Less than a week has passed since the accident involving Dean Berta Viñales, Viñales’ younger cousin, which is not enough time to regain the serenity needed to race. Viñales, with the full and unconditional support of Aprilia Racing, has therefore decided to take a break on his journey of getting to know the bike and team from Noale.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Termas de Rio Hondo first hosted MotoGP™ in 2014, creating a new home for the world’s fastest motorcycle racing Championship in Latin America. This new agreement between Dorna Sports, the Argentinean Ministry of Sport and Tourism, the National Institute of Tourism Promotion in Argentina (Inprotur), and the Government of Santiago del Estero province, as well as the OSD Group as local promoter, was announced today in a special presentation in Termas de Rio Hondo, confirming the future of one of the most vibrant race weekends on the MotoGP™ calendar and extending the collaboration beyond the milestone of a decade.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
And it’s pretty, pretty good – especially for the full-boat GT and GT+, complete with cruise control.
Suzuki Press Release:
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The post Suzuki Announces Pricing for Its All-New 2022 GSX-S1000, GSX-S1000GT, and GSX-S1000GT+ appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
But in the video starring Mayor Bill de Blasio and a Caterpillar dozer, it looks like about half the “illegal dirt bikes” being crushed are street motorcycles and scooters. In the US’s most densely populated city, is de Blasio’s campaign really about safety? Or something else?
“It seems nonsensical and only gets worse when you begin to ponder the consequences of banning some of the most affordable modes of transportation available to poor New Yorkers,” writes Matt Posky in this piece in The Truth About Cars.
The post New York City is Cracking Down on Illegal Dirtbikes! appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
Ups
Downs
Verdict
Debuting in 2017, the Kawasaki Z900 immediately made its mark on the large-displacement naked bike category, offering good performance for the lowest sticker price in the class that helped it come out on top of a CW comparison test. Numerous updates in 2020 made the Z900 even better, and its best-bang-for-the-buck status continues basically unchanged for 2021.
Overview
The Z900 replaced the heavy and somewhat bland Z800, as well as the aging Z1000, in Kawasaki’s naked bike lineup, and it’s proven to be a top choice in the category. Significant upgrades were instilled in 2020, including electronic rider aids (four ride modes, switchable traction control, and two-way power modes), added stiffness in the swingarm pivot area of the twin-spar steel trellis frame, slightly stiffer suspension settings, a TFT color dash display with Bluetooth connectivity to the Rideology app, LED headlights, Dunlop Sportmax RoadSport 2 tires, and sharper styling.
Updates for 2021
The non-ABS version of the Kawasaki Z900 has been dropped, with only the Z900 ABS model available for 2021.
Pricing and Variants
The 2021 Kawasaki Z900 ABS has an MSRP of $8,999. Available colorways are Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black, and Pearl Blizzard White/Metallic Flat Spark Black.
Competition
With its low sticker price, the Kawasaki Z900 ABS’ real direct competitor is the Yamaha MT-09. Other competitors in the category (but with higher MSRP and/or larger engines) are the BMW F 900 R, Ducati Monster, Honda CB1000R, KTM 890 Duke R, Suzuki GSX-S1000, and the Triumph Speed Triple S.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Z900 ABS’ 948cc inline-four engine was designed for low-end and midrange performance, but that didn’t stop it from generating 114 hp at 9,710 rpm and a peak torque reading of 67.3 pound-feet at 7,990 rpm when CW ran the 2020 version on the dyno (the 2021 engine is identical). Acceleration starts “strong from 2,000 rpm, all the way up to peak power” when we rode the 2020 version. The three-level (plus off) traction control is very transparent and never feels overly intrusive, and the customizable Rider mode allows you to set power level, TC, and throttle response to your liking.
Handling
With slightly stiffer suspension settings for 2020 to complement the more rigid frame, the Z900 ABS’ adjustable spring preload/rebound damping suspension is a tad firm for long highway stints, but pays off when the road turns twisty. Overall handling manners are nimble yet with a planted feel in the corners, and there was good feedback from the Dunlop Roadsport 2 tires that provided very good turning and grip characteristics.
Brakes
Nissin four-piston brake calipers and 300mm petal-type discs up front provide good, strong stopping power. The ABS is fairly transparent, only noticeable in the harshest braking situations.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2021 Kawasaki Z900 is claimed to achieve an average of 49.6 mpg.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
While the CW-measured 31.6-inch seat height is not too tall for average riders, taller riders may find the ergos a little cramped. There is an accessory taller seat available from Kawasaki that can help here.
Electronics
The Z900 has four ride modes available (Rain, Road, Sport, and Rider), with Rain, Road, and Sport each having preset power (high or low) and traction control settings (1, 2, or 3). Rider Mode allows you to select your own power and TC settings (including turning off TC). ABS is standard; the non-ABS model is no longer available. A full-color TFT dash display offers Bluetooth connectivity to your smartphone via Kawasaki’s Rideology app, which provides riding log info, phone text/call notification, service interval info, and more.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Z900 ABS comes with Kawasaki’s usual 12-month limited warranty. Extended warranty options are available for 12, 24, 36, and 48 months.
