MARCH 2022 VOL 12 ISSUE 6
S P O RT B I K E S I N C M AG . CO M
KAWASAKI
Z900 SE
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CONTENTS
MARCH 2022 - VOLUME 12, ISSUE 6 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=60 50 THE GRID NEWS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=68 68 FEATURED RIDERS
76 THE NEW ISH
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=76
FEATURED RIDER: NINA THOMA http://issuu.com/action/page?page=68 PAGE: 68
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FEATURES
MARCH 2022 - VOLUME 12, ISSUE 6 THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS
14
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=14
KAWASAKI Z900 SE FIRST RIDE REVIEW
24
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=24
MV AGUSTA BRUTALE 1000 RR FIRST RIDE REVIEW
50
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=50
MOTOGP 2022 SEASON PREVIEW
66
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=66
THE NEW ISH
76
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=76
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STAFF PUBLISHER//EDITOR IN CHIEF: Allan Lane allan@sportbikesincmag.com
EDITORIAL STAFF WRITERS: B.T. bt@sportbikesincmag.com Peter Jackson pj@sportbikesincmag.com COPY EDITOR: Stacey Lane stacey@sportbikesincmag.com
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: Peter Jackson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Brian J Nelson, MV Agusta, MotoGP.com
SportBikes Inc Magazine - March 2022 Volume 12, Issue 6 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2022 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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YOUR NEW OBSESSION
NEW SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RR. PURE ELEGANCE, ATTITUDE AND PERFORMANCE The most focused and sophisticated Speed Triple ever. Beautifully designed, fully engaged, totally committed, and loaded with performance. It has the highest track focused specification ever, including Öhlins smart EC2.0 electronically adjustable semi-active suspension and Pirelli Diablo Super Corsa SPV3 tires, plus all of the latest generation triple powered 1200 engine revolution, with 177 HP peak power and 92 LB-FT peak torque. Own the new pinnacle in beauty, performance and sophistication from $20,950.
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FEATURE STORY
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KAWASAKI
Z900 SE PAGE 24
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=24
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FROM THE EDITOR
LISTENING TO MY BODY I love sportbikes. Always have and always will. Over the years, I’ve owned more sportbikes than any other genre of motorcycle. But I do admit that I am getting older and that my body responds differently now than when I was younger. No, I’m not saying that sportbikes are a young riders game. Not at all. What I am acknowledging is the newfound appreciation that has spawned within me for standard bikes, naked bikes, cruisers, etc.
outperform sportbikes on many levels. No, I’m not saying that I’m about to hang up my leathers and walk away from sportbikes. And I have a cruiser already so it would be no shock if I added another to the fleet. What I’m saying is that I’m listening to my body and I’m looking for ways to extend my riding years as far as I can. So yes… another cruiser or standard or naked bike just might be in my near future.
There was a time when the idea of a standard bike performing as well as a sportbike in the fields of handling, power, Best, fun… was a thing of fantasy. Now, the Allan reality is that some standard or naked bikes @mrblackmosesofficial 12 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | MARCH 2022
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THE PRESS ROOM
INDUSTRY NEWS DUCATI DESERTX – FIRST LOOK
DUCATI GOES HEAD FIRST INTO THE MID-SIZE ADV SECTOR WITH THE BEAUTIFUL NEW 2022 DESERTX. We knew it was coming, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting! Episode Six of Ducati’s World Premier 2022 web series has unveiled the beautiful Ducati DesertX, the company’s first foray into the scorching hot midsize ADV market. Going up against established class leaders like KTM with the 890 Adventure, BMW and the F 850 GS, Yamaha with their Tenere 700 and newbies Aprilia with the Tuareg 660, Ducati know they will have their work cut out for them but the DesertX spec sheet looks to be a competitive one indeed. The $16,795 MSRP DesertX, cloaked in bodywork that’s reminiscent of the 1980’s Paris-Dakar racers, is powered by the same 937 cc liquidcooled Testastretta 11 degree Desmodromic motor found in the new Monster but with a shorter first and second gear for better low-speed off-road performance, while a taller sixth gear will save a bit of fuel on long freeway trips.
68 lb-ft of torque for their new ADV steed, and a wet weight of 492 pounds with a 5.5 gallon tank of gas. Hardcore ADV distance riders will love the fact the DesertX can run an auxiliary tank mounted at the back, which increases the fuel capacity to 7.6 gallons —not far off maxi-ADV travel bikes like the new Triumph Tiger 1200 and BMW R 1250 GS Adventure at 7.9 gallons each. As you’d expect, a steel trellis frame is found on the DesertX, with Kayaba taking care of the suspension duties in the 46 mm forks and monoshock, both fully adjustable. Front wheel travel is a substantial nine inches, with the rear offering 8.6 inches. Brembo provides the brakes in the four-piston M50 calipers and conventional master-cylinder. This is the first production Ducati to run a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, although Ducati has curiously made these wheels tubeless, so fixing flats in the middle of nowhere could present an issue. Pirelli Scorpion STR rubber comes as standard fitment.
