Two Wheels

[wino]

News.com.au - 4 days ago
Johnny Depp to film documentary about Mick Doohan

Australian news website, news.com.au, spoke with Hollywood star Johnny Depp who looks set to make a documentary about 500cc legend, Mick Doohan. Depp has recently spent a large amount of time in Australia and stayed at Doohan’s home in the Australian town of Coomera.

The two grew close while Depp stayed in Australia, “I want to do a documentary about him, he’s a wonderful man,” said the Pirates of the Caribbean star.

 

[wino]

Mick Doohan pays tribute to Warren Willing

• Saturday 5th September, 2015 6:10pm
• Author: SpeedCafe ©

Doohan aboard the Yamaha in 1987. pic via pinterest

Five-time 500cc world champion, Mick Doohan, has credited the late Australian motorcycle ace Warren Willing as giving him one of the breaks that formed the foundation of his incredible career.

Willing, regarded as one of Australia’s best riders in the golden years of Australian motorcycle racing in the 1970s, has died after a battle with cancer.

Doohan’s first major career breakthrough was in mid-1987 when Willing offered him a guest ride on a Marlboro Yamaha Dealer Team FZR750 in an Australian Superbike Championship meeting at Winton, Victoria, in which he finished fifth.

That result led to an invitation to compete in the Suzuka 8 Hour by Japanese Yamaha dealer Kouzou Morinaga.

Later that year Doohan finished third on the Super Angel Racing Yamaha FZR750 in the Japanese round of the Formula One TT World Championship at Sugo.

What followed was a full-time ride with Willing’s Yamaha team in 1988 when Kevin Magee replaced Randy Mamola in Kenny Roberts’ world championship squad as a team-mate to Wayne Rainey.

The next year Doohan moved to Honda on the world stage and not long after Willing also switched to the Roberts team, working with Rainey during this three world titles in 90-92.

Willing and his brothers Glenn and Len were well known as one of Australia’s most talented motorcycling families.

There was always banter on whether Len or Warren was the better rider, while Glenn is a legendary engine tuner.

“Warren gave me an opportunity when (Kevin) Magee decided to go overseas,” Doohan told Speedcafe.com, speaking from this weekend’s Newcastle round of the Australian Karting Championships.

“I became a part of the Marlboro Yamaha team in Australia before I eventually went off with Honda.

“The whole Willing family was so into their motorcycle racing and very talented.”

Doohan said that it was a tragedy that Willing’s riding career had been cut short by an horrific accident in Northern Ireland in 1979, which almost cost him a leg.

“When you look back at some of those races from the ’70s, especially between him and (Gregg) Hansford it is pretty amazing stuff,” said Doohan.

“Unfortunately his career was cut short, which is a sign of those times with racing on unsafe circuits and too much risk.”

Doohan credited Willing for being a self-taught engineer who made it on the world stage.

“He really was a self-taught engineer who made the most of his ability,” said Doohan.

“He was practical and always had the ability to help both bike and rider. He was also a dry sort of a fella.

“You certainly always knew where you stood with him and he was always trying to get the next bit of performance out of you, no matter what the result.

“Sometimes I would think ‘shit give me a break’, but that’s why he was successful.

“He will be dearly missed by everyone that knew him.”

Willing is survived by his wife Wendy and daughter Nicole.

 

[wino]

 

[wino]

Carn you lot. guess who this father and son is ^

 

[wino]

 

[wino]

LOL yamaha also gives you wings

motogp.com - 16 hours ago
Record-breaking Lorenzo heads Friday’s practice

Jorge Lorenzo utilised winglets on his M1 and set the fastest ever lap by a motorbike around Misano ahead of Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa.

For the fourth race in a row it was Movistar Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo and Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez who filled the top two places on the combined timesheets on Friday. This time it was Lorenzo who finished on top of the pile as the Spaniard took advantage of the new track surface and glorious conditions (Track temperatures reached 38˚C) to set the fastest ever lap by a motorcycle around the 4.2km Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

Lorenzo set a 1’32.871 in FP2 whilst utilising a medium front and medium rear tyre on a day that saw nearly all riders improve in the warmer conditions of the afternoon. The Majorcan - who is currently second in the championship standings - broke Marquez’s 2013 Pole record in the process (1’32.915). FP2 also saw Lorenzo debut ‘winglets’ on his Yamaha M1 and they seemed to have a positive affect as he immediately went quicker.

Lorenzo ended the day just 0.053s ahead of Marquez, who had earlier topped FP1. Marquez preferred a hard front and hard rear combination for his flying laps at the end of FP2 in a session that once again saw the Spanish duo a cut above the rest.

Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa (+0.387s) completed the provisional front row but was over three-tenths off the pace of his teammate Marquez. Andrea Dovizioso (+0.420s) on the Ducati Team GP15 was in fourth ahead of the man who leads the championship standings by 12 points, Valentino Rossi (+0.598s). Rossi did not sport the ‘winglets’ on his M1, but expect to see them make an appearance in FP3, as he preferred a hard front and rear tyre combination like Marquez.

Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Pol Espargaro (+0.681s) was the leading Satellite rider in 6th, just one-thousandth of a second ahead of the Octo Pramac Racing Ducati of Danilo Petrucci.

Bradley Smith (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) finished the day in 7th, with Ducati Team’s test rider Michele Pirro (wildcard) and Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) completing the top ten, despite the latter crashing at the start of FP2.

EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider Scott Redding was 11th, with Aleix Espargaro (Team Suzuki Ecstar) in 12th and less than a second behind Lorenzo, while Andrea Iannone (Ducati Team) had to settle for 13th after also crashing during the session.

Eugene Laverty (Aspar MotoGP Team) ended the day in 15th as the leading Open class rider, with Jack Miller (LCR Honda) and Nicky Hayden (Aspar MotoGP Team) in 19th and 22nd respectively.

Check out the combined MotoGP™ FP1 & FP2 times; FP3 kicks off at 9:55am local time on Saturday in Misano.

 

[wino]

if you do work out the exchange rate this was a bargain

http://page24.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/q82118727

 

[wino]

MotoGP »
MotoGP Misano: Lorenzo: I'll be ready for Rossi battle
12 September 2015

Misano pole sitter Jorge Lorenzo says he is prepared for a showdown in the final laps with MotoGP World Championship leader Valentino Rossi if the situation arises on Sunday.

