Category Archives: World Superbikes

Latest News, Racing, World Superbikes

Bimota returns to WorldSBK in 2025

Bimota returns to WorldSBK in 2025Winners of the 1980 350cc World Championship fielding Jon Ekerold on a two-cylinder, two stroke Bimota YB3 machine, success was also achieved in TT Formula 1 with legend Virginio Ferrari aboard a YB4R taking the Championship honours in1987.

No strangers to four stroke machinery, Bimota won no less than seven races in the very first World Superbike Championship year of 1988 thanks to Davide Tardozzi (5) and Stephane Mertens (2). Even as late as the year 2000, Bimota were still able to achieve a WorldSBK race win thanks to the late, great Anthony Gobert aboard an SB8R machine mounting the top step of the podium at a wet Phillip Island race weekend.

For the 2025 season, Bimota is partnering with Kawasaki in a joint venture which will result in a Bimota chassis with Kawasaki engine (plus allied technology), competing in WorldSBK. Not only will the donor Ninja ZX-10RR powerplant be familiar, but also many of the team staff as Kawasaki transfers its efforts into the Bimota racing program marking a landmark moment in the journey of the Kawasaki Racing Team after nearly four decades in the premier global racing series based on production machines that can be purchased at dealerships.

Recognising not just the legacy of Kawasaki in Superbike racing, but also the close cooperation and synergies between majority Bimota shareholder, Kawasaki, and the Rimini based Italian manufacturer, the new team will operate under the title of Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team.

Fielding a machine jointly developed by Bimota and Kawasaki, the new team will play a pivotal role in the wider global recognition and market presence of the Bimota brand as well as being crucial in highlighting the hand built craftsmanship and care that goes into the creation of every Bimota product. This wider appreciation of the Bimota brand and its core racing DNA is also expected to create increased demand and sales of Bimota street motorcycles.

Speaking about the new direction for Kawasaki in WorldSBK, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. Hiroshi Ito, stated:
“Bimota has an enviable reputation for excellence in motorcycle design and manufacture. As part of our vision for the evolution of this world famous brand we see racing as a logical next step in terms of both product development as well as brand exposure on the global stage. Our commitment to WorldSBK is as strong as ever and we hope that this new racing project will energise fans of both Bimota and Kawasaki. The passion for race success remains and we look forward to the presence of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team on the 2025 WorldSBK grid”.

On behalf of Bimota, COO, Pierluigi Marconi, Commented
“The engineering, technology and day to day business support already offered by Kawasaki has put Bimota firmly back into the consciousness of the media and potential customers, now it is time to take a next step in our evolution.

Bimota has had racing as part of its DNA from day one and to compete in WorldSBK alongside developing our new product range, while expanding the European and global dealer network, has an undeniable logic to it.

With the unparalleled experience of the existing Kawasaki racing team experts plus the full support and cooperation of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. in Japan fills us with pride and optimism. The Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team will surely form the foundations of the next chapter in the Bimota story”.

KRT Team Manager, Guim Roda, concluded:
“In the past thirteen years, myself, and all of those at the KRT workshop in Granollers, have dedicated ourselves wholeheartedly to the Kawasaki Superbike project and garnered seven WorldSBK rider titles in that time plus numerous team and manufacturer awards. Now – after Kawasaki competing for nearly four decades in the Superbike championship – we are proud to be part of a new era forming the infrastructure of the new Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team.

For sure we will spare some time to reflect on and celebrate the heritage of Kawasaki in Superbike racing, but we are also extremely excited to be a core component of this new Bimota and Kawasaki joint venture. This is an evolution for Kawasaki’s approach to the top level of production racing and we are honoured to play our role in this new project. I am confident we have the technology and human resources necessary to succeed and it will be a fresh, energising experience fielding an impressive two rider team in the 2025 Motul FIM WorldSBK Championship.”

Latest News, Racing, World Superbikes

2024 WorldSBK Broadcasters announced

AustralianWorldSBK, Philip Island, WorldSBK, Pirelli, Tissot, WorldSBK 2024Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) is thrilled to unveil the lineup of broadcasters set to bring the excitement of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship to fans worldwide for the 2024 season. With new partnerships and renewed agreements, the Championship is poised to captivate audiences across the globe. Additionally, the debut of the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship in June promises to further enhance the racing experience for fans.

NEW BROADCASTERS AND PARTNERSHIPS

  • USA: MAVTV joins as the new broadcaster for the USA for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
  • Turkey: RedBull TV enters as the new broadcaster, focusing on live coverage and collaboration to enhance the Championship’s awareness in the territory. The contract initially spans the 2024 season, with a strong emphasis on promoting national riders.
  • Renewed Partnerships: Servus TV (Austria, Germany) and Arena4(Hungary) have renewed their commitments, while ITV (UK) has extended the highlights package for two more seasons.

EUROPE

Eurosport remains a cornerstone broadcaster for the Championship, delivering WorldSBK action to enthusiasts several countries in Europe via Eurosport 1, Eurosport 2, and the Eurosport Player. Notably, Eurosport UK will provide comprehensive coverage of all rounds, including the UK Round in July, supplemented by a 46-minute highlights package on the ITV network. Italian fans can catch the thrilling races on Sky Sport, with free-to-air coverage on TV8. Spanish viewers can follow the action on DAZN and RTVE, while Portuguese fans can tune in to Sport TV. GIB Telecom remains WorldSBK’s broadcast partner in Gibraltar.

