The Meteor represents that eternal essence of riding, the spirit of the cruise; with classic contours & timeless design cues, it is an easy thoroughbred cruiser, ready for the open highway and for meeting the challenges of urban commute with equal ease.
The Meteor Touring Kit is perfect for when you’re cruising around town, or chasing the sun all the way along the coast.
Source: MCNews.com.au
Royal Enfield have already been dipping their peg in Flat Track racing around the world and have run schools in both Europe and the USA for riders to get a taste for some sideways action.
In some big news for Aussie enthusiasts, the Aussie importer for Royal Enfield, Urban Moto Imports, are gearing up to run a series of ‘Flat Track Slide Schools’ here in Australia.
The timeline and venues are still being locked in but the plans are well advanced and the details are expected to be announce soon.
Source: MCNews.com.au
Our guest for Episode 21 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is Peter Starr, who is an international ambassador for motorcycling. He’s an award-winning filmmaker who has made motorcycle documentaries, TV shows, and commercials, and his 1979 film “Take It to the Limit” is a classic documentary about motorcycle racing. Peter has published articles in most major motorcycle magazines, and he’s the author of two books, including “Motorcycle Traveler,” about his experiences riding motorcycles in 12 countries as part of living a purposeful life. Peter also hosts the MotoStarr video podcast series, and he has interviewed legendary motorcycle racers such as Freddie Spencer, Eddie Lawson, Kenny Roberts, and many others. Peter has been recognized for his achievements with numerous awards as well as being inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame and Trailblazers Hall of Fame.
For more information about Peter Starr, visit MotoStarr.com.
You can listen to Episode 21 on iTunes, Spotify, and SoundCloud, or via the Rider Magazine Insider webpage. Please subscribe, leave us a 5-star rating, and tell your friends!
Visit the Rider Magazine Insider podcast webpage to check out previous episodes:
The post Peter Starr: Ep. 21 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com
We test the 2022 Kawasaki KLR650, which got only its second major update since the legendary dual-sport was introduced in 1987. After being out of Kawasaki’s lineup for a couple of years, it returns better than ever and is still one of the best deals on two wheels, starting at just $6,699.
Though still powered by a liquid-cooled 652cc Single, the KLR finally gets fuel injection, an updated battery and generator, and other upgrades. It also has upgraded brakes with optional ABS, increased load capacity and optional hard saddlebags, adjustable rear suspension, new styling with an adjustable windscreen, a new digital display with a fuel gauge, an accessories bar with power ports, and more.
Read our 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Top 10 Review
After two days of on- and off-road riding on a KLR650 Adventure in New Mexico, we embarked on a multi-day, multi-state, multi-surface moto-camping journey back to California.
Check out our video review to see the 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 in action!
Several versions of the new KLR are available:
2022 Kawasaki KLR650
2022 Kawasaki KLR650 ABS
2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Traveler
2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure
To find a Kawasaki dealer near you, visit kawasaki.com.
The post 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 | Video Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com
Triumph’s new Speed Triple 1200 RR streetbike comes to market in January 2022, complete with an expansive assortment of up-spec performance and aesthetic features. The bike will start at $20,950.
The new machine is built around Triumph’s recently developed 1,160cc triple engine, first debuted inside the RR’s sibling, the Speed Triple 1200 RS. Triumph didn’t make any substantial changes to the mill for the RR, so riders can look forward to 177 hp and 92 pound-feet of torque. When we tested the new engine in RS trim, we found it to be an exhilarating experience, with plenty of low- and midrange pull but with a much-improved top-end that left our tester hungry for more.
Five ride modes allow you to calibrate for various conditions and track duty, and the slip-assist clutch with quickshifter moves through the stacked, six-speed gearbox like butter.
The suspension package on the RR is one of the most significant upgrades over the RS. Triumph has equipped its new machine with the latest Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronically adjustable fork and shock with on-the-fly adjustment capability, tuned for the RR’s specific geometry.