The electronics are as you’d expect from a modern Ducati — IMU, traction, wheelie, engine Ducati is claiming 108 hp and brake control, Ducati Quick 14 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | MARCH 2022
Shift, cruise control, DRL, 12 V USB power socket, and six riding modes that house two dedicated off road maps in Enduro and Rally where you
can turn the Cornering ABS off completely. Expect to see the Ducati DesertX on dealer floors by May 2022.
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THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT – FIRST LOOK NEED TO GO BIG PLACES, FAST? KTM’S GOT JUST THE ANSWER WITH ITS 2022 1290 SUPER DUKE GT. For the first time since 2018, the KTM Super Duke GT will be getting a workover to bring it into line with the 1290 Super Duke R that got upgraded last year. The GT has quietly flown the longdistance sport touring flag over the last four years but it’s safe to say it hasn’t been the roaring success KTM hoped it would be. That’s despite it being, in our opinion, one of the finest machines available today for high-speed, high distance travel. For 2022, the GT’s motor remains largely unchanged but it’s been Euro-5’d, so a new exhaust is the most obvious change you’ll notice. KTM still claims a stout 175 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque from their 1301 cc L-twin, which puts it on par with almost everyone else you can think of bar Kawasaki’s supercharged H2 SX SE.
Super Duke EVO that uses a setting that should be familiar to BMW riders out there in the Rider/Rider and Pillion/Rider and Luggage or Rider, Pillion and Luggage. The suspension and everything else for that matter is accessed via the new seven-inch TFT (seven inches!), which uses a new navigation system called Turn-by-turn PLUS via the KTM Connect app, powered by Sygic. The TBT+ system can also operate offline, so if you don't have cell service you’ll still be able to figure out how to get home, and it lets you select one of your presaved destinations directly from the TFT dash. As for the hardware, the gas tank is six gallons to allow for massive fuel mileage from the 1301 cc twin, and the styling has been slightly sharpened with a new light taken from the Super Duke, revised orange and grey colors and new Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers.
The big question is, will we see this KTM 1290 Super Duke in the USA What’s new are the wheels, which next year? have been lifted straight off the 2021 Super Duke and come in at Don’t bet on it, as KTM, like a few a claimed 2.2 lb lighter for better manufacturers, has been a year turning, cornering and braking behind the rest of the world when performance via less unsprung it comes to a few choice model weight. These attach to the WP APEX releases. We could be wrong but semi-active suspension from the bet on a 2023 release.
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THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS KAWASAKI NINJA H2 SX SE – FIRST LOOK RADAR, ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL AND BLIND SPOT DETECTION MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE 2022 KAWASAKI NINJA H2 SX SE. The 2022 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE will be the first Japanese motorcycle to come with radar technology, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) software. That’s the big news out of Kawasaki today, as the supercharged sports tourer leads the way for the Far East against the hordes of radar-equipped bikes coming from Europe. Radar and adaptive cruise control made their debut on the Ducati Multistrada V4 earlier this year and its since been found on the BMW R18 Transcontinental and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure, although the Kawasaki system also comes with a Forward Collision Warning system as part of the firm’s Advanced Rider Assist System (ARAS). The fitment of the radar system puts Kawasaki firmly ahead of its domestic rivals in the tech game, surprising when you consider Honda’s normally the first Japanese company to take the plunge on new technology. There are subtle changes to the supercharged inline four-cylinder motor, including new cam timing, exhaust, a revised clutch and a new second gear cog with less teeth to allow smoother shifting. Also fitted is a new 6.5-inch TFT display that houses a new smartphone infotainment app called SPIN that allows you to download third party applications and mirror them on the dash. Other electronic upgrades include new settings for the Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS), USB power outlet, grip heaters, remote key fob and the Vehicle Hold Assist now comes as standard. Kawasaki’s given the H2 SX SE a bit of a facelift in the new top fairing and side panels, a new LED headlight 18 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | MARCH 2022
and the side cornering lights, and new mirrors, with the The SX SE will come in only one color (Emerald Blazed tires being Bridgestone’s excellent Battlax Hypersport Green/Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Graphite S22. Gray) it’ll cost you a pretty $27,500, marking a $2000 increase over the 2021 edition. MARCH 2022| SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 19
THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 RANGE – FIRST LOOK TRIUMPH GOES AFTER THE BIG DOGS WITH THE ALL NEW 2022 TIGER 1200. Triumph has been one of the perennial under-achievers of the big bore ADV range. It’s a brand that while producing a decent maxi-ADV has been consistently outclassed by European neighbors BMW and KTM, and in more recent times by the Far East and Honda with their stellar Africa Twin. That’s about to change, however, for 2022. Y’see, Triumph is sick of getting it ass whooped in the category that can lay more legitimate claim to being all things to all riders than any other, and their new weapon in this battle will be an all new Tiger 1200. Totaling five models in the street-biased GT, GT Pro and GT Explorer (using a 19” front / 18” rear cast aluminum wheel set-up) and the off road Rally Pro and Rally Explorer (running a 21” front / 18” rear tubeless spoked wheel set-up), the new Tigers are boasting less weight and more horsepower, along with a new electronics and ergonomics package. The new T-plane crank motor has actually been reduced in capacity from 1215 cc to 1160 cc, but still boasts a healthy nine horsepower increase to 148 hp at 9000 rpm while torque has been increased five pounds-feet to 95 lb-ft at 7000 rpm. Dimensionally, the motor is narrower and mounted further towards the front of the frame thanks to a split radiator design, and a new shaft drive and swingarm set-up has been employed to deliver drive to the rear wheel. Triumph is claiming the new Tigers are 55 lb lighter than the previous generation, and 37 lb lighter than the closest shaft drive competition (you can guess who that one is. Starts with B).
