This Month in the Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar ....
SBK Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar Kitten Kaustin is RED HOT
with this Duex Ex Machina custom MV Agusta F3 Grand Prix tribute bike.
Order the Fast Dates Calendars HERE.

See More of the Bikes and Beautiful Calendar Kittens in -
Calendar Bike Garage and Members Corner and Meet the Models

SBK Podium Kitten Kaustin Rose with Chaz Davies' factory Ducati 1199RS16 World Superbike

World Premier of the
New 2018 Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar!

The 2018 Fast Dates Calendar features the top factory race bikes and beautiful podium girls of the SBK World Superbike Championship photographed on location at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca USA World Superbike round by Jim Gianatsis. Featured on the cover and inside is World Superbike Champion Jonthan Rea’s Kawasaki ZX10R, Chaz Davies’s Ducati 1199RS, Jordi Tores' Althea BMW S1000RR, Leon Camier's MV Agusta F4, Niccolo Canepa’s Cresent Yamaha R1, Nicky Hayden’s Ten Kate Pata Honda CBR1000, Karel Abraham's Milwaukee BMW S1000RR and AMA Champion Cameron Beaubier’s Yamaha R1. Special customs including collector Thomas Stephen’s exotic Ducati NCR Hailwood Replica, Mick Wollet’s MV Agusta F3 Hailwood Replica, and LA Calendar Motorcycle Show winners Nick O’Kanes’s Honda CBX1100, Michael LaFountains’s Kawsaki W1, and photographer Jim Gianatsis’ personal Ducati 1199R15.    CLICK TO ORDER!

The beautiful Fast Dates Calendar Kittens featured with the factory race bikes are the official umbrella girls of SBK World Superbike: Kaustin Rose, Alissa Bourne and Sara Horvath, together with Jillian Janson all in skimpy swimwear!

Fast Dates Calendar Celebrates 22 years of SBK World Superbike in America
with 2018 Fast Dates Calendar SBK Umbrella Kittens Kaustin & Alissa at 
Laguna Seca World Superbike and the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show 
By Jim Gianatsis   Photos by Jim Gianatsis • Clink on any Photo to Enlarge It

California, USA, July 17-20th 2016 - For the 22nd year since SBK World Superbike first came to America at Laguna Seca Raceway in 1995, the FastDates.com Calendars and myself, producer / photographer Jim Gianatsis were excited to continue 
our ongoing association with SBK World Superbike and the UmbrellaGirlsUSA.com to bring 2 more beautiful FastDates.com Calendar Kittens; Kaustin Lanae and Alissa Bourne to shoot with me at the 2016 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca United States SBK World Superbike and AMA National race weekend July 8-10th. There they served as the official SBK Podium Girls and helped me shoot the next Fast Dates World & AMA Superbike Calendar. Then, two weekends later the Kittens would work the
26th annual LA Calendar Motorcycle Show and Calendar shoot in Los Angeles on July 23-24th.     CONTINUED HERE

FAST 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 Digital Calendar Magazines
Go Behind the Scenes for the Making of the FastDates.com Calendars!

New FAST 2018 Calendar Yearbook!
Go behind the scenes for the shooting of the 2018 FastDates.comMotorcycle PinUp Calendars with photographer Jim Gianatsis and the Calendar Kittens. Travel to Laguna Seca World Superbike with the official SBK Umbrella Girls, the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show with the Top Custom Bike Builders, and take an Edelweiss Bike Tour across France from the Palace of Versailles to the World War II beaches at Normandy. Plus Editorial features on the Calendar Bikes and Kittens , and see every page in the new 2018 Fast Dates Superbikes, Iron & Lace Custom Bikes and Garage Girls Calendar.
Now in FastDates.com Members Corner

Each year's FastDates.com Calendar Digital Yearbook features 120- 138 pages of exciting hi-resolution digital photography that takes you with us behind the scenes to our photo shoots at SBK World and AMA Superbike, the LA Calendar Motorcyle Show, and in our photo studio. You'll meet the beautiful Calendar Kitttens in sexy biography pictorials, the top Factory Racers and Custom Bike Builders,and see detailed photo features on the top calendar and race bikes. Take a track day with World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss at Misano, take an Edelsweiss Ducati World Superbike tour of the Ducati Factory & Museum and across Italy, ride a Vespa scooter around Paris and party at the Crazy Horse and the Moulon Rouge. Hang with beautiful teen rock star Taylor Momsen of the Pretty Reckless. Did we forget anything?

Oh yes, and you'll see every page in the new Fast Dates, Garage Girls, Iron & Lace Calendars!

MV AGUSTA F4 RC 2018
Special Edition Chaz Davies and Lewis Hamilton Models
Varese, 9th October 2017 - The allure and excitement of the World Superbike Championship are incorporated into the elegant yet extreme lines of the MV Agusta F4 RC. Assembled piece by piece, with the same meticulous attention to detail that is seen in Leon Camier’s F4 Reparto Corse race bike. Produced in a limited series, as is becoming of such a truly exclusive bike. The F4 RC symbolises the razor-sharp racing spirit the Italian manufacturer brings to the world’s racetracks with Leon Camier. For the legendary MV Agusta F4 model, the RC represents the peak of technical evolution and dynamic performance. Colours and graphics match those of the factory team, ensuring at-a-glance racing excitement. The number 37 on the fairing recalls the number of manufacturers’ titles won by MV Agusta over the course of its long history.

Engine
The technical base of the F4 RC comes from that of the F4 Reparto Corse, starting with the Corsa Corta four-cylinder in-line engine (bore 79 mm, stroke 50.9 mm) with central distribution chain and radial valves. This version puts out a maximum power of 205 hp (151 kW); a dedicated kit adds a further 7 HP, giving a total of 212 hp (158 kW).

