Ten Kate Racing’s Dominique Aegerter secured his second FIM Supersport World Championship crown today as he wrestled to fourth in the opening WorldSSP race in Indonesia. 

Dominique Aegerter completed his title defence in Indonesia today, storming to a second consecutive FIM Supersport World Championship crown with the Ten Kate Racing team. 

After a troublesome Friday, Aegerter began his championship-winning Saturday in fine form, flying to an important front-row start in Saturday morning’s Superpole session, while title-rival Lorenzo Baldassarri finished down in eighth. 

With the track temperature quickly approaching the 60c mark, making a strong start to Saturday afternoon’s 19-lap encounter would be crucial, with dust layering the race circuit making overtaking a difficult task. A quick start for the Champion saw him gain a position into second on the run into turn one but quickly found himself beaten up in the opening laps. Running in seventh, Aegerter looked content with Baldassarri running behind him until a nasty high side at turn one saw the Italian thrown out of contention. 

With his main contender out of the race, all Aegerter had to do was finish inside the top 13. However, the Swiss rider continued to push on, first gaining a position on Stefano Manzi who had been given a penalty before forcing his way ahead of Nicolo Bulega and began chasing after Yari Montella ahead. 

A tense final corner battle between Montella and the Yamaha rider saw Aegerter cross the line in fourth 0.008 seconds ahead of his rival, giving him the points needed to secure back-to-back titles in the Supersport class. 

Jules Cluzel had a promising opening race of the weekend as he brought his GMT94 Yamaha home inside the top ten with team-mate Andy Verdoia in 12th. Leonardo Taccini secured the final point position while Unai Orradre completed the last of the runners in 18th. 

After securing 13 race victories and a further two podium finishes so far in 2022, Aegerter extends his lead atop of the standings to an unsurpassable 85 points as he is crowned champion and the third-ever rider to achieve back-to-back titles in the Supersport class. 

The 32-year-olds title success also extends Ten Kate Racing’s impressive record further, taking them to a total of 11 riders’ championships in Supersport as well as their 2007 WorldSBK championship win. 

Dominique Aegerter – Ten Kate Racing,

“This year has been amazing; both the team and I have done a fantastic job to win our second World Supersport Championship together with three races remaining. So far, we’ve achieved 15 race wins, and 17 podiums, so it’s been a fantastic season and a dream come true to be champion again. 

“It feels great to be in amongst the record books with some big names, but the focus was always the championship and not the statistics. We had a big lead and then it was cut down to just five in Most, but we kept pushing and got the job done in Indonesia. I want to dedicate the championship to my family, friends, the Ten Kate Racing team, and all of our sponsors because it wouldn’t be possible without them all; let’s now enjoy the last race here and the final round in Australia where there’s no pressure!” 

The KTM 690 ENDURO R and KTM 690 SMC R have been the class-toppers in their respective applications for over a decade. For 2023, that trend continues in typical KTM fashion, fueled by a true READY TO RACE pedigree.

At the heart of both the KTM 690 ENDURO R and KTM 690 SMC R, lies the most powerful production single-cylinder engine available. With over 30 years of consistent development, the KTM LC4 has slowly morphed from a 553 cc race-spec engine in 1987 to the fully-fledged 693 cc machine it is today.

Not only has the LC4 stood the test of time, but it essentially created a segment unto itself. This has proven to be the ideal baseline for the KTM 690 range, paving the way for two of the most dominating motorcycles to leave the Mattighofen factory.

At the forefront of this powerplay is the KTM 690 ENDURO R. Having been the go-to dual sport machine for many years, it receives a few welcome updates for 2023. Now an even more astute enduro weapon, the KTM 690 ENDURO R offers no compromises when tackling hard enduro-type terrain, and easy, fast-flowing trails.

This is perfectly displayed by Dakar racing expert Xavier de Soultrait in his recent victory at the Transanatolia Rally.

