Izan Guevara (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team) has set the pace in FP1 for Round 9 of the Moto3™ World Championship at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya. The Spaniard, who missed out on a thrilling victory a week ago at Mugello due to a final-lap track limits breach, clocked a 1:48.675 in the closing minutes of the opening session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) moved to second with the chequered flag out when he set a 1:48.870, pushing Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) back to third after ‘The Rocket’ went as quick as a 1:48.962 on his Honda.
Dr. Sanchez Sotelo, MD PhD, Chair of the Division of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Mayo Clinic: “Today we had the opportunity to operate on the right humerus of Mr. Marc Marquez. The procedure was completed in approximately three hours. Despite the complexity of the procedure, the final outcome was satisfactory. Surgery consisted in removing the proximal two screws of the posterior plate previously placed by Dr. Samuel Antuña on December of 2020, followed by a rotational humeral osteotomy.
With May behind us and June officially in full swing, fathers around the country are demurely awaiting their moment to shine; and given that we have 17 short days until Father’s Day is upon us, Cardo Systems‘ ultimate list of comm units to grab have never been better timed.
For those of you new to the scene, Cardo Systems makes communication devices for motorcycle riders to attach to their helmets, with Cardo itself quoting that they “specialize[s] in the design, development, manufacturing and sale of state-of-the-art wireless communication and entertainment systems for motorcycle riders.”
There’s not much time to waste, so here’s the lineup of available comm units from the Israeli-based company:
The Cardo PACKTALK EDGE
The Cardo PackTalk Edge. Photo courtesy of Cardo.
MSRP: $389.95
Cardo’s most advanced unit. Featuring a magnetic snap-on build, the Packtalk Edge is capable of connecting up to fifteen riders, with the brand’s Natural Voice (similar to ‘Hey Siri’) coming in rather handy.
Other features include a waterproof/durable design, a range of up to 1.6km/1mi, sound by JBL, and the 2nd generation Dynamic Mesh communication that’s “Lightning Fast. Crystal clear…unparalleled intercom sound quality, easy pairing, and robust performance.”
For the Daddy-o that deserves the best of the best (and might need the extra range for sidelong adventures, both accidental and on purpose).
Cardo Freecom 4X
MSRP: $269.95
If you prefer smaller groups, the Cardo Freecom 4X (capable of joining up to four people) is a tad easier on the wallet.
Featuring the same durable, waterproof build as the Packtalk, the Freecom 4X comes with a C port charger (guaranteeing 2 hours talk time battery after 20 minutes of charging), as well as a neat built-in FM Radio with RDS.
The automatic volume is handy too – if the outside white noise is louder, it will compensate (no promises if you have a fat smacker of an exhaust).
A heads up, the 4X comes with Natural Voice, or Cardo’s version of ‘Hey, Siri.’ If you like hands-off potential, better choose this one over the 2X.
Cardo Freecom 2X
The Cardo Freecom 2X. Photo courtesy of Cardo.
MSRP: $209.95
Prefer to save green and keep things between you and pops? The Freecom 2x is everything the Freecom 4x offers – with a limit of two people and minus the natural voice.
Extra perks (apart from the >$250 pricepoint) do still include sounds by JBL, as well as a high-caliber radio, over-the-air software updates and automatic volume.
Waterproof. Durable. The ideal comm for introverts.
Cardo Spirit
The Cardo Spirit. Photo Courtesy of Cardo.
MSRP: $189.95
It really doesn’t get better than this for the price point.
The Spirit is a ‘2-way BT intercom’ that boasts a 400m / 0.25mi range fortified by “an advanced processor ‘for an immersive sound.’”
Add to that the fact that this baby has automatic volume, music streaming, fast charging, and sports the same quality, waterproof, durable build as the Packtalk and Freecoms – and bang for buck never hurt so good.
Riders featuring Cardo comm units on their ride. Photo courtesy of Canada Moto Guide.
Do you currently have a comm that you adore? Hit us up and drop a comment down below – we love hearing from you.
Be sure to also check back for updates, and as ever – stay safe on the twisties.
Indian Motorcycle is continuing its support for the Veterans Charity Ride, sponsoring a program that helps wounded and amputee combat veterans transition back to civilian life.
The 2022 program will feature three motorcycle therapy events, June 10-19 in Moab, Utah and Durango, Colo., Aug. 20-30 in Moab, and Oct. 10-18 in Moab and Park City, Utah.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE PARTNERS WITH VETERANS CHARITY RIDE FOR 8th ANNUAL MOTORCYCLE THERAPY PROGRAM
Veteran Non-Profit Organization Uses Motorcycle Therapy to Rehabilitate & Support Veterans Returning from Combat
2022 Program Expands with Three Multi-Day Motorcycle Therapy Events
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – June 2, 2022 – Indian Motorcycle®, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced its support and sponsorship of the eighth annual Veterans Charity Ride (VCR).