There are six riding modes to choose from along with all the bells and whistles like IMU-controlled traction and wheelie control, Cornering ABS, LED lighting with DRL and Adaptive Cornering Lights (not available on GT), heated grips and tire pressure monitoring sensors, all accessed through the massive seven inch TFT dash.
The chassis is all new and comes with a new bolt-on aluminum subframe and the suspension is Showa’s semiactive electronic units across all the models.
Another cool feature is as part of the Triumph accessory catalog that totals over 50 pieces, there’s a new tank that takes capacity from a 5.2 gallon gas tank to a massive 7.9 gallons — so big miles between stops will be in order.
For the higher spec GT Explorer and Rally Explorer models, you’ll get Triumph’s Blind Spot Radar System, developed in partnership with Continental, although adaptive cruise control is not part of the platform.
Triumph’s starting the pricing at a tasty at $19,100 MSRP, which starts heading progressively north the higher up the spec food chain you go. The new Tigers will be available on dealer floors in Spring, 2022.
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KAWASAKI
Z900 SE WORDS: PETER JACKSON MARCH 2022| SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 25
THE FIRST RIDE: KAWASAKI Z900 SE KAWASAKI IS NOT immune to the hot up-culture. They’ve done it with their ZX-10R/ZX-10RR’s, their supercharged H2 line-up, their dirt weapons in the KX450 and KX450SR and now the upscale style is filtering through to the everyday street line-up in the Z900 ABS and this Kawasaki Z900 SE.
Well, they’ve done up two of the four aforementioned sectors of the motorcycle in new brakes and suspension, with the main chassis, engine and electronics remaining the same as the base model.
Costing your hop pocket an extra $1500 at $10,600 MSRP over the standard Z900 ABS, the SE variant Indeed, most manufacturers have two iterations of their comes with new 41 mm fully-adjustable Showa forks best-selling bikes (think Yamaha MT-09/MT-09 SP and a flash S46 Ohlins shock that comes with preload and KTM 890 Duke/890 Duke R), with the higher- and rebound adjustability. spec models usually getting engine, suspension, brakes The brakes have been heavily breathed upon, too, and electronic upgrades. with the ancient, conventionally-mounted four-piston So what has Kawasaki done to the Z900 ABS to Nissin calipers and master-cylinder turfed for more modern Brembo M4.32 calipers and a new Nissin warrant the SE tagline? master cylinder.
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It’s a good thing Kawasaki has gone after the brakes and suspension for the SE, because if you’ve ridden one of the base models you’ll know they leave more than a little to be desired.
same electronics that include four riding modes of Rain, Road, Sport and Rider (where you can adjust the High and Low power levels and the traction control independently).
Oh, and your $1500 gets you that beautiful Kawasaki green and black metallic paint job and green frame (dubbed Metallic Spark Black/Candy Lime Green). The base models get rather drab-looking Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Spark Black, or the Metallic Matte Twilight Blue/Metallic Spark Black colorways.
The Kawasaki Z900 SE is devoid of a ride-by-wire throttle, which also means it’s devoid of cruise control. And it’s also missing a quickshifter for its six-speed gearbox, which is becoming par for the course these days for bikes costing this much and something it really should have.
Everything else on the Kawasaki Z900 SE is the same. You get an identical 948 cc inline four-cylinder motor pumping out around 125 hp and 73 lb-ft of torque, the same tubular steel chassis and subframe and the
The SE’s new suspension makes for a much more composed ride, although it is a fair bit stiffer over the Z900 ABS. This will be good news for riders weighing north of 170 lb (before putting on gear), as the chassis MARCH 2022| SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 27
THE FIRST RIDE: KAWASAKI Z900 SE
WITH THE FOUR VARIABLE RIDING MODES, THE KAWASAKI Z900 SE CAN BE ALMOST ANY BIKE YOU WANT BUT I PREFERRED TO LEAVE IT IN RIDER MODE...
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THE FIRST RIDE: KAWASAKI Z900 SE
now holds itself up much better under brakes and through the first part of the corner. Riders under that weight may find the ride a little stiff, but the tradeoff for cornering performance should be worth it in anyone’s book. The brakes are a vast improvement over the units found on the Kawasaki Z900 ABS. Although the base model will still stop easily enough, it’s the feel at the lever on the SE that’s the big winner for me. What you ask for at the brake lever you pretty much get, because there’s still an ABS system sitting between your right fingers and the calipers clamping the discs.
but for 95 percent of riding circumstances, the system is just fine. With the four variable riding modes, the Kawasaki Z900 SE can be almost any bike you want but I preferred to leave it in Rider mode and turn the TC off (for wheelies, duh), and the throttle connection is mapped rather well . Spin the four-cylinder north of 6000 rpm and the Zee begins to gnash its way north, eating the next 4000 rpm in an instant and that glorious, banshee induction roar taking over (it’s worth the sticker price just to hear that on the regular).