MotoGP Misano: Lorenzo: I'll be ready for Rossi battle

Jorge Lorenzo says he is ready for a final lap showdown with team-mate Valentino Rossi should the championship-chasing Yamaha riders go head-to-head at Misano on Sunday.

Lorenzo will start from pole position after smashing the lap record with a time of 1m 32.46s and is joined on the front row by MotoGP title leader Rossi, who finished third fastest behind Repsol Honda's Marc Marquez.

The Majorcan, who slipped to 12 points behind Rossi in the championship standings after finishing fourth in the wet at Silverstone as his team-mate sealed all 25 points, admits that Rossi has enjoyed the upper hand when the pair have locked horns in the past, but says it won't affect his psyche should a similar scenario arise during the final rounds this season.

“We will see what happens in the first laps.
“It will be okay [to have a battle with Valentino Rossi on the final laps],” said Lorenzo.

“Like in the past we have some battles, especially in 2010. I loose almost every one or every one I think – this is true – but we will see what happens in the future.”

Lorenzo appeared to have words with Rossi at the end of Q2 after the Italian star cost him some time when he was unable to move off the racing line at the penultimate corner, but in the press conference afterwards the double premier class champion said there he had no issue with his team-mate, revealing Rossi had apologised.

“I thought I was faster [on his final lap] but finally I saw on the replay that I was one tenth slower. But because I made a mistake with the throttle on the final corner [on his fastest lap], maybe I could improve in this sector a little bit, but I wasn't so fast so I could probably equal the lap time or improve just very small,” Lorenzo said.

“Vale was there, but he said sorry afterwards so it is okay. It could happen and it has happened to me in the past with some other rider, so it can happen.


“It's a good lap time but especially I think we have a good set-up for the race tomorrow. It's been a very good weekend for us because we started very strong from the first practice in second place and then always in first place.

“In the qualifying we pushed as always at the limit, this time with three tyres. The problem was that we didn't change the front one; we decided not to change back because with the other one I did not feel the same,” he added.

“Finally in the second try out and especially the third one, the front was already pushing so much in braking. So for one side, you are faster but on the other side I was losing a little on braking.”

Looking ahead to Sunday's race, Lorenzo is only too aware of the importance of a fast start, which has become his trademark in recent seasons.

“For sure it's going to be important, the start and the first laps. I hope to be fast like normal but it's always very important the waste of the rear tyre here with this abrasive asphalt because we have some problems with degradation,” Lorenzo said.

“The setting on the bike and with the electronics and how you are using the throttle will be very important to save a little bit the tyre and have some pace at the end of the race.

“The weather will be okay for tomorrow and I think this is good for everyone. The surface is very good and I have a lot of confidence; it is a lot better than bumping and sliding on the old asphalt.”

When it was pointed out to Lorenzo that the rider who has started from pole at Misano has failed to win the race in the past four years, he responded: “The three I won I wasn't on pole position so tomorrow will be the perfect location to do it and we are going to try.”


MotoGP »
MotoGP Misano: Rossi penalised, admits 'mistake'
12 September 2015

'I am happy anyway that he is in the pole position and nothing changed. It was a mistake and I already say sorry' - Valentino Rossi.

MotoGP Misano: Rossi penalised, admits 'mistake'

Valentino Rossi held his hands up and admitted he 'made a mistake' after impeding team-mate Jorge Lorenzo during final qualifying at Misano.

The 36-year-old received a penalty point on his record by Race Direction for 'riding slowly close to the racing line, therefore disturbing another rider on a fast lap'.

Riders toting up four points or more over the course of a season are hit with grid penalties and can be banned for accumulating more than 10 points.

Lorenzo made his feelings known to Rossi as the Movistar Yamaha riders practiced their starts at the conclusion of Q2, but revealed the Italian had later apologised and said there was no issue.

Pole man Lorenzo initially believed he was on course to better his best lap until he lost some momentum after encountering Rossi on the racing line at the penultimate corner, but later conceded that he may have merely matched his time or gained a minimal improvement.

Speaking at the press conference on Saturday, Rossi joked: “Yes, I saw Jorge [on the TV screen] and tried to stay in his way to give him some problems! No, this is a joke.

“It was my mistake but I looked at the screen to understand how much seconds [were left], if I have time to do another lap.

“But I didn't see very well and I tried to push but on the screen before the hairpin I saw that Jorge was behind me, but I thought that he was a little bit more far, so I tried to escape from the line,” he added.

“But unfortunately I give to him some problems, but I am happy anyway that he is in the pole position and nothing changed.

“It was a mistake and I already say sorry, but I didn't see.”

Rossi made it onto the front row in third place with Repsol Honda's Marc Marquez sandwiched between the two factory Yamaha M1s.

 

[wino]

MotoGP »
MotoGP Misano: Marquez: Too many negatives with new swingarm
12 September 2015

Marc Marquez tested a new Honda swingarm during FP1 and FP2 but decided against using the upgrade for the remainder of the race weekend at Misano.

MotoGP Misano: Marquez: Too many negatives with new swingarm

Repsol Honda's Marc Marquez said there were too many 'negatives' with a new HRC swingarm he tested during free practice at Misano on Friday.

Marquez ran the new upgrade in FP1 and again in FP2 at Honda's request to gain more information, but did not persevere with the swingarm on Saturday.

“I tried yesterday the new swingarm but it was a prototype for Honda to try to understand; I tried in FP1 and it was not working, I didn't like the feeling but there was some positive things,” Marquez said.

“Honda asked to me if it was possible to try again in FP2 because they need more information and I say okay, but it was a good time to try for them.

“We tried but then we forget because there were too many negative points but there were positive points that were really interesting and it was information for the future.”

Meanwhile, the reigning MotoGP champion concedes that his Yamaha rivals may have an advantage when it comes to tyre preservation during Sunday's race, although Marquez was satisfied with his rhythm on a used tyre in FP4.

“It's true that it looks like Yamaha in the other races the life of the tyre is better, but here in the opposite way I feel better with the used tyre than the new one,” he said.

“With the new one we have a lot of problems, with the used one the bike looks a little bit easier to ride but also we are sliding a lot in the entry of the corner and also the exit.