“I wanted to challenge myself on the 7-day Transanatolia Rally by racing it with a production machine. The KTM 690 ENDURO R was up to the challenge, and to my surprise, I won the overall bike category. In some sections, I found the KTM 690 ENDURO R was faster than some of my older Rally bikes, with it performing perfectly. The KTM 690 ENDURO R is the ideal weapon for fast-paced and flowing trails, easily capable of holding its own in the Rally world."

Not to be outdone, the utterly ballistic KTM 690 SMC R has been the slide-king for adrenaline-hunting canyon carvers for decades. Built to be thrashed around twisty mountain roads and tear around race tracks, the KTM 690 SMC R has been the undisputed supermoto king for nearly as long as the wheelies it pulls off.

For 2023, both the KTM 690 ENDURO R and KTM 690 SMC R sport a simple but effective LCD screen providing riders with information like speed, RPM, and an array of essential warning lights. The dashboard's slimline design also means the line of sight forward is clear of any obstructions.Likewise, both LC4 machines benefit from Cornering ABS, which allows riders to use full braking power in all conditions, even at big lean angles. This is supported by Offroad ABS on the KTM 690 ENDURO R which reduces ABS efficiency on the front wheel but completely disables ABS on the rear, allowing riders to lock up the rear into a tight turn.

Supermoto ABS replaces this feature on the KTM 690 SMC R, which quite literally pulls out all the stops. When activated, ABS is also reduced on the front wheel and completely disabled on the rear, allowing for big drifts into corners and tire-smoking powerslides out of the apex.Both machines also receive enhanced CTG and seat treatment, with the KTM 690 ENDURO R taking its styling cues from the competition Enduro range. The KTM 690 SMC R brings an all-new blue and orange adornment to the fray, boosting its overall premium appeal.

Lastly, both machines sport EURO 5-compliant exhaust systems made from precisely engineered high-quality stainless steel. However, thanks in part to KTM’s global networks of dealers, the added availability of dedicated KTM PowerWear and KTM PowerParts have been designed to allow for the highest levels of performance, protection, and mobility.

The latest generation of LC4-powered machines offers versatility with a truly unique riding experience. With each model presenting ideal unique arguments for different riding styles, they bring together a dynamic combination of race-bred performance, ergonomics, and technology ready to truly tackle any terrain.

For more information about the new KTM 690 ENDURO R, click here. To find out more about the 2023 KTM 690 SMC R visit ktm.com.

Instrument upgrades, smartphone connectivity and ABS refinements

Since its launch in 2019, the Ténéré 700 has achieved outstanding success throughout Europe. With over 40.000 units sold, its special combination of a high torque 690cc CP2 engine with a rugged dual purpose chassis has reaffirmed Yamaha’s position as one of the leading manufacturers of Adventure bikes – and the legendary Ténéré is once again the definitive motorcycle for every explorer and adventure seeker.The line has been further strengthened with the Ténéré 700 Rally Edition featuring an additional range of premium upgrades that equip it for the toughest terrain – and the recent introduction of the long range Ténéré 700 World Raid has given every rider the possibility to go even further beyond the Next Horizon.

The incredible potential of the Ténéré 700 models has been demonstrated by factory rider and brand ambassador Pol Tarrés who became the first person to ride a 2-cylinder machine in the Erzbergrodeo, outperforming many riders on lightweight enduro machinery.Pol was joined by Tunisia Desert Challenge winner Alessandro Botturi in the Ténéré World Raid Rally Team for the Africa Eco Race in October. And while the race team blasted through Africa, Nick Sanders has once again demonstrated his remarkable spirit of adventure as well as the class leading performance, durability and reliability of Yamaha’s adventure bike by completing the first circumnavigation of the globe on a Ténéré 700.

For 2023 the Ténéré 700 and Ténéré 700 Rally Edition feature a number of important upgrades and refinements that add value to the overall package and reinforce their position as the world’s leading Adventure machines.

