PREVIEW: Huertas aims to wrap up WorldSSP title at Estoril, Montella and Manzi look to delay the crowning moment

History beckons at the Circuito Estoril as Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) looks to secure the FIM Supersport World Championship during the Estoril Round. He heads to Portugal with a sizeable margin over his rivals and he can wrap up his second World Championship on Sunday as he looks to end his WorldSSP career on a high. Both Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Stefano Manzi (Pata Prometeon Ten Kate Racing) remain in contention as they look to make it a season finale showdown.

THE TITLE FIGHT: Huertas leads by 41 points

Huertas takes a 41-point lead into Estoril with Montella in second and Manzi a further five points back. If the #99 Ducati is to take the crown, it can only be on Sunday. He’ll need to leave Estoril 50 points clear of both, meaning the title is secured if he outscores Montella by nine points and Manzi by four across the weekend. If he does win the title, Huertas will become the first rider to win both the WorldSSP300 and WorldSSP titles. Huertas took two top-eight finishes in 2022 in WorldSSP at Estoril, while Montella claimed a P4 in Race 2 in the same year; both were on Kawasaki machinery. Manzi was also at Estoril that year but did not finish either race.

CAN SCHROETTER CATCH DEBISE? A close fight for fourth

Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) and Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) have been in a close fight in 2024, with just 14 points between them heading into Estoril. Schroetter endured a tough few rounds across the summer but seems to be back to his best, while Debise has been a consistent podium contender. With little to separate the duo, who will come out on the tight for P4? Neither has raced at Estoril in WorldSSP, just to throw the cat amongst the pigeons for this battle…

CEMENTING A TOP SIX SPOT: Navarro aiming for more podiums, Caricasulo just behind…

Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) has been a revelation since his switch to the Ducati Panigale V2, often fighting for the podium and moving into sixth in the standings. He’s just ahead of Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) who’s raced at Estoril in both WorldSSP and WorldSBK and just 12 points separate the pair. Glenn van Straalen (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) sits eighth and he’s 22 clear of Niki Tuuli (EAB Racing Team) in ninth, while there’s a big fight for P10 between Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) and Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph); just five points separate them.

THE WORLD SUPERSPORT CHALLENGE: Edwards vs Corsi for the title

Tom Edwards (D34G Racing WorldSSP Team) leads the WorldSSP Challenge title race ahead of Simone Corsi (Renzi Corse) but just four points separate them heading into the penultimate round. It means the title could be won by Australian rider Edwards at Estoril, although there would need to be a massive points swing in Edwards’ favour.

GRID CHANGES FOR ESTORIL: a new team for Sofuoglu, Bendsneyder set for debut

Bo Bendsneyder will make his WorldSSP debut with the MV Agusta Reparto Corse team as he replaces Bahattin Sofuoglu, with the #54 making the switch to the Yamaha Thailand Racing Team for the final two rounds of 2024. Guillermo Moreno will make his WorldSSP debut with the VIAMO Racing by MTM squad, while Goncalo Ribeiro (FIFTY Motorsport) will also be on the grid for the first time as a wildcard. Azroy Anuar is back as a wildcard with the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda team. Elsewhere, Lorenzo Baldassarri (WRP by SKM-Triumph) will be hoping he’s back on track, but he’ll need to pass medical checks.

Watch all the action from WorldSSP’s visit to Estoril using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now only €9.99!

Source: WorldSBK.com

STATS GUIDE: Yamaha vs Ducati for all-time Estoril wins, Razgatlioglu chases a Polen record

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship heads to the Circuito Estoril for the penultimate round of the 2024 campaign. With titles on the line, there’s plenty to be excited about for the Estoril Round. Ahead of the action getting underway, we’ve gathered some of the key numbers to whet your appetite ahead of a crucial round…

115-118 – After Andrea Iannone’s win at Aragon, Italy now has 115 wins, 3 short of Australia (3rd all-time spot).

43 – Ducati has yet to record a pole position at Estoril. So far, they’ve recorded pole position in Superpole at 43 tracks out of 53 they’ve visited in their history.

20 – In 2021, Estoril became the 20th track in which Jonathan Rea won, setting a new record in WorldSBK history. He then improved and is at 22 now.