The RR has a lightweight, cast aluminum frame and single-side swingarm designed for agility. Triumph altered the ergos on the RR from the RS to give the rider a more aggressive position, with new clip-on handlebars that are lower and further forward and repositioned footpegs. The tank and seat are fashioned to provide optimal comfort and a high level of control when the rider is really getting after it.
Brembo Stylema braking kit provides stopping power, and the bike rolls on 17-inch cast aluminum wheels shod in Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires.
The RR packs several rider aids too. These include cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, navigation, Bluetooth compatibility, a 5-inch TFT display, a lap timer, and Triumph’s My Triumph connectivity system that allows phone, music, and GoPro control to be accessed and adjusted on the instrument panel. It’s a fully keyless bike with adjustable cruise control and a complete complement of LED lighting front and back.
Triumph also leaned heavily on aesthetics to make the new RR stand out. The obvious feature is the cafe-inspired front end, complete with a single round headlight. From there, riders will find touches of carbon fiber in the fill panels and mudguards along with aggressive, sporty lines through the tank and body toward the tail. The RR will come in two different colorways, a Red Hopper/Storm Grey or a Crystal White and Storm Grey with gold detailing.
Riders will also have a range of accessory upgrades to consider, from luggage to heated grips and more.
2022 Triumph Speed Triple RR Technical Specifications and Price
| Price: | $20,950 |
| Engine: | 1,160cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled three-cylinder; 12-valve |
| Bore x Stroke: | 90.0 x 60.8mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 13.2:1 |
| Fuel Delivery: | EFI w/ ride-by-wire |
| Clutch: | Wet, multi-disc, slipper/assist w/ quickshifter |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Frame: | Aluminum twin-spar, bolt-on aluminum subframe, single-sided aluminum swingarm |
| Front Suspension: | 43mm Öhlins USD fork w/ Smart EC 2.0 electronic function, fully adjustable, 4.7 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Öhlins monoshock w/ Smart EC 2.0 electronic function, fully adjustable; 4.7 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers, dual 320mm floating discs w/ OC-ABS |
| Rear Brake: | Brembo 2-piston caliper, 220mm disc w/ OC-ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Cast aluminum; 17 x 3.50 in. / 17 x 6.00 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3; 120/70-17 / 190/55-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 23.9°/4.1 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 56.9 in. |
| Seat Height: | 32.7 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4.1 gal. |
| Claimed Weight: | 439 lb. |
| Available: | January 2022 |
| Contact: | triumphmotorcycles.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
By Rennie Scaysbrook, Photography by Larry Chen
Considering their looks, you could be forgiven for thinking the Aprilia Tuono and Aprilia Tuono Factory are all new motorcycles. However, look closer, and you may be mistaken.
Both machines share a brand new face that finally breaks from the original design we saw over a decade ago, resplendent with LED lighting and fancy inboard winglets down the sides near the radiator. And there’s the same swingarm from the RSV4 that was a new addition for 2021, lauded for its extra rigidity that we loved when testing the superbike at Laguna Seca earlier this year.
But the big news is the base model Tuono is no longer just a watered-down version of the Factory. It’s a proper model in its own right, going after a chunk of the market currently occupied by machines like the BMW S 1000 XR and KTM 1290 Super Duke GT.
This is something Aprilia should have done years go. And it’s not just me saying that.
Traditionally, the base model was the bike you bought if you either didn’t have the cash for the Factory, or you wanted a bare-bones machine on which to exploit your modifying dreams. However, for 2021, that’s all changed.
Using the same motor and twin-spar chassis as the Factory, the base model Tuono gets 20 mm higher-set handlebars, a new subframe with a wider passenger seat and lower footpegs, new luggage options like side and tank bags, and a taller windscreen. These choice improvements have shifted the model’s focus into the sporty sports-touring segment, and it’s not a moment too soon.
