HER STORY: meet Chun Mei Liu – “Most fans of motorcycle racing in Taiwan have got to know how racing works because of me”

Chun Mei Liu (WT Racing Team Taiwan) was a consistent performer in the inaugural FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship as she fought for the top-ten positions, securing a best of seventh in the opening race of the season. She’s had a different journey to racing on the world stage, starting out relatively late compared to some of her rivals but has helped grow the sport back in her native country.

FROM NEW TAIPEI CITY TO MISANO AND BEYOND: her journey to WorldWCR

Chun Mei Liu proudly represents Taiwan in the WorldWCR’s historical first season and she’s an inspirational figure for many young riders from her country and region. The 42-year-old from New Taipei City is an experienced rider and is also a trained motorcycle mechanic and technician, who is comfortable working on her own bikes. The WT Racing Team Taiwan rider confesses to loving all kinds of motorcycles and it is now on the Yamaha YZF-R7 that she is enjoying racing with the fastest women on the planet in 2024.

HOW IT STARTED: on a bike at 17, playing other sports

Liu describes her initial forays into the world of motorcycling, commenting: “I first started riding when I was 17 years old and the Yamaha Cygnus was my first bike. I immediately felt excited and thought about being able to ride long distances.” She continues: “I also played basketball, tennis and badminton when I was younger, but it was motorcycles that I was most into. This has always been my passion and something that’s in my blood. Compared to other sports, motorcycle racing is the only one I can be truly focused in and concentrate on.”

RECENT RACING ACTIVITY: strong performances in Asia

Over the last five seasons between 2019 and 2023 Liu has ridden in the Asia Road Racing Championship building up her experience in China and Japan, racing against male competitors. She also competed in the 2021 Taiwan Motorcycle Road Race Championship and the 2022 Taiwan Superbike Series, enjoying great success along the way. She started competing on 50cc and 125cc bikes, making her way onto more powerful machinery as her experience increased, riding on bikes such as the Yamaha R3 and Kawasaki 250cc.

INCREASING THE SPORT’S POPULARITY IN TAIWAN: limited race tracks, finding fans

Liu explains the local racing scene in her home nation saying: “We don’t have so many tracks for racing like in Europe. Even compared to China or Japan, we’ve only got three or four motorcycle tracks. It’s still hard for people here, the fans, to get into contact with motorcycle races. I feel like I’ve made a good contribution to motorcycle racing in Taiwan, because I was really the only one to go overseas for so many races and represent Taiwan. So now my fans and most fans of motorcycle racing in Taiwan have got to know how racing works because of me.”

She continues to describe how more Taiwanese riders are themselves becoming more interested in racing due to the increased presence of more powerful bikes on the road in the East Asian country. “Motorcycles are a very frequently used mode of transport in Taiwan, not everyone has a car, but most people have a motorcycle, like a 50cc or 125cc, both men and women,” she explains. “Now interest in the sport is increasing because more people are intrigued and there are more heavier bikes around. In the past the bigger capacity bikes were more restricted, but now more people are riding bikes of 500cc or more, so it’s developing.”

A DEDICATED MOTORCYLIST: day trips on motorbikes

When it comes to her riding habits away from the racetrack, Liu admits: “I’ll ride every type of bike I can get my hands on! I mostly ride around Taiwan because it’s a small island and it’s easy to get around. Usually, I take four to five days trips, just riding around. I go onto mountain roads and explore as well as riding on the expressways, all kinds of roads. I hope to ride more on the roads and explore in Europe too, but for now I’m too busy with racing and work.”

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE: praise for her manager

Acknowledging the role her biggest motorcycling influence has had on her career, Liu reveals: “My manager and coach is really the person who has taught me most in racing. Every time I make a mistake in training, he doesn’t go easy on me! That’s one of the reasons why I’ve developed in the sport. He has made me one of the best riders in Taiwan. In fact, he is my manager, my coach and my mechanic! We’ve been working together for 23 years.”

JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Follow WorldWCR on XInstagram and Facebook and watch all the races for FREE on YouTube!

Source: WorldSBK.com

2024’s KEY MOMENTS: Razgatlioglu’s first hat-trick of the year at Misano

After taking victories at Barcelona-Catalunya and Assen, Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) claimed his first ever MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship hat-trick at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”, finishing ahead of rivals Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) to take the Championship lead on Saturday, the first time BMW had led the way in over a decade. Watch the highlights from Race 1 and Race 2 HERE.

RACE 1: Toprak takes the Championship lead

The surprise came on Saturday at Misano: Razgatlioglu took pole position in Superpole and in the afternoon, took victory on Ducati soil, a second and a half ahead of Bulega and three ahead of Bautista. That was the Turk’s fourth win of the year, his second in a row, which he would eventually extend to thirteen. In addition, Toprak broke Bautista’s run of four consecutive Misano wins, which stretched back to Race 2 in 2022.

PERFECT SUNDAY: Razgatlioglu continues dominating and completes the triple

On Sunday, things continued in the same way, with the Turk dominating from Warm Up. In the Superpole Race, he took his second win of the weekend ahead of Bulega and Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK). Bautista crashed at Turn 10 on Lap 5, when he was running fourth with another mistake adding to a tricky season. In the afternoon, the Talavera native returned to the podium but finished almost seven seconds behind Razgatlioglu, who completed the triple as Bulega took a third second place of the weekend. Elsewhere, a first top six back in action for Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team), nothing short of a miracle.

2025 LOADING: relive the entire 2024 season and beyond with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

GALLERY: Toprak, Huertas, Mahendra and Carrasco distinguished at 2024 FIM award ceremony.

With another high-octane season in the books, Mallorca’s Palma Convention Center played host to the FIM awards ceremony bringing together the highest-achieving riders in the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship paddock. Circuit racing legend Dominique Meiland presented awards to each of the champions in each racing discipline, including but not limited to: two-time WorldSBK champion, Toprak Razgatlioglu, WorldSSP champion Adrian Huertas, WorldWCR champion Ana Carrasco and WorldSSP300 champion Aldi Satya Mahendra. Click above to  see the photos from the event celebrating the brightest stars in motorsport!

Don’t miss a moment and gain exclusive access to WorldSBK content with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

 

Source: WorldSBK.com

2024 Holiday Buyers Guide

2024 Holiday Buyers Guide

Our Holiday Buyers Guide includes eight motorcycle products that make great gifts for the moto-enthusiast in your life. Whether looking for something special for a loved one or an answer for the person asking what they can get you, you’ll find options for all types of riders here.

Rider Magazine works hard to bring you “Motorcycling at its Best” all year long. We’re able to continue this mission through support by you – our loyal readers – and our advertisers. Adding an item from this holiday buyers guide helps support the advertisers who support us so we can continue publishing the stories you enjoy.

Thank you, and happy holidays from Rider!


Continental Road Attack 4 Tires

2024 Holiday Buyers Guide Continental ContiRoadAttack 4

This hyper-touring tire boasts intuitive handling characteristics to complement new machines or upgrade the performance of older bikes. Features include an updated compound and a new tread pattern that promises superb wet weather performance and dry grip, as well as the tread shoulder’s slick area said to offer class-leading cornering grip at high lean angles. In addition, the front tire construction has been revised to offer more feedback and agility while reducing stand-up tendency when braking in corners. Pricing starts at $299.95.


Barnett Lock Up Pressure Plate

2024 Holiday Buyers Guide Barnett M-8 Lock-Up Pressure Plate

This pressure plate for 2013-current Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight FL Touring models is a one-piece hard-anodized billet pressure plate that guarantees no flex and optimal durability. Its weighted arms apply pressure as rpm increases. For different pressure options, the unit includes two sets of chrome silicon heat-treated and preset no-sag springs. The plate fits under the OEM primary cover and works with cable or hydraulic clutches. It provides better performance when used with Barnett’s replacement clutch or extra-plate clutch kit. Priced at $415.


