Roadracing World Advertising Sales Director Anne Barnes and husband Michael Barnes had a daughter, Olivia Grace Barnes, earlier today, October 17, in Athens, Georgia.
Here’s a note from Anne Barnes:
“Good morning. We had quite an unexpected and eventful afternoon yesterday/this morning. Olivia Grace Barnes joined us at 1:34 a.m. on 10/17 weighing in at 7 lbs. 12 oz. and 19 inches long. All Barnes Family members are doing exceptionally well, and we are so grateful.”
With everything that happened at round one of the 2023 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship, we don’t know how they managed to fit it all into Episode 1 of “Pressure To Rise.” But somehow, they did, and it’s a season premiere that you just have to see.
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Phillip Island awaits the Repsol Honda Team
The non-stop schedule of the 2023 World Championship season keeps on coming as the Repsol Honda Team head to the most southernly GP of the year.
A short flight and a quick drive from Lombok to Melbourne and down to Phillip Island and Round 16, the Australian Grand Prix, is already here. The Repsol Honda Team are aiming to use the quick turnaround between races to help turn their fortunes after an ultimately unrewarding weekend in Mandalika. Redemption now calls at a circuit famous for tantalisingly close battles and unique situations.
Phillip Island is a track which has traditionally treated Marc Marquez and the Honda RC213V well, the combination taking three wins there in 2015, 2017, and 2019 – making the #93 Honda’s most successful rider around the 4.45km long track. Outside of these wins, Marquez scored a podium at the track last year – his 100th in the premier class with the Repsol Honda Team. Consistency across the weekend will be key, even if the weather looks set to be as volatile as ever.
Joan Mir arrives in Australia, the scene of his World Championship debut back in 2015, with his trademark positivity intact. Despite a late fall while showing some of his best race pace of the year, the #36 arrives happy with what he achieved and remains confident that there is more to come. Phillip Island was also the scene of Joan Mir’s first World Championship, winning the 2017 Moto3 crown on the Honda NSF250RW.
As always, the weather, and particularly the gusty winds, will be a critically important factor to monitor over the course of the Grand Prix weekend. Forecasts suggest it will certainly be a cooler weekend than the consistent 30°C and higher that the World Championship experienced in Indonesia.
Marc Marquez
“Phillip Island is a circuit with a lot of good memories for me. The place is something really unique on the MotoGP calendar and I have also enjoyed many memorable races there. Last year we got a really good podium there, my 100th in the premier class. As always, we have to see what happens this weekend and especially here in Australia the weather can change a lot and the wind can make things complicated. It will be important to have a good plan for all scenarios.”
Joan Mir
“I think everyone enjoys Phillip Island, so I am looking forward to getting there. On paper Indonesia didn’t look great but honestly, when you look deeper and especially at our pace on Sunday – we need to see the positives and look to make it happen again this weekend. Now we come to one of those tracks where almost anything can happen, on track and in the sky, so let’s begin! It’s an intense schedule to end the year so we have to keep focused to finish well.”
Intro: Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Cruising Into The Past
By Michael Gougis
In retrospect, it seems inevitable that Royal Enfield would build this bike. The 648cc Parallel Twin engine first introduced in the Continental and INT650 models was perfect for a middleweight cruiser. And cruisers are part of the company’s heritage, historically serving as a testing ground for its newest technology and leading its lineup in terms of status and prestige.
Still, it is clear that the company put a great deal of thought and effort into making this bike a cruiser through and through, rather than just putting different pegs and bars on an INT650 roadster and calling it job done. It’s designed to look the part, act the part, and do so in a way that reflects Royal Enfield’s style-first, lifestyle-first approach to motorcycling.
The Super Meteor’s chassis is new, the bodywork is new, the suspension is upgraded, and there are little bits that let you know that this is Royal Enfield’s flagship model.
I spent 140 miles rolling around the highways and byways of north-central Texas, getting an impressions of how well the bike performed its mission–delivering the cruiser experience to riders who want an unintimidating, low-stress ride. It was all about settling back into the plush seat, feeling the thrum of the engine, and being in the moment, on a motorcycle, nowhere better to be and nothing better to do.
Tech Briefing
The core of the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is its 648cc, SOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder engine, introduced in 2018. A gentle, under-stressed powerplant, it produces a claimed 46.4 bhp and 38.6 lbs.-ft. of torque, and is carefully balanced to reduce the vibration inherent in a Parallel Twin. There are some minor upgrades to the cylinder heads for this particular model. As the engine is a stressed member, the cylinder head has been strengthened to handle more load from the steering stem area. Otherwise, the engine internals and transmission ratios remain unchanged from the INT650 and Continental models. Power flows through an assisted/slipper clutch to a fat, 16-inch rear tire.
The chassis is all new, with a raked-out front end and forward-mounted foot controls. For the first time, a Royal Enfield has inverted forks, in this case 43mm Showa Big Piston units with separate functions in each fork leg. One leg handles rebound damping, the other handles compression damping, with no need to know which is which because there are no adjustments.
A single twin-piston Bybre caliper and 320mm (12.6-inch) disc handles braking at the front, and a similar Bybre caliper is mated to a 300mm (11.8-inch) disc at the rear. The bike features antilock brakes, and that is the extent of its electronic rider aids.
Cruisers are all about style, and it is extremely clear that Royal Enfield stylists spent a great deal of effort on how it looks. The finish of individual parts was amazing, especially on a bike built to a price point. The fit, surprisingly, was not as precise as I might have hoped; perhaps that issue will be corrected as production ramps up.
Riding The Super Meteor 650
Throwing a leg over the Super Meteor demonstrates that the company is serious about making it comfortable. The seat is low, the bars are easy to reach, and the overall riding position isn’t particularly extreme. At speed, even without the optional windscreen, the wind blast isn’t fatiguing. The pegs and foot controls are forward, cruiser style, but they are high enough that feet don’t drag during cornering.
Clutch feel is light but substantial, and flawless fuel injection mapping makes the throttle response precise and easy to manage–important for new and returning riders. There’s not a ton of horsepower, but the torque and throttle response at the bottom of the rpm range makes the bike easy to ride in city traffic, which is something Royal Enfield engineers put special effort into.
There’s no tachometer, but the engine tells the rider when it’s time to upshift. When it is in the meat of its powerband, all the rider feels is a steady, pleasant thrumming. When it is near the rev limit, the vibration definitely starts to change from pleasant to intrusive. In sixth gear, the bike rolls along comfortably until the speedometer shows about 75 mph. Then things start to get busy, and while it is possible to nudge the Super Meteor into triple digit speeds, the bike does not feel very happy there at all.
The brakes are progressive and confidence inspiring, if not particularly powerful, but they do provide steady stopping power for the inexperienced rider who gets in over their head and has to grab a handful of front brake lever. The feel at the brake lever is substantial yet light, and it is a good place for a rookie rider to adapt to using the front brake lever more frequently.