Updates for Ténéré 700 & Ténéré 700 Rally Edition

•      5-inch dual-theme TFT meter
•      Smartphone connectivity
•      3-mode ABS
•      New colours and graphics for Ténéré 700 – Icon Blue and Tech Kamo
•      USB socket
•      LED flashers
•      New front brake lever design
•      Quick shifter pre-wiring

The R 1250 R now presents itself in impressively honed and and advanced form and provides even more roadster pleasure for riding on winding country roads solo or with a pillion.

BMW Motorrad and the purist, naked roadster powered by a boxer engine - this has always been a success story ever since BMW motorcycles have been around.

Whether on winding country roads, over soaring alpine passes, on a tour with a pillion or on a short, relaxing ride after work - the R 1250 R shines thanks to its sporty agility, comfort and the primal dynamic performance of the boxer engine. Now BMW Motorrad has given the R 1250 R some new standard features and optional extras - to generate even more intensive roadster enjoyment.As before, the legendary two-cylinder boxer engine provides powerful propulsion. It still has an engine capacity of 1,254 cm3 and, even in the current EU5 registration, generates 100 kW. Thanks to BMW ShiftCam technology for varying valve timing and valve lift on the intake side, it delivers beefy power across the entire speed range, extremely smooth and quiet running and outstanding fuel consumption and emission values.

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and new "ECO" driving mode as standard. Riding Modes Pro with riding mode preselection and engine drag torque control (MSR) as optional equipment.

Here, the standard Dynamic Traction Control DTC ensures a high level of riding safety thanks to providing excellent traction. The new standard "ECO" riding mode helps the rider to travel as fuel-efficiently as possible.The ECO riding mode allows the rider to use the innovative BMW Motorrad ShiftCam engine technology primarily in such a way to achieve the maximum range. In ECO mode, the rider is encouraged to ride as fuel-efficiently as possible with a soft throttle curve and moderate engine torque limitation. In ECO mode, the TFT colour display provides an efficiency display in the upper status line. If you want maximum performance - for example for overtaking with a heavy load or riding uphill - the ride mode button can be used to quickly and easily switch to a different ride mode.

The new R 1250 R can be equipped with the Pro riding modes option as optional equipment ex works. Among other things, it provides additional, individually configurable riding modes. By using the riding mode preselection function, the rider can individually set riding modes on the riding mode button. The engine drag torque control (MSR) is another new component of the Pro riding mode. It can be used to safely avoid unstable riding conditions that can occur during coasting or downshifting due to excessive brake slip at the rear wheel.BMW Integral ABS Pro (part integral) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) as standard.

As a popular sports tourer, the R 1250 R in its latest edition features BMW Integral ABS Pro as standard. This is a braking system, which offers even more safety when braking - even when leaning into bends - and thinks even further ahead, so to speak. As the riding mode concept continues to expand, more new functions will also be added. For example, the ABS control characteristic will be adapted further to the respective riding mode. As part of the "Riding Modes Pro" option, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) additionally supports the rider during emergency braking manoeuvres. DBC increases safety when braking, even in difficult situations, by avoiding unintentional throttle activation. By means of intervention in the engine control, drive torque is reduced during braking so as to make full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This keeps the motorcycle stable and shortens the braking distance.

New full LED headlamp with adaptive turning light as an optional extra ex works. Newly designed LED turn indicators and iconic daytime running light as standard.

The standard full LED headlamp already illuminates the road with an unrivalled bright, clear light. Enhanced safety when riding at night is ensured by the adaptive turning light which is a component of as an ex works option. The rider benefits from even better illumination of the road on bends, thereby ensuring even safer riding at night. The adaptive turning light works by switching on additional LED elements in the main headlight that are fitted with their own reflectors, depending on the leaning angle. It is activated from an inclined position of more than 7° and a speed of more than 10 km/h. The additional lighting effect can be perfectly experienced up to a leaning angle of 25°.

