| | Biker News - Regularly updated
-
From the Track to the Street, New FTR x RSD Super Hooligan Inspires Riders to Unleash their Inner Hooligan
Designed with Race Graphics and Premium Performance Componentry
Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced a collaboration with Roland Sands Design (RSD)® on a limited-edition FTR. Expertly designed by Indian Motorcycle and Roland Sands®, the all-new FTR celebrates the RSD® hooligan lifestyle – a “run-what-ya-brung,” bar-banging spirit of unbridled, fearless freedom found in this style of motorcycle racing.
From the track to the street, the FTR x RSD Super Hooligan inspires riders to unleash their inner hooligan. The all-new limited-edition FTR features Black Metallic bodywork with authentic Super Hooligan race graphics, a classic Indian Motorcycle Red frame with matching wheels featuring gold accent, and Indian Motorcycle Racing’s No. 1 championship logo on the front and side number plates. For an extra layer of authenticity, the FTR x RSD Super Hooligan features race team sponsors’ logos on its rear seat cowl. Additional graphics for the radiator shroud, front fender, and front forks will be supplied to owners for optional application. These premium components were thoughtfully curated to deliver an authentic, race-like experience to the rider.
“The term ‘hooligan’ has taken on an entirely new meaning in the world of motorcycles, characterised by a rebellious, fearless attitude that places having fun on a motorcycle above all else, and that’s what this new FTR is all about,” said Aaron Jax, vice president, Indian Motorcycle. “Roland Sands has blazed this trail and built the RSD brand around the hooligan lifestyle. From spinning laps on dirt ovals on mid-size cruisers, to today’s competitive racing within the MotoAmerica series, the ethos of hooligan riding has not changed.”
“Super Hooligan has always been about more than just racing. It’s about pushing boundaries and having a blast riding motorcycles with your friends,” said Roland Sands, Founder of RSD. “Far from the full fairing machines you normally see on the racetrack, a Super Hooligan bike has effortless attitude and a custom aesthetic with an exposed powertrain. When Indian Motorcycle approached us to codesign an Indian FTR for consumers, it was a natural fit, and something we were very excited to be a part of.”
Built upon the FTR R Carbon model, the FTR x RSD Super Hooligan offers performance branded parts and premium ride-enhancing technology. Fully adjustable Öhlins® inverted front forks and rear piggyback shock delivers exceptional ride and handling, while dual-disc Brembo® brakes provide ultimate stopping power. The bike’s 101 mm round touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND offers vital bike and ride information, selectable ride modes for a customisable ride experience, along with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The capabilities of RIDE COMMAND allow riders to take control like never before by enjoying seamless integration with their smartphones, tracking ride routes, keeping up to date with automated alerts of the motorcycle’s maintenance and health. In addition, an AkrapoviÄ® muffler and heat shield add style and improve sound, while Gilles Tooling parts, including adjustable rear-sets, oil cap, radiator cap, and bar-end weights, add to the bike’s premium finish – delivering authentic RSD Hooligan race style for the rider.
Interested riders should contact their authorised Indian Motorcycle dealer as soon as possible to reserve their individually numbered FTR x RSD Super Hooligan bike. Just 150 from the total of 300 will be available outside of North America and international shipping starts immediately.
Brembo® is a registered trademark of Freni Brembo S.p.A. Corp of Italy; AkrapoviÄ® is a registered trademark of Igor AkrapoviÄ; Öhlins® is a registered trademark of Öhlins Racing AB CORPORATION SWEDEN; RSD®, Roland Sands Design and RSD Super Hooligan are registered trademarks of Roland W. Sands; Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC.
article supplied
-
|
The second and final day of official testing at the Losail International Circuit is over, effectively wrapping up the preseason for the MotoGP class. The next outing will be for the 2024 Qatari Grand Prix, taking place at the same venue from the 7th to the 10th of March. Two days of intense practice for Alex and Marc Marquez with different goals, but all in all similar to those targeted in Malaysia two weeks ago.
The feeling with this track is clearly on the rise with regards to Alex Marquez who here, a few months ago, had struggled to find “the sweet spot”. The confidence with the front-end has improved, and with a more stable bike overall, the #73 managed to put together some consistent on-track work on the longer run. On a lesser note, he had a crash at turn 14 during day one, from which he escaped uninjured.
