Calendar of the World Superbike Championship
Home of the Official SBK Fast Dates Calendar Kittens November 2012 Page 1
EICMA 2012 International Motorcycle Show
New Ducati 1199R and Hypermotard 821
Ducati Makes Alstare their Official Factory Team
In World Superbike
American Suzuki files for Bankruptcy New MV Agusta Brutale 800 The new Ducati Corse World Superbike Book
NEW! Just released in time for Christmas... SBK Generations for Playstation
The official game of the FIM Superbike World Championship is back and is now the most complete motorcycling simulation ever created! Play through the last four seasons of the SBK world championships, including the brand new 2012 season to become world champion or test your skills in the brand new SBK Experience mode. With SBK Generations, Milestone has developed a masterpiece: the definitive motorcycle game, crammed with over 220+ riders, 60 bike models, 140+ teams, 17 circuits and up to 16 player online multi-player! Game Modes Official Mode: live the glamour of the official Superbike championship! Race as one of the SBK, Supersport and Superstock 1000 riders on the most famous tracks in the world, and rewrite the history of the seasons from 2009 to 2012. Career Mode: take your rider through the championships from 2009 to 2012, starting in the lower classes and riding your way up to the top, where the title of World Champion awaits!
SBK Experience: a unique and innovative experience that will take you into the world of motorcycling through exciting objective-specific challenges and one-manufacturer races against the best riders in the world, Legends included! Online: experience all the thrills of a real Superbike race, challenging up to 15 players online.
Exclusive Autographed Collector's Package! The all new Ducati Corse World Superbikes 224-pg book and the 2013 Fast Date World Superbike Calendar - World Release July 1st 2012
Personally autographed to you (or the name you request on the PayPal.com Order Form) by Jim Gianatsis and shipped direct to you.
For more information or to order the Book or the Calendar individually, unsigned, go to the Sportbike Books and Fast Dates Calendar order pages. $100 Collector's Package, plus $20 USPS Priority Mail Shipping & Handing in the USA.
Milan, Italy November 13-18th, 2012 - MVAgusta's reply to the Ducati's Streetfighter / Hypermotard premiering at EICMA this year is their new Rivale 800cc (above) which uses the F3 Supersport's 675cc 3-cylinder motor that has been bored and stroked to the maximum.
The Rivale was voted 'Most Beautiful Bike' at this year's EICMA Show.
Fast Dates Exclusive! EICMA 2012 International Motorcycle Show coverage, Milan, Italy! - CLICK HERE
New Honda CBR500
Honda's only sportbike newcomer to their 2013 model lineup is the new CBR500 twin, which is styled like a hardcore sportbike, but with more afforedable commuter streetbike components. Based around a modest liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 180° crank, 54 rwhp, parallel-twin motor for the US market (tiered-license countries will see a 47hp machine), the Honda CBR500R is a sporty-styled no thrills sort of motorcycle. A step from up from the Honda CBR250R, it makes sense then that the CBR500R has twice the cylinders, and thus twice the displacement — but it doesn’t come with twice the price tag. This is a good entry / middle class motorcyle that the sport has been needing, particularly in these difficult economic times for the Japanaese manufacturers.
The new2013 Honda CBR500R at $5,999 for the American market, commands less than a $2,000 premium over the $4,199 CBR250R. That price will go up to $6,499 though if you want the optional ABS package (and we know you do). Click after the jump for full tech specs.
Of note is the fact the the Honda CBR500R has the same cylinder bore size as the Honda CBR600RR (67mm), though features a much longer stroke (66.8mm), making for a very square cylinder architecture. This should mean that while the CBR500R won’t be blowing doors off with its peak power figures, the 428 lbs (curb with a full tank of fuel) bike should have some good drive out of the corners.
Featuring the trademark Pro-Link rear suspension in the rear, serious sportbikeriders will be disappointed with the 2013 Honda CBR500R’s preload-only rear shock, and sealed 41mm forks A sole 320mm wave-style brake disc is up front, and is mated to a twin-piston Nissin caliper.
With a seat height of 30.9 inches, the Honda CBR500R should fit most sizes, and you can get it in Red, Black, or the HRC White/Blue/Red scheme — the ABS model is Honda Red only. Expect it in American Honda dealerships in April of 2013.
