Since 2003, the BMW M Award has been an integral component of the close partnership between BMW M GmbH and MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports. There is a double anniversary to celebrate this year: BMW M GmbH is celebrating its 50th birthday and the coveted prize for the fastest MotoGP™ qualifier is being awarded for the 20th time. To mark the occasion, BMW M is providing an exclusive highlight as the Winner’s Car: the first BMW M3 Competition Touring with xDrive (fuel consumption, combined: 10.4 – 10.1 l/100km correspond to WLTP, CO2 emissions, combined: 235 – 229 g/km correspond to WLTP, NEDC figures: –)*, which celebrated its world premiere just a few weeks ago. The market launch is scheduled for November. The Winner’s Car for the BMW M Awards 2022 will be officially introduced this weekend at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone. The first BMW M3 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car will also make its race debut there.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) remains unfit after a training crash in June, but the drama continued at Silverstone with several riders taking a tumble in FP1. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) is off to the medical centre for checks on his left hand/arm after being thrown from his bike in the opening minutes, with others to take a tumble being Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Italtrans Racing Team), Zonta Van Den Goorbergh (RW Racing GP), Rory Skinner (American Racing), and Albert Arenas (GASGAS Aspar Team), all hitting the deck also.
“I have, for sure everything is around sport and I’m not that young anymore, but I feel young enough to live and use my body at this moment, still race, for example motocross and enjoy the last years in good shape and enjoy that situation. I have in my mind, a long time, more than 10 years a dream to create something at home. It’s not done still but I’m close and I’m very happy,
Despite the pair crashing in the opening MotoGP™ Free Practice session of the weekend, Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) leads Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) so far at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix as the duo dip into the 1:59s – the only riders to do so. 2019 British GP winner Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) finished FP1 in third, 0.327s down on Zarco’s time.
Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) finished the session fourth-fastest courtesy of a late 2:12.977 and Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) was classified fifth thanks to a 2:13.152. Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) was seventh on a 2:13.190, one position up on Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max), who set a 2:13.246. Sasaki is, of course, the most recent race winner in the lightweight class, at Assen back in June.
Kawasaki announced the return of several sport, retro sport, naked, cruiser, adventure touring, and dual-sport models to its motorcycle lineup. These 2023 motorcycles are set to arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the summer months.
Models included in this announcement are the Ninja 1000SX, Ninja 400 and 400 ABS, Z H2 and H2 SE, Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe, Z400 ABS, the Vulcan S and Vulcan 900 lineups, 1700 Voyager ABS, Versys-X300 and Versys-X300 ABS, and the KLR650 lineup.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX in Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Graphite Gray
The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is back with its refined sport-touring capabilities, combining the power of a supersport with the feel of an upright sportbike and familiar Ninja styling.
The Ninja 1000SX features a 1,043cc liquid-cooled inline-Four, Kawasaki Traction Control, Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Braking System (KIBS), Kawasaki Quick Shifter, 4.3-inch all-digital TFT color instrumentation, and electronic cruise control.
The Ninja 1000SX includes rider aides such as electronic cruise control and integrated riding modes that combine traction control and Power Modes, and it is compatible with the Kawasaki RIDEOLOGY THE APP.
This 2023 model will be offered in Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Graphite Gray starting at $13,199
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Ninja 400 ABS
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 in Metallic Magnetic Dark Gray/ Metallic Matte Twilight Blue
Ideal for both experienced riders and newer riders looking to step up from a lower displacement bike, the 2023 Ninja 400 sport motorcycle offers the largest displacement in its category.
The 2023 Ninja 400 features a 399cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, a slip/assist clutch, a lightweight trellis frame, Uni-Trak rear suspension, a 310mm semi-floating petal disc brake and 2-piston caliper in the front, and 220mm petal disc brake and 1-piston caliper in the rear.
A low seat height (30.9 in.), twin LED headlights, and high-grade multifunction dash instrumentation make the Ninja 400 the ideal choice for riders looking to enter the sport-riding scene.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 in Pearl Blizzard White / Metallic Carbon Gray
For 2023, the Ninja 400 and the Ninja 400 ABS are available in Metallic Carbon Gray / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray, Pearl Blizzard White / Metallic Carbon Gray, and Metallic Magnetic Dark Gray/ Metallic Matte Twilight Blue. The Ninja 400 starts at $5,299, and the Ninja 400 ABS starts at $5,699.
2023 Ninja 400 ABS KRT Edition in Lime Green / Ebony
The Ninja 400 ABS KRT Edition is painted in a Lime Green / Ebony color scheme and starts at $5,899. The Ninja 400 KRT Edition without ABS will come in the same color scheme starting at $5,499.
2023 Kawasaki Z H2 and Z H2 SE
2023 Kawasaki Z H2 in Metallic Phantom Silver / Metallic Carbon Gray
The flagship model of the Kawasaki Z lineup, the 2023 Z H2 features a balanced supercharged 998cc liquid-cooled inline-Four, a 6-speed dog-ring gearbox, a slip/assist clutch, a lightweight trellis frame, high-performance Showa suspension components, and Brembo monoblock brake calipers.
