AUGUST 2021 VOL 11 ISSUE 11
S P O RT B I K E S I N C M AG . CO M
TRIUMPH
SPEED TRIPLE
1200 RS
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
THE ALL NEW
20 22
ARE YOU READY?
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EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING THE NEW HAYABUSA HAS TO OFFER AT
SUZUKICYCLES.COM/HAYABUSA
Model shown with optional accessories. 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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CONTENTS
AUGUST 2021 - VOLUME 11, ISSUE 11 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
86 THE NEW ISH
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=86
FEATURED RIDER: TATIANA N. MUNIZ GUZMAN http://issuu.com/action/page?page=70 PAGE: 70
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FEATURES
AUGUST 2021 - VOLUME 11, ISSUE 11 THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS
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TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RS FIRST RIDE REVIEW
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SPORTSTER S FIRST RIDE REVIEW
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LEMANS THE FRENCH GP
60
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=60
ALPINESTARS SUPERTECH R
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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: Triumph Motorcycles CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Brian J Nelson, Kevin Wing, Triumph Motorcycles, Alpinestars, MotoGP.com, WorldSBK.com SportBikes Inc Magazine - August 2021 Volume 11, Issue 11 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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PURE. MAGNIFICENT. MUSCLE. THE ULTIMATE HIGH PERFORMANCE MUSCLE ROADSTER. In a world-leading class of its own, the Rocket 3 R is a genuine motorcycle legend. Setting a benchmark for handling and character, the Rocket 3 R delivers instantaneous world-leading torque and incredible control, comfort and capability. Combining the world’s highest production motorcycle torque – 163 LB-FT @ 4,000rpm, produced by the world’s largest production motorcycle engine, together with an incredibly high specification of equipment and technology, the Rocket 3 R offers an unparalleled thrilling riding experience for all day, any gear, effortless capability. On top of its unbeatable performance, the Rocket 3 R has an incredible pure muscular presence and magnificent style, together with beautiful details and an unparalleled finish. Find out more, visit TriumphMotorcycles.com
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FEATURE STORY
TRIUMPH
SPEED TRIPLE PAGE 24
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FROM THE EDITOR
MISSION POSSIBLE 2 I was a young adult when I saw Mission Impossible 2. The action scene in the third act, leading toward the end of the flic had me on the edge of my seat as actors Tom Cruise and Dougray Scott chased after, shot at each other, fought, and jousted while racing a Triumph Speed Triple and a Triumph Daytona 955. Granted, the scene is pretty damn corny by all means but it was cool to see bikes on the big screen, in high caliber action sequences, regardless of how ridiculous and unrealistic the stunts were. 12 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | AUGUST 2021
Mission Impossible 2 hit the theaters in the year 2000. While it is a few years later before I bought my first motorcycle, that black Tom Cruise's, as Ethan Hunt, Speed Triple was one of the major sparks that fueled my inspiration to ride. To this day, if that movie is on, I'll stop what I'm doing to sit and watch it just for the big payoff of the bikes in the final action scene. Best, Allan @mrblackmoses
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 REPSOL CBR1000RRS AUCTIONED FOR CHARITY
HONDA IS DONATING THREE ZERO-MILE REPSOL CBR1000RRS TO BE AUCTIONED BY ICONIC MOTORBIKES, BENEFITING THE PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION’S RIDE FOR KIDS. Iconic Motorbikes will facilitate the auction of three Honda Repsol CBR1000RRs on behalf of American Honda. Honda, celebrating its 30th year as the presenting sponsor of the Ride for Kids, is donating the trio of Fireblades from its private collection to benefit the charity. The three Repsol CBR1000RRs are model years 2005, 2007 and 2009. Here are a few quick notes about the Honda CBR1000RR: • The CBR1000RR was initially offered in 2004, replacing the CBR954RR, and the inaugural 14 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | AUGUST 2021
special-edition Repsol version arrived in 2005. • The 2007 Repsol Honda CBR1000RR came just after Nicky Hayden’s 2006 MotoGP title. • The 2009 special edition of the CBR1000RR is the only second-generation version, following the model’s 2008 overhaul. The auction is scheduled for September 3 through 10. All three bikes have zero miles and are being auctioned off individually. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Ride for Kids is an annual event and on September 12, riders across the nation will join forces on a single day to support the 28,000 children and teens living in the United States with a brain tumor or central nervous system tumor. The ride is the longest-running charitable motorcycle ride in the U.S. For more information and to register to participate, visit www.rideforkids.org.