There were not many high-speed corners on the ride route, but in the few that we did find, the bike delivered more confidence and more feel than I expected. The ride quality suffered mostly from the relatively limited rear wheel travel and shocks that seemed to lack significant damping in either direction. Some of the truly challenging road surfaces in Texas really highlighted that, and I think this might actually be the first motorcycle I’ve ridden where I would change suspension bits before putting on an aftermarket exhaust. On second thought, I’d go with new mufflers first; I love the sound of one of these Royal Enfield 650 Twins with a good pipe on it.
It’s important to remember the target that Royal Enfield is shooting for with this motorcycle. It is supposed to look good, sound good, and feel good at a moderate or relaxed pace, along with having very affordable pricing. Rolling down a two-lane roadway heading back to the hotel, as long as I was in no rush and kept the bike within its comfort zone, it was easy to enjoy being on a cool-looking motorcycle, middle of the afternoon, just cruising along. That’s what Royal Enfield wants to deliver with the Super Meteor 650. That and the feeling that a new, casual rider can get when they park the bike, take a few steps, turn around, look back, and think with pride, yeah, that one’s mine.
Suggested retail starts at $6,999, with bikes heading for dealerships this week.
CELEBRATING AN ICON:
THE THRUXTON FINAL EDITION
Celebrated as the ultimate café racer since 1964, the Triumph Thruxton will finish its final production run. In a fitting farewell to this award-winning motorcycle, Triumph has unveiled the Thruxton Final Edition, an exclusive and striking motorcycle with incredible specification, performance, capability, and timeless style.
Based on the Thruxton RS, with its sublime performance, agile handling and premium specification, this special edition is the result of generations of Thruxton development, culminating in this beautiful, and highly collectible, limited-edition motorcycle. Beautifully finished in an exclusive Competition Green paint scheme, with hand-painted gold lining and signed by the artist, the Thruxton Final Edition blends the style and traditional elegance of the RS, paying homage to the Thruxton’s rich racing heritage.
Set to become a desirable collectors’ item, each Thruxton Final Edition will come with a certificate of authenticity featuring the bike’s unique VIN number. Each of these special documents is signed by members of the Thruxton 1200 design team and Triumph’s CEO, Nick Bloor. A unique Final Edition engine badge will also be supplied with each motorcycle, with a gold-finished surround and ‘Final Edition’ graphic infill, this beautiful badge is sure to make a great display piece.
This is an exciting and exclusive opportunity for Triumph Thruxton enthusiasts to stake their claim to a rare piece of Triumph history and to own the ultimate Thruxton at the zenith of its development.
Built to the same category-defining specification as the Thruxton RS, here are just some of the Final Edition’s highlights:
Features exclusive to the Final Edition include:
PEAK PERFORMANCE
The ultimate café racer, the Thruxton Final Edition features the most powerful 1200cc Bonneville engine in Triumph’s modern classic range.
Tuned specifically for the Thruxton, the parallel twin produces 104HP (105PS) @ 7,500rpm with increased power both low down in the rev range for exhilarating acceleration, throughout the mid-range and all the way to the top end. Torque is just as impressive, with 82.6 FTLB (112Nm) delivered earlier in the rev range than other Bonneville-powered machines at 4,250rpm. Peak performance that befits the marking of the final run of this iconic motorcycle and makes the Final Edition truly special.
MODERN, AGILE, AND INTUITIVE HANDLING
The Thruxton is well regarded by owners and the press alike for its intuitive, dynamic, and performance-focused road handling. From the race-inspired riding position with its clip-on bars, every component is carefully selected and then fine-tuned to bring out the very best of the Thruxton Final Edition’s sports-focused chassis.
Premium high-specification Showa ’Big Piston’ forks paired with twin Öhlins piggyback rear suspension units provide full adjustability giving the perfect balance of comfort and superb road handling. Best-in-class Brembo M50 radial brake calipers matched to floating 310mm Brembo discs deliver massive stopping power with intuitive lever feel and the reassurance of ABS.
Lightweight tubeless 32-spoke 17” wheels further aid the Thruxton’s agility while the connection to the road is assured and confidence-inspiring thanks to the fitment of Metzeler Racetec RR tyris — providing racetrack levels of grip and superb rider feedback.
ICONIC CAFÉ RACER STYLING
The Thruxton’s inimitable café racer styling, with its contemporary blacked-out style that includes black powder-coated engine covers, cam cover finishes, and premium anodized black wheel rims — with attention to detail that runs right the way through to the Öhlins rear suspension unit springs — has been taken to the next level for the Final Edition.
The Competition Green paint scheme celebrates the Thruxton’s British racing heritage with the classic Triumph logo and matching, hand-painted, gold-line detailing on the sculpted fuel tank and seat cowl. This stunning deep green is set against the lustrous black sheen of the side panels and mudguards, the former finished with an exclusive Thruxton Final Edition logo.
All the Thruxton’s trademark details remain — from the single bullet seat and Monza style fuel filler cap to the brushed stainless steel tank strap, clear anodized aluminum swingarm, sports foot pegs, and clip-on handlebars. The result is a striking special edition motorcycle that epitomizes the spirit and soul of a legend.
SPECIAL FINAL EDITION COLOR-MATCHED ACCESSORY COCKPIT FAIRING
There are over 80 genuine Triumph Thruxton accessories, including a ‘passenger set-up’ with seat, footrests and passenger grab rail, and a whole plethora of options to add style, protection, comfort, and security.
Bespoke to the Final Edition, a dedicated accessory cockpit fairing is also available, color matched to blend perfectly with the limited-edition Competition Green paint scheme. As beautiful as it is practical, this stunning fairing brings an alternative aesthetic to the striking Thruxton Final Edition.
OWNING A TRIUMPH LEGEND
Triumph Motorcycles’ Chief Commercial Officer Paul Stroud said: “The Thruxton has a special place in the hearts of many motorcyclists, and we are all immensely proud of this Final Edition, which captures the essence of the British café racer scene. The Thruxton will bow out of production at the very pinnacle of its development with a special edition that secures its place in the history books of Triumph Motorcycles.”
The MY25 Thruxton Final Edition is priced at $17,995 USD & $19,395 CAD. Orders can be placed now at Triumph dealers, with bikes arriving in dealers from Spring of 2024.
A TIMELINE OF THE ULTIMATE CAFÉ RACER
The winning Sixties
While its Bonneville roots can be traced back to the Fifties, the Thruxton was born as a limited-edition racer in 1964. An instant success in endurance races, the exclusive Thruxton aptly earning its biggest accolade by claiming all three podium places at the 1969 Thruxton 500-mile race. With success at the Isle of Man TT following shortly after, the Thruxton became the first production motorcycle to lap the Mountain Course at over 100mph. The Thruxton’s uncompromised racing style, handling and performance was a must for those protagonists of the traffic light Grand Prix, the world over.
