Biaggi will be racing again astride the Aprilia RSV4 RF on August the 2^nd for the Malaysian round of World SBK at the Sepang circuit. This is episode two after the interest and enthusiasm that the Misano race stirred up with the fans.

Max, six-times World Champion (four times in the 250 GP class and twice a winner in WSBK Superbikes), five of which were with Aprilia, will race once again thanks to the second wild card of the season, taking with him the team that accompanied him to Misano.

Biaggi astonished everyone with his performance on the Italian track. Returning almost three years after his retirement, Max at 44 years of age and driven by pure passion and the desire to get back into the game stayed in the lead for all the Friday practice sessions. The second row on the starting grid and finished both races in sixth place, running a 1 second behind the overall winner.

Max Biaggi is the only Italian rider ever to have been crowned World SBK Champion, the first time in 2010 and then again in his last season of racing in 2012. Both of the championship wins were earned astride the Aprilia RSV4, a bike that Max helped to develop, having ridden it since it first appeared in 2009, and the true dominator in the category with seven world titles (three Rider and four Manufacturer) from 2010 to 2014.

“It’s great to have Max back again racing in the Aprilia WSBK team with 3 top riders on the start line at Sepang it will increase our chances in the series,” said Craig Langton Aprilia SA a division of the Cayenne Group.

Max Biaggi: “The wild card at Misano was great. It was a great show of affection and passion by all motorcycle racing fans. Not even I could have imagined the participation and involvement that it stimulated. And for me it was a great moment of sports competition. Throughout the weekend I had a great time on the track, particularly Friday and in the two races, especially the second one. All of this convinced us... not to leave the job half done. But I must admit that the real challenge is finding the strong motivation to take this new chance at Sepang, a track where I haven't raced in many years and where I have never raced in Superbike. Anyway, it won't be easy to repeat the same performance levels of Misano, but the beauty of this return also lies in accepting difficult challenges. We'll work our hardest to be ready.”

Romano Albesiano (Aprilia Racing Manager): “Max's return at Misano stemmed from his passion and a desire that many had to see him racing again. The result was so positive, even in terms of how much passion that return aroused, that it was only natural to think of a second episode. Sepang is a track that traditionally goes well with the RSV. On the other hand, Max hasn't been there for ten years and he has never raced with SBK there. But once again, the curiosity of watching him take on this new and exciting challenge will prevail.”

It is with gratitude, humility, a bit of sadness but without regret, that I announce my retirement from motorcycle racing today.

As many of you know, I experienced a pretty horrendous crash back in April that left me with multiple fractures in my tailbone along with soft tissue damage. My initial thought was that I could be back riding in a few weeks if I just stayed quiet for a while. That has not proven to be the case. Follow-up X-Rays have made clear that I also suffered severe compression of multiple disks in my lower back. I am still in significant discomfort and I realize that even if I start my fitness program and training now that I been cleared by my physician, I will not be able, prior to the end of the MXGP season, to achieve the fitness necessary for me to compete at the level I have always striven for.

I am grateful for having had the opportunity to do something I have loved since I was a kid and turn it into my livelihood. I am grateful for the support of my family for all the years they spent hauling my bikes and me around to races, interrupting their lives in the process.

I am grateful for the support of my many sponsors through the years. What people don’t often think about, when it comes to individual “action” sports like motocross, is that we rely on sponsors to compete. In motocross, the sponsors aren’t just a name on your jersey – they are part of your racing team. If they are good, they are sponsors in the truest sense of the word. They are involved in building the best bike, putting together the best team, supporting your training, and so much more. So, with that in mind, first and foremost I want to thank Kawasaki, which has been my bike of choice since my Team Green days. They have been with me through ups and downs, serious injuries and great successes. They’ve always cared about me and I’ve been successful in large part because of it. THOR/Parts Unlimited and Monster Energy Company have been with me through it all as well. Thanks also to DC, GoPro, Oakley, Alpinestars, Atlas and Mobius Braces. Each of you has been an integral part of making this an amazing career.