Quality
Fit and finish are easily on par with current bikes in this class. The TFT dash display with Bluetooth connectivity and other components such as the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires as standard equipment provide a quality feel.
2021 Kawasaki Z900 ABS Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $8,999 |
| Engine: | 948cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-4; 16 valves |
| Bore x Stroke: | 73.4 x 56.0mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Fuel Delivery: | Electronic fuel injection w/ 36mm throttle bodies |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiple disc; cable operation |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | TCBI w/ electronic advance |
| Frame: | Trellis high-tensile steel tube chassis |
| Front Suspension: | 41mm KYB inverted fork, spring preload and rebound damping adjustable; 4.7 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | KYB shock, spring preload and rebound damping adjustable; 5.5 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | Dual Nissin 4-piston calipers, dual 300mm petal-style discs |
| Rear Brake: | 2-piston Nissin caliper, 220mm petal-style disc |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Cast aluminum, 3.50 x 17 in. / 5.00 x 17 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | 120/70ZR-17 / 180/55ZR-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 24.9°/4.3 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 57.3 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in. |
| Seat Height: | 31.5 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4.5 gal. |
| Wet Weight: | 468 lb. |
| Contact: | kawasaki.com |
Cycle World Tested Specifications
| Seat Height: | 31.6 in. |
| Wet Weight: | 469 lb. |
| Rear-Wheel Horsepower: | 113.96 hp @ 9,710 rpm |
| Rear-Wheel Torque: | 67.3 lb.-ft. @ 7,990 rpm |
| 0–60 mph: | N/A |
| 1/4-mile: | N/A |
| Braking 30–0 mph: | N/A |
| Braking 60–0 mph: | N/A |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
“So already I’d made that transition because it was just a bigger bike and I was able to ride it a little bit more like a Superbike. Where the 800 was robotic and really difficult for me to understand, coming from a Superbike where you have to manage a lot of things. So yeah, I did it. I think in my career that has been one of the best things that I’ve had about me. I can read the situation very well with regards to what is best to do for me and my career. Because I bounce Championships like you wouldn’t believe. I went British Supersport, British Superbike, World Supersport, World Superbike, MotoGP. Five years, done. You know, and then I’ve been here but even after that, the way that I did my career with the teams that I selected and picked was just right for me, you know?
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Triumph Motorcycles has announced in a press release that it will continue to act as the primary partner and supporter of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) for another 5 years. For those unfamiliar with the cause, the DGR raises funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health – and they do so with an undeniable sense of style.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in Sydney, Australia, in 2012 by Mark Hawwa – a man keen on connecting motorcycle enthusiasts and communities for a cause. The first ride was hosted in 64 cities and saw 3,000 riders hitting the pavement to support cancer research. Despite the restrictions that the pandemic brought this year, riders still set out on solo or small-group rides to show their support for the cause. A total of 65,300 riders participated across the world in 2021 and raised a staggering $4.1m – $1.4m more than 2020.
Triumph has been a part of the DGR’s journey since 2014 and has played a fundamental role in spreading the word of the cause and supporting its endeavors. The first Triumph-sponsored DGR took place across 58 countries and raised $1.5m. That number continued to grow until the record-breaking year of 2019, where 116,00 riders managed to raise $6m by riding in style across 104 countries.
Mark Hawwa, Founder of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, said, “In 2014 when we first partnered with Triumph Motorcycles, I was incredibly excited. They are the only motorcycle manufacturer that I felt perfectly fit with The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. We’ve done some wonderful things since then; together, we have been able to reward some of our top and most dedicated fundraisers with brand new bikes from the modern classic range and built the custom one-of-one 2021 Triumph Thruxton RS. Today, 8 years later, as we announce the 5-year continuation of this partnership, I am even more excited than I was in 2014 because, with the next 5 years, I know that we can do even more together with the goal of raising funds and awareness of men’s health.”
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
With just four races of the 2021 season to go, it’s crunch time in the MotoGP™ World Championship chase. But that means it’s also the business end of the MotoGP™ Fantasy season, with everyone aiming to get the better of their rivals before the chequered flag waves on Sunday afternoon in Valencia.
The next instalment for Fantasy players is a new one. Round 15 will see the riders and teams tackle the Circuit of the Americas, as MotoGP™ heads back to Austin for the first time since April 2019. So, who are you backing to claim some mega points hauls at COTA?
It’s been a rollercoaster 2021 for the eight-time World Champion. But, at circuits he’s been ferociously quick at in years gone by, Marc Marquez has been a leading contender. The Spaniard won at the Sachsenring – making it 11 wins in his last 11 visits to Germany – and took P2 at MotorLand Aragon, acting as the only rider to stay in the same postcode as Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team, $3.7m).