“We will see but the thing with the used tyre in FP4 the rhythm was not so bad, it was similar to Yamaha but it's true that they are able to give the rhythm easier,” added Marquez.

“I will try to keep in front of them and keep the concentration 100 per cent and try to manage well the tyres.”

Marquez also gave his thoughts on confirmation that the Indianapolis round has been dropped from the MotoGP calendar next season, with a round being held instead at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

"For me Indianapolis was a good circuit and I would like more races there in the USA, but we change Indianapolis for Austria and the Red Bull Ring GP," Marquez said.

"I was there two days and it looked very interesting, so we will adapt our riding style to the other track."


MotoGP »
MotoGP Misano: Rossi, Lorenzo talk Yamaha wings
12 September 2015

'In the future it is important to investigate more, also with these wings but maybe also with another type of wings and it could be interesting to see if it really works' - Jorge Lorenzo.

MotoGP Misano: Rossi, Lorenzo talk Yamaha wings

Movistar Yamaha riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo remain undecided for now over whether or not the winglets used on their M1 machines for the first time during a race weekend at Misano offer much of an advantage.

Neither rider opted to run the wings on the front fairings of their machines during qualifying, although both did briefly experiment with the modification in practice.

Lorenzo, who set a new pole record at the Marco Simoncelli Circuit, said: “I tried them in practice but we didn't feel so much difference and I think that we still have to try at more tracks and more
locations because we cannot say clearly what is going on with these wings.

“But also in the future it is important to investigate more, also with these wings but maybe also with another type of wings and it could be interesting to see if it really works,” he added.

“But it will be not like in Formula 1 where almost everything is aerodynamic.”

Rossi - who didn't try the development on Friday and only did a short run with them on Saturday - was equally unimpressed, saying in reality any difference created by the winglets was negligible.

“With the wings I don't feel much difference. Sometimes I think I feel something, a little bit more contact in the front, but the reality is a small difference,” he said.

“It is unbelievable how much people speak about the wings, so it is interesting but this is a small, small modify but you can do a lot more things on the bike to make more difference than the wings.”

Ducati has also featured winglets on its GP15 machines this season, which were used by the Italian factory for the first time on Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden's machines in 2010.


MotoGP »
MotoGP Misano - Full Qualifying Results
12 September 2015

Full Qualifying Results and Grid line-up for the 2015 San Marino MotoGP at Misano, round 13 of 18.

MotoGP Misano - Full Qualifying Results

Jorge Lorenzo takes pole position at Misano with a new circuit record. He will be joined on the front row of the grid by Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi.

Danilo Petrucci is competing with GP14.2 machinery for the first time this weekend, while Ducati test rider Michele Pirro is making his second wild-card appearance of the season...

Qualifying 2:
1. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Movistar Yamaha MotoGP (YZR-M1) 1m 32.146s [Lap 5/8] 288km/h (Top Speed)
2. Marc Marquez ESP Repsol Honda Team (RC213V) 1m 32.252s +0.106s [7/8] 286km/h
3. Valentino Rossi ITA Movistar Yamaha MotoGP (YZR-M1) 1m 32.358s +0.212s [7/8] 286km/h
4. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team (RC213V) 1m 32.434s +0.288s [7/9] 289km/h
5. Michele Pirro ITA Ducati Team (Desmosedici GP15) 1m 32.736s +0.590s [6/7] 290km/h
6. Bradley Smith GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 1m 32.801s +0.655s [6/9] 288km/h
7. Andrea Iannone ITA Ducati Team (Desmosedici GP15) 1m 32.821s +0.675s [6/7] 294km/h
8. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team (Desmosedici GP15) 1m 32.934s +0.788s [7/7] 294km/h
9. Danilo Petrucci ITA Octo Pramac Racing (Desmosedici GP14.2) 1m 33.169s +1.023s [7/7] 289km/h
10. Aleix Espargaro ESP Team Suzuki Ecstar (GSX-RR) 1m 33.187s +1.041s [4/8] 281km/h
11. Cal Crutchlow GBR LCR Honda (RC213V) 1m 33.220s +1.074s [6/7] 287km/h
12. Pol Espargaro ESP Monster Yamaha Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 1m 33.222s +1.076s [2/2] 288km/h

Qualifying 1:
13. Scott Redding GBR Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS (RC213V) 1m 33.340s 284km/h
14. Maverick Viñales ESP Team Suzuki Ecstar (GSX-RR)* 1m 33.439s 283km/h
15. Yonny Hernandez COL Octo Pramac Racing (Desmosedici GP14.2) 1m 33.710s 290km/h
16. Loris Baz FRA Forward Racing (Forward Yamaha)* 1m 34.093s 279km/h
17. Jack Miller AUS LCR Honda (RC213V-RS)* 1m 34.137s 282km/h
18. Hector Barbera ESP Avintia Racing (Desmosedici GP14 Open) 1m 34.296s 288km/h
19. Stefan Bradl GER Factory Aprilia Gresini (RS-GP) 1m 34.333s 281km/h
20. Alvaro Bautista ESP Factory Aprilia Gresini (RS-GP) 1m 34.368s 282km/h
21. Eugene Laverty IRL Aspar MotoGP Team (RC213V-RS)* 1m 34.468s 278km/h
22. Mike Di Meglio FRA Avintia Racing (Desmosedici GP14 Open) 1m 34.722s 283km/h
23. Nicky Hayden USA Aspar MotoGP Team (RC213V-RS) 1m 34.732s 276km/h
24. Claudio Corti ITA Forward Racing (Forward Yamaha) 1m 35.385s 277km/h
25. Karel Abraham CZE AB Motoracing (RC213V-RS) 1m 35.406s 279km/h
26. Alex De Angelis RSM E-Motion IodaRacing (ART) 1m 35.684s 275km/h

Blue Name = Factory - Official MotoGP ECU hardware, unique manufacturer software.
20 litres of race fuel, 5 engine changes for the season. All engines identical throughout the year within the same team (development freeze).
Black Name = Factory (with concessions) - Official MotoGP ECU hardware, unique manufacturer software.
Applicable to Factory entries by a manufacturer that did not achieve a dry win in 2013 (Ducati) or any new MotoGP manufacturers (Suzuki and Aprilia).
22 litres of race fuel for Ducati, 24 litres for Suzuki and Aprilia. Same 12 engine changes, softer rear tyre, no engine development freeze and extra testing opportunities as the Open Category. Fuel and soft tyre can change depending on top three results.
Red Name = Open - Full official MotoGP ECU, hardware and software.
24 litres of race fuel, 12 engine changes, softer rear tyre, no engine development freeze and greater testing opportunities relative to Factory.
* Rookie
Latest Updates: Follow @Crash_MotoGP