New standard features include redesigned LED tun indicators and the iconic daytime running light.TFT colour display with "Sport" Core Screen as standard.

As before, the new R 1250 R is equipped with a TFT colour display featuring integrated arrow navigation and extensive connectivity. Excellent readability, clear menu navigation and a highly integrated operating concept place it at the top of the production motorbike world. The rider can choose between customised screen displays for various purposes. This also includes the "Sport” Core Screen, which provides real-time information about the current and maximum lean angle as well as control interventions - such as ABS Pro or DTC.
USB socket as standard. Seat heating for rider and pillion to make touring even more pleasurable available as an optional extra ex works.

The new BMW R 1250 R already offers two different sockets as standard. The previous 12-volt on-board power socket plus an additional USB-A socket with a 5-volt power supply. This most widely used type of USB socket with newly developed charging electronics allows you to charge a smartphone while riding by connecting a cable adapter. Up to 2,400 mA charging current is available, enabling fast charging depending on the type of smartphone used. 

A seat heating system for rider and pillion passenger as an optional extra ex works also significantly increases comfort when temperatures are low. Heated seats are available in combination with two individual seats and are offered exclusively in combination with heated grips. A new, convenient operating concept has been developed for the rider's seat with five heating levels. The heated grips settings - in combination with the seat heating featuring five instead of two heating levels - are operated via a menu. The pillion seat heating has two heating levels and is operated by a toggle switch at the bottom left of the rear frame.
Dynamic roadster paint finishes: The new R 1250 R features attractive base paintwork as well as the two model variants Triple Black and Sport. New solo rear special equipment.

In the basic variant, the new BMW R 1250 R highlights its advanced roadster style in Ice Grey non-metallic in conjunction with a black frame. With the Triple Black and Style Sport variants, available optionally ex works, the customer can choose from two particularly expressive colour concepts.Sport model variant:

Body colour Racing Blue metallic, white frame, gold front/rear brake callipers, black sports handlebars black, blue front spoiler blue, solo rear (alternatively pillion package).Triple Black model variant:

Blackstorm metallic body colour, agate grey frame, gold front/rear brake callipers, stainless steel radiator grille, stainless steel engine spoiler, Pure tank trim, solo rear (alternatively pillion package).

The new solo rear optional feature underlines the sporty style of the new R 1250 R and makes it look particularly light and dynamic. The pillion seat is replaced with a painted plastic cover and the pillion footrests and pillion handles are removed.

If you want to keep the R 1250 R fully suitable for pillion use, the pillion package is available as an alternative package within the model variants. It contains all the components that are eliminated by the solo rear.The highlights of the new BMW R 1250 R:

• Primal power boxer engine with BMW ShiftCam technology for varying the valve timings and valve stroke on the intake side.
• Generous power generation across the entire engine speed range, optimised fuel consumption and emission levels, increased running smoothness and refinement.
• Output and torque: 100 kW at 7,250 rpm and 143 Nm at 6,250 rpm.
• Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard
• BMW Motorrad ABS Pro (part integral) as standard.
• Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) as standard.
• Three riding modes as standard.
• “ECO” riding mode for particularly economical riding as standard.
• Riding modes Pro with additional riding modes and new riding mode preselection as well as engine drag torque control (MSR) as optional equipment ex works.
• “Sport” Core Screen as standard.
• NewLED turn indicators and daytime running light as standard.
• On-board power socket and USB socket as standard.
• Newfull LED headlamp with adaptive turning light as an optional extra ex works.
• Seat heating for rider and pillion to make touring even more comfortable as an optional extra ex works.
• Newsolo rear special equipment.
• Newspecial equipment spoke wheels.
• Attractive base colour and two model variants Triple Black and Sport as optional extras ex works.
• Extended range of optional equipment items and original BMW Motorrad accessories.

Fast and competitive riders spoke and KTM listened. The KTM RC 8C, a purposeful, hand-built, and specific ‘tool’ for the track was created last year. For 2023 the company have reset the dials. The new model has been overhauled and the spec sheet has been held to the grindstone for an even sharper ‘READY TO RACE’ profile.

