A five-time World Champion, a winner of 47 MotoGP™ races and, above all, a character that will never be replicated in the premier class will take his place in the most prestigious club at the Red Bull Spanish Grand Prix. Jorge Lorenzo will finally become a MotoGP™ Legend after a near three-year wait. The Spaniard was confirmed to be inducted into MotoGP™’s Hall of Fame when he announced his retirement in 2019 but, due to the pandemic, it has been delayed until this weekend.
The season finale always brings the year to a close in style, with the unique Circuit Ricardo Tormo creating an amphitheatre of grandstands and giving fans an unparalleled view of the action. In 2021, the event was also one of the first without strict limitations on attendance, with Covid-19 restrictions beginning to ease. Accordingly, nearly 150,000 fans flocked through the gates across the weekend and it was the best attended event of the season.
The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Paul Duparc (FIM), Herve Poncharal (IRTA) and Biense Bierma (MSMA), in the presence of Jorge Viegas (FIM President), Carlos Ezpeleta (Dorna), Mike Trimby (IRTA, Secretary of the meeting) and Corrado Cecchinelli (Director of Technology), in a meeting held in Portimao on 22nd. April 2022, made the following decisions:
Sporting Regulations – Effective Immediately
Long Lap Penalty Route A change was made clarifying that the “Long Lap penalty” lane at each track must be routed over bare, unpainted asphalt and not be painted, even if any run off area around it is.
Sporting Regulations – Effective Season 2023
Test Restrictions MotoGP Class Recognising the impact of an increase in the number of events, approval was given to an agreement reached between the teams and Michelin to reduce the number of days of official testing permitted for the MotoGP class.
The revised test programme is:
One 1-Day official test following the final event of 2022 season, at the same circuit used for the final event. One 3-Day “shakedown” test prior to the first official test after the winter test ban period. For factory test riders and MotoGP class rookie riders only. One 3-Day official test, after the winter test ban period and before the first event of the season. One 2-Day official test, after the winter test ban period and before the first event of the season. Two 1-Day official tests on the Monday or Tuesday after a GP event at circuits and dates to be agreed by the teams and Dorna/IRTA.
Technical Regulations
Non-Fossil Fuels As already announced by the Grand Prix Commission, from the year 2024 it will be mandatory in all Grand Prix Classes to use fuel with a minimum of 40% of non-fossil origin.
This percentage will be increased to 100% for the 2027 season.
The exact specification for the FIM MotoGP fuel characteristics from 2024 to at least 2026 have now been agreed and they will be published later
The FIM, IRTA,MSMA and Dorna want to thank the cooperation of the fuel suppliers to MotoGP; bp, ETS Racing Fuels, Repsol S.A., Shell, TotalEnergies/ELF and Petronas who have all been involved in the definition of such characteristics.
Best Grand Prix of 2021
The Commission agreed to award the title of Best Grand Prix of 2021 to the Ricardo Tormo circuit for the Valencia Grand Prix. The final race of the season is always very popular and in 2021 the event marked the return of unlimited spectator attendance after a long period in which attendance was limited due to Covid restrictions.
VideoPass allows you to watch every single second of every single sector LIVE and OnDemand
Reigning LS2 Helmets MiniGP70 British Champion Ethan Sparks initially found himself struggling with his bike not handling as well as usual, coming off in the fast back section of the circuit at the end of qualifying. Re-mounting he still managed to grab pole position and, with both rider and bike OK, set off to pick up where he left off last season, but disaster struck when he again fell off at the same corner late into the first race. He was able to continue, but the damage was done, as Ronnie Harris swept in to take the victory, his first in the 70s after multiple podiums in 2021.
Only 100 of these Hypermotards, inspired by graffiti livery, will be for sale. And only in the US.
Begin press release:
For 2022 the Hypermotard RVE will return to North America for a limited production second generation version, which is limited to 100 units and available only for presold orders.
What makes the 950 RVE stick out is its livery called “Graffiti” inspired by street art. The creation process is laborious, demanding highly skilled painters that work in phases and apply extremely thin decals. The results are comparable to airbrushed bodywork, something not found on many production motorcycles, which is why the bike is limited to 100 units.
