Give me a new camera and I’ll give it a go!
With Gaz not around and my fancy new Insta360 Ace Pro I thought I’d give the Vlog ago myself, shot, edited and uploaded by your truely!Hope you enjoy itp.s T…
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
Monthly Archives: November 2023
2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Review | First Look
In celebration of 30 years of the Duke, KTM has announced an upgrade to the KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo. For 2024, “The Beast” is even stronger with a 49cc bump in displacement, updated styling that celebrates the lineage of the Duke platform, and improved suspension, ergonomics, and electronics.
The Beast has grown since its 2007 KTM 990 Super Duke origins. For model year 2024, the 1,301cc LC8 V-Twin from the 1290 Super Duke gets bored out from 108mm to 110mm for a displacement of 1,350cc, and a new camshaft allows for two separate valve lifts depending on rpm. The redesigned airbox has a shorter stack height, and the new throttle bodies have an increased inlet diameter of 60mm (up from 56mm). Additionally, 5th and 6th gears have been revised for better use of the rpm range.
Related: 2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo | Road Test Review
The new model also receives upgraded suspension with the latest generation of WP’s Semi-Active Technology that provides a range of adjustability. The Suspension Control Unit adjusts damping rates in real time based on information from the IMU, and all suspension settings can be managed through the 5-inch full-color TFT display. Five damping modes are also available on the display: Auto, Comfort, Rain, Street, and Sport.
For even more suspension customization possibilities, the optional Suspension Pro pack adds two more suspension modes (Track and Pro), three preload settings (Low, Standard, and High), and an Anti-Dive setting. Also included in the package is Factory Start, which automatically reduces shock preload to lower the rear when coming to a stop.
The Super Duke’s ergonomics receive an upgrade for 2024 with a focus on performance. The tank is angled outwards for better rider support while hanging off into corners, and the handlebar has been moved lower for better control.
Slowing down The Beast are Brembo braking components, including dual 4-piston Stylema monoblock front calipers biting 320mm discs and a 2-piston rear caliper with a 240mm disc. A new Brembo multiple-click-system master cylinder is also included. The Super Duke also gets new tires in the form of Michelin Power GP tires for better grip and a lighter weight.
Related: 2024 KTM 890 SMT Review | First Look
The Beast has been known for its aggressive styling, and that is even more evident in the 2024 1390 Super Duke R Evo. The model gets a new LED headlight unit, new tank spoilers, and new winglets, and fuel tank capacity has been increased from 4.2 to 4.6 gallons.
The Beast’s new styling is most evident in its new angular headlight unit. Position and daytime running lights are located along the edges and are auto-adjustable, and the automatic low beam is in the center.
Upgrades to the 5-inch TFT display include new graphics and a redesigned menu structure intended to offer faster access to features with fewer clicks required. The Tire Pressure Monitor System has been upgraded with more accurate software and shows tire pressures on the TFT, and it now offers custom pressure settings for track use.
Related: 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and Super Adventure R Review | First Look
The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo comes with three ride modes as standard (Rain, Street, and Sport), and two optional modes (Performance and Track). Each mode manages power, traction control, and throttle response. Performance mode allows for customization of traction control, throttle response, anti-wheelie control, and launch control. In Track mode, the same level of customization is available but with a “ready to race” focus with two display settings that focus on lap times and other race-focused data.
Other optional technology includes cruise control, Engine Brake Control (adjustable among five levels), anti-wheelie mode (adjustable among five levels), and KTMconnect.
The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo will be available in orange with red highlights or black with orange highlights. Pricing has not yet been announced.
Visit the KTM website for more information.
Check out more new/updated bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide
The post 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Review | First Look appeared first on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com
QLD Raceway confirmed as third round of ASBK 2024
ASBK 2024 Calendar Update
The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK), will return to Queensland Raceway in April of 2024, marking round three on the calendar.
The 3.126km circuit will host round three from April 26-28, and wide-ranging upgrades to Queensland Raceway over recent years, have focussed on improving spectator amenities, pit infrastructure, and corporate facilities, further enhancing its credentials as a gold star motorsport hub.
The improvements have been met with a universal nod of approval from the ASBK paddock, while elevated spectator mounds surrounding Queensland Raceway offer an unrestricted view of the entire circuit so you won’t miss a minute of the action.
The circuit’s unique six-turn layout also promotes extremely close battles and fierce braking duals – spectacular edge-of-the-seat action which the likes of Troy Herfoss, Mike Jones, and Cru Halliday displayed during their front-running battles in the 2023 ASBK round at Queensland Raceway.
The three-day ASBK round at Queensland Raceway will also include the popular pit walks, a chance to meet and grab an autograph off your favourite ASBK riders, the popular ‘Mini Moto come and try’ sessions for the kids, plus loads of other off-track activities.