Like many Kawasaki systems, I found the ABS application a little too early when really pushing hard, The lack of a quickshifter here is really noticeable, as 30 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | MARCH 2022
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THE FIRST RIDE: KAWASAKI Z900 SE
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IT’S A GOOD THING KAWASAKI HAS GONE AFTER THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION FOR THE SE, BECAUSE IF YOU’VE RIDDEN ONE OF THE BASE MODELS YOU’LL KNOW THEY LEAVE MORE THAN A LITTLE TO BE DESIRED...
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THE FIRST RIDE: KAWASAKI Z900 SE
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you should be able to bang up the gears and not have didn’t bring the full A-game to the SE party. But, hey, to roll off the gas on a ‘premium’ naked bike. It gives there’s no cruise control on the Concours ZX-14, the the feeling Kawasaki has pinched a few pennies when bike that has no excuse not to have it, so, go figure. it really shouldn’t have. The Kawasaki Z900 SE is a good bike, but to be a The same can be said for the lack of cruise control. true premium offering— even a middleweight one on Yes, it has a cable throttle so cruise control is a no-go, the end of the class capacity scale — it needs a few but Yamaha’s MT-09 SP (its closest competitor) is only extras thrown at the customer. Should Kawasaki do this, $300 more and comes with both a quickshifter and they just might have a class winner on their hands. cruise control, so you can see why I feel Kawasaki MARCH 2022| SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 35
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MSRP@ $369.99 SIZES: SM THRU 5XL
(Black/Black (Tall) only available up to 3XL) BLACK | BLACK
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THE FIRST RIDE
MV AGUSTA
BRUTALE
1000 RR
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WORDS: PETER JACKSON MARCH 2022| SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 39
THE FIRST RIDE: BRUTALE 1000 RR
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THE MV AGUSTA Brutale is about as uncompromising a naked bike as you can get. I can remember as a very junior journalist about 15 years ago I was thrown the keys to a Brutale 1078 RR. This plainly scary concoction of obnoxious horsepower mixed with a light switch throttle and stiff-as-a-board chassis left the kind of indelible mark on my young brain like the first time I saw boobs. The only difference was I wanted to see more of the latter. Fast forward to the closing months of 2021 and the 1078’s offspring, this Brutale 1000 RR, is sitting menacingly in my garage, glaring at me, almost as if it was daring me to ride it. If dad was a boxer, this bike is a heavyweight cage fighter. The MV Agusta Brutale RR spec sheet makes for compelling viewing. A teeth-clenching 208 horsepower and 85 lb-ft of torque comes screaming out of the 998 cc inline four-cylinder motor, all nestled neatly inside the rails of the tubular steel chassis. The suspension is top-notch in the Ohlins Smart EC-operated NIX30 fork and TTX36 MARCH 2022| SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 41
THE FIRST RIDE: BRUTALE 1000 RR shock, and the electronics continue with eight stage traction control, ABS with race mode, Cornering lights, cruise control, and four engine maps, (Rain, Road, Sport, Race), all fettled by the Continental IMU. To haul this thing up you get dual Brembo Stylema four piston calipers, 320mm discs, and a Continental MK100 ABS with RLM (Rear Wheel Lift-up Mitigation). However, regardless of what the spec sheet says, it’s the look that immediately grabs your attention when taking 1000 RR. Clip-on handlebars; a solid, high seat and exhausts that exit right behind your ass should give you an idea of what lays in store when your fire the red rocket, which, admittedly, sounds like a bag of wrenches when it’s cold. This is a bike you need to warm gently. It isn’t Japanese in how you can ride almost full throttle from dead cold. It’s temperamental. It’s feisty. Once you do get moving, that muscly, pissed off look I got in the garage before the ride is manifested into a ride that feels utterly indifferent to my inputs unless I’m going at warp speed. Just pottering around town is next to useless on a Brutale 1000 RR. There’s a shocking flat spot in the motor’s power delivery at 5000 rpm, which can make traffic getaways tricky unless you love slipping the clutch, and the exhaust mufflers get in the way of your heels when you try and tuck in and ride the MV how it feels like it’s supposed to be ridden. There’s no screwing about on a Brutale 1000 RR. It’s either full send or no send, which doesn’t really work in today’s multi-tasking 42 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | MARCH 2022
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THE FIRST RIDE: BRUTALE 1000 RR
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GET THE MV OUT INTO THE OPEN ROAD AND LET IT RIP. THERE YOU’LL BE MET WITH WAVES OF POWER AND PERFORMANCE, AND THE RIDE POSITION DOESN’T FEEL ANYWHERE NEAR AS MISMATCHED AS IT DOES WHEN YOU’RE RIDING TO THE SHOPS...