The RVE takes styling from the original Hypermotard 950 concept bike that was unveiled during the 2019 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este classic automobile and motorcycle show held annually on the western shore of Italy’s Lake Como. Designed by Centro Stile Ducati, the concept won first place in the show’s ”Concept Bikes: New Design and Prototypes by Manufacturers and Independents” category and was widely shared across social media channels.
Ducati designers capitalized on the concept’s attention-grabbing livery and created a similar-styled model for the Hypermotard 950 lineup, unveiling the RVE in June 2020. The RVE offers a mid-range Hypermotard model between the base 950 and the top-range 950 SP.
The Hypermotard 950 is the ideal platform for this custom OEM look due to the bike’s aggressive supermotard look accented by twin exhausts under the seat and visible mechanical components, including the iconic trellis frame that translates into lightness and stability, the tapered flat seat that provides ease of movement, and the exposed L-twin engine that ensures Ducati reliability and hyper-fun power delivery.
Speaking of the engine, the twin-cylinder 937 cc Testastretta 11° creates 114 hp at 9,000 rpm and 71 lb-ft of torque at 7,250 rpm. The torque is what makes this powerplant popular among motard fans—80 percent of the torque is available from 3,000 to 9,500 rpm. This linear power output maximizes rideability, performance, and, what matters most, fun, whether lapping the track, carving canyons, or riding urban daily.
The RVE arrives with the latest in Ducati technological advancements, including Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO, which is added to the components already present in the standard version, Bosch Cornering ABS with Slide by Brake function (in setting 1), Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO.
The RVE also features fully adjustable suspension so owners can easily change settings to their riding style and includes a 45mm Marzocchi fork and Sachs shock. Bringing the RVE to a stop is a set of Brembo M4.32 four-piston radial monoblock calipers up front that squeeze 320mm discs, and a two-piston Brembo caliper out back that grasps a 245mm disc.
The Hypermotard 950 RVE will begin to hit showroom floors across the USA late May and will be available for an MSRP of $15,695.
At the top of the Hypermotard 950 range is the Hypermotard 950 SP, upgraded for a performance-focus with racing graphics, Öhlins suspension with increased travel, and Marchesini forged rims.
TCX (tcxboots.com), as part of the world leader in protective wear Dainese Group, introduces their newest and most capable adventure touring boot, the Infinity 3.
Built for the rider whose adventures are limitless, the TCX Infinity 3 boots are an all-new update from the Infinity EVO and come in a tall and mid-model. From the ground up, the Infinity 3s are constructed with a Groundtrax rubber outsole. Groundtrax is a special compound with a patterned tread to optimize maximum performance in all conditions. The OrthoLite insole is at the footbed for long-lasting cushioning and high breathability and offers supreme comfort even after prolonged use. The Infinity 3 is also built with a special dial fastening system that adjusts the tension of the external lace. Which is designed to make it easy to regulate the fit in the instep and shin area, down to the millimeter. The adjustable front band with Velcro panel completes the fastening system for the perfect locked-in feel.
The Infinity 3 come in both a tall and a mid version. Suitable for wearing under touring pants, the Infinity 3 is made from a mix of microfiber, split leather, and engineered fabric. The mid’s upper is lined with TCX’s proprietary T-DRY membrane while the tall version are lined with a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort membrane, both having the proven ability to ensure breathability and waterproofness.
For added protection and durability, the Infinity 3 is equipped with ergonomic shin plates and reinforcements on the toe, gear area, heel, and ankle.
Features:
Fastening with on-fly reel dial and VELCRO brand fastener
Reflective inserts for high visibility
Reinforcements on shin, ankle, toe, and heel
OrthoLite footbed with long term cushioning and high levels of breathability
Groundtrax rubber outsole for touring and light off-road, with good traction
Atlas 4.0 is the new kid on the block with striking, if somewhat intimidating looks that really make an impression. Although a bit noisy, it comes with a smart design, clever features, sturdy construction, and a matte black finish that will turn heads when out riding wearing this helmet.