Electronics
As with the F4 Reparto Corse, the electronic platform is optimised to obtain the best possible performance on both track and road. Parameters such as throttle sensitivity, maximum torque, engine braking, engine response and rev limiter can all be customised, ensuring riders get the most out of the bike whatever the riding conditions. The F4 RC inertial platform has a lean angle sensor and three gyroscopes, as well as three accelerometers: a package designed to ensure absolute dynamic efficiency, thanks also to EAS 2.0 electronically assisted shift (as standard).

Frame and Suspension
Progressive tradition applied to racing: this concept has provided the developmental foundation for the CrMo steel tube trellis frame with TIG welding. The central part of the frame is closed with lightweight aluminium alloy plates which provide an adjustable swingarm pivot point of height. The suspension offers unparalleled quality and efficiency: the NIX 30 type USD Öhlins fork with TiN coating allows separate hydraulic compression adjustment (left leg) and rebound damping (right leg), as well as spring pre-load adjustment. The Öhlins TTX 36 shock with piggyback tank is also fully adjustable thanks to mechanical regulators. The steering damper is adjustable.

Brakes
The system that Brembo has designed for the F4 RC ensures cutting-edge braking power and excellent user-friendliness. The front end features two 320 mm discs with steel braking rotor and aluminium flange; the handlebar control activates a radial pump; callipers are Brembo 30 mm 4-piston GP monobloc. The rear brake features a 4-piston calliper and a 210 mm steel disc. The latest version of the Bosch 9 Plus Race Mode ABS features the RLM (Rear Wheel Lift-Up Mitigation) system.

The exclusive F4 RC formula makes ample use of high quality materials, characterised by excellent performance and low weight. Carbon fibre, for example, has been selected for the main parts of the fairing. As a tie-in with the 250 F4 RC, MV Agusta has prepared a sophisticated kit, housed in an elegant wooden box. Designed to increase on-track efficiency, it includes dozens of components, starting with the SC-Project full titanium single exit exhaust, designed to maximise performance when used with the specific ECU (also included in the kit).

Among the many exclusive components are a rapid release fuel cap, carbon fibre heat shields, F4 RC single seat tail cover and lightweight screws and small parts. A customised bike cover and certificate of origin, which confirms the authenticity and number of the product, complete the kit.

MV AGUSTA F4 LH44 Lewis Hamilton Special Edition
Varese, 28th September 2017 - Three Time F1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, and MV Agusta have collaborated to design a brand new bike, the F4 LH44. This partnership follows the success of their first project on the Dragster RR LH.

The F4 LH44 is an offshoot of the F4 RC which is derived directly from the MV Agusta Reparto Corse Superbike, the pinnacle of Italian 4-cylinder performance. Hence, the Corsa Corta engine (bore 79 mm, stroke 50.9 mm) with central timing chain and radial valves, which on this version puts out a maximum power of 205 hp (151 kW). The bike comes with a kit that includes a titanium silencer and dedicated control unit, boosting power by 7 hp to 212 hp (158 kW). It also features Lewis Hamilton's eye-catching Panther logo.

“I am very excited to continue my partnership with MV Agusta. I love working with Giovanni and the guys at MV Agusta, their passion for engineering and attention to detail produces stunning, original looking bikes. My projects with MV Agusta are a great way to combine my love of riding bikes with my interest in creative design process so I am very much involved with the CRC design team throughout.

I am particularly excited to introduce my new bike, the F4 LH44. It looks quite stunning and I had the pleasure of riding on track a few weeks ago in Italy, it feels great and combines the best of both worlds, a race bike for the road! There will be 44 bikes produced so I hope the lucky owners will love it as much as I do,” - Lewis Hamilton.

The customisation that led to the creation of the F4 LH44 was based on a continuous, direct, dialogue between the British Formula 1 champion and the CRC (Castiglioni Research Center) workshop where every MV Agusta takes shape. Ideas, suggestions, preferences, perception: the creative process was long, with attention paid to the bike's every last detail. Each individual idea was meticulously assessed and checked in terms of its feasibility, flair and functionality. Thorough analysis and creative comparison have made the F4 LH44 much more than just a custom project: it is, rather, an unprecedented, unrepeatable
interpretation of the F4.

Desmosedici Stradale Unveiled - Ducati's V4 Superbike Engine for the Future
 
• New engine directly derived from the Desmosedici GP soon to go into production
• Key features include Desmodromic timing, counter-rotating crankshaft and Twin Pulse firing sequence
• New Ducati Panigale V4 Production Superbike to be unveiled at EICMA November 5th 2017 at 9 p.m

Misano World Circuit,(Rimini, Italy, September 7th 2017 – Out of the experience gained in MotoGP, where the 4-cylinder Desmosedici unleashes incomparable performance, comes a new 90° V4 engine designed to power the Ducati supersport models of tomorrow. In transferring the technology of its most cutting-edge power unit from racetrack to road, Ducati offers customers performance levels honed by years of MotoGP experience.

Called the Desmosedici Stradale, this engine is set to become yet another Ducati milestone: it will be the first time ever that the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer has equipped a standard production bike with a 4-cylinder engine.
 
The official unveiling took place in Misano during the San Marino and Rimini Riviera GP, the thirteenth round of the 2017 MotoGP championship. A perfectly natural setting for the presentation, as MotoGP is the proving ground from which the new engine has drawn experience, technology and grit.
 
“It's with undiluted pride that we unveil this technological gem. It represents the start of a new chapter for our company, underlining our vitality and an unshakeable commitment to investment in new products", stated Claudio Domenicali, Ducati's CEO, during the presentation of the Desmosedici Stradale. "This engine also highlights the close collaboration between Ducati Corse and the factory bike development team, proving just how instrumental racing can be in developing the technology that is later applied on production bikes. In November, at EICMA, we'll be showcasing the new Panigale V4, an all-new motorcycle powered by this extraordinary engine”.
 