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THE FIRST RIDE: BRUTALE 1000 RR
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world. Get the MV out into the open road and let it rip. There you’ll be met with waves of power and performance, and the ride position doesn’t feel anywhere near as mismatched as it does when you’re riding to the shops. But the MV is too one-dimensional to be realworld contender. It’s not really supposed to be, though. Those mammoth winglets on the side of the radiator, the tiny passenger seat, it’s all very individualistic. To hell with passengers. They wouldn’t understand, anyway. The MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR costs a painful $33,800 MSRP, which for my money is just too much. Yes, there are good bits like excellent braking balance from the electronic Ohlins, nimble handling through fast changes of direction and one of the best full throttle noises money can buy, but the shortcomings are just too great. However, in the next couple of weeks we will be taking delivery of the Brutale 1000 RS, a more, dare I say, sensible version of the RR with upright handlebars and better fueling. Oh, and about $8K back in your pocket. I have good feeling about that one, so stay tuned… MARCH 2022| SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 47
The pursuit of refinement is the road to perfection......
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THE PRESS ROOM
GRID NEWS JASON AGUILAR PASSES
AMERICAN ROAD RACING HAS LOST ONE OF ITS BRIGHT YOUNG STARS IN JASON AGUILAR, WHO PASSED AWAY FOLLOWING A MOUNTAIN BIKE ACCIDENT NEAR LAGUNA BEACH, CA, ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5. HE WAS 25.
clinching the 2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 title, Aguilar moved to the Supersport class in 2018, taking 10th overall with 12 top-10 finishes.
The 2019 season saw him improve to eighth, while a breakout year in 2020 when running his own The Southern Californian native was out riding trails RiderzLaw Aguilar Racing entry netted a fourth overall with friends when he crashed heavily and had to be behind the champion, Richie Escalante. airlifted to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, CA, Aguilar was largely absent from competition in 2021, suffering bleeding on the brain. choosing instead to help close friend Michael Gilbert Aguilar was rushed into surgery to fix the brain bleed, in a crew chief role at selected Stock 1000 rounds. and while that surgery was deemed successful, his brain had gone for sufficient time without oxygen to He returned to racing action at the final round of cause catastrophic and ultimately fatal brain damage. the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship As an organ donor, Jason’s family kept him on life where he made his debut in the top class at Barber support until recipients for his organs could be located. Motorsports Park, taking a best finish of 14th in race His life support was switched off on February 8, 2022. three with plans for a full-season assault in 2022. A universally liked and respected member of the SportBikes Inc would like to send its deepest MotoAmerica community, Aguilar was a regular condolences to the Aguilar family and Jason’s many front runner in the national 600 cc competition. After friends, family and fans. 50 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | MARCH 2022
TRIUMPH TRIPLE TROPHY COMPETITION 2022 THE TRIUMPH TRIPLE TROPHY COMPETITION RETURNS FOR 2022 AND WILL BE AWARDED TO THE TOP POINTS EARNER IN THE MOTO2 CLASS.
• 7 points - Best race progression from start to finish: 7 points for the rider or riders making up the most positions from race start to checkered flag • 6 points - Pole position: 6 points for the rider who qualifies on pole The prize of the Triumph Triple Trophy Competition • 5 points - Fastest race lap: 5 points for the fastest is a custom Triumph Street Triple RS. In prior years, rider/riders in case of an equal fastest lap the accolade was awarded to Marco Bezzecchi in 2020 and Raul Fernandez in 2021. It's an The Triumph Triple Trophy Competition is already interesting point-based competition, set aside from underway and after the season opener in Qatar the Moto2 championship and constructors titles. at the Losail Circuit, Celestino Vietti is topping the leaderboard. The winner of the competition will The Triumph Triple Trophy Competition is a be the rider that has earned the highest number performance-driven contest with the following of points, tallied at the end of the 2022 season. points structure:
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THE PRESS ROOM: GRID NEWS MOTOGP LEGENDS 2022 HALL OF FAME THREE MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONS WILL Mans in France. BE INDUCTED INTO THE MOTOGP LEGENDS 2022 HALL OF FAME AFTER COVID-19 DELAYS. The final inductee is Hugh Anderson whose MotoGP Legend ceremony will commence toward There will be three MotoGP Legend Hall of Fame the end of the season at Phillip Island in Australia. inductions in 2022 as events and schedules begin Hugh Anderson is a four-time World Champion, to settle into a new normality. hailing from New Zealand. Jorge Lorenzo, the five-time World Champion, will become a MotoGP Legend on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at the Gran Premio Red Bull de España at the Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto in Lorenzo's home country of Spain.
The original dates for the ceremonies were rescheduled because of Covid-19 restrictions. As restrictions ease, the opportunity for the MotoGP Legend Hall of Fame inductees to thoroughly enjoy their induction rites in full regale, so new dates were set.
The Italian, four-time World Champion, Max Biaggi will be inducted on Saturday, May 14. Congratulations to the inductees and future 2022 at the SHARK Grand Prix de France at Le MotoGP legend Hall of Famers.
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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: MAX BIAGGI, HUGH ANDERSON, JORGE LORENZO.