The bike also offers an IMU-based electronics package, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), electronic cruise control, integrated riding modes, all-digital TFT color instrumentation, smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP, and LED lighting.
For 2023, the Z H2 comes in Metallic Phantom Silver / Metallic Carbon Gray and starts at $18,500.
The Z H2 SE offers the same features that come standard on the Z H2, with the addition of the Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) with Skyhook EERA Technology, which adapts to road and riding conditions in real-time, providing the ideal amount of damping by combining high-level mechanical components with the latest electronic control technology and reportedly giving the rider a smoother ride as it continually adapts to the road surface in real-time.
For braking power, the 2023 Z H2 SE will once again feature Brembo Stylema monoblock brake calipers, a Brembo front brake master cylinder, and steel-braided lines.
2023 Kawasaki Z H2 SE in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Ebony / Mirror Coated Black
The 2023 Z H2 SE will be offered in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Ebony / Mirror Coated Black starting at $20,700.
2023 Kawasaki Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe
2023 Kawasaki Z900RS in Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Imperial Red
The Kawasaki Z900RS retro-sportbikes reignites the classic style of the original Z1 900 motorcycle.
The 2023 Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe feature a 948cc liquid-cooled inline-Four, a slip/assist clutch, horizontal back-link rear suspension, authentic retro styling, an iconic teardrop fuel tank, a tuned stainless steel exhaust system, a round LED headlight, and bullet-shaped analog dials.
2023 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe in Metallic Diablo Black
For 2023, the Z900RS comes in a Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Imperial Red paint scheme starting at $11,949. The Z900RS Cafe adds cafe-racer styling with a front cowl, a special seat, and a drop handlebar, and is available in Metallic Diablo Black starting at $12,399.
2023 Kawasaki Z400 ABS
2023 Kawasaki Z400 ABS in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Spark Black
Described in a 2018 Rider First Ride Review as a “Ninja 400 with a flat handlebar and no fairing,” the Kawasaki Z400 ABS naked sportbike features a 399cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, a slip/assist clutch, streetfighter styling, a lightweight chassis, an upright riding position, a low seat height (30.9 in.), and standard ABS.
2023 Kawasaki Z400 ABS in Pearl Robotic White /Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray
For 2023, the Z400 ABS is available in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Spark Black and Pearl Robotic White /Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray starting at $5,399.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S, Vulcan S ABS, and Vulcan S Cafe
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S in Metallic Flat Spark Black
The Kawasaki Vulcan S sport cruisers are geared to fit a wide range of riders as a result of not only the bikes’ reported starting curb weight just shy of 492 lb but also the exclusive Ergo-Fit sizing system, which includes 18 possible configurations for the handlebar, footpegs, and seat.
Both bikes feature a 649cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-Twin and sportbike-derived chassis and suspension. The 2023 Vulcan S Cafe also comes equipped with three-tone paint, signature tank badging, sport striping, and a dark-tinted windshield deflector.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S in Cafe Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony
For 2023, the Vulcan S is available in a Metallic Flat Spark Black colorway starting at $7,349, the Vulcan S ABS is offered in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Flat Spark Black starting at $7,899, and the Vulcan S Cafe is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony starting at $8,099.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic in Metallic Spark Black /Metallic Magnesium Gray
In our “Middleweight Touring Cruisers” comparison test, which included the Vulcan 900 Classic LT, Rider EIC Greg Drevendstedt wrote: “Cruisers are about style and sensation. How a cruiser looks is just as important as how it sounds and feels.”
All three of the 2023 Vulcan 900 cruiser models feature a 903cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected V-Twin and a low seat height (26.8 in.).
The Vulcan 900 Classic features rider footboards with a heel/toe shifter, tank-mounted instrumentation, and a 180mm rear tire. The Vulcan 900 Classic LT features a studded seat with standard passenger backrest, leather saddlebags, and a height-adjustable windscreen. The Vulcan 900 Custom features wide drag bars and forward-mounted footpegs, a low center of gravity for easy handling, custom styling with a teardrop tank, parallel slash-cut pipes, and pinstripe wheels.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Flat Ebony
For 2023, the Vulcan 900 Classic is available in Metallic Spark Black /Metallic Magnesium Gray starting at $8,999. The Vulcan 900 Classic LT is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony starting at $9,999 with a 24-month limited warranty, and the Vulcan 900 Custom is available in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Flat Ebony starting at $9,499.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony
The 2023 Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS touring cruiser features a 1,700cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, transverse 52-degree V-Twin, Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology (K-ACT II) ABS, throttle-by-wire, and electronic cruise control.
The bike has a frame-mounted fairing, an intercom-headset compatible audio system, and integrated luggage. For 2023, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony starting at $19,299.
2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 and Versys-X300 ABS
2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray
With a compact Ninja-derived 296cc liquid-cooled DOHC Twin, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a nimble, lightweight motorcycle that’s suitable for commuting or touring.
