Category: Motorcycles

1. Norton signs John McGuinness for 2018 Isle of Man TT Races

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 8th Feb 2018

   23-time TT Race winner John McGuinness has signed to ride for the Norton factory team in the RST Superbike and PokerStars Senior TT Races at the 2018 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy. 
   
   McGuinness joins 2015 British Superbike Champion Josh Brookes in a two-man team using the latest specification Norton ‘SG7’ machines, derived from the firm’s flagship V4 RR road bike.
   
   McGuinness last won a Superbike class race in 2015, winning the PokerStars Senior TT, which also saw him breaking the outright lap record with a lap of 132.701, which remains his fastest lap around the Mountain Course. He achieved podiums in both the 2016 RST Superbike and PokerStars Senior TT but missed last year’s TT race meeting due to serious injuries sustained in the North West 200, which he is still recovering from. However, he expects to be back to full fitness in time for his TT debut with Norton this June.
   
   McGuinness has enjoyed a remarkable TT career and is second only to Joey Dunlop in outright TT victories and is rightly considered as one of the all-time TT greats.  In a career that has now stretched over twenty years, he first announced himself to the road-racing world in 1996, finishing the highest placed and fastest newcomer in the 250cc TT Race and his name has since become synonymous with the Isle of Man Mountain Course.
   
   He has stood on the Isle of Man TT podium a record 46 times from 78 race finishes and is confident that more success is just around the corner now he has teamed up with this iconic British brand.
   
   Talking about the news of his Norton signing John McGuinness commented:
   
   “I didn’t want to end my career due to an injury, but the truth is I didn’t know whether I would be able to come back as I didn’t know how fit I was going to be. Right now, things are going well. I feel a lot sharper and my head is in gear and ready to go. The plan is to get the external fixator cage off my leg by the end of this month and after that we can start working towards getting bike fit and testing.”  
   
   “I’m definitely ready for a change of manufacturer. I needed an injection of enthusiasm and I’ve found it with Norton. From the first time I met with Stuart (Garner) the vibe was there and the passion. I watched Steve Hislop win the TT on the Norton in 1992 and it was massive. Everyone remembers that! We can’t get carried away, it’s going to be a big job but I’ve watched a lot of YouTube videos of the bike in action, I watched the bike out on track last year and it’s clearly a very fast and capable bike and I can tell you there are worse handling bikes out there too, so there’s no reason we can’t do the business if the stars line up right.”
   
   Norton Motorcycles CEO Stuart Garner added:
   
   “We’ve been talking to John for a year or more, he’s the talent. He’s the man at the TT with the total experience, the results and the pedigree. We have the ambition to win the TT and to go on to develop a really strong team in years to come. We’d got John in our sights for a long time.”
   
   “To get John in the Norton team with his experience and knowledge available is fabulous.  Norton will seize the opportunity to get John involved in all aspects of the bike – he’s a huge asset to Norton. Everyone in the factory has got a huge buzz. It’s pretty special.  We’re all looking forward to the TT but we’ve not set any targets and take nothing for granted. Putting John McGuiness and Norton together is a dream team, but we know all results at the TT are hard earned whatever your name.”
   

2. GSX-S1000FZ Phantom revealed and new colours for 2018 GSX-S range

   Posted on 9:00am Saturday 18th Nov 2017

   Suzuki has announced a new GSX-S1000FZ Phantom edition for 2018, the all-matt black machine joining the popular GSX-S1000 and GSX-S750 Phantoms in the range next year.

   The stealthy black livery is offset by subtle red detailing, while the exhaust is also finished in black, further differing it from the standard GSX-S1000F.

   Using the iconic GSX-R1000 K5 engine – famed for it’s low-down torque and midrange power – the GSX-S1000F and GSX-S1000 get a three-stage traction control system plus Suzuki’s low rpm assist and easy-start system. For 2017, they also benefitted from a power hike – taking peak power to 150PS – and a new slipper clutch.

   The GSX-S1000 super-naked is also available in a new white paint scheme for 2018, with red and black graphics and red wheels, while the GSX-S750 – which was new for 2017 – can now be had in an eye-catching red and black livery, alongside the classic blue and black option and all-black Phantom.

   The 2018 GSX-S range will arrive in dealerships early next year.

3. Suzuki SV650X revealed at Eicma

   Posted on 10:00am Tuesday 7th Nov 2017

   Suzuki has revealed its new SV650X for 2018, pulling the wraps off the café racer-inspired V-twin middleweight today at Eicma, in Milan, Italy. 