Servus TV has renewed its partnership for three years, ensuring continued coverage for fans in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with Servus also offering on-site coverage at European Rounds. Arena4, having renewed its commitment for two more seasons, will continue to cater to fans in Hungary. Ziggo Sport will broadcast highlights for Dutch fans, while Nova Sports and Pop TV are set to continue providing coverage for fans in Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Slovenia, respectively. Belgian fans can tune in to RTBF to catch every thrilling moment of the Championship race, while RTL will maintain its coverage of WorldSBK for viewers in Luxembourg. Auto1 will be airing WorldSBK action in Ukraine through a 46-minute highlights package.

Additionally, a new partnership with RedBull TV in Turkey will focus on live coverage and collaboration to enhance the championship’s awareness in the territory.

NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA

Exciting developments await fans in North America with the introduction of MAVTV as the new exclusive broadcaster for the USA for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Canadian fans can continue to enjoy coverage on REV TV. Brazilian broadcaster Bandsports TV will continue to show WorldSBK in Brazil. In Latin America, Fox Sports Mexico will air all classes, while ESPN will cover all other LATAM territories.

ASIA

J-Sports will continue to bring WorldSBK to Japanese fans, while Trans7, maintaining its broadcast rights, will continue to air WorldSBK in Indonesia. SpoTV will offer coverage across Pan-Asian territories, including Korea, Hong-Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam. Chinese fans will have the opportunity to follow the series on the Douyinplatform.

MIDDLE EAST, NORTH AFRICA, CENTRAL ASIA AND OCEANIA

Exciting developments continue in these regions with SMC (Saudi Motorsports Company) securing the rights for MENA territories, including free-to-air coverage on MBC channels and SSC’s TV channels and OTT platform (Shahid) for the next 5 years.

Supersport will provide coverage across multiple Pan-African territories. Eurosport will broadcast in various Central Asian countries, with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan all enjoying coverage.

Fans in Australia can catch all the action on Fox Sports, while SBS will provide highlights. In New Zealand, Sky Sport will continue to broadcast all three classes.

WorldSBK VideoPass

In 2024, fans from all across the globe will once again have the opportunity to enjoy every exhilarating moment of the WorldSBK season with the WorldSBK VideoPass. Providing live and uninterrupted coverage of every session and every class, along with a vast archive of historical action, the VideoPassensures that viewers never miss a beat. Additionally, fans can enjoy races OnDemand, giving them the flexibility to watch the action whenever and wherever they are.

With these broadcasters and partnerships, the 2024 WorldSBK season promises to deliver unparalleled excitement and coverage to fans around the world.

Ducati, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, MotoGP, Racing, World Superbikes

Special Liveries for the Official WorldSBK and MotoGP Teams for the Misano Races

The return of Giallo Ducati: special liveries for the official WorldSBK and MotoGP teams for the Misano races.

Ducati pays tribute to its history in the world of racing by announcing that both the official WorldSBK (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team) and MotoGP (Ducati Lenovo Team) teams will compete in the Misano rounds of their respective World Championships with a special livery characterized by the return of Giallo Ducati colour.

The project was presented during a press conference held at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in which Centro Stile Ducati Director Andrea Ferraresi took part together with the Italian designer Aldo Drudi, the man who created the special livery . The unveiling for the fans took place shortly before the formation lap of Race-1 of the Italian WorldSBK round, when the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team opened the garage door and the official riders, World Champion Alvaro Bautista and teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi, entered the track astride their respective Panigale V4 R in Giallo Ducati with race suits coordinated with the shades of the bike.

Yellow is a colour that has an important tradition in the history of the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer. The first sport motorcycles in this colour date back to the first half of the ’70s (the 750 Sport and 750 SS Desmo of the Spaggiari team), but it was in the ’90s that Giallo Ducati, the colour that specifically inspired this livery, had the moment of greatest popularity with the adoption in the world of racing, which then extended to series production. The memorable models in Giallo Ducati certainly include the Ducati 748, whose racing version took Paolo Casoli to victory in the 1997 edition of the Supersport World Series, without forgetting superbikes such as the 916, 996, 749, 999 and other various models in the range.

“Ducati has an extraordinary history of which its passionate fans are extremely proud. The yellow colour is an important part of this and we have chosen to celebrate it through a contemporary livery full of energy. – declared Andrea Ferraresi, Ducati Centro Stile Director – Colour is an essential ingredient for brand recognition and a fundamental element for all Ducatisti. Ducati is Red, but Yellow also belongs to us and at the same time has an important tradition in Italian motorsport. Giallo Ducati reflects important aspects of our identity, such as energy, enthusiasm and audacity and is a really nice tribute to our sporting history in the year in which we race as World Champions in the two most important motorcycle championships”.

From a chromatic point of view, the livery of the Panigale V4 R of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team has been designed starting from the original graphic base. Giallo Ducati becomes the dominant colour of the bike and is crossed by black, grey and white blocks and lines, creating a combination that celebrates the sporting history of the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer, but at the same time gives Giallo Ducati a modern identity.

For more Ducati news check out our dedicated page Ducati UK News

or head to the official Ducati UK website ducati.com/gb/en/home

British Superbike, Industry News, Latest News, MotoCross, Pirelli, Racing, Tyres, World Superbikes, World Supersport, World Supersport 300

Pirelli’s 2023 motorcycle racing season is underway in the name of technological innovation

Pirelli is ready for the motorcycle challenges of its motorsport season which will kick off next week in Australia, with the first round of the FIM Superbike World Championship. For 2023, innovation and technology remain the cornerstones of the Bicocca company’s commitment to racing.

Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director:
“This year we will be busy in several disciplines. Development activities will focus on the Superbike World Championship where, for the first time ever, we will introduce a front solution in the soft SC0 compound in the premier class. At the same time, we will continue to work on the extra soft SCQ rear, which has officially become part of the DIABLO Superbike range and is therefore now on sale on the market. As for the other classes, in WorldSSP we will add to the 120/70 front size, used up to now, the new larger 125/70 front size that is already available in the Superbike class, while in WorldSSP300 we will introduce, starting from the Misano round, a new benchmark set that uses renewable materials in the tyres. The goal always remains the same: to improve our tyres year after year, to then pour this know-how into road products.”

NEWS AND TARGETS FOR 2023

Competition has been part of Pirelli’s DNA for over 115 years and today there are over 100 two-wheeled championships, at international and national level, in which the Milanese company participates every year. There are several new highlights for 2023, especially within the FIM Superbike World Championship:

  • Introduction of a front SC0 soft compound

After expanding the DIABLO Superbike range in past seasons with the introduction of rear solutions in softer compounds (SCX in 2020 and SCQ in 2022), Pirelli has decided to complete the development by working on a front soft SC0 compound that is capable to balance the very high level of grip offered by the soft solutions on the rear axle. This new front solution will be offered to riders starting from the first European races and this year it will be subject to constant development in order to make it a standard solution for 2024.

  • Inclusion into the DIABLO™ Superbike range of the SCQ rear

The SCQ rear solution was made available to Superbike class riders last season. This extra soft compound has been designed to offer the highest level of grip for short distance and therefore for use mainly in qualifying. In 2022, in some cases, it was also possible to use it to cover the 10 laps of the Superpole Race as well as in some local championships. Accepting requests from customers, riders and promoters of national championships, Pirelli has decided to include it in the DIABLO™ Superbike range that is regularly on sale. Therefore, from this year it will be available to all championships, professional riders and amateurs who want to use it. At the same time, in the Superbike World Championship, Pirelli will continue to develop this product so that it guarantees greater mileage and can cover the 10 laps of the Superpole Race on all circuits.

  • New 125/70 front for WorldSSP

In the Supersport class, Pirelli will introduce the new larger size 125/70, already supplied to Superbike riders, in addition to the current 120/70 size. This will also offer WorldSSP riders a better front-to-rear axle balance.

  • New benchmark set for WorldSSP300

Starting from the fifth round, the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna round at Misano, the riders of the Supersport 300 World Championship will use a new set of DIABLO Superbike tyres, in the front SC1 and rear SC2 compounds, which uses a percentage of renewable materials to replace those of fossil origin. However, since the first round, compared to past seasons, the riders will no longer use the SC1 rear compound but the SC2.


WORLDSBK: PLATFORM OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION SINCE 20 YEARS

Pirelli’s technical partnership with the FIM Superbike World Championship represented the first example of a single tyre supply in the history of top motorsport competitions and, twenty years later, proved to have been a winning choice, as followed by other two and four wheel championships. Pirelli’s strong commitment in this championship is not only justified by the important results in terms of media visibility and brand awareness growth but above all from a technological point of view. For Pirelli two-wheel competitions represent an open-air laboratory for developing and testing, with some of the best riders, their tyres, the same ones that are then put on the market and made available to all motorcyclists around the world. Since 2004, when the Pirelli single tyre supply began in the top production bike derived championship, the Milanese company’s approach has been to remain faithful to the philosophy of the Superbike World Championship by deciding not to supply prototype solutions but normal standard tyres. And, while always remaining faithful to this philosophy over the years, Pirelli has continued to make technological innovation its workhorse by dictating, from time to time, the new parameters of the racing tyres used all over the world: first, in 2013, with the historic transition from 16.5-inch to the new 17-inch tyres, and then, starting from 2018, with the adoption of new larger sizes.

PIRELLI IN MORE THAN 100 COMPETITIONS

Faithful to the strong sporting spirit that has always characterised it as a company, this year Pirelli will participate, in some cases as sole supplier and in others in an open competition between tyre manufacturers, in over 100 of the most important international and national motorcycling competitions, both on track and off road. Among those on asphalt, in addition to the FIM Superbike World Championship, also the FIM Endurance World Championship and, at national level, the British Superbike, Italian Speed Championship (CIV), German IDM Championship and French Superbike Championship, to name just a few. The commitment in off-road competitions has also been confirmed, primarily in the FIM Motocross World Championship in which the Italian tyre company boasts a palmarès of 79 world titles and of which it will be an official tyre supplier until 2025. Then there is the FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) and AMA Supercross, as well as numerous national motocross competitions. Pirelli participates in all these championships using standard tyres, DIABLO Superbike and DIABLO Supercorsa for track and SCORPION MX in off-road competitions, all regularly on sale on the market and available to all motorcyclists

For more Pirelli Tyre news check out our dedicated page Pirelli Tyres

or head to the official Pirelli Tyres UK website visit https://www.pirelli.com/tyres/en-gb/motorcycle/homepage

Endurance World Championship, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, MotoGP, Racing, World Superbikes, Yamaha

Yamaha Racing Heritage Club Announces 2022 Schedule

As the Yamaha Racing Heritage Club (YRHC) gears up for its inaugural year, Yamaha Motor Europe outlined their plans for the project in 2022 at the Lyon Motor Show, France. Explaining the exclusive benefits that members will receive and the type of race bikes that will be eligible, Yamaha also announced four official YRHC events that will take place at the Autodromo di Varano (6th-8th May), Circuit Paul Ricard (10-12th June), Sachsenring (15th-17th July) and Donington Park (30th-31st July).