New Honda CBR500 Europen Junior Championship at 2013 European SBK Rounds
The road to the 2013 European Junior Cup, powered by Honda season takes another step forward as the new CBR500R EJC-spec race machine was unveiled last night - in front of a huge crowd - during the Honda launch of its new 2013 models in Milan. The one make entry-level series for riders between the age of 14 and 19 years old has already proved during the years to be one of the best testing grounds and showcase for the potential champions of tomorrow. Its new partnership with the top-level Japanese manufacturer - a brand well known for bringing the best riders to the world stage of motorcycle racing - opens a new range of possibilities for any young rider who wants to make it to the top. No surprise then that the new CBR 500R EJC-spec was presented by Jonathan Rea, multiple World Superbike race-winner and 2012 Suzuka 8 hour champion.
Thanks to the combined support of Honda, Pirelli and SBK the 2013 EJC Champion will receive the fantastic prize of a fully supported place in the 2014 European Superstock 600 Championship, racing the brand new Honda CBR 600RR.
"We are very happy for the partnership with the European Junior Cup and The series organisers Racedays Promotions" said Carlo Fiorani, Honda Motor Europe Racing Operations Manager" and to provide them the new CBR 500R, that in my opinion is the perfect bike for an entry-level championship. The goal of Honda is to develop and grow young talent and to find the next Jonathan Rea or Dani Pedrosa.
This is a very affordable championship for young riders as, with a budget of less than 20 thousand Euros you get everything - including bike transportation from one circuit to the next, and support at the track - and at the end of the year the rider will own the bike. The ultimate reward for the 2013 champion will be a free of charge ride in the European Superstock 600 Championship in the following season. The European Junior Cup is the perfect stage for young riders to grow and develop their skills and racing knowledge and not just Honda, but the whole motorsport community will benefit from it".
Simon Rayner, European Junior Cup powered by Honda Series Director, added: "We are very excited to work with the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer. It's a great honour for us to be chosen as a partner for this championship. We are also finalizing our plans to line up a three riders team - that will race on the new CBR 600RR - for the upcoming European Superstock 600 Championship season, in which we hope to include this year's EJC champion. We've seen the bikes tonight at the launch, and the CBR 500R is without the shadow of a doubt the best bike for the European Junior Cup."
Ducati Unleashes the 1199R Panigale Superbike Nov 15th 2012 - The 2013 Ducati Superbike family line-up is now completed with the highly-anticipated arrival of the 1199 Panigale R, the absolute flagship of the range and the machine specially developed with enhanced technical specification by Ducati Corse for World Superbike homologation. The exciting “R” model stands alongside the 1199 Panigale and 1199 Panigale S in the new-for-2013 arctic white colour scheme and
signature Ducati red, in addition to the exclusive 1199 Panigale S Tricolore.
All 2013 year 1199 models are updated with latest generation engine management mapping and Ride-by-Wire calibration, stated to increase low and mid-rage power significantly over the 2012 Superquadro engine, further enhancing the Ducati Superbike riding experience. This ECU software upgrade is also available now to all 2012 model 1199 Panigale owners free of charge through their Ducati dealers, both for standard exhaust system bikes and those upgraded with the DP Termigoni Silencer Kite, and the Complete Race System as now come standard on the 1199R.
1199 Panigale R Features:
• As “S” version with: Ducati red with white racing features colour scheme
• Lightweight titanium con-rods
• Lightweight flywheel
• DLC-coated rocker-arms
• Increased rev-limit (12,000rpm)
• 4-point adjustable swingarm pivot
• Carbon fibre: Single-Sided Swingarm Protector, Clutch Cover Protector, Rear Wheel Hugger, Rear Suspension Guard,, Footrest Heel Guards
Ignition switch surround, Top fairing inner panels
Including
the Race Kit:
Full Termignoni Exhaust System, Up-Map Key with dedicated ECU Mapping, High-Penetration Racing Screen, Fairing Mirror-Caps
Ducati World Superbike Champion Carlos Checa helped introduce the new 1199R at EICMA.
The pursuit of perfection
The “R” version of Ducati’s Superbikes has always been the dream model, the machine taken by Ducati Corse and enhanced with high performance preparation for homologation into the highly competitive environment of World Superbike. The 1199 Panigale R model introduces the very latest version of engine and R-b-W mapping to all the 1199 models, improving performance and refining the overall Superbike riding experience. The “R” takes everything that the “S” model is currently equipped with and applies a list of enhancements to the technical specification that enable the model to achieve even greater targets. Titanium con-rods, which save an overall 0.63kg (1.38lb), a 0.7kg (1.54lb) lighter crankshaft flywheel, DLC-coated rocker-arms and revised engine mapping now enhance the Superquadro engine’s crank acceleration and allow it to rev 500rpm higher to a 12,000rpm limit, an incredible engineering achievement for 112mm pistons.
