Tag Archives: gp

Third go at Morbidelli race bike auction

A collection of motorcycles gathered over 40 years by motorcycle manufacturer and Grand Prix boss Giancarlo Morbidelli will finally go to auction after twice being postponed.

The world-class selection of 200 post-war road and racing motorcycles from the celebrated Morbidelli Motorcycle Museum in Pesaro, Italy, was to be sold at the annual Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale on 18-20 October 2019.

However, that auction was postponed due to a delay in the administrative process concerning the export of the machines.

It was then scheduled for 25-26 April 2020, but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The bikes will now be the centrepiece of the Bonhams Summer Sale taking place on 14-16 August at Bicester Heritage.

It will be the largest single private collection of motorcycles yet offered by Bonhams.

“He spent day and night in the museum,” says his son Guianni. “He had no other life.”

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale
Giancarlo Morbidelli and a Morbidelli V8

Giancarlo’s collection includes international brands such as Harley-Davidson, Honda and Benelli ranging from immaculate restorations to prototypes and barn finds.

They represent the passion of the farmer’s son and former woodworking machinist who, while building up a successful engineering firm as his day job, spent his spare time on tuning, racing and later building his own motorcycles. 

Morbidelli highlights

Two examples from the Morbidelli Grand Prix racing motorcycle collection, largely designed and built by Giancarlo, were fabricated by a small, dedicated team in a corner of the Morbidelli woodworking factory. 

These proved to be ‘giant killers’ seeing off international corporations to claim the 125cc Grand Prix World Championship in three consecutive years: 1975, ‘76 and ‘77, as well as winning the 250cc world title in 1977. 

“He was a genius with bikes,” says Gianni.

“He did everything by himself, working in a very small room. 

“Forty years ago, he laid the foundation of this incredible museum, spending a lot of effort, time, energy and money. 

“One part of the museum is dedicated to the period between the end of the 1960s to the 1980s when he built racing motorcycles. It’s our family heritage, a part of our life, but we thought it would be correct to include in the sale two Morbidelli motorcycles that my father built.”

The 1974 Morbidelli 125cc Grand Prix motorcycle is estimated to fetch up to £120,000 ($A214,500).

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale
1974 Morbidelli 125

It was raced by the great Angel Nieto to second place in that year’s Spanish and German Grand Prix.

A 250cc machine designed for 15-time Grand Prix world champion Giacomo Agostini, who rode for the team during its golden period in 1976, and came second at Misano is estimated to fetch up £100,000 ($A179,000).

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale
Agostini’s 1976 Moridelli 250

However, the Morbidelli family will retain ownership of the majority of the Morbidelli Grand Prix motorcycles, including the world championship winning 125cc and 250cc examples, raced respectively by Paoli Pileri, Pierpaolo Bianchi and Lego Mario.

Benelli features

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale
1942 Benelli 250 GP supercharged

Not surprisingly, the Morbidelli Museum collection in the sale features a strong showing of Benelli motorcycles which were also a great passion of Giancarlo, coming from Pesaro, where this great historic brand was also founded.  

One of the most interesting examples of the marque on offer is the 1942 250cc supercharged 4-cylinder example that could fetch more than £600,000 ($A1m).

This racing machine never actually raced. It was built just in time for motorcycle racing to be stopped due to the war, while supercharging was banned by the FIM in post-war years.

Giancarlo had a personal relationship and friendship with the Benelli family and so was able to procure the original parts which he rebuilt into a fully-functioning motorcycle.

Other Benellis to be offered include:Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale

  • 1950 Benelli 250cc Grand Prix racing motorcycle – the world championship motorcycle ridden to victory by Dario Ambrosini. Estimate £120,000 – 180,000.
  • 1934 Benelli 175cc Bialbero – believed raced by Dorino Serafini, one of only three in the world. Estimate £40,000 – 60,000.
  • 1964 Benelli 250 Grand Prix racing motorcycle, ridden and signed by two-time world champion Tarquino Provini. Estimate £80,000 – 120,000.

Ducati jewel

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale
1964 Ducati 125cc

Another jewel of the Morbidelli Collection is the 1964 Ducati 125cc 4-cylinder Grand Prix racing motorcycle, (estimate £400,000 – 600,000), another GP racing machine which never raced. Created by Fabio Taglioni, Ducati’s chief engineer, this motorcycle disappeared for some years before its engine was found in Russia while its chassis reappeared in Yugoslavia, now Croatia. With the two essential components reunited, Giancarlo rebuilt the mythical motorcycle.

Alongside the pristine restorations, there are several unfinished projects in the sale, offering the opportunity to restore these machines as Giancarlo was hoping to.

The collection also comprises motorcycling memorabilia including Giancarlo’s own reference library, original drawings, trophies, signage and other artefacts, giving a complete picture of the museum and the motorcycling world.  Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Marquez fancied to bounce back after MotoGP mishap in the US

(Sponsored post)

Marc Marquez missed out on a seventh successive victory at the MotoGP in Texas, but he remains the man to beat in this season’s championship. 