The thoroughly modern Thruxton
In 2016 the first 1200cc Thruxton, the R, hit the showrooms, creating a new performance benchmark in this fast-growing category. Three years on, the Thruxton RS took the genre into new territories. Increased power, improved handling and a specification like no other ensured the 2019 Thruxton RS had peerless performance and the looks to match.
The final evolution
The absolute pinnacle of Thruxton development, celebrated with the exclusive and exquisite Final Edition. Hand-painted perfection, and available for just one last production run.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
| Model | MY25 Thruxton Final Edition |
| Type | Liquid cooled, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin |
| Capacity | 1200 cc |
| Bore | 97.6 mm |
| Stroke | 80 mm |
| Compression | 12.1:1 |
| Maximum power | 103 HP (105 PS) (77 kW) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 82.6 LBFT (112 Nm) @ 4,250 rpm |
| Fuel system | Ride by wire, multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection |
| Exhaust | Brushed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin brushed silencers |
| Final drive | O-ring chain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate assist clutch |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
CHASSIS
| Model | MY25 Thruxton Final Edition |
| Frame | Tubular steel, with steel cradles |
| Swingarm | Twin-sided, aluminum fabrication, clear anodized |
| Front wheel | Tubeless 32-spoke 17 x 3.5 in, aluminum rims |
| Rear wheel | Tubeless 32-spoke 17 x 5 in, aluminum rims |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60 ZR17 |
| Front suspension | Showa 1.7” (43 mm) USD big piston forks, fully adjustable 4.7” (120 mm) travel |
| Rear suspension | Fully adjustable Öhlins twin shocks with piggyback reservoir, 4.7” (120 mm) rear wheel travel |
| Front brakes | Twin 12.2” (310 mm) Brembo floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston radial monobloc calipers, ABS |
| Rear brakes | Single 8.6” (220 mm) disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS |
| Instruments | LCD multi-functional instrument pack with analogue speedometer, analogue tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty indication, service indicator, clock, trip computer, scroll and mode buttons on handlebars, heated grip ready, fuel consumption display, traction control status and riding mode display. |
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
| Model | MY25 Thruxton Final Edition |
| Width (handlebars) | 29.3” (745 mm) |
| Height without mirrors | 40.5” (1,030 mm) |
| Seat height | 31.9” (810 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 55.7” (1,415 mm) |
| Rake | 22.8° |
| Trail | 3.6” (92 mm) |
| Dry weight | 434lbs (197 kg) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 3.8gal (14.5 liters) |
SERVICE
| Model | MY25 Thruxton Final Edition |
| Service interval | 10,000 miles/16,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. |
Corey Alexander & Tytlers Cycle Racing Conclude Successful Relationship
Ossining, New York (October 16th, 2023)
Corey Alexander and Tytlers Cycle Racing (TCR) announce the conclusion of their relationship, effective immediately. During the 2022 season, Corey helped to establish TCR in the MotoAmerica paddock while achieving multiple victories and podium finishes on his path to securing the 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000cc Championship.
In 2023, Corey Alexander graduated to the premier Superbike class, riding TCR’s 2022 spec BMW M 1000 RR machine. He finished 7th overall in the championship, with notable top-five finishes and, for the first time in his career, two Superbike podiums during the final round at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
Reflecting on his journey with TCR, Corey stated, “I’ll be forever grateful to Michael Kiley, his family, and Tytlers Cycle Racing for enabling me to achieve some of my lifelong dreams, from winning races and the Stock 1000cc championship to standing on the Superbike podium. It’s unfortunate that our paths won’t align in 2024, but I know I still have much to offer in the Superbike class after a challenging yet rewarding year. I’m currently assessing what’s best for my career and future, including the possibility of relaunching our own family-run racing effort, as we’ve done in the past. I extend my gratitude to my family, friends, and personal sponsors for their unwavering support in pursuing this dream.”
As Corey Alexander and his longstanding crew gear up for the off-season, they remain open to any opportunities that may arise. For partnership inquiries, please contact [email protected].
About Corey Alexander
Corey Alexander, a 28-year-old New York native, is a two-time national champion with a decade of professional racing experience. He offers 1-on-1 training, bike rentals, and exclusive membership programs through his RideHVMC Track Experience brand. Corey is also the co-host of the Pipe Dreams Podcast and the owner of Defy All Odds Apparel. Follow Corey on social media via @corey23alexander.
For further inquiries or media requests, please contact [email protected]
Graves Motorsports’ Chuck Graves walks Roadracing World’s Sam Fleming around a track day/basic Supersport build 2024 Kawasaki ZX-6R that was on display during Kawasaki’s official launch of the new model at Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington.
@GravesMotorsports @RoadracingWorld2012 @KawasakiMotorsEU @KawasakiUSA
Borgo Panigale Experience: all the new features of the visit to the factory and the Ducati Museum
Ducati expands the offer of the Borgo Panigale Experience, the itinerary that allows enthusiasts to discover the history, present and future of the Company
The tour of the Ducati factory is enhanced with a visit to the new “Finitura e Delibera Estetica” building, where to observe the final dressing of the bikes carried out by Ducati with a sartorial approach
By popular demand, the Discovery Tours in the company of the Curator of the Ducati Museum have been extended with the addition of three new appointments
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy) – Ducati is expanding the offer of the Borgo Panigale Experience, the itinerary created for all enthusiasts who wish to immerse themselves in the Ducati universe by exploring the 97 years of history of the brand, its present and its future.
The Borgo Panigale Experience includes entry to the Ducati Museum, where enthusiasts can admire the bikes that have made the history of the Company, and a guided tour of the factory, which allows everyone to walk among the production lines and observe how the bikes of their dreams are crafted.
From October, the visit to the factory also includes the new “Finitura e Delibera Estetica” building , where visitors will be able to observe the last phase of the production cycle which consists of the final dressing of the bikes, carried out by Ducati with a sartorial approach. In this step, parts such as fairings and covers are assembled. Finally, each bike is carefully inspected to ensure that it is perfect from an aesthetic point of view, with the aim of ensuring the highest quality standards that distinguish Ducati.
The new space was inaugurated in December 2022 and covers a total area of 4,400 m². The building was designed with particular attention to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, it is in fact classified as NZEB, or “Nearly Zero Energy Building”, indicating almost zero energy consumption, powered mainly by renewable sources.
Furthermore, thanks to the success of the Discovery Tours in the company of the Curator of the Ducati Museum Livio Lodi , expert and history enthusiast, the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer has decided to further expand the calendar events. During this extraordinary experience, participants will be accompanied on an exciting journey through the rooms that preserve the legacy of Ducati, discovering details and anecdotes that make the history of the Company unique.
