The event was a great success with over 10,000 people turning up to support the 30 year-old’s efforts, as a host of his on-track rivals also gave their time to the cause.

Andrea Dovizioso was the eventual winner, triumphing after a three-legged race format provided plenty of excitement. The Repsol Honda rider was second in the first two races behind 125cc World Champion Julián Simón, but won the third race ahead of Marco Melandri and Rossi to take the overall victory. Simón’s early departure to catch a flight meant the Spaniard was unable to participate in the final race, as Rossi finished second overall.

Declaring the day a great success, victor Dovizioso said, “I’d like to thank all the fans who turned out today and contributed to raising funds. We’ve had a great day, the conditions were perfect and I enjoyed it very much. I’m also happy to have won, even though Simón could not take part in the last race!”

Other luminaries to take part included Rossi’s fellow Italians Loris Capirossi, Marco Simoncelli and Mattia Pasini, as well as former 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz.

For more discussion on Motorcycle Racing go to link

Source: MotoGp

Benelli has coaxed 155hp (up from 137hp) out its 1130cc triple, which puts the R160 right in-line with the Ducati Streetfighter power-wise, but R160 is still a little bit of a porker, with a dry weight of 458lbs, and a curb weight of 474lbs.

Despite being a big girl, she makes up for it with personality. For potential Benelli purchasers the design of the bike is its biggest attraction, and of course there’s also the unique three-cylinder motor. Maintaining the same TnT lines, the R16 gets a healthy dose of carbon fiber treatment, which culminates in maybe one of the sexiest tails we’ve ever seen.

Quality, reliability, and distribution are still issues that Benelli owners must face, as when we saw the R160 up close, we were a little disappointed with the fit and finish of the bike. More on that in another post.

Benelli has yet to release a price on the 2010 Benelli TnT R160, but expect an MSRP in the $17,000 area.

For more discussion on the 2010 Benelli TnT R160 go to link

Source: Benelli

A press conference, eagerly anticipated and rich in content, took place immediately prior to the official opening of the trade show. Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding, met with representatives of the international media to present the company’s recent sporting and commercial results, confirming the Italian manufacturer’s strength and performance, despite the difficulties that the sector is currently experiencing.

“In 2009 Ducati has faced a year of important challenges but also one of important opportunities,” stated Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati, during the conference. “The challenges arrive from a market that has entered a significant worldwide slump and where the segment in which we operate could have dropped by 35% by the end of this year. In this scenario Ducati knew how best to react, so much so that our shares have continuously grown and in 2009 we will register a record share of 7.2% on a worldwide level. This result was achieved by sticking strictly to the objectives we had set ourselves, in relation to the company’s three fundamental pillars. Firstly, product, with the 2010 innovations the clearest demonstration of how we have followed an intelligent plan for continuous renewal. Then the distribution network, constantly renewed and reinforced to improve and expand the service. Thanks also to the recent opening of stores in Shanghai, Mexico City and in Vietnam, Ducati today distributes in 80 countries of the world. Last but not least, the brand. We continue to work on the recognition of our brand name, and above all, on the role that Ducati has as an ambassador of Italian style across the world, a factor that is of fundamental value to us.”

Claudio Domenicali, General Director of Ducati Motor Holding, then presented the many new bikes lining-up in Ducati’s 2010 Model Year.

“We are present at EICMA with a series of important innovations, in accordance with our strategic industrial plan,” declared Claudio Domenicali, Ducati’s General Director, while presenting the 2010 Model Year. “The new Multistrada 1200 provides Ducati with an important opportunity to penetrate what is, for us, a completely new market segment, with a totally innovative concept, in terms of performance, usability and technological content. Four bikes in one, with four different riding modes, traction control and electronic suspension but, most importantly, a true Ducati, in its style, design and advanced technology, derived directly from Ducati’s racing experience on tracks across the world. The Hypermotard 796 e 1100 evo, the new “Corse” liveries for the 1198 S and 1198 R, as well as countless technical and style updates, complete the 2010 line-up of which we are so proud.”

