s A Slow News Day: Assorted Press Releases That Came In While We Were Away At Mid-Ohio Last Week

From a press release issued by WERA:

LOCAL RACERS SHINE DURING WERA NATIONAL AT GRATTAN RACEWAY; BATEY WINS SUZUKI WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

BELDING, Mich.- Local riders proved that they know the fast way around Grattan Raceway during the Dunlop/WERA National Endurance and WERA National Challenge Series races, July 19-20.

Tray Batey, Mark Junge and John Jacobi won the seven and a half hour Dunlop/WERA National Endurance Series race by seven laps on the Vesrah
Suzuki GSX-R1000, and they were joined on the podium by two local teams.

Taylor Knapp/Ray C’s Racing was second overall and first in the Mediumweight Superstock class. Local riders Fritz Kling and Ray Yoder teamed up to ride the Yamaha YZF-R6.

Firehawk, another local team, was third on the overall podium and second in Mediumweight Superstock. Scotty VanScoik, Cole Wyatt, JP Tache and Steve Steinman were also riding a Yamaha YZF-R6.

Rain was unable to mar the close competition during the WERA National Challenge Series sprint races. Several local racers rode to wins, including Northville, Mich., resident Chuck Bannon, who battled with series regular David Weber to win 750 Superbike on a Suzuki GSX-R750.

Scott Trautmann of Holland, Mich., won both 125 Grand Prix and Formula 2 on a Honda RS125.

Mark Junge rode the Vesrah Suzuki GSX-R1000 to a win in Open Superstock, and he later won 600 Superstock on a Suzuki GSX-R600.

Junge’s teammate Tray Batey won Pirelli Formula 1 on a Suzuki GSX-R750 and Heavyweight Twins on a borrowed Suzuki SV1000. He set a new track record of 1:19.15 during the Formula 1 race.

Batey also won the first of three Suzuki World Cup Qualifier races that will be held in the United States. The winner of each race gets to travel to Magny Cours, France, to represent the United States in the Suzuki World Cup.

Reuben Frankenfield won 750 Superstock on a Suzuki GSX-R750, and Bradley Champion took the victory in Lightweight Twins on a Suzuki SV650. Team InfoTech’s Nicky Wimbauer won the 600 Superbike race on a Yamaha YZF-R6. It was the first WERA National win for the 15-year-old racer.

In the novice classes, Eddie Kraft from Shelby Township, Mich., won Heavyweight Twins, Lightweight Twins and Formula 2 on the Kart2Kart.com/BRGRacing.com Suzuki SV650. Sparta, Mich., racer Bradley Anderson won 750 Superbike on a Honda CBR600F4.

Adam Sylvester of Holland, Mich., won the 600 Superbike race by just a few bike lengths on his Yamaha YZF-R6.

Matt Lynn won 750 Superstock on a Suzuki GSX-R600 and Eddie Robinson took the victory in the STAR School 600 Superstock race on a Yamaha YZF-R6.

The next round of the WERA National Challenge and the Dunlop/WERA National Endurance Series will be at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia, August 1-3. The endurance race will be six hours in length.

More information about WERA, including complete race results and class points, can be found on the Internet at www.WERA.com.

More, from a press release issued by Team Velocity Racing:

TEAM VELOCITY RACING FINISHES 4TH IN MEDIUMWEIGHT SUPERSTOCK, 6TH OVERALL DURING WERA ENDURANCE AT GRATTAN

BELDING, Mich.- Team Velocity Racing’s Chuck Ivey, Steven Breckenridge and Reuben Frankenfield persevered for seven and a half hours to finish sixth overall and fourth in the Mediumweight Superstock class during the WERA National Endurance Series round held at Grattan Raceway on June 19, despite crashing twice.

Ivey started the race and was fifth in the opening laps on the Team Velocity Suzuki GSX-R600. He then pitted and handed the bike over to Frankenfield, who was setting consistent, quick laps until he crashed.

“My first stint went well, except for falling in the bowl turn. Luckily I didn’t even stall the motor. I got it picked up, went back to the pits, we got the bike teched and went back out,” said Frankenfield.

The team made a routine pit stop about halfway though the race for fuel, new tires and a rider change, and Ivey got on the bike for his second stint. When he got to turn one on his first lap, Ivey realized that the brakes had not been pumped up following the tire change. He ran off the track and crashed in the turn one gravel trap.

“I felt really good in my first stint. I was doing some decent times when I started,” commented Ivey. “The second stint, we changed the front and rear tires with a Superstock setup in a minute and 15 seconds. Of course we lost it all in turn one when I reached for the brake and nothing was there. I locked up the rear and it was wanting to highside me on each side. I rode into the gravel and fortunately just tipped over. Everybody did really well, we just had some mistakes.”

