Category: Motorcycles

1. Barry Sheene’s restored XR14 to be ridden by son Freddie at Oliver’s Mount

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 14th Jul 2017

   

   Barry Sheene’s 1976 world championship-winning XR14 – which has been restored with the help of Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme – will be ridden by his son Freddie at this year’s Sheene Festival at Oliver’s Mount on 22-23 July.

   The bike, which carried Barry Sheene to victory in four Grands Prix in 1976, was recently restored by former Team Suzuki mechanics Martyn Orgborne and Nigel Everett. Freddie will ride the iconic machine in a special parade session during the weekend, while Steve Parrish will ride the 1977 XR14 that Barry also rode to world championship glory. There will also be a display of other bikes raced by Barry Sheene, and a collection of his leathers.

   Suzuki, sponsoring the event for a third consecutive year, will be bringing a fleet of display bikes, including the Team Classic Suzuki Katana and a number of race bikes from the firm’s decorated history. The original GSX-R750F that was restored as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations will also feature, as will the GSX-R1100 restored by Suzuki’s apprenticeship programme and the TL1000S built from new parts.

   The event, held at the only true road-race circuit in England, will also feature a full programme of 21 races, a trade village, and live band on the Saturday night.

   Freddie Sheene said, “I’m really looking forward to the Oliver’s Mount event, not only for the usual atmosphere but for the fact that the public will be able to see the ‘76 and ‘77 world championship-winning bikes back where they belong. Those bikes laid dormant for the past 40 years and it’s a special moment for everyone to be a part of. The whole process of bringing the bikes back to life wouldn’t have been possible without the help from Suzuki GB and most importantly Martyn Ogborne and Nigel Everett; they have put over 600 hours between them to make this happen. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone over the weekend; let’s just hope the weather stays in check.”

   Scott Beaumont from Oliver’s Mount, commented, “To say we are excited about seeing Barry Sheene’s world championship-winning bike riding around Oliver’s Mount again is an understatement. Then the fact that his son Freddie will be riding it simply gives us goosebumps. This is an incredible opportunity to see this bike ridden in the UK for probably the final time. We simply cannot wait for the festival to get underway, and we hope to see all fans of Sheene, Suzuki, Classic Bikes and riding legends attending. See you all trackside for what is likely to be a once in a lifetime event.”

   Suzuki GB aftersales marketing coordiantor, Tim Davies, added, “We’re delighted to be backing the Sheene Festival again this year, and we’re really looking forward to watching Freddie ride Barry’s championship-winning machine RG500. It’s been really special to be involved in the restoration of such an iconic machine, with the help of the Sheene family. It was great to watch it come together, and it’ll be even more special to see Freddie ride it at a circuit that Barry loved and enjoyed much success at.”

   The 2017 Barry Sheene Festival will take place at Oliver’s Mount on 22-23 July. For tickets and event information, visit www.oliversmountracing.com
   

2. Suzuki announces details of 2018 RM-Z450

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 11th Jul 2017

   Suzuki has announced details of the new RM-Z450, which gets an all-new chassis to reduce weight and improve handling performance, an improved and updated engine that produces more power and torque, plus the newest version of the Suzuki’s holeshot assist and traction management, all wrapped in fresh new styling for 2018.

   

   Chassis

   The 2018 RM-Z450 gets a completely new chassis, with a frame that improves cornering performance, stability, and shock absorption, thanks to a weight reduction of 700g and further optimised rigidity. A new swingarm follows a similar design philosophy, and sees a further weight saving of 100g to contribute the improved handling performance. The subframe gets a new hexagonal structure that improves rigidity, and with a slimmer design it improves the overall look of the bike. An added practicality benefit is the ease in which the air filter can be removed.

   In turn, the seat rails are moved closer together and raised to help accommodate the new rear shock; Showa’s Balance Free unit. It means the RM-Z450 becomes the first production motocross machine to adopt Showa’s premium, race-proven shock, which uses an external damping circuit to avoid variations in the balance of pressure. The movement of the damping mechanism to the outside of the cylinder optimises oil flow and achieves smooth, controlled responsiveness to deliver better absorption over bumps and increased traction.

   For 2018 front suspension is again provided by Showa, with new coil spring forks replacing the air forks of the previous model. The new, larger forks improve responsiveness and feel for the rider. Fork diameter is increased from 58.5mm to 59.3mm.