2010 Special Editions celebrate the historic Ducati Corse logo change and two world titles in Superbike and Superstock. The 1198 S Corse Special Edition and 1198 R Corse Special Edition, both equipped with factory team-style aluminium fuel tanks, Ducati Traction Control and a special celebratory Ducati Corse livery, now complement the lightweight and agile 848 now in Dark colour scheme, the awesomely powerful 1198, and the high-spec 1198 S to complete the 2010 Superbike model line-up.

For more dicussion on Ducati Motorcycle go to link

Brembo helmets are designed to enhance safety, comfort and design and present innovations for the target market, above all in the new types of Automatic Fit Belt fastening of the helmet and the form of the visors.

They were developed mainly for the urban use since the city is where over 70% of accidents involving motorcycles happen in Europe (in Italy over 85%).The helmets, produced and marketed on license from Newmax, are of two types: full face and jet. They will be on sale starting from February 2010 in Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Britain, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Greece, Sweden, Denmark, Romania, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Cyprus and Japan.

Two wheels to travel, a single button to do it safely

The idea of the new Automatic Fit Belt fastening stemmed from the observation that many motorcyclists and scooter riders put on and take off their helmets many times a day for short urban journeys, often failing to fasten them correctly, or even leaving them unfastened. ?To facilitate this extremely important safety operation, Brembo helmets have a continuous strap that ends in a winding device: in this way the motorcyclists simply press a single button and will be able to make the strap adhere perfectly to the chinrest, which blocks automatically in the correct position for measurement and tension, offering perfect safety and comfort.

The strap is wider than those existing on the market, 3 cm, and is in silky skin-friendly material, for greater comfort. The new Automatic Fit Belt fastening, with the patent deposited by Brembo and Newmax, was developed by Sabelt – a firm in the Brembo Group – world leader in the design and production of seatbelts, seats and technical apparel for racing.

For more dicussion on the new Brembo Helmets go to link

Both were pleased with the changes made to their machines by Filippo Preziosi, with Stoner’s best lap of 1’31.900 the fastest of all riders across the three days, as he tested a new engine configuration.

“We were able to understand the bike a little better today and the fantastic weather conditions certainly helped. It was a pleasant surprise when we got up this morning and it allowed us to work well,” said Stoner. “I’m satisfied with this three-day test and with the new characteristics of the bike, in particular the extra traction in corner exit. It is still difficult to figure out exactly the best time to open the throttle, but we’re getting there and it is a case of more practice and improving the set-up.”

Hayden, whose 1’32.805 was the third quickest lap of the final day, was also content with what had been achieved.

“We worked on confirming a few things today and I think we found what we were looking for,” he said. “I like the changes we’ve introduced to the bike; the power delivery is definitely more progressive although we still need to find the ideal setting for it. I’m happy – I think we’re on the right track and have had three important days here that should help us make a lot of progress in the next test, and close the gap to the front guys down even more.”

For more discussion on Motorcycle Racing go to link

Source: MotoGp

Though the very popular 320i here has a four-pot, BMW cars are very much well-known for their silky smooth inline-6 engines. BMW is now trying to bring inline-6 into bikes in a big way, as according to them it is the packaging issues that have prevented the cylinder format from really going anywhere when installed in a bike, whether in a production model or in motorcycle racing.

BMW claims that the BMW Motorrad Concept 6’s inline-6 engine is approximately 10cm slimmer than any production inline-6 engine coming before it, and it is only a bit wider than a large-capacity inline-4 engine with conventional technology. BMW has used a slightly over-square bore to stroke ratio measurement with a relatively long stroke and small gaps between cylinders. Electrical ancillaries and drive components are situated behind the crank in the open space above the transmission in order to minimize width.

The engine’s construction uses lightweight materials in as many areas as possible in order to keep the engine relatively light. Some weight-reduction techniques include hollow-drilled camshafts and light conrods. The engine’s inline-6 configuration does not require the use of a balance shaft. The block uses dry sump lubrication, helping lower the engine installation position. Like inline-4 installed in the BMW K 1300 series, the engine is tilted forward by 55 degrees for a lower center of gravity and better weight balance. The tilt angle also allows extra space for the aerodynamically-positioned intake manifold.

