"Fight for the Riders’ World Title and bring it back to Borgo Panigale" – sights and sounds from the Factory Ducati Team Launch

 The Ducati Factory team pairing of Nicolo Bulega and Alvaro Bautista look to improve on what was despite coming up short in the Riders’ Championship, a very strong season. The two-time champion Alvaro Bautista, despite contending with minimum weight restrictions and some unfortunate finishes, ended the season in third place. Beside him, 2024’s runner up finisher Nicolo Bulega, who impressed many with the talent he displayed in just his first WorldSBK season. They will both race atop the Ducati Panigale V4R with their brand-new liveries featured in the photos above.

Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team Principal Stefano Cecconi spoke at the team launch event. He emphasized the progress the team still wants to make with their package after having a limited preseason up to this point due to the poor weather. Cecconi outlined his team’s goals in this upcoming season and stressed the importance of not underestimating their rivals.

“In 2024, we fought until the last race, and we know that the season about to begin will also offer us a challenge that is perhaps even tougher. However, we feel ready to face it at our best and with maximum motivation.” Said Cecconi “The weather we found during the winter tests did not allow us to measure ourselves against all our opponents and did not offer us much time to spend on the track, so it will be even more interesting to do so during the next official test days in Australia, where the work of adapting to the new technical regulations will also continue. I know the value of our riders and the guys in the team well, so all that remains is for me to wish them all the best of luck”.

Alvaro Bautista spoke at the event as well, the #19 excited to kick off his fifth season with Aruba.it Racing – Ducati. He referenced last season as being more difficult than expected, and that while expectations are higher this season, he is mentally and physically ready to continue fighting for the title at 40 years old and feels his team supporting him in that endeavor.

“I am very motivated for this season which will be my fifth with the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, the fourth in a row.” Said Bautista “Last year was more difficult than expected, but we still got positive results, finishing third in the world championship standings. It’s clear that expectations are higher this season, and if I’ve decided to continue racing, it’s because I feel I’m still physically and mentally competitive. We will try to find a good feeling right away and have fun. I thank the Aruba Racing team and Ducati for their support and commitment. I will do everything possible to reciprocate this trust by obtaining excellent results”.

Nicolo Bulega, who won his first-ever WorldSBK race in Australia in Race 1, sounds confident ahead of his sophomore season, and especially confident about his chances in Phillip Island’s season opener. If he can improve aspects of his riding, Toprak Razgatlioglu and BMW will have a stiff challenge in front of them in accomplishing their shared goal of winning both the Riders’ and Manufacturers’ Title for their respective manufacturers.

“I am thrilled to start my second year with the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team.” Said Bulega “I can say that I am very confident about what we did last season. 2024 has been very positive, and an excellent feeling has been created within the team. We start immediately in Australia, where last year I scored my first win on debut, so expectations are undoubtedly high. The first goal is to come home from Phillip Island with even better memories”.

Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi Dall’lgna was present at the event as well, and while he stressed the challenges of the season ahead of them, he reminded WorldSBK fans that Ducati won last year’s Teams’ and Manufacturers’ Championships. The Manufacturers’ title this year will be likely less of a challenge than the Teams’ or Riders’ Championship as there are more Ducati’s on the grid than any other manufacturer, however in any case, strong performances will be required of their riders in order to stave off numerically smaller teams.

“A new season is beginning in WorldSBK with the same goal as always for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team: to fight for the Riders’ World Title that we did not win last year and try to bring it back to Borgo Panigale.” Said Dall’lgna “This is our mission, and we will give everything to achieve the goal. It is a tough challenge, we are aware of the level of our rivals, but we know what to do, we have already demonstrated it in the past. We know perfectly the potential of our riders, Álvaro Bautista and Nicolò Bulega, who have been World Champions in several categories and who in 2024 fought for the World Championship until the end and were competitive in almost every race with the Panigale V4 R. We can’t wait to see Álvaro and Nicolò take to the track with the new liveries in the next tests in Australia and in the first race at Phillip Island, a truly special track. Let’s not forget the Team and Manufacturer World Titles that we won last year, let’s start from here and continue in this direction. I’m sure it will be a season full of emotions, we will have a lot of fun.”