While the Desmosedici Stradale engine is undoubtedly suited to the track, it has also been designed to respond to the needs of the road rider. For example, to maximise mid-range torque - essential for a satisfying road experience - and ensure punchy torque and power at lower revs, the engine has a slightly larger displacement than its MotoGP counterpart (1103 cm³, to be precise). Power output from the Euro 4 compliant engine configuration exceeds 155 kW (210 hp) at 13,000 rpm while maximum torque exceeds 120 Nm (12.2 Kgm) from 8,750 to 12,250 rpm.

 
1000cc R Version V4 Stradale Superbike to be Available and Raced in 2019
An R version with a displacement of less than 1000 cc - which revs higher and is intended more for track use - is currently at the advanced development stage. This will provide the foundation for the homologated version that competes in the Superbike championship, where this engine will be used starting in 2019 (one year on from the launch of the respective road version, as per the Ducati tradition).
 
As on the Ducati bikes used in racing, the crankshaft is of the counter-rotating type. This reduces the overall gyroscopic effect and makes the bike faster and more agile when changing direction.
 
The crank pins, offset at 70° as on the Desmosedici GP, involve a Twin Pulse firing sequence that generates easy-to-handle power delivery and optimises out-of-the-corner traction (“Big Bang” effect). This firing sequence also gives the Desmosedici Stradale a unique signature sound.

A 90° V4 configuration makes the engine extremely compact, allowing centralisation of mass and smoothing incorporation on the vehicle. The Desmosedici Stradale has, in fact, been inserted on the motorcycle with the front cylinders banked 42° back from the horizontal, just like the Ducati engines employed in MotoGP. This, of course, optimises weight distribution, allows the adoption of larger radiators and brings the swingarm pivot point forwards.
Its architecture also evens up first order forces naturally without the added weight and power loss that a balancing countershaft would involve.
 
As in MotoGP, the engine was designed with an 81 mm cylinder bore. This measurement reflects the maximum limit allowed by MotoGP rules; it’s also the highest in the 4-cylinder supersport segment.
Using the same bore as the Desmosedici GP engine means both power units share nearly identical in-engine fluid dynamics (i.e. on valves, intake ducts and throttle bodies, right where the power is produced).
 
Needless to say, the new engine is designed around the Desmodromic system, a key characteristic that helps make Ducati prototypes the fastest in MotoGP. On this high-revving engine the “Desmo” system achieves a degree of sophistication, lightness and compactness never before seen on a Ducati.
 
Variable-height air intake horns constitute another first for a Ducati factory bike, optimising cylinder intake across the rev range and giving significant advantages in terms of power delivery and handling. Completing the fuelling system are the oval throttle bodies, each equipped with two injectors: one above the butterfly and one below it.
 
This package of cutting-edge technical solutions - absolutely unique within the Supersport segment - makes the Desmosedici Stradale an engine like no other in the motorcycle world.
 
Main Technical Data:
• 1,103 cm³ 4-cylinder 90-degree V
• Bore x stroke 81 x 53.5 mm
• Compression ratio 14:1
• Maximum power exceeds 210 hp at 13,000 rpm
• Maximum torque exceeds 120 Nm from 8,750 to 12,250 rpm
• Counter-rotating crankshaft
• Twin Pulse firing sequence, crank pins offset at 70°
• Euro 4 emissions
• Desmodromic part chain, part gear timing with dual overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder
• Wet multiplate anti-patter servo clutch
• Semi-dry sump lubrication with four oil pumps: 1 delivery and 3 return
• Fuelling with four oval throttle bodies (52 mm diameter equivalent) and variable-height intake horns
• 6-speed gearbox with DQS up/down system
• 24,000 km “Desmo-service” maintenance interval (15,000 miles

Leaked photos of the final 2018 production Panigale V4 Superbike from Ducati!
Bologna, Italy, October 1st 2017 - Three images of the new 2018 Ducati V4 Panigale are shown, taken directly at the factory of the Bolognese company, showing a Panigale V4 in the final version 1100S model version with Ohlins suspension.

What we really note here is the new MotoGP/SBK style fuel tank with the removable airbox cover on the front of it. It definitely makes the tank look bigger and bulkerier, and possibly less comfortable?

Front air intakes are seen to be much wider than the current Panigale twin-cylinder, as the 14:1 compression 4-cyclinder bike produces a lot more heat, with the front light optic group rather narrowly reduced to the minimum. Practically the same as the rear of the rear, which also differs from a modified saddle pad to attach to the rear cylinder head.

Also a dramatic change from the Panigle v2 and MotoGP bike, the former Monocoque box section holding the bike's front end, now appears to be a partial perimeter chassis frame wrapping around the top of the engine to the rear cylinders. While stiffening up the bike, this has to add additional weight and certainly does not look as nice.

Notice the repositioned rear shock in the conventional swingarm position, the wider V4 motor no longer allows mounting the shock on the side of the engine for easier access, spring changes or an adjustable shock linkage, which were big promoted advantages on the narrower Panigale V2 Superbike. 

The Exhaust System is finalized with a twisted and muscular double stroll right in front of the rear wheel, denying a high system closer to that of the Akrapovic factory Superbike and Superleggera and Final Edition. The new V4 gets an oversized capacity of 1,103 cc in a 90 ° V configuration rotated backwards by 43 ° in the Street version, capable of delivering 210 cv and 120 Nm in Euro-4 configuration. A future 2019 model Panigale V4 R will be reduced in capacity to 1000cc to comply with FIM rules for four-cylinder bikes, and will be raced by Ducati in the 2019 SBK World Superbike Championship.

In our opinion, not as beautiful as their current Panigale V2. Very Honda VFR looking. And we might expect this new bike to be at the least 10 lbs heaver, as well. What do you think?