The second generation of the KTM RC 8C required much more than a fresh coat of paint and a tweak to the aero package. As motorcyclists and racers quickly embraced the concept, KTM once more got excited about raising performance thresholds. The result is that the 2023 version boasts a radically evolved LC8c engine, molded specifically for the circuit, upgraded electronic features, even more weight-saving solutions and a raft of high-end components that ensure the bike’s competitiveness.Performance, durability, and all-out capability: these were the central priorities for the dedicated KTM R&D crew for the 2023 KTM RC 8C. The increase of 7hp for maximum power of 135 hp at 11,000 RPM (with torque flushing 98 Nm at 8,250 RPM) was achieved by mods like the installation of new, lighter titanium values and conrods, as well as two piston rings (to refine the oscillating masses), higher compression ratios, a bigger throttle body and a bolstered fuel pump/pressure. Increasing the clutch preload, removing the top balancer, and adjusting the crankcase balancer shaft have delivered durability gains and an additional PANKL oil cooler helps with thermal stability.The 2023 KTM RC 8C’s dry weight has been optimized to just 142 kg and with the superb agility of the CrMo4 steel frame gives a prototype vibe to successfully attack the inside lines against any superbike. Measures such as the brand-new titanium Akrapovic exhaust system have helped the slimming, but the rapier feel has been augmented by enhanced settings from the very latest configurations of WP PRO COMPONENTS. The WP APEX PRO fork and shock are now softer; elevating comfort, contact and confidence.Working again with Krämer Motorcycles for fabrication, the 2023 KTM RC 8C is now one of the company’s clearest racing expressions: full of capability and intent. Whether a rider is the next Brad Binder seeking training mileage or the next Red Bull MotoGP rookie on the path to Grand Prix stardom, the refined electronics mean that any setting of traction control, mapping and engine braking can fettle the 2023 KTM RC 8C to match the level of ability (or ambition). The race bike can be primed in a number of ways; from the adjustable steering head to the offset of the CNC-machine triple clamps, the throttle response and degree of bite from the unbeatable Brembo Stylema calipers and RCS19 Corsa Corta master cylinder.A revamped dashboard with GPS data-logger will flash-up the lap-record attempts while the KTM RC16 derived handlebar switches put the rider’s left thumb in full control while the left foot hammers through the reverse pattern of the race QUICKSHIFTER+.For the final reminder that the 2023 KTM RC 8C is for racers and born from a company with racing at its very soul, the use of winglets and aerodynamics is a direct correlation to the successful MotoGP™ program where the KTM RC16 has won seven Grands Prix in only six years of presence on the premier class grid. Downforce and efficiency under braking and acceleration are some of the gains. If rivals and observers are quick enough to catch the 2023 iteration of the KTM RC 8C then they can only be impressed by the menacing black shade, which speaks ‘speed’ and ‘exclusivity’. The project in a nutshell.To get the wheels rolling in the best (and quickest) way the official ‘handover’ of the 2023 KTM RC 8C will be toasted with an ultra-special track day for 30 customers at the Circuito Ricardo Tormo in Valencia on April 26th. Select, first-come, first-served places can be secured with former Grand Prix riders offering track tuition and a full KTM and WP Suspension technical crew on hand to dial-in the configuration of the new bike to the 14-corner Grand Prix venue. Accommodation, food, bike transportation logistics from Austria to Spain and then to local dealers is all taken care of. This is the full factory racer experience! For more details click HERE.