Club EAGLERIDER

2024 Holiday Buyers Guide Club EagleRider

EAGLERIDER offers motorcycle rentals and tours from locations across six continents, and joining Club EAGLERIDER provides members with additional benefits. Members earn credits each month that they can cash in for motorcycle rentals, whether close to home or while traveling. Using these credits is a convenient way to try out a variety of bikes without the hassles of ownership, and it provides a “bike in a suitcase” when you need a ride while away from home. Members also have access to a 20% discount on additional rentals and gear. Plans start at $29 per month.


SMK Titan Carbon Helmet

2024 Holiday Buyers Guide SMK Titan Carbon

This full-face helmet has a carbon-fiber weave outer shell made from SMK’s Premium Carbon Composites Fiber Technology. It features a high-flow ventilation system with adjustable chinbar and top vents to allow airflow through the channeled EPS liner, and the washable hypoallergenic liner is moisture-wicking to keep heads cool. It features an intermediate oval fit, and the faceshield is ready to accept the included Pinlock 70 lens. The helmet also features a quick-release chinstrap, a tinted drop-down sunshield, and speaker pockets. Pricing starts at $289.99.


Feuling Parts BA Air Cleaner Kit

2024 Holiday Buyers Guide Feuling Parts BA Air Cleaner

This air-cleaner kit for Harley-Davidson Dyna (1999-2017), Softail (2000-2015), and Touring (1999-2007) models lengthens the intake runners and increases air velocity, delivering added volume for balanced dynamic flow. It features a billet-aluminum velocity stack, a reusable air filter, and a  billet cage. The kit’s one-piece design creates a clean look and allows for easy installation. It’s set up with OEM-style cylinder-head breathing, routing into the intake with optimized vent hole locations to meet emissions standards. Available for $659.95. 


Spectro Heavy Duty Golden Synthetic Oil

2024 Holiday Buyers Guide Spectro Golden Synthetic Heavy Duty Oil

Spectro’s new Heavy Duty Golden Synthetic SAE 20W50 oil offers performance, protection, and reliability for V-Twins. Top-tier, highly refined hydrocracked group-3 base oils are combined with the most advanced additives to reduce wear, extend component life, and eliminate valve sticking. This synthetic engine oil reduces friction, offers tremendous lubrication, and provides superior protection in extreme heat conditions, especially for air-cooled Harley-Davidson and Indian engines. It meets all OEM warranty requirements.


Dunlop Roadsmart IV Tires

2024 Holiday Buyers Guide Dunlop Roadsmart IV

Compared to the Roadsmart III, Dunlop’s Roadsmart IV sport-touring tires are claimed to improve mileage by 23% for the front and 26% for the rear and provide 15% lighter steering on turn-in. The new compound has Hi Silica X and Fine Carbon technology for secure grip and stopping performance in wet conditions, and a new sidewall construction improves handling. The rear tire features Multi Tread Technology, which allows the center compound to last longer, while compounds on the shoulders provide better grip. They have a ZR speed rating and start at $263.95.


Brake Free Helmet Light

2024 Holiday Buyers Guide Brake Free Helmet Light

This helmet light solves a problem common to motorcyclists – a lack of visibility to other motorists. It’s an ultra-light, small, wireless brake light that easily mounts to most helmets. The built-in sensor-based technology detects when you slow down using gyrometers and accelerometers and activates the light. There’s no need to splice wires or download an app: simply stick on the universal helmet mount, attach the device, and ride. Recent updates to the black version include a new USB-C port that charges the device 80% faster. Available in black or white for $169.99.