16 – In the 13 races run so far at Estoril, 16 different riders stood on the podium.

15/24 – Toprak Razgatlioglu, on his return, maintained his standards, posting 3 podiums out of 3. So far, he has recorded 21 podiums out of 24 starts for BMW, and, with an 87,5% podium score, it is, at the moment, the best in history with Kevin Magee, the latter though racing only 8 times with Yamaha and posting 7 podiums. Razgatlioglu’s best challenger is Jonathan Rea, who ended his Kawasaki experience with an 80,9% podium rate (221 podiums out of 273), then…himself, who claimed 100 podiums in his 131 races for Yamaha (76,3%).

15/17 – Toprak Razgatlioglu counts 15 wins this season and is 2 short of the second all-time value of 17, recorded for the first time in 1991 by Doug Polen, and equalled only in 2018 and 2019 by Jonathan Rea. The all-time record of 27 by Bautista last year, is unreachable this season.

14 – Yamaha leads Ducati for podium finishes at Estoril: 14 to 11. Yamaha is on a streak of 11 races on the podium here started in 1993 Race 1.

9 – Estoril has so far had 9 different winners out of 13 races run. The only ones to record more than a win have been Toprak Razgatlioglu (2), and Jonathan Rea (4).

9 – Toprak Razgatlioglu is the only rider who climbed on the podium 9 times here, all his Estoril races. Jonathan Rea follows at 6.

5 – Estoril is the only track in WorldSBK history where 5 different winners won the first 5 races run (Davide Tardozzi and Stephane Mertens in 1988, Fabrizio Pirovano and Carl Fogarty in 1993, Toprak Razgatlioglu in 2020 Race 1).

4/5 – Jonathan Rea has won four of the last five races at Estoril, with Alvaro Bautista winning the other. Scott Redding has also won at Estoril, with Toprak Razgatlioglu winning twice back in 2020.

3 – On WorldSBK’s last visit to Estoril, all three races were decided on the final lap: Jonathan Rea won twice for Kawasaki, while Alvaro Bautista took one win for Ducati.

3-4 – Yamaha became the most successful manufacturer at Estoril in 2020, taking their victory tally to three, equalling Ducati, but they were overcome in 2022 as both Ducati and Kawasaki upped their tally to 4.

1 – In 2020, the Tissot Superpole Race at Estoril was the stage for the first Yamaha podium lockout in WorldSBK history.

1 – In 2020 at Estoril, Toprak Razgatlioglu took his maiden pole position, the first for a Turkish rider.

Follow all the action Estoril using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now only €9.99!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Leather Airbag Vest Review

Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Airbag Vest
The Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Leather Airbag Vest offers a stylish and low-profile way to keep yourself protected while enjoying the ride.

No rider who has crashed on the street ever wished they weren’t wearing protective gear. Beyond an armored riding jacket or suit, a higher level of protection is available from airbags worn over your torso that reduce the force of impacts. 

Early airbag technology employed a tether system that required riders to detach or deactivate them when willingly dismounting a motorcycle. The latest systems are autonomous, using gyroscopic sensors that automatically inflate the airbag when a crash is sensed.

Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Airbag Vest
Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Airbag Vest in leather

Alpinestars is the leader in airbag technology, first supplying it to MotoGP racers in 2009. While roadracers have been benefiting from airbag protection, few street riders want to crawl inside a neck-to-ankle leather suit for their trip to Starbucks or work. The Tech-Air 3 vest provides airbag protection for street riders and can be worn over or under a jacket.

The Tech-Air 3 ($599.95) was introduced in 2023. New to the lineup are the Tech-Air 3 Leather ($749.95) tested here and the Tech-Air 3 Canvas ($649.95), which are aimed at V-Twin riders but are suitable for all street riders. The Leather/Canvas vests have different features from the original version, like an internal flap holder to allow the chest airbag to be tucked out of sight when walking around, a hidden LED panel on the chest, dual zippered pockets, and a zippered back slot that enables adding patches. 

Once slipped on, the 4-lb vest is barely noticeable, and stretch panels allow for a good range of motion. The inflation canister resides in the lower left corner of the vest and can be felt if riding on a seat with a hump behind it. A perforated back panel and internal air channels promote ventilation.  

Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Airbag Vest

The Tech-Air 3 boasts a simple and intuitive design. There are no complex installation procedures – simply slip it on, attach the magnetic closure on the chest air bladder to activate, and zip it up. The battery is claimed to provide 40 hours of use. 

Read all of Rider’s apparel reviews here.

The vest features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair it with the Alpinestars app on your smartphone. The app provides information on battery level, system status, and service history, and it allows downloading updates to ensure the vest is running the latest software.

A key element of the Tech-Air 3 Leather is that it doesn’t stand out as safety apparel. It’s nicely styled and has a clean appearance, so I prefer to wear it over my riding jackets. Keep in mind that wearing it under a jacket takes up space, so you’ll need a little wiggle room inside your jacket to allow for inflation. 

Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Airbag Vest
The Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Airbag Vest also comes in a canvas option.

Luckily, I’ve yet to get into a situation that would warrant an airbag deployment, but with three gyroscopes and three accelerometers keeping tabs, plus Alpinestars’ extensive experience with this technology, I’m confident the bags would inflate when needed – apparently in only 50 milliseconds. If the airbag deploys, you’ll need to send it to Alpinestars to get the air canister replaced for a $100 fee. 

Midway into a crash won’t be a good time to wonder if you should be wearing a Tech-Air 3.

The post Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Leather Airbag Vest Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Highway 21 Motordrome Motorcycle Jacket Review

Highway 21 Motordrome Motorcycle Jacket BMW R 18 Roctane
Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad

There are numerous styles of motorcycle jacket that provide high-quality form and function, but when I’m on my Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail, I usually lean toward something leather and with a little style. When it came time to review the Highway 21 Motordrome leather motorcycle jacket, I tried to think of something that needs to be improved on, but after wearing it for over a year, I’ve only come up satisfied. 

Highway 21 Motordrome Motorcycle Jacket
The Highway 21 Motordrome motorcycle jacket features a retro racer style and options for adjusting temperature comfort.

The Motordrome is a premium leather jacket that Highway 21 says has a heavy stylistic nod to boardtrack racing, hence the name. It features a snap club collar, diamond-stitched accents, and an off-white strip across the chest and forearms. If that’s not your style, maybe that’s the one thing not to like about this jacket, but I really like the retro racer look.  

Highway 21 Motordrome Motorcycle Jacket

From a safety standpoint, the Motordrome has pockets for back and elbow armor compatible with Fly Barricade CE armor (sold separately) and plenty of storage space, including five pockets on the jacket itself (two chest, two handwarmers, and a concealed carry) and an extra Napoleon chest pocket on the removable thermal liner.    

The chest pockets double as front ventilation, which is complemented by dual-zippered wrist vents so you can keep the wrist cuffs tight and still get airflow up the sleeves. Air flows out of two sizable zippered exhaust vents on the back.  

Highway 21 Motordrome Motorcycle Jacket BMW R 18 Roctane
Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad

Between the thermal liner and the ventilation, you have plenty of options to moderate your riding temperature comfort level. Highway 21 says this motorcycle jacket is good for “Cold” and “Mild” but not “Hot.” That seems about right, but I might add another level in between the latter two and say it works for “Warm.”

Highway 21 Motordrome Motorcycle Jacket BMW R 18 Roctane
Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad

On the lower end of the spectrum, I’ve regularly worn the jacket with the liner and just a T-shirt in the upper 30s and been comfortable (and I’ve gone down in the 20s with an extra long-sleeve layer). Or I can take out the liner, open all the vents, and throw on a tank top, and I’m comfortable into the 80s.  

Highway 21 Motordrome Motorcycle Jacket BMW R 18 Roctane
Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad

I have the armor with my jacket, and between the reassurance I get from that and the leather, along with the considerable temperature range, the Motordrome is my go-to motorcycle jacket for most of my cruising months. 

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

And it not only looks good on my Harley, it also looks good on the BMW R 18 Roctane (shown in photos) and other cruisers and retro-style bikes I’ve tested. 

The Highway 21 Motordrome jacket comes in distressed Antique Black in men’s sizes S-4XL for $289.95. 