Aesthetics
Build Quality
Sizing & Comfort
Visibility
Ventilation
Reader Rating0 Votes
Funky looks
Upgraded safety
Good choice of artwork and visors
Wind noise
Matte black finish is hard to keep clean
Internal comms can’t be managed on the go
Ruroc Atlas 4.0 Full Face Helmet Image Gallery
Ruroc
As a relatively new player in a busy market, Ruroc sure know how to get your attention. From the launch event in London’s iconic Bike Shed in Shoreditch to the delivery of the helmet, everything is on point.
The event was thoughtfully designed with a great exhibition walk-through displaying various artwork available on the Atlas 4 with helmets displayed for a closer look and feel. People were milling around admiring and checking out the helmets whilst having a drink and a chat.
In the main event area, there was a stage, a bar (always an integral part of any event), shelving with many helmets and a clothing display area by EngineHawk.
Build Quality
I was excitedly awaiting the delivery of my full face helmet to test it and I wasn’t disappointed. The branding is excellent and just opening the box is an experience in itself. They are a bit like Apple used to be in the world of computers. I must admit, the look of the helmet is very aggressive and in matte black, this is only accentuated.
Each helmet comes with a clear and a dark visor, and both are Pinlock ready. The shell is quite big, and I thought I looked like a bobblehead when I tried it on. The material on the inside is plush and lovely, the helmet felt secure around my face but it felt spacious around the top and back of the head. Presumably, this is because of the use of the new safety system and it took some getting used to.
To comply with the new ECE 22.06 certification the internal padding has been redesigned, hence making the fit tighter. Padding isn’t the only thing that has been changed.
To meet the ever-stricter certification, Ruroc are the first to use the super-polymer Rheon in a motorcycle helmet. This helps to reduce the rotational impact forces which is being addressed by the manufacturers in various ways.
The whole build and feel of the helmet is of high quality and it is comforting to know they have been redesigned to achieve the new safety standard. This, however, means that the sizing has changed, too and I had to go a size up for the helmet to fit properly.
Features and Specifications
My helmet arrived with their Shockwave audio system which was super easy to install and it is cleverly hidden in the back of the helmet meaning there are no protruding bits on the outside of the shell. The sound is excellent, clear and strong which made my first ride with some heavy music a joy.
However, with the buttons being so streamlined and at the back of the helmet, I couldn’t control the volume or switch the music off whilst riding. I wouldn’t be able to accept a call and the microphone isn’t active which means you have to press the button on the back of the helmet to talk to Siri.
Nope, that is not possible whilst wearing gloves.
I didn’t get the chance to try it with another comms brand so I cannot comment on a rider to rider comms. Not being able to control the sound system whilst riding is a bit of a flaw in my opinion.
Being a long-distance rider I would have liked the option of an internal dark visor to use with the clear visor rather than having to swap the main one.
The strap is magnetic which is unusual and to be honest, not entirely sure how I feel about it. I mean, it’s ace because there is no fiddling like with the D-ring and to undo it you simply pull on the red toggle. Of course, Ruroc have done their testing and it is safe and secure but it does take some getting used to and for you mind to trust it.
The field of view is excellent for those that have good vision. Unfortunately, I wear spectacles when riding so my FOV is limited by my glasses and their frames. However, take these away and you get an amazing field of vision. The side vision is wide and you can see so much more with your peripheral vision. The visor is well designed and looking down to the dash means only a minimal head movement.
The weight of the helmet is on a heavier side to what I am used to, at 1.8kg but the weight is distributed well and you don’t feel it even after a full day’s riding.
The shape of the helmet is big, as mentioned. There is more space at the top of the head but if fits nice and snug around the face and the back of the head. This makes it for a larger shape than most helmets on the outside.
Comfort, Airflow, and Noise Management
The first couple of rides were in sunny but extremely windy weather in February with temperatures not much above zero celsius. Despite closing all the vents the helmet is great at air circulation and I can imagine how that will be great in the summer months but I didn’t exactly appreciate it in the freezing cold.