Despite some minor technical issues (he had to stop at turn 15 after only a lap), Marc Marquez continued his familiarisation with the Desmosedici GP23 also during the second day and the results were not slow in coming. He did well in the time attack (fourth quickest time) as well as on the longer run despite his first crash (at turn 4, without a scratch).
“I felt more comfortable with the bike straight away here, I managed to start using the body more and that’s already an improvement. Instincts are still set on another type of motorcycle, but we’re working on that department and changing my riding style. We did well in the time attack, even though it’s still most difficult area for me. We’re improved our pace on the longer run, we tried many things and push towards the limit – while also finding the first crash (turn four). Are we happy? Yes, even though we’re still far from Bagnaia, Bastianini and Martin.”
|
13º - ALEX MARQUEZ #73
(Day1 best lap 1’52.556 – 53 laps)
(Day2 best lap 1’51.944 – 62 laps)
“Compared to November, the feeling has improved a lot; we had suffered a lot last year here. It must be said that the Losail track changes dramatically between one run and the other and it’s hard to have a smooth progression, but we’re getting there step by step. We’re preparing mostly for the race, so the single-lap performance is not as important. We tried many things even though yesterday’s crash cost us a rear tyre, and that affected our testing programme. We completed a 20-lap long run and we encountered some issues that we’ll need to analyse in the coming two weeks."
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
MAG London Fight Motorcycle Theft - Public Meeting at City Hall from 7pm on the evening of Monday 26th February 2024
Book your free tickets here.
Tickets are limited so please don't delay in booking yours
Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) campaigns to protect and promote the interests and rights of all riders, from learner to advanced and, aimed at raising the profile of the fight against motorcycle theft across London, with riders given the chance to hold the Metropolitan Police to account.
City Hall is located in the Royal Docks, Newham, the address is:
Kamal Chunchie Way
London E16 1ZE
Nearby is Royal Victoria station on the DLR
Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) exists to protect the rights and freedom of people to ride motorcycles in the United Kingdom, for more info, see links:
See you at the Ace !
-
|
THE BIG APRILIA FESTIVAL IS BACK PROTAGONISTS ON TRACK, THE FABULOUS RS-GP MACHINES OF THE MOTOGP CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE APRILIA RACING RIDERS: VIÑALES, ESPARGARÓ, SAVADORI, OLIVEIRA, AND FERNAÌNDEZ
JACOPO CERUTTI AND FRANCESCO MONTANARI WILL BE WITH THEM, DOMINATORS WITH THE APRILIA TUAREG IN THE AFRICA ECO RACE
MAX BIAGGI WILL LEAD THE TEAM OF GREAT CHAMPIONS WHO, IN THE EXTRAORDINARY ATMOSPHERE OF APRILIA ALL STARS, WILL CELEBRATE THE ITALIAN BRAND WITH THE MOST VICTORIES IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GP MOTORCYCLE RACING ALONG WITH THOUSANDS OF FANS
THERE WILL BE LOTS OF BIKES, TEST RIDES, EVENTS, ENTERTAINMENT, AND THE MUSIC OF RADIO DEEJAY FOR A FESTIVAL UNDER THE BANNER OF PASSION AND LOVE FOR MOTORSPORT
Noale, 19 February 2024 - The Aprilia All Stars event is back, the huge Aprilia festival that gives motorsport fans a unique day of incredible bikes and legendary champions.
Misano World Circuit, Saturday, 8 June is the date and place that fans will want to put on their calendars and not miss. A unique opportunity - entirely free - to see and enjoy firsthand the on-track performance of the magnificent Aprilia RS-GP machines participating in the MotoGP championship and meet the riders.
As always, the brightest stars will be the Aprilia Racing riders, Aleix Espargaró, Maverick Viñales, Lorenzo Savadori, Miguel Oliveira, and RauÌl FernaÌndez, MotoGP competitors. Champions who will be protagonists, not only on the track but, in true Aprilia All Stars tradition, they will also be among the fans in the paddock to celebrate Aprilia, the European brand with the most victories in World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing, with 297 GP triumphs. All the greats of Aprilia history will be with them, led by six-time world champion Max Biaggi.
Something new for this edition will be the participation of Jacopo Cerutti and Francesco Montanari, fresh from the triumphant début astride the Aprilia Tuareg in the Africa Eco Race. Cerutti, dominator of the African race, and Montanari will also meet their fans in the festive and informal atmosphere of Aprilia All Stars and they will be showing off the fabulous Aprilia Tuareg, dominator of the desert.