The post 2024 Holiday Buyers Guide appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Sebastian Schoepe, EAGLERIDER | Ep. 75 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

Rider Magazine Insider Podcast Episode 75 EagleRider CEO Sebastian Schoepe

Our guest on Episode 75 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is Sebastian Schoepe, the new CEO of EAGLERIDER, the world’s largest motorcycle rental and tour company. We talk to Schoepe about EAGLERIDER’s winter getaway tours, new off-road tours in Las Vegas, and more. This episode is sponsored by HardDrive American V-Twin products

You can listen to or watch Episode 75 on Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodbean, and YouTube or via the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast webpage. Please subscribe, leave us a 5-star rating, and tell your friends! Scroll down for a list of previous episodes.

The post Sebastian Schoepe, EAGLERIDER | Ep. 75 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Returning 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles: Final Wave 

2025 Suzuki Hayabusa 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki Hayabusa in Metallic Mystic Silver & Pearl Vigor Blue

The final wave of 2025 Suzuki motorcycles has been announced, including sport, crossover, sport-touring, and adventure models. Other 2025 Suzukis that have already been announced can be found on the Suzuki section of our website. All models in this announcement return unchanged except for the Hayabusa, which gets new colors and an update to S.I.R.S., and the GSX-S1000, which gets a new 5-inch TFT display. 


2025 Suzuki Hayabusa 

2025 Suzuki Hayabusa 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki Hayabusa in Metallic Matte Steel Green & Metallic Matte Titanium Silver

The Hayabusa, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024, is an iconic open-class sportbike now in its third generation. It’s powered by a 1,340cc inline-Four in a twin-spar aluminum frame and features fully adjustable KYB suspension and Brembo Stylema front brake calipers. For 2025, The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System now includes an updated launch control system and new Smart Cruise Control system, which will not cancel if the rider changes gears using the quickshifter. 

2025 Suzuki Hayabusa 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki Hayabusa in Glass Sparkle Black

The 2025 Suzuki Hayabusa will be available in Glass Sparkle Black, Metallic Mystic Silver & Pearl Vigor Blue, or Metallic Matte Steel Green & Metallic Matte Titanium Silver. MSRP starts at $19,399. 

Related: Suzuki Hayabusa, 1999-2024: Your Majesty for 25 Years 


2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000 

2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000 in Metallic Matte Sword Silver

This street-focused sportbike is powered by a 999cc GSX-R-based inline-Four and includes a twin-spar aluminum frame, adjustable KYB suspension, and Brembo brakes. For 2025, the GSX-S1000 gets a new 5-inch TFT display screen with a scratch-resistant surface and anti-reflective coating. 

2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000 in Glass Sparkle Black

The 2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000 will be available in Glass Sparkle Black or Metallic Matte Sword Silver with MSRP starting at $11,909. 

Read our Suzuki GSX-S1000 Review 


2025 Suzuki GSX-8S 

2025 Suzuki GSX-8S 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-8S in Glass Sparkle Black / Pearl Cosmic Blue

The GSX-8S naked bike, first introduced in 2023, is powered by a 776cc parallel-Twin and features KYB suspension, Nissin brakes, an upright riding position, ride modes, a 5-inch TFT screen, a quickshifter, and other features. The fully faired 8R version, introduced in 2024, was included in an earlier announcement with new color options. 

2025 Suzuki GSX-8S 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-8S in Metallic Matte Black No. 2

The 2025 Suzuki GSX-8S will be available in Glass Sparkle Black / Pearl Cosmic Blue or Metallic Matte Black No. 2 with an MSRP of $9,209. 

Read our Suzuki GSX-8S Review 


2025 Suzuki GSX-250R 

2025 Suzuki GSX-250R 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-250R in Metallic Diamond Red and Pearl Nebular Black

This beginner-friendly sportbike is powered by a 248cc parallel-Twin and includes ABS, a slim 4-gallon fuel tank for easy stand-over, KYB suspension, Nissin petal-style brakes, and an LCD instrument panel. It also offers a claimed fuel economy of 73.6 mpg. 