But most of all, I’m writing this retirement note to my fans. I am grateful for the hundreds of thousands of fans, not only in the U.S., but throughout the world. It is amazing to know that you have cared so much and been so supportive along the way.That gets me to the sadness about making this decision now. I was so stoked to make the decision to be a part of MXGP racing. It has always been important to me to ride my best and to be in the best possible position to give my best, in part because of wanting to give back to you, the fans. I am sad that this year did not work out the way I had hoped in that regard. I wanted to be at my best, to compete with these riders who are among the very best in the world and leave it all out on the track as each of them does every race. The sadness is that I only got to do that for a few races.

I am grateful to have had the chance to race with the very best in world, my competitors in Supercross and Motocross in the States as well as those who make the MXGP what it is. I am grateful to know that our competitiveness helped to continue the growth of our sport.

I leave with no regrets. I have been blessed to experience so much of life through my racing. I have never wanted to disappoint my fans nor my supporters and my hope is that for the most part I have lived up to that.

Again, thanks to each and every one of you who have been a part of my team.

Sincerely,

Ryan Villopoto

Honda has finally confirmed that it’s bringing the Africa Twin back to battle the BMW GS, Ducati Multistrada, and KTM 1190. It’s hitting Europe later this year, landing in the States in early 2016, and it’s also packing an off-road-tuned dual-clutch transmission.

The new Africa Twin is the successor to the Paris-Dakar-racing XRV650 and XRV750 built from 1989 to 2003. This new model, the CRF1000L, builds off that heritage, as well as some of the technology Honda employed during its return to Dakar in 2013.

Honda hasn’t offered much in the way of specs, but it’s obviously powered by a 1,000cc parallel-twin and should be sending around 110 HP and a sizable dollop of torque to an optional dual-clutch transmission that Honda says, “has been specifically developed and programmed to provide the off-road ability with which the Africa Twin is synonymous.”

It’ll also be brimming with a fair amount of tech, including traction control, ABS, and some trick power settings to optimize it both for both off-roading and street blasts.

Expect more in the next few months.

Commercial rights holders of the MotoGP™ World Championship, Dorna Sports S.L., and French lubricant manufacturer Motul are pleased to announce a significant new partnership agreement which includes MotoGP™ title sponsorship, licensing, as well as cross-platform involvement in the World Superbike and the Junior World Championships.

The 2015 season sees Motul as title sponsor for the Assen, Motegi and Valencia races; from 2016 the Argentinian round will be added to make it four, in a particularly long-term deal. Next season will prove significant for another reason as well, as Motul will take over as the Series sponsor for the World Superbike Championship.

Its involvement in the series will see track-side advertising at every one of its MotoGP™ and SBK races, thereby strengthening its customer reach. And, if proof is needed of just how far Motul is delving into the world of motorcycle racing, it will also provide technical support to the Asia Talent Team in the Moto3™ Junior World Championship.

Motul and Dorna Sports SL will also launch an innovative social media hub under the #MotoGPBuzz banner, which will provide fans with a one-stop destination to follow and interact with the stars of the MotoGP World Championship. Through #MotoGPBuzz, fans will be able to take part in socialmedia driven competitions as well as getting access to trend-spotting tools, so they don't miss any of the social conversation around MotoGP. This new platform will be launched in Q3 2015.

Hervé Amelot, President of Motul’s Management Board said “The extended collaboration between Dorna and Motul is a natural progression to our longterm commitment to motorcycle racing. There is now in place a global agreement which allows us to jointly work together in multiple areas over and above our technical partnerships with Factories and Teams, comprehensively supporting Dorna in its promotion and engagement in the sport.”

Commenting on the magnitude of this deal, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said:

“Motul and Dorna Sports have reached a deal that we haven’t yet seen before. Not only is its title sponsorship of four races proof of how valuable a platform the MotoGP championship is, but its involvement in World Superbikes and the Asia Talent Team shows that we can offer the complete cross-platform reach to the world’s motorcycle community. I’m convinced that both Motul and Dorna Sports will reap tremendous benefits from the partnership.”