The new dates to visit the Ducati Museum with the Curator and his narratives have been scheduled for 21 October, 18 November and 2 December. Each day there is a tour in English and one in Italian.
All information on opening times, type of tours and bookings for the Ducati Museum and the factory is available in the section dedicated to the Borgo Panigale Experience on the Ducati website.
MOTOPLEX DAYTONA OPENS ITS DOORS AS THE REGION’S ONLY PIAGGIO-EXCLUSIVE FLAGSHIP, WITH APRILIA, MOTO GUZZI, PIAGGIO AND VESPA BRANDS
A DESTINATION FOR MOTORCYCLISTS WORLDWIDE, DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA, NOW HAS AN INJECTION OF ITALIAN TWO-WHEELED VEHICLES, WITH PIAGGIO GROUP MOTORCYCLES AND SCOOTERS
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The Piaggio Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of two-wheeled vehicles, has opened another group-exclusive North American dealership, following the recent arrivals of Montreal, Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and Idaho Falls, with Daytona Beach, Florida. The location is an evolution of the consumer retail experience, elevated to support the demands of modern customers and passionate owners, which showcases Piaggio Group’s Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, and Vespa motorcycle and scooter brands. Expanding on dealerships in Naples and Gainesville, MotoPlex Daytona is the third franchise of Adamo Motion, Inc. for Piaggio Group, and the first exclusive MotoPlex destination in Florida.
MotoPlex Daytona is committed to providing an all-encompassing solution for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts. Beyond sales, the dealership offers a comprehensive range of services including maintenance, repair, and accessory installation by factory-trained technicians. Aligned with the Piaggio Group brands, MotoPlex Daytona arrives to support Aprilia brand with its mix of street, sport, and adventure model offerings, just in time for the arrival of an entry-level Aprilia RS 457, which promises to bring many new customers to the brand. The dealership displays the range of iconic Moto Guzzi motorcycles, known and loved for their celebrated V-twin engines and Italian soul, synonymous with their unmistakable style and character, and recent arrival of the first water-cooled “compact-block” Moto Guzzi V100 platform. With the Piaggio and Vespa brands, premium and approachable transportation meet the street with timeless style, known reliability, and charm, in scooter options that range from electric options and displacements that span from 50cc to over 500cc.
“Our goal is to create a community around the love of riding. Whether you are a seasoned motorcyclist or someone looking to make their first purchase, we are here to offer personalized service that meets all your needs,” says Buck Brown, General Manager of MotoPlex Daytona.
“Our customers have an expectation for a seamless and contemporary retail experience. With MotoPlex Daytona, you have a platform to support this customer journey in a space that is both inviting and functional, with highly trained staff to provide assistance and service to the most passionate riders and Piaggio Group brands,” says Marco d’Acunzo, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas, “We know with the recent opening of other MotoPlex locations, that customers have been in need of this type of retail journey, and the addition of locations like MotoPlex Daytona, we are able to match the enthusiasm of each customer with a complementary environment worthy of our brands.”
Together under one roof the MotoPlex retail concept provides service, accessories, merchandising and entertainment, to give customers a unique global vision of the two-wheeled world. MotoPlex Daytona is located at 566 Ballough Rd, Daytona Beach, FL and joins hundreds of other select Piaggio Group MotoPlex franchises around the world.
For more information about Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, or Vespa please visit the brand websites.
Aprilia.com
MotoGuzzi.com
Piaggio.com
Vespa.com
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR):
Bridewell secures emotionally charged Bennetts British Superbike title by half a point
Tommy Bridewell celebrated an emotional 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Championship title in an incredible Showdown decider; finishing second behind his BeerMonster Ducati teammate and fierce title rival Glenn Irwin in the final race of the season to take the crown by an unprecedented margin of just half a point.
The battle to become the 2023 Champion went down to the wire, on the last lap of the final race of the season at Brands Hatch as the leading trio in the title chase were pushed to the limit to decide the destiny of the championship.
Irwin had won the race earlier in the afternoon to half Bridewell’s advantage with just 5.5 points separating them going into the final race of the season and Ryde also within mathematical contention should the teammates falter.
Bridewell had initially grabbed the advantage, but Ryde soon had charged ahead to take the lead and with Irwin in fourth that would have been enough for Bridewell to become champion.
However, a hallmark Bennetts BSB race didn’t disappoint the huge crowds at the Kent circuit as a determined Irwin fought his way to the front by lap 11.
Irwin in the lead and with Ryde splitting him from his teammate Bridewell would have turned the tables in his favour, but the 20-lap race saw the championship advantage change in favour of the teammates no less than eight times.
Ryde then regained the lead, but the balance shifted again on the penultimate lap of the season when Irwin produced a rapid exit out of Surtees to pass the LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha rider at Hawthorn and once again move into the title hot seat. This left Bridewell needing to pass Ryde with just a lap and a half of the 2023 Bennetts BSB campaign left to run.
The decisive moment came at Druids on the final lap. Bridewell produced a strong run through Paddock Hill Bend to set up a run on Ryde into Druids before outbraking him and holding the position as they fired down Graham Hill Bend for the final time.
Irwin had managed to build a bit of a gap at the front of the pack, which he held to the chequered flag to claim his tenth win of the season. However, with Bridewell’s second position that was enough to take the title by the narrowest winning points margin in series history.
Bridewell dedicated the championship win to his late brother Ollie and to PBM Team Owner Paul Bird, who passed away last month, in one of the most emotional victories in history.
Ryde followed the BeerMonster Ducatis home to take third and ensure that the top three riders in this year’s standings shared the final podium of the season.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, Race 2
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, Race 3
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Standings
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Tommy Bridewell
BeerMonster Ducati
“I dedicate everything I do in my life to my brother. The day I lost Ollie, I promised him I would become British Champion and today is that day.
“Everything in my life has been built towards this and I’ve dedicated every day to my late brother Ollie and to become BSB champion, so for it to finally happen has made my life complete. Full credit to Glenn, he’s brought both the best and worst out of me and he’s pushed me like no teammate has ever done before – he’s an unbelievable rider and certainly knows how to ride a bike!
“When Paul Bird took me on, I told him I’d give everything, so the title is dedicated to both him and Ollie and I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved in the team for the opportunity. Today was tough and tense, but we got it done.
“I don’t know how you can summarise that last race. There were points when Glenn was ahead in the championship and I was back then it was swinging either way. And to be able to stand here and say I finally won the Bennetts British Superbike Championship is absolutely unbelievable.
“It hasn’t sunk in and it probably won’t sink in for a while. I’m lost for words but what a year it’s been. Thank you to the team, thank you to everyone that supports me and hopefully it’s the first of many to come.”