Launched at EICMA in 2021, the YRHC’s aims are simple: to allow members to ride at some of the most iconic tracks in Europe, give exclusive access to advanced technical support, and provide the opportunity to register their machines on the official YRHC database. The focus for the YRHC in 2022 is to celebrate Yamaha’s success in road racing before expanding in 2023 to include events dedicated to showcasing Yamaha’s triumphs in the world of motocross and rally.

Each YRHC event in 2022 will present an opportunity for members to meet and showcase their bikes, plus provide a chance for fans to see some of the iconic machines and riders that helped shape Yamaha’s racing legacy. The first official event will take place at the ASI Moto Show at the Autodromo di Varano in Italy on the 6th-8th of May, followed by the Sunday Ride Classic at Circuit Paul Ricard in France on the 10th-12th of June. The third event is the Sachsenring Classic at the Sachsenring on the 15th-17th of July, and the final event of 2022 is the Classic Motorcycle Festival at Donington Park on the 30th-31st of July.

The Varano event will celebrate all things two-stroke, with several historic bikes from across the GP classes already confirmed. These include Kenny Roberts’ 1981 YZR500 OW53, along with Eddie Lawson’s 500cc World Championship winning YZR500 OW81 from 1986, plus his 1987 race-winning YZR500 OW86. There will also be a YZR500 ROC from the independent chassis era in Grand Prix racing during the 1990s, plus the YZR500s ridden by Norifumi Abe and Gary McCoy in 2002. On top of this, Phil Read’s 250cc TD2 and 350cc TR2 from 1969, Carlos Lavado’s two championship-winning TZ250s from 1983 and 1986, and Luca Cadalora’s iconic YZR250 from 1990 will also be at the event.
When it comes to riders, Yamaha racing legends such as 15x World Champion Giacomo Agostini, 3x World Champion Luca Cadalora, 2x 250cc World Champion Carlos Lavado, 3x 125cc World Champion Pier Paolo Bianchi, and former 250cc World Champion Christian Sarron are already confirmed to attend the first event at Varano. On top of this, local GP heroes Loris Reggiani and Gianfranco Bonera will also be present, along with a selection of current Yamaha riders and managers from official MotoGP, WorldSBK, and EWC teams.

Since the launch of the YRHC in 2021, it has already received over 100 applications for membership and requests for over 400 bikes to be registered on the official database. To be eligible to become a member, you need to own a Yamaha race bike that falls into one of the below categories:

Grand Prix
– Any official GP factory or production two-stroke race bike from 1955 to 2003. These can include bikes built with an independent chassis, specials, and official replicas.

WorldSBK, WorldSSP, & EWC
– Any official four-stroke race bike from these classes between 1987 and 2009.

MX
– Any official two-stroke MX race bike up until 1999.

Dakar
– Any official Dakar rally bike up until 2007.

For more information, the complete list of the eligibility terms and conditions, and to find out how to sign up to become an official member of the YRHC, please email yrhc@yamaha-racing.com.

For more Yamaha Motorcycles UK news check out our dedicated page Yamaha Motorcycles UK

or head to the official Yamaha Motorcycles UK website yamaha-motor.eu/gb/en/

Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Racing, World Superbikes, Yamaha

Limited Edition Toprak Razgatlıoğlu Yamaha R1

Limited Edition Toprak Razgatlıoğlu Yamaha R1 World Championship Replica Revealed.

Yamaha Motor Europe and Crescent Yamaha, home of the Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK team, are proud to announce the Limited Edition Toprak Razgatlıoğlu Yamaha R1 World Championship Replica, celebrating the Turkish star’s 2021 FIM Superbike World Championship title and his spectacular on-track exploits.

Unveiled online, this exclusive track-only machine is strictly limited to 21 pieces globally, reflecting the historic 2021 season – a celebration of the Turkish rider’s first World Title, along with Yamaha’s first WorldSBK Manufacturers’ Championship since 2009 and Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK’s Championship Teams’ victory, culminating in the ‘Triple Crown’.

Each of these exclusive Yamaha R1 machines will be built in the Crescent Racing PRO SHOP, using the experience and skills amassed during the last six years running the Official Yamaha WorldSBK project.

This makes for the ultimate “track-ready” WorldSBK replica R1, producing 205 bhp at the rear wheel (an increase of 20 bhp over the standard R1) with linear torque delivery via the WorldSBK-spec Akrapovic exhaust and latest GYTR race ECU, weighing under 175kg (with all fluids – a huge 26kg reduction from the standard bike). The R1’s class-leading handling is taken to another level via this significant weight reduction and addition of the legendary Ohlins suspension components, factory-spec upper fork clamp and forged Marchesini wheels.

And while nobody can out-brake Razgatlıoğlu, the Brembo Racing system on this exclusive R1 guarantees full power, fade-free retardation at any circuit. To fight for the WorldSBK Championship, it’s the details that matter – and the Toprak WorldSBK replica shines bright with the deepest quality paintwork, highest quality components throughout, titanium fasteners, and an attention to detail in the track-ready build which leaves no doubt that this R1 has be developed and delivered directly from the Crescent Yamaha squad.

Discover the full details of the Toprak Razgatlıoğlu Yamaha R1 World Championship Replica, and to order your own click here.