And now for some numbers. The inline-6 has 1.6 liters of displacement and can produce 130Nm of torque from just 2,000rpm. It revs up to nearly 9,000rpm. Look after the jump for photos of the Concept 6.

For more discussion on BMW Motorcycles go to link

With a 998cc motor, the new F4 makes 3hp more with less cubic-centemeters than the 2009 MV Agusta R 312. The 2010 F4 also weights less, dropping 22lbs for a dry weight of 424lbs.

Like the Brutale, a new engine, chassis, and swingarm have been designed for the 2010 model. These changes make the 2010 MV Agusta F4 4cm narrower, while making the chassis more rigid.

Riders should find the new chassis more comfortable, and will be able to make use of the F4’s new 8-way adjustable traction control unit and twin-map ECU. Helping get the power to the ground is bike’s

New Features

• Power supply with TSS variable length intake system
• TC MK II traction control system, adjustable on 8 levels
• Two injectors per cylinder
• New electronic injection system with 49-mm throttle bodies
• New Magneti Marelli 7 SM ECU
• New 4-1 exhaust system with valve

2010 MV AGUSTA F4 1000 R Technical Specs:

ENGINE

Type: Four cylinder, 4 stroke, 16 valve

Timing system: “D.O.H.C”, radial valve

Total displacement: 998 cm3 (60.9 cu. in.)

Compression ratio: 13.1:1

Starting: Electric

Bore x stroke: 76 mm x 55 mm (3.0 in. x 2.2 in.)

Max. horse power – r.p.m. (at the crankshaft) Full power version: 137 kW (186 HP) at 12900 – Lim. 13500 r.p.m. / Restricted power version: 73 kW (100 HP) at 9200 – Lim. 10800 r.p.m.

Max. torque – r.p.m. Full power version: 114 Nm (11.4 kgm) at 9500 r.p.m. / Restricted power version: 90 Nm (9.0 kgm) at 5500 r.p.m.

Cooling system: Cooling with separated liquid and oil radiators

Engine management system: Magneti Marelli IAW 7BM ignition – injection integrated system with Mikuni throttle body; induction discharge electronic ignition;
Sequential timed “Multipoint” electronic injection ; Variable height intake ducts with Torque Shift System (TSS)

Clutch Wet: multi – disc

Gear Box Cassette: gearbox; six speed, constant mesh

Primary drive: 50/79

Gear ratio
•  First gear: Speed* 13/38 128,2 km/h (79.6 mph) a t 1 3 5 0 0 r. p . m .
•  Second gear: Speed* 16/34 176,4 km/h (109.5 mph) a t 1 3 5 0 0 r. p . m .
•  Third gear: Speed* 18/32 210,8 km/h (130.9 mph) at 1 3 5 0 0 r. p . m .
•  Fourth gear: Speed* 20/30 249,8 km/h (155.1 mph) at 1 3 5 0 0 r. p . m .
•  Fifth gear: Speed* 22/29 284,3 km/h (176.5 mph) a t 1 3 5 0 0 r. p . m .
•  Sixth gear: Speed* 19/23 305,0 km/h (189.4 mph) at 1 3 5 0 0 r. p . m .
•  Final velocity ratio 15×41

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Voltage: 12 V

Alternator: 350 W at 5000 r. p . m .

Battery: 12 V – 8,6 Ah

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Wheelbase: 1430 mm (56.27 in.)

Overall lenght: 2100 mm (82.63 in.)

Overall width: 750 mm (29.51 in.)

Saddle height: 860 mm (33.84 in.)

Min. ground clearance: 115 mm (4.52 in.)

Trail: 100,4 mm (3.93 in.)

Dry weight: 192 Kg (423 lbs.)

Fuel tank capacity: 17 l (4.49 U.S. gal.)

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed* Full power version: 305,0 km/h (189.4 mph) / Restricted power version: 249,0 km/h (154.6 mph)

FRAME
Type CrMo Steel tubular trellis (TIG welded)
Rear swing arm pivot plates: material Aluminium alloy

FRONT SUSPENSION
Type “UPSIDE – DOWN” telescopic hydraulic fork with rebound-compression damping and spring preload external and separate adjustment
Rod dia. 50 mm (1.97 in.)
Travel on leg axis 120 mm (4.72 in.)