Fastest practice time:
Jorge Lorenzo SPA Yamaha 1m 32.192s (FP3)

Official Misano MotoGP records:
Best lap:
Jorge Lorenzo SPA Yamaha 1m 32.192s (2015)
Fastest race lap:
Jorge Lorenzo SPA Yamaha 1m 33.906s (2013)

 

[wino]

Ducati Monster 1200 R most powerful ever

• Ducati Monster 1200 R most powerful ever

Ducati unveil most power Monster ever
Ducati Monster 1200 R

Ducati Monster 1200R

The new Ducati Monster 1200 R is equipped with a 1200 cc Testastretta 11° DS “R” version which delivers 10% more power and 5.5% more torque than the Monster 1200 S. With 160 hp and 13.4 kgm (97 lb-ft) torque the Monster 1200 R promises to be a naked supersport bike able to show its true colours on a race trac,k while making the rider feel perfectly comfortable during daily commutes – thanks to a full-bodied, smooth delivery at low and medium RPM.

The latest naked model out of the Ducati factory features a higher stance than the Monster 1200 S, for more extreme lean angles and to make the most of the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres. At the rear end, grip is guaranteed by the 200/55 x ZR17 size tyres.

The Monster 1200 R is equipped with new suspensions and Öhlins steering damper and is even lighter than the S version thanks to the new tailpiece, forged wheels, and carbon fibre components – bringing the total dry weight down to 180 kg (397 lb).


Ducati Monster 1200R

The nose fairing, radiator trim with engraved “R” logo, and the two available colour schemes – Ducati Red and Thrilling Black.

The Monster 1200 R is also equipped with the Ducati Safety Pack including the ABS and Ducati Traction Control systems to enhance vehicle performance, optimise control and improve overall riding safety. This package is managed by three different Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban): three different Monster R ‘souls’ delivered by different settings of the power mode, the ABS and Traction Control systems.


Ducati Monster 1200R

Monster 1200 R
• Colours

1. Ducati Red with R livery, Ducati Red frame and Dark Chrome wheels

2. Thrilling Black with R livery, Dark Chrome frame and wheels

• Standard equipment highlights

o Testastretta 11° DS, 1198,4 cc, 160 hp “R” version engine

o Exhaust with pentagonal section twin silencers

o Euro 4 conformity

o Sport seat with model ID plate

o New design passenger seat cover

o Separate rider and passenger footpeg supports

o Billet machined footpegs

o Nose fairing

o Carbon fibre front fender

o 3-spoke forged wheels fitted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres, 120/70 ZR17 at the front and 200/55 x ZR17 at the rear

o New 48 mm adjustable diameter Öhlins forks

o New Öhlins adjustable shock absorber

o Öhlins adjustable steering dumper

o 3 Riding Modes

o Ducati Safety Pack (3-level ABS, 8-level DTC)

o Colour TFT instrumentation display


Ducati Monster 1200R

The Monster 1200 R has been substantially revised to make it visually compact, lightweight and high-slung. The single-piece rider and passenger seat is shorter and thinner if viewed from the side, with a tapered, sharp-edged look in the passenger section.

This motorcycle’s higher stance features an increased gap between the tyre and seat assembly, making the rear look more streamlined, further enhanced by the new design of the high-mounted aluminium plate holder, fully exposing the 200/55 rear tyre; both the rear and the front tyres are mounted on 3-spoke, Panigale R-inspired forged wheels.


Ducati Monster 1200R

The Monster 1200 engine version has been revised to increase its efficiency to a maximum power of 160 hp (117.7 kW) at 9,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 13.4 kgm (97 lb-ft) at 7,750 rpm, whilst maintaining smooth delivery at low and medium RPM, typical of latest-generation Testastretta 11° DS power units. The Monster 1200 R engine is in line with the Euro 4 pollution control standards.


Ducati Monster 1200R

The Monster 1200 R’s Testastretta 11° Dual Spark engine is equipped with a new 2-1-2 exhaust system with 58 mm diameter pipes and redesigned twin silencers. Although their routing has not been changed, the exhaust pipes have a new cross-section with a diameter that’s been increased by 8 mm to boost engine efficiency which now breathes better thanks to a new throttle body. The original round design with 53mm diameter bodies featured on the Monster 1200 has been replaced in the new version by a larger, oval section design with a 56mm equivalent diameter. A lower-height cylinder seal has made it possible to increase the compression ratio from 12.5:1 to 13:1, improving combustion efficiency.


Ducati Monster 1200R

At lower RPM, delivery is consistently smooth and responsive to throttle opening, with 75% of the torque already available at 3,500 rpm.

The Monster has a wet clutch with ‘slipper’ function actuated by a Brembo master cylinder. Thanks to its progressive self-servo mechanism, it can be operated smoothly and progressively. 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or 12 month intervals are recommended between major services, with valve clearance adjustment checks only required every 30,000 km (18,000 miles).


Ducati Monster 1200R

As with the rest of the Monster family, the signature Trellis frame remains a feature of the Monster 1200 R, with attachment points directly on the cylinder heads, a race-derived solution pioneered by the Panigale for the first time in the world of production motorcycles. Thanks to this configuration, the resulting frame is highly compact and lightweight and, with large cross-section pipes, it offers massive torsional strength – a characteristic which enhances the dynamic profile of the Monster 1200 R.


Ducati Monster 1200R

The rear sub-frame is also attached directly to the engine, creating a compact structure designed to support the new passenger footpeg brackets – now a separate design from the rider’s, to guarantee greater freedom of movement for the best road and track sports riding experience.

To ensure lean angles suitable for track use, the chassis set-up has been raised by 15 mm both at the front and at the rear end, and the seating height has been adjusted to 830 mm (32,7 in) accordingly. The ‘ergonomics triangle’ has been preserved to ensure a natural riding position and improved control during both road and track use and help the rider complete more laps with less effort.