COREY ALEXANDER RELEASES LIMITED EDITION WINE MOTODOFF TINTO VENTITRE IS A LIMITED EDITION RED WINE, A PRODUCT OF A COLLABORATION BETWEEN COREY ALEXANDER AND DOFFO WINERY. HONOS HVMC Racing Superbike racer Corey Alexander has teamed up with the Temecula, California-based Doffo Winery to offer a limited edition red wine blend simply titled, "Tinto Ventitre". Tinto Ventitre is Italian for "dyed 23", 23 being Corey Alexander's race number. The collaboration is part of Doffo's motorcycleinspired MotoDoffo wine collection. The bottle label is spotlighted by unique artwork, designed by Art For Petrolheads, that features Corey Alexander in action on his #23 HONOS HVMC Racing Kawasaki ZX-10RR. "The first time I visited Doffo Winery I thought maybe I was in heaven. The wine was obviously amazing, but being amongst fellow motorcycle enthusiasts and beautiful bikes makes it a surreal setting! After getting to know Damian (Damian Doffo, CEO and Winemaker) more personally, we share a lot of similarities. I was born and raised in a motorcycle dealership and love wine. He was born and raised on a winery and loves motorcycles! I'm so excited to bring the two together through this collaboration and I hope everyone else enjoys it too". - Corey Alexander. MotoDoffo Tinto Ventitre is available for purchase in person at the winery or online. Enjoy responsibly. AUGUST 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 15
THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS KTM RC 8C KTM'S TRACK WEAPON MAKE NO MISTAKE. THE LIMITED-EDITION 309-POUND KTM RC 8C WAS ENGINEERED FOR AND IS DEDICATED TO TRACK PERFORMANCE, FROM NOSE TO TAIL AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. Make no mistake. The limited-edition 309-pound KTM RC 8C was engineered for and is dedicated to track performance, from nose to tail and everything in between. Powered by the LC8 engine from the 890 DUKE R, the KTM RC 8C is a limited edition race prototype machine. Employing rich performance components, the RC 8C is being offered to the public, granting an opportunity to own a motorcycle that is as pretty damn close to a factory MotoGP bike, as possible,
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without selling both of your kidneys. Inside the RC 8C's kevlar reinforced GRP bodywork is a hand-built steel tubular frame that houses the 128 hp, 889 cc LC8c, DOHC, 8 valve, parallel-twin engine. At the front end of the RC 8C, the suspension consists of a pair of 43 mm WP APEX PRO 7543 closed cartridge forks, assembled in the same manner as the KTM RC16 GP machine. At the rear, you'll find a WP APEX PRO 7746 shock with preload adjustability. Brake duty falls upon Brembo race-spec Stylema front calipers with 290mm fully floating discs with aluminum rotors and titanium screws. The front setup is accompanied by a Brembo 19RCS CORSA CORTA radial master cylinder. The back brake setup consists of a Brembo two-piston caliper with a 230mm floating disc. For data acquisition, the KTM RC 8C offers the services of the AIM MXS 1.2 RACE dashboard and data logger with an integrated GPS function. Data is displayed via a 5 inch TFT read-out. Tipping the scales at 309 pounds, the RC 8C is outfitted with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust and aluminum Dymag wheels. Production is limited to only 100 units, worldwide, with an MSRP of $38,999. Pre-order sales go live at 16:00 CEST on July 22. To sweeten the offering, 25 customers that purchase the new KTM RC 8C will be offered a chance to join the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team at a special KTM RC 8C race track experience at Circuito de Jerez. Customers that opt-in for the KTM RC 8C race track experience will also receive the KTM RC 8C race track package that includes: an additional set of Dymag wheels (front and rear), extra front and rear brake discs, paddock stands, tire warmers and a KTM race carpet. AUGUST 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 17
THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS 2022 CB300R FROM HONDA HONDA POWERSPORTS RELEASES THE 2022 VERSION OF THE CB300R, ITS ENTRYLEVEL CAFE-STYLED, SPORT-NAKED BIKE EQUIPPED WITH ABS.
The suspension consists of a pair of 41 mm telescopic front forks that offer 5.1 inches of travel. In the rear, a single Pro-Link single shock offers 4.2 inches of travel.
Harley-The Honda CB300R is returning for the 2022 model year. Engineered as an entrylevel ride, the 31.5-inch seat height and the 317-pound wet weight makes the CB300R very manageable to new riders.
A single front 296 mm front disc and single rear 220 mm disc with hydraulic actuation make up the ABS (with IMU) brake system of the 2022 Honda CB300R.
The 2022 Honda CB300R, equipped with The CB300R employs a 286 cc liquid-cooled, ABS will be available in a Matte Pearl Blue 20-degree single-cylinder four-stroke engine. color option and have an MSRP of $4,949.00.
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THE PAN AMERICA 1250 SPECIAL SNATCHES THE #1 SPOT
HARLEY-DAVIDSON'S PAN AMERICA 1250 SPECIAL IS THE #1 ADV BIKE IN NORTH AMERICA. Sales for the Harley-Davidson Pan America have been impressive since the motorcycle was launched in February of 2021. The Milwaukee outfit is reporting that it's Pan America 1250 Special is the number one selling adventure touring motorcycle in North America. “Taking inspiration from our heritage, we wanted to create a motorcycle that redefined the adventure touring category and most importantly was designed and built in America. With the Pan America Special
now the #1 selling ADV motorcycle model in North America, we targeted a selective expansion into adventure touring as part of the Hardwire Strategy with the goal to reach new and existing Harley-Davidson customers. Pan America is squarely built on our mission to deliver a timeless pursuit of adventure for our riders. Those who now own or have tested one of our Pan America’s absolutely love this bike - having sold out of our 2021 allocation, we are excited about what the future has in store for Pan America and for the Adventure Touring category at Harley-Davidson.” - Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, CEO and President, HarleyDavidson. AUGUST 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 19
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OTHER AVAILABLE COLORS
MSRP@ $
244.99
SIZES: SM TH RU 3XL
TO FIND YOUR LOCAL DEALER VISIT:
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WHERE R WORLD MEETS YOURS.
2021 RWORLD LOGO
2 0 2 2 Y Z F® - R 7 A new generation Supersport for the next generation of rider. The all-new YZF-R7 combines Yamaha’s legendary styling with an ultra-thin and lightweight chassis and an advanced CP2 engine that provides torquey performance on both the track and the street. YamahaMotorsports.com Professional riders on a closed course. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, riding jacket or long sleeve shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Some models shown are modified to a racing specification and intended for closed course circuit use only. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, call 1-800-446-9227. ©2021 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.
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TRIUMPH
SPEED TRIPLE AT 177 HP, AND 436.5 POUNDS, THE NEW TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RS HAS A VERY SPORTY DESIGN AND IS EQUIPPED WITH HIGH-QUALITY COMPONENTS. WITH THE NEW SPEED TRIPLE, TRIUMPH IS CATCHING UP WITH THE CURRENT HYPER-NAKED BIKE FIELD. BUT HOW DOES IT PERFORM IN EVERYDAY RIDING AND TOURING?