Peter Doyle – Motorcycling Australia CEO
“I’m in absolute admiration of the time, effort, and money that has been invested into Queensland Raceway over the last few years by Tony Quinn and his team. The benefits for all stakeholders are obvious, and it’s a venue that not only showcases the very best of the ASBK Championship with superb racing but has a tremendous buzz about it that keeps people coming back.”
Tony Quinn – CEO of Queensland Raceway
“The thunderous roar of Superbikes will once again echo through the Queensland Raceway, promising adrenaline-pumping excitement for both riders and fans alike. This highly anticipated event marks a significant milestone for motorsports enthusiasts and underscores our commitment to delivering thrilling experiences on the track. Get ready for a weekend of speed, skill, and sheer racing brilliance as Australian Superbikes make their roaring return to Queensland Raceway in 2024.”
Source: MCNews.com.au
CryptoDATA RNF owners to sue Dorna over removal from entry list
MotoGP 2024
More behind-the-scenes shenanigans have recently been playing out surrounding the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team. Last week 60 per cent owners of the team, CDT SPORTS AND MEDIA SRL (CryptoDATA), forced 40 per cent owner Razlan Razali out of his Team Principal position.
A few weeks ago an offer was made for the team’s ownership in the Madrid offices of Dorna, which was rejected.
Overnight, the MotoGP Selection Committee, comprising members of FIM, IRTA, and Dorna Sports, has decided not to select the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team for the 2024 season and announced that they are reviewing applications for a new Independent Team, using Aprilia machinery, to join the MotoGP class grid for 2024.
This has led the CEO of CryptoDATA, Ovidiu Toma, to release this hard-hitting statement that suggests that he is not backing down from this fight.
CEO of CryptoDATA – Ovidiu Toma
Dear partners, motorsport fans and media representatives,
Our team, CryptoDATA RNF, is dealing with a paradoxical situation, which seems taken from a comedy film, but with much more serious side effects. Dorna, the governing organisation of MotoGP, approached us with a kind of proposal worthy of Hollywood scripts: to sell our team at a bargain price. We thought of asking them for an autograph as well, to remember such a “generous’ offer.
The story begins in 2023, when Dorna promised an American team a spot in the championship, possibly the 12th, which, oh surprise, was vacant! We can already imagine the discussions in the Dorna offices: “Let’s give the Americans 12th or CryptoDATA. What could go wrong?” Well, a lot.
After turning down KTM on the grounds that 12th was “reserved for a factory”, they realised they couldn’t offer our place without our consent. Then they came up with a buyout offer so low I thought it was a joke. I politely declined, but the pressure didn’t stop.
Now, it seems Dorna wants to knock us out of the Championship in 2024, citing reasons so creative they could write a novel. Despite a contract valid until 2026, it seems that their slogan is ‘My championship, my unwritten rules… the ones written in the contracts don’t matter”.
We’re not just disappointed, we’re ready to fight back. After a month of intensive documentation and preparation for such a situation, we will go to court with a demand for substantial compensation for damage to our business and reputation, and for the limitation of participation in the championship.
We close this release with a message for Dorna: even in motorsport, where speed is of the essence, ethics and legality should not be overridden. We look forward to seeing each other on the courts with the same passion we met on the track.
BTW, stay tuned, we will soon make public the “orchestrated spiciness” behind the show that fans watch on TV.
Respectfully
That Romanian who will overturn their chariot
Ovidiu Toma
Well, that is certainly a bit spicy… And there does seem to be some basis for the talk of new American owners coming into MotoGP.
Trackhouse Racing, an American NASCAR team jointly owned by ex-race car driver Justin Marks and fellow 42-year-old Armando Christian Perez, more commonly known as rapper Pitbull, is understood to be in the prime seat to take over the grid spots taken from CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP. Watch this space…
In the meantime, check out the 2024 MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 entry lists released by Dorna overnight with both Raul Fernandez and Miguel Oliveira listed as riding for ‘Aprilia Racing Independent Team’.