Ducati Monster 1200R

Another major focus of attention was weight reduction. The new tailpiece, wheels, carbon fibre parts and the new footpegs together made for a 2kg (4.4lb) weight saving – down to a total dry weight of 180kg (397lb). A critical factor in weight saving was the use of forged wheels – making the Monster R even more agile in tackling corners thanks to the reduction in unsprung weight and inertia.


Ducati Monster 1200R

The high-tech suspension system features new, fully adjustable dia. 48 mm titanium nitride-coated Öhlins forks with black-anodised bottoms and bodies and a fully adjustable Öhlins rear shock. Operating through a progressive linkage, the rear suspension attaches directly from the rear vertical cylinder to the die-cast aluminium single-sided swingarm at the opposite end. The Öhlins suspension package is completed by the adjustable steering damper that controls handlebar movement under heavy acceleration and enhances the sports inspiration of the instrument panel view.

 

[wino]

Ducati Monster 1200R

The Monster 1200 R braking system is the very best of the Brembo production range and includes twin radially-mounted M50 Monobloc callipers gripping 330 mm discs at the front – the same components that are part of the equipment of the 1299 Panigale supersport model, actuated by a master cylinder with remote reservoir. At the rear, the Monster 1200 R features one 245 mm disc gripped by a single Brembo calliper with sintered friction material pads to improve efficiency. The braking system is controlled by the triple stage ABS Bosch 9MP system – which can be disabled by the user.


Ducati Monster 1200R

The Monster 1200 R is equipped with the DSP (Ducati Safety Pack) system including the ABS and Ducati Traction Control systems to enhance vehicle performance, optimise control and improve overall riding safety. This package is managed by three different Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban): three different Monster R ‘souls’ given by different settings of the ABS and DTC (Ducati Traction Control) systems.

The Ducati Riding Modes offer different factory settings designed to optimise vehicle behaviour according to riding styles and environmental conditions. The Monster 1200 R comes equipped with three Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban) – each programmed to adjust the Ride-by-Wire (RbW) engine control system and the ABS and DTC intervention levels. The modes are made possible by combining a number of classleading technologies. If the Riding Modes can be changed while riding, the customised setting of ABS and DTC can only be changed when the bike is stationary with the throttle closed.

Sport
The Sport Riding Mode provides 160 hp (117,7 kW), delivered with direct Ride-by-Wire throttle response, reduced DTC system intervention (level 3) and ABS high braking performance (level 1) with no lift prevention.

Touring
The Touring Riding Mode provides 160 hp (117,7 kW), delivered with a more progressive Ride-by-Wire throttle response, increased DTC system intervention (level 4) and ABS-controlled lift prevention (level 2).

Urban
The Urban Riding Mode provides 100 hp (73,5 kW), delivered with a progressive Ride-by-Wire throttle response, further increased DTC system intervention (level 6) and ABS ensuring maximum braking stability and lift prevention (level 3).


Ducati Monster 1200R


Ducati Monster 1200R Specifications


Ducati Monster 1200R

 

[wino]

Dan Gurney’s 250bhp twin
Can an 84-year-old former F1 driver revolutionise the four-stroke?

Posted: 15 September 2015
by Visordown News

Check out the twin crankshafts on Dan Gurney's new engine design

DAN Gurney is one of those characters who’s achieved more in his lifetime than most of us can ever dream of.

A winner as a driver in F1, Indycar, NASCAR and Le Mans, he’s credited with being the first racer to spray champagne on a podium (they used to just take it as a prize). But he’s more than just a driver, and his engineering credentials include the creation of the Eagle Grand Prix car, which he also drove, and his name is carried on famous engines (the Gurney-Weslake V8) and even an aerodynamic innovation, the Gurney-flap – a small lip at the trailing edge of a wing that can significantly increase the downforce it offers.

More recently, his All American Racers organization has created the feet-forward Gurney Alligator sports bike – which gained praise from Eddie Lawson after a test ride – and built the radical Delta Wing racing car that competed at Le Mans in 2012.

So when we heard his latest project is a radical new motorcycle engine, our ears pricked up.

It’s yet to run, but the designs for his new twin-cylinder four-stroke are complete and have turned up some scarcely believable figures during simulations, including power figures of 250bhp and more from the normally-aspirated, 1800cc design.

The engine’s layout is unusual but not unheard of. While externally it looks much like a normal parallel twin, it actually has two crankshafts turned 90 degrees to the usual orientation and geared together so they turn in opposite directions to each other. The idea is for the each crankshaft to cancel out the vibrations of the other. It’s an idea that’s been used before, not least on square fours like the Suzuki RG500 and the earlier Ariel Square Four.

Gurney’s patent for the engine – and he’s specific that it’s intended to be a motorcycle engine, presumably with a future iteration of the Alligator (currently powered by an S&S V-twin) in mind – suggests that while the twin crank design will help with the intention of reducing vibration, it’s not the key to its impressive power. Instead, that is down to the cylinder head design, valve configuration and intake porting.

According to the patent, the engine is intended to be mounted with the crankshafts running longitudinally, and their counter-rotation means they’ll cancel out the gyroscopic effect that usually makes longitudinally-mounted engines rock bikes from side to side as they rev.

At the moment, the plan is to make five prototype engines to validate the figures achieved in the computer simulations, with the first due to run before the end of this year.

You can read more about the engine on Gurney’s website.


Read more: http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle...-gurneys-250bhp-twin/28164.html#ixzz3lrh71nta

 

[wino]

DARCY WARD UPDATE

Wednesday 26th August 2015, 13:38

Zielona Gora doctor Robert Zapotoczny says Australian star Darcy Ward’s condition has improved since Monday, but no further details on his injuries were released.

The 23-year-old’s father George called for the rider and his family’s privacy to be respected as he recovers from serious spinal injuries sustained in an awkward crash at Zielona Gora on Sunday.

The incident has left Ward with no lower body feeling, and he underwent a wrist operation on Tuesday.

Aussie team manager Mark Lemon yesterday confirmed he is stable enough to be flown to the UK on a private medical flight. Zapotoczny says the transfer should take place this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

"The case is difficult, but there is a glimmer of hope. Hope you cannot take from anybody. Now Darcy faces a very, very intensive process of rehabilitation; psychologically and physically."
- Robert Zapotoczny
He revealed the rider’s health has improved since Monday and said 2012 world champ Chris Holder and Davey Watt’s presence at Ward’s bedside had given the Queenslander a real lift.

