Ducati and Locman, both Italian companies of excellence, consolidate their partnership born in 2017 by launching a new line of watches that underlines, through innovative design and technical solutions, the uniqueness of the Ducati brand.

WITH ITS BEST EVER MOTOGP SEASON IN THE BOOKS, THE ITALIAN RACING DEPARTMENT PREPARES FOR 2023

The spotlights on the MotoGP season have only been off for a few days but for Aprilia Racing, the work never stopped.

It was an extraordinary championship season, enriched by the first victory in MotoGP, nine podiums, and two pole positions which shot Aprilia to the top of world championship motorcycle racing. They were, by far, the best results ever achieved by Aprilia in its brief history but now the Italian manufacturer has already begun preparations for a 2023 season that promises to be crucial.

Lorenzo Savadori was busy with the Test Team in Jerez de la Frontera for two days of testing on 15 and 16 November. In mixed conditions, Lorenzo was still able to get 134 laps in, working especially on new electronics configurations. The data gathered opened up interesting development prospects for 2023.

At the same time, Aleix and Maverick flew to Cologne for a day of testing in the wind tunnel. Aerodynamic studies have resulted in Aprilia coming up with innovative solutions that are leading the pack in MotoGP and there is plenty more in the works for future developments. Espargaró and Viñales worked on the first 2023 prototype, the characteristics of which will be analysed and refined over the winter break.

Also making their début in the wind tunnel were Miguel Oliveira and Raúl Fernandez, after the outstanding first contact with the RS-GP in Valencia. For the team RNF riders, this was a session dedicated to an aerodynamic “fitting” on the new bike as they searched for the best configuration based on physical features and riding position.

But it isn’t just MotoGP. With the Factory Works programme, Aprilia Racing is continuing development on sport bikes dedicated to enthusiasts. This is a made-to-measure tailoring operation intended to provide the most advanced enthusiasts with the sensations and refinements of a true Aprilia racing bike.

The most recent of the special Aprilia Racing projects, the RSV4 XTrenta, registered a top speed of 320 km/h in the latest tests, achieved in just one kilometre, combining the data connected strictly with speed to the features of rideability and turning agility typical of Aprilia products. This result was made possible by the extraordinary technical platform of the RSV4, the superbike that has revolutionised the segment, winner of seven WSBK world titles where the Aprilia techs implemented the expertise gained in MotoGP, introducing brand new and extremely advanced aerodynamics.

Now, partly because of the testing limitations and the weather conditions, work on the track will move to the back burner while operations proceed in the Racing Department where the engineers will analyse the data collected throughout the season and finalise the 2023 choices. Aleix and Maverick will have the new prototype for the official tests in Sepang, scheduled to be held from 10 to 12 February.

Suzuki has celebrated the annual graduation of apprentices from its Apprenticeship Programme, with 26 technicians, customer service advisors, and aftersales parts consultants acknowledged at an award ceremony held at the British Motor Museum.

Of the 26 graduates – across Suzuki’s motorcycle, ATV, marine, and automobile divisions – there was one motorcycle technician, one motorcycle aftersales parts consultant, and one motorcycle customer service advisor.

The newly qualified students travelled to the West Midlands to receive their certificates from Suzuki GB’s managing director, Nobuo Suyama, and director of aftersales, Denis Houston. Also in attendance were three other members from the Suzuki board of management as well the apprentices’ families and their employers within the wider Suzuki family.

Each of the employees from Suzuki’s nationwide dealer networks undertook a combination of practical on-the-job learning and expert tuition at the Bosch-run state-of-the-art Doncaster training centre in South Yorkshire.

Denis Houston, director of aftersales for Suzuki GB, said, “The graduation ceremony is the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication. It is always a proud moment for not only the apprentices themselves, but also for their families and employers who have played a pivotal role in supporting each of the individuals. They should all be commended for the great lengths that they have gone to in order to enable the learning and development of these young trainees. We would like to congratulate the graduates on their achievement, and they are certainly destined for very bright futures as they continue their professional careers within our dealerships.”

The motorcycle graduates are:

Barnaby Ingham, motorcycle technician
Joe Phillips, motorcycle aftersales parts consultant
Oliver Radley, motorcycle customer service advisor

Motorcycle Live in association with Bikesure Insurance welcomed thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts across the weekend as the doors swung open to the UK’s biggest motorcycle show. 

The nine-day show kicked off in style with a star-studded line-up of riders and celebrities including show regulars Steve Parrish and James Whitham, the fastest man around the Isle of Man TT Peter Hickman, round-the-world explorer Nick Sanders and Rory Skinner, fresh from his announced move to Moto 2 for 2023, to name just a few.   

Visitors were treated to a dedicated day to celebrate the Bennetts British Superbike Championship on Sunday 20 November. Leading the charge was 2022 British Superbike Champion, Bradley Ray, as well as winners from all the series championships including: Quattro Group British Supersport Champion Jack Kennedy, Pirelli National Superstock Champion Davey Todd, Honda British Talent Cup Champion Johnny Garness and Molson Group British Sidecar Championship winners Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clement - all of who were on the Black Horse Stage for interviews and the all-important ‘Class of 2022’ photo. 

As well the opportunity to bag selfies and autographs, visitors to the show can get up close to see the latest launches for 2023 from over 50 world-leading manufacturers and take advantage of the 10 free opportunities to ride for all ages - all of which are included in the ticket price. 

Katie Benge, a visitor to the show from Stratford-Upon-Avon, comments: “We've had a great day - there was so much to see and do. I was surprised just how family-friendly it was. We enjoyed being able to sit on all the new bikes and the kids loved the Kiddimoto and Youth MX riding experiences. We already can’t wait for next year!” 

Finlay McAllan, Managing Director of Motorcycle Live adds: “It has been fantastic to welcome so many two-wheeled fans to the show - some of whom haven’t been able to attend Motorcycle Live since 2019. It’s not too late to join in the fun - and we’ve got a lot sill planned - so be sure to come along!” 

As well as seeing all the brand-new models, Motorcycle Live is the perfect place to start Christmas shopping - or buy some treats - in the retail area. 

Stephanie Taylor, Marketing and Events Manager at Krazy Horse said: “The opening weekend has been amazing. It’s been fantastic to welcome so many visitors onto our stand and use it as a platform to launch our new custom 2022 Indian Chief - we look forward to seeing even more people as the show progresses.” 

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, Motorcycle Live in association with Bikesure Insurance is open daily from 10am-5pm until Sunday 27 November and tickets can be purchased online here or on the door. #SeeYouThere