The famous “R” race kit components consist of high-penetration racing screen, fairing mirror caps in machined alloy and a full Termignoni exhaust system with dedicated ECU mapping (for track use only). The system provides an impressive power increase of 3% at the top of the rev-range and 15% in the mid-range, further amplified by the R’s acceleration-enhancing 15-41 final drive ratio.
The race-oriented “R” model also features a 4-point adjustable swingarm pivot, designed to enable riders a personalised and precise set-up of varying levels of pro or anti-squat to optimise traction on corner exit. The settings are dialled-in using two user-friendly eccentric adjusters that offer pivot positions at +2mm higher, - 2mm lower and -4mm lower than the standard position, each positively and accurately locked and located.
The clearly marked, easy-to-use system provides optimum adjustability for competition use.
Additional enhancements to the machine include lightweight carbon fibre rear hugger, rear suspension guard, heels guards, ignition switch surround and top fairing inner panels and carbon fibre protectors for the single-sided swingarm and clutch cover. These lightweight chassis and engine components enable the “R” version a dry weight of just 165kg (363.7lb), even with an ABS braking system fitted as standard equipment.
This top-of-the-range model is also fitted with a special race-style seat fabric for added “feel” and equipped with the GPS-enhanced Ducati Data Acquisition system, for automatic lap times and circuit map-linked data. The 1199 Panigale R is dressed in Ducati red with defining white race features, sporting a mix of red and brushed aluminium on the fuel tank with lightweight forged wheels by Marchesini in black.
Pricing for the 2013 Panigale Superbike line remains the same as in 2012 with the base model 1199 at $17.995, 1199 w/ABS $18.995, 1199S $22,995, 1199S w/ ABS $23,995 and the new 1199R w/ ABS $29,995.
Carlos aboard the new 1199RS Superbike which will spearhead Ducati Alstare's 2013-2014 World Superbike foray.
Bernhard Gobmeier appointed as General Manager of Ducati Corse
Paolo Ciabatti Leaves World Superbike to take over Ducati MotoGP Department • Bernhard Gobmeier becomes the new General Manager of Ducati Corse
• Filippo Preziosi assumes the position of Director of R&D Ducati Motor Holding
• Paolo Ciabatti appointed as Ducati MotoGP Project Director
Ducati SpA, Borgo Panigale (Bologna), Italy, 20 November 2012 – Ducati announces the appointment of Bernhard Gobmeier as the new General Manager of Ducati Corse. Utilising his significant experience in the world of motorsport, including more recently his role as Superbike Director with BMW, the position will draw upon the 53-year-old German’s extensive managerial experience ready to enter the new phase of development for Ducati’s racing activities and to achieve the targets set during the recent acquisition by the Audi Group.
Mr. Gobmeier will report directly to the CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, Gabriele Del Torchio, and count upon the experience and professional support of Filippo Preziosi.
Engineer Filippo Preziosi, the current General Manager of Ducati Corse, will now assume the position of Director of Research & Development for Ducati Motor Holding and report directly to Claudio Domenicali, General Manager of Ducati Motor Holding. The prestigious and strategic company role will enable 44-year-old Preziosi to apply the valuable experience of his 18 years in Ducati, 12 of which in Ducati Corse, to the development of new product.
Paolo Ciabatti (55) has been appointed the new Ducati MotoGP Project Director. The Italian now returns to the Borgo Panigale headquarters in Bologna to take advantage of his extensive experience in the world of motorcycle competition, which has included coordinating the World Superbike Championship as General Director.
After two seasons in the position, Engineer Ernesto Marinelli (39), is confirmed to continue as Ducati Superbike Project Director, with the activities of both Marinelli and Ciabatti coordinated by Mr. Gobmeier.
All appointments will commence from January 2013.
“With these new appointments and the 2013 riders announced in MotoGP and World Superbike, we are well prepared to move forward into the new racing season,” said the CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, Gabriele Del Torchio. “We are confident that with this new organisation and focused strategy, we will achieve our targets and continue with the fundamentally important transfer of ‘know-how’ from racing into production, an element that characterises every Ducati motorcycle.”
Checa and Badovini to race with Team Ducati Alstare in 2013 World Superbike Borgo Panigale (Bologna), 11 November 2012 - A two-year agreement for the World Superbike Championship seasons 2013-2014 has been signed between Ducati and Francis Batta’s Belgian organisation, Team Alstare. Riders, Carlos Checa (Spain) and Ayrton Badovini (Italy) will join Alstare staff ready to prepare for the challenge of the 2013 World Superbike Championship. Powered by the new Ducati 1199 Panigale, the team will officially represent the Bologna-based manufacturer under the title “Team Ducati Alstare”.
