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This Month in the 2015 Cafe Racer Calendar ....
AFT Customs Metric Class winner "Halia" at the 2013 LA Calendar Motorcyle show is based on a based on a Honda 750 Shadow. You'll find bikes like this with beautiful Kittens featured in the FastDates.com Calendar Bike Garage with full specifications and screensaver size pictures.
Click HERE to order the Calendar.
It's Halloween!
Needless to say we've probably shot a theme for every holiday over the years in the FastDates.com Calendars.
From the archives, here's a fun one with a Halloween theme which appeared in the Mikuni 1999 Iron & Lace Custom Motorcycle Calendar.
The model is Joceln Kelly who we featured in the Calendars a number of times, and it shot on location at a local Halloween Pumpkin Patch with a friendly duck from the petting zoo, and a Mikuni Ameican custom Sportster show bike.
Past Editions of the FastDates.com Calendars are still available to order in our Collectors Corner.
NEW! FAST 2015, 2014 Calendar Digital Yearbook
Go behind the scenes of the FastDates.com Calendar photo shoots at the SBK World Superbike races, the Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show & Concourse d' Elegance, and inside the FastDates.com Studio of famed photographer Jim Gianatsis. Meet the official SBK World Superbike Calendar Kittens who also serve as the official SBK podium and grid girls, the top factory riders of World Superbike, and America's top custom bike builders. You'll find detailed editorial photo features on the Calendars' top Custom and Race bikes, and on the Calendar Kittens.
Did we forget anything? - Oh yes! The new FAST 2015 Calendar Yearbook Digital Edition features in high resolution every page in the new 2015 Fast Dates World Superbike, Iron & Lace Custom Bikes, Garage Girls and Cafe Racers Calendars featuring the world's top race and custom bikes and the beautiful Calendar Kittens!
Now in Members Corner
SBK World Superbike Championship, Losial Qatar, Season Finale Round 12 of 12
World Superbike Sails into the Season Ending Showdown at Losail
Doha (Qatar), Thursday 30 October 2014 - The final round of the 2014 eni FIM World Superbike Championship began earlier today with Thursday's traditional Media event. Tom Sykes, Sylvain Guintoli, Jonathan Rea, Davide Giugliano, Alex Lowes, Sylvain Barrier, Claudio Corti, Aaron Yates and 2014 WSS Champion Michael van der Mark were joined by four time Qatari Superbike champion Alex Cudlin for a boat ride on a typical Dhow vessel that began at the famous Corniche in Doha, taking in some of the impressive landmarks of Qatar, before ending with a photoshoot in front of the Islamic Museum.
The event began in style with Claudio Corti trying to throw one of the championship contenders, Guintoli, overboard which would have made Sykes' weekend slightly easier. With everybody watching the comedy moment, nobody realised how close to the sand banking the vessel was and moments later, the boat which was now in the middle of the Dhow Corniche, sailing alongside the impressive Doha skyline, lost the front end, and ran aground sending all the passengers off balance.
Title rivals Tom Sykes and Sylvain Guintoli had a "minor collision" on the starboard side, but were soon all smiles again after some swift intervention by the coastguard who came to the rescue. The riders were then returned to the track for a night time familiarisation session ahead of tomorrow's opening practice sessions for both World Superbike and World Supersport categories.
This weekend’s event at the Losail International Circuit will see history being made, as the stars of Superbike do battle for the first time under floodlights at the circuit that last hosted the series in 2009. With only 12 points separating reigning Champion Tom Sykes and his only title rival Sylvain Guintoli anticipation in the desert is building - there are just two races and a total of 34 laps to decide the 2014 victor. Come back for complete race coverage....
 Rossi (46) battled with team mate Lorenzo for the lead in the opening laps, then was passed by (93) Marquez for the race win.
MotoGP World Championship, Sepang Round 17 of 18
Marquez Equals Doohan's Record, Honda Takes Manufacturer's Title at Sepang
Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang, Sunday, 26 October 2014 - Double MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda RC213V) stormed to his 12th victory of the year at sweltering hot Sepang this afternoon, equalling the record for the most elite-class wins in a season, set by former Repsol Honda rider Mick Doohan in 1997.
The Spaniard's latest success also gave Honda its 21st constructors' World Championship in the premier class and its 63rd in total since the company commenced its full-time participation in motorcycling's World Championship during the early 1960s. Marquez's 44th GP win was also Honda's 695th victory across the 50, 125, Moto3, 250, 500 and MotoGP categories.
This has been another year of amazing record-breaking rides by 21-year-old Marquez who yesterday took his 13th pole position of the season, bettering the 12 poles set by multi World Champion Doohan in 1997 and another former Repsol Honda World Champion Casey Stoner in 2011. Two weeks ago in Japan Marquez became the youngest rider to secure consecutive premier-class crowns, breaking the record held by Briton Mike Hailwood for almost half a century.