An Open Letter to Claudio Domenicali, CEO, Ducati SpA
regarding the end of the legendary Ducati V-Twin Superbike

Dear Claudio, 

As a Motorcycle Racing Journalist and Photographer, Editor, and a full blooded Ducati V-Twin Superbike Enthusiast, Rider, Racer and Collector - I own all 5 generations of Ducati Superbikes from the first 888 Final Edition to the current Panigale 1199R! And together with British motojournalist rider and friend Alan Cathcart, I am one of the few motojournalists who can afford and do own Ducati sportbikes....

I am very disappointed to hear the Panigale V-Twin Superbike will be discontinued after the 1299R Final Edition. Especially since the 1199RS is still very competitive in SBK World Superbike 2017. It is also disappointing this is the first time the "R" designation has been used on a bike who's engine is too large in displacement be homologated for World Superbike Racing. Two very poor marketing choices by Ducati. 

And as Dorna moves closer to making SBK World Superbike a Superstock formula, where the V-Twin will always hold its larger 1200cc advantage over the 1000cc 4-Cylinder bikes, and the organizers have always restricted the different manufacturers’ motorcycles to make them equally competitive, I think the Ducati V-Twin will always remain competitive in SBK racing. 

That is not to say, Ducati could homologate and race BOTH the V-Twin and V-Four in SBK World and National Superbike racing. I was very disappointed when Ducati produced the 2005 Desmosedici V-4 and did not homologate and race it in WSBK back then.

The Design, Development and all 5 Generations of Ducati V-Twin World Superbikes arefeatured in this beautifyl full color coffe table book by Alan Cathcart and Jim Gianatsis. Click to Order.

Ducati current success, particularly here in America, Ducati’s largest sales market, grew from Ducati’s legendary 4-valve V-Twin Desmo’s participation and winning in SBK World Superbike with your legendary riders like Doug Polen, Carl Fogarty, Troy Corser, Troy Bayliss and now Chaz Davies.

The majority of older generation Ducati enthusiasts like myself, who can afford to buy Ducati’s expensive Superbike models, prefer the Desmo V-Twin for its sound, power characteristics, low-end torque and power and easy ridabability. I stopped owning and riding Japanese 4-cylinder sportbikes the first time I rode the then new Ducati 916 back in 1993 (I was the suspension engineer for National and World Champions Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey) . I love the Ducati V-Twin immediately and have loved it ever since.

In fact, when the Desmosedici V-Four was announced at World Ducati Week 2002, I was the first person to place a deposit on one with Ducati Corse Press officer Jullian Thomas, and then later with my local Ducati dealer. But when I had the opportunity to ride a friend’s Desmosedici, before taking delivery of my own bike, I actually disliked the Desmosedici’s power characteristics so much compared to my 999R Superbike at the time, that I cancelled the purchase of my Desmosedici. It was not an enjoyable bike to ride with its high reving powerband.

And even in recent years, if I wanted the SBK winning credentials of an Italian V-4 Superbike I could have bought an Aprilia RSV4, but I did not. I much prefer the V-Twin power of my latest Panigale 1199R 15.

I would ask that you and Ducati please consider keeping the Desmo V-Twin Superbike in production, evolving it and SBK racing it forever as long as sales justify it. This is Ducati’s history, its heritage, present and future. And this is the bike most Ducati enthusiasts like myself will always want to buy and own if it continues to evolve.

Best regards, Jim Gianatsis, 
Editor, Racer, Ducati Owner & Enthusiast
FastDates.com Calendars & Website
______________

09/15/2017 - I just received this nice Personal Email reply from Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati, regarding the new Panigale V4 and my recent letter to him, asking not to discontinue the current Panigale V2 and the legendary Ducati V-twins Superbikes which have made Ducati legendary and which many of us love so well -

"Dear Jim,
Thank you for writing me you letter where your passion for VTwin and for the brand is very clear.

While I understand your concern I can assure you the new Desmosedici Stradale is taking from the V Twin a lot of charachteristics.

I think numbers will speak more than everything: you said that you did not like the power characteristic of D16RR. Just take note that @7500 rpm the Desmosedici Stradale has 11Kgm of torque, that is 35% superior than the D16RR and 5% higher than your 999R! This engine is not only very powerful but more than everything very torque oriented.

Both the sound and the vibration are very very similar to our current Panigale.

I really hope you will try the new Panigale V4 and change your mind.

Nevertheless the Panigale 1299R final edition will remain in production as the best expression of the twin cylinder philosophy.

Ciao, Claudio"
______________

Sept 17th 2107 - A Rebutal from Editor Gianatsis - Claudio, "Same Torque as a 999R +5% at At 7,500rpm" ?!?

I short shift all my torquey Ducati V2 Superbike R-models at 5-6,000rpm on the street and in the canyons. I'm Googling Ducati 999 / 1199R / 1299 Dyno Charts now....

The old 999S with full 57mm Termignoni Exhaust (equivalent in power to a 999R) which Claudio cites, only makes 75 ft lbs torque at 7,500rpm. + Claudio's claimed+ 5% for the new V4 os just = 78 ft. lbs

While a current 1299 / 1199R make 90 ft lbs at 7,500rpm. So the new Panigale V4 even with its cheater 1100cc engine (they will have to downsize to 999cc for WSBK) will not come close to matching the current Panigale V2 1199R and 1299 Superbike engines for mid-range torque. The V4 will be down in Torque about 15-20 ft lbs across the mid-rance

I'm not bad mouthing the V4, its certainly going to be an awesome track bike, but I just don't want them to stop developing, racing and selling the V2 to their established Ducati enthusiasts. Now, only offering the 1299R Final Edition at $38,000 will kill this last V2 Superbike when the new V4 comes out next year around $18,000 for the base model.

Both the latest Ducati V2 Superbikes and new V4 have far too much top-end power you'll never be able to use on the street. While in Superbike racing, the Balance of Performance adjustments (1200cc vs 1000cc) and restrictors will always keep the V2s competitive. 