REAR SUSPENSION
Type Progressive, single shock absorber with rebound and compression (High speed / Low speed) damping and spring preload adjustment
Single sided swing arm: material Aluminium alloy
Wheel travel 120 mm (4.72 in.)

BRAKE
Front brake Double floating disc with Ø 320 mm (Ø 12.6 in.) diameter, with steel braking band and aluminium flange
Front brake caliper Radial-type, single-piece with 4 pistons – Ø 34 mm (Ø 1.34 in.)
Rear brake Single steel disc with Ø 210 mm (Ø 8.27 in.) diameter
Rear brake caliper With 4 pistons – Ø 25,4 mm (Ø 1.00 in.)

RIM
Front: Material / size Aluminium alloy 3,50 ” x 17 ”
Rear: Material / size Aluminium alloy 6,00 ” x 17 ”

TIRES
Front 120/70 – ZR 17 M/C (58 W)
Rear 190/55 – ZR 17 M/C (75 W)

FAIRING
Material Thermoplastic

For discussion on the MV Agusta F4 go to link

Dream bikes, the fruit of Italian ingenuity and creativity, and destined to become new points of reference on the international market, are ready to take the spotlight at EICMA 2009, the 67th edition of the International Motorcycle Exhibition, taking place at the Fiera Internazionale di Milano in Rho, from 10 – 15 November.

Before the unveiling of the 2010 line-up, the new Ducati Corse logo was presented to the international press, an evolution of the historic brand in the form of a new graphic, following on from the launch of the new Ducati logo at last year’s EICMA show.

A press conference, eagerly anticipated and rich in content, took place immediately prior to the official opening of the trade show. Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding, met with representatives of the international media to present the company’s recent sporting and commercial results, confirming the Italian manufacturer’s strength and performance, despite the difficulties that the sector is currently experiencing.

“In 2009 Ducati has faced a year of important challenges but also one of important opportunities,” stated Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati, during the conference. “The challenges arrive from a market that has entered a significant worldwide slump and where the segment in which we operate could have dropped by 35% by the end of this year. In this scenario Ducati knew how best to react, so much so that our shares have continuously grown and in 2009 we will register a record share of 7.2% on a worldwide level. This result was achieved by sticking strictly to the objectives we had set ourselves, in relation to the company’s three fundamental pillars. Firstly, product, with the 2010 innovations the clearest demonstration of how we have followed an intelligent plan for continuous renewal. Then the distribution network, constantly renewed and reinforced to improve and expand the service. Thanks also to the recent opening of stores in Shanghai, Mexico City and in Vietnam, Ducati today distributes in 80 countries of the world. Last but not least, the brand. We continue to work on the recognition of our brand name, and above all, on the role that Ducati has as an ambassador of Italian style across the world, a factor that is of fundamental value to us.”

Claudio Domenicali, General Director of Ducati Motor Holding, then presented the many new bikes lining-up in Ducati’s 2010 Model Year.

“We are present at EICMA with a series of important innovations, in accordance with our strategic industrial plan,” declared Claudio Domenicali, Ducati’s General Director, while presenting the 2010 Model Year. “The new Multistrada 1200 provides Ducati with an important opportunity to penetrate what is, for us, a completely new market segment, with a totally innovative concept, in terms of performance, usability and technological content. Four bikes in one, with four different riding modes, traction control and electronic suspension but, most importantly, a true Ducati, in its style, design and advanced technology, derived directly from Ducati’s racing experience on tracks across the world. The Hypermotard 796 e 1100 evo, the new “Corse” liveries for the 1198 S and 1198 R, as well as countless technical and style updates, complete the 2010 line-up of which we are so proud.”

The undeniable star is the eagerly awaited Ducati Multistrada 1200, already in the running to take the prize for “best bike in show.”

Faithful to the original intuition, which combined sport bike technology with comfort and versatility, Ducati now extends the concept further with a brand new Multistrada 1200 designed to satisfy the demands of all motorcyclists.
Ducati have designed a motorcycle to tackle all kinds of journey and road surface using technology derived from the Bologna made race bikes in MotoGP and World Superbike.

