SportBikes Inc Magazine April 2021

APRIL 2021 VOL 11 ISSUE 7

S P O RT B I K E S I N C M AG . CO M

DUCATI'S

NEW

MONSTER

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CONTENTS

APRIL 2021 - VOLUME 11, ISSUE 7 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=12 12 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR http://issuu.com/action/page?page=14 14 THE PRESS ROOM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=54 54 THE GRID NEWS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=60 60 MOTOGP WITH B.T. http://issuu.com/action/page?page=70 70 FEATURED RIDERS

76 THE NEW ISH

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=76

FEATURED RIDER: AKSHAY CHADHA http://issuu.com/action/page?page=68 PAGE: 70

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FEATURES

APRIL 2021 - VOLUME 11, ISSUE 7 THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS

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DUCATI'S NEW MONSTER

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2021 HONDA REBEL 1100

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THE OPENING MOTOGP ROUND OF 2021

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THE NEW ISH

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STAFF PUBLISHER//EDITOR IN CHIEF: Allan Lane allan@sportbikesincmag.com

EDITORIAL STAFF WRITERS: B.T. bt@sportbikesincmag.com Devonne Duerbaum devonne@sportbikesincmag.com COPY EDITOR: Stacey Lane stacey@sportbikesincmag.com CONTRIBUTORS: Juliane Eger Peter Jackson

ART & DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR//LAYOUT//DESIGN: Allan Lane allan@sportbikesincmag.com CREATIVE SUPERVISOR: Leon Brittain leon@sportbikesincmag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Baz baz@sportbikesincmag.com COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Ducati CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Ducati, Drew Ruiz, Brian J. Nelson MotoGP.com WorldSBK.com SportBikes Inc Magazine - April 2021 Volume 11, Issue 7 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2021 Media Kit and Advertising Rates, please email: info@sportbikesincmag.com.

In no way can any part of this magazine be reproduced in print, digital, broadcast or any other manner without the expressed written permission of the publisher.

SportBikes Inc Magazine (ISSN 2158-009X) is published monthly by Hard Knocks Motorcycle Entertainment.

SportBikes Inc Magazine is not responsible for any advertising claims made by its advertisers or partners.

Any and all items submitted to SportBikes Inc Magazine will become the sole property of SportBikes Inc Magazine and are subject to, but not limited to edits, comments and titles.

Sportbikes Inc Magazine, staff and partners are not responsible for injuries, loss or damage to their being, vehicle or property, including death that may result from contest submissions.

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FEATURE STORY

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DUCATI'S

NEW

MONSTER

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FROM THE EDITOR

CHANGE My first "new to me" bike was a 2005 Ducati Monster 620 Dark. I was drawn to its clean, less is more, aesthetics. The naked, cafe racer, streetfighter vibe was everything to me at the time. While there were other naked bikes on the market at the time, it was the Miguel Angel Galluzzi design of the Monster that was everything to me. And the ride... Oh, the ride was so good. It was the perfect bike for me at the time.

As years went by, subtle changes to the Monster platform occurred in style and performance. All upgrades and improvements. But the Monster remained undeniably, a Monster.

grey area. Either you do or you don't.

What I find interesting that a motorcycle can hold such an embrace on so many different riders, for so many different reasons, that any nudge of change is tantamount to sacrilege.

The industry of motorcycles is one of constant metamorphosis. Change is the process. You start at one point and you then proceed to evolve. Technology.

Design, Engineering. Elements that spark evolution and often revolution. And while my riding style and physical stature may demand more from a bike these days, I see the purpose and point of Ducati's new monster. Change is good. Stagnation is not.

The new 2021 Ducati Monster is very polarizing. Across social media, they are Best, those that love it, and there are those that Allan hate it. There really is no in-between, no @mrblackmoses 12 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | APRIL 2021

USING A RACETRACK AS A LIVING LABORATORY

As a recognised long-standing major motorsport player, Motul benefits from the world’s best laboratory in the most extreme racing conditions.

At the Isle of Man TT, you must fully trust your machine around bumpy and winding public roads at 330km/h.

Honda has chosen Motul to lubricate their racing engines: a reward for our ingenuity and performances.

Recognised by many teams worldwide as the best racing engine oil, the 300V has inspired a wide range of engine motor oil tailored to meet the most demanding constraints of daily rides.

Find the one you need on www.motul.com

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THE PRESS ROOM

INDUSTRY NEWS RUROC'S NEW ATLAS 3.0 HELMET

The UK helmet brand builds upon its Atlas helmet be used with goggles. However, the Atlas platform platform with the all-new and improved Atlas 3.0 is uniquely designed to protect and perform today’s Helmet. street riders. Ruroc has released two versions of the Atlas, beginning with the 1.0 and the 2.0. Progression Based out of Gloucester in the United Kingdom, Ruroc proved to have the latter hosting a number of leaped into the helmet market just over a decade ago. improvements over its predecessor. And now, Ruroc Now, with several years under its belt, the company is poised to release its latest rendition of the Atlas has made quite an impact in the last few years, helmet… The Ruroc Atlas 3.0. applying pressure to other helmet manufacturers that cater to the street riding market. Two moto-helmets The Ruroc Atlas 3.0 is host to a bevy of upgrades and models were released to the market: the Berserker refinements to the Atlas platform. Starting with its style, and the Atlas, both materialized from carbon fiber. the Atlas 3.0 is engineered to offer the rider comfort The Berserker maintains a motocross-inspired look, to and protection, using the latest technology to create

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a helmet that looks like no other on the market today.