Today Marquez had to use everything he's got to take victory in the toughest conditions of the season. Victory at this immensely challenging circuit doesn't require supreme riding talent alone, it also demands superhuman fitness and endurance to resist the effects of riding a red-hot motorcycle at the limit in steaming hot conditions - 35 degrees and 50 per cent humidity.
Marquez may have started from pole but he lost out in the Turn One battle where he was pushed out wide after a contact with Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha). Sixth at the end of the first lap he soon climbed back to third but from that point his job became a little more difficult. Lorenzo led, chased by team-mate Valentino Rossi who took over at the front just before half-distance. Marquez quickly followed Rossi past Lorenzo - who later admitted he was struggling in the suffocating heat - and then the very next lap he swept into the lead when Rossi ran wide at Turn 15.
From there the pair pulled clear of Lorenzo, Rossi always threatening on Marquez's rear wheel until the final few laps when the champion's skill on worn tyres allowed him to break away and win by 2.4 seconds. Marquez now has one Grand Prix left - the Valencia season finale on 9th November - to win a 13th race and thus break Doohan's long-held record.
Marquez's team-mate Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC213V) had an unhappy day at Sepang. Second behind Lorenzo on the first lap he slid off at the Turn 15 hairpin the following lap. He rejoined the race in last place, worked his way up to 11th and then slid off again on lap 13 due to a mysterious copycat fall.
Stefan Bradl (LCR Honda RC213V) completed a strong weekend with a determined ride to fourth place in the debilitating conditions. The German never had time to rest as he had to work hard to fend off a hard-charging Bradley Smith (Yamaha) in the closing laps.
Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda: race winner - “This was one of the toughest races of the year for me physically and I'm happy to have equalled Mick Doohan’s record! We knew to expect this kind of weather in Malaysia but it was especially hot today and we all found it hard to finish the race. Halfway into the race the pace slowed down because I think everybody needed to take a breath! I'm happy with how I handled the race, because the first corner was a bit of a nightmare but I was able to come back to the front and stay there, whilst I cooled down my tyres and brakes. I started to attack with 10 laps remaining, then made the difference when there were five laps to go.”
Valentino Rossi, Movistar Yamaha, 2nd - “This race is the most difficult race for the riders but I felt good with my preparations. This means I have worked well. The second place is positive for me because we struggled much during the weekend and I wasn’t very strong. This morning we improved the bike and once again in the afternoon. The bike was perfect for the race. I fought a lot and I enjoyed the fight with Jorge and also the battle with Marc at the end. At one moment I thought I could win, but unfortunately Marc was a little bit too fast. The best way to think of the second place for the championship is to try and fight for the podium. That’s my target, but Valencia is a difficult track for me. In the past I struggled there a lot, so this year I want to try the maximum. I want to be competitive on Sunday and try to arrive on the podium.”
RESULTS MOTOGP RACE: (20 laps = 110.86 Km)
POS / RIDER / NAT. / TEAM / MOTORCYCLE / TIME / KM/H / GAP
1 / Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / HONDA / 40'45.523 / 163.1 /
2 / Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / YAMAHA / 40'47.968 / 163.0 / 2.445
3 / Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / YAMAHA / 40'49.031 / 162.9 / 3.508
4 / Stefan BRADL / GER / LCR Honda MotoGP / HONDA / 41'06.757 / 161.7 / 21.234
5 / Bradley SMITH / GBR / Monster Yamaha Tech 3 / YAMAHA / 41'07.806 / 161.7 / 22.283
6 / Pol ESPARGARO / SPA / Monster Yamaha Tech 3 / YAMAHA / 41'20.191 / 160.9 / 34.668
7 / Yonny HERNANDEZ / COL / Energy T.I. Pramac Racing / DUCATI / 41'23.958 / 160.6 / 38.435
8 / Andrea DOVIZIOSO / ITA / Ducati Team / DUCATI / 41'34.362 / 159.9 / 48.839
9 / Hector BARBERA / SPA / Avintia Racing / DUCATI / 41'36.315 / 159.8 / 50.792
10 / Scott REDDING / GBR / GO&FUN Honda Gresini / HONDA / 41'44.611 / 159.3 / 59.088
11 / Hiroshi AOYAMA / JPN / Drive M7 Aspar / HONDA / 42'01.472 / 158.2 / 1'15.949
12 / Michael LAVERTY / GBR / Paul Bird Motorsport / PBM / 42'03.489 / 158.1 / 1'17.966
13 / Mike DI MEGLIO / FRA / Avintia Racing / AVINTIA / 42'13.296 / 157.5 / 1'27.773
14 / Broc PARKES / AUS / Paul Bird Motorsport / PBM / 42'29.767 / 156.5 / 1'44.244
Pole Position: Marc MARQUEZ 1'59.791 166.5 Km/h
Fastest Lap (New record): Marc MARQUEZ 2'01.150 164.7 Km/h Lap 2
Old Circuit Record Lap: Marc MARQUEZ 2'01.415 164.5 Km/h 2013
Circuit Best Lap: Marc MARQUEZ 1'59.791 166.5 Km/h 2014
CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS TILL DATE:
1 MARQUEZ 337, 2 ROSSI 275, 3 LORENZO 263, 4 PEDROSA 230,
5 DOVIZIOSO 174, 6 P. ESPARGARO 126, 7 SMITH 119, 8 A. ESPARGARO 117,
9 BRADL 109, 10 IANNONE 102, 11 BAUTISTA 89, 12 REDDING 75, 13 AOYAMA 67,
14 CRUTCHLOW 63, 15 HERNANDEZ 53, 16 HAYDEN 44, 17 ABRAHAM 33,
18 BARBERA 21, 19 DE ANGELIS 14, 20 PETRUCCI 13.
Energica Ego Italain Electric Superbike Goes on Sale in 2015
Oct 2014, EICMA, Cologne, DM - The Energica Evo which premiered in prototype form at EICMA in 2013 is now entering production and os avaiable for ordering.
The world’s first all-electric superbike bred from the heartland of Italian racing legend. The Energica EGO. Designed and built by the same people who have designed and engineered racing performance from Formula One Racing to Le Mans 24h for over 40 years. and offers Massive Performance, no emissions. More Information Here
Now in the Calendar Bike Garage!
Alstare Bimota DB3 EVO World Superbike
Up close detail shots of the race bike and full-size screen saver photos with SBK Fast Dates Calendar Kittn Petra.
World Superbike Returns to Laguna Seca July 17-19, 2015
10/22/2014 - As expected, the World Superbike Championship is returning to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in July for a third consecutive year as the U.S.’s only round in the title chase. The race will be held on the Monterey Peninsula in Northern California the weekend of July 17-19. It is also expected to include a round of the new MotoAmerica AMA Pro Roadracing Championship, though it has yet to be confirmed.
“We continue to be pleased with the growth of the fan base for the series,” says Gill Campbell, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca CEO/general manager. “With the continuation of GEICO as title sponsor, it seems clear that the U.S. motorcycle industry also sees this as an important event in which to reach out to their enthusiasts.”
Nearly 50,000 fans attended last year’s race, according to the racetrack, with 24 percent of the ticket buyers coming from Southern California. The 2015 World Superbike Championship will consist of 14 rounds.
Tickets for the eni FIM Superbike World Championship, GEICO Motorcycle U.S. Round go on sale in December and will be available online at www.MazdaRaceway.com or by calling the ticket office at 800/327-7322
MotoAmerica Releases 2015 Race Schedule - The Legendary Daytona 200 IS DEAD!
Statement from Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III on the Daytona 200 -
Daytona Beach Florida, October 10th 2014 - "After having multiple discussions with Moto America/KRAVE regarding a sanction agreement for 2015 Daytona 200, we were unable to find common ground on a business model that would be beneficial for both parties. We wish MotoAmerica/KRAVE the best as they begin their inaugural season in 2015.
“Daytona International Speedway will continue to be the driving force behind Bike Week, hosting a wide range of activities for all ages including the Daytona Supercross, the Ricky Carmichael Amateur Supercross and the AMA Pro Flat Track doubleheader, as well as demo rides, displays and vendors. We will continue to look for partners to assist in running the Daytona 200.”
This is the best news since Moto America took over AMA Pro Roadracing from DMG! Daytona is DEAD as an outdated roadrace facility for both motorcycles and sports cars, and DMG as a redneck promotional corporation that only cares about 4 wheels and will only spend money to improve their NASCAR tracks. We have to acknowledge, though, that they also own the International Motor Sports Association and had a very successful 1st year with the newly combined series TUDOR United Sports Car Championship. But only because they can still run sports cars in the USA on the many outdated road race courses.
Hopefully COTA or Indianapolis will step forward as the new venue for the now defunct Daytona 200. And with new sanction body Moto America/KRAVE adopting the FIM compliant Superbike technical rules embraced world-wide, the event can pull international entires again and the 200 Miller will return to the premier Superbike race in the world like in the old days.
Loosing Daytona Internation Speedway from the calendar is actually a very welcome step forward to the return of professional motorcycle roadracing in America. :)
We can only guess what the "common ground" breakdown was between Chitwood and Moto America, but I'm guessing much of it was about money. AMA Pro National Road Races are not longer profitable for most race tracks in America, becuase the races are only pulling only abourt 2-3,000 paid spectators - which hardly covers the track's production, marketing and staffing costs for a major event weekend.