“‘Trials and tribulations’ sums up the day,” said Breckenridge. “We had a lot of misfortune. Otherwise we probably would have finished on the podium in our class. As for me, I went out in my second stint and hooked up with Jeff Walker on the Army of Darkness bike, and we were going at it. I had a lot of fun.

“Reuben put a fresh motor in the bike for this weekend and it runs great. We were able to run right along Army of Darkness’ Superbike. We’re happy with that, and with all of the teamwork.”

Frankenfield stayed at Grattan to run the WERA National Challenge Series sprint races the next day. He won the 750 Superstock race on a Suzuki GSX-R750, pulling away for a 19.28-second margin of victory over second-place finisher Tray Batey.

The 750 Superstock race was held after a rainstorm, and the track was beginning to dry. Frankenfield quickly mounted intermediate Pirelli tires, barely making the starting grid in time.

“At first I didn’t think I was going to be able to stay with the leaders, but I got a really good start,” said Frankenfield. “I wanted to stay with Tray, and then he had a big moment coming onto the front straightaway. He gathered it up and did a big long wheelie down the front straight, which cost him some time. The next lap I had a really big moment; I thought I was off. Eventually I realized I was catching Tray. I made the pass and rode away.”

Later in the day, Frankenfield also competed in the Suzuki World Cup Qualifier race, finishing fifth. He ran as high as third in the first half of the race.

Team Velocity Racing will be competing in the next round of the WERA National Endurance Series, which will be a six-hour race at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia, August 1-3.

More information about Team Velocity Racing can be found on the Internet at www.TeamVelocityRacing.com.

More, from a press release issued by Witchkraft Racing:

Witchkraft Racing Successful at First National

WERA National Series
Grattan Raceway
July 19/20, 2003

Witchkraft Racing’s Eddie Kraft teamed up with Gary Schilling and Steve Bell to finished strong enough to take 2nd place in the Lightweight class of WERA’s 8 hour Endurance race, which took place at the scenic and technical Grattan Raceway.

Riding Schilling’s Blue Ridge Performance Suzuki SV650, the team suffered a major setback when electrical problems struck on the opening laps of the race. Switching to the B bike, Kraft put in consistent laps for the first hour, while Schilling and Bell followed suit–battling back from over 10 laps down to take 2nd place. Blue Ridge was able to build a substantial cushion, as other teams were left chasing problems of their own. The final hour wasn’t without drama, as clutch problems forced Blue Ridge to come in, losing valuable laps to both the lightweight leaders and third place. Forced to finish the remaining 35 minutes in 4th gear around the entire Grattan course, Bell took the checkered flag and 2nd place, while Blue Ridge Performance legitimately earned their first podium finish in the National Endurance Series.

On Sunday, Eddie switched over to his Kart2Kart.com/BRGRacing.com Suzuki SV650 to take on the National riders, along with the questionable weather for the National Series Sprint races.

Running the Lightweight Twins class with full rains, Eddie won his first National race, while chasing down expert riders, and finishing 2nd overall behind Bradley Champion on his SV650. A big thanks to his team members, who helped get the bike setup for the wet track conditions.

With a semi-dried track for Heavyweight Twins, the call for slicks was made, as Eddie went on to win his second race of the day, and take a top 10 overall finish. His dad and Crew Chief, Joe Kraft, took all the credit for the win, as he saved the day when electrical problems caused Eddie to miss the green flag and join the race at the back of the pack.

Finishing on a strong note, Eddie was able to end the weekend winning the Formula 2 race, which was held on a fully dried track. Taking 1st overall, expert #104 Scott Trautman kept the pressure on, aboard his Honda RS125. A solid start helped Eddie build an early lead, where he was able to put in consistent laps and finish the weekend on an high note.

While some of the Witchkraft Racing team is racing the WERA event at Mid Ohio this week, Eddie will be finishing the remainder of the North Central series schedule, which next hits Putnam Park on August 9/10.

More, from a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

SIDI TO SPONSOR AMA RED BULL SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Sidi, a world leader in motorcycling and cycling footwear has agreed to be a sponsor of AMA Pro Racing’s newest series, the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship.

According to Andy Leisner, AMA Pro Racing Vice President, the agreement will provide Sidi with significant on-site exposure as well as “exclusive boot sponsor” status.

Bill Berroth, president of Motonation, the American distributor of Sidi products, is looking forward to his company’s involvement with the series. “Sidi was founded in 1960 and has always lead the industry in terms of innovation,” said Berroth. “The technology that goes into every Sidi product is evident in both the comfort and design of our boots. We have a number of products that appeal to the Supermoto fan and racer so it’s a natural for us to be involved with the series.”

Leisner added that Sidi’s involvement in this series is particularly fitting because of the wide variety of racing backgrounds that the riders bring to this championship. “With motocrossers, road racers and dirt trackers competing in the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship, everyone approaches it a little differently,” said Leisner. “This is evident even in the gear worn by the participants. Most racers wear motocross boots while some favor more of a road racing-style boot. The synergy to the various products in the Sidi line is ideal.”

The AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship is comprised of six events running from July through November. The championship finale will take place on Nov. 21, 2003 in Las Vegas in connection with the AMA Awards Banquet.

FIM World Superbike Calendar Includes Two U.S. Dates In 2005

From a press release issued by the FIM:

Superbike World Championship
2005 Pre-Calendar

The pre-calendar for the 2005 season of the Superbike World Championship is the following:

Dates Superbike Circuit

February 20
Qatar, Doha

March 6
Spain, Valencia

March 27
Australia, Phillip Island

April 17
San Marino, Misano

May 1
Japan, Sugo (tbc)

May 15
Italy, Monza

May 29
Germany, Oschersleben

June 12
Great-Britain, Silverstone

June 26
United States, tba

July 10
United States, Laguna Seca

July 24
Great-Britain, Brands Hatch

September 4
Netherlands, Assen

September 25
Italy, Imola

October 2
France, Magny-Cours

Tba: to be announced

Tbc: to be confirmed





Analysis: Number Of AMA Teams And Rides Will Decrease In 2004

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

ANALYSIS/OPINION

Based on what is currently known about 2004 AMA Pro Racing rules, which companies are currently participating and what company executives and team owners and sponsors are saying privately, a Roadracing World analysis predicts that there will be far fewer sponsored rides in the AMA paddock next year.

Roadracing World is predicting that six current support teams with a total of 10 riders will not return for the 2004 AMA Pro Road Racing Series.

Primary causes of the reduction in the number of support teams will be rising costs, less available sponsorship money and an increase in direct factory-team participation in support classes versus participation using contracted support teams.

The trend of factory teams competing directly in support classes has already been seen in Formula Xtreme with Suzuki and in Superstock with Kawasaki and Yamaha; full factory-team participation in Superstock is expected to expand to include Suzuki when Superstock switches to a 1000cc format in 2004.

AMA Pro Racing’s policy of reducing the number of classes has already eliminated three teams and five paid rides from the paddock, with the departure of Pro Thunder teams running Buells and Ducatis following the 2002 season. The elimination of 250cc Grand Prix at the end of this season will eliminate two current support teams–Stargel Aprilia and Oliver Yamaha–and two more rides.

Mid-season economic troubles have eliminated one team, Dream Team Ducati, and one ride, this season, and several other teams without substantial title sponsorship deals are on the bubble for 2004.

Which means that, if the analysis is correct, AMA Pro Racing will have lost 12 road racing teams and 18 road racing rides in two seasons.

All that remains now is to stand back and see what actually happens.


Aprilia Launches New RSV1000R And RSV1000R Factory

While Sam Fleming flies to Mugello to ride the new Aprilia models, we whet your appetite with various press releases issued by Aprilia and Aprilia USA:

Improve the best. The new RSV 1000 R aims to do precisely this: to become the absolute epitome of sportiness, performance and design. The world’s most appreciated supersport bike has become even more beautiful, more high performing and more effective. The utmost twin-cylinder sportbike.

APRILIA RSV 1000 R

Very few road bikes can boast as many official awards from sector magazines as the Aprilia RSV 1000. During its first five years of life, it has come to be regarded as the absolute benchmark for performance, rideability and track success. A supersport bike with pedigree which, thanks to its first-rate technology and the best content/price ratio on the market, has won the hearts of 27,000 riders worldwide.

The best that could be desired, at least up to now, because Aprilia has decided to move the performance, sporting and pleasure-to-ride limits up even further with the new RSV 1000 R 2004. In short, Aprilia has decided to improve the best.

The RSV 1000 R inherits the full legacy of the previous model, but shifts all the technical and performance characteristics up and adds an R to its name to symbolize this increase.

The fastest production twin-cylinder bike on the track today is even faster. The main aim of the Aprilia RSV 1000 R project was in fact to increase on-track performance.

A new engine, frame and swing arm. The overall layout is new: it is lower (-25 mm) shorter (-35 mm) and more compact. And the revolutionary design is new, with improved aerodynamic penetration.

The RSV 1000 R sets a new benchmark for road sportbikes due to its technology and its extraordinary performance.

But what counts most is the further development of the concept of “total rideability” which has always characterized this bike and which has been the primary reason for its success.

The maniacal attention to ergonomics and its easy rideability make the rider feel immediately at ease with the bike so that he can quickly and almost effortlessly reach clock-times which would otherwise be unapproachable.

A less demanding ride means first and foremost a less physically and mentally tiring, faster and safer ride, during which the rider can keep his concentration higher for longer. These are determining factors for race performance, but are also important on the road.

The RSV 1000 R is Aprilia’s new benchmark for road supersport bikes.