All Toprak Replica Limited Edition R1s will also include the following significant assets:

– Unique limited edition badging and technician-signed build identification
– Framed limited edition certificate, signed personally by Razgatlıoğlu and Team Principal Paul Denning, certifying the edition number alongside VIN number and the purchaser’s details
– VIP hospitality passes for two people to a 2022 WorldSBK event of choice as a VIP guest of the team, with pit-box visit and the opportunity to spend time with Razgatlıoğlu
– Personalised machine set up and one-on-one rider coaching day with Crescent Yamaha’s James Hillier OR Niall Mackenzie (UK circuit only; overseas set up and training by arrangement)
– A personal signed piece of riding equipment, genuinely used by Razgatlıoğlu during the 2021 WorldSBK Championship campaign.

For more Yamaha Motorcycles UK news check out our dedicated page Yamaha Motorcycles UK

or head to the official Yamaha Motorcycles UK website yamaha-motor.eu/gb/en/

Ducati, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Racing, World Superbikes

A special motorcycle as a tribute to Troy Bayliss

A special motorcycle as a tribute to Troy Bayliss: the Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary.

21 has been a magic number for Ducati ever since Troy Bayliss sculpted it with his victories in motorcycling history. Precisely in 2021, twenty years after winning the 2001 Superbike World Championship, Ducati is paying homage to the legendary career of the Australian rider by dedicating to him a special motorcycle, produced in a numbered series, which celebrates the first of the three World SBK titles won by Bayliss: the Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary.

The bond between Bayliss and Ducati Corse in the Superbike World Championship is one of the most fascinating stories in the motorsport universe. The results of this beautiful adventure are 52 victories, 94 podiums and three world titles (2001, 2006 and 2008) won with three different bikes: the twin-cylinder 996 R, the 999 R and the 1098 R. Troy Bayliss is the only motorcycle racer in history capable of winning in MotoGP and World Superbike in the same season (2006) and his achievements in the race have indelibly imprinted the Australian’s name in the hearts of all Ducatisti. Now the winning chemistry between Ducati and “Baylisstic” is rekindled with the creation of this celebratory motorcycle, the name of which was chosen directly by the rider, who also actively contributed to the creation of the graphic concept.

Made starting from the base of the Panigale V2, the “Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary” version is characterized by its special livery , whose graphics are inspired by that of the 996 R which in the 2001 season powered Bayliss to the conquest of his first world title, revisiting its colours and cuts. Ducati red is the main colour of the bike, and it joins green and white in a tribute to the Italian spirit of the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer, while the iconic #21, Troy Bayliss’ race number, and the Shell logo, which visually strengthen the link with the racing bike, stand out on the sides and front. Troy’s autograph is reproduced on the fuel tank, while the billet aluminium triple clamp shows the name of the bike and the progressive numbering of this unique model.

To make the motorcycle even more effective in track riding, Ducati has chosen to equip the Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary with Öhlins components . The NX30 front fork and TTX36 rear shock absorber guarantee maximum smoothness and are designed to achieve the best performance on the circuit, with a set-up that makes the bike more precise and offers the rider greater feeling and greater support in all riding phases. The steering damper, thanks to the adjustments it is equipped with, allows you to customize its calibration by adapting it to riding style and the characteristics of the track.

Compared to the standard version, the Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary is also 3 kg lighter, thanks to the adoption of a lithium-ion battery and the choice of the single-seater configuration that explicitly recalls the look of the racing bike (passenger seat and footrests are available in the equipment supplied).

The equipment is completed by the sport grips, the silencer outlet cover in carbon fibre and titanium and the rider seat made by combining two different technical materials with double red stitching. Troy’s number 21 is embroidered in white on the saddle and, together with the green and red bands, makes up the Italian flag. The motorcycle is also equipped with self-cleaning brake and clutch pumps with smoke grey oil tanks.

The Panigale V2 is the super-mid of Ducati sports bikes and represents the entry model to the Panigale family. It is powered by the 955 cc Superquadro twin-cylinder unit (Euro 5 compliant), with a maximum power of 155 hp at 10,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm. The chassis is based on the monocoque frame, while the elegant and sporty design is inspired by that of the Panigale V4.

The electronic package, dedicated to active safety and vehicle dynamics control, includes the “cornering” function applied to Bosch ABS, the electronic quick shift that also works when downshifting and traction, engine brake and wheelie controls (Ducati Quick Shift, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control). All the controls are integrated into the three Riding Modes (Race, Sport and Street) that can be modified using the 4.3″ colour TFT dashboard with graphics and interface designed to make menu navigation and settings adjustment intuitive, as well as immediate identification of the selected Riding Mode.

The bike was officially presented by Ducati in a special episode of the Ducati World Première (here the link to see it ) made at the Ducati Museum, on the track and at Troy’s home in Australia. Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse Team Manager Davide Tardozzi, who was alongside Bayliss throughout his career in Ducati, Director of the Centro Stile Ducati Andrea Ferraresi and Ducati Head of Product Communications Giulio Fabbri all contributed to the presentation of the characteristics of the bike and the storytelling of the incredible relationship between Ducati and Bayliss. Troy himself took part in this video, sharing with Ducatisti his most indelible memories and emotions experienced on the bike.

The World Superbike universe will also pay tribute to Bayliss’s career during Round 5 of the season, scheduled for the weekend at the Assen track. On Friday 23 July at 13.00, the Australian champion will be the protagonist of a virtual press conference at the Paddock Show together with Ducati Corse Sporting Director Paolo Ciabatti, in which the most important stages of the victory of Troy’s first title, won on the Dutch circuit, will be remembered. On Sunday 25 July at 12.05, after the SuperPole Race, the Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary will complete a lap of honour on the track, ridden by Aruba.it Racing – Ducati factory rider Michael Ruben Rinaldi, who competes in WorldSBK with the same number as Bayliss.