Add in a huge sanction fee which Moto America needs to cover its own operating costs as a start-up company with no major title sponsors for its new race series is going to be a big problem for Moto America. While the race tracks they want to bring on board also need Amateur races tied-in to the Moto America Pro Race event weekend with their additional entry fees to help cover the costs and make it profitable for the tracks.
In closing, it is interesting to note that Daytona Speedway president Joie Chitwood was formerly the president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which did invest the money and reinvent itself as an FIA / FIM approved roadrace facility. But at Daytona the direction and purse strings are controlled by the France family. - Jim Gianatsis
Proposed 2015 MotoAmerica AMA Pro Roadracing Schedule:
Costa Mesa, Calif., October 10, 2014 — MotoAmerica, the new American road racing series, has released its tentative road racing schedule for 2015. MotoAmerica will deliver a full schedule of exciting motorcycle road races at premier race tracks across the United States in 2015.
“The MotoAmerica Road Racing series is shaping up nicely,” said Chuck Aksland. “The positive responses from race tracks and the road racing community have been great, and because of this support we were able to build a solid road racing series schedule for 2015. Our aim is to have a nine-race 2015 MotoAmerica Road Racing Championship. We are working on confirmation of an additional venue and hope to have this completed very soon.”
The 2015 MotoAmerica Road Racing Series:
April 10-12 Circuit of the Americas – Austin, Texas (2 classes, MotoGP support races)
April 17-19 Road Atlanta – Braselton, Georgia
May 15-17 Virginia International Raceway (VIR) – Alton, Virginia
May 29-31 Road America – Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
June 12-14 Barber Motorsports Park – Birmingham, Alabama
July 17-19 Laguna Seca – Monterey, California (WSBK Support Race)
August 7-9 Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Indianapolis, Indiana * (2 classes, MotoGP support races)
Sep 11-13 New Jersey Motorsports Park – Millville, New Jersey
* To be confirmed
Schedule subject to change
Kawasaki Stunner at Intermot!
The new H2R 300hp Supercharged Superbike
Intermot, Cologne Germany, October 1st 2014 - When Kawasaki first conceived the Ninja H2R, the driving development concept was to offer the kind of acceleration no rider had experienced before. That a motorcycle be “Fun to Ride” is one of Kawasaki’s guiding principles. But while there are many ways for a motorcycle to be enjoyed, it was felt that having incredible acceleration was a major factor in delivering ultimate riding exhilaration. CONTINUED HERE
New Ducati Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) Streetbike Engine
Adding Variable Cam Timing to Its Legendary V-Twin Increases Power and Torque
October 15th 2014 - Ducati presents the first motorcycle engine with variable timing of both the intake and exhaust camshafts. Named Ducati Testastretta DVT, Desmodromic Variable Timing, Ducati's new Desmodromic engine is the first in the world with variable timing on both inlet and exhaust camshafts, leading the way for a whole new generation of such engines. The innovative, new design overcomes an engineering gap in current production motorcycle engines and underlines Ducati's strength in developing ground-breaking engine and motorcycle technologies.
The variable timing system is able to continuously adjust valve timing, by acting independently on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The system optimises engine performance throughout the rev range and in any operating condition, to guarantee the highest power, smooth delivery, muscular torque at low rpm and reduced fuel consumption. With full Euro 4 compliance, DVT sets a new standard in the combination of power, delivery and usability of motorcycle engines.
Ducati Testastretta DVT engine characteristics
• Brand-new DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) system
• Bore 106 mm, stroke 67.9 mm • Capacity 1,198 cm3
• Max power 160 HP at 9,500 rpm
• Max torque 136 Nm at 7,500 rpm
• Desmodromic distribution • Dual Spark (DS) ignition • Anti-knock sensor
• Euro 4 compliant
 This is the new DVT mechanism which is attached at the end of both Intake and Exhaust Camshafts per cylinder. The outer section is attached to the cam drive, the inner piece is attached to the end of the cam shaft. Varying oil pressure inside the 3 rotating cavities will move the cam positing back and forth to alter cam timing from low to high RPMs.
New generation By independently adjusting both the timing of the camshaft controlling intake valves and the timing of the camshaft controlling exhaust valves, the Ducati Testastretta DVT engine optimises high rpm performance for maximum power, while at medium and low rpm, it ensures smooth operation, fluid power delivery and high torque. This means that the vehicle's engine will adapt its characteristics according to rpm values, while always ensuring compliance with exhaust emission standards and keeping fuel consumption low.