Marquez was leading by almost four seconds when he lost control of his Honda on the ninth lap, allowing Alex Rins to claim a surprise victory at the Grand Prix of the Americas.

The result dropped Marquez to fourth in the standings, nine points behind Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso who finished fourth in the race.

However, the Spaniard is still favourite with many leading Australian betting sites to secure another title victory despite his misfortune in Texas.

The likes of Dovizioso, Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) and Jorge Lorenzo (Honda) will be eager to knock Marquez off his perch, but it’s difficult to imagine him being defeated.

Valentino Rossi Marc Marquez (All images: MotoGP Facebook)
Vale celebrates (Image: MotoGP Facebook)

With five world MotoGP titles already under his belt, the 26-year-old is already on his way to establishing himself as one of the best riders in the history of the sport.

His link-up with Repsol Honda has proved to be a match made in heaven, with the combination developing into a dominant force over the past few years.

Legendary Australian rider Mick Doohan previously won five consecutive world titles for the team in the 1990s and plenty of others have triumphed on their machinery.

This season’s RC213V machine is the culmination of a 25-year partnership between Repsol and Honda that has been used to enjoying success.

The team’s 2019 bike has received plenty of upgrades from last season’s version, with a modified chassis designed to enhance rigidity and balance amongst the improvements made.

Marc Marquez (All images: MotoGP Facebook)
Marc Marquez (All images: MotoGP Facebook)

The four cylinder “V” engine with 1,000 capacity has been built to produce maximum power, while remaining resilient enough to handle the 19-race season.

Manufacturers are limited to just seven engines to cover an entire campaign, meaning reliability must be at the forefront of any equipment they produce.

The RC213V also features Ohlins suspension front and rear, lightweight carbon fibre bodywork to improve aerodynamics, Michelin tyres and Brembo carbon fibre front brakes.

The package appears to be a solid one and leaves the team in good shape to claim a seventh constructor’s championship in the last nine seasons.

For that to happen they will need to see significant improvements from Lorenzo, with the team’s new rider enduring a difficult start to the 2019 season. 

Injuries have hindered his progress so far, but the former world champion has the ability to win races for the team once he settles into his new surroundings.

However, Marquez is undoubtedly the star of the show within the Repsol Honda team and another championship success should be on the cards this season.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorbike Racing Legends Past and Present

Who are the greatest rider legends of all time, and do you agree?

Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Top Riders of All Time

What criteria can be used to judge the greatest motorcycle racers of all time? The number of titles won is a start, but there are many more aspects to what makes a truly great rider. Style, skill, attitude and charisma are all part of what contributes to a riding legend. Motorcycle racing is one of the most exciting and high-octane sports to bet on, and luckily these days there are plenty of online odds offered on races.

Any list is subjective and open to debate, but here’s our breakdown of three of the most legendary and memorable riders, all of whom have more than earned their place in the motorcycle hall of fame.

1. Giacomo AgostiniGiacomo Agostini Ago AGV tribute helmet

Agostini – known as Ago – is a legend of motorcycle racing, having had a career ranging from rider firebrand to Formula 1, and a successful stint as a team manager. The Italian legend won his first title at the age of 21, and his career accelerated from there. Agostini was noted for winning no less than seven successive Isle of Man TT titles, and the same number of Ulster Grand Prix races, during a time that non-British riders were a huge rarity in these competitions. Ago remains unbeaten to this day.

Agostini went on to win prestigious races such as the Daytona 200 and 350cc World Championship, winning his final world championship in 1975. He later had a short career in Formula 1 and then a longer stretch as a team manager. His dominance on the circuit, coupled with his good looks and charm, have cemented his place as one of the greatest of all time.

2. Mike Hailwood

Mike Hailwood
Mike Hailwood

A contemporary and competitor of Ago, Mike the Bike will be remembered not only as one of the greatest riders of all time, but as a selfless hero. Hailwood won countless trophies, including no less than twelve Isle of Man TTs, but it is an event during his subsequent Formula 1 career that won him the George Medal for bravery. In 1973, after colliding with Clay Regazzoni, Hailwood ran back to pull his fellow driver from his burning car. Hailwood was tragically killed in a road traffic accident, along with one of his children, in 1981.

3. Valentino RossiValentino Rossi and Ducati get video games fans

Ago and Hailwood may be heroes of the past, but Rossi is still startlingly relevant, even at the age of forty. Loved just as much for his quirky and outgoing character as his stunning racing record, ‘The Doctor’ continues to entertain and enthral motorcycle racing fans across the globe.

As sports betting increases in popularity, many of us who play mobile casino games are branching out into placing wagers on our favourite sporting events. Online odds on Rossi and other bikers are available from some of the biggest and most reputable sportsbooks in the business. Rossi has a history of adversarial showdowns, most recently with Marc Marquez. Resources like https://mobile-casino.ca/odds can keep it interesting when sizing up the online odds.