2023 KTM RC 8C technical highlights
// Revised LC8c DOHC inline twin cylinder engine with titanium components and 7 hp performance increase to 135 hp at 11,000 RPM
// Adjustable throttle response, traction/launch/anti-wheelie control and engine braking adjustment
// New titanium Akrapovic exhaust system helping contribute to light 142 kg dry weight
// Fresh WP PRO COMPONENTS hardware and new settings for optimized feel and stability at higher performance levels
// High quality Brembo brake system Stylema and Corsa Costa master cylinder
// Racing parts: Rims, chain, carbon front fender, CNC triple clamp, handlebar switches, new AIM tacho dashboard, race gearbox shifting patten, air box and air filter and parts prone to crash damage can be quickly replaced
// KTM RC16-derived aerodynamics and razor shape black graphics with distinctive orange frame
// Pirelli Diablo racing tires

Only 200 editions of the 2023 KTM RC 8C will be prepped for slick tires. Each model will come with a special serial number stamped onto the triple clamp. Orders can be made only through the dedicated page on ktm.com.

With their brutal no-compromise styling, muscular chassis designs and thrilling torque-rich crossplane engine technology, it’s no surprise that Yamaha’s Hyper Naked models have established themselves as the best-selling models in their respective categories.

Inspired by the alternative biking culture characterized by the Dark Side of Japan philosophy, the MT range has achieved 10 years of continued success in the European market. With over 420.000 sold, these Yamaha Hyper Nakeds have created their very own subculture of MT riders who have been inspired by their raw appeal and the ability to deliver stunning real-world performance.Delivering an impressive mix of super agile handling, outstanding acceleration and uncompromising attitude, the MT line up covers the whole segment from 125cc through to 1000cc, offering a seamless step-up for every rider of any age.

For 2023 this outstandingly successful range is reinforced with higher specification versions of the MT-07 and MT-125. The full lineup is completed with the iconic MT-09 & MT-09 SP and the remarkable MT-10 & MT-10 SP – the most powerful Yamaha Hyper Naked.2023 MT-07:

New full-colour TFT meter with smartphone connectivity

Having been at the top of the sales charts for a decade, the MT-07 needs little introduction. Suffice to say that the original concept of a torque-rich engine combined with a compact and agile chassis finished off with muscular bodywork has remained fundamentally the same – showing that

Yamaha’s designers got it right first time.MT-07’s core values are much appreciated by Europe’s riders and with sales of over 160.000, this machine is one of the most successful Yamaha motorcycles of all time. Since the original model was introduced in 2014 it has evolved gradually to match the requirements of the market, but Yamaha has always been careful to ensure that the pure and undiluted design of this remarkable middleweight retains its essential character.Dual theme 5-inch full-colour TFT meter

The 2023 MT-07 features a range of upgrades that enhance the package while remaining true to the basic concept that’s loved by so many riders. The most significant upgrade is the new 5-inch full-colour TFT display that provides a choice of two different screen themes. The Street Theme is a more modern looking layout with a bar-type tachometer at the top and digital speedo and gear selection readouts – while the Touring Theme has a more conventional circular analogue-style tachometer on the right of the screen and digital speedometer on the left.Smartphone connectivity with MyRide app

By downloading Yamaha’s free MyRide app to their smartphone, riders can connect with the communication control unit on latest MT-07 via Bluetooth® and view incoming call, email and message notifications on the new TFT meter.

If set up accordingly, the system can also notify the rider of any technical issue that may be detected on the MT-07 and can transmit a notification via email to a motorcycle dealer or any other contact that has been designated by the rider.

MyRide app also offers many other useful functions including monitoring all key parameters of the bike, tracking the route taken, as well as recording the distance covered, acceleration, top speed, lean angle and much more. Data can be shared on social media, compared and discussed with other Yamaha Hyper Naked riders on some of the many internet forums and social media groups.Pre-wired for easy quickshifter fitment

Yamaha’s comprehensive Genuine Accessories line includes numerous stylistic, comfort and performance products that the MT-07 rider can select to upgrade and personalize their machine. To facilitate the fitment of a quickshifter, the latest MT-07 is prewired with the necessary electronics, making it quick and easy to benefit from the thrilling acceleration and seamless gear changes offered by this new Yamaha Genuine Accessory.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing have made several strategic changes to their FIM MXGP World Championship structure that will funnel into their bids for success in 2023 Grand Prix. Chief among those is a fresh role for MXGP and KTM legend Tony Cairoli, who will front the squad as Team Manager.