As a six-time COTA winner, the trend may well continue this weekend. The number 93 should be on everyone’s radar – if he’s not already in your teams of course. The physical demands that COTA’s long, technical layout presents will undoubtedly take their toll on the not yet fully fit 28-year-old, but that doesn’t stop Marquez from heading to Austin as one of the favourites.
Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Rins has endured a tougher than anticipated 2021 campaign, with his second place at Silverstone sitting as his solitary podium so far. However, opportunity knocks at COTA for Rins. The Spaniard fended off Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT, $1.4m) for his maiden MotoGP™ victory in 2019, while Rins also bagged his first Moto3™ victory in Austin – as well as his first Moto2™ podium.
Clearly, it’s a track Rins likes. With options such as Marc Marquez, Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, $4.5m) available though, it’s tough to fit every rider you want into your team. But Rins could be a serious threat this weekend if history is anything to go by. Maybe the number 42 could be that differential option that sees you rise up your Leagues…
Winner of the last two races, Bagnaia is doing all he can to reel in World Championship leader Quartararo. The Frenchman’s advantage heading to Austin is a healthy 48 points, but COTA is relatively unfamiliar territory for the duo on MotoGP™ bikes. That, though, shouldn’t matter. Quartararo (399) and Bagnaia (345) are the leading Fantasy points scorers this season, and it’ll come as no surprise to anyone if they’re the riders to beat in Austin.
If one or neither is in your team, this could well be the priority. Free Practice should give a good indication as to where the top two in the Championship sit in terms of pace, and if it’s anything like we’ve seen so far this season, the duo could be very hard to beat.
3rd at the 2019 Americas GP, Ducati Lenovo Team’s Miller could be a shrewd selection this weekend, especially if you put him in the Gold set-up of your teams. The Australian is the third most picked rider behind Quartararo and Bagnaia, so he’s proving popular this season, but that doesn’t mean a good result for Miller won’t help you climb your Leagues. There’s Motul300V Boost to think about too – if you have any left – with just four races to go, so going for someone like Miller over some aforementioned riders could work wonders.
Make sure you keep an eye on the time schedule for this weekend and work out when you need to get your Americas GP teams done, as well as watching every session to give you all the info you need to make the right decisions. These are just a few tips on who to look out for this weekend, don’t be afraid to back who you want to. After all, this is MotoGP™, anything can happen.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Dean Berta Viñales has lost his life following a multi-rider crash at Jerez this past weekend. In the World Supersport 300 (WSSP300) Championship race on Saturday, Dean Berta was part of a collision that also involved Alejandro Carrion, Daniel Mogeda, Harry Khouri, and Yeray Ruiz.
The race was immediately red-flagged, and medics arrived on the scene immediately. Viñales was attended to on track and at the circuit medical center but sadly succumbed to his injuries. A statement released by the team mentioned that he had, unfortunately, suffered severe head and thoracic injuries in the accident.
Viñales is the cousin of MotoGP rider Maverick Viñales and participated in his first WSSP300 Championship atop a Yamaha R3. Racing for the family-run Viñales Racing Team, the 15-year old was slowly blooming into a formidable force in the paddock. He managed his best finish of fourth at Magny-Cours earlier in the season, followed by an impressive performance that put him in sixth in Barcelona last weekend.
Following the incident, the WorldSBK organizers decided to cancel the rest of the day’s races. Our thoughts are with Dean Berta Viñales’ family, friends, and team during this difficult period.
Source: MCN, WorldSBK
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
The new Triumph Tiger Sport 660 will make its global debut just a week later, on October 5, 2021. Once it’s launched, this new addition to the Triumph Tiger line-up will replace the Tiger 850 Sport as the British manufacturer’s entry-level adventure-tourer.
Earlier this year, Triumph released several images of the Tiger Sport 660 prototype, clad in camouflage, giving us a glimpse of what the bike would look like. This not-so-little entry-level model features a big fuel tank, substantial radiator shrouds, and a reasonably large windscreen. The prototype also featured a single-seat design and a tall and wide handlebar, suggesting an upright riding triangle.
We expect the Tiger Sport 660 to be powered by the same 660cc inline-triple from the Triumph Trident 660. On the Trident, this engine produces 80bhp at 10,250rpm and 47.2ft-lb of peak torque at 6,250rpm. While Triumph hasn’t revealed if the engine will be in the same state of tune on the Tiger Sport, we’ll likely see similar performance levels.
Triumph’s images also revealed that the Tiger Sport 660 featured a similar-looking Showa USD fork as the Trident 660. However, considering its more adventure-oriented intentions, the Tiger will probably offer more suspension travel and, perhaps, a higher level of adjustability. The prototype also featured the same 17-inch wheels at either end, clad in Michelin Road 5 tires.
The Tiger Sport 660 will likely cost a bit more than its street-naked counterpart and will take on the likes of the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Suzuki V-Strom 650 once it’s launched.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