Of course, there are (and have been) plenty more riding greats in the world of motorcycle racing. Kenny Roberts, representing the USA, and the great Australian Mick Doohan could easily have made it on to this list, amongst many others.

Ago and Mike the Bike both went into Formula 1 in their later years, and that seems to be a popular transition for many riders. Until fairly recently, fans who want to put money on racing outcomes would have to wait for their motorcycle heroes to make the jump. These days, anyone who is up to date with the best casino games odds can also find online odds for motorcycle races.

Rossi’s next season begins this month in Qatar, as the start of the 2019 MotoGP season. His Yamaha team mate is Maverick Viñales, who won best rookie award in the MotoGP class in 2015.

(Sponsored post)

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Former GP racer rides new Suzuki Katana

Former two-stroke GP racer Nobuatsu Aoki who raced against Mick Doohan features in a video riding the upcoming Suzuki Katana, claiming it delivers power in a similar way.

The remake of the ‘80s icon will arrive in Australia in the third quarter with pricing yet to be announced. However, Suzuki Australia is currently taking $1000 deposits for the limited-edition model.

GP racer rides Katana

Interestingly, Nobuatsu who finished third in the 500cc GP championship in 1997 to Mick, says the bike reminds him of his GP machines. Or at least we think so. It’s a little confusing, or may simply be lost in translation.

This is what he has to say about the power delivery:

The power at full throttle is important, but very little time is spent full power.

Much more of your time is spent just easing open the throttle from the fully closed position.I ’d rather feel the smooth pickup you’d expect from a two-stroke or GP machine.

When the engine kicks in and the chain tenses, it’s important to have a mechanism that gradually increases the load to the rear tyre.

The Katana seems to have such a system, but it hides it.Katana GP Nobuatsu Aoki

Nobuatsu is filmed riding the bike on a slippery, wet, Japanese road strewn with leaves so he comments on the traction control and ABS and says it gives “great confidence”.

For a racer who spent his career with his head down and bum up, Nobatsu says he enjoys the upright stance of the Katana which is far removed from the original.

I like the riding position built into the Katana … the positioning of the handlebars feels natural the first time out, testifying to the value of the Suzuki tradition.

A proper engine in a proper chassis. And the riding position is fantastic. I was surprised how easy to ride it is.

Reincarnated Katana

The reincarnated Katana was unveiled at the Intermot show in October 2018 in traditional silver and black.2019 Katana deposits gp

The next month, a second “Glass Sparkle Black” version was unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan.2019 Suzuki atana deposits gp

Online deposits

Suzuki Australia spokesman Matt Reilly says they are only taking orders for the bike online, “offering customers a premium buying experience along the way in the lead up to arrival in the third quarter of next year”.

“Australian pricing is not yet 100% confirmed and difficult to accurately forecast given the timeframe to the Katana’s Q3 2019 arrival,” he says.

“However, we have been advising customers that we are working very hard to secure the bike for under $20K ride away with 12 months’ registration.”

Deposits cost $1000 and if you change your mind after three business days, Suzuki Australia will only refund $450.

The remaining $550 takes into account the “reasonable administrative costs Suzuki will incur as a result of your cancellation”.2019 Suzuki atana deposits gp

The first 50 customers to order a Katana also receive a Katana-themed Arai QV-Pro helmet, valued at $995, with their bike delivery.

Online customers can nominate their preferred authorised Suzuki motorcycle dealer for delivery as well as arrange finance and insurance quotes and trade-in valuations.

Printed brochures are also available at Suzuki dealers.

If you can’t complete the online order, you can do it at the dealership.2019 Suzuki atana deposits gp

Matt says online ordering was launched at the Australian MotoGP in October.

“We have had a fantastic response to the online ordering system, receiving a greater number of orders than we originally expected within the first week of it being live,” he says.

“To say customers are excited about this new bike is a massive understatement.”

Suzuki Katana2019 Suzuki atana deposits gp

The 2019 Katana has several styling cues from the old Katana including sharp lines, sports screen, half-fairing, stepped two-tone seat, stubby black exhaust and rectangular headlight.

Modern styling changes and features include full LED lighting, a remote rear fender and a massive catalytic convertor underneath.

2019 Suzuki atana deposits gp

The biggest change is straight bars instead of clip-ons, so it might be ergonomically less painful to ride.

Power comes from a long-stroke version of the fuel-injected 999cc inline-four engine from the GSX-R1000 with 110kW at 10,000rpm and 108Nm of torque at 9500rpm.

That’s significantly tuned down from the GSX-R1000 which has 150kW at 13200rpm and 117.6Nm at 10,800rpm. It’s porkier too at 215kg compared with 202kg.

2019 Katana deposits gp

Features include a back-torque-limiting clutch, Suzuki’s three-mode Traction Control System, Fujico disc brakes with Brembo front brake calipers and ABS, and new tyres with a tubeless inner structure designed exclusively for the Katana.

Suzuki makes a point of saying the seat is comfortable, probably because the old Katana was notoriously uncomfortable. However, the seat is fairly high at 825mm.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com