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MSRP@
AVAILABLE COLORS
SAND | BLACK
GRAY | BLACK
BLACK | BLACK
SAND | BLACK
TO FIND YOUR LOCAL DEALER VISIT:
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$
2 39.99 S I Z E (Only Black/S: SM THR U Black also a vailable in 43XL XL & 5 XL)
TM
Rearsets - since 1996 “Great looking and STRONG. This is the first upgrade to all my bikes” - M.A. “I love the footpeg position! Plus, the pegs have great grip & didn’t destroy my boots” - G.A. Don’t let a small crash end your track day or race! Woodcraft rearsets are made in the USA and engineered to give your bike the best chance to survive a crash. Designed with trademark features that make repairs both easier and less expensive. Available trackside and at top dealers nationwide!
Hindle Exhaust Systems “Hindle is by far the best value in the exhaust market... light weight and great performance at a price that simply can’t be beat. These pipes win races and set track records.” - J.F.
The official choice of multi-time WERA endurance champions Team Army of Darkness 978-297-2977
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TANK PADS MM93 Available in clear or carbon-look finish
2 0 2 2
H R C
T E C H
S P O N S O R
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THE GRID
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MOTOGP 2022 SEASON PREVIEW OUR RESIDENT MOTOGP CORRESPONDENT AND AFICIONADO, B.T., PREPARES US FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON WITH HIS PREDICTIONS FOR THE MOTOGP 2022 SEASON... WORDS: B.T. IMAGES: COURTESY OF MOTOGP.COM MARCH 2022| SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 59
THE GRID: MOTOGP 2022 SEASON PREVIEW I FIND IT apropos, that I wrote this on Valentine's Day, for MotoGP is truly the love of my life. So when the Boss said, “I need a season preview article pronto,” I thought, what better way to show my admiration of this sport than writing it on Valentine’s Day! I’ve been around this sport for a little bit. And yes, there have always been moments of pre-season excitement. Rossi switching to Ducati. Lorenzo to Repsol Honda. And the fate of Marc Marquez and “The Arm”. But there has never been a pre-season buzz like this for the upcoming MotoGP 2022 season! I will attempt to tell you the major players and who’s on the hot seat. As well as the rookies to watch for, as only I can write. So without further ado... IT’S A GANG GANG Ducati puts eight bikes on the grid! Eight! They are The Brady Bunch of MotoGP with Jack Miller and Johan Zarco being Sam and Alice. Meaning they’re going to have to produce big time this year because the heat is coming from Jorge Martin and a talent pool in Moto2 that is swelling like an American’s stomach at Thanksgiving! Leading the Ducati charge is Pecco Bagnaia. Pecco is the strongest Ducati rider since Casey Stoner. Smooth, calm, and never really rattled, Bagnaia could bring the title home for the Bologna squad if they sort out the little problems here next there, the least of which is top speed. Pushing Pecco will be Jorge Martin. Martin is a qualifying nightmare for the competition. If he stays consistent and manages an entire race like he does qualifying, look for Martin to be a pain in the lunchbox tailpipe for everyone. AWE, BLESS THEIR HEARTS Aprilia has found something! It’s evident in Aleix Espargaro’s tone and smile after the two pre-season tests. Teammate Maverick Vinales echos the same sentiment and found himself on top of the timesheets in testing. Vinales seems happy and confident with his new team. Vinales always starts off strong. What will be the tell-tale sign will be over the entire season if Aprilia 60 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | MARCH 2022
PECCO BAGNAIA
can put together consistent results. With Vinales and Espargaro, Aprilia stands to be a major factor in the championship. And it is great to see new blood fighting for the crown. SHHH... OVER HERE Suzuki just might sneak up on the entire field but they’re gonna need more help in the technology department. As in the lowering front forks device that they lack. It’s things like this that have rumors swirling that 2020 Champion Joan Mir will switch to Repsol Honda for 2023. That being said, if Mir can solve his qualifying woes... Watch out! No one can manage tyres like Mir. He is an end of the Race Beast! Watch out for Alex Rins this year. He’s looking good in pre-season. And if he stays healthy and keeps it rubber side up, Suzuki could be a problem for these boys come race Sunday. MARCH 2022| SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 61
THE GRID: MOTOGP 2022 SEASON PREVIEW
MAVERICK VINALES
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THE CHAMP IS HERE Fabio Quartararo’s face during post-testing interviews tells the story of a man frustrated with top speed... But I’m not buying it! If top speed was the deciding factor then Ducati would be World Champions 20 times over by now. Races aren’t one in quarter miles. And for that reason, Fabio will be fabulous this year. His race craft last year matured and it paid off with a World Championship. Look for this year to be more of the same. He doesn’t crash often and he’s corralled his emotions this year like Border Patrol does families. Fabio will be a beast this year, horsepower be damned!
MARC MARQUEZ
My eye will be on Franco Morbidelli. Franky Baby has the factory ride he so desired. And now the ball is his court. DEM BOYS Let’s face it. No matter how much I talk about all these riders, the championship goes through eighttime World Champion Marc Marquez! A healthy Marquez is the MotoGP equivalent to Mike Tyson from 1986. Scary! If Marc is healthy and he can figure out this new and improved Honda... well, you already know. How goes Marquez is how goes the championship. What will be interesting is Pol Espargaro. Espargaro has looked exceptionally strong this pre-season and with that comes confidence. If Pol keeps that confidence, look for Honda to fight, tooth and nail, Dokken style with Ducati for the constructor's title! THE REST OF THE STORY KTM will have its struggles with a new team manager and a bike that is not where they want it to be. But look for Brad Binder to “Brad Binder” a race victory somewhere during the season. What about Raul Fernandez's learning curve.