The twentieth anniversary of Troy Bayliss winning his first title with Ducati is being celebrated in Borgo Panigale with a temporary exhibition in the Ducati Museum entitled “Troy Story: The Legend of a Champion” which exhibits the bikes with which Troy was able to write some memorable chapters in the history of motorcycle racing. The exhibition can be visited until 19 September 2021 (here more information on visits to the Ducati Museum).

The Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary will be available in UK dealers starting from October 2021 at a dealer price of £17,995

#PanigaleV2 #TributeToOurHero #BornToCelebrate

For more Ducati news check out our dedicated page Ducati UK News

or head to the official Ducati UK website ducati.com/gb/en/home

Ducati, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Racing, World Superbikes

A Temporary Exhibition at the Ducati Museum for Troy Bayliss

A temporary exhibition at the Ducati Museum for 20 years since Troy Bayliss’s first world title.

The Ducati Museum has finally reopened to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. One week after the resumption of the visits for the public, Ducati also inaugurates a temporary exhibition “Troy Story: The Legend of a Champion” dedicated to Troy Bayliss, three-time World Superbike champion with Ducati.

It is precisely to celebrate the 20th anniversary of that first world title in the 2001 Superbike championship, that Ducati has set up a temporary exhibition in the Ducati Museum with new and exclusive content for its fans near and far.

The date of 21 May, chosen for the reopening of the Ducati Museum, is not accidental. As Ducatisti and all motorcycle racing fans will certainly remember, on 21 May 2000 a still virtually unknown Troy Bayliss accomplished a feat that turned him overnight into a motorcycling legend in the hearts and memories of all Ducati and Superbike fans: his amazing quadruple overtaking move at the Monza circuit.

That day Troy was taking part in the race as a replacement rider for Carl Fogarty who had been injured at Philip Island and, after this epic feat, Ducati decided to let him finish the championship on the factory 996R. That year he finished sixth (243 points, 2 wins and 7 podiums), but he earned his place as factory rider in the Ducati Infostrada team. He won his first WSBK title in 2001, stepping onto the podium 15 times.

All those who can visit the Museum will have the opportunity to admire  the bikes with which the Australian champion has written some of the most amazing chapters in the annals of motorcycle racing:

  • 996 Factory 2000 – his Ducati World SBK debut and used at Monza in the famous quadruple overtake.
  • 996 Factory 2001 Testastretta – his first world title with the livery used at Imola in 2001.
  • 998 Factory Testastretta 2002 – protagonist of the breath-taking duel with Edwards at Imola.
  • 999 Factory 2006 “Superman” – Ducati’s 250th victory in SBK, and Troy’s second title.
  • 999 Factory 2007 – used in the photo-finish against James Toseland at Assen.
  • 1098 R Factory 2008 – his last title won at Magny-Cours.

For all those who cannot yet come to the Ducati Museum, an in-depth study dedicated to Troy Bayliss’s career is planned during the “Ducati Museum Online Journey“, the online tours of the Ducati Museum that allow you to retrace the history of the company via a PC, tablet or Smart TV.

The temporary exhibition “Troy Story: The Legend of a Champion” will remain at the Ducati Museum until 19 September 2021, with the sole exception of the days between 1-4 July, when the bikes will be exhibited in Modena at the 2021 edition of Motor Valley Fest.

The opening of the temporary show in honour of Troy Bayliss is also a way to wish to the Australian champion a speedy recovery and send him a big virtual hug after the bicycle accident occurred last May 14.

For more Ducati news check out our dedicated page Ducati UK News

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Acerbis, Acerbis, Aftermarket, Apparel, Armour and Protection, Industry News, Latest News, Racing, World Superbikes

Acerbis to continue as a WorldSBK Official Sponsor for four more years

The Italian company extends its partnership with the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship until 2024

Acerbis and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) have signed a new agreement to carry on their collaboration up to and including the 2024 season. Since 2013, Acerbis has been an Official Sponsor of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. The Italian brand has become an important partner of the Championship and since 2014, Acerbis provides DWO staff’s uniforms as well as holding the license to produce technical accessories with the SBK® brand for the Championship enthusiasts since 2016.

Since 1973, Acerbis has had a major presence within the motorsport industry. With strong values including passion and innovation, the Italian company develops products specifically aimed at the world of road racing. Its commitment to athletes and its pursuit of innovation perfectly suits the spirit of the fastest production-based motorcycle Championship in the world.

This new agreement will see Acerbis feature on trackside banners during the next four seasons, as the Italian brand will benefit from the worldwide exposure of the Championship.

Guido Acerbis, CEO Acerbis Italia:
“The start of the WorldSBK Championship, of which our company is Official Sponsor, is always an exciting moment for all fans worldwide. The sharing of values with Dorna WSBK Organization is part of an international growth path in the two-wheel sector that continues to provide us with stimuli and inputs of fundamental importance. In the light of this ACERBIS Italia is currently developing a new project with them, providing top quality uniforms for all the WorldSBK staff. Since 2014 the partnership with Dorna WSBK Organization has been therefore marked by the enhancement of excellence at all levels: we would like to thank them once again, along with a warm wish for an increasingly exciting and engaging WorldSBK”.

