FIRST TESTS FOR ALEIX, MAVERICK, AND THE NEW RS-GP: APRILIA’S WORK OVER THE WINTER BREAK PASSES WITH FLYING COLOURS

One of the most highly anticipated events of the year came to a close today with the chequered flag over the first of the 2023 MotoGP tests. Three days that riders and techs exploited to test and analyse the new technical solutions developed over the winter break.

All exams were passed in the Aprilia camp. Both Aleix and Maverick approved the new RS-GP, considering it a positive step in all the major areas. From the most visible aerodynamics – the feather in the Italian racing department’s cap – to equally fundamental details such as the engine, the chassis and the electronics package.

The information gathered during the six days of testing (if we also consider the three shakedown sessions done by tester Lorenzo Savadori), will be analysed and assessed ahead of the Portimão tests. Four weeks of intense work to introduce more new features and to confirm the technical package for the season start.

Aleix Espargaró
"I can consider myself satisfied with this first test, despite the weather costing us time yesterday. The new RS-GP is definitely faster than the previous version. It has improved a bit in every area and if we add up many small improvements, the end result is good. This doesn’t change the fact that it’s still too early to form a definitive opinion. The engineers will have a month before the next test in Portimão and much can still change."

Maverick Viñales
"I’m pleased. Aprilia did a lot of work over the winter and I already feel much more comfortable on the RS-GP. There are clearly still things to improve, also because in these first tests we tried a lot of different components without going in depth into the setting details. But overall, I think we have higher technical potential than we did at the end of last season and that is an outstanding sensation to have for the first test."

• Praga, the Czech Republic based manufacturing and engineering company behind the Praga Bohema hypercar, launches the Praga ZS 800 motorcycle
• A modern take on the iconic Praga BD 500, the reimagined model beautifully combines classic design with advanced production technology
• The Praga ZS 800 weighs just 142kg, with its chrome molybdenum steel frame supporting an air-cooled, 773cc four stroke parallel twin engine
• A limited run of 28 motorcycles, with a premium price point of £75,550 (€86,000) each, is now available to order with deliveries starting mid-2023
• To find out more, go to: www.pragaglobal.com

February 8, 2023, Prague: Praga, the Czech Republic based manufacturing and engineering company, has launched the Praga ZS 800 motorcycle – a modern reimagining of the iconic 1928 Praga BD 500.

Created by the same expert engineering team behind the acclaimed Praga Bohema hypercar, the new Praga ZS 800 combines a suite of advanced motor racing production processes and materials with the character and design details of its 1928 BD 500 ancestor.

Sporting a chrome molybdenum steel frame and titanium exhaust system, as well as unique woven carbon wheels, the ZS 800 weighs just 142kg dry (158kg wet) and with its air-cooled, 773cc four stroke parallel twin engine, delivers a riding experience certain to stir the soul.

Praga will produce just 28 of the ZS 800, which are now available to order with deliveries starting mid-2023, and the first of these heading to a client in Dubai.

Modern vision with a 100-year heritage
In 1928, the first Praga BD 500 rolled out of the Breitfeld-DanÄ›k factory in Prague. Seen as a modern motorcycle in its time, the design was initially conceived by the young aviation designer and passionate motorcyclist, Jaroslav František Koch.

Featuring one of the first ever four stroke DOHC engines designed by Koch, the BD 500 not only presented multiple innovative design features, but earnt its place in motorcycle history when Koch himself rode the bike from Rome to Prague, covering a distance of 1,480 kilometers in 35 hours and 40 minutes, setting a new endurance record.

Now, in 2023, history is repeating.

The brainchild of Jan Žuži, an engineer working on the lightweight 700 hp luxury Praga Bohema hypercar, the ZS 800 began life as a passion project to create a BD 500 remake.

Alongside fellow engineer Radek Šebesta, Jan developed the concept, combining engineering expertise and dedication with Praga’s exceptional production capabilities and racing technology. And, so, the Praga ZS 800 was born, a modern reimagining that retains the character and design of its ancestral BD 500.

The Praga ZS 800: Cutting-edge technology applied to classic design
The Praga ZS 800 is a masterclass in craftmanship. A combination of the very latest production processes and ultra-lightweight materials brings this motorcycle to life.

Within a chrome molybdenum steel frame rests the air-cooled 773cc four stroke parallel twin engine. The modern yet classically styled unit is lightweight and marries perfectly with the aesthetic of the ZS 800, offering beautiful architecture that resembles the original BD 500 engine structure, bevel gear cam drive, fuel efficiency, and complies with Euro 5 standards.

The ZS 800’s unique forged carbon wheels work in harmony with its hydraulic drum brake system – a system chosen to complement both the motorcycle’s style and performance. The hand-woven carbon rims are a complex artistic pattern of overlapping carbon fibre with intricate carbon tensioned spokes to emulate the look of the BD 500.

A sculpted front fork sits at the fore of the motorcycle; a structure only made possible through five-axis machining and chrome molybdenum steel. Nestled within the fork is fully adjustable Öhlins suspension with a titanium spring that effortlessly delivers a smooth and exclusive ride.