Reliable sources in the USA have said that the massive Hero Motor Corporation are to buy out all of the EBR shares from Eric Buell and now own the Erik Buell Racing operation in total, sources also said that Erik Buell has also been given full time employment and the famous American motorcycle brand will remain in place.

This is great news for EBR customers and fans along with their agencies and dealers worldwide.

 This move could also see the EBR WSBK team back on the race tracks again.

Tuono V4 1100RR is the latest and most spectacular evolution of a sport naked dynasty, born in 2002 out of Aprilia's intuition to strip down and fit a handlebar on their flagship superbike which at the time was the V-twin RSV mille, thereby combining all the advantages of a chassis par excellence with the fun of sitting up and dynamic riding.

“The patriarch of the new “supernaked” category is called the Tuono 1000 RR there are 2 new versions available the RR and the Factory,” said Craig Langton Sales Director for Aprillia SA.

Aprilia Tuono has therefore always been a high handlebar superbike, unbeatable on the track and loads of fun on the road. It was out of this tradition that a completely new Tuono was born in 2011, a direct emanation from the unbeatable Aprilia RSV4 introduced in 2009 and World SBK dominator. It was an epic change, The Tuono V4 R immediately made a place for itself as the highest performance, most technological and sophisticated naked sport bike ever manufactured, the most adrenaline pumping, fierce and effective naked ever seen, an excellence for the most purist of thrill seeking enthusiasts thanks to the V4 engine capable of 167 HP and the exceptional aPRC electronic controls package, still unrivalled in terms of effectiveness and technology.

But the evolution did not stop here, in 2013 an even more refined and powerful version was introduced, the Tuono V4 R ABS which offered the new features which had already been successfully introduced on the second generation RSV4, such as the higher performance engine (170 HP), the revamped and recalibrated aPRC system and a Race ABS system capable of withstanding even the extreme stress of the track.

The know-how acquired in years of victorious competition at top levels and the experience of the Tuono history now allowed Aprilia to exceed limits which had previously seemed insurmountable, introducing the new Tuono V4 1100, an exclusive thrill generator and fun in its purest state. A new 175 HP engine with a powerful maximum torque of 120 Nm, revamped chassis setup to achieve better agility, fine-tuned aPRC, new look, the possibility of connecting your smartphone to the vehicle through the PMP platform and two distinctly outfitted versions (Factory and RR) that have the same, strictly Aprilia character in common.

Two versions, but with the same spirit becoming a family of motorcycles made up of two distinctly outfitted models. Tuono V4 1100 RR represents an exceptional thrilling machine and it is the true heir to the previous Aprilia V4 naked, acclaimed by critics as the most effective and fastest bike in its segment. In addition to this model there is now a version with exclusive standard equipment, Tuono V4 1100 Factory, dedicated to an extremely demanding public, this bike is equipped with components which are largely derived directly from the new Aprilia RSV4 RF superbike.

The new Aprilia naked range, heir to a family of motorcycles which have been voted over time as one of the most fun, adrenaline pumping and efficient units ever, achieving absolute performance levels and sophistication, but now these motorcycles are also more comfortable, safe and fun to ride on the road. In addition to receiving many of the important upgrades which were just introduced on the new RSV4, Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR and Tuono V4 1100 Factory also add a new look thanks to the more protective top fairing and the better aerodynamic penetration coefficient. The relative headlight unit changes as well, a whole 1.5 kg lighter, fitted with a LED technology parking light and a more modern shape which better integrates with the overall design of the bike without betraying the typical language of the Aprilia V4 characterised by three headlights. Tuono V4 1100 Factory stands out for its new rail fairing, derived from the RSV4's, a true benchmark in sport motorbike design. The saddle has been made more comfortable, even with respect to its fairing-clad sister, thanks to the new foam production procedure which prevents the crystallization phenomenon - and therefore the hardening - of the foam itself. You can still naturally ride two-up by mounting the dedicated saddle portion. Thanks to the 15 mm lower seating position and the new, narrower handlebar, the on board ergonomics of both the Tuono V4 1100 versions change, becoming decidedly more comfortable.