2024 MotoGP Entry List
| No. | Rider | Team |
| 1 | Francesco Bagnaia | Ducati Lenovo Team |
| 5 | Johann Zarco | CASTROL Honda LCR |
| 10 | Luca Marini | Repsol Honda Team |
| 12 | Maverick Viñales | Aprilia Racing |
| 20 | Fabio Quartararo | Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team |
| 21 | Franco Morbidelli | Prima Pramac Racing |
| 23 | Enea Bastianini | Ducati Lenovo Team |
| 25 | Raul Fernandez | Aprilia Racing Independent Team |
| 30 | Takaaki Nakagami | IDEMITSU Honda LCR |
| 31 | Pedro Acosta | GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 |
| 33 | Brad Binder | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing |
| 36 | Joan Mir | Repsol Honda Team |
| 37 | Augusto Fernandez | GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 |
| 41 | Aleix Espargaro | Aprilia Racing |
| 42 | Alex Rins | Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team |
| 43 | Jack Miller | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing |
| 49 | Fabio Di Giannantonio | Pertamina Enduro VR46 MotoGP Team |
| 72 | Marco Bezzecchi | Pertamina Enduro VR46 MotoGP Team |
| 73 | Alex Marquez | Gresini Racing MotoGP |
| 88 | Miguel Oliveira | Aprilia Racing Independent Team |
| 89 | Jorge Martin | Prima Pramac Racing |
| 93 | Marc Marquez | Gresini Racing MotoGP |
Moto2 2024 Rider Entry List
| No. | Rider | Team |
| 3 | Sergio Garcia | MT Helmets – MSI |
| 5 | Jaume Masia | Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team |
| 7 | Barry Baltus | Fieten Olie Racing GP |
| 10 | Diogo Moreira | Italtrans Racing Team |
| 12 | Filip Salač | Elf Marc VDS Racing Team |
| 13 | Celestino Vietti | Red Bull KTM Ajo |
| 14 | Tony Arbolino | Elf Marc VDS Racing Team |
| 15 | Darryn Binder | LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP |
| 16 | Joe Roberts | OnlyFans American Racing Team |
| 17 | Alex Escrig | Forward Team |
| 18 | Manuel Gonzales | QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2 |
| 20 | Xavier Cardelus | Fantic Racing |
| 21 | Alonso Lopez | SpeedUp Racing |
| 22 | Ayumu Sasaki | Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team |
| 24 | Marcos Ramirez | OnlyFans American Racing Team |
| 28 | Izan Guevara | GASGAS Aspar Team |
| 34 | Mario Suryo Aji | Idemitsu Honda Team Asia |
| 35 | Somkiat Chantra | Idemitsu Honda Team Asia |
| 43 | Xavier Artigas | Forward Team |
| 44 | Aron Canet | Fantic Racing |
| 52 | Jeremy Alcoba | Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team |
| 53 | Deniz Öncü | Red Bull KTM Ajo |
| 54 | Fermin Aldeguer | SpeedUp Racing |
| 64 | Bo Bendsneyder | Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team |
| 71 | Dennis Foggia | Italtrans Racing Team |
| 75 | Albert Arenas | QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2 |
| 79 | Ai Ogura | MT Helmets – MSI |
| 81 | Senna Agius | LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP |
| 84 | Zonta van den Goorbergh | Fieten Olie Racing GP |
| 96 | Jake Dixon | GASGAS Aspar Team |
Moto3 2024 Rider Entry List
| No. | Rider | Team |
| 5 | Tatchakorn Buasri | Honda Team Asia |
| 6 | Ryusei Yamanaka | MT HELMETS – MSi |
| 7 | Filippo Farioli | Sic 58 Squadra Corse |
| 10 | Nicola Carraro | MTA Team |
| 12 | Jacob Roulstone | Red Bull KTM Tech 3 |
| 18 | Matteo Bertelle | Rivacold Snipers Team |
| 19 | Scott Ogden | MLav Racing |
| 20 | Lorenzo Fellon | CIP Green Power |
| 22 | David Almansa | Rivacold Snipers Team |
| 24 | Tatsuki Suzuki | LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP |
| 31 | Adrian Fernandez | Leopard Racing |
| 36 | Angel Piqueras | Leopard Racing |
| 48 | Ivan Ortola | MT HELMETS – MSi |
| 55 | Noah Dettwiler | CIP Green Power |
| 58 | Luca Lunetta | Sic 58 Squadra Corse |
| 64 | David Muñoz | BOE Motorsports |
| 66 | Joel Kelso | BOE Motorsports |
| 70 | Joshua Whatley | MLav Racing |
| 72 | Taiyo Furusato | Honda Team Asia |
| 78 | Joel Esteban | GASGAS Aspar Team |
| 80 | David Alonso | GASGAS Aspar Team |
| 82 | Stefano Nepa | MTA Team |
| 85 | Xabi Zurutuza | Red Bull KTM Ajo |
| 95 | Collin Veijer | LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP |
| 96 | Daniel Holgado | Red Bull KTM Tech 3 |
| 99 | Jose Antonio Rueda | Red Bull KTM Ajo |
Source: MCNews.com.au
IMTBike Essence of Northern Spain Tour Review
The landscape of northern Spain erupted with jagged peaks and rolled along lush green hillsides. Farms folded across every nook, and waves pounded the Atlantic coast. Mile after mile of smooth, tight curves were waiting to be savored. The evidence was all around: Northern Spain is a rider’s paradise.