For 2023 KTM are pleased to announce that nine-times world champion Tony Cairoli will become Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager. The 37-year-old, who was still competing at the highest level with AMA Pro National appearances this summer, won six of his championships with KTM SX-F technology and has been a Red Bull KTM factory rider since 2010. Tony boasts exceptional knowledge of not only the sport but also KTM’s racing culture and philosophy. He will sync with fellow former multi world champion Joel Smets who will train and coach a selection of Red Bull KTM Factory racing riders and other athletes in the group.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing recently celebrated their fourteenth title in the MX2 division since 2004 and with the KTM 250 SX-F thanks to Tom Vialle’s thrilling last round victory of the 2022 campaign in Turkey. Except for the 2015 season, the crew have claimed at least one MXGP or MX2 crown each year since 2010. Smets has been instrumental in Vialle’s development and two crowns since 2020.In the technical side Vialle’s well respected and experienced mechanic Harry Norton – who helped refine two versions of the title-winning KTM 250SX-F, the 2020 edition and the brand new 2023 model – will take over the role of Team Technical Co-ordinator while long-standing leader Dirk Gruebel will assume the position of Project Manager for Motocross Development.

Claudio De Carli, the man who guided Cairoli to the six championships between 2010 and 2017, will now oversee KTM racing efforts as the new Motocross Race Director. The Italian forged an incredibly strong bond with KTM at the start of the last decade when he helped deliver the factory’s first premier class distinction in MXGP.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will launch into 2023 with Jeffrey Herlings (MXGP, KTM 450SX-F) and Andrea Adamo and Liam Everts (MX2, KTM 250SX-F).

Tony Cairoli, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “2022 was a change for me and now this is another chapter! It was great to race again this year but it was also positive to take a small step back from racing and see things in a different way. I really hope I can bring as much knowledge and passion as possible to this new role. I will have some learning to do but I also worked with some amazing people in my career, so I expect to use this experience. We are already thinking about our goals for 2023.”

National Cross Country - Round 6 - Virginia Trails

The Brother Leader Tread KTM team headed down to the final round of the cross-country national championship this weekend. The team was faced with challenging weather conditions but managed to bring home fantastic results across the board along with a South African championship in the form of Matthew Wilson in the OR3 class.Bradley Cox brought home his number 1 KTM 450XCF second in class commenting, “A small mistake for me in the time trial hindered my initial progress in the main race trying to make passes in the dust but I managed to make steady progress and I am happy with my second place in the OR1 class. I had a challenging year with some downs but I hold my head high after 2 overall wins in 2022 and I am looking forward to 2023 already,”Kerim Fitz-Gerald had a tough day with challenges from the get-go on difficult track indifficult conditions but looks forward to some redemption in 2023. His season finished off with a 3rd in class and a very respectable 3rd in the OR2 championship.

Scott Heygate fought through a torn ACL and managed to nurse himself home second in class wrapping up his championship in 2nd place. Scott commented, “I had an extremely long day on the bike carrying my knee injury wasn’t easy on the tight twisty track. I am extremely happy with my second overall in the championship and look forward to getting my knee fixed and coming back next season to fight for wins once again.”The man of the day was Matthew Wilson who piloted his KTM 250 XC-F to championship honours in the OR3 class. Matthew rode a steady race and did what he needed to do in order to wrap up his first South African championship. “The rain made the race extremely difficult and I didn’t want to make mistakes and throw away a whole years’ worth of work so I just did what I needed to do and made sure I got home safely. My bike didn’t skip a beat and I am so thankful to the whole team for giving me everything I needed to get the job done this year.”