Follow Aruba.it Racing – Ducati and their two star riders this season with unprecedented access via the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

CAN IT GET ANY CLOSER? New rules introduced for 2025 as fuel flow monitoring comes into effect

The 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is getting closer to the all-important start point and winter testing has been about refining packages and being in the best possible shape for Round 1. One aspect that will have been tested a lot is the fuel flow regulations, coming in for 2025 as part of a new ruleset, while other changes have been made to the rulebook to make this season one of the most exciting yet in WorldSBK.

FUEL FLOW REGULATIONS: everyone starts with the same, changes could come based on performance

All six manufacturers will race with 47kg per hour of fuel flow at the start of the 2025 campaign as per the new rules, with a tolerance of 2 grams per lap; there could be a penalty for exceeding this. A manufacturer who is 12 concession points clear of second place could see their fuel flow reduced by 0.5kg per hour at a concession checkpoint, which is every two rounds. It could go the other way, too: a manufacturer with concessions could opt to increase their fuel flow by 0.5kg per hour. As part of this rule, there will be no rev limits imposed by the FIM.

TYRE ALLOCATION: a reduction in available tyres

The number of tyres available in each round has been reduced for 2025, with 10 front and 11 rear available for the weekend to each rider.

TESTING CLARIFICATIONS AND CHANGES: half-day tests clarified; limits changed

The testing rules have been clarified by the FIM, particularly looking at the definition of a half-day test. It’s been defined in the rules as one consecutive four-hour testing block, or a five-hour testing block with a one-hour lunch break. The regulation concerning the number of days has also been amended, from 10 excluding Supported and Official Tests to 12 including Supported and Official Tests. Of course, teams with concessions receive an extra six days on top of this while there’s a new superconcession for this year: a manufacturer can opt for an additional six days on top of the extra days they receive, potentially bringing their total to 24 days including any Official or Supported Tests.

CONCESSION POINTS: a change in how they’re won and the Concession Token Performance Calculator

For 2025, there’s a change in how concession points are handed out. Previously, every rider would contribute to a manufacturer’s score. For this year, it will now be just the highest-placed rider from each manufacturer. A manufacturer which has 30 concession points fewer than the highest-scoring manufacturer will be analysed by the Concession Token Performance Calculator, potentially allowing for the introduction of concession or superconcession parts subject to reference performance calculations.

Check out the full rulebook for 2025 HERE!

CAN IT GET ANY CLOSER? Watch the 2025 WorldSBK season LIVE and UNINTERRUPTED using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 Video Review

2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 review action

The 2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 roadster is one of four ’Pilens in Husky’s lineup. It’s powered by the 799cc parallel-Twin from the KTM 790 Duke that makes a claimed 105 hp and 64.2 lb-ft of torque. For $10,499, the Vitpilen 801 comes with features like conveniently adjustable WP Apex suspension, J.Juan brakes, ride modes, lean-sensitive TC and ABS, and a TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Our test bike was fitted with the optional Dynamic Pack that includes Dynamic ride mode, on-the-fly rear-wheel slip adjuster, anti-wheelie control, and motor slip regulation.

We tested the new Vitpilen in the canyons of San Diego County, California, and enjoyed the bike’s handling, crisp throttle response, and additional features. It sits right in the sweet spot in terms of size, power, and performance, and its unique styling helps it to stand out in the segment.

Read our 2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 Review

2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 Specs

  • Base Price: $10,499 
  • Price as Tested: $11,269 (Dynamic Pack, Easy Shift) 
  • Website: Husqvarna-Motorcycles.com 
  • Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles (extendable to 4 yrs.)
  • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl. 
  • Displacement: 799cc 
  • Bore x Stroke: 88.0 x 65.7mm 
  • Horsepower: 105 hp @ 9,250 rpm (factory claim) 
  • Torque: 64.2 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm (factory claim) 
  • Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch 
  • Final Drive: Chain 
  • Wheelbase: 54.6 in. 
  • Rake/Trail: 24.5 degrees/3.9 in. 
  • Seat Height: 32.3 in. 
  • Wet Weight: 418 lb 
  • Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gal. 