This past September, I joined IMTBike’s Essence of Northern Spain Tour. Leaving the planning to the pros at IMTBike, I simply arrived with my gear in Bilbao up north in the País Vasco (Basque Country) and enjoyed the ride. Over eight days, I explored new places with new friends, and fabulous riding connected every experience. This tour strung together curvy backroads through vast open spaces, rural pastoral lands, dense forests, and stunning coasts.
“Essence” tours like this one are new weeklong versions of longer IMTBike tours. Riders who can only get a week off from work can now enjoy full‑on tours of northern Spain, southern Spain, Portugal, or Morocco with a shorter time commitment.
IMTBike has been perfecting the art and science of motorcycle tours for 27 years. Initially, the focus was the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). Today, it also offers tours of Morocco, France, Italy, and the Alps; exclusive MotoGP tours in Catalunya, Jerez, and Valencia; global tours in Turkey, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and New Zealand; and self‑guided and custom‑designed tours.
Related: IMTBike Sardinia and Corsica Motorcycle Tour Review
My fellow tour members came to northern Spain from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Japan, the Netherlands, and the U.S. We all love travel, adventure, and motorcycling – that’s what brought us together – and as always, I enjoyed the experience of meeting and riding with people from countries other than my own.
Juanan Martin, our tour guide, has graduate degrees in history and travel journalism – perfect credentials for his role. Paulo Murteira, who drove the IMTBike support van, loves off‑road endurance riding and was a laugh a minute! Both were excellent sources of information, assistance, and insight.
From IMTBike’s garage in Bilbao, Juanan led us to the Cantabrian Mountains and strings of hairpin turns. At Collados del Asón Natural Park, we paused to take in a spectacular panoramic mountain vista. That first day, we traversed five mountain passes en route to Santillana del Mar.
Our night’s lodging was a parador located on a magnificently preserved medieval town square. Paradors are historic, architecturally significant buildings such as former castles, monasteries, and manor homes. Owned by the Spanish government and operated as luxury hotels, paradors preserve these treasured buildings and keep them relevant. We stayed in three of them on this tour.
We also grew accustomed to dinner served on Spanish time: 8 p.m. at the earliest and frequently later. Your humble scribe is a big fan of seafood, and our daily menus included locally sourced fish and other delicacies from the North Atlantic, as well as delicious meat dishes, fresh fruits and veggies, and a variety of decadent desserts. No one went hungry.
Related: Iberian Escape | IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour Review
By the second day, tour members had organically clustered into three groups of four bikes each according to their preferred pace. This unofficial order enabled everyone to ride their own ride. Juanan told me that every tour is its own living entity, with distinct personalities and group dynamics, individual rider skills, weather and seasonal factors, and more. Everyone wanted something different from their tour experience, and Juanan and Paulo were focused on delivering for us all.
Later, we had our first of numerous encounters with livestock in the road. Flat, open expanses of pastureland are uncommon in northern Spain, so cows (and occasionally horses and goats) nibble on grass wherever they find it. They seemed accustomed to the passing vehicles, so I rolled off the throttle a bit and bellowed “Moo!” before motoring past.
Spain has the highest average elevation of all western European countries except Switzerland, and the mountains we rode around, over, and sometimes through were highpoints for me. Topping my list for beauty was Picos de Europa National Park. Founded in 1918, it was Spain’s first national park. Today it’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and its natural beauty was wondrous to experience while carving great roads on a motorcycle.
While the mountains reminded me of the Alps, the Costa Verde (Green Coast) felt like Ireland. Okay, maybe not the palm trees. Herds of Asturian Valley cattle, the ubiquitous orange‑colored breed raised in northern Spain, grazed on grassy hills overlooking the ocean. What a completely different scene from the brown plains of central Spain. As cows chewed greenery, surfers in wetsuits carried their boards down to the sandy beach below. Some of Europe’s most popular surfing destinations are here on Spain’s northern coast. I wondered if this convergence of cattle and surfers gave rise to the expression “Cowabunga!”
From cliffs overlooking the coast, we headed inland, where entertaining secondary roads wound us through agrarian landscapes past the hilly farms of Asturias. The most common crop appeared to be manzanas (apples), and most homes, even those that weren’t farmhouses, had a lemon tree in the yard. I admired the resilience of farmers here: There was hardly any land you’d call flat, yet orchards were abundant, tucked into every conceivable space. Livestock grazed along the roads here too.
Though the weather in northern Spain was mostly clear, warm, and dry, we rode through a late‑day rain shower near Oviedo, the bustling capital city of Asturias. On the last stretch to our hotel, it was useful having a guide with local knowledge and a solid plan to lead the group though wet, busy streets to the tight quarters of a downtown hotel parking garage. ¡Bien hecho, Juanan! Well done!
That evening in Oviedo, we had dinner in a sidrería (cidery), a pub‑like establishment where locals gather to drink cider, eat, and socialize. We enjoyed multiple courses of Asturian fare, washed down with sangría de sidra (cider sangria) made from the same variety of manzanas we saw growing on trees. It was an Asturian holiday, and patrons were joyously singing, their enthusiasm enhanced by pitchers of sangria. You don’t have to visit a museum to experience culture.