As always, Aprilia All Stars will be an all-around festival for fans and for the entire family. The paddock will be constantly buzzing with fabulous test rides where enthusiasts will be able to put the bikes from the Aprilia range through their paces on the Romagna roads, all free of charge, as well as the Racing Museum, with the racing bikes that built the legend of the Italian brand, a must-see for any enthusiast.
The music of Radio DeeJay will provide the soundtrack of an event which will be rich with initiatives, such as the “Aprilia vista dall’Oriente” exhibit, with the spectacular photos of Japanese photographer Aki Kusudo, a total immersion in the racing world that tells the story of Aprilia’s commitment in the MotoGP championship.
There will also be spaces for eSport, shopping dedicated to Aprilia Racing brand apparel and merchandising, food areas, and much more.
|
-
THE RS-GP24 IS UNVEILED, THE ITALIAN BIKE FOR BATTLING AT THE TOP LEVELS OF MOTOGP
After its on-track début in the opening tests of Sepang, sporting the temporary but spectacular “full-black” livery, the time has come to present the Aprilia RS-GP24 in its official version. A project with a strong technical identity, proudly Italian and which has now reached full maturity.
After two seasons of constant growth, 2024 represents the year of confirmation for Aprilia. Technical evolution has taken bike and team to an unprecedented level and the racing department from Noale, under the leadership of Romano Albesiano, has taken on this challenge without betraying its DNA. In other words, in an innovative way, with choices that blazed the trail for others and which, in the latest evolution of the RS-GP, find an even more extreme application.
We are definitely talking about aerodynamics - the most visible part - but every detail has been redesigned and advanced. From the V4 engine to the chassis, from the electronics to the strategies, nothing was overlooked whilst still maintaining a clear connection with the already competitive 2023 base.
There will certainly be no lack of data to be analysed at the end of each session, given the fact that, in addition to the super-confirmed duo of Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales, Miguel Oliveira will be starting the new season on an RS-GP24. RauÌl FernaÌndez, the second Team Trackhouse standard bearer, will be using a 2023-spec bike which will then be upgraded to the most recent version.
ALEIX ESPARGARÓ
"The growth we have demonstrated in recent seasons has been incredible. I am proud to be part of this project which I have always considered to be my second family. In 2024, we’ll make another step forward. Last year we were lacking the consistency to battle all the way to the end, but we still demonstrated that we are a tough rival for everyone. It won’t be simple because, even if it seemed impossible, the level in MotoGP has increased even more. I feel like I'm ready - physically and mentally - and I believe in the work that the Aprilia staff has carried out."
MAVERICK VIÑALES
"Our 2023 season ended on an upward trend and we want to continue that now. The feeling with the team is outstanding. During the winter break I trained like mad and I have faith in Aprilia Racing’s work. If we continue to set the goal of squeezing the most out of our technical package every weekend, the results will follow naturally. The first tests confirmed the extremely high level of the championship. Practically every rider and every bike on the grid have the potential to battle for the podium. This makes the challenge even more intriguing."
MASSIMO RIVOLA
"Over the last few years, Aprilia Racing has undertaken a constant growth process. First becoming a factory team, and then putting four bikes on the track thanks to the satellite team. In 2024, we’ll raise the bar even higher, since Miguel Oliveira will be starting the season on an RS-GP with the same specs as the factory bikes and Raùl will receive it subsequently. This is a significant effort for the racing department, but it is also a sign of this project’s evolution on all fronts. It has not been simple and the season promises to be even more demanding, but at the same time, I believe in the potential of our team. And I am proud of what we have demonstrated thus far, both from a technical point of view and in terms of dedication and commitment. We want to be protagonists in MotoGP and we have everything we need to be able to make that happen. We have four highly qualified riders like Aleix, Maverick, Miguel, and Raùl, a racing department that is courageous and capable of innovation, not to mention that pinch of Italian pride that never hurts in racing."
ROMANO ALBESIANO
"Our approach to the 2024 season could not stray from the good base that we had already built, especially over the last two seasons. The RS-GP is a mature project, faithful to the Aprilia philosophy, which we have sought to advance in every aspect. The aerodynamic study is perhaps the clearest. We introduced a few concepts that are definitely innovative in order to improve the load and penetration characteristics. But every detail has been revisited, as must be done in a championship which has placed technological research at unprecedented levels. Having three bikes with the same specs on track from the season start will undoubtedly contribute to streamlining our growth process. We’ll have much more information available that we will then need to skilfully analyse and interpret."
|