Here are the project’s distinctive characteristics item by item:

? New design

? New V 60 Magnesium engine

? Air Runner air scoop

? Close gear ratio

? New electronic injection system with 57 mm throttle bodies

? New 16-bit electronic control unit

? New exhaust with double silencer, three-way catalytic converter and Lambda sensor

? New aluminium alloy perimetric frame

? New double banana aluminium swing arm

? New rear suspension linkage

? Lighter and less loaded steering plate

Attention has been paid to every minimum detail of this exclusive refined bike with its aggressive unmistakable look. The RSV 1000 R is the perfect balance between quality, technology, components and finish.

Everything has been developed, tested and suitably adjusted to further improve the performance of a bike with incomparable rideability.

The new engine has pushed performance limits even further. 138.72 hp (102 kW) at the crank giving a maximum speed of over 170 mph (280 km/h). These are the “figures” which make the RSV 1000 R a real benchmark among production twin-cylinder supersport bikes.

Its completely redesigned set-up improves the bike’s dynamic characteristics in every situation, making it incredibly even more successful on the track.

All this, of course, goes hand in hand with top-quality components, selected to make the RSV 1000 R a reference supersport bike among enthusiasts.

DESIGN
When performance becomes beauty. The design of the RSV 1000 R is truly revolutionary. It is lower and more compact with an unmistakable aggressive look.

Not design for design’s sake, but design at the disposal of technology and performance. Every detail has been designed not just to be pretty, but above all to be effective.

Finding the best possible air system for the V60 Magnesium engine has meant fundamental changes to the front. The air scoop has been placed in the middle of the windscreen, the point where the dynamic pressure is greatest. A fundamental factor for the bike’s performance therefore also becomes a fundamental part of the design.

The front headlamp insert is split with four lamps which work together in pairs thus getting rid of that unpleasant “Cyclops effect” typical of many modern sportbikes.

The RSV 1000 R is smaller, lower and slimmer, and this dimensional compactness is its strong point. All this without forgetting ergonomics which has always distinguished the RSV range.

The slender tail quickly converts from a one-seater to a two-seater. It is extremely compact and one of the most characteristic features of the bike. The compact rear LED light provides excellent brightness despite its extremely moderate dimensions. Even seen from behind, the RSV 1000 R is immediately recognizable.

The quest for the cleanest possible line and maximum aerodynamic penetration has led to elimination of the traditional indicator lights. The front ones are now incorporated in the rear-view mirrors, and the rear ones are built into the tail.

So no protrusions for a perfectly clean line able to cut through the air like no other. Thanks to these stratagems and long studies in a wind tunnel, the RSV 1000 R further improves the already exceptional CX of the RSV Mille 2003, which drops from 0.306 to 0.3.

V60 MAGNESIUM ENGINE
The 1000 “V 60 Magnesium” marks a turning point in the history of Aprilia twin-cylinder engines. It is based on the famous and appreciated V990, but has been so completely revised that it has changed name. The far-reaching changes make it the utmost benchmark for production twin-cylinder engines. It performs exceptionally, responds in every situation and has the proverbial Aprilia reliability.

The cylinder heads with magnesium covers have been completely redesigned. On-track experience has been turned to good use to improve their fluid dynamic efficiency and optimize combustion. In particular, the squish areas between the exhaust and intake valves have been made bigger. Thanks to this new design, best performance is obtained with a single spark plug, which at the same time increases combustion efficiency precisely due to the greater turbulence.

With the new layout, it has even been possible to distribute the cooling liquid more evenly around the combustion chamber which leads to more constant efficiency and reliability. Optimization of the ignition-injection system mapping has also led to ideal combustion even at low loads and low speeds.

As well as new cylinder heads, there are also new camshafts and new valve springs. The lubrication circuit has also been completely redesigned in this delicate area, not only to improve lubrication itself, but also to minimize viscous drag and consequent power loss.

The intake ducts have been redesigned to match the throttle bodies perfectly. The exhaust duct has also been redesigned: it now has an oval section to facilitate the passage of exhaust gases towards the silencer.

To improve the air supply to the “V60 Magnesium” the intake section has been completely redesigned. An air scoop, known as the “Air Runner”, has been placed in the middle of the windscreen, right where the dynamic pressure is greatest and perfectly in line with the bike.
A duct passes through the headstock to bring the pressurized air to the filter casing, which holds a good 10.3 litres.

A choke inside the duct, controlled by the electronic control unit, regulates air flow, thus providing the engine with the right amount of air at the right pressure at all revs. In this way, the engine performs better and provides a spurt unknown to the Aprilia V2 up to now. In fact the rev limiter has been upped to 11,000 rpm.

The mighty voice of the V60 Magnesium is muffled by two Helmotz resonators with different volumes which lower the intake noise at the most critical revs.