   Taking design cues from the SV650 Rally Concept – which the Japanese firm showcased at the Osaka Motor Show in 2016 – the SV650X follows the same concept with a design that pays homage to the tarmac rally cars of the 1970s. The ‘neo-retro’ styling sees the SV650X get a new bikini fairing and tinted screen, clip-on handlebars, and a tuck-roll seat.
   The SV650X utilises the same punchy V-twin engine as the standard SV650, and gets Suzuki’s low-rpm assist and easy-start system. There are also new, preload adjustable front forks, which will feature across the SV range for 2018.
   
   Suzuki GB marketing manager, Rob Cooper, said, “The SV650 is a hugely popular machine in the middleweight sector of the market, and it has been ever since the launch of the original in 1999. Thanks to its characterful and punchy V-twin engine and capable chassis, it combines a fun, sporty ride with affordability and practicality. The SV650X builds on that proven platform and brings retro styling to the range, with clip-on handlebars that not only add to the look, but create an even sportier feel. Preload adjustable forks will further enhance performance, with riders able to adjust to suit their own riding style and use, and that will apply across the SV range for 2018.”
   
   The new SV650X will be on display at Motorcycle Live, which takes place from 18-26 November at the NEC in Birmingham, alongside the rest of Suzuki’s 2018 model range, including the award-winning GSX-R1000R and new GSX-S125 and GSX-R125 machines.

    

4. Kevin Schwantz RGV500 to be restored at Motorcycle Live

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 2nd Nov 2017

   Kevin Schwantz’s 1989 Pepsi Suzuki RGV500 is to be restored to full working order at this year’s Motorcycle Live – which takes place from 18-26 November at the NEC in Birmingham – as part of the Japanese manufacturer’s presence at the annual event.

   The iconic Grand Prix machine will be completely stripped, before being carefully and meticulously restored by Team Classic Suzuki chief mechanic Nathan Colombi. The restoration will be supported by Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme.

   1989 was arguably Schwantz’s best season for results, with only crashes preventing him from lifting the world title. He finished either first or second in every race he completed that season, taking six wins and a further three runner-up finishes. He would eventually lift the world title for Suzuki in 1993. The Texan was named a Grand Prix legend in 2000.

   Suzuki restoration projects or builds have become a mainstay of the Motorcycle Live features list in recent years, and after the Vintage Parts Programme was launched at the 2013 event, Suzuki has gone on to build a brand new TL1000S, restore an original GSX-R750F, and build Team Classic Suzuki’s Katana endurance racer at the last three shows.

   Suzuki GB aftersales marketing co-ordinator, Tim Davies, said of the project, “Kevin Schwantz is still, undoubtedly, a legend among motorcyclists in the UK; we saw that with his presence at British Grand Prix at Silverstone earlier this year. For us at Suzuki, it’s no different, either, and his 1989 RGV500 is an iconic machine that we’re looking forward to restoring. We’ve built or restored a number of bikes at Motorcycle Live in recent years but this is the first time we’ve restored a legendary racing machine like this. It’s a new challenge, and also something different for visitors to the show, while still allowing us to highlight just how many genuine Suzuki parts can be ordered through the Vintage Parts Programme.”

   The restoration of Schwantz’s RGV500 won’t be the only feature on the Suzuki stand at Motorcycle Live, with the popular ‘elbow down’ feature making a return.

   Suzuki’s extensive 2018 model range will be available for show-goers to explore and try for size, along with a display of race bikes that will include Michael Dunlop’s Isle of Man TT-winning GSX-R1000, while free teas and coffees will be served from on the stand for visitors who want to take a break from walking the halls. The Suzuki Shop will stock the latest lines in Suzuki merchandise and clothing.

   Suzuki can be found on stand 3A20 at this year’s Motorcycle Live when doors open on November 18. For show information and tickets, visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

5. Suzuki offers Sports Pack for new GSX-R125

   Posted on 4:00pm Tuesday 31st Oct 2017

   Following the launch of Suzuki’s class-leading GSX-R125, the Japanese firm has released a new range of accessories for the entry-level sportsbike, and are offering a sports pack that promises to save customers £72 over the cost of the individual items.

   Retailing for £239 – including fitting – the sports pack includes a double bubble screen and pillion seat cowl, further enhancing the race bike looks. There’s also a fuel tank protector and heel plate protection set.

   Available now, the pack can be fitted at the time of purchase or as a retro-fit, and offers a significant saving of £72.

   Other accessories available include graphics kits, wheel tape, and tank bag.

   For more information on the GSX-R125, click here.