IMTBike scheduled a rest day halfway through this tour, but there was an optional lunch run to the seaside fishing village of Cudillero. Juanan led an exhilarating backroads jaunt through dense forest with little evidence of humans. Cudillero is built into rocky cliffs overlooking the Bay of Biscay. The ascending rows of colorful houses reminded me of similar towns I’d seen in Italy. At the edge of town, waves hitting the rocky shore presented spectacular views.
That evening, I decided to explore more of Oviedo on my own while speaking only Spanish. It had been decades since I studied Spanish in school, but after a few days in Spain, the fundamentals were coming back. I managed to buy a gift for my wife and order a fish dinner, celebrating these minor triumphs with una cerveza. ¡Salud!
Next morning, tour members huddled for our daily riders briefing with Juanan. He emphasized the need to depart the hotel as an organized group – and stay together as we left the city. A major bicycle race called La Vuelta, Spain’s version of the Tour de France, was passing through the area that morning. Juanan explained that the racecourse overlapped our route, and unless we rode through before race organizers closed the road, we’d have to wait. Thanks to this helpful attention to detail from our tour guide, our wellorganized group passed by the busy staging area for La Vuelta that morning on a still-open road.
After coffee, our route cut through Trubia River Gorge, where steep rock cliffs reached up on either side of us. Eventually we gained elevation, riding through the clouds until we poked above them into sunshine. I love when that happens. We crossed Alto de la Corbetoria Pass and then descended in tight curves to the Lena River to enjoy a stretch of easy sweepers to La Llama. The continuous flow of a curvy river road is always special on a motorcycle, and this tour included several of them.
Returning to the Picos de Europa, we relished technical curves and climbed in elevation before a lunch stop at Puerto de San Isidro, an alpine ski resort. At midday in late summer, skiers were notably absent. As our group prepared to move on, I let Juanan know I was going to ride alone for the afternoon. In this rugged and remote region of León, I stopped whenever I wanted to marvel at views of the mountains and lakes against a crystal blue sky. Since I opted for a GPS with routes pre‑loaded, it was no problem arriving on my own schedule (and well before dinnertime) at that night’s parador lodgings.
To build roads through northern Spain’s mountainous terrain, engineers have designed some impressive solutions. After a mid‑morning break in Potes, we reached Collada de Carmona Pass, where our mountain descent abruptly came into view. The road went through a hole cut through the cliff. Above the road, multilayer nets of steel mesh were moored onto the cliffside to catch falling rocks and held many they had snared. Then the road twisted down the mountainside, switchback after switchback, to the valley below. The smooth tar continued, snaking through positive camber curves along a meandering river for miles as the next mountain pass grew gradually closer. Up, over, and down again, the grin never left my face. At the next stop, our group of elated riders dismounted and exchanged high‑fives. What a run!
While winding roads with dramatic views earned my top score on this tour, architecture was a notable runner‑up. The ultra modern Guggenheim museum in Bilbao is a marvel of design, encased in a skin of titanium. In stark contrast, the Sanctuary of Loyola in Azpeitia was a grand example of Spanish baroque architecture. And with its classical civic buildings, elegant parkside homes, and captivating old town edifices, Oviedo was as pretty as any city I’ve visited.
By design, this tour put us on mostly empty roads. But on a warm, sunny afternoon in late summer, it was no surprise to encounter beach traffic along a scenic coastal route. The view of the seaside below was splendid from a gently curving road cut into the cliffside, and the tang of salt air scented every breath I took. A slower pace was fine for a bit.
Then we found ourselves riding into the unexpected. An altered traffic pattern sent us into a congested cobblestone pedestrian zone where some kind of celebration was underway. Clearly, this wasn’t the plan. Folks were stunned by the arrival of a dozen motorcycles, but Juanan quickly calmed any concerns. The first few riders managed tight, bumpy U‑turns, but those farther back were squeezed into an alley. Juanan pivoted several of those bikes 180 degrees on the sidestand – first time I’d seen that technique used on cobblestones – and in short order, we rode off as folks smiled and waved.
Carving more curves through the Basque Country and down the steep hills into Bilbao, our tour came to an end where it began: IMTBike’s garage. We parked our bikes one last time as Juanan poured us a cava toast. Later, over our final dinner as a group, we relived favorite moments of this exciting tour and started planning more adventures.
In 2024, the Essence of Northern Spain tour runs June 29‑July 7 and Sept. 7‑15. Prices start at 3,845 euros (about $4,100 USD) for a single rider on a BMW G 310 R and sharing a double room. Larger motorcycles and private rooms are optional. Not included in the tour price are air tickets, lunches, gasoline, drinks, tolls, GPS, personal spending, and tips. Learn more at the IMTBike website.