The post Highway 21 Motordrome Motorcycle Jacket Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Motorcycle Boots Review 

Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Motorcycle Boots Review

I have a few pairs of riding boots that I enjoy for most day-to-day riding, but when I signed up for a class with California Superbike School, I realized none of them were appropriate for a true trackday. I needed something with more protection suited for track-style riding, but I also wanted something comfortable enough to wear on street rides. From the description on the website, it seemed the Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Motorcycle Boots would fit the ticket. 

The Stella SMX-6 V2 motorcycle boots includes many protective features that provide support, utility, and peace of mind. The upper is constructed from advanced microfiber for abrasion resistance. When pulling the boots out of the box, I first noticed their TPU-injected shin guards. Occasionally my foot will slip off one of the pegs and knock my shins into controls, so I was happy to have protection in this key area. 

Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Motorcycle Boots Review
Photo by EtechPhoto.com.

The boots also include shift pads to protect the material from frequent contact with the shifter, and the sliders on the outside toe are replaceable. The toe box provides added protection, as does the hard heel cup. There’s also a TPU lateral ankle brace for structural integrity and to prevent the ankle from moving in ways it’s not supposed to. There’s an additional ankle protector inside as well. 

With all these protective pieces, it’s easy to imagine these boots might not provide enough flexibility for comfort. Alpinestars solves that problem with accordion-style flex zones above the heel and across the front. This construction allows the boots to flex enough to offer freedom of movement while the protective parts restrict the rider’s feet and ankles from moving too far or in unnatural directions. 

The boots feature a wide and long hook-and-loop fastener with a zipper under the hook-and-loop flap for getting into and out of them. Given how wide the boots open, it’s quick and easy to slide my feet in or out when needed. While wearing them, the hook-and-loop has held up well and never feels as if it’s pulling apart while riding or walking. 

Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Motorcycle Boots Review
Photo by EtechPhoto.com.

The boots also feature a compound rubber sole with an intricate tread pattern that kept my feet from slipping off the pegs while riding and provided enough grip to easily walk around in the paddock. 

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

These Stella SMX-6 V2 boots were a great choice for someone like me who wants top-level protection and capability for occasional trackdays while maintaining comfort and flexibility for street rides. After my day at California Superbike School, I was plenty tired and sore, but my feet and ankles were not. As I’d hoped when ordering them, the boots are comfortable enough to make for good street-riding footwear as well. 

The Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Boots are available in women’s sizes 36-43. Alpinestars also offers a vented version and men’s SMX-6 V2 boots. 

The post Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Motorcycle Boots Review  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 Preview 

2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801
2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801

In 2024, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 was introduced as an updated model from the Svartpilen 701, equipped with a larger-displacement twin-cylinder engine, a new frame, new tech, and other changes. For 2025, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 joins the ranks with many of those same updates, replacing the Vitpilen 701. 

2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801
2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801

Husqvarna’s Svartpilen (“black arrow” in Swedish) and Vitpilen (“white arrow”) are visually distinct from other motorcycles with their unique styling. The Svartpilen features a street-tracker look, while the Vitpilen has a cafe-racer vibe. Also in Husqvarna’s lineup are the Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401. 

2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801
2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801

The new Vitpilen 801, like the Svartpilen 801, replaces the previous 693cc single-cylinder engine with the liquid-cooled 799cc LC8c parallel-Twin also found in the KTM 790 Duke and 790 Adventure. The engine has a bore and stroke of 88 x 65.7mm and a compression ratio of 12.5:1. It’s paired with a Power Assist Slipper Clutch and a 6-speed gearbox. 

Related: 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 Review | First Ride 

Also new for both models is a tubular chromium-molybdenum steel frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. The cast-aluminum subframe is a unique element with integrated air intakes under the seat, and it houses the airbox inside. The bikes also feature an aluminum swingarm. The Vitpilen 801 has a seat height of 32.2 inches, a fuel tank that holds 3.7 gallons, and a weight of 397 lb without fuel. 

2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801
2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801

Up front is a WP Apex 43mm inverted fork with 5.5 inches of travel and adjustable compression and rebound damping through five-step click dials on top of the fork tubes. In the rear is a WP Apex shock that offers 5.9 inches of travel and is adjustable for rebound and preload. 