The airbox also houses a new air by-pass stepper motor which acts on an electronically controlled valve and sends air downstream of the butterfly valve thus making it easier to cold-start the bike and stabilizing the engine idling speed.

The Air Runner also acts as a structural component. Thanks to two light aluminium arms it holds the windscreen and the front headlight, therefore doing away with unattractive supports.

The new panel filter ensures less air resistance, therefore improving engine efficiency. It also costs less as a spare part than the previous RSV filter, leading to lower running costs.

The air intake section has been completely revised: the engine can now count on an injection system with 57 mm throttle bodies and a single injector per cylinder.

Thank to the Air Runner the pressure in the airbox increases as the bike runs faster leading to a 3% gain in power at maximum speed.

A new electronic control unit, made together with Siemens VDO, manages the whole engine. It receives all the vital parameters from 15 sensors in real time (temperature: air and liquid; pressure: atmospheric, airbox and oil; Lambda sensor; rotation sensors: driveshaft, camshaft, throttle and rear wheel; position sensors: kickstand, clutch and idle; battery voltage) and redistributes them instantly to the actuators.
A 36-minus-2-tooth wheel is coupled to the driveshaft, which is therefore able to manage the engine with greater precision (every 10°, rather than every 60°).

All the data passes through a CAN line (Controlled Area Network) to the instrument panel, which acts as an autodiagnosis terminal. In the event of a malfunction, the mechanic will be able to identify the problem immediately. The CAN line uses two wires only to transmit all this data, which enormously simplifies the electrical system and keeps the overall weight of the bike down.

The already excellent performance of the V990 is outclassed by the V60 Magnesium which pumps out a maximum power of 138.72 hp (102 kW) at 9,500 rpm with maximum torque of 107 Nm at 7,500 rpm. All this despite the fact the new engine is extremely “clean” since it is fitted with a three-way catalytic converter with lambda sensor and complies with the EC Euro2 standards.

Technological research does not only mean better performance; it also means keeping this performance up over time. The reliability of the RSV 1000 R has grown along with its performance. New high resistance specially designed rods have further increased the robustness of the engine.

But the V60 Magnesium is not only more powerful and robust, it is also lighter than the old V990 thanks to the use of special materials, such as magnesium for the cylinder-head covers and clutch cover.

Aprilia was the first to use a close ratio gearbox on a production bike. The RSV 1000 R is also fitted with this device which, more than ever before, allows the rider to get the full exceptional performance from the V60 Magnesium.
The result is even more aggressive acceleration and exhilarating gear changes off the bends, which may be experienced both on the road and on the track. The engine responds absolutely brilliantly even at the highest gears thus increasing the sportiness of the bike and riding fun.

This technical evolution has not eliminated those special characteristics which have made the RSV series stand out right from the first model.

? Longitudinal 60° V-twin engine with 4 valves per cylinder and double overhead camshaft, controlled by a mixed chain and gear system.

? Electronic fuel injection: with 57 mm throttle bodies and “Air Runner” air scoop. One injector per cylinder.

? CDI ignition with 1 plug per cylinder. Ignition is controlled by an integrated engine management system which also controls injection.

? Dry sump lubrication with double trochoidal pump, separate oil tank and cooling radiator.

? Mixed gear/chain drive: the two gears (one for each drive chain) inserted in the base reduce the space occupied by the cylinder heads.

The sophisticated twin-cylinder engine comes complete with exclusive patent Aprilia devices:

? AVDC (Anti Vibration Double Countershaft).

? Hydraulically controlled clutch with radial pump, assisted by a patented PPC (Pneumatic Power Clutch) system for separate rear wheel bounce control.

EXHAUST
The new exhaust system was designed on the basis of experience acquired in the Superbike championships.

It follows the 2 in 1 in 2 layout and is completely made of stainless steel, with 10/10 mm thick manifolds and oval section head mounting flanges made of precision cast stainless steel.

The silencers are lined with 8/10 mm thick stainless steel, with surface electroplating, and assembled with clamps and rivets according to the typical racing construction technique. They are positioned in order to minimize aerodynamic resistance and improve weight distribution.

FRAME
Years of high level racing have helped Aprilia R&D design an even better frame than the previous model, which was already acknowledged as one of the best production bike frames.

The primary aim when designing the new RSV 1000 R frame was perfect mass centralization. In accordance with the Aprilia tradition, the structure uses cast aluminium-silicon and die cast Peraluman 450 parts. The frame was optimized through long finite-element studies, and its torsional rigidity is 5% better than the previous model. Despite this the new frame is a good 600 grams lighter, bringing its total weight down to only 9650 grams: a weight only matched by racing bikes.

The headstock is positioned differently in order to lower the whole bike and consequently its centre of gravity. The swing arm pivot has been moved 0.5 mm forward, whereas both the swing arm mounting and the saddle frame have been lowered to make the bike more compact and concentrate its mass around the centre of gravity as much as possible.