   The changes to the RM-Z450’s chassis mean the wheelbase is now shorter, 1480mm down from the 1495mm of the previous model, with the headstock moved 10mm backwards and the handlebars moved 7mm forward, to increase the bike’s agility. Bars remain Renthal, but are straighter and flatter to allow riders to easily shift their weight over the front of the bike.

   Weight saving is not only achieved by the new RM-Z450’s frame and swingarm. A new fuel tank, which goes from aluminium to resin reduces weight by 275g, while also increases capacity from 6.2 litres to 6.3 litres. Lighter front and rear wheels save 70g, 34g are saved with a new top yoke, 30g with a new chain guide, and 246g with a new seat.

   A new, bigger front brake disc, which goes from 250mm to 270mm, and new rear brake master cylinder improve braking performance, while a new guard helps protect the engine during races, and covers the water pump and magneto cover.

   Engine

   The RM-Z450’s engine delivers higher peak power and improved low-midrange torque for 2018, as well as an improved throttle response. New and smoother porting in the cylinder head has increased tumble flow by 25%. It helps with a more efficient combustion and helps achieve a higher peak power without sacrificing low-to-mid range power. A 30% larger air filter aperture increases power output at all engine speeds.  A new intake cam profile raises valve lift, improving intake efficiency and further helps to increase power across the rev range. As a result, there’s also a new piston designed to endure the higher peak power output.

   Throttle response is improved thanks to a variety of changes, including a new fuel pump which increases fuel pressure by 17% and promotes more effective mixing of air and fuel. There’s also a new throttle body and fuel injector, which now injects fuel upwards and directly onto the butterfly valve.

   Electronics

   The very latest version of Suzuki’s holeshot assist system means the new RM-Z450 is even better equipped when it comes to launching from the gate and leading into the first corner. The system optimises ignition timing and offers two modes for riders to choose from, depending on the conditions.

   A-mode, for use on hard surfaces or in slippery conditions, has been heavily revised, and retards ignition timing for a smoother launch. B-mode is for use in conditions with more grip, and advances ignition timing during launch.

   Pressing and holding the switch for 0.7 seconds will activate A-mode, indicated by a flashing flight. Holding for 1.8 seconds will activate B-mode, indicated by the light flashing faster. The system can be turned off by pressing the switch again.

   The system advances or retards ignition timing during the launch from the gate, and returns to normal six seconds after the launch, when the rider shifts into fifth gear, or when the throttle is closed. The ignition timing is optimised for the three stages of launch; moment of launch, riding over the gate, and acceleration to the first turn.

   The 2018 RM-Z450 also gets an evolved version of Suzuki’s traction management system. The ECM – which  boasts 1.6x faster data processing and 2.5x the memory capacity – monitors the throttle position, engine speed, and gear position. The information is used to control ignition timing, adjust the fuel injection rate and control engine output to optimise traction to best match the riding conditions.

   It differs from road-going traction control in that it does not monitor rear wheel spin. Instead, it operates based on programming coded into the ECM. It does not control traction once the wheel spins, but delivers constant control that maximises traction.

   Styling

   The RM-Z450’s new chassis and upgraded engine is all wrapped in new bodywork, with more aggressive styling that imitates the factory race bikes. Close attention was paid by the design team to the lines and flow of the new machine, with a sharper design to the bodywork and the machine’s livery design.

   Availability

   The new RM-Z450 is forecast to arrive in dealerships in the autumn. For more information visit https://bikes.suzuki.co.uk/mx

3. Norton Wins Motul Team Award at 2017 Isle of Man TT Races

   Posted on 3:00pm Tuesday 13th Jun 2017

   British Motorcycle manufacturer Norton has won the prestigious Motul team award for technical excellence at the 2017 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy.
   
   The award, which was created by TT Races Official Lubricant Partner Motul, is decided by the TT Race Management Team, which includes Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson, Rider Liaison Officers Richard Quayle and John Barton and TT Business Development Manager Paul Phillips from the Isle of Man Government Department of Economic Development Motorsport team.
   
   The award was given in recognition of Norton Motorcycles being the only team to have achieved two top ten finishers in both the RST Superbike and PokerStars Senior TT Races.
   
   David Johnson finished seventh, fourteen seconds and one place ahead of teammate Josh Brookes in the opening RST Superbike with the team order reversed in the PokerStars Senior with Brookes finishing 6^th, a place and less than three seconds ahead of Johnson.
   
   Brookes also lifted the fastest Mountain Course lap by a Norton to 130.883 with Johnson also adding another 130mph lap to his record during the PokerStars Senior TT.
   