Both bikes come with Husqvarna-branded J.Juan brake components, including a pair of radial 4-piston front calipers biting 300mm floating discs and a floating 2-piston rear caliper paired with a 240mm disc. Bosch 9.3MP cornering ABS with Supermoto mode is a standard feature. They ride on 17-inch cast alloy wheels, and the Vitpilen 801 comes with Michelin Road 6 tires in 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear sizes. (The Svartpilen’s tires are Pirelli MT60 RS.) 

2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801
2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801

The Vitpilen 801’s styling features the unique sharp edges and flat parts shared among the Vitpilen and Svartpilen bikes. A key design feature is the “split” that divides the main frame and subframe. The bodywork is slim and tightly wrapped around the engine and frame. Another stand-out design feature is the round LED headlight with a floating positioning light ring around it. All lighting is LED. 

2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801
2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801

Replacing the previous round LCD display is a new 5-inch TFT display. This instrumentation allows connection to a smartphone via the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycle app, through which riders can access turn-by-turn navigation, view phone calls, and listen to music. 

2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801
2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801

These bikes also include many rider aids and electronics. In addition to cornering ABS, they also come with cornering traction control with two additional sensors that monitor wheel slip and tilt angle. Ride modes include Street, Sport, and Rain, and a customizable Dynamic mode is available as an option.  

2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801
2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801

Other optional features include the Easy Shift up/down quickshifter (standard on Svartpilen 801), Motor Slip Regulation, and cruise control. 

The 2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 will be available starting in December 2024. Pricing has not yet been announced. Visit the Husqvarna Motorcycles website for more info.

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

The post 2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 Preview  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

HER STORY: meet Iryna Nadieieva – “I know many girls go to Ukrainian motorcycle schools… this inspires me every day!”

Iryna Nadieieva (MPS.RT) has a unique story to her racing career. The 29-year-old only began racing four years ago but her rapid rise has seen her compete in the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship in its inaugural season. Nadieieva revealed more about her journey to this level, the challenges she’s faced and much more.

HAILING FROM UKRAINE: more about Nadieieva

Ukraine’s 29-year-old Iryna Nadieieva is a woman of many talents who has arrived at top level racing at a relatively late age, having first ridden competitively just four years ago. As a gifted gymnast who is also adept at wakeboarding and snowboarding, she recognises that motorcycles and racing are her true passion. She proudly takes her place on the inaugural WorldWCR grid, hoping to inspire more young Ukrainians to get into racing and she dreams of one day seeing a female MotoGP™ World Champion.
 
HOW THE PASSION STARTED: “I didn’t have enough money for my own bike, so a friend and I decided to buy one together…”

Explaining how she got into riding on the road first, before taking the path into racing Nadieieva reveals: “I didn’t have enough money for my own bike, so a friend and I decided to buy a Yamaha FZ8 together. I had never been on a bike before. It was unforgettable. If it is close to your heart and you like it, you will understand that from the first moment you try it. It’s a very emotional thing. Motorcycles have given me the best feelings I’ve ever had in my life. I will never forget my first time on a bike and I will never forget my first race. I can’t imagine with what I could replace bikes in my life.” Once she had fallen in love with motorcycles, it was clear that they would eventually become an integral part of her daily life…
 
STARTING TO RACE: “My first race was at the first round of the Ukrainian championship… I crashed on the first lap on Saturday and got my first podium on Sunday!”

“My story is ‘from the road to racetrack,” says the Ukrainian rider, “I only started racing when I was 25. I wanted to improve my riding, because I wasn’t very confident in my city riding and wanted to do it better. That moment I couldn’t even imagine where this decision would lead me. I found a nice coach and in Kyiv it is difficult with track days, because we have no normal tracks, so we train on karting tracks.” She details how she has quickly made progress from smaller, local circuits and lower capacity bikes to racing at the elite level against the most talented female riders on the planet, adding: “I started on karting tracks on a small bike. My first race was at the first round of Ukrainian Superbike in 2020. I crashed on the first lap on Saturday and got my first podium on Sunday. I felt so alive and absolutely happy. At the end of the season I was second among the women and at the end of 2021 I was already first in the Women’s class and second overall in the Ukrainian STK600 class. In the following years I trained and raced on a Yamaha R1 in the Spanish Yamaha Cup. There were many failures and many victories. But the main thing is that I’m still able to learn, acquire new skills and get faster every day.”
 