As a veteran-led non-profit organization, VCR utilizes motorcycle therapy and additional life-changing programs to support wounded and amputee combat veterans.
The 2022 VCR program will introduce an entirely new program structure, as the organization will host 10-12 new and returning veterans at three different multi-day motorcycle therapy events. Many veterans attending are amputees, paraplegics, suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress or other challenges veterans face after leaving the military. Each new veteran will pair with mentors who have already been through VCR’s motorcycle therapy program and receive one-on-one support to help their transition back to civilian life.
“Through seven years, the growth and expansion of the Veterans Charity Ride has been an incredible feat. We are proud to say we have touched the lives of more than 150 veterans,” Dave Frey, Veterans Charity Ride Founder. “With a growing number of returning veterans still in need of VCR programming, we’re excited to expand and host three multi-day motorcycle therapy events. In this new format, we will reach and support the most veterans in a single year than ever before. All this could not be achievable without the support from Indian Motorcycle and all our loyal sponsors.”
The first of three motorcycle therapy events will be held in Moab, UT and Durango, CO from June 10-19. The second will take place in Moab, UT, August 20-30. The third event, held October 10-18, will begin in Park City, UT and end in Moab, UT. Each event allows participating veterans the opportunity to push towards conquering their post-war challenges while out on the open road. Throughout the trip, veterans will also conduct team-building exercises, which allow riders to share their service experience during the emotional and mind-detoxing motorcycle therapy event.
“It’s been a true honor to support such a life-changing program such as the Veterans Charity Ride,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President for Indian Motorcycle. “VCR’s growth is a testament to Dave and Sue Frey, as they’ve made it their mission to positively impact the lives of the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
Veterans Charity Ride was created by veteran Army Paratrooper Dave Frey and leverages the therapeutic effects of motorcycle riding to create an adventure of a lifetime for wounded and amputee combat veterans adjusting to post-war life.
Herrera, who currently competes in the MotoE™ World Cup with Aspar, already boasts significant experience in the Moto3™ World Championship, having completed three full seasons and finished inside the points zone on eight occasions. Herrera already knows the KTM, a bike with which she has competed in the past. Together with the Angeluss team, which comprises professional figures with a range of international experience, Herrera will carry out a test at Aragon in the weeks leading up to the Grand Prix.
Americade is coming up June 7-11 in Lake George, New York, and Tucker Powersports is a Platinum Sponsor for the 2022 rally. Its Kuryakyn and TwinPower brands will have a major presence at Americade. Read more in the press release below.
Touring motorcycle riders of all brands will connect with Tucker Powersports’ Kuryakyn and TwinPower brand representatives at the annual Americade Rally in Lake George, New York, this week. Tucker, the nation’s leading distributor of powersports products, is a Platinum Sponsor of the rally and will have a commanding presence at the event.
Kuryakyn and TwinPower will share a large display tent in the festival commons in Lake George, where riders will be greeted by the Kuryakyn entrance arch as they arrive. Tucker will also sponsor the shuttle for rally attendees, helping them more easily between activities on the rally site.
The partnership between Americade and these Tucker brands comes quite naturally. The Kuryakyn brand has been a top source of accessories for all brands of touring motorcycles, especially Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Honda Gold Wing models. This year, the brand launched new touring bags, a line of waterproof bags, and even a Pet Palace for riders traveling with their “best friend.” Since its inception in 1982, TwinPower has been supporting riders with great oil, batteries, drivetrain components, maintenance items, and tools, which are a perfect fit for long distance riders.
“This event is important for both Kuryakyn and TwinPower,” said Tyler Anderson, Kuryakyn Brand Manager. “Americade is the most significant gathering of touring riders in the country. We want to learn from the attendees while sharing our great products that are designed expressly for long distance riders.”
Americade, started in 1984, was one of the first motorcycle rallies designed for the long-distance touring rider. It combines rides through the beautiful roadways of upstate New York and New England, a huge trade show and expo, presentations by expert riders and touring veterans, and social events that bring out the camaraderie of riders who love putting lots of miles behind them on their motorcycles.
Americade 2022 runs from June 7-11 in Lake George, New York. For more information, visit americade.com.
“In Fabio‘s first season and a half we‘ve booked many successes: 6 race wins, 14 podiums, 6 pole positions, and the 2021 MotoGP World Title. These results have come from a strong team effort from the rider, his crew, our engineers, and all team staff working together with a positive ‘can-do’ spirit. With Fabio we know he will always put in 100% of his best effort, and we have assured him that Yamaha will do the same and we will invest in future developments so that together we can challenge for the MotoGP World Championship Titles for years to come.”
“In Fabio‘s first season and a half we‘ve booked many successes: 6 race wins, 14 podiums, 6 pole positions, and the 2021 MotoGP World Title. These results have come from a strong team effort from the rider, his crew, our engineers, and all team staff working together with a positive ‘can-do’ spirit. With Fabio we know he will always put in 100% of his best effort, and we have assured him that Yamaha will do the same and we will invest in future developments so that together we can challenge for the MotoGP World Championship Titles for years to come.”