When a new engine is designed, one of the most critical parameters to determine its 'character' is the amount of intake and exhaust valve overlap. The overlap angle is defined as the interval of crankshaft rotation, expressed in degrees, during which both the intake and exhaust valves are open at the same time. This overlap occurs between the end of the exhaust stroke and the start of the intake stroke and is normally a single value that does not change. However, the Testastretta DVT is not limited by a fixed valve overlap angle.
The new DVT mechanism is enclosed inside housing on the end of the cam drive at right .
Instead, the Ducati Testastretta DVT’s overlap angles can change, thanks to the introduction of the DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) system: a valve timing adjuster fitted to the end of each of the two camshafts per cylinder head. The DVT system consists of an external housing, rigidly connected to the cam belt pulley, and an internal mechanism which is connected to the camshaft and can independently rotate inside the housing. This rotation of the internal mechanism, either in advance or in delay with respect to the housing, is precisely controlled by varying the oil pressure in special chambers of the mechanism. The oil pressure is adjusted by dedicated valves and the timing of each cam is dynamically controlled by a sensor located in the cam covers.
Desmo attraction The Ducati Testastretta DVT engine uses the unique valvetrain that made the Bologna-based Italian manufacturer a world-famous name. Thanks to this unique system, the intake and exhaust valves are closed mechanically and with the same level of accuracy as they are opened. The term Desmodromic derives from the Greek words “desmos=link” and “dromos=stroke, travel”; in mechanical engineering terms, it refers to mechanisms designed to actuate valves both in the opening direction and in the closing direction. This system, used in all Ducati models, has also been extremely successful in Ducati Corse World Superbike and Desmosedici MotoGP motorcycles. In the development of the DVT, the Desmodromic valvetrain represents a major advantage over a traditional spring based timing system; the actuation of the valves at low engine speed requires less force, not having to compress the valve springs, this allowed Ducati to limit the size of each cam phaser with obvious benefits in terms of lightweight construction and compactness for a perfect engine integration.
Ever-present strong torque With its 106 mm bore and 67.9 mm stroke for a total capacity of 1,198 cm3, the newborn Ducati Testastretta DVT engine produces a maximum power of 160 HP at 9,500 rpm, and a torque up to 136 Nm at 7,500 rpm with a perfectly linear delivery curve. The torque is already 80 Nm at a low-range value of 3,500 rpm, and it remains consistently over 100 Nm between 5,750 and 9,500 rpm.
Despite an increase in power, however, the DVT system has a positive impact on fuel efficiency, with an average 8% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the previous non-variable configuration.
Ducati's permanent research and development efforts applied to injection systems have repositioned the fuel injectors to target their spray directly onto the rear of the hot intake valve, instead of the colder surface of the intake port wall. The resulting enhanced fuel vapourisation improves combustion efficiency and ensures a smoother delivery.
The Testastretta DVT is equipped with a Dual Spark (DS) system that uses two spark plugs per cylinder head, providing a twin flame-front that ensures complete combustion across a very short period of time. Each spark plug is managed independently, to optimise efficiency throughout the rev range and in all conditions of use. An anti-knock sensor ensures safe engine operation even while using lower octane fuel or in situations potentially detrimental to combustion efficiency, e.g. at high altitude.
In order to achieve a smoother cycle-to-cycle engine operation, Ducati has used a secondary air system similar to that developed for extremely high-performance engines. This optimizes combustion without increasing emissions, by completing the oxidisation of unburned hydrocarbonsto reduce HC and CO levels.
Suitable for any condition Thanks to all these characteristics, the Ducati Testastretta DVT sets new standards for Ducati twin- cylinder power units and introduces new, revolutionary parameters to achieve the best possible balance among maximum power, smooth delivery, low-rpm torque, low fuel consumption and reduced emissions, thus standing out as the most technologically advanced Desmodromic twin-cylinder engine on the planet. The Ducati Testastretta DVT system does not affect the valve clearance adjustment schedule, and in fact requires major services only at ownership-friendly 30,000 km intervals. This engine can be used in a wide variety of conditions and locations, while always delivering top performance and exceptional user- friendliness, safety and sheer excitement.
We'd expect Ducati to use the new DVT Testastretta Engine as an upgrade in it's top of the line streetbike models like the Devial, Multistrada and Monsters in the near future. We wouldn't expect the added complication and recipricating weight to make it practical for its Superbike models which are tuned for more peak RPM performance.
 Ducati Scramber Classic with wire spoke alloy wheels and high rear fender is highest priced model at $9,995. Click to Go BIG
Ducati Premiers It's New Retro Scambler at Intermot
Intermot, Cologne Germany, October 1st 2014 - The wait is over at last. The Ducati Scrambler is finally out of the yellow container that has so jealously guarded it over the last few months and is now – after the previews granted to employees and Ducatisti at
World Ducati Week 2014 - officially ready to be revealed to all enthusiasts. This is more than just a new bike: it’s a whole new world, one that expresses itself via a range of versions that provide a starting point for satisfying the different needs and wants of individual motorcyclists. CONTINUED HERE
 Shayne Byrne (67) celebrates his 4th hard fought Bristihs Superbike title win at Brands Hatch.