   Leslie Raiwoit, Motorsport Co-ordinator, Motul, commented.
   “At Motul performance is everything and we understand that there are a number of factors to delivering great results which Norton has undoubtedly achieved this year.  The team is very deserving winners of this year’s award which recognises not only where they are today but the journey they have taken to get here.”
    
   Stuart Garner, MD, Norton Motorcycles:
    
   “I’m really pleased to win this award but it reflects exactly what we’ve strived to create at Norton – a team.  And that team is built not only from the two great riders that we have on our bikes and an excellent group of mechanics supporting them on event but is also for every one of the people who work for us including all of the hard working people back at the factory who have helped us to get where we are today.”

   
   
   Photocaption Pictured left to right are Josh Taylor (Norton), Dom Murfin (Norton), Sunni Wilson (Norton), Fabrizio D’Ottavi, Motul Associate Motorsport Manager, Johnny Cusack (Norton), Mick Grant (Norton), Ian Mackman (Norton).

4. Early end to Superbike TT for Honda Racing after Guy Martin crash

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 6th Jun 2017

   The six-lap Superbike race at the Isle of Man TT came to an early end for Honda Racing and Guy Martin on Sunday afternoon, after a crash on the opening lap saw the team out of contention.

   With near-perfect conditions around the 37.73-mile Mountain course the rescheduled race got underway at 2pm. However it wasn’t meant to be after a false neutral caused Martin to crash out of the running at Doran’s Bend, just before the first sector at Glen Helen.

   Walking away from the incident, Martin is OK, but has some swelling to his wrist, so sat out of TT Zero practice that evening. With limited track time due to bad weather affecting practice sessions last week, this is another blow to Honda’s TT, where track time for the all-new Fireblade is vital.

   The team will now regroup and prepare for Wednesday’s Senior TT practice, ahead of the final blue-riband race on Friday 9th June.

   

   Click here to view full results & standing

5. Get the taste for a new Suzuki this summer

   Posted on 11:00am Thursday 25th May 2017

   The all-new GSX-R1000 will be available to test ride from a series of biker cafés this year, as Suzuki embarks on a summer tour of some of the most popular haunts in the country. Starting at the Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum, Scotland, on June 3, the tour takes in seven weekends, ending at Suzuki’s local bike café, the Super Sausage in Towcester, on September 30.

   The new GSX-R1000 features a host of MotoGP-derived technology, including a clever variable valve timing system that gives the new sportsbike both 202hp and 117.6nm of torque. It gets a 10-stage traction control system governed by an inertial measurement unit that also controls rear wheel lift under braking. There are also three power modes and ABS, while the GSX-R1000R also gets launch control, lean angle-sensitive ABS, and a bi-directional quickshifter and auto-blipper, plus Showa’s race-proven Balance Free suspension.

   Suzuki’s demo fleet will also feature the new V-Strom 650, which gets more power and torque for 2017, plus a two-mode traction control system – which can also be turned off – and a new design, as well as the bigger V-Strom 1000, which features lean angle-sensitive ABS and a two-mode traction control system.

   Joining Suzuki’s GSX-S range for 2017 is a new GSX-S750, which takes its engine from the iconic GSX-R750. It gets the same dash and three-mode traction control system as the bigger GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F, and all three will be available to test ride as part of the café tour, along with the SV650 middleweight naked.

   Suzuki GB marketing manager, Rob Cooper, announced the tour, saying, “This is the third year of our biker café tour, which has proven both immensely popular and successful over the last couple of years. By visiting the cafés we’re getting out there and bringing our bikes to a wider audience. As a result, we’re making the test ride experience even easier, and spending time with people we’re perhaps not currently seeing at other events or in dealerships. We’ve cherry-picked some of the most popular destinations across the country, and will be running two-day events at all of the cafés on the calendar. We’re now looking forward to the first event next month.”

   Those wishing to book a test ride in advance can do so by clicking here.

   Suzuki’s café tour dates:

   3-4 June – Green Welly Stop, Tyndrum, Scotland

   24-25 June – Super Sausage Café, Towcester

   1-2 July – Squires Café Bar, Newthorpe, Leeds

   15-16 July – Hartside Top Café, Alston, Cumbria

   29-30 July – Loomies, West Meon, Hampshire

   5-6 August – The Café at Llandow Circuit, Llandow

   30 September – 1 October – Super Sausage Café, Towcester