But the V2s big added advantage for both street and track, is it will alway have more useable torque and power in the lower RPM range to make it easier and more fun to ride, and be easier on tires. That's why I stopped riding 4 cylinder bikes and switched to Ducati V2s 24 years ago. 

Ducati's V4 is fine in MotoGP where it makes better power compared to the same size 1000cc in-line 4s, but in WSBK it just isn't need with the BOP adjustment advantage.While for 95% of Ducati Superbike owners who only primarily on the stree, the V2 will wile sorely be missed, with possibly a resulting significant decrease in future Ducati Superbike model sales?

1299 Panigale R Final Edition (MSRP $39,900)
The Sad, Final Tribute to Ducati’s twin-cylinder Superbike Legacy
The most powerful production twin-cylinder engine in history (209 horsepower), combined with the most advanced aluminum monocoque chassis. Limited availability shipping to U.S. dealers now · Dedicated Tri-Colore livery with World Superbike style full titanium exhaust

Ducati Premiers the 1299R Final Editon at Laguna Seca WSBK
a tribute to the legendary twin-cylinder engine, the most victorious in SBK World Championship history
Ducati CEO Domenicali confirms the last of the V-Twin Superbike, with the new V4 to Preimer at EICMA in November

Pebble Beach / Laguna Seca, California USA July 7th 2017 – An exceptional, exclusive bike, born out of respect and admiration for the engine that has made Ducati history and written the World Superbike Championship record books. The new 1299 Panigale R Final Edition is more than just a bike with a dedicated colour scheme or a limited edition.With a tricolour livery, as eye-catching as it is evocative, it offers a fitting tribute to Ducati's iconic twin-cylinder power unit, which reaches its peak on this latest bike.
 
For its world preview, Ducati has chosen round eight of the World Superbike Championship, taking place this weekend at Laguna Seca (California-US), where Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, unveiled the new 1299 Panigale R Final Edition together with Chaz Davies and Marco Melandri (the two official Aruba.it Racing–Ducati riders and stars of the awesome presentation video).
 
This latest built-in-Bologna gem offers unparalleled technology, performance and design. A Euro 4 compliant road bike, each 1299 Panigale R Final Edition is individually numbered. An offshoot of the 1299 Superleggera engine, the Final Edition Superquadro packs a 209 hp* punch at 11,000 rpm and a torque of 14.5 kgm at 9,000 rpm. It features a lighter crankshaft with a larger crank pin and tungsten balancing pads, while the con-rods, like the intake-exhaust valves, are made of titanium. As on Superbike engines, the two 116 mm diameter pistons have just two segments and slide on steel cylinder liners.

 
Developed by Ducati Corse, the ultra-compact monocoque structure incorporates the airbox and plays a pivotal role in containing the dry weight of the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition to just 179 kg**.
 
The chassis set-up on this latest Ducati supersport is the same as that on the Panigale R, characterised by Öhlins mechanical suspension and a 24° rake.
 
Equally sophisticated and light is the complete all-titanium Akrapovič exhaust with high dual silencer (Euro 4 compliant), just like the one on the Panigale R that competes in the World Superbike championship.
 
The electronics package features the Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and is equipped with ABS Cornering, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO (DWC EVO), Ducati Traction Control EVO (DTC EVO) and Engine Brake Control (EBC). These systems have default settings linked to the selected Riding Mode (Race, Sport and Wet) but can be personalised as desired.
 
Top-drawer tech content and the all-new tricolour livery ensure the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition is set to gain cult status among the vast community of Ducati twin-cylinder aficionados.
 
"I'm incredibly proud to present this latest version of our Panigale" stated Claudio Domenicali during the presentation. "Maybe no other motorcycle manufacturer has bound its name so tightly to an engine as Ducati has to its sports twin-cylinder. Today, we're here to celebrate its history, just as we stand on the cusp of a new era in which our desmodromic system will be used on a new generation of V4 engines derived from extensive experience in MotoGP, a championship in which our engine has demonstrated outstanding performance. But that's the future. Today, we want to pay homage to a twin-cylinder engine that - thanks to incredible torque and compactness - has seen Ducati win races in every SBK championship it has ever participated in. In short, it's the engine that has written World Superbike history. From Marco Lucchinelli's first victory on 3rd April 1988 with the 851 at Donington Park (in the first-ever world championship for modified production models) to the stunning 2017 wins by Chaz Davies and Marco Melandri on the Panigale R, Ducati has won no less than 333 races and taken 17 Constructors' titles and 14 Rider's titles”.
 
The 1299 Panigale R Final Edition will play a pivotal role throughout the weekend at Laguna Seca. On Saturday morning, immediately after the Superpole, the bike will go on display both at Ducati Island (the space Ducati traditionally sets aside for its fans during American events) and inside the Paddock Show.

And, to complete this historic moment, the Aruba.it Racing–Ducati team celebrated the arrival of the new 1299 Panigale R Final Edition by decking out its two official race bikes in the same special livery, to be used by Chaz Davies and Marco Melandri on this race weeekend at Laguna SEca World Superbike.

1299 Panigale R Final Edition (MSRP $39,900)
·The Sad, Final Tribute to Ducati’s twin-cylinder Superbike Legacy
· The most powerful production twin-cylinder engine in history (209 horsepower), combined with the most advanced aluminum monocoque chassis
· Limited availability shipping to U.S. dealers now · Dedicated Tri-Colore livery with World Superbike style full titanium exhaust

Marquez and Honda would head the Yamahaa of Vinales and Rossi at the finsh line.

2017 MotoGP World Championship, Michelin Australina MotoGP, Round 16 of 18

It was Marquez who got the holeshot but he couldn’t hold it into Turn 2 as a stunner from Jack Miller (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) saw the Queenslander slice through into the lead – and then start pulling away. Viñales was the man in third on the chase, as an incredible first lap then took another twist next time round into Turn 1, when Dovizioso went wide and dropped down to P20.