The 2025 Suzuki GSX-250R will be available in Metallic Diamond Red and Pearl Nebular Black with an MSRP of $5,149. 

Related: Small Bikes Rule! Honda CRF250L Rally, Suzuki GSX250R and Yamaha TW200 Reviews 


2025 Suzuki SV650 ABS 

2025 Suzuki SV650 ABS 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki SV650 ABS in Pearl Matte Shadow Green / Metallic Matte Black No. 2

This naked bike is powered by a 645cc V-Twin and includes Low RPM Assist to prevent stalling, a tubular steel-trellis frame, Tokico brakes, ABS, Suzuki’s Easy Start System, and an LCD info screen. It has a seat height of 30.9 inches, a claimed curb weight of 430 lb, and a fuel capacity of 3.8 gallons. 

The 2025 Suzuki SV650 ABS will be available in Pearl Matte Shadow Green / Metallic Matte Black No. 2 with an MSRP of $8,049. 

Read our Suzuki SV650 Review 


2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ 

2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ in Metallic Triton Blue

A finalist for Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle of the Year award, the GSX-S1000GX+ crossover is based on the GSX-S1000GT+ but is taller and offers a more upright riding position, blending characteristics of a sport-tourer and adventure bike. It features Suzuki’s first electronic suspension system, as well as throttle-by-wire and a 6-axis IMU to inform a full suite of rider aids in the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System.  

The 2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ will be available in Metallic Triton Blue with an MSRP of $18,599. 

Read our Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ Review 


2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ 

2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ in Pearl Vigor Blue

This sport-tourer won Rider’s 2022 Motorcycle of the Year award, offering impressive touring comfort matched with exciting performance. It’s powered by a 999cc inline-Four adapted from the GSX-R1000 K5 that produces 136 hp at 10,200 rpm and 73 lb-ft of toque at 9,3000 rpm. It’s equipped with Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, traction control, cruise control, an up/down quickshifter, 25.7-liter side cases, and a 6.5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity. 

2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ in Metallic Oort Gray No. 3

For 2025, this model receives Smart Cruise Control, which continues to operate when the rider uses the quickshifter. 

The 2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ will be available in Metallic Oort Gray No. 3 or Pearl Vigor Blue with an MSRP of $14,299. 

Read our Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ Review 


2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800 

2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800 in Candy Daring Red

The V-Strom 800 is the street-focused version of the V-Strom 800DE. Like the DE and GSX-8S, the V-Strom 800 is powered by a 776cc parallel-Twin with a 270-degree crankshaft and includes throttle-by-wire, an up/down quickshifter, and Suzuki Clutch Assist System. It has a steel backbone-style frame, a Showa SFF-BP inverted fork, a gas-charged Showa shock, dual Nissin front brakes, ABS, ride modes, traction control, Easy Start, and Low RPM Assist. 

The 2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800 will be available in Candy Daring Red with an MSRP of $10,109. 

Read our Suzuki V-Strom 800 Preview 


2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE / V-Strom 800DE Adventure 

2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE in Champion Yellow No. 2

These two models are the most dirt-capable V-Stroms in Suzuki’s lineup and share the engine and frame of the V-Strom 800 described above. They include a 21-inch front wheel, spoked rims, and the longest suspension travel and most ground clearance of any V-Strom model, with 8.7 inches of front and rear travel and 8.75 inches of ground clearance. Also included is a trail-oriented Gravel traction control mode and rider-adjustable ABS. The Adventure version adds quick-release 37-liter aluminum sidecases, accessory bars, and an aluminum skidplate. 

2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Adventure 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Adventure in Pearl Tech White

The 2025 Suzuki V-Stom 800DE will be available in Champion Yellow No. 2 or Glass Sparkle Black with an MSRP of $11,709. The 2025 Suzuki V-Strom 8000DE Adventure will be available in Pearl Tech White with an MSRP of $13,159. 