Gear Up 

The post 2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 Video Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 Motorcycle Boots Review

Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 Motorcycle Boots

There is a thriving retro/modern trend in motorcycling. Virtually every motorcycle brand now offers models that hearken back to a golden era of the sport but employ modern features and technology. Alpinestars’ Oscar Monty V2 motorcycle boots shoehorn very nicely into this new-meets-old movement.

The newest iteration of the Monty lace-up boots are a celebration of the work boots of the ’60s and ’70s. Many of us of a certain vintage wore this style of boot below rolled-up Levi’s jeans in the time of Creedence Clearwater and 2-strokes. Heck, you can almost smell wafting premix just looking at these things.

Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 Motorcycle Boots

I had the chance to put the Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 motorcycle boots to a full test in a recent ride along the banks of the Colorado River. The three-state tour included street riding, dirt forays, and a bit of hiking. Spoiler alert: The Monty boots are a new personal favorite.

First, let’s get to the design. The boots are constructed of full 1.4-1.6mm bovine leather. They feature a moc-toe that Alpinestars has designed specifically for motorcycling. The seams in the toe area are relegated to the front and outside of the boot so that they don’t interfere with movement above and below the shifter. The off-white, wedge outsole is also designed to be grippy and comfortable but without undue height. The aesthetic of the Monty boots is spot-on in this scribe’s opinion.

Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 Motorcycle Boots

Importantly, that aesthetic in no way outshines the Monty’s safety features. The CE-certified boots incorporate dual-density ankle medial and external cup protectors to offer critical protection in the ankle area. There is also engineered reinforcement in the heel counter and toe box. The heavy leather and motorcycle-specific armoring inspire confidence.

As mentioned, the Oscar Monty V2s are a lace-up style, but they also feature a sturdy, hidden zipper on the inboard side of the boot. With the robust leather and full armoring, these boots can still be a bit challenging to get on, especially when new. However, that is a small price to pay for this level of protection and comfort.

Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 Motorcycle Boots

So how do these boots perform in the real world? They work exactly like motorcycle boots should on the road. There is no need for the exaggerated movements above and below the shifter that make conventional work boots a pain on a motorcycle. The sole is stiff enough in the arch area that standing on the pegs is comfortable and secure. In the dirt, the boots eclipse road-only boots in stability and surefootedness. Finally, the Monty boots are comfortable when the kickstand goes down, even on longer hikes in the dirt.

Read all of Rider’s apparel reviews here

The Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 motorcycle boots will not be collecting dust in my closet. While they will not fully replace my pure dirt boots or my technical, street-specific treads, their usefulness range eclipses either of those other offerings. They are ultra-competent and comfortable boots that also happen to look cool. They’re available for $269.95 in sizes 8-14.

The post Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 Motorcycle Boots Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R and X Preview 

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R
2025 KTM 390 Adventure R – the off-road-focused model

The KTM 390 Adventure is split into two variants and receives upgrades for 2025. The 390 Adventure R is the off-road-focused model with larger wheels, adjustable suspension, and additional tech, while the 390 Adventure X gets street-going rubber, a more approachable seat height, and a more attainable price point. 

2025 KTM 390 Adventure X
2025 KTM 390 Adventure X – the street-focused option

Starting with shared upgrades, the 390 Adventure receives a version of the updated LC4c Single also found in the 390 Duke, 390 Enduro R, and 390 SMC R. KTM says the engine has been redesigned with optimized cylinder heads and gearbox, and a new airbox allows the engine to sit higher in the chassis for more ground clearance. Compared to the 2024 model, the gearbox has been updated for reduced effort and easier shifting between 5th and 6th gear. Also included is a slip/assist clutch, and a quickshifter is available as an option. 

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R
The LC4c Single is updated for 2025 with optimized cylinder heads and gearbox.