Unfortunately, the base model also gets blander colors than the red/black the Tuono Factory gets. Still, fitted to the touring model (we’re calling it that from now on), is the conventionally-adjusted, fully-adjustable, Sachs suspension, while rubber is the Pirelli Rosso Corsa III tire.
Yet, the Tuono platform really isn’t that different when you strip the bodywork and suspension away and reveal what’s inside. Over the years, each Aprilia Tuono model, aside from when it grew from a twin to a four-cylinder nakedbike, has never been a revolutionary upgrade. Rather, they’ve been concerted, thought out improvements, delivered every few years to keep the Tuono models at the head of the nakedbike pack.
It’s been this way because Aprilia nailed the four-cylinder Tuono so god damn well when they first bought it out in 2011 that they’ve never had to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they’ve just given it a spit and polish.
The Factory is still the king daddy of the Tuono range and thus gets plenty of the fruit not found on the base model. There’s semi-active Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension, a short, tinted windscreen, the razor-sharp RSV4 tail section and passenger footpeg set-up, racier colors more like what we used to see on the WorldSBK grid, a polished frame finish, and track-specific Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP rubber.
Aside from that, the spec’ sheet between the two bikes remain pretty much the same. That beloved, 1077 cc, 175 hp V4 remains largely unchanged except it now comes with Euro 5 compliance. This has given the Tuono a touch of flat spotted-ness in the mid-range but considering how badly the noise and pollution regulations hurt modern performance engines, Aprilia has navigated this maze well and given the rider plenty of performance for the payment.
The motor’s performance is mitigated by six riding modes (three for the road, three for the track, including one programable road mode and two programable track modes), cruise control, three-stage engine brake, ABS, launch control and power modes, eight stage traction control, six stage wheelie control and turn-by-turn navigation accessed by a new mission control switchblock on the left handlebar.
The dash is part of the revamp we first saw back with the RS 660 and later the new RSV4 – a pretty bland design if we do say so – but it’s easy to navigate and use, which is number one in my book.
The electronics deserve special mention because they’re powered by the new Marelli ECU 11MP, which has a four-times faster clock frequency and four-times the amount of memory than last year.
Via information fed by the six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit, the ECU can now calculate the happenings of the motorcycle much faster than before. For example, trail braking with the Cornering ABS kicking and while monitoring traction control and engine brake level. It’s not like it couldn’t do this stuff before – it could – it just does it faster and more accurately now.
Having ridden many thousands of road kilometres on the Tuono V4 Factory, I can tell you the feeling from the hot-seat is eerily similar to what it was in 2020. The Factory gets that outstanding Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension for the 43 mm NIX fork/TTX 36 shock, and the feeling at the bar is one of total connectedness to what’s happening around you.
If you’ve never used the Ohlins Smart system before, it can be a little confusing, with (in automatic level) no compression/rebound adjustment. It’s all done according to what you want at any given point of the ride. Need more support under braking? Dial in Brake Support.
Conversely, if the Tuono is squatting too much under acceleration, dial in Acceleration Support. The result is you can easily tune the ride to exactly how you want, making the Tuono’s ferocious nature a little less intimidating.
Riding up Angeles Crest just east of Los Angeles, the roads are crappy at best, so I left the Tuono in the softest automatic setting and was more than happy to leave it there. Even on its softest setting, the Tuono V4 Factory is god’s gift to road apexes. You simply need to look where you want to go and the Tuono will take you there, slicing its way up your favourite mountain road like child’s play.
If you start jacking the suspension stiffness up via the dash the ride can get a bit on the rough side – the track settings really are only good for when you’re absolutely hammering/on the track, otherwise it’s your bum that’ll take the hammering.
Aprilia’s done well to smooth out the initial throttle response with the new electronics when in the most direct mode. Chassis balance is always maintained when cranked over and you dial in increments of throttle – an important factor given there’s a claimed 175 hp on tap.