Roadracing World Advertising Sales Director Anne Barnes and husband Michael Barnes had a daughter, Olivia Grace Barnes, earlier today, October 17, in Athens, Georgia.
Here’s a note from Anne Barnes:
“Good morning. We had quite an unexpected and eventful afternoon yesterday/this morning. Olivia Grace Barnes joined us at 1:34 a.m. on 10/17 weighing in at 7 lbs. 12 oz. and 19 inches long. All Barnes Family members are doing exceptionally well, and we are so grateful.”
With everything that happened at round one of the 2023 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship, we don’t know how they managed to fit it all into Episode 1 of “Pressure To Rise.” But somehow, they did, and it’s a season premiere that you just have to see.
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Phillip Island awaits the Repsol Honda Team
The non-stop schedule of the 2023 World Championship season keeps on coming as the Repsol Honda Team head to the most southernly GP of the year.
A short flight and a quick drive from Lombok to Melbourne and down to Phillip Island and Round 16, the Australian Grand Prix, is already here. The Repsol Honda Team are aiming to use the quick turnaround between races to help turn their fortunes after an ultimately unrewarding weekend in Mandalika. Redemption now calls at a circuit famous for tantalisingly close battles and unique situations.
Phillip Island is a track which has traditionally treated Marc Marquez and the Honda RC213V well, the combination taking three wins there in 2015, 2017, and 2019 – making the #93 Honda’s most successful rider around the 4.45km long track. Outside of these wins, Marquez scored a podium at the track last year – his 100th in the premier class with the Repsol Honda Team. Consistency across the weekend will be key, even if the weather looks set to be as volatile as ever.
Joan Mir arrives in Australia, the scene of his World Championship debut back in 2015, with his trademark positivity intact. Despite a late fall while showing some of his best race pace of the year, the #36 arrives happy with what he achieved and remains confident that there is more to come. Phillip Island was also the scene of Joan Mir’s first World Championship, winning the 2017 Moto3 crown on the Honda NSF250RW.
As always, the weather, and particularly the gusty winds, will be a critically important factor to monitor over the course of the Grand Prix weekend. Forecasts suggest it will certainly be a cooler weekend than the consistent 30°C and higher that the World Championship experienced in Indonesia.
Marc Marquez
“Phillip Island is a circuit with a lot of good memories for me. The place is something really unique on the MotoGP calendar and I have also enjoyed many memorable races there. Last year we got a really good podium there, my 100th in the premier class. As always, we have to see what happens this weekend and especially here in Australia the weather can change a lot and the wind can make things complicated. It will be important to have a good plan for all scenarios.”
Joan Mir
“I think everyone enjoys Phillip Island, so I am looking forward to getting there. On paper Indonesia didn’t look great but honestly, when you look deeper and especially at our pace on Sunday – we need to see the positives and look to make it happen again this weekend. Now we come to one of those tracks where almost anything can happen, on track and in the sky, so let’s begin! It’s an intense schedule to end the year so we have to keep focused to finish well.”
Intro: Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Cruising Into The Past
By Michael Gougis
In retrospect, it seems inevitable that Royal Enfield would build this bike. The 648cc Parallel Twin engine first introduced in the Continental and INT650 models was perfect for a middleweight cruiser. And cruisers are part of the company’s heritage, historically serving as a testing ground for its newest technology and leading its lineup in terms of status and prestige.
Still, it is clear that the company put a great deal of thought and effort into making this bike a cruiser through and through, rather than just putting different pegs and bars on an INT650 roadster and calling it job done. It’s designed to look the part, act the part, and do so in a way that reflects Royal Enfield’s style-first, lifestyle-first approach to motorcycling.
The Super Meteor’s chassis is new, the bodywork is new, the suspension is upgraded, and there are little bits that let you know that this is Royal Enfield’s flagship model.
I spent 140 miles rolling around the highways and byways of north-central Texas, getting an impressions of how well the bike performed its mission–delivering the cruiser experience to riders who want an unintimidating, low-stress ride. It was all about settling back into the plush seat, feeling the thrum of the engine, and being in the moment, on a motorcycle, nowhere better to be and nothing better to do.
Tech Briefing
The core of the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is its 648cc, SOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder engine, introduced in 2018. A gentle, under-stressed powerplant, it produces a claimed 46.4 bhp and 38.6 lbs.-ft. of torque, and is carefully balanced to reduce the vibration inherent in a Parallel Twin. There are some minor upgrades to the cylinder heads for this particular model. As the engine is a stressed member, the cylinder head has been strengthened to handle more load from the steering stem area. Otherwise, the engine internals and transmission ratios remain unchanged from the INT650 and Continental models. Power flows through an assisted/slipper clutch to a fat, 16-inch rear tire.
The chassis is all new, with a raked-out front end and forward-mounted foot controls. For the first time, a Royal Enfield has inverted forks, in this case 43mm Showa Big Piston units with separate functions in each fork leg. One leg handles rebound damping, the other handles compression damping, with no need to know which is which because there are no adjustments.
A single twin-piston Bybre caliper and 320mm (12.6-inch) disc handles braking at the front, and a similar Bybre caliper is mated to a 300mm (11.8-inch) disc at the rear. The bike features antilock brakes, and that is the extent of its electronic rider aids.
Cruisers are all about style, and it is extremely clear that Royal Enfield stylists spent a great deal of effort on how it looks. The finish of individual parts was amazing, especially on a bike built to a price point. The fit, surprisingly, was not as precise as I might have hoped; perhaps that issue will be corrected as production ramps up.
Riding The Super Meteor 650
Throwing a leg over the Super Meteor demonstrates that the company is serious about making it comfortable. The seat is low, the bars are easy to reach, and the overall riding position isn’t particularly extreme. At speed, even without the optional windscreen, the wind blast isn’t fatiguing. The pegs and foot controls are forward, cruiser style, but they are high enough that feet don’t drag during cornering.
Clutch feel is light but substantial, and flawless fuel injection mapping makes the throttle response precise and easy to manage–important for new and returning riders. There’s not a ton of horsepower, but the torque and throttle response at the bottom of the rpm range makes the bike easy to ride in city traffic, which is something Royal Enfield engineers put special effort into.
There’s no tachometer, but the engine tells the rider when it’s time to upshift. When it is in the meat of its powerband, all the rider feels is a steady, pleasant thrumming. When it is near the rev limit, the vibration definitely starts to change from pleasant to intrusive. In sixth gear, the bike rolls along comfortably until the speedometer shows about 75 mph. Then things start to get busy, and while it is possible to nudge the Super Meteor into triple digit speeds, the bike does not feel very happy there at all.
The brakes are progressive and confidence inspiring, if not particularly powerful, but they do provide steady stopping power for the inexperienced rider who gets in over their head and has to grab a handful of front brake lever. The feel at the brake lever is substantial yet light, and it is a good place for a rookie rider to adapt to using the front brake lever more frequently.