The light yet strong T-300 carbon fiber is used in the Atlas 3.0 shell construction allowing the Atlas 3.0 to tip the scales at only 3.09 pounds. The carbon fiber shell is available in three sizes to secure a proper fit for riders of various head sizes.

Optical visibility, being able to see as much road as possible is always a highly desired asset for any rider in a helmet. With this said, the Ruroc Atlas 3.0 provides an ample field of vision that coincides with its new edge-to-edge visor. The new visor has a demist position to minimize fogging. This allows the visor to rest in a specific position to allow just enough airflow in to assist in keeping your visor fog-free.

is an impressive about of quiet inside the Atlas 3.0.

Inside the Atlas 3.0, you will find a completely redesigned premium helmet liner and cheek pad system. Evaporation and transfer of internal moisture are made possible thanks to a polyamide and polyester material composition. In the event of an emergency, the cheek pads can be released for a safer process of helmet removal.

Ruroc also makes their own BlueTooth communication and audio system, the Shockwave. It’s an optional accessory that the new Atlas 3.0 has been designed to seamlessly fit at the base of the neck, thanks to integrated cable routing and magnetic fitment.

The Shockwave, itself has been improved from its predecessor with larger function buttons that can be manipulated without the removal of your gloves.

When you need to keep out the wind and rain, the visor of the Atlas 3.0 seals into place with a new locking mechanism. Where the Atlas 1.0 and 2.0 employed a locking pin with a small hole in the The Ruroc Atlas 3.0 will be offered in sixteen color visor, the 3.0’s new visor is a solid piece of material options and nine new visor colors. The Atlas 3.0 will that is locked in place via a polycarbonate locker. be available beginning Friday, March 26, 2021.

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THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS THE DUNLOP MUTANT STREET TIRE The Dunlop Mutant is engineered to be one the footprint for maximum grip whether it's wet or dry most functional street tires that Dunlop Motorcycle on the road. The jointless belt technology uses a continuously wound belt within the tire carcass, Tires have produced. limiting dynamic growth and making handling The new Dunlop Mutant tire features an aggressive more consistent. tread pattern offering a high level of grip for the wet and the dry with high mileage The 4 season technology combines ply materials performance. Innovation helps the Mutant achieve and hi-silica compounds with deep, uniquely its qualifications of Dunlop Motorcycle Tire's next shaped tread grooves to displace water for best thing: jointless belt, multi-tread, and 4 season optimum traction in wet conditions. The high silica technology, a carcass tension control System, and compound ratio boosts tread flexibility, especially a rayon ply casing with hi silica construction. at low operating temperatures, increasing wet and dry grip, and mileage. The rayon ply casing The multi-tread technology operates at the rear material allows the Mutant tire to warm up tire and incorporates a high mileage compound quickly while assisting an increase in the mileage in the center of the tread for maximum mileage performance. while employing high grip lateral compounds on the shoulders of the tire for maximum grip and The Dunlop Mutant tire range of sizes makes fitment for more than 450 different motorcycle performance.

The carcass tension control system provides give models available in the U.S.possible. and take where it is needed to create a larger

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THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS THE TRIUMPH TE-1 PROJECT

Triumph joins forces with three technology industry leaders to design, engineer and develop the Triumph TE-1 electric motorcycle project.

The Triumph TE-1 Project is a joint effort lead by Triumph Motorcycles to explore the brand's venture into electric vehicles. Triumph is joined by Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd, and WMG at the University of Warwick to being a two-year, four-phase collaboration focused on developing electric motorcycle capabilities. The team aims to provide input into Triumph’s future electric motorcycle offer driving innovation, capability and new intellectual property, enhancing the credibility and profile of British industry and design.

is provided by the UK government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), via Innovate UK.

“This new collaboration represents an exciting opportunity for Triumph and its partners to be leaders in the technology that will enable the electrification of motorcycles, which is driven by customers striving to reduce their environmental impact, combined with the desire for more economical transportation, and changing legislation. Project Triumph TE-1 is one part of our electric motorcycle strategy, focused on delivering what riders want and expect from their Triumph, which is the perfect balance of handling, performance and usability.” - Nick Bloor, Triumph Support and co-funding of the Triumph TE-1 Project CEO. 18 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | APRIL 2021

Triumph Motorcycles will lead the project, providing advanced motorcycle chassis design and engineering expertise, manufacturing excellence and pioneering functional safety systems, as well as defining electric drivetrain power delivery characteristics.

science and technology programs expected to grow the UK economy, will support the partners and administer funds. This forms part of the BEIS modern funding strategy with the aim of creating a marketleading UK electric vehicle capability.

The project will be organized into four main phases, with one of its key aims being increased systems integration. By developing individual components of automotive-based electric drivetrains and optimizing them into innovative combined units, the project aims to deliver sophisticated electric motorcycle Integral Powertrain Ltd.’s e-Drive Division will lead the systems which reduce mass, complexity and package development of bespoke power-dense electric motors requirements. and a silicon carbide inverter, integrating both into a Triumph Motorcycles will work alongside the partner singular motor housing. organizations to accelerate joint expertise in the WMG, at the University of Warwick, will provide packaging and safety of batteries, optimum electric electrification expertise, and the critical vision to drive motor sizing and packaging, the integration of braking innovation from R&D to commercial impact, through systems including regenerative braking, and advanced modeling and simulation based on future market safety systems. The innovation and capabilities developed in these areas will input into Triumph’s needs. future electric motorcycle strategy.

Innovate UK, the government agency that promotes Williams Advanced Engineering will provide industryleading lightweight battery design and integration capability, using its test and development facilities to deliver an innovative battery management system combined with a vehicle control unit.