World champion chassis

There is no other naked bike as sporty and effective as the Tuono V4 1100, its close derivation from the seven times World SBK champion is clear when you look at the beautiful double rail frame made from pressed and cast brushed aluminum elements, a structure that boasts unrivalled balance between torsional stiffness and flexibility, the new 65° V4 engine is set inside it in all of its purity and uniqueness, just like a precious stone set in a ring. In order to make the Tuono V4 1100 more agile on the road, without losing its legendary fierceness on the track, the headstock angle was changed from 25.1° to 24.7° and the trail went from 107.4 mm to 99.7 mm. These sleeker chassis dimensions combine with the 6 mm longer aluminum swingarm, the various suspension setups and the consequent adjustment of the electronic controls, including the wheelie control feature, to obtain a rock solid chassis at high speeds but more agile in direction changes.

Tuono V4 1100 RR is fitted with a high quality suspension, the upside-down Sachs forks with 43 mm stanchions has separate “one by one” hydraulic adjustments in compression and rebound as well as spring preload adjustment on both stanchions. The Sachs shock absorber with built-in piggy back allows the hydraulics to be adjusted in rebound and compression, as well as spring preload adjustment. The new standard calibration on both units is functional to the increased performance of the V4 engine and the revamped chassis dimensions and it also takes into consideration the use of the bike on the road.

Prices to be announced on arrival

World Superbike will be in the limelight on the Marco Simoncelli Circuit at Misano Adriatico this weekend. Aprilia will be at the second round on Italian soil (after Imola) well prepared and with the goal of taking the RSV4 onto the podium.

It will be a difficult challenge given the incredible skill level of the adversaries on the track, but on the Romagnolo track the Italian team will also be able to count on a third bike and a great return of Max Biaggi, six-time World Champion, two of which were in Superbikes with Aprilia, the only Italian to ever have earned the title in the factory derivative category.

“The return of Max to our Aprilia WSBK team will certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons,” said Craig Langton Sales Director of Aprilia SA. Max is a true champion and we are sure to see some great racing, podiums and a possible another world title for the brand.”

Max will be back in the saddle astride the Team Aprilia Racing RSV4 RF, one of the most victorious models ever in Superbike, a bike that he himself rode to a double championship title (Rider and Manufacturer) in 2010 and 2012. However, development of the V4 from Veneto has continued non-stop, partially in light of the rule changes and it is Biaggi who manages this aspect with the support of the Aprilia Test Team.

His return, in the dual role of tester and rider plus Max's successful commitment as sports commentator for Mediaset, is exciting not only for the fans, but also for Romano Albesiano, Aprilia Racing Manager.

“At this point we can't wait to have him on the track” said Albesiano. “Of the many riders who have won with us, Max is the most victorious in Aprilia history with his four titles in 250 and the fantastic World SBK double win. Seeing him race on ‘his' RSV4 will be very exciting, both for us and for all motorcycling fans. We are also curious to see how practice goes and then the two races. Max now has a bike which has been adapted to the new rules but one which has also reconfirmed its competitiveness this year and that Max knows well because of his invaluable work as a tester. We are going to Misano motivated to do well with all our riders and to make this round a festive moment for the return of a great champion.”

“I'm getting back on the track!” commented a beaming Max Biaggi. “It is truly very exciting for me to return to racing, to taste the adrenaline of competition again, especially on a circuit as special to me as Misano. In my work as a tester I'm helping Aprilia develop the new RSV4 RF, working very well with the guys that I know well and who by now understand me. The wild card is a 'cherry on the top' so to speak, a chance where I definitely plan on giving my all. I am also well aware of the difficulties. Our rivals are in grand form and for me it won't be easy at all. The goal is first and foremost to have fun, not to predict any results, but to give 100% to bring a smile to the face of Aprilia, the fans and all enthusiasts. Sunday after Race 2 we'll draw our conclusions.”