The engine has been moved 4 mm to the right, together with the new exhaust system manifold, for perfect bike balancing.

Times change, riding styles change and bikes must change too. For this reason, the frame and swing arm assembly has been designed specifically not only to ensure maximum performance, but also to allow riders to manage skids perfectly (when entering and leaving bends).

Each component has been made more compact and optimized to adapt it to the new bike layout. The rear suspension linkage has been redesigned, the saddle frame is fixed vertically to the bike frame in order to decrease its thickness in the under-saddle area by 3 cm. The suspension supporting crossbars are cast and not extruded, so that they are better shaped around the rear suspension and contribute further towards perfect mass centralization.

The new RSV 1000 R swing arm has been designed using the know how acquired in motorbike GPs. It is also made with extruded Peraluman and cast Al Si 7. Its double banana shape leaves space for the new double-silencer exhaust system to pass through.

Again in this case, sections and thicknesses have been optimized using finite-element analysis. The RSV 1000 R swing arm weight has been decreased by a good 400 grams, to 4860 grams, well under the 5 kg threshold taken as reference for this particular component.

SUSPENSION
The Showa 43 mm upside-down fork is a perfect compromise between sportiness and road comfort. It has been taken from the racing units and has continuously adjustable preload and hydraulically adjustable rebound (2.5 turns) and compression (2.25 turns).

The Sachs mono-tube shock-absorber is fitted with a separate piggy back nitrogen cylinder built into the body. It has adjustable rebound, compression, preload and length in order to lift and lower the rear axle according to the required settings, rider’s preferences and other adjustments made.

Among the optional components is a continuous tyre pressure measuring system, to keep the alignment under control according to the suspension settings.

BRAKING SYSTEM
The Brembo Tripe Bridge Gold Series front system is without a doubt the best conventional system for motorbikes on the market today.

The RSV-R is fitted with two four-piston (34 mm diameter) callipers with four separate sintered pads (one per piston). The four pads double the pad-disc adhesion, thus increasing the braking force applied for the same amount of effort on the lever. Their more compact size also leads to more uniform pad wear.

The Brembo “Tripe Bridge” calliper structure (with central strengthening bridge) is the most rigid conventional system.

The double 320 mm diameter floating steel disc has a very short braking distance, in order to minimize inertia and weight, and uses an exclusive Aprilia design six-spoke flange.
The brake pump is radial to improve response precision and the feel of the lever.

The rear braking system is a Brembo Gold Series with 220 mm diameter stainless steel disc and two-piston (32 mm diameter) calliper.

Both the front and rear systems use braided metal lines taken from the aeronautics industry, which eliminate the irritating pressure smoothing effect of conventional lines and ensure maximum braking precision.

COMPONENTS
What particularly characterizes and distinguishes the Aprilia RSV 1000 R is the care and attention paid to every single component and part. This attention leads to better performance and functional characteristics, through a decrease in weight and considerable increase in product quality and finish.

Great care was particularly taken to rationalize the construction of the RSV 1000 R. Less pieces, less screws, less weight. The RSV 1000 R fairing consists of only 14 pieces compared to the 25 pieces on the previous version. The couplings have also been studied in a wind tunnel to optimize air flow over the bike, and improve CX and cooling.

As regards components, the following are worth mentioning:

– Dashboard: mixed type (digital-analogue). It receives all its data from a CAN line and is an integral part of the autodiagnosis system due to its memory. It has all the indicators of the previous model (including self lap-timing with a 40 lap memory), an extremely modern compact design and a drastically decreased weight (down from 560 to only 220 g). Its functional characteristics have been improved: all the functions are controlled by three convenient keys. The LED lighting may be set to three levels: white in the analogue area and red in the digital area.

– the headlight has four lights for perfect night-riding vision. The bike’s highly refined finish is also evident from the care taken over apparently accessory parts, such as the lamp holders made of blue anodized aluminium.

– The indicator lights are perfectly integrated into the bike. The front ones are incorporated in the rear-view mirrors and the rear ones are built into the tail. Consequently, they do not need removing for track use. The rear number plate holder may be quickly removed for the same reason.

– The specially made RSV 1000 R key has internal coding, and the ignition block has an immobilizer fitted as standard.

COLOURS
The three colour combinations highlight the RSV 1000 R’s modern line and are able to satisfy all tastes. The RSV 1000 R is available in Lead Grey/Magnet Grey, Aprilia Black/Diablo Black and Fluo Red/Lead Grey

All colour combinations come with polished frame and swing arm.