A bike with no limits, that can transform itself to suit the rider’s demands, from a supersport to a tourer for long journeys with a passenger and luggage, to an everyday bike which can breeze through the daily commute and also tackle off-road routes with the agility of an enduro; in other words, four bikes in one!

Ducati have once again pushed the limits of motorcycle design by adding Italian innovation to the elegance, style and technology which characterise the motorcycles that leave the Bologna factory.

All it needed was a heart, the perfect engine to fulfill the potential of this new design. The obvious starting point was the World Championship-winning engine, the Testastretta, used on the Superbike 1198. Engineers in Bologna have succeeded in harnessing the immense power of this engine, making it smooth and adaptable to any situation. The new Testastretta 11° engine is thus born, and represents a milestone in combining performance with usability.

2010 Special Editions celebrate the historic Ducati Corse logo change and two world titles in Superbike and Superstock. The 1198 S Corse Special Edition and 1198 R Corse Special Edition, both equipped with factory team-style aluminium fuel tanks, Ducati Traction Control and a special celebratory Ducati Corse livery, now complement the lightweight and agile 848 now in Dark colour scheme, the awesomely powerful 1198, and the high-spec 1198 S to complete the 2010 Superbike model line-up.

There are more exciting new products in the Ducati Hypermotard range that now becomes a fully-fledged family of bikes in 2010. No longer just one, but three versions, designed to suit different needs, but each with the same specific objective: to provide excitement and fun. So here is the new, agile Hypermotard 796, which joins the new and even more powerful Hypermotard 1100EVO as well as the extreme version, the as yet unseen Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP.

Hot on the heels of its early model year 2010 launch in October, the lightweight 796 is now joined by an evolution of the 1100 model that rolls out at an incredible 7kg (15.5lb) lighter and 5hp more powerful than the original.
And if further weight reduction and more punch wasn’t already enough on a bike that was built to thrill, the Hypermotard 1100EVO SP pushes the limits even further with a model intended to perform on the track as well as the street.

The exciting introduction to the Monster family for 2010 are the ABS equipped versions of the 696 and 1100 (basic and S), the first time that Ducati has ever equipped the Monster family with a safety-enhancing anti-lock braking system.

Other 2010 introductions to the Monster family include new exhaust guards, which feature a longer shape and provide improved heat protection.

Brand new crankcases for the 696, which are an impressive 1.2kg (2.6lb) lighter and, furthermore, the user-friendliness of the controls has been improved with 4-point adjustable clutch and brake levers to suit all hand sizes.

In addition, Ducati presents many new accessories, special components and a new collection of Ducati clothing.

For more discussion on the New Ducati go to link

Source: Roadracing World

The Spaniard’s crew were also recipients of his appreciation, as he confirmed third place in the 2009 MotoGP standings with his second race win of the year.

The 24 year-old had stated in the run-up to the Gran Premio Generali de la Comunitat Valenciana that he was desperate for a win to sign off his season, and after Casey Stoner’s crash on the warm-up lap and subsequent non-start, Pedrosa led from the front row of the grid from start to finish.

“I’m very happy with this win because I really wanted it. All through the week I was thinking only about this race,” said Pedrosa. “In practice we struggled a lot, but the team did a great job and I want to thank them for the job they did. Also to all the fans that came to the track, they supported us and it’s unbelievable. I think they enjoyed the race.”

Pedrosa added, “With Casey out of the race it was easier, but in the end we had a great race so thanks again to everyone around me.”

Turning his attention to how the season had gone after falling behind Stoner in the standings before taking third back with his result at Valencia, Pedrosa gave his assessment of 2009.

“It’s been a tough season,” he said. “Third place is good, but we are far off the top two – or even top three sometimes – so we will analyse that and work harder for next year.”