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1
1200 RS
WORDS: JULIANE EGER IMAGES: TRIUMPH AUGUST 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 25
THE FIRST RIDE: SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RS
WHEN YOU FIRST sit on the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS, you immediately notice how light and narrow this totally redesigned bike has become. It almost feels like a Street Triple. And compared to its predecessor, the Speed Triple 1050, it weighs 22 pounds less and looks significantly more compact. The handlebars are 0.5 inches wider, and the footpeg position has moved inwards. The new footpeg positioning lessens the tendency to drag your pegs during corning, a problem that plagued the old model. The design language of the new Speed Triple draws definite parallels with its little sister the Street Triple. On your way through the city, the new Hypernaked can be ridden comfortably and quietly, but at low speeds, you'll notice that the on/off throttle transition isn't so smooth, which can cause harsh transitions
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between acceleration and deceleration. Once you arrive on country roads, the fun really begins. The engine pulls well from down below and doesn't stop pushing you forward until you hit the rev limiter at 11,150 rpm. An absolute pleasure in every speed range, She is good-natured and predictable, and faithfully follows the line that you desire. All while being serenaded by the awesome sound of the big threecylinder engine. The large triple engine was already a dream to ride in its original 1050 form. Now it has been redeveloped from the ground up and has been given a bump in displacement, more power and more torque: 1,160 cc, 180 PS / 177.5 bhp at 10,750 rpm and 92 lb-ft / 125 Nm at 9,000 rpm. The engine alone weighs 15 pounds less than the previous iteration
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THE FIRST RIDE: SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RS
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while simultaneously being more compact. With so much power and a curb weight of only 437 pounds, you may not notice the more subtle design changes the engineers worked into the 1200 Speed Triple. The center of gravity was shifted downwards and further forwards, while the swingarm was lengthened to increase traction and balance. The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS comes with a comprehensive electronics package. It uses the Continental MIB-EVO ABS modular, with an integrated 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) that enables Cornering ABS, Cornering Traction Control and Wheelie Control. These features can also be individually adapted in the five different riding modes: Road, Sport and Rain Mode (Rain being limited to 100 hp) can be selected while riding, while Track
and User Mode can only be selected through the menu while stopped. Only the most important information is shown in the 5-inch display. It looks very tidy and is easy to read despite the unit being placed quite far forwards. The menu with all further information and gadgets, such as phone connectivity and GoPro control, opens at the push of a button by moving the tachometer. The Keyless Ride system, which comes standard, can be supremely convenient. I personally prefer a conventional key though, as there are no embarrassing moments in which the key is not recognized immediately - which happened to me twice in one day and your riding buddies ride away without you. Also, the tactile feel of the key clicking into the “On” position always gets my heart beating a little faster.
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THE FIRST RIDE: SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RS
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A TRUE “ALL IN ONE” STYLE BIKE, THAT YOU’LL WANT TO TAKE OUT OF YOUR GARAGE EVERY CHANCE YOU GET.
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THE FIRST RIDE: SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RS
A Quickshifter (up and down) is also installed as standard, which works great even under partial load. This feature makes spirited riding on the road even more fun. When arriving at the switchbacks, you may again notice the issue with the bike’s reaction load changes at low speeds, regardless of which mapping you have selected. The response behavior is quite harsh at low speeds and there is a jolt when rolling on or off the gas. This issue becomes less prevalent as you move from narrow serpentines to longer faster sweepers. The high-quality Öhlins chassis has a very tight basic setup. The NIX30 upside-down fork and the TTX36 twin tube monoshock are obviously designed for hard braking and aggressive acceleration maneuvers like those that take place on the racetrack. Both the front and rear can be adjusted in
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preload, compression and rebound. On sections of the road with bad asphalt, I can clearly feel the bumps due to the stiff setting, but the impacts are not so bad as to shake your whole body. Some time spent playing with damping settings could see this issue fully resolved. If necessary, the velocity of the Speed Triple can be radically decelerated with the noble brake hardware at the front and rear, from Brembo. When applying the front brake, the rear is also automatically actuated as well by the intelligent linked braking system. This was easily noticed on our test machine as it had a slightly squeaky rear brake When pulling only the front brake lever, you could hear the rear brake squeaking as the linked braking system applied pressure to the rear as well.
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THE FIRST RIDE: SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RS
THE LARGE TRIPLE ENGINE WAS ALREADY A DREAM TO RIDE IN ITS ORIGINAL 1050 FORM. NOW IT HAS BEEN REDEVELOPED FROM THE GROUND UP AND HAS BEEN GIVEN A BUMP IN DISPLACEMENT, MORE POWER AND MORE TORQUE:
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THE FIRST RIDE: SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RS
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The Speed Triple 1200 RS is available in the US from $18,300. In contrast to the Street Triple, there is no slimmed-down and cheaper version. Only the RS with the noble equipment and in two color variants: Sapphire Black with red and silver elements, and Matt Silver Ice with black, silver and yellow details. 35 accessories are available from the factory, including a flyscreen, tire pressure monitor, bags and much more. No If you want to ride longer tours with the other exhaust is available from Triumph. new Speedy, you can look forward to the standard cruise control and the very The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS is easy comfortable seat. In general, the seating to handle in everyday life, a strong and position is sporty but less radical than sporty fun machine on the country road other Hyper-Naked bikes. The knee angle exit, a sporty, comfortable naked bike on is comfortable for myself and at 5’6’’ I can the longer tour and certainly a rocket on reach the ground with the balls of my feet, the racetrack. A true “all in one” style bike, so when maneuvering I am happy about that you’ll want to take out of your garage every chance you get. the low weight of the vehicle. The Metzeler Racetec RR tires, that come stock on the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS, are known to meet super sporty demands. This tire has a positive effect on handling and certainly sticks like chewing gum on the racetrack and at high temperatures. Even in the cooler morning temperatures, you’ll be surprised at the level of grip achieved at road temps of around 50° F.