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THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS MV AGUSTA 2021 BRUTALE ROSSO MV Agusta unveils the 2021 Brutale Rosso - Three cylinders and 800 ccs of Italian motorcycle art.

The MV Agusta Brutale Rosso is claimed as the Italian manufacturer's entry-level model of their Brutale lineup.

And while the Brutale Rosso may be represented as the younger sibling of the 2021 Brutale family, which includes the Brutale RR and Brutale SCS, it lacks nothing in the exhilaration department.

The Brutale Rosso is powered by a 798cc, three-cylinder engine that boasts an output of 112 hp and 63 footpounds of torque, with a closed course maximum speed of 147 miles per hour. The 2021 engine is spotlighted by several key features. The new sintered valve guides and DLC coated tappets, as well as the new bearings in the crankshaft, piston rods, and countershaft reduce friction and increase durability. New components also include a new clutch basket and a new exhaust muffler with a modified exhaust collector.

The 2021 Brutale Rosso has a newly designed frame that improves the torsional and longitudinal stiffness of the chassis. The new frame design works with the new front and rear suspension to enhance stability and feedback to rider input. The Marzocchi upside-down 43mm front forks' rebound and compression are adjustable. The front forks' spring preload adjustments can be set externally at the top of the tuabe. The rear suspension consists of a single Progressive Sachs adjustable shock.

Braking duties are compliments of Brembo. Twin floating 320 mm steel discs are gripped by Brembo fourpiston radial-type calipers. A single rear 220 mm disc is managed by a twopiston Brembo caliper. A 20 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | APRIL 2021

Continental MK100 anti-lock braking system with cornering function and rear-wheel lift-up mitigation come standard on the 2021 Brutale Rosso.

The Brutale Rosso is loaded with a suite of rider assistance and accessories. A new color 5.5 inch TFT dashboard displays pertinent data and options such as the new navigator, the EAS 3.0 electronic gear sensor, and cruise control. GPS and Blue Tooth connectivity are made available via the MV RIDE application on your smart device. Options are managed by the new set of controls located at the handlebars.

The 2021 MV Agusta Brutale Rosso is available in a single color option of Ago Red. The suggested retail price is yet to be announced.

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THE ALL NEW

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Professional rider on closed-course. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. © 2021 Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

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A G E N E R AT I O N A L S H I F T H A S O C C U R R E D

HAS LANDED The third generation Hayabusa is the quickest, most technologically advanced and aerodynamic yet.

EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING THE NEW HAYABUSA HAS TO OFFER AT

SUZUKICYCLES.COM/HAYABUSA

Suzuki Dealers are taking pre-orders now. Reserve yours.

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DUCATI'S

NEW

MONSTER WORDS: JULIANE EGER IMAGES: DUCATI

The 2021 Ducati Monster is lighter and faster with an all-new look and styling. But is it better?

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THE FIRST RIDE: DUCATI'S NEW MONSTER

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BOLOGNA WOULD HAVE been warmer, but at the sight of the new Monster, you can forgive Ducati for the short-term relocation of their presentation to Stuttgart, Germany, which is a brisk four degrees celsius. The heart becomes warm. Although maybe not quite as hot as the discussion about the Monster’s new dress - the missing trellis frame obviously divides Monster fans into two camps. But a look at the datasheet will get your heart pumping. It’s a brand-new motorcycle, so let’s skip the nostalgic emotions and hop right on this promising and fun machine!

Compared to its predecessor, the Monster 821, hardly anything has stayed the same with the new Monster. As of 2021, the displacement designation will be removed from the Monster’s name, and we’ll see only one displacement offering. A Desmo-V2, round headlight, and a bison-back-shaped tank - with side knee recesses - all adorn the new Monster. But instead of the iconic trellis frame, it now carries the aluminum frame derived from the Panigale V4, which together with the new swingarm saves 14.3 pounds in weight. The tank shrinks from 4.5 to 3.7 gallons. The rims weigh 3.75 pounds less and with further detail improvements and a 5 pounds lighter engine, the weight saving adds up to a total of 39.6 pounds. The Monster now weighs in at a feather-light 414 pounds wet or 366 pounds dry.

The Desmo-V-Twin found in the Monster is the same 937 cc powerplant that Ducati has been using in both the Hypermotard and Supersport.

It sees only small changes to make it suitable for the Monster. Additionally, Ducati's cult naked bike got a new and extensive electronics package, complete with lean-angle sensitive traction control, lean angle ABS, wheelie control, three riding modes, and a quick-shifter (up and down) APRIL 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 27

THE FIRST RIDE: DUCATI'S NEW MONSTER

Ducati's cult naked bike got a new and extensive electronics package, complete with lean-angle sensitive traction control, lean angle ABS, wheelie control, three riding modes, and a quick-shifter (up and down) as standard.

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THE FIRST RIDE: DUCATI'S NEW MONSTER as standard. Everything can be adjusted using the familiar Ducati menu on the 4.3-inch color TFT display.

What is immediately noticeable when you first sit down is the new frame not only saves weight but also makes the new Monster slimmer. Your knees rest comfortably on the sides of the tank and the angle of your legs fit right away, giving a feeling of intimate connection to the bike that no longer requires leaning forward towards the handlebars. With the old 821, the ergonomics had most riders stretched more over the tank, due to footpegs that were placed higher and a seat that put the rider in a position that made it difficult to move around. Now, there is a lot of space; you can slide back and forth on the seat as you like. This makes it easier to find a comfortable position on longer tours. The same is true for your passenger, who also has a good amount of space, especially to the rear of the pillion seat where a generous amount of cushion can be found with a comfortable knee angle to the passenger pegs.