Read our Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Review 


2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050

2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 in Metallic Oort Gray No. 3

This adventure bike, as well as the DE version below, is powered by a 1,037cc V-Twin in a twin-spar aluminum frame. Suspension is fully adjustable, and the 19- and 17-inch wheels are cast-aluminum. Also included are cruise control, an up/down quickshifter, lean-sensitive ABS, traction control, ride modes, a 5-inch TFT instrument panel, and a USB port. The standard windscreen is hand-adjustable, the fuel tank holds 5.3 gallons, and the curb weight is 534 lb. 

The 2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 will be available in Metallic Matte Black No. 2 or Metallic Oort Gray No. 3 with an MSRP of $15,409. 

Read our Suzuki V-Strom 1050 Preview 


2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 

2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE in Glass Sparkle Black / Metallic Matte Black No. 2

The V-Strom 1050DE includes the engine, frame, and features of the V-Strom 1050 but adds off-road capability. The DE gets 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels wrapped in Dunlop TrailMax MixTour Adventure tires, and it gets a Gravel traction control mode. ABS can also be switched off on the rear. Other additions include an accessory bar, an aluminum skid plate, a smaller windscreen, a wider tapered aluminum handlebar, and a taller ground clearance of 7.5 inches. 

The 2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE will be available in Glass Sparkle Black / Metallic Matte Black No. 2 with an MSRP of $16,299. 

Read our Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE Preview 


Visit the Suzuki website for more information. 

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2025 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post Returning 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles: Final Wave  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

HER STORY: meet Luna Hirano – “It’s very difficult to go overseas from Japan, so I want to be a guiding light…”

Riders from all around competed in the 2024 Women’s FIM Circuit Racing World Championship, with Luna Hirano (Team Luna) representing Japan on the world stage. A country with a proud racing history, on two wheels and four, Hirano adapted to the Yamaha R7 machine across the six rounds held in 2024 as she became a regular points scorer and here, you can learn more about the Tokyo-born rider.

HEADING WEST TO RACE WITH THE BEST: competing outside Asia for the first time

Hirano rode outside Asia for the first time this year, proudly representing Japan in the historical, inaugural season of the WorldWCR. Alongside Taiwan’s Chun Mei Liu – the only other Asian rider on the 2024 grid of the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship – Hirano has made the leap from racing in Asia to battle with the best female riders on the planet in Europe this year and it’s an experience she is relishing.

IT ALL STARTED AT MOTEGI: iconic venue to begin her career

Hirano’s love affair with motorcycles all began at another iconic racing venue when she first rode an electric kids’ bike in the amusement park zone at Twin Ring Motegi, the circuit which annually hosts MotoGP™ for the Japanese Grand Prix. She recalls that first contact with a motorcycle saying: “I first encountered a bike in 2006 when I was six years old. I rode an electric minibike at the amusement park at Mobility Resort Motegi. I loved riding and my mother recommended a pocket bike. As I had many friends my age also riding it wasn’t so much about wanting to become a rider, I just continued because I wanted to play with my friends.”

MAKING CONTINUAL PROGRESS: rising through the ranks

Hirano gives the details of her journey to elite level racing from those playful beginnings at Motegi as a child, saying: “I actually began in motorsports at the age of six, as I also started riding pocket bikes in 2006 after trying the electric bike. Then for six years, from ages 6 to 12, I continued to ride pocket bikes. When I was 13 I switched to a NSF100 mini bike and at 14 I raced on an international circuit on a CBR250R. By this time, I had grown to nearly 170 cm tall and then I moved onto larger bikes when I was 16 and participated in regional championships on a CBR600RR at Mobility Resort Motegi and the Tsukuba Circuit. I started racing in the All-Japan Road Race Championship in 2018, fully participating in the ST600 class at the age of 18.”