But Zapotoczny was unable to offer any further details on Ward’s condition after his family asked for this to remain private.

The Falubaz doctor said: “First of all, I spoke to Darcy yesterday and his closest family too – I mean his father, who arrived yesterday.

“His father gave no permission to reveal any specific information. George Ward asked me for forbearance because of the family’s pain.

“The condition of Darcy is better than on Monday. His mental condition especially is better and he doesn’t need so much pain relief right now. Davey Watt and Chris Holder are constantly by his side to support him, so Darcy is even able to smile sometimes.

“A transfer to a UK clinic is planned today. The flight will be in a few hours today or tomorrow morning.”

Zapotoczny says doctors should get a greater idea of Ward’s prognosis in the coming months.

He said: “The case is difficult, but there is a glimmer of hope. Hope you cannot take from anybody. Now Darcy faces a very, very intensive process of rehabilitation; psychologically and physically.”

It is hoped Ward could be moved to a clinic within easy reach of his Dorset base, meaning his support network of friends, family and fellow riders will be able to help him through his recovery.

Zapotoczny added: “England was chosen as a place of further treatment because we came to the conclusion that psychological rehabilitation will be the most important thing at the moment.

“It will be better to conduct this in an English-speaking country. Psychological care is difficult, so the patient has to receive this in his mother tongue.

“One of the clinics is located not far from his UK house. He could be surrounded by family and his closest friends. Also the other riders live nearby.”

 

[wino]

righto . . . happy the Kawasaki won another championship. Not happy my guy could not win it. Happy that FOR THE FIRST TIME KAWASAKI WON THE MANUFACTURES CHAMPIONSHIP !!!!!!!!!!!!

EITHER WAY TEAM GREEN RULES 4 STROKE STREET BIKES IN MORE WAYS THAN ANYONE ELSE COULD.

BIGGEST CONGRATS TO JOHNATHON REA AND HIS TEAM.




WSBK »
Jerez: Jonathan Rea wins 2015 World Superbike title
20 September 2015

Jonathan Rea becomes the fifth British rider to win the World Superbike title by claiming fourth place in the first race at Jerez

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Jerez: Jonathan Rea wins 2015 World Superbike title

Jonathan Rea has clinched his first World Superbike championship with five races remaining by claiming a fourth place finish in the first race at Jerez.

In what has been the most dominant romp to a World Superbike series since Carlos Checa demolished the opposition in 2011, Rea has amassed a stunning 12 victories and 20 podiums from 21 races in his debut season for Kawasaki.

The first time he hasn't pulled into podium parc fermé in Kawasaki green, Rea was unable to live with the early pace of Tom Sykes, Chaz Davies and Michael van der Mark but the 13 points collected for fourth ultimately did enough to claim the crown.

Rea and his ZX-10R have produced a near-flawless season to put 137 points between himself and nearest challenger Chaz Davies with just 125 left up for grabs.

The first Northern Irishman to win a motorcycle world championship since Joey Dunlop and Brian Reid claimed the Formula 1 and 2 world titles in 1986, Rea's first world crown has looked an inevitability since his double win at the fourth round Assen.

By then he had won six out of the eight races, and finished second in the other two. By contrast, Sykes, his team-mate and predicted main challenger, had stood on the podium on just two occasions.

Rea went on to claim dominant double victories at Imola and Portimão while further wins also came at Misano and Sepang. Aside from the first race at Jerez, the 'nadir' of his season, so to speak, was a pair of third places at Laguna Seca, the first time he had finished outside the top two all year.

Sykes' early crash out of the action in the second race at Malaysia meant Rea could have claimed championship glory with a full three rounds to spare. However, Chaz Davies' late denying him of victory ensured he had to wait until after the summer break to crown his season.

It's a run that can still potentially challenge the majority of records in World Superbike history. He could yet match Colin Edwards' record haul of podiums in a single season, as well as becoming just the fourth rider to exceed 500 points in a calendar year.

By his own admission not always the fastest qualifier in 2015, Rea has always looked ahead to achieving an ideal race set-up through free practice. Indeed, it has been his devastating consistency and speed on used race rubber that has set him above his rivals in 2015.

Rea's achievement makes him the fifth British rider to win the crown since the class' inception in 1988, behind Carl Fogarty, Neil Hodgson, James Toseland and Sykes.

His success also carries on a strong family tradition, as his granddad John once sponsored local legend Joey Dunlop and father Johnny was successful around the Isle of Man TT circuit in 1989.

 

[wino]

His success also carries on a strong family tradition, as his granddad John once sponsored local legend Joey Dunlop and father Johnny was successful around the Isle of Man TT circuit in 1989.

I did not know that ^

 

[wino]

BSB »
TT Circuit Assen: Brookes beams with double Dutch
20 September 2015

Josh Brookes says his double victory weekend at Assen is the ideal tonic after a 'bitter pill to swallow' from Oulton Park and extends his lead to 28 points

TT Circuit Assen: Brookes beams with double Dutch

Josh Brookes says his double victory weekend at Assen is the ideal tonic after a 'bitter pill to swallow' from Oulton Park as the Milwaukee Yamaha rider increases his MCE British Superbike championship lead to 28 points over Shane Byrne.

The Australian was evidently frustrated after the triple-header at Oulton Park two weeks ago where he saw his BSB lead trimmed to just two points after Byrne notched up two wins to his one as the Showdown format came into play.

Brookes mastered the challenges throw up in the Netherlands by taking a dominant race one victory in the dry before fighting through the field to claim a second win in mixed conditions.

Coupled with Byrne missing the rostrum in both races Brookes has fashioned a healthy points cushion with five races remaining and says it is a significant mental boost for his charge to a maiden BSB title.

“If I turn back to the last race at Oulton Park when Byrne overtook me and made a gap to finish ahead, it was a bitter pill to swallow,” Brookes said. “I've had two weeks to stew on that and comeback with more aggression. Today I was fighting the best I could to win.”

Brookes says victory in the mixed conditions of race two gave him the biggest smile after surviving through the slippery opening stages to fight back and seal the win two laps from the finish with a hard but fair undercut pass on James Ellison.