Aprilia's great efforts in World Superbike also benefit the Team Aprilia Racing – Red Devils rider Leon Haslam, affected in recent races by an injury that the tough English rider has handled professionally and with grit, containing the damage and bringing home the best possible result in spite of it. Closing the gap behind the leader is a complex but not impossible job and Leon believes he can do it, counting on help from ex rival Biaggi to shake up the championship.

Leon Haslam: “Misano is always a special race, the track and area is fantastic. Also to have Max has a team mate for this is very special. There is a new tarmac which is reported to be very different, so I can’t wait to get things going and to try the solutions we found in Portimao. We need to keep pushing to fight for the top spots, and I would love to repay all my Aprilia team with a victory on home soil”.

Jordi Torres knows the Misano circuit so his apprenticeship here will be more streamlined. The Spanish rider aims first and foremost to improve his Superpole performance because starting from the front means taking advantage of the pace and staying with the lead group. In any case, Jordi does not underestimate the work on tyre wear which is fundamental in light of the new asphalt at Misano, so he wants to exploit the solutions that came out of the recent Portimão post-race tests.

Jordi Torres: “I am coming to Misano with a great desire to do well. I know the track so I'll be able to adapt quicker here. Our biggest effort will be performing well in Superpole in order to start as far forward as possible and lock onto the lead group. In the Portimão tests we tried various configurations precisely to streamline the bike adjustment process during the weekend. We'll also need to work on tyre duration in order to be competitive even at the end of the race. The Misano track has a lot of closed turns where we need to get the RSV4 RF to perform at the top of its game.”

In Superstock 1000 FIM Cup the Aprilia RSV4 RF and Lorenzo Savadori are keen to continue their hunt for the title, closer than ever after 3 wins and 2 second place finishes in the 5 races held thus far. The Team Nuova M2 standard bearer is playing on his home pitch and wants to do well for his fans, as does team mate Kevin Calia, who has been improving consistently in the recent rounds.

Satisfaction for the tyre brand thanks to a hat-trick of Ian Hutchinson winning both Supersport and Superstock plus the success of Ivan Lintin in the Bennetts Lightweight TT, as well as the podiums obtained by Guy Martin, James Hillier and Gary Johnson 

Douglas (Isle of Man), 12 June 2015 – The undisputed star of the 2015 Isle of Man TT was undoubtedly Ian Hutchinson, who this year, for his great revival to the top of the road racing world, chose to run, and win, with METZELER RACETEC™ RR tyres.

‘Hutchy’ known famously for his five wins at the 2010 Tourist Trophy, when he established the record for the highest number of victories in a single TT year. Then, in the same season, a bad crash at Silverstone during the British Supersport Championship seemed to have forever marked the destiny of the talented British rider. Five years later, having undergone 30 surgeries to his injured left leg, Ian Hutchinson came back stronger than ever and at the 2015 edition brought METZELER three times to the top step of the podium winning both Monster Energy Supersport TT races as well as the RL360° Superstock TT.

A great result achieved thanks to his courage and determination but also with the contribution given by the tyres he used, the METZELER RACETEC™ RR, the same also used by all the METZELER riders participating in Supersport and Superstock races, as well as Ivan Lintin who gained a fourth success for METZELER, winning the Bennetts Lightweight TT today.

RACETEC™ RR was developed directly from the experience of METZELER in Road Racing competition, in which the brand of the elephant logo has been participating with good results for several years. These races do not take place on track, but on roads that are open to the public throughout the year, where you can find all the situations that riders encounter in everyday riding. For this reason these events were chosen by METZELER as a test and development ground.

RACETEC™ RR is dedicated to racers of all levels plus trackday riders who use the circuit for their hobby, plus owners of supersport and naked bikes who enjoy a sporty riding style wanting ultimate grip even on the road, looking for excitement and a high performance level. That's why in 2015, thanks to its excellent performance, has been chosen by the most authorative European magazines as the tyre of choice for the supersport comparative tests and elected by the British magazine MCN as the ‘best hypersport tyre on the market’.

This follows in the successful tyretracks of the more road focused METZELER SPORTEC™ M7 RR which was also developed during the brand’s road racing campaign in 2013, going on to win road tests and plaudits around the world ever since.