Team Alstare is renowned for its benchmark professionalism and expertise and its headquarters, at Alleur in Belgium, is among the most technologically advanced in the sport. This impressive set-up combined with the passion of the Bologna factory’s engineers will create the perfect synergy to meet the expectations of the new Ducati 1199 Panigale. Alstare technicians and the Ducati Superbike development team will start working together immediately, with pre-winter tests scheduled to begin at the Aragon circuit in Spain on 14-15 November and continuing at Jerez from 28-30 November.
A New 2013 Ducati Hypermotard Family Based on a Revised 821cc Testastretta 11° engine Ducati introduce the next generation of the Hypermotard family, taking the innovation and excitement of the original concept and enhancing it even further with three incredible new models: The thrilling Hypermotard, Hypermotard SP and the introduction of a stylish and accessible mid-range tourer with everyday practicality – The Hyperstrada. The new range combines Ducati's latest technologies with outstanding Italian design
and engineering to write the latest chapter in the Hypermotard story.
The Hypermotard and Hypermotard SP deliver a thrilling and fun filled experience, whether on the daily commute or ripping-up the track asphalt, while the Hyperstrada awaits long distance adventure, enabling practical, everyday motorcycling in absolute Ducati style.
Brand new from the ground up, the models introduce the new 110hp Ducati 821cc Testastretta 11° engine in a new Trellis frame equipped with top-of-the range chassis components. The Hypermotard and Hypermotard SP use sharp and sleek styling to maintain that essential Supermotard look, while the Hyperstrada is factory-accessorised with full touring-oriented specification. Combine these two worlds of performance with excellent ergonomics and the Ducati Safety Pack of latest generation 3-level ABS, 8-level Ducati Traction Control and integrated Riding Modes, and the new range takes on a relevance that makes perfect sense in modern motorcycling.
High ground-clearance combined with a thin waistline and commanding riding positions gives the rider an instant Supermotard feeling, with the added luxury of latest street bike comfort and component quality. While the Hyperstrada is ideal for dominating the every-day urban or long distance commute, the Hypermotard and track-ready Hypermotard SP are intended for the extreme rider who demands the very highest performance.
The First Generation Hypermoto used the older Ducati Desmodue 2-valve 1100 Evo aircooled engine rated at 95hp which still remains for now in the current 2013 Monster range, but look for this new 110hp Ducati 821cc Testastretta 11° engine to find its way into the Monster line in the next year or two. The First Gen had a quicker 24° rake / head angle with a short 1455mm wheelbase which made it pretty nervous as a street bike, but the Second Generation is really slowed down with a 25.5° rake / head angle with a 2-inch longer 1500mm wheelbase. For a weight comparispm of the new bigger Hupermotard with the 4-valve watercooled motor, the new SP model has an advertised dry weight of 194kg / 377lbs while the previous aircooled bike weighted 179kg / 398lbs. So the new Second Gen bike is some 20 pounds lighter with 15 more horsepower, in a much more stable and comfortable chassis. Sounds good to us - we can't wait to ride one! The new range takes the Hypermotard concept into the future with refined design and user-friendly technologies that will enhance its enjoyment to a wider range of riders.
Hypermotard SP
The spectacular, track-ready Hypermotard SP takes everything offered by the Hypermotard and raises its technical specification for accomplished riders who enjoy a full performance-oriented ride, further enhanced with the DSP combination of ABS and DTC. In true competition style, the SP gets the 1199 Panigale Riding Modes of Race (110hp – High), Sport (110hp – Medium) and Wet (75hp – Low) and longer, top-of-the-range
suspension gives a true supermotard stance, increasing ground clearance to 210mm (8.3in) and enabling a thrilling 47.5° of available lean-angle for maximum enjoyment.
The SP is equipped with fully adjustable, pressurised Marzocchi usd forks that feature hard-anodised aluminium sliders. The state-of-the-art lightweight forks are provide professional, precise and highperformance handling with an increased stroke of 185mm (7.3in) as well as excellent feed-back through the aluminium, tapered handle bars. The rear suspension is equally as high-end with a stunning, fully adjustable Öhlins rear shock with integrated “piggy back” reservoir providing 175mm (6.9in) of rear wheel travel. Naturally, the Hypermotard “SP” is fitted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa “SP” tyres in 120/70 x 17 for the front and 180/55 x 17 for the rear and is equipped with super lightweight 1199 Panigale S-style triple three-spoke forged aluminium wheels by Marchesini, further underlining the SP’s focus on high performance.