Even though the new Monster’s seat rose from 30.9 inches to 32.3 inches, the narrow transition from the seat to the tank enables me, measuring 5’6”, to stand securely. For even smaller riders there’s a lower seat available and together with the lowering kit, you could even get it as low as 30.5 inches.

When starting the engine for the first time, the Monster sounds conspicuously inconspicuous, almost shy. Probably due to the strict regulations in Europe.

Outside the traffic in Stuttgart however, the Ducati loses all pretense of shyness. At higher speeds, it really wakes up and emits a pleasantly bassy sound, at a socially acceptable volume for the environment of course. The 111 hp (82 kW) Testastretta is not only acoustically well behaved.

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THE FIRST RIDE: DUCATI'S NEW MONSTER

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THE FIRST RIDE: DUCATI'S NEW MONSTER

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nicely out of the corners. The jerking low-speed throttle response, found on previous Monster iterations, has been significantly smoothed out, which allows more relaxed cruising. The Desmo-V2 powerplant especially likes higher speeds and pulls strongly through the speed range from the lower center.

The “Sport” mode with a very direct throttle response is good for an ambitious pace.

“Touring” makes the latter tamer and “Urban” also reduces the peak power to 75 hp. On open and dry country roads, the decision to put the bike in “Sport” is an easy one. And since switching between the riding modes is still rather cumbersome in the menu, you’ll find yourself keeping it in Sport mode most of the time. It is a pleasure to shift up and down through the gears with the gentle quick-shifter. The easy-to-use hydraulic clutch is only needed to start up, but it's still nice that the clutch lever, as well as the brake lever, can be adjusted in width.

While the V2 is buzzing lively under you, the first corners fly by without you having to think about it. The Monster faithfully follows the line, easily allows for corrections, and always remains precisely predictable. Among other things, because of the shorter wheelbase, it is more manageable than its predecessor, and it falls quickly into an inclined position.

Another thing that I noticed right away: the better steering angle. It has changed by seven degrees and especially at press rides like this one where you have to do one U-turn after another for photo and video runs, I really do appreciate that.

The suspension, which is not adjustable with the exception of the spring preload, does a good job and shows no weaknesses on this first trip – as does the Brembo brake system with radial calipers and 320-millimeter discs.

The new Monster is available in three different APRIL 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 35

THE FIRST RIDE: DUCATI'S NEW MONSTER

While the V2 is buzzing lively under you, the first corners fly by without you having to think about it. The Monster faithfully follows the line, easily allows for corrections, and always remains precisely predictable.

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THE FIRST RIDE: DUCATI'S NEW MONSTER

colors, Ducati Red with black wheels from $11,895. Aviator Grey with red wheels and Dark Stealth with black wheels from $12,095. For an additional $300 you can upgrade your Monster with a “+”. The Monster + comes with a small fly screen plus a passenger seat cover. Other colors and decors are of course also available, as well as two accessory exhaust systems by Termignoni.

What else? The service intervals are pleasantly long, as is now customary. The first oil service is due after 9,000 miles, the valve clearance check is only needed after 18,000 miles. In between, there is a lot of time to enjoy the new Monster without interruptions.

So, it happens that the much too cold test ride somehow ends much too early. I would have accepted the shivering a little longer for more seat time. The new Ducati Monster is not chained to the past but looks straight to the future. It is lighter, more dynamic, and, compared to the Monster 821, stronger. Anyone who appreciates these qualities will find the new Monster a great option for everyday riding. And for the nostalgic fans of Ducati Monsters’ past, they can at least still buy one of the previous Trellis-Monsters this year as some remaining Monster 1200 models are still being sold..

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HONDA REBEL 1100

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WORDS: PETER JACKSON IMAGES: DREW RUIZ APRIL 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 43

THE FIRST RIDE: HONDA REBEL 1100

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THE HONDA REBEL has been somewhat of an unexpected cash cow for Honda. Using the 300 and 500 platforms, the Honda Rebel has carved out its own little niche among cruiser riders looking for something a little different.

But the party stopped at the 500. That means Honda missed not just one, but every single opportunity to keep those riders in the cruiser fold. Unless they wanted a rather garish Honda Fury. Thus, the Honda Rebel 1100 is born.

Honda knows the cruiser game is dominated by the Red, White and Blue, and are thus offering something a little different compared to Uncle Sam. The Rebel 1100 that we tested here with the auto DCT six-speed transmission, will cost you just south of $10K at $9999, with $700 taken off if you go for the traditional manual version.

The motor is ripped from the Honda Africa Twin 1100, the parallel twin-cylinder measuring 1084 cc and puts it in line with the Indian Scout and Harley-Davidson Iron 1200. Matched to a super-low 27.5-inch seat height and claimed curb weight of 509 pounds, Honda’s presented a real alternative to traditional cruising, and that’s before you ride it.

In becoming a Rebel powerplant, the Africa Twin’s motor has received slightly different cam timing and the flywheel weight has been increased a substantial 20 percent. And although the motor will redline to 8000 rpm, all meaningful drive is about done by 7000 rpm and thus wills you to just lug the Rebel from one corner to the next. You’re cruising, after all, not riding at the TT. APRIL 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 45

THE FIRST RIDE: HONDA REBEL 1100

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THE FIRST RIDE: HONDA REBEL 1100 There are three preset ECU modes of Standard, Sport, and Rain. Each of which has its own level of traction and wheelie control, engine brake control, and DCT settings. Honda’s also fitted a User mode that allows you to program everything individually. Handy when you consider the DCT itself has three modes, Levels One to Three, to explore. The DCT is a bit perplexing in its performance. In Level One, the Rebel becomes a massive scooter cruiser, sending the rider into sixth gear before he knows it and keeping the revs ultra-low. Here the DCT works beautifully, its performance matching the Rebel’s aesthetic of a laid back easy rider.