British Superbike Championship, Round 11 of 11 Brans Hatch, Great Britain
Historic Fourth British Superbike Title For Byrne
Brands Hatch, UK, Sunday 19th October 2014 - Shane 'Shakey' Byrne became the first man in history to take the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship on four occasions when he clinched the 2014 crown with a double victory on the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki at Brands Hatch today.
The Sittingbourne rider's task was made slightly easier when season long rival Ryuichi Kiyonari crashed out in free practice on Saturday morning, sustaining a broken collarbone in the process, but yesterday afternoon's opening race saw further drama when Shakey crashed out of second place meaning his lead over his arch rival remained at 12 points.
That meant the title wouldn't be decided until the final race day of the season and although the Japanese rider was unable to start today's races, Shakey still had to finish fourth to make certain of the title. Starting from the third row of the grid meant there was further work to do but Byrne gradually worked his way through the field and hit the front for the first time at half race distance. From there on, he was never challenged and duly took the chequered flag for the 60th MCE BSB win of his illustrious career, duly securing the prestigious crown in the process.
With the pressure off, Shakey, who also won the title in 2003, 2008 and 2012, then went on to take his 61st race win in the final race of the year after a terrific six-rider battle whilst there was further joy for the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki team with Stuart Easton wrapping up the MCE BSB Rider's Cup after three superb rides, which saw him finish all three races inside the top six.
The Hawick rider was on the pace throughout the weekend and enjoyed one of his strongest meetings of the year, taking fourth, fifth and sixth from his three outings. The results secured his seventh place overall in the Championship which saw him awarded the BSB Rider's Cup, the trophy awarded to the best rider outside of the top six Showdown places.
Also in action for the Penrith-based team was eight-time TT winner Ian Hutchinson who was again on board the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Kawasaki in preparation for the forthcoming Macau Grand Prix whereby he battled to 22nd position.
Shane Byrne: "After what happened on Saturday, I was paranoid about something going wrong on the first lap today and my only plan was to get through the first couple of laps unscathed. I could see the guys leading but there was no rush and I picked them off one by one to eventually get the lead. I just concentrated on running a steady rhythm and got my head down to eventually open up a gap. To take the title with a win is massive although, of course, it's a real shame Kiyo wasn't out there. Massive commiserations to him and his team as I would have loved him to have been battling with us in all three races. I was really tense in the final few laps but I brought the bike home and to wrap everything up with a double later on in the day was the perfect way to end the year. I'm delighted to win my fourth title so a massive thanks to everyone in the team."
Stuart Easton: "It's been a strong end to the season for me and the last three or four rounds have been really pleasing and the results have been more in line with what I want. Saturday's race was really tricky as conditions were difficult so to come away with a top six finish set things up for Sunday. We made a few changes to the bike for the dry conditions and they made a big difference, making the grip loads better and I could run the pace of the top boys throughout. To end the season with fourth, fifth and sixth was really good and had it not been for a few poor rounds mid-season, things could have been different. As it is, I've ended the year in seventh place overall and with the MCE BSB Rider's Cup on the cabinet so I'll take it. There are a lot of positives to take out of the year and enable me to move forward again so I'll be taking that all on board and look for bigger and better things in 2015."
Ian Hutchinson: "Track time's always a bit scarce in the Superstock 1000 class and with the weather being a bit iffy this weekend, I was up against it a bit. The result was not quite what I was looking for but I didn't want to get caught up in anything as the whole purpose of riding at these last two rounds has been to get some time on the Kawasaki prior to Macau next month. I've done just that and have a test planned on Shakey's bike in the next couple of days so can't wait to get out on the Superbike."
Paul Bird: "What can I say; it's been a good day for us and to be here again as British Champions is pretty emotional. Obviously with Kiyo being out injured, it changed things a bit and wasn't how any of us wanted the year to end but with Shakey crashing out on Saturday, the pressure was still very much on. He came out in true Champion's style though and to take the title with two wins was brilliant. I was delighted for Stuart as well winning the BSB Rider's Cup. He's been really strong these last few rounds and it's nice to have seen both riders do their jobs this weekend. It's been a great year for the team so a massive thanks to all the sponsors and for everyone that's been involved."