Despite that massive number, the Tuono can be a real pussycat in the city. You’re not faced with a one dimensional machine here. The Tuono V4 Factory can do pretty much everything you ask, except this time it’s the base model which it cannot trump. I know, I’m shocked to say that, too.
Switching to the Tuono V4, this is where Aprilia have really hit a six. Taking almost all the good bits of the Factory and none of the bad, the Touring Tuono is a comfier, plusher, more usable machine that most road riders need.
I absolutely abhor the term “real-world”, but the touring model is much more applicable to everyday situations. In this instance, I find it a shame that Aprilia did not grace that base model Tuono with saddle bags as standard, given its undoubted touring prowess.
Still, the higher set handlebars and taller windscreen make for a more pleasant and relaxed ride than what you’ll get on the Factory, which is as much a stripped nakedbike as you can get. The base model still gets the 175 hp and same frame, so you’re really not missing out on much, aside from the electronic suspension.
But here’s the good news. The Sachs suspension is a brilliant piece of kit. Just like it is on the base mode RSV4, the Sachs suspension is all most riders will need. Yes, having electronic adjustment is a fancy tool in the box, but conventionally adjusted suspension is still king in my book and the fact Sachs has been on an upward curve in the last few years only adds weight to the argument.
On the road, the Sachs suspension is a little stiffer than the Ohlins but bump absorption is nothing to complain about, neither is the side of the tyre feel. You can bank the base model in with the same confidence as the Factory, albeit in better comfort. This is especially so if you’re under 176 cm tall, as the windshield cut off point should enable the wind to sail right over your helmet, rather than buffet your forehead to bits like on something like the BMW S 1000 XR.
Both models are prime examples of the best of nakedbiking, and being a hot-head I’ll always go for the Factory. But I cannot hide my enthusiasm for the new base model. This is the move Aprilia should have made when the V4 first came out, in which case they would have trumped BMW and KTM by years.
Oh well, never mind, it’s here now. And although the Factory is and always will be the king dong as far as Aprilia Tuono nakedbikes are concerned, it’s the base model I’ll be raving about when the pubs eventually reopen. And at $28,030 ride away, the few grand you save over the Factory will buy you plenty of beers!
Source: MCNews.com.au
Your Comoto family of brands includes RevZilla, Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles – basically all the places you buy most of your gear from, including 160 stores nationwide; joining its new Riders Plus Membership deal entitles you to various perks and discounts, for a mere $60 a year.
Comoto Press Release:
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (Sept. 15, 2021)—Geared toward powersports enthusiasts
The Riders Plus Membership (RPM) is designed to elevate the powersports enthusiast’s shopping and customer experience by providing access to various perks and benefits, such as:
· Free two-day shipping for purchases across the Comoto Family of Brands
· Generous cash-back opportunities
· 10% off discounts and early access to releases from exclusive brands such as BILT, REAX, Sedici, Speed Metal, Street & Steel, Stockton Tools
Comoto has the largest network of powersports brick-and-mortar retail properties across the U.S., and members can use RPM benefits online, or at any of the more than 160 stores nationwide. To date, more than 20,000 members have joined the RPM program.
“This membership program is based on the vision of creating a feature-rich set of benefits for our community of enthusiasts. We’re inviting riders to officially join the Comoto family and experience the benefits of the membership program that will enable their passion for gear, content and experience,” said Steve Bontempo, Chief eCommerce & Digital Officer. “This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to roll out additional community benefits over the next year.”
To better support motorcycle aficionados and their lifestyles, Riders Plus Members will receive access to an exclusive customer concierge phone line, available 7 days a week (with the option to schedule dedicated appointments), to provide expert insight across the spectrum of purchase considerations. Additional experiential benefits span several categories, including member exclusive event experiences, private access to Twisted Road motorcycle rentals, and a free REVER Pro membership—a $39.99 value.