FAMILY BACKGROUND: “My parents never dreamed that their daughter would race a motorcycle!”

Unlike many pro riders who have been encouraged into the sport from a young age by parents and families with a background in racing, Nadieieva has forged her own path into competitive riding. Indeed, it’s even taken some convincing through both actions and words to convince her inner circle of the beauty of racing. She openly states: “My parents never dreamed in their wildest dreams that their daughter would race a motorcycle. In my country there are a lot of stereotypes that motorcycling is an extremely dangerous and very masculine sport. My family initially took my hobby very badly. Mum cried a lot. It took me two years to prove to those around me that this is an interesting sport that requires a lot of work and professionalism. That women can be fast. That it is about discipline and willpower. Now my family supports me a lot and I know that many girls go to Ukrainian motorcycle schools because they want to be like me. This inspires me every day.”

HOPING FOR A LEGACY IN UKRAINE: “I hope that racing will develop in Ukraine, infrastructure will be built…”

“In my opinion my participation in WorldWCR is super important for my country,” Nadieieva asserts. “Racing is at a very poor level in Ukraine. We have just one racetrack, called “Chaika”. It was built in 1973 and never renovated. This season will be challenging for me and my team. Surely, we will learn a lot about racing and will be able to teach others. I hope that my participation will help to increase people’s interest in racing. I want to show how beautiful this sport is. I hope that racing will develop in Ukraine, infrastructure will be built, and many little boys and girls will be able to get a good training base to perform well in competition. Of course, I’m very proud to represent Ukraine. People in Ukraine are very persistent, hard-working. We know how not to give up and go to the end. I will try to be worthy of my country.”
 
2024 EXPERIENCE: “It’s sport at a very high level, but what I feel and what I’ve seen there is absolutely wonderful”

“I feel like the WorldSBK paddock is very friendly and very warm,” acknowledges Nadieieva, explaining what she has discovered this year to date on the WorldWCR grid. “I thought the competition would be colder maybe, but I feel it’s really good. The girls are wonderful, I like to communicate with them very much. The guys are always very helpful, and I think that the competition is very fair. It really is a very cool place to be. It feels like friends who want to compete with each other. It’s sport at a very high level, but what I feel and what I’ve seen there is absolutely wonderful.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

PREVIEW: first match point for Razgatlioglu in incredible title fight as WorldSBK returns to Estoril

After the adventures of Aragon comes the latest episode in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship with the Circuito Estoril ready for Round 11, the penultimate round of the season and, potentially, a title decider. It’s advantage Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) heading into the Estoril Round, but will the #54 be celebrating a second title on the Portuguese coastline or will Aruba.it Racing – Ducati duo Nicolo Bulega and Alvaro Bautista take the fight to the season finale?

WHAT RAZGATLIOGLU NEEDS: a 62-point lead leaving Portugal

Razgatlioglu returned from injury last time out at Aragon and secured three P2 finishes but, crucially for ‘El Turco’, outscored title rival Bulega across the weekend. The gap was just 13 points heading into Spain, but Bulega now trails Razgatlioglu by 39 points, while Bautista is 81 back. The BMW rider can only win the title on Sunday if he outscores Bulega by 23 points across the weekend and loses 19 points at most to Bautista. Razgatlioglu has tasted victory at Estoril before, winning Race 1 and the Tissot Superpole Race 2 in 2020 while Bautista won in 2022 – after an epic last-lap fight with the Turk. In fact, all three races were decided by last-lap shootouts on WorldSBK’s last visit. For Bulega, it’s his first time at Estoril on a WorldSBK machine but he raced there in 2022 in WorldSSP, taking a podium in Race 1 but not scoring in Race 2.

INDEPENDENT TITLES ON THE LINE: Petrucci and Barni Ducati to secure them?

Danilo Petrucci’s (Barni Spark Racing Team) in recent rounds has been nothing short of remarkable, including three wins on home soil at Cremona, and he’s now fourth in the standings ahead of Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), with the #22 needing to be declared fit following his Aragon spill. He’s 56 points down on Bautista in third, meaning a bronze medal is possible, but Petrucci can also wrap up this year’s Independent Riders’ title at Estoril, with ‘Petrux’ needing a 62-point advantage over Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) to secure it. Barni Ducati can also secure the Independent Teams’ title if they have the same margin over GoEleven, and it’s possible it can be as early as Race 1 if Petrucci finishes ahead of Iannone; to win it then, Barni Ducati would need a 99-point lead and currently have a 107-point advantage.