ACCESSORIES
? Akrapovic Exhausts – Aprilia Racing
? Titanium Exhausts – Aprilia Racing
? Reversed gearbox
? Tyre pressure indicator
? Rear kickstand
? Tank bag

APRILIA RSV 1000 R Specifications

Engine type
V60 Magnesium: four-stroke longitudinal 60° V-twin; liquid cooling with three-way pressurized circuit; double overhead camshaft operated by a mixed gear/chain system; four valves per cylinder; patent AVDC (Anti Vibration Double Countershaft).

Fuel
95 RON unleaded petrol

Bore and stroke
97 x 67.5 mm

Displacement
997.62 cc

Compression ratio
11.8 : 1

Maximum power at crank
138.72 hp (102 kW) at 9,500 rpm

Maximum torque at crank
10.9 kgm (107 Nm) at 7,500 rpm

Fuel system
Integrated electronic engine management system. Indirect multipoint electronic injection. Throttle body diameter: 57 mm. 10,3 litre airbox, with Air Runner air scoop.

Ignition
Digital electronic ignition, with one spark plug per cylinder and integrated injection

Starter
Electric

Exhaust
Double silencer with three-way catalytic converter and Lambda sensor (Euro 2)

Alternator
12V – 500 W

Lubrication
Dry sump with separate oil tank.
Double trochoidal pump with oil cooling radiator.
Steel oil tank

Gearbox
six speed with ratios:
1st 34/15 (2.27)
2nd 31/19 (1.63)
3rd 26/20 (1.3)
4th 24/22 (1.091)
5th 24/25 (0.96)
6th 23/26 (0.88)

Clutch
Multiple disc wet clutch with patented PPC power-assisted hydraulic control. Braided metal clutch line. Radial pump with 15 mm piston.

Primary drive
Straight cut gears with ratio: 60/31 (1.935)

Final drive
Chain
Ratio: 40/16 (2.5)

Frame
Box section sloping twin-spar aluminium alloy frame.

Front suspension
Showa 43 mm diameter upside-down fork, with adjustable compression, rebound and preload. Wheel travel: 120 mm.

Rear suspension
Aluminium alloy double banana swing arm; APS progressive system linkage.
Sachs hydraulic shock-absorber with adjustable rebound, compression, preload and length. Wheel travel: 133 mm.

Brakes
Front: Brembo double 320 mm diameter floating stainless steel disc. Brembo “Tripe bridge” callipers with four 34 mm diameter pistons and 4 sintered pads. Braided metal brake line.
Rear: Brembo 220 mm diameter stainless steel disc. Two-piston (32 mm diameter) calliper and sintered pads. Braided metal brake line.
Wheels

Aluminium alloy
Front: 3.50 X 17″
Rear: 6.00 X 17″

Tyres
Tubeless radial;
front: 120/70 ZR 17
rear: 190/50 ZR 17 (alternative: 180/55 ZR 17)

Dimensions
Overall length: 2035 mm
Overall width: 730 mm (at handlebars)
Overall height: 1145 mm (at windscreen)
Saddle height: 810 mm
Handlebar height 830 mm (at bar ends)

Wheelbase 1,415 mm

Trail 101.7 mm
Steering angle 24.80°

Dry weight, 189 Kg

Tank, 18 litre capacity (including 4 litre reserve)

Colours available
Lead Grey / Magnet Grey, Aprilia Black / Diablo Black, and Fluo Red / Lead Grey

All colour combinations come with a polished frame.

Factory is a magic word which immediately conjures up the world of racing and special bikes for special riders who fully appreciate the thrill of sports riding. The RSV 1000 R Factory is the top bike in the RSV 1000 R range. It is a refined supersport bike which is awesomely successful on the track.

APRILIA RSV 1000 R FACTORY

The RSV 1000 R Factory is an enhanced RSV 1000 R, i.e. the top twin-cylinder supersport bike. The twin V60 Magnesium engine and new RSV 1000 R settings together with special ultralight materials and the world’s best quality production components bring the RSV 1000 R Factory up to track-riding excellence.

The Aprilia RSV 1000 R Factory is the utmost expression of Aprilia’s technological and sporting heritage.

A project for those who demand maximum track-riding performance. Like the models which came before it, the Factory includes the very best motorcycle technology at a reasonable price, with an incomparable price/quality-component ratio for its category.

An RSV 1000 R raised to the umpteenth power, modified and further enhanced with the best possible components.

The most important parts which mark the difference between the RSV 1000 R Factory and the RSV 1000 R are:

? Radial callipers

? Fully adjustable Öhlins fork

? Adjustable Öhlins shock absorber

? Öhlins steering damper fitted as standard

? Forged aluminium wheels

? Rider’s saddle with nonslip racing seat

? Matt black painted frame

? Carbon parts

The Aprilia RSV 1000 R Factory is fitted with the world’s best components (also in order to reduce weight), and many devices and parts have been taken directly from the world of racing.
This is important in terms of design and production, and makes the RSV 1000 R Factory a precise reference standard not only for other twin-cylinder bikes, but above all for other supersport bikes. It is the perfect balance between quality, technology, components and finish. The very best, offered however at an absolutely competitive price.