MotoGP Valencia Race Results:
1. Dan Pedrosa (Honda) 46:47.553
2. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) +2.630
3. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) +2.913
4. Colin Edwards (Yamaha) +32.515
5. Nicky Hayden (Ducati) +34.585
6. Toni Elias (Honda) +34.888
7. Ben Spies (Yamaha) +37.706
8. Andrea Dovizioso (Honda) +38.364
9. Mika Kallio (Ducati) +42.491
10. Alex De Angelis (Honda) +43.689
11. Randy De Puniet (Honda) +46.018
12. James Toseland (Yamaha) +50.226
13. Aleix Espargaro (Ducati) +57.168
14. Loris Capirossi (Suzuki) +1?06.877
15. Chris Vermeulen (Suzuki) +1?11.701

For more discussion on Motorcycle Racing go to link

Source: MotoGp

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A. November 7, 2009 — SWIGZ.COM Pro Racing announced today that the team will field an entry for American rider Chip Yates (AMA, FIM #89) to contest the TTXGP US Championship 2010 and also the TTXGP UK Championship 2010 as well as other FIM international and U.S.A. races yet to be announced. These two newly created electric motorcycle superbike championships will allow SWIGZ.COM engineers to develop and showcase proprietary racing solutions developed both in the USA and in the UK where the team plans to be co-located.

SWIGZ.COM Pro Racing has recently retained a program manager, several engineers and a 3D CAD designer from the helicopter and unmanned aircraft industries who are experienced in lightweight yet powerful electric drivetrains and advanced control systems. Additional staff and consultants will be required when the team plans to begin operations in the U.K. in the second quarter of 2010.

CHIP YATES: “My wife Julie and I are very excited to move part of the team to the U.K. to take on the best and brightest in this exciting race to develop high performance TTXGP superbikes. With Julie’s parents both being British, getting dual citizenship is a simple process that’s already moving forward and we’re also studying shop locations around London as well as tax incentives and available green investment funding before we make the final decision.”

Phase one of the development program is currently underway in the U.S.A. at SWIGZ.COM racing facilities in Orange County, California and will result in a fully functional racebike early in the first quarter of 2010. Phase two is scheduled to take place in the U.K. beginning in the second quarter of 2010 when a portion of the team plans to relocate and create a European base of operations to build duplicate backup bikes and to provide all FIM and ACU race support and logistics functions for TTXGP racing as well as for several wildcard rides in FIM Word Supersport.

As a mechanical engineer with a master’s degree in business, rider Chip Yates is contributing to the development effort and is also keen to protect and leverage the intellectual property arising from the teamâ’s electric drivetrain, kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) and control solutions in order to provide a path for financial return to the program’s “green” investors and stakeholders. Before turning pro, Yates was a Boeing executive in charge of transitioning advanced aerospace technology and patents to other industries such as automotive for racing and OEM applications. He personally holds 7 U.S. patents on automotive drivetrain and other technologies including inventions used in Gil de Ferran’s IndyCar program and on 1999 and newer Jeep Grand Cherokees.

CHIP YATES: “This superbike program requires a much different approach from electric vehicles we’ve seen especially as it relates to weight and range. Our engineering strategy is to optimize the power, weight and range of the bike specifically around target laptimes for the tracks we will be competing on in the U.K., Europe, and in the U.S.A. Given the relatively short race distances, our simulations show us exactly what battery capacity and motor performance is needed to turn laptimes competitive to a 600cc internal combustion powered racebike. We understand and embrace the technical challenges and are prepared to do heavy lifting to advance the state of the art to meet our expectations for a legitimate lightweight and exciting superbike.”

The team is working on an updated Website to be launched soon that will feature regular program news and updates as well as exciting videos from Chip’s testing of the new bike and from his 2009 on-board footage of AMA and FIM World Supersport races at www.chipyates.com

Companies or principals interested in participating in this unique, world level opportunity should contact: racing@swigz.com.

Early Sponsors of Chip’s Electric Superbike Program Include: SWIGZ.COM Dual Hydration System (www.swigz.com), Ohlins USA (www.ohlinsusa.com), and Yoyodyne (www.yoyodyneti.com).

About SWIGZ.COM: SWIGZ is the world’s first dual hydration sports bottle allowing athletes to carry two drinks of their choice in a single bottle during workouts. SWIGZ sports bottles can be purchased at www.swigz.com. For more details of the SWIGZ.COM Pro Racing team and exciting on-board videos, visit www.chipyates.com and www.youtube.com/chipyates.

For more discussion on Motorcycle Racing go to link

TTXGP Official Websites: www.egrandprix.com and www.mavizen.com