Additional components special to the SP are front mudguard and cam-belt covers in carbon fibre, radial front master cylinder with 5-point adjustable lever and dedicated seat with specially textured surface and horizontally stitched panels for enhanced grip. This impressive specification combines to achieve a dry weight of just 171kg (377lb) and the competition-like set-up gives the Hypermotard SP a seat height of 890mm (35in) with an accessory seat offering a reduction of 20mm (0.78in) if required. The Hypermotard SP is finished in the Ducati Corse livery of red white and black with grey separating features and a red Trellis frame. The Marchesini wheels are in black and sport the signature red-pin stripe.
New Production Vespa 946 Revealed at EICMA
Piaggio offered up its Vespa Quarantasei concept at last year’s EICMA show blending the company’s iconic styling with a futuristic new look, and scooter fans have been eagerly awaiting news of the final production version of the new Vespa. Nearly a year later, the final production version of the Vespa 946 has been revealed, just days ahead of the 2012 EICMA show. The production version does not stray too far from the original concept. The mirrors and turn signals are new, of course, and Piaggio has slightly tweaked the exhaust heat shield while the seat mount looks like it’s been reinforced without changing the hanging cantilevered design.
The production 946 keeps the concept’s styling, which itself was inspired by the original 1946 Vespa MP6 prototype. As with the concept model, the production version uses an all-aluminum body, breaking away from Vespa’s traditional use of steel while helping make the scooter lighter and therefore more fuel efficient.
The engine is Piaggio’s three-valve air-cooled 125cc Single which has also found its way in other 125cc 2013 Vespa scooters. Piaggio claims an output of 11.7 hp at 8250 rpm and 7.6 ft-lb. at 7000 rpm from the engine. Piaggio also claims the new three-valve engine offers a 30% improvement in fuel economy over previous models while service intervals for the engine are now every 10,000 km (6,213 miles).
Back in March, Piaggio announced it would bring the Vespa 946 to North America, yet we’re still waiting for other promised models such as the Aprilia RS4 125. But with Piaggio opening a new design center in California, we have high hopes for the Vespa 946 for the U.S. market.
Retro Racer!
See awesome bike editorial features like Yaniv Evans' Powerplant Choppers "Black & White"
with Fast Dates World Superbike grid girls Kinsey and Sabella in the Calendar Bike Garage
Dani Pedrosa relishes his new 2012 MotoGP World Championship and another victory at the final race of the year, while teammate Casey Stoner contrmplates his final podium and race appearance, ever.
2012 MotoGP World Championship, Round 18 of 18, Valencia, Spain
Good Bye Casey! Pedrosa Wins 2012 MotoGP Season Finale, Stoner 3rd in his Last race Valencia, Spain, November 11th, 2012 - In the final MotoGP™ race at the Gran Premio Generali de la Comunitat Valenciana it was Repsol Honda Team’s Dani Pedrosa who took victory in a dramatic race that was marred with awkward conditions and crashes ahead of Katsuyuki Nakasuga the Yamaha replacement rider for injured ben Spies, and Casey Stoner in his final race, who was later named the 20th MotoGP Legend.
The race was declared wet by Race Direction despite a near dry line having formed, and only Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jorge Lorenzo, his teammate Nakasuga, and LCR Honda MotoGP’s Stefan Bradl, chose the softer option slick tyres, with all others on the hard wets. However, in a twist unseen this season, Pedrosa, Ducati Team’s Nicky Hayden, Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Cal Crutchlow and San Carlo Honda Gresini’s Álvaro Bautista then decided to start from pit-lane after their sighting lap, with all of them switching to a bike with slick tyres.
New 2013 MV Brutale 800 Breaks Cover
MV AGUSTA'S newest member of the Brutale family gets a new mid-range 800cc engine. The new engine is a 798cc triple, which will also do duty in the new Rivale (think Ducati MultoStada sort touring bike) which is also being revealed next week at the 2012 EICMA show in Milan. Based on a bored-out 675 engine from the M3 sportbike introduced at EICMA last year and finally in dealers this past summer, the bigger 800 engine pushes out 125 bhp at 11,600 rpm (up 12 bhp over the 675) for a claimed top speed of 153 mph. Torque is also up nearly 15 per cent to 60 lb-ft, at 8,600 rpm. The 167kg (dry), mixed-trellis-and-plate-framed bike sports 320mm twin discs up front, fully adjustable suspension and a substantial package of electronic trickery including eight levels of traction control. The bike sell for 9,900 Euros in Europe, so expect USA proicing to be around $14,000. An electric shift model is also available for 400 Euros more.