“What an amazing race, I really enjoyed that,” he beamed. “Midway through the race the track was still really, really slippery and I had a big moment at one of the right-hand corners and I lost some places as James cleared off at the front.

“In those conditions it is so hard to gauge the pace but James cleared off so I knew I had to get through and get after him. Once I got to the back of him I saw I could make a big lunge into the fast left because he slowed up more than me. But as he started to turn towards the apex the gap got smaller and smaller and I had to stay committed because if I tried to break it could have even been worse.”

Despite extending his title advantage from two to 28 points the Milwaukee Yamaha rider says he takes nothing for granted with five races to go – two at Silverstone before the triple-header finale at Brands Hatch.

“There is never a cushion in racing as you never know what is going to happen. I've got to remain focused on racing as hard as I can and win as many races as I can and hopefully end up at the top.”

this aussie has fought hard in the championship over years always been near the sharp end of the field. Lets hope that this time it's his turn.

 

[wino]

WSBK »
Magny-Cours: Haslam splashes to pole in chaotic wet session
3 October 2015

Leon Haslam claims his third World Superbike pole position at a wet Magny Cours in a chaotic session that sees several high profile crashers

Magny-Cours: Haslam splashes to pole in chaotic wet session

CLICK HERE for full WSBK Superpole results

Leon Haslam splashed to just the third pole position of his World Superbike career at a soaking wet Magny-Cours, despite falling at the close of the session.

It seemed the Englishman had spurned his chances of a timely pole as he crashed in the closing seconds of a chaotic 15-minute dash with Jonathan Rea setting fastest times through the first three sectors.

Rea was unable to better Haslam through the tight final chicane however, meaning an Aprilia will start a World Superbike race from pole position on Sunday for the first time since Aragon in April. The Noale outfit's anguish was transformed to joy in just a matter of minutes.

In a breathless dash that was halted after 13 minutes because of Alex Lowes' crash at the fearsome turn three, riders then had two minutes to take to the track once more to set a final flying lap.

It was then that Haslam fell after touching a white line. By then there had already been falls for Tom Sykes, Sylvain Guintoli, Ayrton Badovini and Chaz Davies, not to mention the spill suffered by Lowes.

In his first race as reigning world champion, Rea will start from second after lapping just 0.004secs slower than his former team-mate with Niccolo Canepa securing his second front row start in as many races with the third fastest time.

Davies will lead the second row in Sunday's races having set the fourth fastest time of the afternoon. The Welshman, who has claimed 140 points from the last three rounds, was on course for pole position before losing the front on the run to the downhill turn 15.

Indeed Davies was chasing Haslam when he suffered the fall and somehow hauled his Panigale R back to pit lane in time for the restarted session. With just two minutes remaining to complete his out-lap, the 28-year old ran out of time to post one last flyer.

In conditions usually to his liking, reigning world champion Guintoli was set for a strong result around a track in conditions that played a pivotal role in his run to the world championship in 2014.

However the Frenchman fell on the exit of the Adelaide hairpin and was thus unable to better his earlier effort.

Fastest in SP1, Luca Scassa survived a late moment to set the sixth fastest time in his first qualifying session in the class in 2015.

Behind came Leon Camier, a fellow SP1 graduate, and Ayrton Badovini, who lost control of his BMW Italia machine at the Nurburgring chicane.

Tom Sykes, the pole-sitter at this track on the previous three occasions, will start both races from a disappointing ninth after high-siding on the exit of turn 13.

Although motionless for several seconds after his fall, Lowes was soon seen up and walking. The spill meant he was unable to better the time set on his third flying lap, which placed him eleventh overall.

WSBK »
Magny-Cours – Superpole qualifying results (2)
3 October 2015

Full Superpole results (2) from the twelfth round of the 2015 World Superbike Championship at Magny-Cours, France

Magny-Cours – Superpole qualifying results (2)

Full Superpole results (2) from the twelfth round of the 2015 World Superbike Championship at Magny-Cours, France.

1. Leon Haslam GBR Red Devils Roma Aprilia RSV4 1m 56.404s
2. Jonathan Rea GBR Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 1m 56.408s
3. Niccolò Canepa ITA Althea Ducati 1199R 1m 56.912s
4. Chaz Davies GBR Aruba.it Racing Ducati 1199R 1m 57.049s
5. Sylvain Guintoli FRA PATA Honda CBR1000RR 1m 57.839s
6. Luca Scassa ITA Aruba.it Racing Ducati 1199R 1m 57.991s
7. Leon Camier GBR MV Agusta F4 RR 1m 59.768s
8. Ayrton Badovini ITA BMW Italia S1000RR 2m 0.676s
9. Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 2m 1.144s
10. Markus Reiterberger GER BMW S1000 RR 2m 1.800s
11. Alex Lowes GBR Voltcom Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000 2m 2.227s
12. Jordi Torres ESP Red Devils Roma Aprilia RSV4 2m 2.379s

SP1 determines grid positions 13-20

13. Matteo Baiocco ITA Althea Ducati 1199R 1m 59.117s
14. Leandro Mercado ARG Barni Ducati 1199R 1m 59.446s
15. Michael van der Mark NED PATA Honda CBR1000RR 2m 0.528s
16. Pawel Szkopek POL Yamaha YZF R1 2m 2.809s
17. Gianluca Vizziello ITA Grillini Kawasaki ZX-10R 2m 3.982s
18. Roman Ramos ESP GO Eleven Kawasaki ZX-10R2m 4.796s
19. Randy de Puniet FRA Voltcom Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000 2m 6.621s
20. David Salom ESP Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R Did not set time

Did progress to Superpole, grid positions determined

21. Christophe Ponsson FRA Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1m 41.249s
22. Gabor Rizmayer HUN Team Toth BMW S1000RR 1m 41.961s
23. Alex Phillis AUS Grillini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1m 42.823s
24. Imre Toth HUN Team Toth BMW S1000RR 1m 43.953s

 

[wino]

 

[wino]

BSB »
Silverstone Grand Prix: Brookes: Pole lap good enough for MotoGP!
3 October 2015

Josh Brookes says his qualifying flyer was enough to make the MotoGP grid at Silverstone after obliterating the BSB lap record.

Silverstone Grand Prix: Brookes: Pole lap good enough for MotoGP!