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HARLEY-DAVID
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DSON
SPORTSTER S
WORDS: PETER JACKSON IMAGES: BRIAN J. NELSON, KEVIN WING AUGUST 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 41
THE FIRST RIDE: SPORTSTER S
THE 2021 MODEL year will go down as one of if not the most important years in Harley-Davidson's history. Not only has the Bar and Shield delivered their first-ever adventure motorcycle in the Pan America, they’ve also given their most sacred name a proper going over in the all-new Sportster S. Both the Sportster and the Pan Am share Harley’s brilliant Revolution Max 1250T 60 degree V-twin, although in Sportster-guise the torque has been moved further down the rev range and peak power is about 30 hp less. Sporting double overhead cams, variable valve timing, dual counterbalancers and a 30 degree crank pin offset, this is not your average Harley-Davidson motor. A claimed 121 hp and 94 lb-ft of torque is on offer, with the motor now a fully stressed member of the chassis to dramatically increase chassis stiffness and cornering prowess. There’s next to nothing carried over from previous models on the 2021 Sportster S. You’re graced with fully adjustable Showa suspension up front and a fully adjustable shock out the back; a full suite of rider aids including traction control, antiwheelie, ABS, engine brake and cruise control; a mammoth 160/70TR17 front tire and a (sadly) single disc front brake set-up that includes a Brembo monobloc caliper that provides adequate — although not impressive — braking power. I had the chance to test out the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S at the national launch in Los Angeles and came away impressed in some areas, but not others. First, the good stuff. 42 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | AUGUST 2021
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THE FIRST RIDE: SPORTSTER S
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Harley-Davidson should be congratulated for building the Revolution Max 1250T motor. The Motor Company has a truly great power unit on its hands here — the performance is miles ahead of even recent Harley’s with a lovely smooth throttle response and excellent mid-range punch. Playing between 3000 - 7000 rpm is great fun as you’re always met with enough forward momentum to either get you out of trouble or push you into the next straight, although the gearbox action isn’t as good as the motor in the shifts still are not as smooth as I’d have liked for a $14,999 MSRP machine. The performance of the motor naturally gives off a bit of heat, which is compounded by the fact the exhaust runs right under your leg. The catalytic convertor sits just below the rear cylinder head and unless you’ve got plenty of airflow happening, you’re going to get a very toasty leg by the end of the ride. This design cue is a tradeoff from Harley’s flat track racing program. The exhaust (in my opinion) looks great, but the tradeoff in heat for me is not worth it. I’d have preferred a lower exiting pipe just for a bit of slow speed comfort. Much talk has been splattered across internet forums of late regarding the two inches of rear suspension travel you get on the Sportster S. It’s not a lot and, I can assure you, it doesn’t feel like much when you’re riding, either. Sharp AUGUST 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 45
THE FIRST RIDE: SPORTSTER S
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"UNDER THE GUISE OF NEW CEO, JOCHEN ZEITZ OF GERMANY, THE MOTOR COMPANY IS PUSHING FULL STEAM AHEAD WITH A BUNCH OF NEW PRODUCTS WE’LL SEE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS..."
edged bumps are met with your anus hitting your tailbone as you take the full whack of suspension compression, making inner city rides over crappy road surfaces rather unpleasant. Shift your attention to fast, smooth backroads, however, and the Sportster S makes a lot more sense. Long, low and uberstable, the Sportster S will get down and boogie in the canyons in a way that belies its stature. You’ve got 34 degrees of lean angle here — not much — but learn to hang off the bike and keep it upright more and it’s surprising how hard you can hustle the machine along. The forward-mount controls are not my favorite as they stop the rider from getting in the attack position for sports riding, which is a little odd to say considering it’s called a “Sportster”. They also make it hard to get your butt off the seat for the AUGUST 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 47
THE FIRST RIDE: SPORTSTER S
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THE FIRST RIDE: SPORTSTER S
"PLAYING BETWEEN 3000 - 7000 RPM IS GREAT FUN AS YOU’RE ALWAYS MET WITH ENOUGH FORWARD MOMENTUM TO EITHER GET YOU OUT OF TROUBLE OR PUSH YOU INTO THE NEXT STRAIGHT..."
impeding potholes. Harley makes mid-mount controls as part of their aftermarket range and after 10 miles of trying them out, I was convinced they were the right way to go despite making the ride position a little more cramped. I’ve got to be honest and say I feel the Sportster S is a bit onedimensional for my tastes. This is a machine that will appeal to a very certain type of rider, and if that’s you, you’ll have a great time on it. It’s a fun machine when put in the right situations like in canyons at Angeles Crest in Los Angeles, but those times don’t happen as often as a general commute through the city. Regardless, the cultural shift is firmly in swing at HarleyDavidson. Under the guise of new CEO, Jochen Zeitz of Germany, the Motor Company is pushing full steam ahead with a bunch of new products we’ll see in the next few years. Hopefully, there’s a naked bike in that near future bearing this Revolution Max 125T motor. Harley-Davidson’s here and ready to party in 2021. It’ll be a wild ride to see where we go. 50 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | AUGUST 2021
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THE PRESS ROOM
GRID NEWS VALENTINO ROSSI RETIRES
AFTER 25 YEARS OF ELECTRIFYING GRAND PRIX that includes 89 victories in the premier class, 235 RACING, VALENTINO ROSSI RETIRES AT THE podium finishes, and 9 World Championships. CONCLUSION OF THE 2021 SEASON. During the press conference, at which he announced At a press release before the start of the Grand Prix his retirement, Valentino Rossi expressed, "I said I of Styria, the Nine-time MotoGP World Champion, would take a decision for next year after the summer Valentino Rossi announced that he would be hanging break, and I decided to stop at the end of the season," up his leathers at the end of the 2021 season. The started the legendary Italian. "Unfortunately this will be my last half season as a MotoGP rider. And it's Doctor retires, marking the end of an era. difficult, it's a very sad moment because it's difficult It had long been rumored that the 42-year-old to say and know that next year I will not race with a Valentino Rossi would retire at the end of this season, motorcycle, I've done that for I think more or less 30 or possibly at the end of the 2022 season. Always a years!" He continued, "Next year, my life will change. pleasure to watch, a real rider's favorite rider, Rossi But it was great, I've enjoyed it very much, it's been has embodied the very essence and soul of MotoGP, a long, long journey and it was really, really fun. It's 25, 26 years in the World Championship, so it was both on and off of the grid. great. And I had a unforgettable moments with all my Over his glorious career that spanned 25 years that guys, the guys who work for me, so... I don't have a began in 1996, Rossi has racked up 115 race wins lot to say! Just this."