The two-piece steel-trellis frame design is similar to that of the 390 Duke as well but features a different steering head angle, triple clamps, subframe mounts, and rigidity profile to handle off-road duties. The bikes also include a bolt-on steel trellis subframe and a gravity die-cast aluminum swingarm. 

The R and X share Bybre brakes, with a 320mm disc up front pinched by a 2-piston caliper and a 240mm rear disc with 1-piston caliper. The 390 Adventure R has an adjustable brake lever. 

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R
2025 KTM 390 Adventure R

Both bikes get Street and Offroad ride modes, and the R gets an additional Rain mode. Also common to both bikes is ABS (two levels) and switchable traction control, both of which are lean-sensitive on the R. They also include the “always on” feature, which allows the bike to remember which mode it was in when it was turned off so it can return to that mode upon startup. Both bikes also get LED lights and Bluetooth connectivity to the 5-inch dashboard (TFT display on the R and LCD display on the X). 

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R
2025 KTM 390 Adventure R

The main differences between the off-road-focused KTM 390 Adventure R and the street-biased KTM 390 Adventure X can be found in their wheels, tires, and suspension. The R rides on spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels wrapped in Mitas Enduro Trail E07+ tires, while the X gets 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cast wheels. KTM has not specified which tires will be standard on the X but says they will be “street-focused.” 

2025 KTM 390 Adventure X
2025 KTM 390 Adventure X

Both R and X models use WP Apex front and rear suspension, but the X’s suspension lacks the adjustability that the R comes with. The 43mm open-cartridge fork and separate-piston shock both provide 9 inches of travel on the R and 7.8 inches of travel on the X. The R gets compression and rebound adjustability in 30-click steps up front, and the rear is adjustable for rebound (20 clicks) and preload (with a tool). The X’s fork is nonadjustable, but the shock is preload adjustable with a tool. 

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R
2025 KTM 390 Adventure R

The 390 Adventure X has a more approachable seat height than the R with 32.4 inches compared to the R’s 34.2 inches. Both models have a claimed wet weight of 388 lb and a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons. 

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R
KTM will offer a comprehensive selection of KTM PowerParts for the 390 Adventures.

With its adjustable suspension, lean-sensitive ABS and TC, and additional features, the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R is the pricier of the two versions, with MSRP starting at $6,999. The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X will be available with prices starting at $5,899. 

Visit the KTM website for more information. 

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2025 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R and X Preview  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

CAN IT GET ANY CLOSER? Honda aim for another step forward after ending 2024 on the podium

The 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship campaign looks like it’s going to be one of the closest ever with six manufacturers all staking their claim this season. After Honda ended last season strongly, including taking a rostrum at Estoril with Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC), they will be hoping both the #7 and teammate Xavi Vierge can start the new campaign strongly. It’s been a big change over the winter for the Japanese manufacturer, with a new suspension supplier coming in, as Honda looks for a positive start but also aiming to keep their momentum going.

THE HISTORY: strong start, or strong end, but rarely both…

In recent seasons, Honda have tended to start a season well or end a season well, but rarely have they managed to start and end a campaign well. In 2024, they were well off the pace when the season kicked off but made big steps throughout the season to be in a position where they could challenge for rostrums in the final few rounds; something they achieved with Lecuona standing on the podium at the Circuito Estoril. In testing, despite the #7’s absence at Jerez through injury, it has looked as though Honda will start the season roughly where it ended 2024: a consistent presence in the top ten, perhaps challenging for the occasional podium. The next question is whether they can do in 2025 what they did in 2024 and take big steps throughout the season.

THE WINTER CHANGES: new suspension for Honda

For the 2022 season, Honda had an overhaul of riders and suppliers, bringing in Lecuona and Vierge while opting to move to Showa suspension. There’s been some change over the 2025 winter too, although less extreme as the rider line-up stays the same, as they move back to Ohlins suspension; the brand they used when they returned to WorldSBK as a full-factory team in 2020. It shows Honda’s quest for success is still ongoing but they’re leaving no stone unturned as they look to celebrate success in WorldSBK.