Josh Brookes says his qualifying flyer was good enough to make the MotoGP grid at Silverstone after obliterating the MCE British Superbike lap record with a 2m 03.984s.

The BSB championship leader produced a flawless performance by topping every qualifying session before becoming the first production bike rider to break into the 2m 03s times and take a phenomenal pole position for Milwaukee Yamaha.

A beaming Brookes says he had asked his team what time would be quick enough to make the MotoGP grid and duly targeted that time at the Northamptonshire circuit.

“Earlier in the day in FP3 when we got down to the 2m 04s mark I said to our engine builder and the team 'that must be somewhere close to MotoGP times',” Brookes said. “They laughed and said you've got to be 2m 03s to make MotoGP so when I saw 2m 03.9s I thought, there you go, there is your 2m 03s!”

Comparing this year's MotoGP qualifying results at Silverstone directly to the Milwaukee Yamaha rider's hot lap, Brookes would have beaten both Karel Abraham and Alexis De Angelis on the Grand Prix grid.

Reflecting on his record-breaking lap, Brookes says he almost considered bailing out of it completely at turn one after running wide exiting Copse corner but was glad he changed his mind.

“On my first flying lap in Q3 I made a mistake going into the first turn and didn't get the bike pulled up quick enough and went really wide on to the rumble strip and had to roll the throttle,” he explained. “On a corner that fast when you roll the throttle you might as well bin the lap.

“I kept the gas on and went through Maggotts and Becketts and the light on my dash came back on which shows me I'm on a personal best lap. Whatever I had lost on the first turn I made back and it was game on again. I kept everything as good as I could and I raced to the finish to see 2m 03.9s on the dash.

“I thought about going for another lap but if someone was going to beat my best then they deserved pole because I laid everything on the line for that lap.

“I looked over to my board and saw 0.2 and thought who the hell is that close to me. To do my lap time you expected to see a bigger gap and saw it was Hopper. He was the previous track record holder so it goes to show he likes the track and is feeling good.”

Brookes says he hasn't taken any extra satisfaction from his nearest championship rivals struggling in qualifying – with James Ellison fourth and Shane Byrne tenth – and is still working on a race-by-race basis.

The Australian takes a 28-point advantage into the penultimate round over Byrne and looks in the box seat to extend his points cushion tomorrow.

 

[wino]

FIRST RIDE REPORT: Honda RC213V-S
Published: 17 September 2015

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So many questions. Is this RC213V-S really a MotoGP bike with lights? It is better than a top road-going superbike, like an R1? Why is it so expensive? Aren’t they all sold out? Won’t it just be a rich man’s toy?

All these questions and more are pin-balling around my head as I roll along a red hot Valencia MotoGP pitlane, ready to enter the track. The RC213V-S (‘21’ for twenty first century, ‘3’ for third generation RCV) is slim, compact and so much smaller than it looks in pictures. Think somewhere between a gnarly Aprilia RSV4 and an exquisite NC30 and you’re somewhere there.

You’re canted forward, cuddling the short tank, like Marquez, but even for a six-footer like me it’s not cramped or uncomfortable.

A few minutes ago I was ogling the sublime attention to detail – the hand-fabricated chassis, Öhlins gas fork, magnesium wheels and the swathes of flawless carbon fibre. Like me, you’ll probably never be able to afford the RC213V-S, but it is worth the 188,000 Euro (£137,000) asking price when you see what you get for the money, and when you consider that last year’s RCV1000R ‘open’ MotoGP bike cost a million Euros to lease… and another million to run. The RC213V-S certainly looks like a bargain when you think of it in those terms.

This standard version has 159bhp, which isn’t a lot by modern road-going superbike standards, but the V4 power motor is like velvet, with no lumps, bumps or surges in the delivery.

With just 170kg to push along, the standard RC213V-S accelerates hard enough to keep you interested and it’s easy to turn in fast lap times.

Then there’s the handling. It’s not just more agile than a 1000, it makes 600s and 400s seem like lumbering hippos. It turns like a 250cc GP bike and there’s no sense of mass-produced bulk or flab. It’s hand-made, blueprinted perfection – and a bike made to flatter the rider.

But it’s a bit of a pussycat, too – a bit… soft.

After a few laps you start to overcome the grip of the road-compound Bridgestone RS10 tyres, the road brake pads and then you start pining for more power. Enter the Sports Kit version.

If you can afford the 188,000 Euro RC213V-S, you can probably go the extra 12,000 Euros for the Sports Kit, which shaves 10kg off the weight, gives you a full 215bhp, a race-pattern gear shift… the list goes on. It also has race pads and today Honda have fitted our test bike with sticky Bridgestone V02 slicks.

Now we’re talking.

With its titanium race exhaust the RC213V-S is now louder, angrier and seemingly more intimidating. But within a few corners you realise it’s just as friendly as the stock version and as easy to ride. Its bark is definitely worse than its bike, but it’s so much faster, harder accelerating harder and longer revving.

Now it’s a screaming, ear-piercingly loud MotoGP bike with lights. Its limit is so far away from what a normal rider like me can muster. It’s unreal. It wouldn’t just wipe the floor with the best superbikes out there, like the R1, S1000RR and 1299 Panigale S, it would laugh in the face of a Desmosedici RR, and with a good set-up a BSB bike or factory WSB machine, too.

On the standard RC213V-S the electronics are too strangling, but now you’re glad of the nine-stage power control, the anti-wheelie and the chance to knock a fraction off the initial power delivery. The rider aids work smoothly and help you ride very fast, very safely, like the latest R1 and 1299 Panigale.

Every single RC213V-S is hand-made, just like Marc and Dani’s bikes, and shares most of its parts – except for the seamless gearbox and pneumatic valves – too. Other than that the only things changed are the components that make it reliable, durable and not cost a million Euros.

They’re not all sold. Numbers 26, 27 and 93 are reserved for Honda’s most famous RCV riders, but there’s still time to place your order, if you’re really quick. Each bike takes around 2-3 days to make and production continues to the end of next year. Expect around 250 to be made by the end.

And as for the RC213V-S being a rich man’s toy? Well, yes it clearly is, but isn’t it wonderful that it exists? It shows Honda really does have a heart. Plus, the technology in this will filter down to their road bikes one day. A V4 Blade with full electronics, anyone?

See more information about the new RC213V-S, and watch Michael deliver his first riding impressions.