Kick it into Level Two and you’re in the middle ground here. The DCT will hold the early gears for solid bottom-end acceleration, but once you’re into gears four, five, and six, it’ll once again go through them quickly and drop the revs low, which isn’t ideal sometimes.

In Level Three, the DCT holds each individual gear, allowing you to max out drive and get the most available performance from the motor for a given speed. I have to admit this was my least favorite mode, as the gears would be held for far too long and the ride would become super vibey. You can fix this by using the paddle shift on the left handlebar, which is a fun little exercise, but then, you may as well have the manual gearbox…

Honda’s almost got the DCT spot on, but it’s not quite there yet unless you’re after lowspeed cruising. If you are, it’s happy days and the Rebel will suit you to a T. Oh, did I mention the Rebel also comes with cruise control as standard? Another reason to hit Level One and let the good times roll.

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THE FIRST RIDE: HONDA REBEL 1100

HONDA’S PULLED A GOOD TRICK HERE, AS CREATING A BIKE THIS LOW AND ONE THAT DOESN’T SEND SHOCKS THROUGH YOUR SPINE ISN’T AN EASY THING TO DO. KEEP THE REVS LOW AND THE REBEL FLOWS THROUGH THE CITY WITH STYLE.

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THE FIRST RIDE: HONDA REBEL 1100

The Rebel is delightfully comfortable for something so low, the dual Showa shocks giving a lovely ride until you hit the hard, square-edged potholes you’ll find in most city streets. Honda’s pulled a good trick here, as creating a bike this low and one that doesn’t send shocks through your spine isn’t an easy thing to do. Keep the revs low and the Rebel flows through the city with style.

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From my conversations with some moto journalist colleagues, the Rebel’s look is a little polarizing. But I personally dig it. Although, I’d be changing that muffler, stat. The Honda Rebel 1100 looks unlike any other largecapacity cruiser and is ripe for customization with different tank covers and a host of various accessories available. And for under $10K, the DCT Rebel is going to take a lot of beating.

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THE PRESS ROOM

GRID NEWS

WORLDSBK AND WORLDSSP 2021 CALENDAR UPDATE The FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization announce a doubleheader start to the WorldSBK 2021 season with back-to-back rounds in Spain, then Portugal.

The 2021 WorldSBK season is slated to commence at Spain's MotorLand Aragón, May 21 through 23. It was announced today by the FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization that there will be race action the very next weekend in Portugal at Circuito Estoril for the Superbike and Supersport classes. This is only the fifth time in WorldSBK history that the season has started with back-to-back races, on sequential weekends.

Also noteworthy, the Circuito Estoril hosted the 2020 Championship-deciding season finale.

The Circuito Estoril is located on the Portuguese Riviera, outside of Lisbon. The track measures 2.599 miles in distance with a total of 13 turns.

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu set a lap record there in 2020 at the 2020 Estoril World SBK rounds with a lap time of 1:36.594.

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JACK ROACH RECRUITED BY WESTBY RACING FOR MOTOAMERICA JUNIOR CUP CHAMPIONSHIP Young British, by way of Canada, rider Jack “For 2021, we’ve decided to change up the Roach secures a ride with Team Westby for his Westby Racing Junior Cup program a little bit.

We’ve joined forces with JR12 Racing as our sophomore MotoAmerica season. technical partner and Jack Roach as our rider.

Westby Racing has enlisted the talents of The Westby Racing Yamaha R3 will be prepared seventeen-year-old JR12 Racing rider, Jack Roach. and maintained by us at Westby Racing, but Roach will pilot the #12 Westby Racing Yamaha JR12 Racing will have its own presence in the YZF-R3 in the 2021 MotoAmerica Junior Cup MotoAmerica paddock with technical assistance Championship. from Westby Racing." - Chuck Giacchetto, Westby Racing Team Manager.

Born in the United Kingdom, and raised in British Columbia, Canada, Jack Roach started “I’m very grateful for the opportunity that Westby motorcycle road racing at the age of 14 in 2017. Racing has given me. The Yamaha R3 is a very 2020 marked Jack’s MotoAmerica debut and competitive bike that has proven itself in the his rookie season in the Junior Cup class where World Supersport Championship. So, my aim is he learned the tracks and finished seventh in the to show that the R3 is as good, if not better, than Championship. At Barber Motorsports Park last the other competitors’ bikes in Junior Cup.” - #12 September, he finished a season-high fourth in Jack Roach.

Junior Cup race one.

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THE PRESS ROOM: THE GRID NEWS KYLE WYMAN, HARLEY-DAVIDSON FACTORY RIDER

Harley-Davidson enlists the talents of the 2019 Davidson is something I've dreamed of since I was Daytona 200 winner, Kyle Wyman for its 2021 little, watching my hero Scott Parker win Grand MotoAmerica King of the Baggers campaign.

National Championships on the Harley-Davidson XR750. I look forward to our first race at Road Kyle Wyman has signed on as the pilot of the Atlanta and competing aboard this amazing Harley-Davidson Screamin' Factory Team for the machine." - Kyle Wyman 2021 King of the Baggers series. The Daytona winner will race onboard a Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson is also offering close to Road Glide Special powered by a race- $30,000 cash in a contingency program for modified Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 racers qualified Harley-Davidson racers that are Performance Crate Engine. participating in three race King of the Baggers series. The series is open to all qualified AMA "I am very excited and honored to be the rider license holders, with championship points being of the Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle Road totaled at each round and a National Champion Glide Special. To be a Factory rider for Harley- crowned at the end of the season.