MCE British Superbike Championship - race 1 (18 laps)
1 Howie Mainwaring (Kawasaki)
2 Josh Waters (Suzuki)
3 Jon Kirkham (Kawasaki)
4 Dan Linfoot (Kawasaki)
5 Tommy Bridewell (Yamaha)
6 Stuart Easton (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki)
DNF Shane Byrne (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) |
MCE British Superbike Championship - race 2 (20 laps)
1 Shane Byrne (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki)
2 James Ellison (Kawasaki)
3 Howie Mainwaring (Kawasaki)
4 Josh Brookes (Yamaha)
5 Stuart Easton (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki)
6 Tommy Bridewell (Yamaha) |
MCE British Superbike Championship - race 3 (17 laps)
1 Shane Byrne (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki)
2 James Ellison (Kawasaki)
3 Tommy Bridewell (Yamaha)
4 Stuart Easton (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki)
5 Josh Brookes (Yamaha)
6 Dan Linfoot (Kawasaki) |
2014 BSC Final Championship Points (after 12 rounds)
1 Byrne 682pts
2 Kiyonari 620
3 Bridewell 587
4 Brookes 584
5 Linfoot 577
6 Walker 525
7 Easton 231 |
The Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki MCE British Superbike Championship Team has been running alongside the PBM MotoGP Team with riders Michael Laverty and Broc Parkes. Additionally, Paul Bird has run a full campaign in the REIS BTRDA Rally Series as well as selected International events in his Ford Focus WRC07. Both bike racing teams are sporting the colours of British Racing Green in deference to the team's proud British heritage. For more information, please visit www.britishsuperbike.com and www.pbmuk.net.
Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar Celebrates 20 years by bringing
Czech SBK Calendar Kittens Jitka and Petra to 2014
Laguna Seca World Superbike and the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show
By Jim Gianatsis Photos by Jim Gianatsis, Massimo Oliana and Sabrina Mosca
California, USA, July 15-22nd 2014 -The FastDates.com Calendars and myself, producer / photographer Jim Gianatsis were excited to announce an agreement with SBK World Superbike and the international model agencies PetrasAngles.com and UmbrellaGirlsUSA.com to bring beautiful Czech Republic SBK grid girls Jitka Pralinka and Petra Ruzinka to the United States during July 2014 to work for SBK and shoot with me at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca United States SBK World Superbike and AMA National race weekend July 11-13th, and the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show in Malibu on July 20th.
– Complete Story and Photos Here –
Now in The Calendar Bike Garage!
Imagine Vehicle's Honda CBX Best of Show Winner! Detail Photos and Full Size Screensavers with Calendar Kitten Petra.
2014 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show Concourse d' Elegance & Calendar Girl Music Festival
Report and photos by Jim Gianatsis
Malibu, CA, Sunday July 20th 2014 - The 2014 edition of the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show continued its now 23rd year tradition as the premier outdoor streetbike event in America with producer photographer Jim Gianatsis moving the Show this year to the beautiful green lawns of the Malibu Golf Course among the twisty canyon roads in the Santa Monica Mountains alongside the Pacific Ocean. Highlighting this year's exciting activities was the emergence of another new and soon to be renown custom bike builder to the sport for which the Calendar Show is known for cultivating. Additional Calendar Show coverage and photos at:
- 2014 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show Coverage -
Edelweiss Motorcycle Tour of the Pyrenees
By Jim Gianatsis / photos by Jim Gianatsis
Barcelona, Spain, June 2014 - For me, there's no more beautiful, educational and exciting place in the world to visit than Western Europe. And to visit parts of it on a world class motorcycle on perfect riding roads without traffic, unencumbered by baggage, with experienced tour guides who know all the best roads and places to stop, is nothing short of nirvana.
This is the definition of an Edelweiss Bike Travel tour. And while they have a tour catalog chock full of motorcycle tours taking place around the world from the far reaches of Africa and Asia, to Australia and America, every one of their European tours is on my bucket list. Especially when they partner their rides up with motorcycle manufacturers like BMW, Ducati and Triumph, with a Start and End point at the company's factory for a visit or at a World Superbike or MotoGP round. Complete Story Here
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Randy de Puniet joins Crescent Suzuki World Superbike for 2015.
Will Also Race Qatar 2014 Season Finale
Oct 14th 2014 - Crescent Suzuki is delighted to announce its completed rider line-up for the 2015 FIM Superbike World Championship as world-renowned competitor and current Suzuki MotoGP™ test rider Randy de Puniet joins the UK-based team alongside Alex Lowes.
A long-standing racer in Grand Prix, de Puniet has amassed 139 MotoGP race starts and five 250cc GP race wins during his 15 years on the world stage so far. During 2014, he has become instrumental to the development of Suzuki’s 2015 return to GP competition with the all-new GSX-RR.