“We are thrilled to be included in this unique program, making it easier for members across the country to get on two wheels with the support they need—whether that be prepping for a road trip, or testing a new bike before purchase,” shared Austin Rothbard, CEO of Twisted Road. “It’s been rewarding to continue growing ridership in the U.S. with Comoto, two wheels at a time.”
Riders Plus Membership is currently available to any powersports enthusiast for an annual fee of $59.99. Members who join now will receive an exclusive welcome package, along with the first-ever magazine issue of RevZilla’s media brand, Common Tread. To join the community, visit www.revzilla.com/rpm.
About Comoto Holdings
Comoto Holdings is America’s largest and fastest growing omni-channel platform in the powersports aftermarket industry; dedicated to advancing the experience of moto enthusiasts across the globe. Comoto’s brands,
The post Comoto says its new Riders Plus Membership is the Amazon Prime for Powersports Enthusiasts appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
Malcolm Smith Motorsports and Ducati, two legendary names in their own right have now joined forces.
Begin Ducati Press Release:
Malcolm Smith Motorsports Cuts the Ribbon on Their New Ducati Showroom and Service Center
Sunnyvale, Calif., September 16, 2021 – Premier Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati opened its newest North American dealership on Friday with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting event at Malcom Smith Motorsports located in Riverside, California.
First founded in 1967 by legendary off-road racer and hall of famer Malcolm Smith, the Riverside location of Malcolm Smith Motorsports has been a regular destination spot for visiting international motorcyclists hoping to catch a glimpse of the iconic racer and leading protagonist from the Bruce Brown documentary “On Any Sunday.”
To commemorate the occasion, Ducati North America Chief Executive Officer Jason Chinnock visited Malcolm Smith Motorsport for the ribbon cutting ceremony and to welcome local Ducati enthusiasts to the new Ducati showroom and service center.
“This new partnership with Malcolm Smith Motorsports is the outcome of many years of evaluation and a shared goal that when we do it, we do it properly,” said Chinnock. “This stunning new showroom and service center now offers Inland Empire motorcyclists convenient access to the Ducati brand. The demand for Ducati products has never been higher, and we feel that this location will be a welcoming home for both loyal Ducatisti and customers entirely new to the Ducati brand.”
On display at the dealership event were models from the Scrambler Ducati lineup and a full selection of Ducati models, including the race-bred Panigale superbike lineup and the new for 2021 Monster and Multistrada V4 S. The dealership also completed a handover presentation to their first Ducati customer — a new Multistrada V4 S Sport – purchased by one of Malcom Smith Motorsports long-standing customers and friend of the family, Mark Michell.
Other bikes on display included a range of Ducati models raced by Malcolm’s son, Alexander Smith – General Manager of Malcolm Smith Motorsports. The first being a Hypermotard 1100 that Alexander competed on in the 2008 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and the second being the Scrambler Desert Sled that Alexander Smith raced to second place in the 2019 Mint 400 desert race.
“Malcolm Smith Motorsports is known throughout the world for a passion for motorcycling, it’s a defining part of our family heritage,” said Alexander Smith, General Manager “We’re a family company and we take great pride in providing exceptional customer service. We aim to bring together our shared passion with a touch of Italian flair to the Riverside area, and we look forward to a great future representing Ducati’s expanding product lineup.”
In addition to the grand opening ceremony on Friday night, an open house and group ride took place on Saturday, sharing the diversity of Ducati models with the local motorcycling community. Demo rides were also available for clients eager to experience a Ducati for the first time.
The post Malcolm Smith Motorsports Cuts the Ribbon on Their New Ducati Showroom appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
The Kalahari Rally 2021 has reached its end. Thank you to the folks from WESTx1000 for capturing all of the action and drama along the way.