Grant Frerichs, group team manager closed in saying, “The KTM team all performed well today with podium finishes across the board. All of the riders remained injury free and we fought through very difficult weather conditions. Kevin Tyrer, our technician, has done a phenomenal job this year with perfectly tuned bikes round after round and the team owes a lot of our success to him.”

New near-production prototypes previewed in surprise demonstration at the Suzuka 8 Hour race in Japan.

Last year, Kawasaki revealed plans to electrify all of its motorcycles in developed markets by 2035, and also have at least 10 electric or hybrid models in the range by 2025. Now, late-stage prototypes for both types of powertrains have been revealed thanks to a surprise demonstration ahead of the Suzuka 8-Hour motorcycle race in Japan.

Hybrid

The hybrid is clearly more radical and the higher-performance bike of the two. Although Kawasaki has been hinting at its hybrid technology for a while, initially with teaser videos and then by showing a stripped-down prototype last October, the machine is clearly a lot closer to production. In addition to revisions to both the combustion engine and the electric part of the powertrain, it features bodywork that’s clearly much closer to production ready.The combustion engine is based on the parallel-twin design used in the Ninja 250 and Ninja 400; although their internal dimensions are different, the two are externally identical. The latest prototype gained new castings for the engine covers on both sides, perhaps hinting at more changes within. All indications point to the fact that the bike uses the larger 399cc version of the twin from the Ninja 400 and Z400. Its exhaust system appears identical to the version on each of those bikes, with a longer muffler and slightly different downpipes compared to the 249cc Ninja 250/Z250 variant.

The presence of dual front disc brakes is another change from the 2021 prototype, which had a single petal-shaped disc, and further evidence that the bike uses the larger engine. Allied to a power boost from an electric motor, it could potentially have performance on a par with the larger, internal-combustion-only Ninja 650, which appears to have lent the hybrid its fork, front fender, and brake calipers.

The idea, of course, is that at low speeds, such as those that predominate in urban environments, the bike can travel on electric power alone, with no local emissions. Out of town, particularly on fuel-efficient constant-speed runs, the combustion engine can take the strain and top up the hybrid battery. And when maximum performance is needed, both electric and internal-combustion powertrains can work in unison to offer the best acceleration and top speed. In theory, the result should be a bike that uses less fuel than a conventional 400cc bike but has the performance to match a 650cc motorcycle.Notable technical details on the prototype include an intake low down on the right side, running through a duct carrying the “Hybrid” logo. This likely cools the electric motor. On Kawasaki’s earlier prototype, the motor was liquid cooled, with a second radiator below the main water radiator at the front of the bike. While liquid cooling is still likely for the electric powertrain, it seems the radiator has been shifted to the rear, nearer the motor and out of sight behind the bodywork.

In Australia, a race between the protagonists, with the fourth place under the checkered flag, first among the riders of the Independent Teams, for the rookie of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team. Excellent sixth place for Luca Marini

Cowes (Australia), October 16th 2022 - A Sunday to be framed for the Mooney VR46 Racing Team at Phillip Island where the Australian GP was held today. Riding the Ducati Desmosedici GP, Marco Bezzecchi is mathematically the Rookie of the Year, a title enriched by a beautiful fourth place at the finishing line, first among the riders of the Independent Teams. Very important P6 for Luca Marini, thanks to a very solid pace. At the start from the ninth place on the grid, Marco struggles to catch the pace of the strongest riders during the first laps. Tenth after 5 laps, he is capable of a beautiful recover that takes him to the P2 in the second half of the race. Fourth at 3 laps from the checkered flag, he confirms the position that means the seasonal primacy among the rookies in the Top class with 93 points (14th overall) the result of nine Top10 placings so far and the second place in Assen.More than positive race also for Luca who started from P7. After a good sprint at the start, he gets stuck in the battle of the first laps (P8) before being able to climb the rankings and touching the Top5. Also for him this is the ninth time in the Top10 since the start of the season and he is in 12th place in the overall standings with 111 points.