FABIO QUARTARARO
There’s something about Raul... He will be my Rookie of The Year candidate with stiff competition from Marco Bezzecchi.
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THE GRID: MOTOGP 2022 SEASON PREVIEW
Wild Card for The Season and a possible contender for the World Championship will be Enea “The Beast” Bastianini. What Bastianini did on a two-year-old bike last year was nothing short of spectacular. Expect the beast to do what beasts do! Before you get upset and say, "What about...?" And, "You didn’t mention...” Hey, I only have so much time and these are the major players in the championship the way I see it. With the "MotoGP Unlimited" docuseries from Netflix's “Drive to Survive” series, MotoGP is set to have the greatest season in its history. And even if it's not, it’s still MotoGP. What more could you ask for? Enjoy the time with loved ones now, because once that first Sunday in March hits, is there really anything else in life? I think not. 64 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | MARCH 2022
ENEA “THE BEAST” BASTIANINI
JOAN MIR
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THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Nina Thoma LOCATION: Munich, Germany OCCUPATION: Online Marketing Specialist YEARS RIDING: 4 years. RIDING STYLE: Mainly track, but also street, of course. BIKE/S OWNED: We have a few bikes. I mainly ride my Yamaha R6 Rj27 on the track and a Triumph Daytona 675R on the street. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: The LeoVince complete racing exhaust on my R6 for obvious reasons. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My Held Bikerfashion one piece leathersuit. Saved me already twice and still holding on! MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: My first time on the Grobnik Circuit in Croatia. I‘ll never forget the feeling! 68 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | MARCH 2022
Kawai K. LOCATION: Bay Area, California OCCUPATION: Emergency Management. YEARS RIDING: 20 plus years. RIDING STYLE: Street and track. BIKE/S OWNED: 2019 Ducati V4S Converted to 2020 with all carbon fairings and a 2008 Yamaha YZF-R1. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: BST Carbon wheels. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: I collect helmets. My favorite helmet would be the AGV GP Tech Rossi Five Continents. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Track day at Laguna Seca.
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THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS
Mike Nathan LOCATION: New York, New York. OCCUPATION: YouTuber, Graphic Artist, and Channel Host for MotovationUSA. YEARS RIDING: 22 years. RIDING STYLE: Street. BIKE/S OWNED: 2013 Ducati Monster, 2018 Ducati Hypermotard SP, 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4S. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: The SC Project exhausts. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My Roland Sands leather Jacket. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: I am the co-founder of the NorthEast Moto Meetup. The 2017 NorthEast Moto Meetup was the first Influencer held meetup and ride held in New York City. 70 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | MARCH 2022
Bobby Mills LOCATION: West Des Moines, Iowa YEARS RIDING: Racing, 20 years. Riding, more than that. RIDING STYLE: Track and racing. BIKE/S OWNED: 2015 Ducati Panigale R, 2008 Ducati 848, 1998 Ducati 748, 2000 Suzuki SV650, 2004 Honda NSR50, 2014 Honda Metropolitan. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Probably the Akrapovic exhausts on my 848 and Panigale, they sound like war drums! FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My Suomy SR-GP Glory Race helmet. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: My first track day, my friend Todd took me to Blackhawk Farms for a NESBA day. From that day on I was totally hooked on the track, and was the start of this addiction!
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U N L E A S H YO U R I N N E R D E M O N
With an all-new 177 HP, 1160cc triple engine the Speed Triple 1200 RS is the most powerful, highest torque and fastest accelerating Speed Triple ever, and at 22 lbs lighter, and with premium track specification equipment, it’s the most agile, precise, dynamic and responsive handling Speed Triple ever too. Add all-new TFTs, quickshifter, optimized cornering ABS and traction control, 5 riding modes and connectivity system as standard and it’s the ultimate performance naked sport bike. The new Speed Triple 1200 RS – Triple Powered Transformation - Starting from $18,300.00 Discover more at TriumphMotorcycles.com
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THE NEW ISH WOODCRAFT-CFM • YAMAHA YZF-R7 COMPLETE REARSET KIT
The Woodcraft rearsets are CNC machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum and offer more than twice the durability of OEM rearset brackets. The three piece pedals provide strength and durability while the knurled footpegs give proper feedback and traction. Price: $529.99 Contact: https://woodcraft-cfm.com
SPRINT FILTER • YAMAHA YZF-R7 PERFORMANCE FILTER Sprint Filters provide increased air permeability and filtration efficiency when compared to cotton air filters. A direct OEM replacement, the Sprint filter is a dry filter that does not require any oil treatments and can be cleaned with only compressed air. It is constructed with a single layer of water-resistant polyester and a steel wire mesh with an epoxy varnish finish. Price: $249.00 Contact: https://brocksperformance.com