FastDates.com presents the
Edelweiss Ducati Best of Italy Tour with a World Superbike or MotoGP Race 2013/2014
Ever wonder why Italian motorcycle racers win almost twice as many world championship titles as any other nation? Well, there are probably many reasons, but looking at an Italian map you will see one particular reason: beautiful Italian roads weaving through a patchwork of mountains and mountain chains. That, and a passion for buildoing incredible high performance machinery, like Ducati which has won more World Superbike Championships than all the other bike manufacturers combined. Take that Championship winning Desmoquatro motor and place it in one of the world's premier sport touring bikes, the Multistrada 1200, and you've now got an incredible motorcycle to tour central Italy with its beautiful Tuscany region.
FastDates.com Website editor and photographer Jim Gianatsis has experienced the Edelweiss Ducati Best of Italy Tour first hand and recomends it highly, particularly for roadracing enthusiasts, and if you've never been riding or attended a World Championship round in Europe. For any Ducatista the trip to the Ducati factory is just icing on the cake. This tour begins in the birthplace of the most infamous of Italian motorcycles, the Ducati Factory in Bologna where you will tour the Ducati Museum and New Motorcycle Production Line before picking up your bike and heading out across the wine country of Tuscany with your newest friends.
Once underway, you will be busy all day, every day, to make it to places which are, on average, 60 miles apart as the crow flies. Why does it take so long? You'll spend a night in the beautiful cities of Florence, Sienna, Assisi and San Marino. But there's lunch and coffee stops in small villages along the way, plus you'll want to get to your destination city early to take in the sights, then end the day with a glorious dinner. You'll find your luggage waiting for you in your hotel room, having been transported there earlier by the chase van, so you can enjoy the day riding and enjoying the sights, not worrying about anything else. The Multistrada 1200 transforms mobility into art, rendering time and distance irrelevant, that’s why. Art needs freedom, therefore our flight pattern is not necessarily bound to any particular road surface either.
You'll devote a week of your lives to create a team masterpiece of motorised motion, consider yourself part of the Ducati team, and do not expect anything short of Ducati VIP treatment at the World Superbike or Moto Grand Prix round that completes the tour on the following weekend. At the legendary tracks of Imola or Mugello you'll get VIP Parking in the Ducati Village just behind the Ducati Grandstands where you'll have the best seat in the house to watch the races. Then its a short ride back to Bologna that evening for a final evening banquet party with your new closest freinds before leaving for home the next day. For complete information go to: Edelweiss Ducati Italy Race Tour
The Edelweiss Ducati Best if Italy Tours are schedued to take place in June of 2013 and 2104.
For full information about this and the other incredible Edelweiss Motorcycle Tours click here:
Custom Tron Movie Bike Built for Playboy Magazine shoot.
Ducati Corse
World Superbikes
by Alan Cathcart
& Jim Gianatsis
The Official SBK
World Superbikes
1987-2012
25 Year History Book
The Official SBK
25th Anniversary
2011-2012 Yearbook These SBK Yearbooks are the Best Books Ever about World Superbike
They feature awesome color photography of the riders, bike and racing action. The feature a detailed revue of the past season in pictures and statistics, with a detailed look at the bikes and riders.
Plus a technical look data all the bikes, a preview of the upcoming season's Championship!
We buy this every year ourselves and highly recommend it!
SBK World Superbike Video Game
MV Agusta to Compete in World Supersport Beginning 2013 ßwith Team Park & Go Varese, Italy, Nov 22nd 2012 - The Italian motorcycle manufacturer who is currently the sales leader of the middle weight supersport class has decided to return to racing on the world stage and is convinced that they have joined forces with the ideal partner: ParkinGO.
The two companies will be joined together in a three year contract.
The program will debut the MV Agusta F3 675 in the 2013 world Supersport class together with additional racing activity development.
The project will place the three cylinder bike from Varese in the able hands of the race technicians whom have already won the World Supersport Championship in 2011 and were contenders in the 2012 World Superbike Championship.
The ParkinGO Team have helped bring about this dream project building a long term link to the historic Italian motorcycle manufacturer whom have in the past accumulated 37 world championship titles, a number of which together with Giacomo Agostini.
The signature of the contract arrived on the day of Claudio Castiglioni's birthday, whom would be 65 years old today. This is clearly a sign that goes beyond mere coincidence and continues to convey the passion for racing that has always been synonymous with the motorcycle icon.