Then the race was on for the Italian, as a seven-rider train at the front closed in on Miller in the lead. Rossi and Viñales were the first to get through, and a lead group of Marquez, Viñales, Rossi, Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Zarco began to fight it out.

Marquez vs Rossi, Zarco vs Rossi, Viñales vs Marquez, Iannone vs Zarco…in one of the most aggressive and hard-fought battles of the season, decade or more, the passes came thick and fast – including a move for Zarco around the outside of Doohan corner – as rubber was left on the road; a little on opponents’ leathers and a little paint was swapped in one of the most incredible fights in history.

Once Marquez was ahead, however, the reigning Champion was able to begin pulling a gap with five laps to go. Pulling the pin as the battle raged on behind him, the number 93 began to sprint away – and the fight to complete the podium was down to three by the final laps: Rossi vs Viñales vs Zarco.

With some of the tightest lines ever ridden around the Island at times on that final lap, Rossi was able to take it – but all three were almost neck and neck over the line. And over that line behind the nine-time World Champion, it was Viñales just edging ahead of the Tech 3 of the Frenchman – taking third for a return to the rostrum but a definite end to his chance at the title. Zarco's fourth, however, confirmed him as Rookie of the Year.

After Iannone getting pushed back in the latter stages, Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) took fifth ahead of the Italian, with Miller, Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and another double delight for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing completing the top ten; Espargaro just pipping Smith. Dovizioso suffered late heartbreak after losing out on the drag to the line to both Scott Redding (Octo Pramac Racing) and Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) and coming home 13th, with Karel Abraham (Pull&Bear Aspar Team) and Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) completing the top fifteen.

Sepang is now ready for business, with the next round soon on the horizon and 33 points swinging the pendulum in Marquez’ favour. But not everything goes to script, as Dovizioso found out at the Island – and the Italian won at Sepang last season. It’s time for a final stand.

MotoGP Race Results- Complete Results Here
1 - Marc Marquez (SPA - Honda)  40'49.772
2 - Valentino Rossi (ITA - Yamaha) + 1.779
3 - Maverick Viñales (SPA - Yamaha) + 1.826
4 - Johann Zarco (FRA - Yamaha) + 1.842

No time to slow down as Marquez takes win five of the year.

2017 MotoGP World Championship, Motegi, Round 15 of 18

Duel in the Rain at Motegi MotoGP
Dovizioso / Ducati beats in Marqez / Honda in the Final Corner
Motegi Japan, October 15th 2017 - In pouring rain at the Twin Ring Motegi, Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) staged one of the greatest MotoGP™ duels of all time, putting everything on the line down to the final lap, and the final corner. And despite the best efforts of the reigning Champion, it was Andrea Dovizioso who emerged victorious from ‘Victory’ corner in Japan – taking his fifth win of the season, the seventh of his career, and one of the most spectacular in history. Marquez was an incredibly close second, with Danilo Petrucci (Octo Pramac Racing) completing the podium.

It was Marquez took the lead off the front row, with Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) soon pouncing on the first lap to take second and then take over in the lead. Marquez was followed by Petrucci and Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3), with Dovizioso staging a stunning start to tag on the back. Marquez then fought back as Lorenzo moved back slightly, before Petrucci struck at the front and the trio who would head the remaining laps was decided: Petrucci, Marquez, and Dovizioso.

As the laps ticked down, the two title contenders remained locked together and Petrucci found some clear air in the lead. But with 12 laps to go Marquez made his first move to take over, with ‘DesmoDovi’ then through on his compatriot to keep close company with the Championship leader. They pulled away, and the stage was set.

With six laps to go, Dovizioso attacked at Turn 6, and the cat and mouse continued. Marquez then hit back with a brutal pass in Turn 3 with three laps to go, and the fuse was lit. Dueling it out with some of the most spectacular racing of the season – and in the pouring rain – it seemed Marquez was holding the cards as the final lap approached.

Pushing hard to catch the race and Championship leader, the gap was hovering just over half a second for Dovizioso, until Marquez suddenly suffered a moment at Turn 8 and the Ducati was back on him. The Italian struck to take the lead soon after and prepared himself for the aptly-named victory corner - knowing the number 93 was close behind and undoubtedly with Austria on his mind.

The door didn’t prove closed for Marquez as he shot up the inside, but Dovizioso was prepared for the move and kept it together as the Repsol Honda headed wide. Almost neck and neck over the line, it was ‘DesmoDovi’ who took the victory in a duel that will go down in history – and he cuts the gap to 11 points at the top.

Behind the trio on the rostrum it was a stunning ride for Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar) into fourth, as the Italian picked his way through from P12 on the grid as was able to close in on his teammate Alex Rins, then getting past him in the latter stages. Rins was top rookie after his own display of brilliance, however, earlier shadowing Zarco and then moving through as the Frenchman faded.

After dropping back after a stunning start, Jorge Lorenzo was able to move back past those ahead of him to cross the line in sixth for another good haul of points – getting back Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) as his final victim, with the Spaniard coming seventh. Zarco faded in the latter stages to head home in P8, ahead of a difficult day for Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP). Viñales is now 41 points off Marquez at the top of the table.

Loris Baz (Reale Avintia Racing) completed the top ten as he sliced through in the rain, with Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) taking another top result for the Austrian factory in P11. In twelfth, it was wildcard Yamalube Factory Racing rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga – 2017 Suzuka 8H winner and former MotoGP™ podium finisher – as the Japanese veteran impressed as ever.

Sam Lowes (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) took his best ever result and some good points in P13, with the points scorers completed by Hector Barbera (Reale Avintia Racing) and Tito Rabat (EG 0,0 Marc VDS). Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) crashed out of contention, but rider ok.

Now the Championship heads for the legendary Phillip Island, with the gap at the top now cut down to 11 points and three rounds remaining. Motegi was a duel that will go down in history, as will 2017. But with whose name engraved on the trophy?