MOLECULE • HELMET MATTE DETAILER
Molecule's Matte Detailer cleans and details matte finish helmets in one step and is specifically formulated to keep the low luster of matte helmets looking fresh and new. Price: $6.95 Contact: https://moleculesports.com 76 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | MARCH 2022
SW-MOTECH • DRYBAG 20 HIP PACK Lightweight, robust, breathable and, of course, waterproof. Those are the characteristics of the Drybag 20. The use of tarpaulin material guarantees not only the highest wear resistance, elasticity and heat resistance, but tarpaulin also reliably protects against weather conditions. Developed for motorcyclists, the Drybag 20 is also an indispensable companion in your free time. The ergonomic abdominal belt padding guarantees the highest comfort and thanks to the adjustable belt, the belt bag can be adapted to the amount of clothing you are wearing. Price:$43.95 Contact: https://sw-motech.us
REV'IT! • SPRINT H2O LADIES JACKET The waterproof Sprint H2O Ladies jacket has a clean and minimalistic sportive design. It is made from a lightweight, breathable polyester fabric with a focus on all-day comfort and includes Rev'It!'s ultra-thin CErated SEESMART impact protectors at the elbows and shoulders. Inside, you'll find a fixed hydratex® G-liner as well as a detachable thermal liner. Sizes: 34 - 46 Colors: Black-Anthracite, Black-Grey, Black-Pink Price: $239.99 Contact: https://www.revitsport.com PUIG RACING • KAWASAKI Z900 ENGINE PROTECTIVE COVER KIT Protect one of the most vulnerable parts of the motorcycle with the PUIG engine cover protector kit. Made of 4mm polypropylene, ultralight material, this accessory guarantees greater durability and resistance of the block to the possible impacts it may receive while riding. The kit includes covers for the left and right sides of the engine as well as a cover for the alternator. Price: $177.94 Contact: https://puigusa.com MARCH 2022| SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 77
THE NEW ISH SHOEI • X-FOURTEEN KUJAKU TC-5 HELMET The X-Fourteen line of helmets are the flagship model of SHOEI’s premium helmet lineup. In a matt finish, the Kujaku TC-5 helmet features an aerodynamic multi-ply matrix AIM+ shell design that is Snell M2020D and DOT-218 approved. Inside, you'll find a 3D max-dry custom interior system and a cheek pad cooling ventilation system for optimum airflow. The helmet's total weight is 3.6 pounds. Sizes: XS - XXL Price: $879.99 Contact: https://shoei-helmets.com
DRIVEN RACING • YAMAHA YZF-R7 MIRROR ELIMINATORS
Driven Racing Mirror Eliminators use concealed hardware for a clean finished look when removing your stock mirrors. Sold as a pair and are available in five anodized colors. Colors: Silver, Gold, Red, Blue, Black Price: $76.99 Contact: https://www.drivenracing.com DAINESE • WOMAN'S DRY SUIT
The Dainese Dry Suit offers a superior level of breathability and the ability to remove sweat and moisture from the body thus making the Dry Suit the ideal inner suit even in the hottest season. The lack of seams allows for great comfort and mobility. Reinforcements on the most frequent contact areas guarantee maximum durability for the garment. Sizes: XS - XL Price: $139.95 Contact: https://www.dainese.com 78 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | MARCH 2022
ALPINESTARS • CR-X DRYSTAR RIDING SHOES CR-X DRYSTAR riding shoes are protective riding shoes with unrivaled off-the-bike, all-day walking comfort. The CR-X boasts a running shoe last which provides a snug fit coupled with ample inner shoe volume to ensure good all-day foot comfort, while the Drystar waterproof and breathable membrane guarantees effective all-weather performance. Sizes: 6 - 14 Price: $199.95 Contact: https://www.alpinestars.com
YOSHIMURA R&D• YAMAHA MT-09 AT2 STAINLESS STEEL FULL EXHAUST The AT2 is perfect styling for the MT-09 and incorporates our exclusive Works Finish an aggressively styled matte-finish carbon fiber end cap complimented by a facet-formed tip while adding an aggressive GP tone. Right away the bike shaves off 6 pounds by removing the stock system (15.6 pounds) and installing the AT2 Race Series full system (9.6 pounds). Experience a performance increase of 2.7% horsepower and 1.6% in max torque. Price: $939.00 Contact: https://www.yoshimura-rd.com
ARMOUR BODIES • YAMAHA R7 2022 SUPERSPORT KIT The Armour Bodies supersport kit for the Yamaha R7 is a top-quality bodywork kit that is made with unique resin derived from the Kayak racing industry. This gives it the ability to withstand the rigors of the racetrack with the use of only large sheets of fiberglass with minimal use of mill fiber, offering the best possible structural integrity. Each part is then hand sanded and individually fit together and finished in a high-quality primer that is ready for paint after a light scuff. Please note that the OEM exhaust pipe can not be used with this kit. Price: $949.99 Contact: https://woodcraft-cfm.com MARCH 2022| SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 79
THE NEW ISH: FEATURED ITEM ICON MOTOSPORTS • MOTORHEAD3 JACKET The ICON 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 and wet riding conditions. Sizes: S - XXXXL Price: $350.00 Contact: https://rideicon.com
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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 MARCH 2022| SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 81