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JAYSON URIBE HEADS TO WORLDSBK
OUTDO TPR TEAM PEDERCINI RACING SNATCHES UP MOTOAMERICA RIDER, JAYSON URIBE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE 2021 WORLDSBK SEASON. MotoAmerica Superbike racer Jayson Uribe is making the move to the WorldSBK paddock. The California-born racer has been recruited by the OUTDO TPR Team Pedercini Racing outfit to replace the recently vacated seat, alongside new Belgian teammate Loris Cresson. The 22-year-old Uribe is in 13th place in the MotoAmerica Superbike standings for the current season. Thus far, he has earned a total of 33 points from ten races with a best finish of eighth place. “I’m super excited to be given the opportunity to
ride with OUTDO TPR Team Pedercini at Most. I think it will be a lot of fun to be able to work with such a great and well-established team. I am also excited to reconnect with a few people who are already in the team that I know (the Gimbert family) from 2015, when I raced in the French Superbike series in Superstock. It will be good to get back on a Kawasaki. I don’t have so much experience on the green machine and it is a new track so for sure there will be a big learning curve, especially with the Pirelli tyres which I also don’t know but I am ready for the challenge. Everybody so far has been very supportive and to be finally in the World Superbike paddock, which is somewhere that I have wanted to be for a long time is great. I am doing everything I can to be ready, both physically and mentally and I can’t thank Lucio and OUTDO TPR Team Pedercini for the opportunity.” - Jayson Uribe. AUGUST 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 55
THE PRESS ROOM: THE GRID NEWS MAVERICK VINALES MOVES TO APRILIA
MAVERICK VINALES WILL RACE WITH APRILIA will reunite with his countryman, Aleix Esparargo at RACING TEAM GRESINI BEGINNING IN 2021 Aprilia. AFTER SIGNING A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT. “We are extremely happy to announce that we have There has been no hiding the fact the Maverick Vinales signed Maverick Viñales, a very high-level rider and and Yamaha both have tired of each other. It was one of the purest talents in the premier category. only in recent weeks that Vinales may or may not Our project has now been enriched with the value have attempted to purposefully malfunction his bike that Maverick brings - a World Champion who has during the Styrian Grand Prix for which Yamaha swiftly confirmed his talent as a top rider in MotoGP - at a suspended him and withdrew him from the Austrian time of great change, after bringing a completely Grand Prix. revamped bike to the track and having consistently established ourselves in the group of protagonists, It is also no secret that Aprilia Racing Team Gresini has we are also facing a switch in status as a Factory expressed interest in the Spaniard earlier this year. "If Team now, in order to take Aprilia to success. We Vinales is available, we're interested..." said Massimo are honoured to be able to make all of our best Rivola during the Dutch GP in June 2021. skills available to Viñales along with our enthusiasm and our passion. I am confident that, like Aleix, he Well, it seems that everyone is getting their wishes will embrace this extremely high-potential project. fulfilled. Yamaha and Maverick Vinales are parting The arrival of Maverick in no way distances Lorenzo ways at the end of the 2021 season, if not sooner. Savadori from the team, as he will remain an integral Aprilia Racing Team Gresini has confirmed that they part of the Aprilia Racing family.” - Massimo Rivola, have signed Maverick for a one-year deal, with a Aprilia Racing CEO. renewal option, for the 2022 season and Maverick 56 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | AUGUST 2021
SCOTT REDDING SIGNS TO BMW FOR 2022 THE 2019 BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPION SCOTT REDDING ANNOUNCED HIS MOVE TO BMW FOR THE 2022 WORLDSBK SEASON. Scott Redding is leaving the Aruba.it Racing Ducati WorldSBK team after two seasons after the 2021 season. Redding has signed with the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team for the 2022 season where he will join Michael van der Mark. During his tenure with the Ducati team, Scott Redding has racked up a total of eight race wins and twentytwo podiums after forty-two races in the superbike class (at the time of publishing). Before moving up to the WorldSBK stage, Redding captured the British SBK Championship in 2019. Not to mention his achievements in MotoGP where he finished on the podium box a total of two times over ninety race starts. Redding isn't doing too shabby in his challenging sophomore year in the superbike class, after finishing the 2020 season second to Champion Jonathan Rea.
The UK rider will focus his efforts on closing out the 2021 season with maximum effort and dedication to the Aruba.it Ducati team. Currently, Redding is sitting in third place with 216 championship points. “I will always have a special place in my heart for the people at Ducati and their incredible fans. My only focus now is to continue giving my maximum for Ducati and my crew for the remainder of 2021. We are still fighting to win the title and I’m determined to end our relationship in positive fashion. But I feel it is the right time to make the move to BMW Motorrad and take on a new and exciting challenge. It’s clear how much they want me to be part of their project. They have demonstrated dedication and development since their come back to WorldSBK. I’m honoured that they have put their trust in me to help them achieve their goals and I am completely convinced that with their commitment, ambition and resources we can enjoy a very successful relationship together.” - Scott Redding.
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THE GRID
THE FRENCH GP MOTOGP AT LE MANS C’ETAIT FOU! MOTOGP SURVIVES A WILD ONE, BARELY, IN FRANCE AS JACK MILLER MAKES IT TWO IN A ROW AT THE FRENCH GP!
MOTOGP WITH B.T.
WORDS: B.T. IMAGES: MOTOGP.COM 60 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | AUGUST 2021
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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T. RAUL FERNANDEZ
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IF I TOLD you a rider in the MotoGP took two longlap penalties and still won the race you probably wouldn’t believe me. If I told you an eight-time World Champion crashed twice in the same said race, you probably wouldn’t believe me. If I told you that five races into the season, the Spanish national anthem has only been played once, you probably wouldn’t believe me. And it is because of these phenomena that watching MotoGP this season, is must-see TV! Hell, it's gotten so crazy this season that if you told me Bigfoot would be racing Moto3 with a team funded by LeBron James, I’d be like, “Watch out Pedro Acosta! You've got a real alien to contend with!” Nothing demonstrates how crazy this season is more than the French GP in Le Mans, France. A weekend that saw only one dry session. And that wasn’t the race or qualifying. It was the first "flag to flag" wet race of the season. Riddled with drama, it did not disappoint. AUGUST 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 63
THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T. The great thing about wet races is that the rain levels the playing field. Factory riders aren’t as dominating. It’s like if every human being on Earth won the lottery. Sure, Bill Gates would still be one of the richest men in the world but you could probably attend the same country club because hey, you got money too! That’s what makes the races even more intriguing because you never really know who’s going to win. Some riders develop a reputation for being “wet rider” riders. They master the wet and aren’t phased by the rain. One of those riders is Marc Marquez. Or should I say, Marc Marquez was one of those riders? Marquez looked at wet races the same as any other race, a chance for victory but just a lil slower. LeMans offered a legit shot at a Marquez victory. Still nursing his three times operated arm, a wet race would be his best chance at a race win, being that it causes less stress on his body and for a while, this looked to be true. Marquez topped the timesheets in FP1 and was near the top the entire weekend and almost had pole. He looked like a favorite for the race win, even leading at one time. He looked to be the old Marquez until disaster struck and he ended up crashing. Twice. But, to Marc's credit, almost everyone crashed this weekend. In fact, LeMans holds the record for most crashes on the GP Circuit. 100 crashes for a weekend is the norm for LeMans. Why? Turn 3! Riders go into Turn 3 after two right turns and a straightaway, not to mention negative banking and expect the left side of the tyre to be toasty enough to hold grip? Not happening! It is a monster of a turn. Master it and you can master the race and that's exactly what Jack "Thriller" Miller did. Miller showed off why motocross training is helpful as he avoided going down after entering the gravel trap, then showed patience as he was assessed a double long-lap 64 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | AUGUST 2021
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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.