WINTER TESTING REVIEWED: positive signs for Vierge, Lecuona with limited action

Vierge has been Honda’s benchmark throughout January testing at Jerez and Portimao, with Lecuona missing the Jerez test and not being fully fit at Portimao through a winter training injury. Vierge was seventh on Day 1 in the dry in Spain and second in the wet on Day 2, before finishing P7 on Day 1 at Portimao and ninth on Day 2. Lecuona only tested in Portugal but was ahead of Vierge in the wet, although in the dry, the #97 was the faster of the two.

WHAT DO THE RIDERS THINK ABOUT 2025? “The goal is to give the same performance we had for most of the end of last year”

Both riders, throughout winter, gave their thoughts about the season ahead. Vierge stated at Jerez: “I’m really excited for a new season. My feeling was that, compared to last year, the base setup of the bike is a little bit better compared to 2024, which, at the end of the season, was quite good. I’m really looking forward to starting this new season and I hope to be fighting inside the top six and to make this last step to fight for podiums regularly.”

Lecuona added when speaking at Portimao: “The first goal is to be 100% ready, mentally and physically. If I’m honest, the first goal is to give the same performance that we had for most of the end of last year; every race we learnt and improved. Finally, we got a podium. I don’t want to say, ‘every race on the podium’, but I want to be there, the last one of the first group like last year.”

THE TEAM’S VIEW OF THE UPCOMING SEASON: “As long as we can keep improving every time, it’s going to be good”

Team Manager Jose Escamez was optimistic of success in 2025, saying in Spain: “I’m confident that we can keep the momentum that we’ve had since mid-season of 2024. I expect that we can keep improving which we’ve been doing lately. I think that it’s not easy, of course, as the other manufacturers are going to be really strong as they have always proved. At the moment, I’m positive and I’m confident. The target is always to win but that’s a really hard part of this job. As long as we can keep improving every time, it’s going to be good.”

During the team’s season launch video, Escamez also revealed that there would be closer ties between Honda Europe and the manufacturer’s test team. He stated when asked about European facilities: “Actually, we’ve had a logistical base in Europe since the very beginning of this project. It’s true that this year we are going to increase this collaboration with Honda Europe, which will be more involved with our test team and the development of the bike. We are putting in extra effort with the aim of speeding up our work and the way we reach our goals.”

CAN IT GET ANY CLOSER? Follow Honda’s progress throughout 2025 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

GALLERY: Vierge, Lecuona and their CBR1000RR-R’s new livery displayed at the Honda HRC Team launch

Honda HRC is looking to raise the bar in this 2025 WorldSBK season after several offseason changes. After finishing last in the Manufacturers’ Championship in 2024, and only landing one podium per year for the last three seasons, Honda has implemented several changes like a new Ohlins suspension and a new crew chief for Xavi Vierge, Tetsuya Sasaki. These moves seem to be paying off so far as Honda HRC have impressed in a rain-affected preseason, Vierge finishing second-fastest in a rainy Day 2 at Jerez, P6 at Day 2 in Portimao, and Iker Lecuona returning to race-fitness after suffering a broken rib in the offseason. Atop their CBR1000RR-R, the pair of Spanish riders will look to take Honda HRC’s project to the next level in this 2025 season.

Follow Honda’s quest for success in 2025 with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

GALLERY: Gerloff “sure we can fight at the front” as covers come off 2025 Kawasaki ZX-10RR

The 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship start is getting nearer and nearer, and more teams are unveiling their 2025 projects at stunning launch events. Kawasaki’s launch took place in Italy recently with Manuel Puccetti’s team running the factory Kawasaki effort this season. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) has joined the team to race for his third manufacturer in WorldSBK and, dressed in the famous Kawasaki green after a strong winter testing programme, the #31 will be aiming to be a regular rostrum contender this season.

GERLOFF SAYS: “The tests were important, and positive… I can’t wait to get down to work and racing!”