Begin Press Release:
In an Era of Uncertainty, This Is Only Sure Bet in South Africa
A misnomer about the final stage is that it’s the shortest trial. Kilometers are condensed, starts are moved to late-morning and celebrations are scheduled for much earlier than seems possible to complete a full special, liaison and (if all goes well) a shower. Too often a few members of the orga and many of the racers relax their shoulders after the penultimate special, feeling they’ve made it to finish, so what can go wrong in one little loop? This mindset, the cheerful mood, the lack of urgency, often leads to mistakes. It’s the perfect formula of complacency and vulnerability – guards down, bellies exposed – which gives fate an opportunity to strike with a rusty blade. The best which can happen would be that no one ends up hurt. But inevitably, one of the principal vehicles will slow their race down or lose a bit of focus or feel so secure in their position they begin to treat the competition like a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Inadvertently leaving the door open for a determined rival to swoop in and shut it behind them. Even if it’s only the boys and girls at the back letting their hair down… They’re tired. Maybe they’ve already attained their goals – typically revolved around reaching the last challenge. The conclusion of the race usually dials the pace down from demanding to languid, if nothing else but to prevent any undue stress on the machines. Usually.
The Kalahari Rally, however, didn’t get the memo. Unlike what’s often found in other rally raids of this size and stature, the sort of le se faire attitude at the finale hasn’t yet tainted the Kalahari. Those contestants still standing didn’t let their guards down in SS6 any more than they had all week. If the only objective now was to reach the Red Bull Arch in the bivouac, then that was ample potion to push them onward. If it was to squeeze each second out of their time and put themselves in a respectable seat on the scoreboard, then today they pulled off their best effort. And if the Winner’s Circle is within grasp, then you all better move the hell out of the way. In the Auto class, this was certainly the sentiment among the Red-Lined Motorsports Nissans, who battled each other to the bitter end. Relative newcomer to the sport (i.e. his first ever rally raid), pilot Eben Basson was channeling a fighter jet, doing his best to break the sound barrier before navigator Gerhard Schutte even read the bearings at T033 out loud. Their #304 was roaring into every apex, the backend swinging the T1 into the next turn obliterating anything which dared wander into its path. The pair made quick work of the track trying desperately to gain on Terence Marsh and Riaan Greyling in #308 who, as of Stage 5, held the Overall title only 00:38:10 minutes ahead of their team counterparts. A daily brawl for matching VK56’s. But despite the powerful performance of #304, crossing the line first only counts so much if a couple Waypoints are overlooked. Yet, they weren’t the only to make mistakes, ultimately placing #308 third and Buggy #312 second in the pecking order today, which circumstantially gave Basson and Schutte the stage win.
Electricity was surging through the cars and remaining buggy, the latter – #312 Century Racing CR5 – lit a fire under their carriage, moving swifter than Dewald Van Breda and Johann du Toit have driven her since the first send-off in Mafikeng. A detail evident by their stellar results. UTVs likewise sent it until they rolled under the infamous Red Bull Arch. The mighty men from Angola gave everyone in the bivouac a hearty laugh when they limped in a war-torn #205 who tragically lost a tire in the hindmost section. But Nuno Santos generously counterbalanced their vessel – hanging onto the passenger side of the SSV – while Joao Lota babied it to the bivvy. Nonetheless, the duo parked their rented Can Am Maverick X3 into the second spot in SS6 and the General Standings. Pretty great outcome considering the last time they tried to race this event, they were denied at the border into South Africa. They can certainly consider this achievement a victory in its own right. Having a much simpler go at things was the favorite to win, #204 captained by the WCT Engineering pirates Geoff Minnitt and Siegfried Rousseau. No one doubted their reign over the side-by-sides and sweeping the ranks taking hold of that prized Winner’s Circle. Formidable adversaries indeed, the #202 and #201 utility-mobiles fell into the rear.