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penalty for speeding on pit lane. Then to add to Miller's race maturity, he had the prescience of mind to stick with his rain tyres on a drying race circuit with Johan Zarco breathing down his neck. Miller was masterful. Plain and simple. He seems to be in impeccable form as he notched his second victory in a row. Not to be outdone, is Fabio Quartararo who has only missed the podium once this season. The top four are separated by only 16 points. In Moto2,23 points separate the top four. Only Moto3 is a cakewalk for Pedro Acosta. A wunderkind like Acosta comes around once every Hailey's Comet. What are ya gonna do? I have a feeling we won't see a crazier race than the French GP for a while. A flag to flag? Maybe. Rain after sunshine just five minutes before? Maybe. Riders crashing twice in the same race? Maybe. But a ride getting penalized twice, almost crashing once and then bringing it on home for a victory in the same damn race? I highly doubt it. After all, it is MotoGP and it is as unpredictable as asking your girlfriend where she wants to eat. The next race on deck is my favorite... Mugello! Ducati's home track and the country of everything Rossi! I doubt it will match the craziness of LeMans but it is MotoGP. And what happens is always a mystery. Stay tuned Freaks. Its just gettin' good! AUGUST 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 67
IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN Triumph power re-wrote the history books in the 2019 Moto2™ season when racers powered by Triumph’s 765cc triple engines set Moto2™ records at 16 races. The new top-spec 2020 Street Triple RS delivers in every dimension, with more power and torque from its significantly updated 765cc triple engine developed from the 765 that’s powering the Moto2™ race series. With more aggressive streetfighter looks and even better technology, the new RS is the lightest bike in class with the highest specification ever. Nothing else comes close. Find out more, visit triumphmotorcycles.com
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THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Tatiana N. Muniz Guzman LOCATION: Davie, FL OCCUPATION: United States Coast Guard YEARS RIDING: 5 years. RIDING STYLE: Street, track, and stunt. BIKE/S OWNED: 2019 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2020 Honda Grom and a 2017 Kawasaki ZX-10R. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Nothing in particular stands out. I love everything on my bike. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My gloves and my track boots. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: When I went to North Carolina with my friends to ride the Tail of the Dragon and hit them 318 curves in only 11 miles. We're curve junkies! 70 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | AUGUST 2021
Matthew Bailey LOCATION: Vancouver, BC OCCUPATION: Commercial Driver Training. YEARS RIDING: 2 years. RIDING STYLE: Street riding. BIKE/S OWNED: 2020 Yamaha YZF-R6. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: SC CR-T slip-on exhaust. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Cortech Adrenaline GP race suit. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: My very first highway trip. 800 kilometres from Prince George, BC to Kelowna, BC.
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THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS
Craigh 'Tr' Lewis LOCATION: London, UK OCCUPATION: EMEA Creative Lead at Fender Guitars. YEARS RIDING: 8 years. RIDING STYLE: Street and track. BIKE/S OWNED: 2011 BMW S1000RR. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: GB Engine covers. They work! FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Slipstream Hoodie. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: In my first year of riding, we went to the annual ride out from London to Hastings Beach for the May Day Run. We set out from Ace Cafe that morning but thousands of bikers headed down from around the country. I met so many riders that day that I still know til now!
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Ana Sanakina LOCATION: Bay Area, CA OCCUPATION: Project Specialist. YEARS RIDING: 5 years. RIDING STYLE: Street and track. BIKE/S OWNED: 2015 Ducati Panigale 899. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: The bike was incredible stock, but after I added my Woodcraft racing rear sets it became perfect. They inspire so much confidence on the track and the twisties because I feel truly connected to the bike. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My AGV Pista GP RR helmet in the color Iridium. The helmet is not only lightweight and comfortable, but the color is truly mesmerizing! MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Prior to the Panigale, I had a 2018 Yamaha MT-07 and I rode it from the Bay Area to San Diego, which is about 500 miles. It took me 12 hours because I took the scenic route there. The ride was incredibly taxing, but seeing hundreds of miles of golden California coast made the trip so worth it!
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THE LIFE
The Alpinestars Supertech R has been the company’s premier road racing boot since it debuted back in 2002 and has seen more champagne sprayed on it than any other racing foot protection.