The 2023 FX 350 gets a sweeping update. (Husqvarna/)
Husqvarna brings a range of updates to three cross-country 2023 off-road models, the TX 300, FX 350, and FX 450. These updates include everything from engine improvements to suspension and chassis refinements to new electronic enhancements. The TX 300 will start at $11,199, the FX 350 will be priced at $11,499, and the FX 450 will start at $11,649.
All three machines get new hydroformed chromium-molybdenum frames, die-cast aluminum swingarms, and aluminum-polyamide subframes, elements intended to improve rigidity and reduce overall weight. Each also gets new WP Xact suspension: 48mm forks with improved end-of-stroke damping and improved shocks equipped with a CFD-optimized piston and toolless adjusters. All cross-country bikes will also come equipped with Brembo hydraulic clutch systems, top-shelf ProTaper handlebars, and Dunlop Geomax tires.
The TX 300 two-stroke has a new EFI system and electric start in addition to the aforementioned updates. The bike comes equipped with an EMS system allowing riders to choose between two engine map settings.
The FX 350 and FX 450 are equipped with new engines, improved to make more torque and power. Engineers redesigned the DOHC cylinder head, updated valve timing, improved the camshaft design, and increased the compression ratio, while also optimizing the engines’ mass centralization. The two bikes also come with new 2.25-gallon fuel tanks featuring revised fuel pump design and position.
Both four-stroke machines have a revised map select switch, two engine map options, and traction control. The FX 450 also adds a new quick-shift system that allows upshifts with the throttle fully open. It’s only available from second gear up and does not provide downshift functionality.
Bodywork is updated across the board to provide improved ergonomics.
The FX 350 and FX 450 will be available starting June 2022, while the TX 300 will hit dealership floors starting this September.
2023 Husqvarna FX 450 Technical Specifications and Price
There’s no time to rest for riders or MotoGP™ Fantasy players, with Round 9 of the World Championship this weekend at Barcelona
Just days after the enthralling contest that unfolded at Italy’s Mugello, MotoGP™ is back on-track in Catalunya for Round 9 of the 2022 World Championship. It’s time for you to pick your riders and constructor for MotoGP™ Fantasy, and time for us here at motogp.com to take you through the form guide ahead of the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya.
Who made the Dream Team at Mugello?
For Italian Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), it was a maiden victory in his home event, and the biggest haul of points In MotoGP™ Fantasy. ‘Pecco’ not only climbed from fifth on the starting grid to be leading before the halfway mark, he set the fastest lap of the race, with the five bonus points for that achievement taking him to 44 in total.
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) started and finished one position behind Bagnaia at Mugello so, unsurprisingly, the Frenchman was the next-highest scorer at 33 MotoGP™ Fantasy points if you had him in your team.
The best Silver Rider combination was all-Aprilia Racing. Aleix Espargaro collected 14 points for the Dream Team by also getting onto the podium with a gain of four positions compared to where he started. If you had selected Espargaro as your Gold Rider, you would have scored 28 points.
Espargaro’s team-mate Maverick Viñales scored the same, but went about it in a very different way. In tricky conditions, he qualified 24th, but hauled his way to 12th by the chequered flag.
Who came out on top in the constructors’ battle?
With four different manufacturers represented in the top five in terms of the MotoGP™ Fantasy rankings for riders in Mugello, the constructors’ contest was a close-run thing. However, Bagnaia’s efforts, in combination with those of Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), meant Ducati prevailed again, on 32 points.
What should I look out for at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya?
While the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, like Mugello, has a relatively long main straight, four different constructors have won the last four MotoGP™ races at the Spanish circuit, making it a difficult task to pick your team.
Looking at the Mugello podium finishers, Bagnaia will set you back 4.7M, Quartararo 4.9M, and Espargaro 4.1M, making it tough to fit all three into a team if you have not selected them already. Each is a potential race winner on their day, but Espargaro is now on a streak of four podiums in a row, and five in the last six rounds once his Argentina GP win is accounted for. Is Aprilia’s ‘Captain’ worth a look for his consistency?
Last weekend’s front row could be tempting, too. Mugello pole-sitter Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) is going for just 1M, and the Ducati Desmosedici GP21 which he rides has been shown to be a competitive bike. The Mooney VR46 Racing Team’s Marco Bezzecchi and Luca Marini are priced at 1.9M and 2M respectively, and they will also be riding a wave of confidence after their performances on home soil last time out.
How about a bit of range for your team? Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Miguel Oliveira won the Catalan GP last year and is available for 2.7M, which would hardly break the budget. There might also be value in some riders looking to bounce back from tough weekends in Italy, namely Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) at 3.3M, Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) at 3.4M, and Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) at 3.2M.