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AMERICAN SUPER TICKET OFFERS A DOUBLE HEADER WEEKEND OF MOTO-ACTION April 30 through May 1 is going to be an exciting weekend of race action in the state of Georgia.

MotoAmerica is staged to kick off their 2021 race season at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

Just a little bit up the road, the American Flat Track Yamaha Atlanta Super TT, the thrid round of the AFT 2021 season, will be in action at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. The American Super Ticket will provide race fans access to both the Saturday night (May 1) Progressive AFT Yamaha Atlanta Super TT and the two-day (May 1-2) MotoAmerica opener.

Priced at $99.00, the American Super Ticket includes the following: · Progressive American Flat Track Tier 2 Premier General Admission Ticket (Saturday Only) · Premier Parking with Progressive American Flat Track at Atlanta Motor Speedway · Gates open at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 1. · Two-Day General Admission for MotoAmerica at Michelin Road Atlanta (Saturday-Sunday) · Premier Parking with MotoAmerica at Michelin Road Atlanta.

APRIL 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 57

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puigusa.com APRIL 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 59

THE GRID

MAVERICK VINALES WINS THE OPENING

M O T O G P ROUND OF 2021 MOTOGP WITH B.T.

WORDS: B.T. IMAGES: MOTOGP.COM 60 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | APRIL 2021

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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.

EVERYONE SAYS FATHERHOOD changes you.

“Once you have a kid, blah, blah, blah...,” or so the story goes. In the case of Maverick Vinales, this appeared to be true on Sunday night under the lights of the Losail Race Circuit of Qatar.

By the way, few if any sport nails their opening night better than MotoGP. Night Races are just special. The bikes look exceptionally shiny.

Everyone has that eagerness to show that the hard work in the off-season has paid off. It’s like going to church on Easter. It’s just special.

Vinales had an exceptional off-season. In the world of social media, he somehow managed to get married and become an expectant father, all in a shroud of secrecy. Almost unheard of in today’s media-driven world.

Maverick seemed different. It’s like when a boy leaves for Summer vacation a virgin and comes back a man!

race!” But, this year he seemed different. And just as well, as this season in MotoGP appears to be the strongest field ever.

How Strong? Valentino Rossi got 12th place in a race where he started 4th!

This season is He-Man strong with Skeletor being tyre consumption. Everyone had a Ducati on the top step of the podium. More specifically, Jack “Thriller” Miller. He exuded the confidence of a man with a secret that only he knew and he wasn’t telling.

The start of the race looked like our predictions rang true as Ducati occupied the first four start positions heading into the first lap. Vinales falling back as far as eighth after qualifying third. But even then Vinales appeared to be altered. He was faster than his teammate Quartararo and seemed to be biding his time to strike. Like a snake to its unknowing prey.

Without saying anything... They always seem different.

Lap by lap, the M1 of Vinales slowly picked off its foes until it was just him and the straight-line With the media paying attention to the Speed of rocket speed of race leader Pecco Bagnaia. This the Ducati’s (Johan Zarco clocked an astonishing leads us to the curious question of which would 362.4 KM/h, to set a new all-time speed record) you rather have... speed or handling abilities? and the all-around capabilities of the Suzuki. It seems when they did talk about the Yamaha, it The Ducati is a literal missile in a straight line. was either Fabio Quartararo, Franco Morbidelli, Which is great if a race track was one straight or 42-year-old Valentino Rossi. Vinales seemed to line but it's not. And like Bon Scott once famously be an afterthought. The "King of Winter Testing” is said, “That’s where the problem starts!” Getting what he was being known as. It seems everyone the bike to turn, that’s where their problem begins had grown tired of his act and knew what to and the Yamaha ends. expect of Maverick "Top Gun" Vinales.

The question was answered with eight Laps to go As I said, kids will change your life. At the start of when Vinales went up the inside of Bagnaia and every practice, Vinales prepared his starts, a weak it was so long sucka! With Vinales winning by point for him in the past. A bad start equals a bad over 1.2 seconds over the Ducati gang. With no 62 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | APRIL 2021

JAUME MASIA

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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.

SAM LOWES

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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.

MAVERICK VINALES

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one having Vinales as the race winner, it proved to be a statement win for Vinales. It showed he was more than just a Winter Test Champion.

This Maverick Vinales is different. But as he said, we will see. After all, it's the first race. Hell, even the State of Georgia had us fooled that it had changed, so we shall see. But one thing that hasn’t changed is that MotoGP continues to produce the greatest show on tarmac.

Moto3 didn’t disappoint with Jaume Masia winning a thriller over rookie sensation Pedro Acosta and championship contender Daryn “With the Good Hair” Binder.

Moto2 looks to be Sam Lowes’ to lose but with a talent pool that will feed MotoGP for years to come with quality talent.

How good was the racing on Sunday night? If it weren’t for the picture of his Instagram, I almost completely forgot about Marc Marquez being absent from the race. The excitement for MotoGP is at an all-time high. And with Covid-19 still wreaking havoc like a 4-year-old in Wal-Mart, more eyes will be more focused on GP than ever before. And MotoGP will deliver.

It’s only one race but this season seems to present itself like an episode of "Ozark". You know who the characters are but you also know they’ll be different types of drama. For the time being, I will hold my pen on Rossi and who’s for real in the title chase. But, fatherhood and marriage forces you to change. You have to grow up. If this new grown-up in Maverick Vinales is permanent and his racing grows as he is, as a man... Then MotoGP just got a legitimate title contender and not just the “Winter Test Champion”. This bodes well for all GP fans as we still wait for the arrival of eight-time Champion Marc Marquez and see if he has and will have a say in the matter.