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ALPINESTARS
SUPERTECH R
WORDS: PETER JACKSON IMAGES: ALPINESTARS AUGUST 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 77
THE LIFE: ALPINESTARS SUPERTECH R BOOT
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WITH JUST THE exception of Joan Mir in 2020, Jorge Lorenzo in 2010, and Valentino Rossi in 2009 and 2008, the Supertech R was worn by every MotoGP World Champion since 2006. That’s 11 MotoGP Championships. Not bad for a boot you and I can buy. The Supertech R hasn’t stood still in this time. Since 2002 it has seen five updates, the last comprehensive one coming in 2015. Since then, I’ve gone through (I think) nine pairs of Supertech R boots. I absolutely love them, and being in the media means I am fortunate enough to get to choose which boots go on my feet and I always keep coming back to the Supertech Rs. Like every evolution, the new Supertech R has been slightly improved everywhere. It’s not a massive deviation from the 2015 design, but there’s hardly any area that’s been left untouched. I’m not going to sit here and list every single change because we’d be here for hours but I’ll list what I feel are the three biggest and most important changes. The first is the new inner boot. The design is totally changed for 2021 and is a much slimmer and tighter fit than the old generation. Made with updated 3D mesh biomechanical material, it stays cooler for longer, reduces fatigue and is generally far more comfortable than before. Proof of this for me was the fact I kept my boots on all day from 9:00 am to when our track day at Sonoma Raceway went cold at 4:00 pm, something I’d not normally do with brand new, unbroken-in boots. The second point is the redesigned TPU stretch panel down AUGUST 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 79
THE LIFE: ALPINESTARS SUPERTECH R BOOT
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THINK OF IT LIKE RACING: YOU PULL 0.2 SECONDS PER LAP, IT DOESN’T SOUND LIKE MUCH, BUT ADD IT UP OVER A 20 LAP RACE AND YOU’RE FOUR SECONDS AHEAD BY THE FLAG. IT’S THE SAME FOR THE BOOT. LITTLE IMPROVEMENTS ACROSS THE BOARD HAVE MADE FOR AN OVERALL BETTER BOOT. AUGUST 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 81
THE LIFE: ALPINESTARS SUPERTECH R BOOT the side that makes the inner boot easier to get in and out and also to set comfortably. My old Supertech’s were notorious for not sliding into the outer boot smoothly, and occasionally I’d have to bash my foot against the ground to get the inner boot set. The 2021 Supertech’s inner boot now glides in and out, which is a big hassle gone. The third point is the new front flex area gives the rider a greater range of movement and combines with the revised venting to again help cooling. The Supertech Rs were always pretty good in this area, but little pieces like that make the boot just a bit better everywhere. Think of it like racing: you pull 0.2 seconds per lap, it doesn’t sound like much, but add it up over a 20 lap race and you’re four seconds ahead by the flag. It’s the same for the boot. Little improvements across the board have made for an overall better boot. The boots are available in vented and non-vented, and, thankfully, Alpinestars has not increased the price over the old boots! These are the same boots you see Quartararo and Marquez wearing minus the personalized colors. What they wear on Sunday, we wear on Monday. And hey, if it’s good enough for them, it’s damn well good enough for me. Sidebar: In case you really, really, wanted to know, here’s the full list of changes from the 2020 Supertech R to the 2021 model. • NEW FRONT FLEX AREA • REDESIGNED REAR BELLOW IN STRETCH MICROFIBER • REDESIGNED TOP GAITER IN MICROFIBER WITH TPU OVER INJECTION • NEW SYNTHETIC MICROFIBER PANEL ON MEDIAL SIDE • NEW TPU SHIFTER FOR INCREASING THE PROTECTION • NEW TPU SHIN PLATE (REDESIGNED FOR IMPACT ABSORPTION) • NEW REPLACEABLE SHIN SLIDER WITH IMPROVED ABRASION RESISTANCE • NEW DESIGN OF TPU STRETCH PANEL WITH ZIP FOR IMPROVED ENTRY • NEW DESIGN REPLACEABLE HEEL PLATE SLIDER • SOLE WITH LIGHTER WEIGHT RUBBER COMPOUND • UPDATED 3D MESH BIOMECHANICAL INNER BOOTIE • NEW INNER BOOTIE TOE AREA WITH SOFT TPU REINFORCEMENT • ADDITIONAL ANKLE PADDING WITHIN INNER BOOTIE 82 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | AUGUST 2021
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THE NEW ISH ICON MOTOSPORTS • MOTORHEAD3 JACKET Keeping true to the ICON Motorhead legacy, the Motorhead3 jacket is constructed of 1.2-1.4mm Brazilian cowhide chassis and designed for comfort in an aggressive riding stance. Stretch panels and waist adjusters allow for a customized fit. The jacket comes fully loaded with a full suite of D3O impact protectors (shoulder, elbow, back). Laser perforated zones and zippered vents provide increased airflow necessary on hot days. In contrast, the removable Insulated Vest liner and full-length Waterproof liner provide comfort in cold & wet riding conditions. Sizes: S - XXXL Price: $350.00 Contact: https://rideicon.com
WOODCRAFT-CFM • APRILIA RS660 ADJUSTABLE REARSET KIT COMPLETE W/PEDALS The Woodcraft-CFM rearsets for the Aprilia RS 660 CNC are machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum and offer more than twice the durability of OEM rearset brackets. The three-piece pedals give you an even stronger assembly and allow for easy part replacement. The trick knurled footpegs maximize feedback and traction. This complete rearset can be used in either standard or GP shift. The eccentric pegs have 12 positions of adjustment ranging from 1/4" lower than stock to over an inch higher than stock. Price: $689.99 Contact: https://woodcraft-cfm.com
NORTON RACING • ADJUSTABLE OFFSET KIT FOR OEM OHVALE REARSETS These adjustable offset plates allow you to move the rearsets back to properly position them for larger riders. This also increases the distance between the footpegs and the shifter for riders with larger feet and is designed to be paired with Norton's 12mm Offset Shift Toe Peg. With this small additional adjustment, the bikes become much easier and more comfortable to ride with the foot controls becoming much more natural. Price: $79.95 Contact: https://www.norton-motorsports.com 86 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | AUGUST 2021
MOTION PRO • TUFF HOOK The Motion Pro Tuff Hook features a heavy-duty design for use on large exhaust and kickstand springs. The multifunction tip easily pulls or pushes large springs on and off mounts. The flexing shaft is ideal for hard-to-reach springs with minimal working space while The locking shaft slider allows the center of the shaft to be rigid or flex. This is a must-have for all exhaust systems. A billet aluminum construction handle and locking shaft slider and a steel shaft with a heavy-duty stainless steel flex insert provide quality and durability. Price: $59.99 Contact: https://www.motionpro.com