Gerloff has tested a few times on the ZX-10RR machine as he adjusts to the third manufacturer he’s raced for, with Kawasaki joining Yamaha and BMW on the Texan’s list. He was a podium finisher with his first two across five seasons and will be looking to make it three out of three he stands on the podium for. At the launch event, the American said: “After testing and the presentation, I can’t wait for the 2025 season to start. The tests were important, and positive, but I can’t wait to get down to work and race, battling with the other riders. Right now, I feel very comfortable with the Ninja ZX-10RR and with the team, but we’ll only know our real potential once we get out and race. I’m sure we can fight at the front. I want to thank the team and Kawasaki for all work they’ve done and continue to do to put me in the best possible position.”

“THIS IS AN HISTORIC MOMENT FOR US” – Puccetti on representing Kawasaki’s factory effort

Puccetti’s team has run Kawasaki machinery for a long time but, with Bimota returning to the Championship and partnering with Provec Racing, his eponymous outfit now have the chance to run as the factory Kawasaki team in 2025. Discussing this and the upcoming season, Puccetti stated: “I’m pleased and proud to have presented our 2025 team in front of representatives from Kawasaki Italy, Kawasaki Europe and Kawasaki Japan, as well as our sponsors, confirming our new role as the Akashi manufacturer’s factory Ninja team. This is an historic moment for us, and one that brings great responsibility and motivation. We have everything we need to be able to fight for the podium in WorldSBK and in WorldSSP where we have a new bike that already showed real potential during testing.”

CAN IT GET ANY CLOSER? Follow the Gerloff-Kawasaki partnership throughout 2025 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

March 2025

The March 2025 issue of Rider Magazine has arrived!

Based on the INT 650, Royal Enfield’s Bear 650 scrambler blends classic air-cooled style with the free spirit of backroads exploration. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield.   

Additional stories in the March issue of Rider:

  • 2025 Royal Enfield Bear 650 | First Ride
  • Spring Buyers Guide
  • The riding is fine on Ohio’s Windy 9 | On The Road
  • 2025 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 | First Ride
  • IMTBike Morocco Adventure Tour | Tour Ride
  • Riding through the Big Bend region of Texas | On The Road
  • Southern Utah Sojourn | Favorite Ride
  • And more!

The post March 2025 appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

“Our main goal is to not just enjoy the show, but to be a part of it” – Bimota speaks ahead of 2025 season

Ahead of what will be their first season back in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, the bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team is full of optimism about their return season after a decade out of the competition. While the Provec Racing squad maintains a lot of continuity from their past years competing with Kawasaki, the team now is incorporating a new bike, the KB998 Rimini, and while they are sure they can improve the package as the season progresses, riders Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani have been turning heads with their speed in testing so far. At the team launch event from their factory in Rimini, Italy, the team spoke on the state of the project as well as their aspirations for this 2025 season.

LOWES PICKING UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF: Lowes doesn’t appear to have lost a step with the new KB998

Alex Lowes finished fourth last season as a part of the Kawasaki Racing Team, largely the same Provec Racing personnel who now are working with bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team with their new Bimota machinery. Lowes has stated prior in the preseason that he is feeling comfortable on the Bimota, to the extent that he feels that already the level of their KB998 is close to what they had achieved with atop their ZX-10 RR Ninja, a glowing vote of confidence for a bike that only started its testing 10 months ago.

Discussing representing Bimota in 2025, Lowes stated: “It’s a pleasure, I’ve been part of the Provec family since the end of 2019 with the Kawasaki, and now in this new era with Bimota. It looks fantastic, the colours are great. My experience is going to help the project. I had a great year last year and I want to keep that momentum going for this year. The guys at Bimota and Kawasaki have done a massive effort to get everything ready. The winter is never an easy time for the engineers, especially when we have a new project, so I appreciate that and looking forward to getting racing.”

On his chances of getting a win at Round 1 in Australia, a circuit he won at twice last season, Lowes said: “There’s always a chance. We have a lot of work to do before that, two days of testing. We’ve got a good chance of being competitive. Both in Jerez and Portimao I felt like we had a similar level to the Kawasaki already. Let’s see, but I’m quite optimistic, it’s a track that I enjoy, I think the bike will suit the track. We have to target being that competitive for many weekends”.

“IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT TO START FROM THE FRONT CONSISTENLY” – Bassani on his Superpole improvements

Axel Bassani so far in the limited preseason testing has looked much more competitive than he showed last year in his first season with Provec Racing atop their Kawasaki, he showed clear upside throughout the season but slower times in Tissot Superpole sessions and races put him a step behind other riders on the grid and hampered his ability to shoot for the podium. With the new Bimota package, he seems to be improving with the SCQ tyre and may be a true force to be reckoned with this season.

“With the Kawasaki, the Superpole sessions were really difficult for me,” begun Bassani.  “With this bike we tried the SCQ tyre a few times, not a lot, but we improved the times we had recorded before with that tyre and with this bike I hope to continue to improve with that. Now that the level of WorldSBK is so high, it’s really important to start from the front of the grid consistently.”  

On his aspirations for this season, Bassani said: “I want to return to fight for the top positions with the top riders, it’s not easy but it’s not impossible. I hope to be part of the game and have fun with my mates on track, fight every weekend to do our best, get victories where possible, and try to take Bimota back to the top.”

BASSANI’S IMPROVEMENTS: Duinker expands on Bassani’s SCQ gains

Axel Bassani’s Crew Chief, Marcel Duinker like much of the team was very accustomed to working with Kawasaki, and this move to Bimota has made for an interesting challenge which they really seem to be sinking their teeth into. Similar to his rider, Duinker has noticed an improvement in Bassani’s speed with the softest tyre.

“The fundamental characteristics of the bike are not too different, the same electronics and inline-4 engine from the Kawasaki but the aerodynamic effect is different, and this took us some time to get used to with the bike. Axel has improved on the SCQ tyres, we have only had four days of testing so far, so our experience with the bike is not a lot but he has shown good pace and confidence from the beginning,” said Duinker.

“WE ARE HAPPY WITH THE STARTING POINT” – Pere Riba, Lowes’ Crew Chief

Alex Lowes’ Crew Chief, Pere Riba shares in the optimism shown by the English rider. While the bike may not be in the form that he sees it capable of being, over the course of the season he appears confident in the idea that similar to how they developed their package with Kawasaki, the same will happen now with Bimota. Australia’s final round of preseason testing as well as the first few rounds of the season will provide great insights to the bike and the next move they should make to improve their system.

“To adapt to a new bike brings a lot of things, I was working with a Kawasaki for many years, and we have been following processes year by year to improve, now it’s starting fresh, we are excited because there is lots to do. Even during this winter, we could not try everything we wanted to do because of the rain,” said Riba “We are facing now the first races of the Championship, we will understand race by race the direction we want to go but we are happy with the starting point, both riders showed good speed in Jerez and Portimao and let’s see what we can do.”

RODA’S CONTROLLED VARIABLES: Team Manager Guim Roda speaks on the importance of maintaining his riders from his time with Kawasaki

bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team Principal, Guim Roda highlighted what it means to the team to have kept their two riders on board to embark on this journey together. To him it was very important that in light of so many unknowns, the team persist with the same riders to at least be able to compare bike’s pros and cons to those brought from the rider. This decision is appearing to pay off as not only are Lowes and Bassani performing well with the bike, but he highlights the role he hopes to see Bimota play in the drama of the 2025 season.

“It was one of the first mandatory things we decided upon with this project, when you change a lot of variables it’s harder to know which is the one that is failing, so we considered that we already had a good working environment with the riders.” Said Roda “They were performing quite well and Bassani was still in his first year with Provec racing, so he was still getting adjusted to the rhythm. Now that we have introduced the new bike into the system we can focus on specifics and make progress into this year.”

Roda closed with an apt metaphor for the positions he would like to see Bimota finish the season “The main goal for us is to not just enjoy the show this season, but to be a part of the show, and be the actors on the podium. The final result is significant, there are lots of really talented riders in the Championship, but I think in this first year we can be a really important part of this show.” Said Roda

Can Bimota shine in the limelight this season! Stay tuned with live race coverage and much more with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

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