Stay tuned GP Freaks, we’re just getting started.

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www.woodcraft-cfm.com APRIL 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 69

THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Akshay Chadha LOCATION: Vancouver, British Columbia OCCUPATION: Structural Bridge Engineer.

YEARS RIDING: 9 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street for now. But looking forward to my first track day this year!

BIKE/S OWNED: 2013 Suzuki GSX-R 750.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Pazzo Racing adjustable levers for their comfortable lever grips.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Def initely t he Dainese Laguna Seca 5 suit!

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Carving canyons on Sea To Sky Highway is the first one that comes to my mind. But a full day of motocross riding was the second best thing I have done!

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AnnMarie Papa LOCATION: Upper Darby, PA OCCUPATION: College student studying political science at La Salle University.

YEARS RIDING: 1 year.

RIDING STYLE: Street, strip, and soon track.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: My lowering kit because it makes riding so much more comfortable for a short person like me.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My AGV K1 helmet as it keeps me safe but also looks so cool.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: This is pretty tough but I would have to say is the first time I ever rode into Center City, Philadelphia at night.

It was me and my best friend who has on an identical black Ninja 250. It was just an unreal experience to see my home city from a whole new perspective and take in all of the sights and sounds like never before. Right then and there I really saw the beauty of riding and this is something I’ll never forget.

APRIL 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 71

THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS

Mia LOCATION: San Jose, CA OCCUPATION: Mom. Coffee drinker. Day job that pays for all of the above and the price of 100 octane, Operations Manager.

YEARS RIDING: About 9 years total.

RIDING STYLE: Street, preferably dry, for commuting, for fun, for quick errands that end up being not so quick. Strip, only when I get a head nod from a Ninja at a stop light. Started on track, not for me anymore.

Sometimes stunt, I’ve accidentally popped wheelies off the line… Does that count?

BIKE/S OWNED: Triumph Thruxton 1200.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Thermos mounted to the bike frame for emergency backup coffee. Heated grips. My specially designed and stitched seat. GP style exhaust that looks and sound angry.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: At the moment, thermal layers.

Temperature control is my nemesis. Moto backpack for commuting and safely transporting BBQ. Helmet headset. I need navigation so I don’t end up in Nevada, again. But most of all, tunes. My bike is my dance partner.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Riding on Highway 1 for the first time. Born and raised on the east coast, it was a dream realized. Beach with a pack.

I saw some of the most incredible bikes.

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Lenny Brown LOCATION: San Diego, CA

OCCUPATION: Program Management.

YEARS RIDING: 12 years.

RIDING STYLE: Mostly street with a few track days here and there.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2014 Honda CBR 1000RR SP. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: My Quick shifter.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My gloves.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Riding to Santa Monica Pier via the Pacific Coast Highway.

APRIL 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 73

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1-DAY PASS $20 WEEKEND PASS $40 74 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | APRIL 2021

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1-DAY PASS $20 WEEKEND PASS $40

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APRIL 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 75

THE NEW ISH JOE ROCKET • DAYRIDE JACKET The Dayride Jacket features a combined Hitena, Rock Tex 600, and Free Air mesh hybrid outer shell for maximum impact resistance and mesh cooling where you need it. The Full Flex system is a precision tailored fusion of pliable mesh located at the underarms, shoulders, back and articulated back expansion panels, drastically augmenting mobility. Armor is located at the shoulders, elbows and spine. Other highlights include an 8 inch rear zipper to attach pants, a removable insulated vest liner and reflective sleeve panels and back stripe.

Sizes: S - XXXL Colors: Black/Black, Red/Black, Blue/Black, Grey/Black, Orange/Black Price: $244.99 Contact: www.joerocket.com

HIPPO HANDS • DUCATI MULTISTRADA HAND COVERS These hand covers are specifically designed to fit the large Ducati Multistrada handguards with integrated turn signals. They accommodate the common after-market BarkBuster bars added to many of these bikes. Hippo Hands are insulated with a generous layer of HippoFat, a warm, flexible, closed-cell foam, designed to keep inclement weather away from your hands. The front panel is 3M reflective for high visibility, and there's a clear window to accommodate the integrated turn signals.

Price: $159.95 Contact: https://hippohands.com

COMPETITION WERKES • DUCATI PANIGALE V4 AND V2 FENDER ELIMINATOR This fender eliminator kit relocates the license plate and stock turn signals to clean up the rear end of the bike.

Made of stainless steel and powder-coated black, the plate holder ships with brackets for stock and aftermarket turn signals. All necessary hardware and instructions are included.

Price: $119.95 Contact: https://competitionwerkes.com 76 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | APRIL 2021

SW-BREMBO BRAKES • GP4-RS RADIAL MOUNT FRONT CALIPER SET The new Brembo GP4-RS One-Piece caliper is the answer you've been waiting for. Designed for racing enthusiasts and for those who want real innovation for their bike's brake calipers, the Brembo GP4-RS was inspired by the one-piece caliper developed for the MotoGP and now available to enthusiasts everywhere. The Brembo logo is embossed and hand-painted in classic Brembo Red. The kit also includes sintered brake pads.

Price: $799.00 Contact: https://brocksperformance.com

ALPINESTARS • SP-8 V3 AIR GLOVES A universal riding glove bristling with racing DNA, the SP-8 v3 Leather Glove is constructed from highly abrasion-resistant, full-grain goat leather and synthetic leather material. It delivers high levels of protection thanks to its advanced MotoGP-derived SP dual-density knuckle protection. With a pre-shaped finger construction, a hook and loop cuff closure and a new anatomically profiled grip insert on the palm and thumb, this glove affords a secure and highly personalized performance riding fit and high levels of movement and comfort.