ALPINESTARS • GP TECH V2 GLOVES GP Tech V2 Gloves are professional racing gloves engineered to deliver superior protection. The GP Tech V2 Glove guarantees enhanced control capabilities in the most demanding conditions thanks to its innovative seamless stretch backhand construction. There is also a stretch material built with Kevlar stretch and leather backhand for optimal flexibility, freedom of movement, reduced fatigue and sensitivity and dexterity with the bike’s controls. Another standout feature is the innovative over-injected, ergonomic, dual-density, knuckle for enhanced protection against repeated impacts. Sizes: S - XXXL Colors: Black/Yellow Fluo/White/Red Fluo, Black/White, Black/ White/Red Fluo Price: $349.95 Contact: https://www.alpinestars.com
REVIT • SCOUT H2O BOOTS They look like comfortable shoes for walking and they are, but they are also highly protective motorcycle boots with many features for riding in as much comfort as possible. The sole specifically contributes to both purposes: it is made with grip to stay in control, stability for standing and flexibility for walking. The hydratex liner will keep your dry foot no matter how hard it rains and thermoformed protection ensures your foot won’t twist or bend unnaturally while maintaining stability and regulating the foot position. Sizes: 38 -47 Price: $199.99 Contact: https://www.revitsport.com
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THE NEW ISH DAINESE • SEVILLA AIR TEX LADIES JACKET The Sevilla Air Tex is a women’s fabric jacket that can tackle high temperatures without sacrificing comfort and safety. Lightweight and versatile, it is made of perforated mesh fabric that guarantees a direct flow of air to the body and makes it ideal in warmer climates. The jacket upholds Dainese safety standards with its removable Pro-Shape 2.0 certified soft protectors on the shoulders and elbows. The Pro-Shape 2.0 inserts uphold the highest Dainese safety standards and are also imperceptible, for maximum freedom of movement at all times. On the back is a pocket designed to house a G model back protector, while carefully positioned reflective inserts ensure optimum visibility on the road. Adjustments at the neck, hips and cuffs allow for a fully customized fit. Sizes: 38 - 54 Colors: Glacier/Grey, Black Price: $199.95 Contact: https://www.dainese.com
PUIG HI-TECH PARTS • BIG ANT TANK PAD
SCORPIONEXO • VORTEX AIR GLOVE Get the airflow you want with the protection you need from the ScorpionEXO Vortex Air glove. You don’t need to compromise on safety to get a great warm weather glove. The combination of a goatskin leather chassis, carbon fiber knuckles, and reinforced palms provide comfort the protection. Carbon fiber reinforced knuckles give strength and durability. Stretch panels at the knuckles offer dexterity and padded knuckles, thumb, and palm offer impact protection. The reinforced sidewall and palm add abrasion resistance. The superior grip is thanks to digitally embossed reinforcements on the palm and thumb. The fingers have pre-curved finger construction for fit and reduction in rider fatigue. The Vortex Air gloves have touchscreen-compatible fingers and thumbs. Sizes: S - XXXL Colors: Black, Grey, White Price: $59.95 Contact: https://www.scorpionusa.com 88 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | AUGUST 2021
Protect your motorcycle and dress it with Marc Marquez's insignia with the new Big Ant tank pad from Puig, an exclusive collaboration with the MotoGP Champion. Designed especially for sportbikes and with the big ant logo of the world champion, this new protector will provide all the competitive character that high competition treasures, in addition to protecting a sensitive part of the bike against possible scratches or impacts during the route. Colors: Clear, Carbon Look Price: $29.51 Contact: https://puigusa.com
R&G • KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R AERO STYLE CRASH PROTECTORS R&G Crash Protectors offer core motorcycle protection, keeping the frame, engine, fairing and other critical components off the ground in the event of a crash, drop or slide. R&G Aero Bobbins are a stylish, aerodynamic, teardrop-shaped bobbin improving on the original good looks of R&G's highly successful and popular standard round bobbins. Fitted with removable end caps that hide the bobbins fittings, this sleek design looks superb and is a winner on road and track. Price: $106.99 USD Contact: https://twistedthrottle.com
BREMBO • BLACK RADIAL MOUNT BLACK M4 FRONT CALIPER SET This monoblock caliper, obtained from a single piece of cast aluminum which employs the most advanced casting and machining technologies in order to obtain a solid caliper body that is ultra-light and has excellent stiffness and precision operating values. The hydraulics were given particular attention, as was the shape of the caliper body, both of which were the focus of technical fine-tuning. The caliper body, which houses four 34 mm diameter pistons, is characterized by significant stiffness values which are obtained thanks to the characteristic triple bridge shape. Price: $699.00 Contact: https://brocksperformance.com
PUIG • APRILIA RS 660 R RACER WINDSCREEN
The Aprilia RS 660 R Racer windscreen is designed for the rider to have optimized vision while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. Designed and manufactured in Barcelona, with the most advanced technologies, the Aprilia RS 660 R Racer windscreen is made of high impact acrylic with a thickness of 3mm. The R Racer windscreen measures 70mm higher than the stock RS 660 windscreen and was tested in a virtual wind tunnel to improve the aerodynamic coefficiency. Colors: Clear, Smoke, Dark Smoke, Black Price: $103.92 Contact: https://puigusa.com AUGUST 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 89
THE NEW ISH: FEATURED ITEM HJC HELMETS • POL ESPARGARO REPLICA HELMET HJC's Pol Espargaro replica helmet uses the RPHA 11 platform with an Advanced Channeling Ventilation System that includes five intakes ports and four exhausts, as well as full front-to-back airflow that flushes heat and humidity out of the helmet. Other features include HJC's Silver Cool Interior with advanced anti-bacterial and enhance moisture-wicking and quick-dry fabric and emergency release cheek pads. If you wear glasses, you'll enjoy the glasses grooves that allow you to comfortably don your specs while riding. If you have a com system to install, you'll appreciate the interior speaker pocket. Included in the box, you'll find a breath deflector, chin curtain, a tear-off film fivepack, a Pinlock lens, and an aero spoiler. Comes with a five-year limited warranty. Sizes: XXS - XXL Price: $839.99 Contact: https://www.hjchelmets.us
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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 AUGUST 2021 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 91