THREE RIDERS, SIX POINTS: the battle for P6 intensifying

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) currently sits sixth in the Championship standings, but he faces late pressure from Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Iannone to stay there. ‘Loka’ leads that fight on 197 points with van der Mark and ‘The Maniac’ just two points back but finding themselves in podium contention and winning races a lot more often than the #55 Yamaha at this point. Locatelli has two P5s and two P4s in six races at Estoril, while van der Mark was on the rostrum in 2020 in the Superpole Race. As for Iannone, he raced here in Moto2™ three times with a best of P5.

BIG FIGHTS AND PREVIOUS WINNERS: will Estoril be a turning point?

Four of the last five races at Estoril have been won by Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), although these were all when he was on the Kawasaki ZX-10RR. It’s been a challenging year for the #65, not helped by the deep thumb wound and surgery required after his French Round crash, but he’ll be hoping he can get back to top positions after two more weeks of recovery and more time on Yamaha’s new aero package. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team), who started the season strongly but has seen results tail off in recent rounds, will be hoping to be back in the top-five conversation. He comes into the Estoril Round on the back of a MotoGP™ wildcard at Motegi with Yamaha as the #87 races in five consecutive weekends: Cremona, Aragon, Motegi, Estoril and Jerez. Gardner is locked in a fight with Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) for P9 in the standings, with Gardner currently leading but Gerloff’s run of top-five finishes getting him closer and closer to the Australian. 

GOOD HONDA FORM: Lecuona and Vierge closing in on the top ten

Honda have shown good form lately and Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) and teammate Xavi Vierge will be hoping that continues at a circuit Honda have had one podium at, but this came back in 1988. The pair are separated by just a point and sit 11th and 12th in the standings, 35 points back from Gardner in the top ten. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) is just 12 points behind the Hondas, so he’ll hope to be in the mix at a circuit he has three podiums at when racing for Ducati. Elsewhere, Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was on track at Jerez between rounds as he tested in hot conditions while working on both race and one-lap pace; could that help him in Portugal? Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) has been in the top nine in all but one of his nine Estoril races and will be aiming to end a challenging season on a high, while Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing), Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda), Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) and Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) will be looking to get good results at the business end of the season. 

RIDER LINE-UP NEWS: Aegerter hoping to return

Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) has missed the last few rounds through injury but outlined his intention to return at Estoril, although he’ll need to pass pre-round medical checks. Adam Norrodin (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) was ruled out of Aragon, so he’ll need to be declared fit to race this weekend. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) is another who will undergo medical checks after his crash at Aragon.

Enjoy extended highlights from Aragon here, read the FREE Official Programme for Estoril and watch the action for just €9.99 with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

FULL SCHEDULE: every session time as WorldSBK moves to Estoril for a potential title-decider!

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship heads to the Circuito Estoril for what could be a title-deciding Estoril Round. The action kicks off at 09:40 Local Time (UTC+1) with WorldWCR Free Practice, followed by WorldSBK FP1 at 10:20 and WorldSSP FP an hour later. In the afternoon, WorldWCR’s Tissot Superpole is at 14:10, WorldSBK FP2 at 15:00 and WorldSSP Superpole at 16:00. On Saturday, WorldSBK FP3 is at 09:00 followed by Warm Up sessions for WorldWCR and WorldSSP. At 11:00, the WorldSBK Superpole session takes place before racing gets underway: WorldWCR at 12:45, WorldSBK at 14:00 and WorldSSP at 15:15. On Sunday, Warm Up sessions take place from 09:00 before the WorldSBK Tissot Superpole Race at 11:00. At 12:45, WorldWCR Race 2 takes place followed by WorldSBK Race 2 at 14:00 and WorldSSP Race 2 at 16:15.

Watch every moment from the Circuito Estoril using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now only €9.99!