Giovanni Castiglioni - Presidente MV Agusta: "To be able to reach this agreement with ParkinGO is personally very satisfying. Taking into account the passion for racing that I have inherited from my father, this is a very emotional decision and I am looking forward to the challenges that will inevitably need to be overcome. Together with Engineer Bordi's experience, who personally plays a very important role in this project, I am convinced that there are all the elements needed to achieve our goals."
Giuliano Rovelli - Presidente ParkinGO: " Together with my brother Paolo we recognize the importance of MV Agusta's return to World Championship Racing and are extremely satisfied to be able to join forces and conclude this accord. From our very first encounter with MV there has been a tremendous feeling and understanding between our management teams, our common vision with regards to this project has been an important element that allowed us to join together in this partnership."
Meet 2013 Calendar Kitten
Shannon Baucom
The Devil Made Us Do It! Testing the Ducati Diavel in Italy
New BMW HP4 Superbike
Sudco High Performance & OEM Replacement Parts
High Speed - the Movie The best motorcycle racing movie ever made! Filmed on location at the World Superbike races , this an exciting romantic drama staring beautiful British actress Sienna Miller.
Half price $6.50 tickets for the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show
December 7-9th 2012! http://www.goldstar.com
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AMA Pro Roadracing Losses its
Brightest New Star -
PJ JACOBSEN SIGNS FOR TYCO SUZUKI BSB TEAM
In a more that shows the current state of AMA roadracng under Daytona Motorsports leadership offers no future for the few young emerging new riders in America, we were issued the following press release today...
Team Suzuki Press Office - November 22 - Tyco Suzuki has completed its 2013 British Superbike line-up having today signed 19-year-old American PJ Jacobsen to join Australian Josh Brookes next year on the GSX-R1000.
The New Yorker rode to success at Donington and Assen on the team's GSX-R1000 and 600cc machinery during ad hoc appearances this season, and with further podiums at Silverstone and the Brands Hatch finale in the Superstock class, the former American National Dirt Track champion was a big favourite amongst fans, sponsors and Tyco Suzuki personnel.
His transition to the British Superbike Championship - regarded as agruably the world's toughest domestic national tarmac series - is the next step in his fast moving career with Jacobsen and his New York Mets' cheerleader girlfriend Danielle now looking forward to setting up home in Northern Ireland prior to next season's BSB season which commences in April.
Jacobsen said: "It's great to finally sign the deal to ride for Tyco Suzuki and I'd like to thank team boss Philip Neill and Phil Dashey from Tyco for their support. The team stood by me this season and gave me an opportunity in British Superstock and Supersport and put my career on the map. I just can't wait to get out there now and test the Superbike, and I know my experienced Australian team-mate Josh Brookes will help me a lot. I like his determination and attitude to racing and already knowing the Tyco Suzuki guys is also a big help."
Team Manager Philip Neill added: "After agreeing terms with Josh during September it feels like it has taken a long time to finalise our British Superbike line-up. However now that it's done I am really looking forward to next season with a very exciting line up. PJ has been groomed as a motorcycle racer from a very young age and his unique all American style, of enjoying a bike sliding underneath him, will be a major factor in his future success in the Superbike category.
"As we have done with many of our riders, we will now start to put everything in place to create the correct environment for both PJ and his girlfriend Danielle, so they can be as comfortable as possible during their stay with us in Northern Ireland for 2013.
"With time spent riding our GSX-R1000 Superstock bike this year, we have secured some valuable information, so our technicians have already started fitting PJ around a GSX-R1000 Superbike, ready for his first test opportunity early next year. This really is the overall package we wanted, with Josh being a proven championship contender with years of experience and PJ being the young up and coming star. I have no doubt that the support of the Tyco Suzuki team and indeed Josh Brookes will be a significant factor in the eventual rise to the very top for this young man."