TESTING HERSELF IN ENDURANCE RACING: a Suzuka 8 Hours debut

Once she was already competing in road racing at a high level, as one of very few women to ride in Japan’s national championship, Hirano then decided to test herself in one of her country’s most prestigious motorsports events in a different format, entering the world-renowned Suzuka 8-Hour race. “When I was 19, I competed in the EWC Suzuka 8-Hour Endurance Road Race Championship and the EWC Malaysia Sepang 8-Hour Endurance Road Race Championship on a GSX-R1000. In 2022 and 2023, I also participated in the Suzuka 8-Hour race on the GSX-R1000. After experiencing the EWC endurance road race championship several times, I sense a significant physical difference between men and women. It is challenging for women to succeed in the top categories of MotoGP™, WorldSBK, and EWC. Overcoming these differences is not easy.”

HAVING FUN AND SURPRISING PEOPLE: “People say I don’t look like someone who rides a motorcycle regularly. They are 100% surprised”

Hirano takes the challenge of making it to the very top level in racing seriously, understanding the commitment and determination involved. However, she’s also quick to recognise the simple joys of riding high-speed motorcycles and surprising onlookers with her talent. “While it may be possible to aim for the upper tier with a lot of training, there are physical and strength differences that cannot be overcome, no matter how hard one tries,” she asserts. On what motivates her to participate in such a demanding discipline, the rider from Tokyo adds: “Just the experience of riding a larger 600cc bike was the catalyst for me. You can ride at speeds that you can’t experience on regular roads. It’s a lot of fun. People say I don’t look like someone who rides a motorcycle regularly. They are 100% surprised.”

HIRANO’S HOBBIES AND HEROES: Spies and Pedrosa her inspiration

Hirano works as an instructor at Bridgestone and in her spare time she enjoys playing games on her PC, watching anime cartoons, and reading novels. She lists World Champions Ben Spies and Dani Pedrosa alongside her compatriot Kazuki Watanabe as her favourite riders. Regarding the female athlete who inspires her most, she reveals, “That’s Saori Yoshida who is a well-known Japanese wrestler. She’s a multiple-time world champion and Olympic gold medallist, recognised for her outstanding achievements in women’s wrestling.”

THE HUGE CHALLENGE AND PRESTIGE: aiming to be a benchmark

As the sole Japanese rider on the first ever WorldWCR grid, Hirano describes her exciting 2024 adventure as the biggest challenge of her life. “I go through almost everything alone – booking flights, reserving hotels, renting cars and hiring mechanics,” she acknowledges. “The experience of doing all these things by myself will surely become my strength in the future. I hope that by participating, I can set a benchmark for future female riders in Asia. It’s very difficult to go overseas from Japan, so I want to be a guiding light. I am very honoured to be able to participate in the inaugural year of the WorldWCR.”

JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Follow WorldWCR on XInstagram and Facebook and watch all the races for FREE on YouTube!

Source: WorldSBK.com

2024’s KEY MOMENTS: Spinelli’s inspired tyre gamble reaps rewards, Gardner takes first WorldSBK rostrum

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship moved from Barcelona to the TT Circuit Assen at the end of April and it was a round that had everything. Rain greeted the field on Saturday and led to shocks in Race 1 as debutant Nicholas Spinelli (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed victory in his first WorldSBK race. There was a first-time podium finisher in Race 2 as well with Australian star Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) claimed his first rostrum after knocking on the door in the early part of the season. Catch up on the Race 1 and Race 2 action and watch highlights from a thrilling Tissot Superpole Race on WorldSBK’s YouTube channel – and don’t forget to subscribe for more!

SPINELLI’S DEBUT TO REMEMBER: intermediate tyre choice comes off

Spinelli stepped in to replace the injured Danilo Petrucci after the latter’s life-threatening motocross training crash. The #9 was cheering on his compatriot and even played an important role in Spinelli’s shock victory with a pre-race phone call helping with tyre choice. With the track damp but rain no longer falling, most riders opted for slicks but Spinelli went for intermediates at the front and rear, while Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) had a mix of slicks and intermediates. Spinelli burst into the lead from 11th on the grid and soon had a 25-second advantage over his rivals. However, with the track drying, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) were closing him down before a well-timed red flag – if you were in the Barni Ducati garage – at just over two-thirds race distance meant Spinelli was a WorldSBK winner in his first race.