With its 11.5L fuel tank embellished with a forged carbon cover, the Praga ZS 800 has an incredible dry weight of just 142kg, complete with 50:50 weight distribution between the wheels – all of which culminates in a notably poised ride.

The Art of Engineering: Mastering materials
The Praga ZS 800 is a product of skilled engineering and true understanding of complex, high-grade materials.

Titanium is used throughout the design, with almost every screw, axle, nut and bolt of the chassis and engine made from the lightweight, high strength metal. The exhaust system is also fully titanium and weighs just 4.8kg as a result – with select elements constructed using state-of-the-art 3D printing.

Premium materials such as duralumin alloys, noble chrome molybdenum steel and forged carbon are also incorporated into the ZS 800’s design. Dedicated to achieving the perfect structure, the engineering team utilises the very latest production processes to manipulate the complex materials, including over 300 hours of five-axis machining.

The ZS 800’s Chief Designer, Jan Žuži, said: “Strong and extremely lightweight materials – such as carbon, titanium, chrome molybdenum steel and aviation duralumin – enabled us to reimagine the rigid rear wheel suspension, the front swingarm fork, and the hydraulic drum brakes.

“These futuristic materials and Praga sports division’s latest production facilities have enabled us to transfer those elegant historical design elements to the present day, and to build a motorcycle with contemporary driving characteristics and a unique feel.”

The premium price point of £75,550 (EUR 86,000 (excl. tax)) is testament to the intricate and tireless engineering that goes into every Praga creation, including the limited run, £1.1m Bohema hypercar. With deliveries arriving from mid-2023, the Praga ZS 800 is a machine for both collectors and motorcycle enthusiasts alike.

To find out more about the Praga ZS 800, go to: www.pragaglobal.com

Full specification
ENGINE

• Engine type: Four stroke parallel twin cylinder, SOHC, four valves per cylinder
• Bore & stroke: 77 mm x 83 mm
• Capacity: 773cc
• Compression ratio: 8.4:1
• Exhaust: Titanium alloy

TRANSMISSION

• Gearbox: 5-speed
• Clutch: Multi-plate wet, Manual

PERFORMANCE

• Power: 50hp
• Torque: 65Nm

BODYWORK

• Seat: Single seater with Öhlins fully adjustable suspension unit
• Fuel tank: 11.5 litre
• Mudguard: Forged carbon

CHASSIS

• Frame: Chrome molybdenum steel frame – Swedish steel called DOCOL 15CDV6
• Handlebars width: 800 mm
• Handlebar circumference: 28.6 mm
• Wheelbase: 1,435 mm
• Rake: 27º
• Trail: 100 mm
• Seat height: 795 mm

BRAKES

• Front brakes: Hydraulic double simplex drum 200 mm
• Rear brakes: Hydraulic simplex drum 200 mm

SUSPENSION

• Front suspension: Girder front fork with Öhlins suspension TTX22
• Rear suspension: Hard tail rear with Öhlins TTX air under seat suspension

WHEELS

• Front wheel: r18” x 2.5” forged carbon wheel with carbon tensioned spokes
• Rear wheel: r18” x 3.5” forged carbon wheel with carbon tensioned spokes
• Front tyre: Dunlop Roadmaster TT100 GP 100/90-18 56H F T TL
• Rear tyre: Dunlop Roadmaster TT110 GP 130/80-18 66H R TT

With the A.R.T.T. certification programme, Touratech sets internationally binding standards for instructors and tour guides in the premium segment. Graduates receive a skillset that enables them to create motorcycling experiences at the very highest level
 
Certification as a valuable guide
In response to the enormous demand, a huge, almost unmanageable range of organised tours and training courses has emerged in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for customers to identify high-quality offers. In this situation, quality seals backed by a brand with high credibility provide valuable guidance.
In order to define a standard for motorbike experiences at the highest level, Touratech has launched the certification programme A.R.T.T. together with Edelweiss Bike Travel.
 
What is A.R.T.T.?
A.R.T.T. stands for Adventure Rider Tours and Training. This succinctly describes the core segment of the rapidly growing market for high-quality off-road experiences by motorbike.
Guides and instructors with outstanding riding skills acquire in-depth skills for the management of demanding tours and trainings as well as a broad portfolio of soft skills for the confident handling of complex group dynamic processes within the framework of the A.R.T.T. certification.
 
A.R.T.T. - the basis for successful business models
The A.R.T.T. certification is the perfect prerequisite for instructors and tour guides to stand out from the crowd and target an upmarket audience.
In addition, A.R.T.T.-certified tour guides and instructors are authorised to integrate the Touratech brand into their marketing concept and offerings.
 
The way to the certificate
The application for an A.R.T.T. certification is always made via the Touratech Headquarters in Niedereschach or via a Touratech distributor. Guides and instructors applying for the programme must already have outstanding riding skills, as no riding technique is taught as part of the certification.
After an individual selection process, the participants go through a five-day workshop that includes both practical and theoretical modules and is concluded by an examination. At the end of this structured process is the A.R.T.T. certificate.