Jim Gianatsis Editorial Director
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All Rounds include Superbike and 600cc Superstock except Miller USA is Superbike only
European rounds also Include 1000cc Superstock
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2013 MotoGP DATE/REPORT TRACK LINK Apr 7 - Qatar – Doha Losail
Apr 21 - Americas, Austin TX
May 5 - Spain, Jerez Frontera
May 19 - France, Le Mans
June 2 - Italy, Mugello
June 16 - Catalunya,Catalunya
June 29 - Netherlands,AssenTT
July 7 - Germany,Sachsenring
July 21 - USA, Laguna Seca (Only MotoGP class)
Aug 18 - USA, Indianapolis
Aug 25 - Czech Rep, Brno
Sept 1 - GB, Silverstone
Sept 15 - SanMarino Misano
Sept 29 - Aragon Motorland
Oct 13 - Malaysia, Sepang
Oct 20 - Australia, Phillip Is
Oct 27 - Japan, Motegi
Nov 10- Valencia, Ricardo
2012 MotoGP DATE/REPORT TRACK LINK Apr 8 - Qatar – Doha Losail April 29 - Spain, Jerez Frontera May 6 - Portugal, Estoril May 20 - France, Le Mans June 3 - Catalunya, Catalunya June 17 - UK, Silverstone June 30 - Netherlands, Assen (Saturday Race) July 8 - Germany,Sachsenring July 15 - Italy, Mugello July 29 - USA, Laguna Seca (Only MotoGP class) Aug 19 - USA, Indianapolis Aug 26 - Czech Rep, Brno Sept 16 - SanMarino Misano Sept 30 - Aragon Motorland Oct 14 - Japan, Motegi Oct 21 - Malaysia, Sepang Oct 28 - Australia, Phillip Is Nov 11- Valencia, Ricardo
2012 AMA Superbike DATE/REPORT TRACK LINK Mar 15-17 Daytona FL Apr 20-22 Road Atlanta, GA May 4-6 Infineon CA May 25-28 Miller Mtrsports UT
June 1-2 Road America WI June 22-24 Bartber, AL
July 13-15 Mid-Ohios
July 27-29 Laguna Seca CA Sept 7-9 New Jersey MSports
Sept 21-23 Homestead-Miami Oct 5 - 7 NOLA Motorsports Park, New Orleans
2012 British Superbike Click Date for Race Report DATE/REPORT TRACK LINK
April 6-9 Brands Hatch Indy
Apr 13-15 Thruxton May 5-7 Oulton Park May 25-27 Snetterton
June 22-24 Knockhill
July 01-03 Snetterton July 6-8 Oulton Park July 20-22 Brands Hatch GP
Aug 25-27 Cadwell Park Sept 7-9 Donnington Park Sept 21-23 Assen
Sept 28-30 Silverstone GP Oct 12-14 Brands Hatch GP
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Magneti Marelli ECU available to all MotoGP™ teams from 2013
Wed, 26 Sept 2012 -Magneti Marelli will give all competitors in the MotoGP™ premier-class the option to utilise the Italian company’s Electronic Control System on their racing machines from 2013. This landmark four-year agreement will give all teams access to Magneti Marelli’s electronic control system, which includes an engine and chassis control unit with inboard datalogger, as well as the relevant tuning and data analysis tools, dashboard, handlebar toggle switch and inertial platform.
This system, representing the highest technological option in Magneti Marelli’s portfolio, will be backed up by a permanent presence of its technicians on track, as well as continual development and evolution at its MotoGP-specific R&D centre as its Bologna headquarters, which will be set up specifically in light of this agreement.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna CEO, is thrilled with this latest cooperation: “I cannot hide the fact that I am very happy with this new cooperation with Magneti Marelli. The agreement reached we have reached with the Italian company merely validates MotoGP as a competition that incorporates and encourages the latest and most innovative technology. The experience of this company, which has spent many years at the highest level of competition in motor sport, represents a major step in the premier-class of two-wheel racing.”
Roberto Dalla, Magneti Marelli Motorsport Managing Director, added: “We are very glad to share our know-how and experience in the motorsport field with MotoGP, in order to jointly achieve new objectives in terms of performance and technology development. The main aim is to provide top technology at affordable costs, which is Magneti Marelli’s mission firstly in racing and also in the field of series production. Magneti Marelli has been developing solutions in the electronics and electro-mechanics area for MotoGP teams for the last decade: this new initiative with Dorna represents a further strategic opportunity to enhance the development of our technology.”
Editor's Note" There was no inference to it in this press release, but Dorna has been wanting all the MotogGP Factory and CRT Teams to run the same ECU unit so Dorna can control all bikes power and RPM limits in the future, as a way of making the lower cost production engine based CRT bikes on equal performance to the factroy machines, and return to more exciting racing in the MotoGP class were the entires are down because of the economy, and the CRT bikes are consistantly 2-3 seconds a lap slower than the factory bikes, keeping the racing fairly unexciting.
Dorna needs to see how all the MotoGP temas fare with the
Magneti Marelli ECU before the mandate tat all the teams must use them, and then start mandating power output so all the bikes are equal and can race together. Honda has already statd it will withdraw from MotoGP racing and return to World Superbike if the ECU units are regulated.
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