Of course all the technical innovations introduced on the new RSV 1000 R are found on the Factory too, which can also count on current state of the art brakes and suspension.

ENGINE
No change to the V60 Magnesium already fitted to the RSV 1000 R, with the same innovative features and high level performance. It pumps out 138.72 hp (102 kW) at 9,500 rpm with a maximum torque of 107 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The double-silencer exhaust has a three-way catalytic converter with Lambda sensor which brings the RSV 1000 R Factory within the Euro 2 limits.

FRAME
The Factory has the same extremely light frame as the RSV 1000 R, apart from its black colour which gives it a slightly more aggressive look. The double banana swing arm is also the same, not polished but painted to resist surface wear better.

SUSPENSION
The 43 mm upside-down Öhlins Racing fork is titanium nitride coated to optimize smoothness. Its special structure with elongated sleeves and shortened legs reduces the load on two critical points of the forks themselves (the sliding bush and stanchion-leg coupling). The wheel travel is 120 mm.

Like the racing models, the fork rebound, compression and preload may be precision adjusted.

The forged aluminium brake calliper mounting bracket allows the new radial callipers to be fitted, perfectly in line with the latest GP and world SBK trends.

The rear Öhlins Racing shock absorber originates directly from experience on the track. It is fitted with a separate piggy back nitrogen cylinder built into the body. It has adjustable rebound, compression, preload and length in order to lift and lower the rear axle and adjust the suspension to different riding styles and different race tracks.

Among the optional components is a continuous tyre pressure measuring system, to keep the alignment under complete control according to the settings and suspension.

BRAKING SYSTEM
The best sportbike deserves the best braking system, and the RSV 1000 R Factory is once more on the leading edge of technology, with a radial clamp front braking system developed by Aprilia together with Brembo. Aprilia is certainly not new to this kind of technology. It was in fact the first to use this sophisticated braking system, fitted to a 250 GP.

The benefits for the rider are:

? More effective braking

? More precise response to the driver’s actions. Any free lever movement due to calliper “elasticity” is almost completely eliminated since radial mounting prevents any movement of the calliper itself.

? Longer pad life. With radial mounting, the pads work more in line with the disc, precisely because the calliper is kept more strictly aligned with its theoretical working position even when under extreme stress. This lengthens pad life basically because better alignment leads to more even surface wear.

? Better system stability and consequently less difference between hot and cold performance.

The 320 mm front floating steel discs use lowered mounts to minimize weight and inertia, leading to more effective handling.

The radial system on the RSV 1000 R Factory is combined with a radial pump to form the most sophisticated braking system currently fitted to a production bike

The rear braking system is a Brembo Gold Series with 220 mm diameter stainless steel disc and a two-piston (32 mm diameter) calliper.

Both the front and rear systems use braided metal lines taken from the aeronautics industry, which eliminate the irritating pressure smoothing effect of conventional lines and ensure maximum braking precision.

COMPONENTS
What particularly characterizes and distinguishes the Aprilia RSV 1000 R Factory is the care taken in construction and attention paid to every single component and part. This attention leads to an increase in performance, feel and rideability, through a decrease in weight and considerable improvement in product quality and finish.

An exclusive two-chamber steering damper from the specialist Öhlins Racing line is fitted as standard. It may of course be adjusted to adapt the bike’s response to various riding conditions.

The extensive use of carbon components make the motorbike even lighter and more refined. The mudguards and several parts of the fairing are made of extremely light “woven carbon composite”.
Furthermore the RSV 1000 R Factory headstock shaft is made of aluminium and not steel, which also contributes to reducing the overall weight of the bike.

The exclusively designed forged wheels deserve a particular mention, since they are definitely one of the most distinctive parts of the bike, not just aesthetically, but also technically. They are forged from Anticorodal 6061 aluminium using an 8,000 ton hydraulic press.

This technique produces wheels without defects or the porosity which may always result from the casting process, and gives them exceptional mechanical characteristics.

Finite-element analysis was used to find the best design, which came out to be a front wheel with six spokes and back wheel with five which split in two towards the rim.

This was not just an aesthetic choice; this structure provides excellent lateral and torsional rigidity (thus keeping the suspension stable). As with the whole RSV 1000 R project, performance becomes beauty in this case too.

The weight saving is exceptional: about 25% less for each wheel compared with the lightest wheels on the market made using the traditional aluminium casting technique.

Inertia too is consequently 25 % lower than for cast aluminium alloy wheels.

The maniacal care taken over the RSV 1000 R Factory project has not overlooked even the most insignificant details. The wheels are anodized and not painted. This leads to a further weight saving on this essential component and ensure

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