Francesco Valentino, WorldSBK Commercial & Marketing Senior Manager:
“We are thrilled to continue the historical partnership between Acerbis and DWO for the next four seasons! They are a key partner of the Championship and a valuable Technical Partner providing top quality uniforms for all the WorldSBK staff. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work once again with Acerbis and we look forward to continuing our long-term collaboration.”

For more info checkout our dedicated World Superbike News page World Superbike News
Or visit the official World Superbike website WorldSBK.com

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Latest News, Racing, World Superbikes

Troy Bayliss confirms injuries after bicycle crash

Three-time World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss has confirmed that a bicycle crash last Friday, 14th May, has left him with a fractured C4 vertebra and corresponding spinal damage that will see the active 52-year-old Ducati legend on the sidelines for several months.

With Troy having no exact recollection of the incident, it appears that another bicycle was exiting between two parked cars and he has collided head first into it. Most of the impact was transferred through his head to his neck, and he lost consciousness. He was immediately treated and taken to hospital.

While the injuries are serious, Troy’s condition is stable. He returned to his Gold Coast home yesterday to begin his recovery.

Troy Bayliss:
“I’m OK and I’m home, but the crash means I won’t be riding a motorcycle until I regain full movement in my arms and hands. I really just wanted to let everyone know what’s happened, that I’m OK and that I’ll be back in leathers as soon as I can. It’s been an intense weekend for me and my family, but luckily I’m OK and I will recover. My doctors have been really positive, but there’s no firm indication of how long it will be until I can regain enough control to get back on a bike – maybe a few months, maybe longer; it just depends on how the recovery goes once the bones heal up.”

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Industry News, Kawasaki, Latest News, Manufacturers, Racing, World Superbikes

Kawasaki has just unveiled three items from its upcoming 2021 KRT clothing range

With the prospect of the WorldSBK racing season starting soon, Kawasaki has just unveiled three fast moving items from its upcoming 2021 KRT clothing range.

Seen for the first time at the official launch of the Kawasaki Racing Team for the 2021 season, riders Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes gave the new clothing items their public debut. Styled in Italy, the new KRT T-Shirt and Sweatshirt display the traditional Kawasaki racing green and black colourway with the addition of red for 2021 reflecting the livery of the new 2021 Ninja factory race machine.

Joined as part of the first release of items in the new KRT apparel range by a cap, all items feature the Monster Energy emblem as well as other sponsor logos as high quality 3D badges and not printed items, further adding to the quality look and feel of the garments.

Officially endorsed by the Kawasaki factory in Japan and the Kawasaki Racing Team, the sweatshirt, t-shirt and cap are now available in Kawasaki dealerships and via official on-line stores selling alongside existing KRT apparel items.

Commenting on the new items, KRT Team Manager, Guim Roda said “We regard every season as a fresh start and a new focus. For 2021 we have a new bike, a new colour scheme and now, new clothing. If you want to wear exactly the same style of shirt or cap as Jonathan or Alex, then visit your Kawasaki dealer and join KRT for another exciting racing season.”

Industry News, Latest News, Lubricants, Motul, Racing, World Superbikes

Motul and HRC Aim For the Top in WorldSBK Partnership

One of Motul’s longest-standing and most valued OEM partners is Honda, and the two companies have developed and enjoyed over many decades a dedicated technical collaboration and proud support of Honda’s HRC factory racing teams in many different motorsport arenas. At the start of 2020 Honda returned to the MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) as a full factory squad.

Now, for the 2021 season, Team HRC and its two riders, Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam, will benefit further from Motul’s support as Official Lubricant Partner. Having made great steps forward with every race in 2020, there is only one aim for this season: the top!
A partnership with strength in depth

The trust and deeply cooperative working relationship that has developed over the years has seen Motul contribute to the performance, reliability and efficiency of HRC’s competition models over all terrains including circuits, off-road and desert. The strength of this partnership has resulted in multiple victories in many different championships, most notably three wins for HRC at the Dakar Rally – the first being in 1989 and the most recent being this year, 2021. It has also led to several championship titles with Team HRC in MXGP including 2019 and 2020 in the hands of their super­ dominant star rider Tim Gajser.
Smoothing the way with Motul

Together with Motul, Team HRC has been continuing development of the CBR1000RR-RR FIREBLADE, with continual feedback to engineers in Japan. Among Motul’s international R & D centers is one in Japan whose engineers collaborate with HRC’s engine development department on a range of different projects including the development of high-tech synthetic lubricants. Principal among these is the tailor-made Motul 300V Factory Line Racing Kit Oil 2376H 0W-30 fully synthetic engine oil which will be used alongside the Motocool Factory Line and MC CARE range of products.

The viscosity grade 0W-30, 100% synthetic lubricant yields a low traction coefficient thanks to the EsterCore technology, generating a friction reduction and therefore providing a significant gain in engine power.

Nicolas Zaugg, Motul Chief Value Officer: “We are delighted to be extending our great working relationship with Honda and HRC to WorldSBK. The collaborative vision and technological partnership we have developed together is the perfect example of Motul’s living laboratory philosophy …developing and testing experimental products in a racing application before offering them for sale to a wider customer base. It’s a win-win deal as far as we are concerned.”