See all of Rider‘s international touring stories here.
The post IMTBike Essence of Northern Spain Tour Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com
2024 KTM 790 Adventure Review | First Look
Adding to KTM’s list of recent announcements, including the reintroduction of the SMT line with the 2024 KTM 890 SMT and a new generation of single-cylinder engines dubbed the “LC4c” found in the KTM 390 Duke and 250 Duke, the company has released details on the 2024 KTM 790 Adventure, redesigned in Mattighofen, Austria.
KTM calls the bike an ideal “first taste” for riders who are looking to try out the adventure segment. Rider would agree, having awarded the 2019 Motorcycle of the Year honor to the KTM 790 Adventure. In our Tour Test of the bike, our reviewer called it “an eminently capable lightweight ADV tourer that was designed for excursions into some pretty gnarly territory.”
Related: 2019 KTM 790 Adventure | Tour Test Review
The 2024 KTM 790 Adventure still has the 799cc parallel-Twin LC8c with DOHC, but KTM says the bike is now more stable at constant speed and has gained more cornering poise thanks to a 20% increase in rotating mass. Reworked Dell’Orto throttle bodies bring a cleaner and more efficient connection due to the enhanced combustion, and the knock control sensor results in a higher state of ignition and better capacity for low octane fuel, which is a reassuring characteristic for the different qualities of gasoline found while traveling and addresses one of the minor gripes from our reviewer regarding the 2019 model.
The 790 Adventure also has a 6-speed gearbox, throttle-by-wire, a PASC slip/assist clutch, a new airbox, and a reconfigured optional Quickshifter+. The bike also benefits from the latest 6-axis IMU that can be found on larger KTM siblings like the KTM 890 Adventure R and KTM 1290 Super Adventure models and which informs the Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control and other aspects such as ABS, Motor Slip Regulation (optional), and three standard ride modes – Street, Offroad, and Rain – as well as the optional Rally mode. ABS modes now automatically switch between the ride modes, removing the need for more configuration. Demo mode allows sampling of the full electronic rider aids suite for the first 1,500 km.
See all of Rider’s KTM coverage here.
WP Apex suspension includes a 43mm inverted fork and a preload-adjustable shock with 7.9 inches of front/rear travel. Braking comes from dual 4-piston calipers clamping down on 320mm discs up front and a 260mm disc in the back. The bike still rides on 21/18-inch front/rear tires, but they’re wrapped in new Pirelli Scorpion STR tires with large tread blocks for more of an off-road focus.
The 790 Adventure has 9.1 inches of ground clearance, an adjustable seat height (33/33.8 in.), and a 5.3-gallon fuel tank, which follows the flow and lines of the bike to where a new front mask gives way to an integrated fairing. A new higher windscreen provides more wind protection, a larger aluminum engine guard is fitted as standard, and the plastics (injected molded with graphics for more resistance) have also been reshaped to guard the tank and seat against unwanted knocks.
The lights are full LED, and the bike has a new 5-inch TFT that reacts to ambient lighting and utilizes a redesigned menu system of new infographics for faster and easier customization.
In addition to Rally mode and MSR, other optional features include KTMconnect with Bluetooth connectivity, Quickshifter+, heated grips, a heated seat, and cruise control.
The 2024 KTM 790 Adventure will arrive in December 2024 in two new colorways: white with orange graphics or a black option. Pricing has not yet been announced.
For more information, visit the KTM website.
Check out more new/updated bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide
The post 2024 KTM 790 Adventure Review | First Look appeared first on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com
GET INVOLVED: your chance to design a WorldSBK Official Programme cover!
There is your chance to get involved with the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship and have your own artwork potentially feature on the cover of the Official Programmes throughout the 2024 season. In partnership with Artaporter, a call for digital artists and illustrators has been launched under the “WE MAKE EXCITEMENT” tagline to allow followers of WorldSBK to get involved in the Championship and create work that could be seen online and around the world next year.
The covers will have to follow themes for inspiration such as energy, racing, street, passion, speed and excitement and the chosen design will feature on the front of each programme, becoming the first thing fans see when they get their hands on them. Social media will also play a role, too, with the final three selected covers going to a vote to decide which one will feature on each programme.
This is a chance for fans to be involved in WorldSBK and have their create artwork and abilities showcased in a World Championship, while also providing a challenge to those who wish to take part as well as creating even more engagement for WorldSBK’s fans around the world. The call for artists will run from the November 28th 2023 until the August 27th 2024, with each round’s programme having deadlines within that time frame.
For more information and to get involved, click HERE!