Needless to say, my nose and face were a bit frozen at the end. The whole experience was one of comfort and I can imagine the good ventilation will be very much welcome in the warmer months.
There is a vent in the chin which opens and closes from the inside, one at the top of the head and two at the back, that are always open. Despite closing both, there was still a fair amount of air coming through and I didn’t think the vents closing system was very effective. There was no whistling from the wind like I’ve experienced it with some helmets but I do think this contributes to the helmet being rather noisy as you can’t stop the flow of air completely.
Naturally, because of the wind, the helmet was quite noisy however, it definitely isn’t the nosiest of the ones on the market. I always ride with earplugs and the wind noise was prevalent on top of the mountain. When I rode through the more sheltered areas, the noise drastically dropped which made the ride much more pleasant.
In my opinion, it is very much a short ride style helmet, perfectly at home in a city and for fun rides. I wouldn’t use it for long tours and it definitely won’t replace my favourite one. Whilst I do love the look of it I feel it is very masculine and I felt it was just a little too big and too aggressive for me.
The likes of Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team), a race winner last year, and Mattia Casadei (Pons Racing 40), already a podium finisher, can’t be counted out, but we will have to wait a little longer to see the return of Bradley Smith (WithU GRT RNF MotoE™ Team). After a crash at the 24h of Le Mans, the Brit is sidelined for the MotoE™ season opener and will be replaced by Lukas Tulovic – the German likewise an experienced electric runner.
Roam the Ozarks, Montana, or California on a Moto Guzzi Experience Tour in 2022. (Moto Guzzi/)
The Moto Guzzi Experience Tour calendar is now out for the 2022 riding season, with three stops planned throughout the country. Prices range from $1,500 up to $3,000 depending on the ride package selected. Guzzi V7 models and V85 TTstreetbikes will be available to rent.
The first stop is in the Ozarks, with riding dates set from June 15 through June 20. The ride will begin in Bentonville, Arkansas, and loop around through Kimberling City, Missouri, and then head off toward Mount Magazine. Riders will get to explore the Ouachita National Forest along the way and enjoy plenty of sights on their way back to the start in Bentonville. Riders who want to rent a Guzzi will pay $2,500 and will receive five nights’ lodging, fuel, liability insurance, a tour leader, a support vehicle, and meals. Riders can bring their own Moto Guzzi for $1,500 but will also have to pony up for fuel. Bringing a passenger along will cost an additional $1,000.
The second excursion begins in Bozeman, Montana, and routes south through Wyoming and Yellowstone from July 27 through August 1. Some highlights of the trip include plenty of winding roads enroute to Red Lodge, Montana, on Day 1, a stretch on Beartooth Highway on Day 2, plenty of incredible natural wonders on Day 3, and a scenic ride back to Bozeman on Day 4. Prices and amenities are the same as they are for the ride in the Ozarks.
The third trip starts in Santa Monica, California, and runs from September 28 through October 6. This seven-day adventure winds along the Pacific Ocean before riders head northeast toward the Sierra Nevada. You’ll ride through Sequoia National Forest, over the Diablo Mountain Range, through Monterey and Big Sur as well as Santa Barbara wine country as you make your way back to Santa Monica. Price for a rented Guzzi on this ride will cost $3,000 and will include eight nights, full board, and all the other amenities Guzzi offers in the two previous packages.
Join the Moto Guzzi Experience in 2022 and see some of the most breathtaking sights in the country. (Moto Guzzi/)
Three rides are on deck in 2022. (Moto Guzzi/)
Rent and ride a Moto Guzzi V7 model or a V85 TT. (Moto Guzzi/)
Bike rental fees include room, board, fuel, and more. (Moto Guzzi/)
“It was a crazy race,” started Roberts when asked about the race he says he’s now watched five times since Sunday. “In the first part, I kind of got off well and I was with that front group when it started spitting with rain. I’ve had a lot of races and a lot of practice sessions in those conditions where it starts to rain and, as a rider, it’s so hard to know how hard to push.
Bringing you the Best Motorcycle News from Around the Web!
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