MotoGP Race Results- Complete Results Here
1 - Andrea Dovizioso (ITA - Ducati) 47'14.236
2 - Marc Marquez (SPA - Honda) +0.249
3 - Danilo Petrucci (ITA - Ducati) +10.557

The Race 2 Podium at Jerez with Rea again on top, joined by Davies and Melandri.

2017 SBK Motul World Superbike Championship, Jerez, Spain, Round 12 of 13

Rea Wins Agin In Jerez as Kawsaki Takes manufacturer's Championship
Jerez, Spain, October 21-22nd 2017 - Kawasaki won the 2017 FIM Superbike World Championship Manufacturers’ title today after newly re-crowned World Superb ike Champion Jonathan Rea (KRT) won his second race of the weekend. This was Rea’s 14th victory in his third consecutive championship-winning season. Tom Sykes (KRT) could not find optimal rear traction in race two at Jerez and he finished fifth. At the conclusion of a successful Jerez weekend Kawasaki’s third successive Manufacturers’ Championship arrived one round early, and is now added to the 2017 Riders’ Championship for Rea and the Team’s Championship for the Kawasaki Racing Team.
 
The second race was started on schedule at 13.00 but was almost immediately halted and restarted after clash between two riders brought out a red flag. Over a reduced race duration of 19 laps, Rea was not to be denied and set a new lap record of 1’40.640, to secure his second win of the Jerez weekend.

Rea secures first ever Jerez win 
Saturday Race 1 at Jerez was won by the World Champion after a late technical issue for provisional leader Melandri, with Davies and Sykes also on the podium. Saturday’s racing at the Pirelli Spanish Round saw Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) register his first victory as the recently crowned 2017 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Champion, taking advantage of a late technical issue for provisional race leader Marco Melandri (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati). With his first ever win at Jerez, Rea was joined on the podium at the end of a restarted Race 1 at Round 12 by Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) and Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team).
 
On his way to equaling Carl Fogarty’s career podium record of 109 rostrum results in WorldSBK Rea took over at the front after Melandri pulled off with a problem with four laps to go.
 
Rea had taken control of the restarted race in the early stages and led for several laps before Melandri made a move with 13 laps to go at turn 9 up the inside of the Northern Irishman. Davies then followed Melandri through to overtake Rea, but Rea soon responded to retake the Welshman and slot back in behind the Italian.
 
As Melandri chased his second race win in 2017, since his return to WorldSBK at the start of the year, cruel luck saw him pull off towards the end of the race, leaving Rea to take the glory. Sykes produced a solid ride in third place as he continues to recover from wrist and finger injuries sustained in Portugal in September, with Davies crossing the line just under 0.5s ahead of him in second.
 
It was another strong performance from Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) as he collected more good points on the Yamaha YZF R1, crossing the line fourth, 3.677s ahead of his teammate Michael van der Mark who was fifth.
 
2014 World Champion Sylvain Guintoli’s return to action on the Kawasaki ZX-10RR saw him finish a creditable sixth, in the first of four races he will ride for the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing at the final two rounds of the season.
 
The top ten was rounded out by Milwaukee Aprilia duo Lorenzo Savadori and
Eugene Laverty and Spanish pair Xavi Fores (BARNI Racing Team) and Roman Ramos (Team Kawasaki Go Eleven) - in seventh to tenth places respectively.
 
Turn 13 proved to be unlucky for Takumi Takahashi (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) as he lost the front end of his Honda CBR1000RR, though he picked it up to finish 16th. Takahashi’s Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team colleague Davide Giugliano was an unfortunate late retiree.
 
In the initial race start a turn 6 crash on the first lap involving Ayrton Badovini (Grillini Racing Team) and Raffaele de Rosa (Althea BMW Racing Team) brought out the red flags. After a short break the race was recommenced with a quick restart procedure with the riders keeping their focus in the clear conditions in Andalusia on the resurfaced Jerez track, though neither Badovini nor De Rosa made it back onto the grid.
 
P1 - Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team)  “So, so nice to tick that box for a Jerez race win. I was trying to manage the race a little bit in the beginning because I did not get a long run in yesterday, after my big crash, so I was not sure how the tyre choice we made was going to play out. I went all in to that race. With the position we now have in the championship I went in over my head - but it was fun to ride like this.”

P2 - Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati)  "It was cat and mouse between me and Tom, I could see them behind and I knew he was catching me and I tried to pull away a little bit. After missing FP2 I felt it was a really good ride, it was hard because we missed an hour of track time and I felt like I was learning as I was going. It was a a tough race and I'm really happy with the result."

P3 - Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) “The pace stayed very consistent and it was quite nice at the end. Unfortunately at the beginning of the race there was a little bit of stop-start so I could not set my usual rhythm and I lost some time. In the first three laps I had a small issue with gear selection, and then missed a gear coming onto the straight. I lost some track positions but regrouped and then the pace was acceptable. We were just not able to bridge that gap to the guys in front.”

WorldSBK at Jerez: Race 1 - Complete Results Here
1. Jonathan Rea Kawasaki
2. Chaz Davies Ducati +1.137
3. Tom Sykes Kawasaki +1.599

Double Jerez win sealed by Champion Rea
Sunday Race 2: KRT man wraps up a successful Round 12 in Spain with another win and is joined on podium by Ducati pair Melandri and Davies. At the Pirelli Spanish Round it was triple World Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) who took the victory in Race 2 on Sunday to complete a fine weekend at the Circuito de Jerez. A commanding performance in a restarted WorldSBK race at the resurfaced 4.423km Spanish track gave Rea maximum points - as he was joined on the podium by Marco Melandri (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) and Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati).
 
Northern Irishman Rea therefore notched a double win at a venue where he had not previously scored a victory before the Round 12 weekend, the KRT man riding in a confident and relaxed manner having wrapped up an unprecedented third successive title three weeks ago in France. Rea went from ninth on the grid to first place by the end of the first lap, overtaking Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) cleanly at the second attempt to remain at the front from early in lap 2.
 