The Versys-X 300 has a lightweight chassis, long-travel suspension, a low seat height (32.1 in.), front cowling with a tall windscreen, and a rear carrier.
The 2023 Versys-X 300 is available in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray starting at $5,899, while the ABS model comes in the same color scheme starting at $6,199.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 and KLR650 ABS
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 in Pearl Storm Gray
The KLR650 sports a 652cc liquid-cooled Single nestled in a recently redesigned high-tensile double-cradle frame. In 2022, the bike was upgraded with new improved ergonomics, bodywork, a taller two-position adjustable windscreen, a larger aluminum rear carrier, increased generator capacity, and an LED headlight. It features all-digital multifunction instrumentation, an optional ABS system, and 7.9 inches of front travel coupled with 7.3 inches of rear travel.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 in Pearl Solar Yellow
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 in Candy Lime Green
The 2023 KLR650 is available in three colorways – Pearl Storm Gray, Pearl Solar Yellow, and Candy Lime Green – and starts at $6,899. The KLR650 ABS is offered in Pearl Storm Gray starting at $7,199.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure and KLR650 Adventure ABS
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure in Cypher Camo Gray
The KLR650 Adventure model is built off of the standard KLR650 platform and designed for the rider who is looking for increased carrying capacity and convenience. It comes equipped with factory-installed side cases, LED auxiliary lights, engine guards, a tank pad, and both a DC power outlet and USB socket. It’s available both with and without ABS.
The 2023 KLR650 Adventure is available in Cypher Camo Gray starting at $7,899, while the KLR650 Adventure ABS also comes in Cypher Camo Gray starting at $8,199.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Traveler ABS
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Traveler ABS in Pearl Solar Yellow
The KLR650 Traveler model consists of the same features found on the standard KLR650 as well as a factory-installed top case and both a DC power outlet and USB socket. It comes equipped with ABS.
The KLR650 Traveler ABS is offered in Pearl Solar Yellow starting at $7,599.
How will Quartararo, Aleix Espargaro and Bagnaia approach Sunday’s race with the Frenchman’s Long Lap penalty incoming?
After five weekends off, MotoGP™ returns and to kick off the Monster Energy British Grand Prix, three of the top four in the World Championship offered their thoughts on what feels like a crucial race in the title race. Standings leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – who faces a Long Lap penalty – was joined by Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to discuss all things Silverstone alongside Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar).
How is Quartararo approaching the weekend?
The Long Lap penalty is, understandably, a hot topic ahead of track action kicking off. It will be all the way to Sunday’s checkered flag and probably beyond. But for the Frenchman, the approach to Silverstone’s battle is just like any other weekend.
“Yeah five weeks was pretty long but I feel happy to be back, I will approach this weekend like a normal weekend, it’s how we need to do it. And then we have that penalty but let’s see how the weekend is going and of course how we approach the race. It will be a great challenge for us and I feel ready to race.”
How are Aleix Espargaro and Pecco approaching the weekend?
Whichever way you look at it, Quartararo’s Long Lap penalty presents a fantastic opportunity for the likes of Espargaro and Pecco to take advantage. The former’s Assen performance gave the Spaniard a great injection of confidence and the number 41 is just buzzing to continue his title attack after a good break.
“I can’t wait, sincerely. I’m very motivated, more than ever in my life. I recharged the batteries a lot during these five weeks and the challenge that I have in front of me is huge, but I will try to enjoy it as much as possible,” said Espargaro. “It’s going to be a very, very intense three months, but I will try my best, I will try to fight to the end. I think I have a very good team, a very good bike, and I have proved in the last GP that I can be very fast, so let’s try to have some fun and see if I can do it.”
Bagnaia headed into the summer off the back of a much-needed victory. Three wins and three DNFs have been the story of Pecco’s last six races, so the thing the Italian is focused on in the second part of the campaign is the magic ‘c’ word: consistency.
“For sure if I want to have a chance to win the Championship I have to finish more races. It’s ok to win but it’s also important to finish when you’re not able to win. In the last six races I won three races but I also crashed in three races, two for my reasons and one for another. But in any case in the second part of the season it will be important to find the consistency and to be competitive like we were always in the first part of the season, but with finishing the races,” commented Pecco.
It’s going to be a fascinating watch to see what unfolds at Silverstone this weekend. Qualifying is always vital, but Quartararo needs – at least – a front row more than ever to minimise the damage the Long Lap penalty will cause. Will Aleix Espargaro, Pecco and others be able to capitalise? Time will tell.
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Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer: “We are incredibly proud of the way that our 765cc triple engine has redefined the Moto2™ category, making it faster, more competitive and better sounding. To have achieved so many lap records, and a top speed equivalent to more than 100km/h per cylinder, is something we are very satisfied with since Triumph started powering the class from the 2019 season. When there’s such a fundamental change to a category everyone embarks upon a journey of learning – the riders and teams in terms of becoming attuned to the characteristics of the triple and optimising the overall package of engine, electronics and tyres, and us as Triumph in terms of performance potential and reliability.
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