Sizes: S - XXXL Price: $99.95 Contact: www.alpinestars.com

COMPETITION WERKES • HUSQVARNA VITPILEN & SVARTPILEN 401 SLIP-ON EXHAUST

This slip-on exhaust system replaces the stock muffler of the Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401. The stock catalytic converter and main canister remain but the weight savings and boost in performance are significant.

Finishes: Brushed Stainless, Full Black, Black Center Price: $449.95 Contact: https://competitionwerkes.com

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THE NEW ISH ICON MOTOSPORTS • ULTRABOLT AIRFLITE HELMET With graphics featuring halftone fades with bright pops of color or bestowed with sanguine shades of metallic gunmetal, the Ultrabolt is a visual spectale. Equipped with a Hydradry interior liner, Fog-Free Clear and Dark Smoke Fliteshields, internal Dark Smoke Dropshield, the Ultrabolt is another option from ICON's Airflite line of helmets.

Sizes: XS - XXXL Colors: Black, Glory Price: $295.00 Contact: www.rideicon.com

JOE ROCKET • OPTIC GLOVES The Optic Gloves are a great option for warmer riding weather. They feature Joe Rocket's Free Air mesh chassis with goatskin leather panels.

The molded knuckle armor is wrapped in goatskin leather and you'll find high-density padding on the fingers. The double-stitched palm has a contoured padding goatskin leather palm for comfort and vibration reduction. SmartTouch conductive material on index fingers allows for instant mobile-friendly, touchscreen access. The Optics are highlighted by their short profile cuff with hook-and-loop closure.

WOODCRAFT-CFM • KAWASAKI ZX-6 35MM RISE SIDE MOUNT ADJUSTABLE CLIP ONS These clip ons have a 35mm rise over a conventional race clip on plus they have an adjustable bar angle between -7 and +7 degrees. The 35mm designation is the rise over your OEM bars. The side mount feature also moves the bars back to a position that helps keep them away from fairing and gauges. This allows for the 35mm rise, which would not be possible without moving the bars away from the upper fairing. You will need to 2-inch longer aftermarket brake lines to complete installation.

Price: $239.99 Contact: https://woodcraft-cfm.com 78 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | APRIL 2021

Colors: Black/Black, Black/Red, Black/Hi-Viz, Black/Light Grey Sizes: S - XXXL Price: $49.99 Contact: www.joerocket.com

YOSHIMURA-RD • FENDER ELIMINATOR KIT FOR THE GSX-R1000 This new kit incorporates Yopshimura's new Shrink Solder Connectors and their new and improved weather tight light housing, and brighter DOT compliant LED light. The precision laser-cut stainless steel bracket tucks discreetly under the tail section of the bike, improving the looks and profile of the GSX-R 1000's tail section. The kit ships with a black anodized aluminum license plate frame with silk screened Yoshimura logo and stainless steel hardware included.

Price: 139.00 Contact: https://yoshimura-rd.com

HOTBODIES RACING • HONDA GROM MGP LEVERS These beautifully crafted levers are made of high aircraft grade 6061 aluminum for added strength and reliability. The 6 position clicker allows for quick on the fly position adjustments with a roller cam assembly that allows the rider to fine-tune the feel of the clutch and to compensate for brake fade. The fold-away lever is an added feature for safety and reduces damage in the event of a crash. The folding hinge offers excellent rider feel and response with a carefully crafted assembly. These levers install easily to your OEM style clutch perches and brake master cylinders so that you are back on the road or track in minutes.

PUIG HI-TECH RACING • STREET TRIPLE S NEW GENERATION SPORT WINDSHIELD

Price: $149.95 Colors: Black, Gold Contact: https://hotbodiesracing.com

This Sport windshield is perfect if you are looking to maintain the impeccable design of your Triumph Street Triple S / R / RS while improving its air resistance.

Its aesthetic merges with the minimalist and simple lines of this elegant naked, making it your best travel partner. Thanks to its shapes, it reduces the direct impact of the wind on the torso and arms, offering a more comfortable and less exhausting ride. The ideal balance between functionality and sport design.

Manufactured in 3mm methacrylate, material that guarantees high resistance to possible impacts and provides a great aerodynamic capacity, being insurmountable against the wind.

Colors: Smoke, Dark Smoke, Clear Price: $141.87 Contact: https://puigusa.com APRIL 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 79

THE NEW ISH: FEATURED ITEM HJC HELMETS • BANE I-70 HELMET

With DC Universe's Bane, from Batman lore, dynamic graphics emblazoned on the exterior of the i-70 platform, you're sure to turn some heads. The i-70 shell features an advanced polycarbonate composite that makes it lightweight while offering a superior fit and comfort using advanced CAD technology. Inside, you'll find an impact-absorbing, multiple density EPS liner. 7 intake vents and 2 exhaust vents allow for maximum airflow and circulation. The i-70 features a new one-touch Shield Locking System with a center shield open/close locking system with upgraded durability.

Sizes: S - XXL Price: $299.99 Contact: https://hjchelmets.com 80 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | APRIL 2021

CORNERING LEARN THE SKILLS DISCOVER THE ART

Would you like to improve your riding skills? The California Superbike School trains riders at tracks worldwide in 14 countries. Its 38 year history has produced 140,000 graduates.

Most riders have no clear idea of how good they really can be.

Sign up for the California Superbike School and find out. www.superbikeschool.com APRIL 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 81