Source: WorldSBK.com
PEDROSA ON 2024’s WorldSBK HOT TOPICS: “Jonny has a chance to fight for the Championship”
After a tantalising close to the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season, three-time World Champion, three-time MotoGP™ runner-up and MotoGP™ Legend Dani Pedrosa spoke about an array of things related to WorldSBK and the myriad of changes to come. From riders changing teams, new regulations, a familiar face returning and the overall spectacle of the World Superbike show, the 38-year-old Spaniard shared his views.
ON REA’S SWITCH TO YAMAHA: “It’s a change that will motivate him to restart and try and go head-to-head with Bautista”
Six-time World Champion Jonathan Rea moves to Yamaha in 2024 – for those of you that have been living under a rock for the last few months – and Pedrosa is keen to see how it will go: “It’s going to be a very interesting start of the year for WorldSBK next season, particularly after Jonny changed after so much winning with Kawasaki. I think now it’s a change that will motivate him to restart and try and go head-to-head with Bautista. So far, Toprak’s been very strong on that bike, so now, Jonny has a chance again to fight for the Championship. We’ll see how determined he is this winter to prepare for the fight.”
TOPRAK GOES TO BMW: “He’s spectacular… we’ll see if he can handle the BMW the same as the Yamaha”
With Rea replacing Razgatlioglu, the 2021 World Champion heads to BMW, although Pedrosa isn’t as optimistic with Turk’s switch as he is with regards to Rea’s move: “Toprak with BMW is going to be interesting too; at the beginning, it could be difficult for him as it’s not as good at the moment. I think he’ll struggle a bit at the beginning but he’ll have to find his way to see how he can make the difference up. Toprak is always very nice to watch! He’s spectacular and he has some really aggressive moves into the turns! We’ll see how he can handle the BMW the same as the Yamaha.”
BAUTISTA’S ADDED WEIGHT: “It’ll play a big part”
A hot topic coming into 2024 is the rider reference weight of 80kg, which will mean those under it will need to add weight to the combined package of rider and bike. This means Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) will have a heavier bike than before: “We must add to this that there’s the rule change. For Alvaro, he’ll need to ride with a heavier bike than usual. Let’s see how that plays out on track. I think the engine is strong but at the same time, when you change the rules so drastically with added weight, it’ll play a big part. Let’s see how the Ducati guys handle this, to try and make the bike work in the same way as before.”
IANNONE IS BACK IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: “He has the capabilities and the speed to be up front, fighting for victory”
Pedrosa battled with Andrea Iannone from 2013 to 2018 in MotoGP™ and is a rival the Spaniard knows well, tipping him to be in victory contention in 2024 as ‘The Maniac’ gears up for a return with WorldSBK being his new home: “We’ll see how he goes! Racing with Ducati, he will have a good chance to race at the front and race for victories. However, long-term, I don’t know if can be ready to fight for the Championship because he’s been away for a long time. I think he has the capabilities and the speed to be up front, fighting for victory.”
OFF THE SCALE RACING: ““I hope to see more like the last round!”
The closing topic is the general spectacle of WorldSBK, which has enjoyed an 11% growth in fans in 2023 as well as some of the fiercest racing in the Championship’s 35-year history: “I hope to see more like the last round at Jerez! Bautista vs Razgatlioglu, fighting corner-by-corner for first position. I think this kind of racing creates to a lot of fans and it’s exactly what we want to see. I always love watching the racing and it’s always been a fantastic show.”
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Source: WorldSBK.com
ROOKIE REVIEW: how did the six rookies fare in 2023?
Six high-profile rookies took to the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship grid in 2023, with multiple world and domestic titles between them to create arguably one of the strongest rookie line-ups ever. Now, with 2023 in the history books, it’s time to look at how the group fared during their first full seasons in WorldSBK. From podiums to a point-less season, there were celebrations and despair in a mixed campaign for our rookies.
PETRUCCI ON THE PODIUM: difficult start, strong end
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was one of the highest-profile rookies to make the move to WorldSBK after a season in the USA. It was a challenging start to the Italian’s season as he struggled to make the top ten, leaving him questioning whether it was the right move. However, a breakthrough on home soil at Misano allowed ‘Petrux’ to fight for the podium even if results didn’t come that weekend. They soon did though, with third at Donington Park followed by a double podium at the Autodrom Most. The #9 finished the season seventh in the standings, the top rookie in 2023.
MAKING HISTORY: Aegerter secures Switzerland’s first podiums
Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) rider spent two seasons in WorldSSP, winning the title in both 2021 and 2022, before graduating to WorldSBK with Yamaha. He narrowly missed out on a debut pole position in Australia as he threatened the top five positions immediately, before crashes and an injury disrupted his season. He ended the year strongly with a double podium at Jerez in the Tissot Superpole Race and Race 2 to just pip teammate Remy Gardner to top spot in the GRT Yamaha pecking order.