Friday, 11th October (all times Local Time, UTC+1)

09:40-10:05 – WorldWCR Free Practice

10:20-11:05 – WorldSBK Free Practice 1

11:20-12:00 – WorldSSP Free Practice

14:10-14:35 – WorldWCR Tissot Superpole

15:00-15:45 – WorldSBK Free Practice 2

16:00-16:40 – WorldSSP Tissot Superpole

Saturday, 12th October

09:00-09:20 – WorldSBK Free Practice 3

09:30-09:40 – WorldWCR Warm Up

09:50-10:00 – WorldSSP Warm Up

11:00-11:15 – WorldSBK Superpole

12:45 – WorldWCR Race 1 (12 laps)

14:00 – WorldSBK Race 1 (21 laps)

15:15 – WorldSSP Race 1 (18 laps)

Sunday, 13th October

09:00-09:10 – WorldSBK Warm Up

09:20-09:30 – WorldWCR Warm Up

09:40-09:50 – WorldSSP Warm Up

11:00 – WorldSBK Superpole Race (10 laps)

12:45 –WorldWCR Race 2 (12 laps)

14:00 – WorldSBK Race 2 (21 laps)

15:15 – WorldSSP Race 2 (18 laps)

Source: WorldSBK.com

Rev’It Xena 4 Ladies Two-Piece Motorcycle Suit Review 

Rev'It Xena 4 Womens Motorcycle Suit
We review the Rev’It Xena 4 Two-Piece Motorcycle Suit during the Level I class of California Superbike School. Photo by EtechPhoto.com.

Before heading to the track for the Level I class of California Superbike School, I began my search for a leather motorcycle suit. The school would have some for rent, but my small size meant it was unlikely the school would have a suit to fit me. Instead, I found Rev’It’s Xena 4 Ladies suits. 

Rev'It Xena 4 Womens Motorcycle Suit Jacket

Rev’It’s Xena 4 Ladies line includes a one-piece suit, a one-piece Pro option, a two-piece jacket-and-pants combo, and a two-piece Pro set. Although the one-piece versions were tempting, I wanted to be able to wear the jacket separately on street rides, so I opted for a two-piece. I also chose the standard version rather than the Pro, which includes a back hump and other features, again hoping it would be a more versatile choice for both track and street riding. To complete the ensemble, I also ordered some Xena 4 Ladies gloves. 

Rev'It Xena 4 Womens Motorcycle Suit Pants

The Rev’It Xena 4 Ladies suits are the fourth generation of the Xena line, meaning Rev’It has had plenty of time and experience to perfect them. The outer shell of the jacket is made of synthetic leather, cowhide, and neoprene, and it includes a detachable thermal body warmer and a soft collar for comfort. The pants are made of synthetic leather, cowhide, nubuck, and polyester, with a mesh lining. The jacket and pants zip together at the waist. 

These two pieces come with CE Level 2 armor for the spine, elbows, shoulders, knees, and hips. For additional safety, both pieces include safety seams in areas of increased impact risk so that the shell holds together even if the outer seam is torn. Ventilation comes in the form of perforations at the upper arms, upper back, upper front, and upper legs. 

Rev'It Xena 4 Womens Motorcycle Suit
Photo by EtechPhoto.com.

The gloves are made of 3D air mesh, cowhide, goatskin leather, and neoprene, with a moisture-wicking tri-fleece liner. They include added stretch panels in key areas to allow hands to move freely and reach for levers. They also feature a double-cuff closure and an adjustment strap at the wrist. 

Rev'It Xena 4 Womens Motorcycle Gloves

During my track day at California Superbike School, I noticed I wasn’t thinking about my gear at all while on track – a sign that everything was working just as it should. The two-piece suit provided enough stretch to allow movement without being baggy or cumbersome, and the perforations provided enough ventilation to keep me comfortable while riding. The gloves’ two-way closures and adjustment straps allowed for easy removal and kept the gloves secure on my hands while riding. 

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

For my needs, the Xena 4 Ladies jacket and pants combo with gloves was the right choice. This gear has provided me with a solid set of leathers for track days along with the versatility to use the gear on street rides. 

The Rev’It Xena 4 Ladies jacket ($499.99) and pants ($469.99) are available in sizes 34-36, with the pants having lengths in short, standard, or long. The gloves are available in sizes XXS-XL for $199.99. 

The post Rev’It Xena 4 Ladies Two-Piece Motorcycle Suit Review  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

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