There were not many high-speed corners on the ride route, but in the few that we did find, the bike delivered more confidence and more feel than I expected. The ride quality suffered mostly from the relatively limited rear wheel travel and shocks that seemed to lack significant damping in either direction. Some of the truly challenging road surfaces in Texas really highlighted that, and I think this might actually be the first motorcycle I’ve ridden where I would change suspension bits before putting on an aftermarket exhaust. On second thought, I’d go with new mufflers first; I love the sound of one of these Royal Enfield 650 Twins with a good pipe on it.
It’s important to remember the target that Royal Enfield is shooting for with this motorcycle. It is supposed to look good, sound good, and feel good at a moderate or relaxed pace, along with having very affordable pricing. Rolling down a two-lane roadway heading back to the hotel, as long as I was in no rush and kept the bike within its comfort zone, it was easy to enjoy being on a cool-looking motorcycle, middle of the afternoon, just cruising along. That’s what Royal Enfield wants to deliver with the Super Meteor 650. That and the feeling that a new, casual rider can get when they park the bike, take a few steps, turn around, look back, and think with pride, yeah, that one’s mine.
Suggested retail starts at $6,999, with bikes heading for dealerships this week.
CELEBRATING AN ICON:
THE THRUXTON FINAL EDITION
Celebrated as the ultimate café racer since 1964, the Triumph Thruxton will finish its final production run. In a fitting farewell to this award-winning motorcycle, Triumph has unveiled the Thruxton Final Edition, an exclusive and striking motorcycle with incredible specification, performance, capability, and timeless style.
Based on the Thruxton RS, with its sublime performance, agile handling and premium specification, this special edition is the result of generations of Thruxton development, culminating in this beautiful, and highly collectible, limited-edition motorcycle. Beautifully finished in an exclusive Competition Green paint scheme, with hand-painted gold lining and signed by the artist, the Thruxton Final Edition blends the style and traditional elegance of the RS, paying homage to the Thruxton’s rich racing heritage.
Set to become a desirable collectors’ item, each Thruxton Final Edition will come with a certificate of authenticity featuring the bike’s unique VIN number. Each of these special documents is signed by members of the Thruxton 1200 design team and Triumph’s CEO, Nick Bloor. A unique Final Edition engine badge will also be supplied with each motorcycle, with a gold-finished surround and ‘Final Edition’ graphic infill, this beautiful badge is sure to make a great display piece.
This is an exciting and exclusive opportunity for Triumph Thruxton enthusiasts to stake their claim to a rare piece of Triumph history and to own the ultimate Thruxton at the zenith of its development.
Built to the same category-defining specification as the Thruxton RS, here are just some of the Final Edition’s highlights:
Features exclusive to the Final Edition include:
PEAK PERFORMANCE
The ultimate café racer, the Thruxton Final Edition features the most powerful 1200cc Bonneville engine in Triumph’s modern classic range.
Tuned specifically for the Thruxton, the parallel twin produces 104HP (105PS) @ 7,500rpm with increased power both low down in the rev range for exhilarating acceleration, throughout the mid-range and all the way to the top end. Torque is just as impressive, with 82.6 FTLB (112Nm) delivered earlier in the rev range than other Bonneville-powered machines at 4,250rpm. Peak performance that befits the marking of the final run of this iconic motorcycle and makes the Final Edition truly special.
MODERN, AGILE, AND INTUITIVE HANDLING
The Thruxton is well regarded by owners and the press alike for its intuitive, dynamic, and performance-focused road handling. From the race-inspired riding position with its clip-on bars, every component is carefully selected and then fine-tuned to bring out the very best of the Thruxton Final Edition’s sports-focused chassis.
Premium high-specification Showa ’Big Piston’ forks paired with twin Öhlins piggyback rear suspension units provide full adjustability giving the perfect balance of comfort and superb road handling. Best-in-class Brembo M50 radial brake calipers matched to floating 310mm Brembo discs deliver massive stopping power with intuitive lever feel and the reassurance of ABS.
Lightweight tubeless 32-spoke 17” wheels further aid the Thruxton’s agility while the connection to the road is assured and confidence-inspiring thanks to the fitment of Metzeler Racetec RR tyris — providing racetrack levels of grip and superb rider feedback.
ICONIC CAFÉ RACER STYLING
The Thruxton’s inimitable café racer styling, with its contemporary blacked-out style that includes black powder-coated engine covers, cam cover finishes, and premium anodized black wheel rims — with attention to detail that runs right the way through to the Öhlins rear suspension unit springs — has been taken to the next level for the Final Edition.
The Competition Green paint scheme celebrates the Thruxton’s British racing heritage with the classic Triumph logo and matching, hand-painted, gold-line detailing on the sculpted fuel tank and seat cowl. This stunning deep green is set against the lustrous black sheen of the side panels and mudguards, the former finished with an exclusive Thruxton Final Edition logo.
All the Thruxton’s trademark details remain — from the single bullet seat and Monza style fuel filler cap to the brushed stainless steel tank strap, clear anodized aluminum swingarm, sports foot pegs, and clip-on handlebars. The result is a striking special edition motorcycle that epitomizes the spirit and soul of a legend.
SPECIAL FINAL EDITION COLOR-MATCHED ACCESSORY COCKPIT FAIRING
There are over 80 genuine Triumph Thruxton accessories, including a ‘passenger set-up’ with seat, footrests and passenger grab rail, and a whole plethora of options to add style, protection, comfort, and security.
Bespoke to the Final Edition, a dedicated accessory cockpit fairing is also available, color matched to blend perfectly with the limited-edition Competition Green paint scheme. As beautiful as it is practical, this stunning fairing brings an alternative aesthetic to the striking Thruxton Final Edition.
OWNING A TRIUMPH LEGEND
Triumph Motorcycles’ Chief Commercial Officer Paul Stroud said: “The Thruxton has a special place in the hearts of many motorcyclists, and we are all immensely proud of this Final Edition, which captures the essence of the British café racer scene. The Thruxton will bow out of production at the very pinnacle of its development with a special edition that secures its place in the history books of Triumph Motorcycles.”
The MY25 Thruxton Final Edition is priced at $17,995 USD & $19,395 CAD. Orders can be placed now at Triumph dealers, with bikes arriving in dealers from Spring of 2024.
A TIMELINE OF THE ULTIMATE CAFÉ RACER
The winning Sixties
While its Bonneville roots can be traced back to the Fifties, the Thruxton was born as a limited-edition racer in 1964. An instant success in endurance races, the exclusive Thruxton aptly earning its biggest accolade by claiming all three podium places at the 1969 Thruxton 500-mile race. With success at the Isle of Man TT following shortly after, the Thruxton became the first production motorcycle to lap the Mountain Course at over 100mph. The Thruxton’s uncompromised racing style, handling and performance was a must for those protagonists of the traffic light Grand Prix, the world over.