GARDNER CLOSES IN ON A ROSTRUM: a best of fourth builds nicely into 2024
Like teammate Aegerter, Gardner ended the season strongly with a whole host of top-six finishes in the final five rounds. A mid-season lull where he struggled to crack the top ten until WorldSBK hit the Autodrom Most, where two top-six finishes kickstarted a run of form that lifted him into the top ten in the Championship standings. Fourth was the #87’s best result, coming at Jerez in Race 2, as he took ninth in the standings – only one place behind his teammate.
A CHALLENGING YEAR: Baldassarri misses out on a top ten
Lorenzo Baldassarri (GMT94 Yamaha) finished as runner-up to Aegerter in the 2022 WorldSSP season and followed him into WorldSBK for 2023, linking up with the GMT94 Yamaha squad who returned to WorldSBK. It proved to be a challenging year for both team and rider, with ‘Balda’ securing a best result of 12th on three occasions – on home soil at Misano and to end the season strongly at Jerez. However, the #34 is currently searching for a seat for 2024 with the team drafting in Philipp Oettl for next year.
RAY INTO THE TOP SIX: potential on show
Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) made his WorldSBK debut in 2018 but returned in 2023 for a full-time campaign with Yamaha for 2023. He secured one top-six finish this year, at Imola, as he scored 19 points in his rookie season, finishing one point and one place behind Baldassarri. The Brit missed one round through injury at the Autodrom Most, and also only competed in the European rounds, but returns for the same team next year with a full-season campaign planned.
DIFFICULTIES FOR GRANADO: injuries impact rookie season
After a one-off appearance in WorldSBK in 2020, Brazilian star Eric Granado returned in 2023 for a full season with the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team. It was a difficult year for the Brazilian as he missed several rounds through injury, and the #51 did not score points during his first full campaign, while teammate Hafizh Syahrin did. His best result was 17th on two occasions, in Race 2 at Assen and in the Superpole Race at Most.
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Source: WorldSBK.com
2017 Champion Mahias secures full-time WorldSSP return with GMT94 Yamaha for 2024
A Champion will return to the FIM Supersport World Championship grid in 2024, with Lucas Mahias linking up with GMT94 Yamaha for next season. Mahias won the 2017 title on the Yamaha YZF-R6 machine when running with GRT Yamaha and will hope his return to Yamaha can provide some of the success he experienced before, while GMT94 Yamaha will hope Mahias’ arrival can return the French outfit to winning ways.
Mahias made his WorldSSP debut in 2014, completing two races and finish fourth in Qatar. That earned him a full-time seat for 2015 with a hit-and-miss year; taking one podium and three top-four finishes but only finishing four races. Nevertheless, his potential was on display and, after a few races in STK1000 and WorldSBK in 2016, he returned in 2017 for his second full campaign. It would prove to be his title-winning year after a stunning season.
Eight podiums in 12 races, including two wins, propelled him to the top of the standings ahead, 29 points clear of Kenan Sofuoglu. He returned in 2018, again with the GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team, and almost defended his title as he was defeated by Sandro Cortese. He finished fourth in 2019 and was second in 2020, both with the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing outfit, before graduating to WorldSBK with the same team.
Two seasons with the Independent Kawasaki outfit gave a best result of seventh in the Tissot Superpole Race at Donington Park in 2021, before losing his full-time ride with the team and switching to the Endurance World Championship. However, he remained in the paddock in 2023 with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing, competing 10 races in WorldSSP as Can Oncu missed out through injury and also three in WorldSBK as he stood in for Tito Rabat.
For 2024, the Frenchman will return to the class where he’s enjoyed so much success. 29 podiums, including nine wins, have come for Mahias in WorldSSP since his debut while he’s also taken eight pole positions. He will be hoping his return to Yamaha machinery allows him to add to these stats in 2024, while GMT94 Yamaha will hope the 34-year-old can gave the team their first win since Jules Cluzel won at Mandalika in Race 2 in 2021.
Discussing his return to WorldSSP, Mahias said: “I am extremely happy to join GMT94 for 2024. It’s a team that I know well having raced with them several times in endurance and scored some points which helped to clinch the title in 2016. I also won with them in the French Supersport Championship. I want to thank Christophe and all his partners for believing in my potential as much as I believe in them. We have all the cards in hand to have a great season.”
GMT94 Yamaha Team Manager Christophe Guyot added: “We are delighted to welcome Lucas Mahias. After the podiums scored with Corentin Perolari in Australia, Valentin Debise (twice in France) and by Jules Cluzel (23 podiums and 7 wins) with GMT94, we are consolidating our commitment to take national categories to the top of the World Supersport. Lucas will rely on a team that will be able to bring together the skills of members and riders from different backgrounds to win and share. Lucas’ talent, energy and ambition are the assets that will motivate an entire team and raise the hopes of the young French generation.”
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Source: WorldSBK.com