Rea did not look back from there and crossed the line 2.7s seconds ahead of Melandri, who got the better of his teammate Davies in the final stages of the race. The result gave Kawasaki the 2017 WorldSBK Manufacturers’ title.
 
There were good battles throughout the field behind the front runners with Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) finishing fourth and Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) fifth. Van der Mark was sixth after leading on the first lap and having had a clash with Melandri early in the race.
 
Xavi Fores (BARNI Racing Team) was seventh, after a good battle with 2014 World Champion Sylvain Guintoli - who returned to action on the Kawasaki ZX-10RR this weekend. Frenchman Guintoli will also ride for Kawasaki Puccetti Racing at the final round of the season in Qatar next month. Leandro Mercado (IODARacing) and Jordi Torres (Althea BMW Racing Team) completed the top ten.
 
Davide Giugliano (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) was given a ride through penalty after speeding in pit lane having been forced to return to his garage due to an issue midrace. He eventually finished 17th, after suffering a DNF on Saturday. Lorenzo Savadori (Milwaukee Aprilia) was 18th after he crashed out on the first lap of the restarted race.
 
A red flag had been shown after first lap incidents in the initial race, which saw Davies and Eugene Laverty (Milwaukee Aprilia) both down at turn two and then Dominic Schmitter (eighty one HPC-Power Suzuki Racing) needing assistance from medical staff at trackside after crashing heavily on the Suzuki GSX-R1000.
 
Davies’ team worked hard as the riders prepared for a restart 20 minutes after the original race had begun, with the Ducati Panigale R requiring some quick repairs in order for the Welshman to return to the starting grid for the second getaway. Laverty was also due on the grid for the restart however he had to return to pit lane for another tweak to his Aprilia RSV4 RF just before the second start - as his tough season continued. He eventually restarted from pit lane and was ultimately unable to finish the shortened 19 lap second race.
 
The last round of the 2017 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship – the Acerbis Qatar Round – takes place from Thursday 2nd November to Saturday 4th November, under the floodlights in the desert at the Losail International Circuit.

P1 - Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team)  "My bike today was incredible, we made a big change over night with the front of the bike and it gave me all the confidence and on the brakes. I needed a very good first lap but my pace was incredible, I have no words. I want to thank the whole team, the bike today was incredible"

P2 - Marco Melandri (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) "It was a tough race, I was trying to fight for the win but I knew Jonny was going to do so well. I tried to pass the other riders but it was hard and I spent too long with van der Mark, he took some hard lines. After this I lost so much time and I knew I would't be able to catch Jonathan. It's hard because we knew we had the pace."

P3 - Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) "It was an interesting race. We got another good start and made it count in the first couple of laps, I tried to stay with Jonny and in the end we couldn't do it. With the championship so close between me and Tom, I didn't want to make any risks but overall I am really happy."

WorldSBK at Jerez: Race 2 - Complete Results Here
1. Jonathan Rea Kawasaki
2. Marco Melandri Ducati +2.732
3. Chaz Davies Ducati +3.974

The Jonthan Rea family celebrates his 3rd consecutive World Superbike Championhip title.

Rea seals third successive SBK Championhip title with victory in France

Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing's Toni Elias clinches 2017 Motul MotoAmerica Superbike Championship with new 2017 GSX-R1000 in Saturday’s opening race in Millville, New Jersey.
New Jersey Motorsport Park, Sep 10th 2107– Eighteen months ago Toni Elias was at home in Spain contemplating retirement from the sport in which he’d tasted success at the very top. Now he’s the 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion after a dream season in which he never finished worse than second, except for a crash that was no fault of his own.
 
And the 2010 Moto2 World Champion and former MotoGP winner wrapped up his title in style with his ninth victory of the season. This one came in the MotoAmerica Championship of New Jersey, presented by K&N, and it gave him an insurmountable 265 points, 84 more than his Yoshimura Suzuki teammate Roger Hayden with three races left to run in the 2017 season.
 
The championship also ended a drought for Suzuki, the 192nd victory for the brand giving it its first AMA Superbike Championship since Mat Mladin won on a Yoshimura Suzuki in 2009. Since Hayden has also wrapped up second in the title chase, it marks the first one-two championship finish since Ben Spies and Mladin did the deed in 2008. Since then, Yamaha’s Josh Hayes, Josh Herrin and Cameron Beaubier had run the table with seven Superbike titles in a row.
 
The win was also the 15th of Elias’ career and it moves him into a tie for ninth with Eric Bostrom and Freddie Spencer on the all-time Superbike win list. His next victory would move him into a tie for eighth with his childhood hero Wayne Rainey, the president of MotoAmerica.

Now in the Calendar Bike Garage!
Winston Yeh's exciting new MV Agusta "Ballastic" Custom with Calendar Kitten Jillian Janson with complete Build Details and a Large Screen Size Photo Gallery. - http://www.FastDates.com/IronLaceGarage.HTM

We're Back! Riding Edelweiss Motorcycle Tour - From Paris to Omaha, France
Versailles, France, August 2016 - How we spent our summer vacation! On the exciting Edelweiss Bike Travel 2016 Paris to Omaha Beach 10-day motorcycle tour across western France visiting the histroric battle sites of World War II where editor Jim Ginatsis father, B26 bomber pilot Capt. James Gianatsi played a pivital role in te D-say invasion and liberating France. We rode 2-up two-up with awesome FastDates.com SBK World Superbike Calendar Kitten Kaustin "Kaussie" Rose in a story for the FastDates.com Website. Our bike of choice would be the newly introduced BMW R 1000 XR Sport Tourer, based on the potent BMW R 1000 RR Superbike. For the Complete Story Click on the Photos or Check Out the Complete Story Here

For complete Pricing, Bikes, and Booking Information visit the Edelweiss Website Here

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