At this year’s races METZELER brings home a rich booty consisting of four wins and eleven podiums. Already in the RST Superbike TT race last Saturday, METZELER started well thanks to the performance of Ian Hutchinson (Kawasaki / Paul Bird Motorsport) who arrived second and James Hillier (Kawasaki / Quattro Plant Muc-Off Kawasaki)  who got the last step of the podium

The victories for the tyre brand then followed in no time: on Monday, June 8^th, Ian Hutchinson won the Monster Energy Supersport TT 1 on the Yamaha of the Traction Control Team and then the RL360° Superstock TT on the Kawasaki of Paul Bird Motorsport - both shod with METZELER RACETEC™ RR tyres. In Supersport the METZELER podium was completed by the third place of Gary Johnson.

Wednesday, June 10^th, saw the Monster Energy Supersport TT 2 consecrate Ian Hutchinson as the most successful rider of the 2015 Tourist Trophy. The Yorkshire rider went on to win his third race, joined on the podium in third position was Guy Martin on the Triumph of the Smiths Racing team.

The final day opened with a double for METZELER as Ivan Lintin with the Kawasaki of the RC Express Racing team gained its first overall victory in the Tourist Trophy by winning the Bennetts Lightweight TT, followed on the podium in second position by another METZELER rider, James Hillier (Kawasaki / Quattro Plant Kawasaki Muc-Off).

To close the day and the 2015 edition of the Tourist Trophy was as always the PokerStars Senior TT Superbike race. Due to an incident involving some riders, the competition was interrupted by a red flag in the second lap before being rescheduled with four laps instead of the six originally planned. At the restart the performance of METZELER riders were excellent: James Hillier was second on the finish line, Ian Hutchinson was third despite a power draining engine problem and in fourth position under the checkered flag is Guy Martin

These are the results of the 2015 Isle of Man TT solo races (in bold are the METZELER riders):

RST Superbike TT (Saturday, June 6^th)

1. Bruce Anstey (Honda / Valvoline Racing by Padgetts)

2. Ian Hutchinson (Kawasaki / Paul Bird Motorsport)

3. James Hillier (Kawasaki / Quattro Plant Muc-Off Kawasaki)

Monster Energy Supersport TT 1 (Monday, June 8^th)

1. Ian Hutchinson (Yamaha / Team Traction Control)

2. Bruce Anstey (Honda / Valvoline Racing by Padgetts)

3. Gary Johnson (Yamaha/ Mar-Train)

RL360° Superstock TT (Monday, June 8^th)

1. Ian Hutchinson (Kawasaki / Paul Bird Motorsport)

2. Michael Dunlop (BMW / MD Racing)

3. Lee Johnston (BMW / East Coast Construction / Burdens)

Monster Energy Supersport TT 2 (Wednesday, June 10^th)

1. Ian Hutchinson (Yamaha / Team Traction Control)

2. Bruce Anstey (Honda / Valvoline Racing by Padgetts)

3. Guy Martin (Triumph / Smiths Racing)

Bennetts Lightweight TT (Friday, June 12^th)

1.Ivan Lintin (Kawasaki / RC Express Racing)

2. James Hillier (Kawasaki / Quattro Plant Muc-Off Kawasaki)

3. Michael Rutter (Paton / Paton/Team ILR)

PokerStars Senior TT (Friday, June 12^th)

1. John McGuinness (Honda / Honda Racing)

2. James Hillier (Kawasaki / Quattro Plant Muc-Off Kawasaki)

3. Ian Hutchinson (Kawasaki / Paul Bird Motorsport

Having successfully campaigned the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT, the commitment of METZELER activities in road racing does not end but continue for the upcoming events in the calendar. Guy Martin, William Dunlop, Dean Harrison and Ivan Lintin participate in the Southern 100 scheduled 6-9 of July. Also in Northern Ireland from 3 to 8 August will take place the METZELER Ulster Grand Prix, a competition in which the tyre brand is the title sponsor for the third consecutive year and which will be attended by Guy Martin, William Dunlop, Ian Hutchinson, Gary Johnson, Dean Harrison and Ivan Lintin. Finally the Far Eastern event of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, which will start on November 19

John McGuinness broke his own SES TT Zero record in today’s Isle of Man TT Races with his teammate Bruce Anstey again following him home, as he did last year. Anstey was also inside McGuinnesses old lap record for the electric bike class.