GARDNER LANDS FIRST ROSTRUM: the #87 claims third in Race 2

Gardner had been closing in on a first podium towards the end of 2023 and he was even closer during his home Australian Round. Barcelona was tricky for all Yamaha riders but at Assen, the #87 was back in the grove. He took fourth in Race 1, just five seconds away from victory, and finished in the same position in the Tissot Superpole Race. It was in Race 2 where he finally stood on the podium, fighting for a well-deserved third place to stand on the iconic Dutch rostrum and finishing only a second away from victory, behind Razgatlioglu and Championship leader Bautista.

2025 LOADING: relive the best moments from an epic 2024 campaign using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

2025 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport Preview 

2025 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport Preview
2025 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport in Verde Legnano

The Moto Guzzi V7 range has been updated for 2025 with a boost in power and torque, added technology, and the return of the Moto Guzzi V7 Sport version. 

2025 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport Preview
2025 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport

Introduced on the V7 models in 2021, the air-cooled 853cc V-Twin has a power increase from 65 to 67.3 hp at 6,900 rpm. Torque also gets boosted, from 53.8 lb-ft to 58.3 at 4,400 rpm, with 95% of torque available at 3,500 rpm. Also new for 2025 is throttle-by-wire with a 52mm throttle body to replace the previous cable-actuated throttle. Other changes include a 27% increase in airbox volume and a revised exhaust system for smoother torque delivery. 

Related: 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Review 

With throttle-by-wire, the Moto Guzzi V7 now offers ride modes that manage traction control and throttle response. The V7 Stone and V7 Special get Road and Rain modes, while the new V7 Sport gets an additional Sport mode. All V7s come with standard cruise control. The V7 Sport benefits from even more tech with the addition of a 6-axis IMU that enables cornering traction control and cornering ABS.  

2025 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport Preview

The bikes’ steel frame, double-cradle design, and rider triangle return unchanged for 2025. The V7 Stone and Special variants also retain their 40mm telescopic fork and dual preload-adjustable shocks. The V7 Sport gets upgraded suspension with a new preload-adjustable 41mm USD fork. 

2025 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport Preview
The V7 range gets an updated exhaust system for 2025.

The Sport version also gets different brakes than the Stone or Special, with dual 320mm discs paired with Brembo monoblock radial-mount 4-piston calipers. The Stone and Special retain their single 320mm disc with 4-piston Brembo caliper up front, and all versions include a 260mm disc with a 2-piston caliper in the rear. 

2025 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport Preview
2025 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport

Updates in styling include new side panels, a shorter rear fender, a more aggressive exhaust configuration, and full LED lighting. The single round LCD instrument previously only on the V7 Stone is now standard on all three models and includes updated graphics and features. The V7 Sport also gets a fuel level indicator, and all V7s get new switch cubes. 

2025 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport Preview
A single round LCD instrument is now standard on all three V7 models.

In addition to up-spec suspension, brakes, and tech, the V7 Sport also gets aluminum headlight brackets, aluminum inserts on the side panels, a laser-etched handlebar top clamp, bar-end mirrors, and a dedicated seat with sporty red stitching. 

2025 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport Preview
2025 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport

The 2025 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone will be available in Nero Ruvido or Blu Profondo. The V7 Special, with chrome details and spoked wheels, will be available in Nero Smeraldo or Bianco 1969. The new 2025 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport will be available in Verde Legnano or Grigio Lario. Pricing has not yet been announced. 

For more information, visit the Moto Guzzi website

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2025 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post 2025 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport Preview  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Bringing you the Best Motorcycle News from Around the Web!