The thoroughly modern Thruxton
In 2016 the first 1200cc Thruxton, the R, hit the showrooms, creating a new performance benchmark in this fast-growing category. Three years on, the Thruxton RS took the genre into new territories. Increased power, improved handling and a specification like no other ensured the 2019 Thruxton RS had peerless performance and the looks to match.
The final evolution
The absolute pinnacle of Thruxton development, celebrated with the exclusive and exquisite Final Edition. Hand-painted perfection, and available for just one last production run.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
| Model | MY25 Thruxton Final Edition |
| Type | Liquid cooled, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin |
| Capacity | 1200 cc |
| Bore | 97.6 mm |
| Stroke | 80 mm |
| Compression | 12.1:1 |
| Maximum power | 103 HP (105 PS) (77 kW) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 82.6 LBFT (112 Nm) @ 4,250 rpm |
| Fuel system | Ride by wire, multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection |
| Exhaust | Brushed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin brushed silencers |
| Final drive | O-ring chain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate assist clutch |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
CHASSIS
| Model | MY25 Thruxton Final Edition |
| Frame | Tubular steel, with steel cradles |
| Swingarm | Twin-sided, aluminum fabrication, clear anodized |
| Front wheel | Tubeless 32-spoke 17 x 3.5 in, aluminum rims |
| Rear wheel | Tubeless 32-spoke 17 x 5 in, aluminum rims |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60 ZR17 |
| Front suspension | Showa 1.7” (43 mm) USD big piston forks, fully adjustable 4.7” (120 mm) travel |
| Rear suspension | Fully adjustable Öhlins twin shocks with piggyback reservoir, 4.7” (120 mm) rear wheel travel |
| Front brakes | Twin 12.2” (310 mm) Brembo floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston radial monobloc calipers, ABS |
| Rear brakes | Single 8.6” (220 mm) disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS |
| Instruments | LCD multi-functional instrument pack with analogue speedometer, analogue tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty indication, service indicator, clock, trip computer, scroll and mode buttons on handlebars, heated grip ready, fuel consumption display, traction control status and riding mode display. |
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
| Model | MY25 Thruxton Final Edition |
| Width (handlebars) | 29.3” (745 mm) |
| Height without mirrors | 40.5” (1,030 mm) |
| Seat height | 31.9” (810 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 55.7” (1,415 mm) |
| Rake | 22.8° |
| Trail | 3.6” (92 mm) |
| Dry weight | 434lbs (197 kg) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 3.8gal (14.5 liters) |
SERVICE
| Model | MY25 Thruxton Final Edition |
| Service interval | 10,000 miles/16,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. |
Corey Alexander & Tytlers Cycle Racing Conclude Successful Relationship
Ossining, New York (October 16th, 2023)
Corey Alexander and Tytlers Cycle Racing (TCR) announce the conclusion of their relationship, effective immediately. During the 2022 season, Corey helped to establish TCR in the MotoAmerica paddock while achieving multiple victories and podium finishes on his path to securing the 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000cc Championship.
In 2023, Corey Alexander graduated to the premier Superbike class, riding TCR’s 2022 spec BMW M 1000 RR machine. He finished 7th overall in the championship, with notable top-five finishes and, for the first time in his career, two Superbike podiums during the final round at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
Reflecting on his journey with TCR, Corey stated, “I’ll be forever grateful to Michael Kiley, his family, and Tytlers Cycle Racing for enabling me to achieve some of my lifelong dreams, from winning races and the Stock 1000cc championship to standing on the Superbike podium. It’s unfortunate that our paths won’t align in 2024, but I know I still have much to offer in the Superbike class after a challenging yet rewarding year. I’m currently assessing what’s best for my career and future, including the possibility of relaunching our own family-run racing effort, as we’ve done in the past. I extend my gratitude to my family, friends, and personal sponsors for their unwavering support in pursuing this dream.”
As Corey Alexander and his longstanding crew gear up for the off-season, they remain open to any opportunities that may arise. For partnership inquiries, please contact [email protected].
About Corey Alexander
Corey Alexander, a 28-year-old New York native, is a two-time national champion with a decade of professional racing experience. He offers 1-on-1 training, bike rentals, and exclusive membership programs through his RideHVMC Track Experience brand. Corey is also the co-host of the Pipe Dreams Podcast and the owner of Defy All Odds Apparel. Follow Corey on social media via @corey23alexander.
For further inquiries or media requests, please contact [email protected]
Graves Motorsports’ Chuck Graves walks Roadracing World’s Sam Fleming around a track day/basic Supersport build 2024 Kawasaki ZX-6R that was on display during Kawasaki’s official launch of the new model at Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington.
@GravesMotorsports @RoadracingWorld2012 @KawasakiMotorsEU @KawasakiUSA
Borgo Panigale Experience: all the new features of the visit to the factory and the Ducati Museum
Ducati expands the offer of the Borgo Panigale Experience, the itinerary that allows enthusiasts to discover the history, present and future of the Company
The tour of the Ducati factory is enhanced with a visit to the new “Finitura e Delibera Estetica” building, where to observe the final dressing of the bikes carried out by Ducati with a sartorial approach
By popular demand, the Discovery Tours in the company of the Curator of the Ducati Museum have been extended with the addition of three new appointments
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy) – Ducati is expanding the offer of the Borgo Panigale Experience, the itinerary created for all enthusiasts who wish to immerse themselves in the Ducati universe by exploring the 97 years of history of the brand, its present and its future.
The Borgo Panigale Experience includes entry to the Ducati Museum, where enthusiasts can admire the bikes that have made the history of the Company, and a guided tour of the factory, which allows everyone to walk among the production lines and observe how the bikes of their dreams are crafted.
From October, the visit to the factory also includes the new “Finitura e Delibera Estetica” building , where visitors will be able to observe the last phase of the production cycle which consists of the final dressing of the bikes, carried out by Ducati with a sartorial approach. In this step, parts such as fairings and covers are assembled. Finally, each bike is carefully inspected to ensure that it is perfect from an aesthetic point of view, with the aim of ensuring the highest quality standards that distinguish Ducati.
The new space was inaugurated in December 2022 and covers a total area of 4,400 m². The building was designed with particular attention to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, it is in fact classified as NZEB, or “Nearly Zero Energy Building”, indicating almost zero energy consumption, powered mainly by renewable sources.
Furthermore, thanks to the success of the Discovery Tours in the company of the Curator of the Ducati Museum Livio Lodi , expert and history enthusiast, the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer has decided to further expand the calendar events. During this extraordinary experience, participants will be accompanied on an exciting journey through the rooms that preserve the legacy of Ducati, discovering details and anecdotes that make the history of the Company unique.