John McGuinness was first away from the line but by Glen Helen Anstey had actually moved into the lead on timing, albeit with only a second separating the Mugen pair  who had already established a 17 second lead over third placed Lee Johnson with his Victory Parker Racing teammate Guy Martin in fourth a further nine seconds back.  Martin was a late replacement for William Dunlop who was injured earlier in the week during qualifying.

McGuinness had moved into the lead by the next timing point at Ballaugh Bridge with a lead of over two seconds from Anstey with the Team Mugen pair establishing a healthy lead at the front of the field.  Johnson and Martin continued their challenge for the final podium spot with the Northern Ireleand rider establishing a lead of over 10 seconds from Martin at Ballaugh.

Robert Wilson consolidated fifth place for Belgium’s team Sarolea Racing while James Cowton (Brunel University) and Michael Sweeney (University of Nottingham) were going head to head in sixth and seventh for the honour of finishing the first university.

At the front of the field McGuinness was being made to work for the race win by Anstey with the gap closing to less than three seconds but the Morecambe Missile held on to win with a new lap record of 119.279mph (18:58.743) from Anstey (118.857/19:02.785) with Lee Johnston taking third for Victory/Parker Racing with 111.620mph – 20:16.881.  Guy Martin (109.717/ 20:37.987), Robert Wilson (106.510/21:15.256) completed the top five with Michael Sweeney (73.156/30:56.695) taking the University honours for Nottingham.

Guy Martin, who stepped in to ride the bike on behalf of the injured William Dunlop, placed fourth, with a 109.717mph, just shy of the 110mph mark.

Out of the 10 electric bike teams on the Isle of Man, seven of them entered the race. It is also the very first time that five teams have all achieved over 100mph laps under race conditions and is a strong indicator that electric racing technology is being taken seriously by many brands in anticipation of mass-produced consumer vehicles.

IOM TT 2015 – TT Zero Challenge Race Results

John McGuinness – Mugen – 119.279

Bruce Anstey – Mugen – 118.857

Lee Johnston – Victory 111.620

Guy Martin – Victory – 109.717

Robert Wilson – Sarolea – 106.510

Michael Sweeney – University of Nottingham – 73.156

2016 HONDA CRF450R

Longer forks tubes, new shock linkage and a different rate shock spring highlight some of the changes to the 2016 CRF450

The bike that earned six wins in the 2015 AMA Supercross series and finished on the podium at every round takes another step forward for next model year, with updates aimed at improving handling and traction. To enhance stability on the CRF450R, the fork is 5mm longer, while the rear suspension gets a new link and spring, as well as revised shock settings. The diameter of the chain roller has been reduced by 4mm to 34mm.

2016 HONDA CRF250R

More compression, new cam, stiffer valve spring and redesign air intake and exhaust systems have been added to the CRF250 for 2016.

The motorcycle that took five of the top ten places in the 2015 250SX East final points standings gets even better for the 2016 model year, thanks to a series of changes aimed at increasing horsepower and improving handling. Among the engine updates are higher compression, increased cam lift, titanium exhaust valves, new valve springs, and updates to the cylinder-head porting, piston shape and connecting-rod shape. In addition, the air-intake tube has been changed, while the exhaust system gets larger outlet diameters for improved breathing and a new header-pipe resonator for improved power output. Updates to the fuel-injection mapping have also been incorporated, and the radiators are enlarged for improved cooling. Additionally, the fork length has been extended by 5mm to improve stability, and the chain-roller diameter has been reduced from 38mm to 34. Given these improvements and its record of great handling and proven reliability, the CRF250R is sure to remain a top choice for professional and privateer motocross racers.