There are only so many ways this could have played out, but it’s still exciting to receive the impending notification that results are in. Motos were an exciting bunch to watch with pro-level talent going head-to-head at the top, while mid-pack and beyond were instead struggling to overcome the elements, the roadbooks and themselves. A fine display of passion, persistence and humanity among the group made this event so significant to witness firsthand. But a race is a race. And it’s just as important to follow the pursuits of the premier riders as well. Only eight minutes separated leader John Kelly [#2] and KTM South Africa pro Charan Moore. But after being tossed over his handlebars yesterday, Moore suffered several mechanical issues which he tried desperately to remedy before the morning – accepting a contention-ending penalty. But it wasn’t in the cards, and by dawn, it was clear #73 wouldn’t be gracing the course with his impressive enduro-esque riding skills. We missed all the air he would have caught on the day’s whooped out route. What do they say? As one door closes, another one opens. And Moore’s departure definitely unbolted a few passages for #874, Gert Van Den Berg, and #16 Hentie Hannekom, who similarly benefited from their colleague’s loss. Van Den Berg even took the special, with Hannekom stepping onto the next step. Kelly ended this on the bottom step of the podium, but no tears were shed as he was crowned King of the Kalahari in Bikes – also being awarded the cherished Road to Dakar free entry to its 2022 iteration. For the Overall Classification, #874 concluded second best and coming up the food chain, Gary Pretorius [#8] filled in the trifecta, even after some rough patches.
When that moment happens, the winners are named and the medals are distributed to the finishers, it will be remembered. Because at the Kalahari Rally, what makes the contest so special, are the locals. Those who participate and those just hunting down a good vantage point to watch the heat ensue. These people who come to compete in a new, promising off-road event or merely to show their support, cheer on your triumphs and bemoan your failures. To drink beer in your honor and praise even the most grassroots of rookies through to the bitter end. It’s the characters which determine, well, everything. And if one were to wager the success of the Kalahari Rally solely on this essential element, considering all of the hardships, the hot days and cold nights. The endless barrage of dust and rocks and potholes. No doubt, a gambling man would slap every last dollar on the table in favor of South Africa’s only answer to world class rallying.
Ø SS6 210km Special > 14km Liaison | Vanzyls Rus > Skilpadshek | 100% Hard-Pack
Ø The Finish went off with a bang, sending racers over a volcano on fast, flowing tracks. There was some brush over the hard-packed mountain range with a few steep, rocky climbs and descents. They buzzed the Botswana border one last time before heading back into Mafikeng for their final results. Navigation is considered a Medium with complicated sections along the peaks.
Ø Skilpadshek (Afrikaans for tortoise gate) is a border checkpoint on the South African border with Botswana, located 52 kilometers (32 mi) north-west of Zeerust in North West province. The corresponding checkpoint on the Botswana side of the border is called Pioneer Gate. The Trans-Kalahari Corridor passes through Skilpadshek, and it is the western end of the N4 road, which continues in Botswana as the A2. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skilpadshek]
Ø The Road to Dakar challenge was awarded to Overall Moto winner, #2 John Kelly from Botswana. As an added bonus, the Kalahari Rally generously offered a prize to Philip Botha in Red-Lined Motorsports car #305 in the form of 8,000€ to be applied to an entry for the 2022 Dakar Rally.
MOTORCYCLE 450/OPEN/IRON MAN
SXS
CAR FIA T1/BUGGY
MOTORCYCLE 450/OPEN/IRON MAN
SXS
CAR FIA T1/BUGGY
The post Kalahari Rally 2021: Stage 6, A Run for Your Money appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
After a short trip from Aragon to Misano it’s time for the paddock to get back into the swing of things as Round 14 of the season rears its head. As always, Thursday’s media day kicked off the weekend and joining World Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in the Gran Premio Octo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini pre-event Press Conference was MotorLand winner Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), reigning World Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar), Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT), Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) and the returning Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP).
Both riders who are closest to Quartararo in the title race have displayed fantastic speed at Misano. Both claimed podiums last season, and for Pecco, it’s a perfect homecoming after his victory. It’s certainly crunch time in the 2021 Championship, can Bagnaia and Mir cut Quartararo’s gap this weekend?