The new dates to visit the Ducati Museum with the Curator and his narratives have been scheduled for 21 October, 18 November and 2 December. Each day there is a tour in English and one in Italian.
All information on opening times, type of tours and bookings for the Ducati Museum and the factory is available in the section dedicated to the Borgo Panigale Experience on the Ducati website.
MOTOPLEX DAYTONA OPENS ITS DOORS AS THE REGION’S ONLY PIAGGIO-EXCLUSIVE FLAGSHIP, WITH APRILIA, MOTO GUZZI, PIAGGIO AND VESPA BRANDS
A DESTINATION FOR MOTORCYCLISTS WORLDWIDE, DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA, NOW HAS AN INJECTION OF ITALIAN TWO-WHEELED VEHICLES, WITH PIAGGIO GROUP MOTORCYCLES AND SCOOTERS
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The Piaggio Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of two-wheeled vehicles, has opened another group-exclusive North American dealership, following the recent arrivals of Montreal, Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and Idaho Falls, with Daytona Beach, Florida. The location is an evolution of the consumer retail experience, elevated to support the demands of modern customers and passionate owners, which showcases Piaggio Group’s Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, and Vespa motorcycle and scooter brands. Expanding on dealerships in Naples and Gainesville, MotoPlex Daytona is the third franchise of Adamo Motion, Inc. for Piaggio Group, and the first exclusive MotoPlex destination in Florida.
MotoPlex Daytona is committed to providing an all-encompassing solution for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts. Beyond sales, the dealership offers a comprehensive range of services including maintenance, repair, and accessory installation by factory-trained technicians. Aligned with the Piaggio Group brands, MotoPlex Daytona arrives to support Aprilia brand with its mix of street, sport, and adventure model offerings, just in time for the arrival of an entry-level Aprilia RS 457, which promises to bring many new customers to the brand. The dealership displays the range of iconic Moto Guzzi motorcycles, known and loved for their celebrated V-twin engines and Italian soul, synonymous with their unmistakable style and character, and recent arrival of the first water-cooled “compact-block” Moto Guzzi V100 platform. With the Piaggio and Vespa brands, premium and approachable transportation meet the street with timeless style, known reliability, and charm, in scooter options that range from electric options and displacements that span from 50cc to over 500cc.
“Our goal is to create a community around the love of riding. Whether you are a seasoned motorcyclist or someone looking to make their first purchase, we are here to offer personalized service that meets all your needs,” says Buck Brown, General Manager of MotoPlex Daytona.
“Our customers have an expectation for a seamless and contemporary retail experience. With MotoPlex Daytona, you have a platform to support this customer journey in a space that is both inviting and functional, with highly trained staff to provide assistance and service to the most passionate riders and Piaggio Group brands,” says Marco d’Acunzo, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas, “We know with the recent opening of other MotoPlex locations, that customers have been in need of this type of retail journey, and the addition of locations like MotoPlex Daytona, we are able to match the enthusiasm of each customer with a complementary environment worthy of our brands.”
Together under one roof the MotoPlex retail concept provides service, accessories, merchandising and entertainment, to give customers a unique global vision of the two-wheeled world. MotoPlex Daytona is located at 566 Ballough Rd, Daytona Beach, FL and joins hundreds of other select Piaggio Group MotoPlex franchises around the world.
For more information about Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, or Vespa please visit the brand websites.
Aprilia.com
MotoGuzzi.com
Piaggio.com
Vespa.com
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR):
Bridewell secures emotionally charged Bennetts British Superbike title by half a point
Tommy Bridewell celebrated an emotional 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Championship title in an incredible Showdown decider; finishing second behind his BeerMonster Ducati teammate and fierce title rival Glenn Irwin in the final race of the season to take the crown by an unprecedented margin of just half a point.
The battle to become the 2023 Champion went down to the wire, on the last lap of the final race of the season at Brands Hatch as the leading trio in the title chase were pushed to the limit to decide the destiny of the championship.
Irwin had won the race earlier in the afternoon to half Bridewell’s advantage with just 5.5 points separating them going into the final race of the season and Ryde also within mathematical contention should the teammates falter.
Bridewell had initially grabbed the advantage, but Ryde soon had charged ahead to take the lead and with Irwin in fourth that would have been enough for Bridewell to become champion.
However, a hallmark Bennetts BSB race didn’t disappoint the huge crowds at the Kent circuit as a determined Irwin fought his way to the front by lap 11.
Irwin in the lead and with Ryde splitting him from his teammate Bridewell would have turned the tables in his favour, but the 20-lap race saw the championship advantage change in favour of the teammates no less than eight times.
Ryde then regained the lead, but the balance shifted again on the penultimate lap of the season when Irwin produced a rapid exit out of Surtees to pass the LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha rider at Hawthorn and once again move into the title hot seat. This left Bridewell needing to pass Ryde with just a lap and a half of the 2023 Bennetts BSB campaign left to run.
The decisive moment came at Druids on the final lap. Bridewell produced a strong run through Paddock Hill Bend to set up a run on Ryde into Druids before outbraking him and holding the position as they fired down Graham Hill Bend for the final time.
Irwin had managed to build a bit of a gap at the front of the pack, which he held to the chequered flag to claim his tenth win of the season. However, with Bridewell’s second position that was enough to take the title by the narrowest winning points margin in series history.
Bridewell dedicated the championship win to his late brother Ollie and to PBM Team Owner Paul Bird, who passed away last month, in one of the most emotional victories in history.
Ryde followed the BeerMonster Ducatis home to take third and ensure that the top three riders in this year’s standings shared the final podium of the season.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, Race 2
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, Race 3
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Standings
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Tommy Bridewell
BeerMonster Ducati
“I dedicate everything I do in my life to my brother. The day I lost Ollie, I promised him I would become British Champion and today is that day.
“Everything in my life has been built towards this and I’ve dedicated every day to my late brother Ollie and to become BSB champion, so for it to finally happen has made my life complete. Full credit to Glenn, he’s brought both the best and worst out of me and he’s pushed me like no teammate has ever done before – he’s an unbelievable rider and certainly knows how to ride a bike!
“When Paul Bird took me on, I told him I’d give everything, so the title is dedicated to both him and Ollie and I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved in the team for the opportunity. Today was tough and tense, but we got it done.
“I don’t know how you can summarise that last race. There were points when Glenn was ahead in the championship and I was back then it was swinging either way. And to be able to stand here and say I finally won the Bennetts British Superbike Championship is absolutely unbelievable.
“It hasn’t sunk in and it probably won’t sink in for a while. I’m lost for words but what a year it’s been. Thank you to the team, thank you to everyone that supports me and hopefully it’s the first of many to come.”