The 33-year-old Frenchman will enter the World Superbike series full-time with his new Crescent Suzuki squad for the 2015 season but will also continue to test the Suzuki GP machine, with particular responsibility for matching the bike’s performance to MotoGP’s new 2016 tyre provider. De Puniet is very motivated for competitive action aboard the World Superbike specification GSX-R1000, after his successful second-place result as part of the Yoshimura team in the 2014 Suzuka 8 hour endurance race.
Voltcom Crescent Suzuki will complete its last race of the 2014 season with current riders Eugene Laverty and Alex Lowes at the Losail International Circuit, in Qatar, on November 2nd, before beginning an extensive winter of testing and development with de Puniet and Lowes.
Randy de Puniet: “I’m so happy to be joining Crescent Suzuki for the Superbike World Championship because my target for 2015 was to get back to competing on the race track. Testing for the past year was ok but of course what I really want is to race! I really enjoyed racing in Suzuka this year - to race, to fight and to be on the podium is everything to me. I had the opportunity to join the Crescent team for next year and I’m really happy; my first priority was to stay with Suzuki because I want to stay within this family, and for me this is a new challenge – a new championship, new bike, new tyre, everything is different and I have many things to learn but I am ready for that and I’m very confident. I will be joining a very strong team with a lot of experience and I think the bike will be good next year. We have a good test plan for this winter and I think we will be ready for the first race in Phillip Island next year.”
Paul Denning – Team Manager: “We couldn’t be happier to have secured Randy’s agreement to compete in the 2015 World Superbike Championship on board our GSX-R1000. We needed a high quality rider to replace Eugene; Randy was the obvious choice, and we are very proud to have gained his trust and commitment to race with us next year.
“He has impressed Suzuki this year with his hard work and feedback as test rider on the Grand Prix GSX-RR, but Randy’s racing pedigree is also beyond doubt and his potential to succeed on the Superbike is clear. This is not a commercially driven deal – the primary motivation is simply to race! After an acclimatisation period to learn the GSX-R1000 and the Pirelli tyres, I see no reason why he won’t be an absolute front runner. Randy’s close working relationship with the Suzuki Factory can also only be positive for the World Superbike project, and the whole team is very excited about getting down to work, and turning 2014’s potential into solid results for both riders next season.”
Terol to join
Althea Racing in 2015
Oct 10th - Spanish website Motoworld.es reported that Nicolas ‘Nico’ Terol, 26, will be soon signing a deal to race in World Superbike next year with team Althea Racing. The 2011 125cc World Champion would contest his rookie year in the series after 10 full seasons spent in the GP paddock.
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Suzuki announces its participation in the world’s top motorcycle racing series Road Racing Grand Prix (MotoGP) from 2015.
INTERMOT October 1st - Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced that it will participate in the MotoGP class of the world’s top motorcycle racing series, the FIM*1 Road Racing Grand Prix (MotoGP) from 2015.
With the development of the MotoGP machine and team structure prepared, Suzuki has decided to participate in the MotoGP series from 2015, and announced its newly-developed MotoGP machine, the GSX-RR, team riders, and team structure. Also, prior to its participation, Suzuki will make a wildcard appearance at this season’s final race, the Valencia GP.
Suzuki had temporarily suspended its participation in MotoGP from 2012, but has been continuing with the machine development toward its return. Through MotoGP racing, Suzuki will develop more attractive products by giving technical feedback to the products, and improve the brand image.
MotoGP machine GSX-RR
The development of the GSX-RR was started in 2012 with the aim to achieve high performance in the MotoGP class, as well as to give technology feedback to production models such as the GSX-R range.
It utilises a newly-developed in-line four-cylinder engine that realizes a strong, flexible engine character, fuel efficiency, and durability at a high level.
The frame has a layout that keeps its width slim for both maneuverability and aerodynamic performances, and optimizes body strength and weight balance.
The aim was to develop a highly competitive MotoGP machine that can bring out the straightforward maneuverability developed over the years with the GSX-R.
Specification GSX-RR:
Overall length x width x height: 2,096mm x 720mm x 1,140mm.
Wheelbase: 1,457mm.
Body weight: 160kg (based on FIM regulation).
Engine type: Water-cooled, four-stroke in-line four-cylinder, DOHC four-valve.
Displacement: 1,000cm3.
Maximum output: Over 169kw (230PS).
Frame type: Twin-spar aluminum.
Tyres (front/rear): 16.5in/16.5in.
Front suspension: Ohlins, inverted fork.
Rear suspension: Ohlins.
Brakes (front/rear): Carbon disk/steel disk, Brembo.
Team Suzuki MotoGP.
Team riders: Aleix ESPARGARO (Spain): currently racing in MotoGP/ Maverick VIÑALES (Spain): currently racing in Moto2.
Team Manager: Davide BRIVIO (Italy): current test
team manager. |
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