Bagnaia: “For this weekend, I’m really happy in front of our fans in the crowd so it will be nice to race like this. It’s a track where I was strong last year, I did a mistake in the second one, but first one I got my first podium. I’m just very happy and motivated to race here after last week’s win. I know it will not be easy. The level is very, very high. It’s very difficult to predict what you will do during a weekend but I’m sure we will fight.”
Mir: “I don’t know, let’s see on Sunday and tomorrow how I feel on the bike. This is a track I enjoyed a lot last year the two races we did I was able to be strong. We missed the fast lap a lot last year so that’s something we’ll focus on this Grand Prix, we will try to make the same step like we di in Aragon and where we are more or less. It will be difficult again to be fighting for the podium, but I will try, the bike works well here and we have some things to try, so let’s see.”
The title race leader suffered his second-worst result of the season last weekend at MotorLand Aragon, but the Frenchman lands at the circuit he’s much fonder of. Yamaha are the most successful manufacturer at Misano too, so things bode well for El Diablo.
Quartararo: “Yes of course because in Aragon something went wrong, we analysed everything and everything was quite clear. It’s good to have a back-to-back race here to forget last week a little bit and to know what to do the next time we go to Aragon. Here is a place I love, last year we had some struggles but this year with the new bike I’m feeling much more confident and I think we can fight for a great result.”
After missing five races since his knee surgery, MotoGP™ welcomes back Morbidelli. Winner at Misano last year and a home track of course, the Italian couldn’t have picked a better circuit to return to. The number 21 is looking forward to getting back on a premier class bike to see how he’s feeling with knee, as well as making his debut with the factory team alongside former teammate Quartararo.
Morbidelli: “Yeah it’s great to be back. I’ve been missing quite a lot the sport, the people and the paddock. It felt like a long time. I’ve been trying to work at my best to recover, heal up and return as fast as possible to be here in Misano which is a track that I really like, and a track I have great memories on of course. Just great to be back. I feel quite ok right now with the knee, it’s not that bad, but I will have to see what happens tomorrow on track.
“First of all I have to thank my former team, we did a wonderful job together. I had two wonderful two and a half years with them, we did great things, we achieved great things together. And I had the chance to show and to put on track my full potential with them, so I have to thank them a lot. Now a new chapter starts with the factory team. it feels great, many, many people I know already, many people inside and outside the pit box working for you. Re-joining Fabio, that’s yeah a good thing as well. I’m happy. I’m just happy that I’m here again and start doing what I can do. A with these colours it feels even better.”
The eight-time World Champion threw everything in his locker at Pecco in an attempt to claim his second win of the season, but nevertheless, a second place in Aragon was an exceptional ride from Marc Marquez. However, the HRC star admits he expects to struggle a lot more this weekend than he did on home soil last time out.
Marc Marquez: “Yeah of course Aragon was a great weekend to come back on the podium and extra motivation to continue my progress. But it’s true here in Misano we will come back to our real moment. It’s not very far from the top guys but still it’s a bit far and I can’t ride how I want, so I can’t say a lot. In FP1 I will understand straight away where I am, what I can do this weekend and yeah, the target is to be close to the top guys.”
Five races remain in Rossi’s glistening career, two of them in his backyard: Misano. The Doctor will be taking part in his penultimate home Grand Prix this weekend, and he’s expecting an emotional weekend with fans trackside.
Rossi: Misano is always a special weekend. I live very close, Tavullia is very close, but I also grew up at this track as a rider. The first time I tried a motorcycle was here in Misano, in 1992 I think so 30 years ago, and it’s always great and emotional and we have a lot of fans during the weekend. It will be very important to give the maximum to be competitive and be strong because this is the most important thing.
Make sure you tune into the weekend’s action, which for the premier class begins at 09:55 local time (GMT+2) on Friday morning.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here