Tetsuhiro Kuwata, HRC Director – General Manager Race Operations Management Division: “We are pleased to announce Motul as Official Sponsor of our factory Team HRC in the highly competitive 2021 FIM Motul Superbike World Championship, thereby extending the relationship between our brands and further strengthening what is a very important project for us, with our CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP. Honda and Motul each boast a long and successful history in high­ level motorsport competition around the world, both brands being driven by the constant pursuit of victory and by the strong belief that the racing arena is the ideal setting in which to grow our human capital and develop our know-how and technology. In doing so, we offer our customers the best possible products, while bringing joy and excitement to our fans around the world. We are living in a time of great challenges, but we are ready to fight to achieve our mutual goals, which we will pursue with determination, positivity, and confidence in the future.”

For more Motul UK news check out our dedicated page Motul UK news

or head to the official Motul UK website bikeoil.co.uk/

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World Superbikes

Jonathan Rea takes record breaking third consecutive WorldSBK title

When someone asks you when Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) made history by winning three back to back WorldSBK titles, you will remember 30th September 2017, as the Northern Irishman has been crowned MOTUL FIM Superbike World Champion this weekend in France. A match made in heaven with his Ninja ZX-10RR, Rea took the crown in race one with a stunning display of pure race craft. The 31 year old has made this seasons dominance seem effortless, and as he lifts the third consecutive title in a row he has cemented his name in the history books along the way.

Beginning his racing career in motocross, Rea moved over to the tarmac as he began to compete in the British domestic series. Making the step up onto the world stage in 2008 in WorldSSP, he quickly found his feet and moved into the World Superbike class with Honda – taking 15 victories overall. Swapping to a green machine in 2015, Rea quickly adapted to his Kawasaki Racing Team Ninja, and he secured his debut world title that same season.

It was from here the Northern Irish born rider became unstoppable as he took the 2016 title in style at the final round in Qatar, finishing a narrow 51 points ahead of team-mate Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team). Becoming the first champion of this millennium to secure back to back titles, he then went into 2017 looking to make history.

A strong winter of pre-season testing stood the 31 year old in good sted ahead of his title defence, and he began the season in true Rea style with pole position and a double victory around the Australian circuit of Phillip Island. Round Two in Buriram saw the dominance continue with another double victory and pole position, heading to Europe with a 30 point lead in the championship standings.

With already such a strong lead in the standings, the rider from Ballymena didn’t show any signs of slowing down. Rea was able to stop British rival Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) around MotorLand Aragon to take the victory in race one, before continuing his stunning run of victories at the TT Circuit Assen for Round Four, making it 11 wins in The Netherlands.

Rea faced some tough competition in the mid-part of the season, with Davies dominant in front of the Ducatisti around Imola and Sykes heading to his preferred circuit of Donington Park, but the champion continued with his consistency throughout the Rounds, only finishing off the podium once in Race One around Donington Park following a tyre issue.

Heading into the summer break with a 59 point lead following victories at Misano and Laguna Seca, talk of Rea securing the title this season had already began, of which he brushed off. Returning on track in August to the Lausitzring circuit, Rea again struggled to hold off Davies’ domination, but two podium finishes didn’t leave the reigning champion worried. Producing a masterclass of a double victory in Portugal seemed to seal the deal for Rea, whilst his team-mate and main title rival Sykes was forced to watch from the sidelines. Heading to Magny-Cours, Rea welcomed a fast pace from Friday and was able to secure pole position as the rain fell on Saturday morning. The title fight was never in doubt, as the Northern Irishman put in a stunning performance to dominate the 21 lap race in wet conditions, to take the title and his 12th victory of the season.

After securing this historic title, Rea is quickly becoming known as one of WorldSBK’s greats, with compatriot Cal Fogarty’s records in his sights. Ever the fan favourite and a dedicated family man, the three time champion is making his mark on the series in a big way and the question will continue to be asked; how many more can he win?

Congratulate the first ever triple back-to-back world champion using #R3PEAT or #JR3PEAT on social media.

Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team):
“To be honest I can’t sum up my emotions, I feel quite numb. I just feel super proud of my team and Kawasaki. It has been such a team effort, even though I’m the guy who rode it over the line, there have been so many people involved to make it possible.

Every season is different and special in it’s own individual way. 2015 was a seamless year, I joined a high level team with a well developed bike. I jumped on a bike that was ready to win and we won. 2016 was more special because we had a completely new ZX.10R, and I’m really proud of my team for the constant development. We had a lot of success last season and although we didn’t score as many points, we were able to understand the bike and it was a lot more difficult, so it was a lot harder.

This season we showed the strength of team, the manufacturer the strength of Pere, and we went through some hard winter tests and we worked through the problems, and were able to go out an win at Phillip Island. I have to say thank you to Mr Matusda and everyone back in Japan as they work so hard to allow me to live my dream. I cross the line but there are too many names on the list who are involved to say thank you.

Straight away I am thinking about tomorrow and the end of the season. 2018 as a whole looks uncertain and we need to understand how the bike will work with some new regulations. Winter testing will be so important, and when we turn our attentions to 2018, I am 100% confident in my team and Kawasaki that we will always give our 100%.”

#FrenchWorldSBK at Magny-Cours: Race 1
1. Jonathan Rea Kawasaki
2. Marco Melandri Ducati +16.316
3. Tom Sykes Kawasaki +16.666

Championship Standings after Race 1, Round 11
1. Jonathan Rea (GBR) Kawasaki (456 points)
2. Tom Sykes (GBR) Kawasaki (327 points)
3. Chaz Davies (GBR) Ducati (302 points)

Jonathan Rea WorldSBK Career Statistics
Titles: 3
Race Starts: 213
Wins: 50
Podiums: 108
Poles: 13
Fastest laps: 11

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