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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.
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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
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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
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Indian Motorcycle is delighted to be back at Motorcycle Live once again this year, presenting models from its 2023 line-up at the UK’s biggest motorcycle show, running from this Saturday (19th November) until Sunday 27 November.
The legendary American brand’s presence at the NEC in Birmingham is boosted with the debut of its 2023 models, announced just over a week ago at the EICMA show in Milan. Joining the established line-up will be the new and updated FTR range, giving UK fans their first chance to see the revised naked sports bike line-up, including the new FTR Sport and FTR Rally.
Indian Motorcycle’s Claire D’auria commented, “We’re thrilled to be able to bring key 2023 models to Motorcycle Live so quickly after their announcement at EICMA. The new FTR range has been updated for next year, with a new FTR Sport model slotting into the line-up, flanked by some dramatic colour way updates to the FTR base model, the FTR Rally and the range topping FTR R Carbon. On top of this, we’re pleased to bring the rest of our line-up, along with some special builds to whet the appetite of those with a flair for customisation and the original FTR 750 flat track racer too.”
Joining the new FTR models will be the new Chief model range that first debuted at Motorcycle Live just one year ago, while the new Scout Rogue gives fans of the brand’s popular middleweight a new sporty alternative.
And for fans attending on the first Saturday, the Indian Motorcycle UK crew will be joined by legendary motorcycle racer and King of the Baggers protagonist, Jeremy McWilliams, who will be on hand to meet fans and chat about his, and the team’s legendary season state-side on the championship winning Indian Challenger.
Indian Motorcycle can be found at: Hall 3A, Stand 3D30
For show and ticket information please visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk
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- The brands aim with its presence at EICMA 2022 is to consolidate its good progress on the international market, since it is already present in Spain, Germany, Portugal and the United Arab Emirates.
- URBET ELECTRIC MOTORS will be joined in Milan by LORA S as its main attraction, its flagship model thanks to its 360 km range and its 24 HP power.
- URBET will also unveil a new model called GRAN VIA, a new electric maxiscooter focused on satisfying the needs of a growing demand.
URBET will attend the most important motor show for the two-wheel sector in Europe, the EICMA, an event which will take place between the 8th and the 13th of November. The brand will have an exclusive and attractive stand which can be found at the T84E location in Hall 24.
The aim of URBET ELECTRIC MOTORS with its presence at EICMA is to continue its international expansion strategy and therefor strengthen its presence in key markets. The Marbella-based company is already present in the Spanish market through more than 20 authorised dealers, as well as in Germany, Portugal and the United Arab Emirates. Soon, URBET will start its activity in Italy thanks to a new partner.
This will also be the first time the company shows LORA S in an international exhibition. Thanks to its 360 km range, its 24 HP of maximum power and a naked design with neo-retro lines, the model will help to project the URBET ELECTRIC MOTORS brand in a stronger way in the different european markets.
URBET ELECTRIC MOTORS wants to demonstrate its ambition for growth and commitment with the customer, and for this reason it does not only restrict itself commercially to the markets where it has an official presence, but also will deliver any model to any country within the European framework, offering personalised attention.
URBET ELECTRIC MOTORS model range
The URBET range starts in Spain at 2,200 euros* for its most economical model, RIAZOR, an affordable moped based on the concept of a flat-floor urban scooter. EGO is the brand's second electric moped. With a more radical image, it does not follow design concepts, and starts at 3,900 euros*.
GADIRO is the brand's best-seller. A 125 C.C. equivalent that offers up to 160 kilometres of autonomy in its dual battery version. It is one of the most affordable 125 electric bikes in Europe, starting at 3,500 euros*.
LORA is the maximum expression of technology and power within the URBET ELECTRIC MOTORS model range. In its LORA S version, it reaches a top speed of 150 kilometres per hour thanks to its 19 kW maximum power motor (24 HP) and a range of up to 360 kilometres on a full charge of its 15.1 kWh battery. All of this is possible at the same time that is considered a 125 C.C. equivalent, as its rated power remains at 8 kW.
As URBET ELECTRIC MOTORS announced previously, LORA and LORA S will reach the streets of Europe during the last stages of this year.
URBET GRAN VIA, the new electric maxiscooter for those looking for more in every way
In order to continue to meet the requirements of a growing demand, URBET ELECTRIC MOTORS will add a new electric maxiscooter to its model range that aims to satisfy those who need a scooter with bigger dimensions and better performance than a traditional urban scooter.
The new model owes its name to the most famous streets in Madrid and Barcelona, Calle Gran Vía. Will be positioned between Gadiro and Lora in terms of performance. It will reach up to 120 kilometres per hour thanks to a central electric motor with 9 kW of continuous power and 20 kW of maximum power.
URBET GRAN VIA will also have a superior range to the needs of the average user on the daily basis, since with a full charge of its 7.56 kWh battery (72 V, 105 Ah), it will be able to complete journeys of more than 130 kilometres between charges.
In the coming weeks, URBET will announce GRAN VIA’s launch for the European market.
URBET: E-Mission Ø
URBET: E-Mission Ø is the philosophy under which URBET ELECTRIC MOTORS works, in which the electric vehicle is the basis on which healthier and more efficient cities must be created.
Santiago Díaz- Pache comments on the brand's mission: "URBET aims to be a protagonist in this transformation, we want not only to drive cleanly, which we already do, but also to extend our technology so that we do not emit CO2 when we charge our vehicles.”
“Our innovation department is working in this direction. Zero-emission driving and charging. We believe that the electric vehicle is the basis on which to create healthier and more efficient cities.”
URBET's goal with the international launch of LORA is to establish itself in the European market, something that GADIRO has already helped with, and which they hope to complete with LORA: "URBET is experiencing a moment of expansion of the brand both nationally and internationally. The Lora model also aims to introduce us more forcefully into the European market, something that is already being achieved in cities such as Paris, Berlin, Brussels and Stockholm," concludes Díaz-Pache.
*Prices may vary depending on the country.
Sobre URBET
Urbet Electric Motors is a Spanish electric mobility brand founded in 2017 in the city of Marbella and already has 20 official distributors in Spain. Its range is made up of four models, including the Urbet Gadiro E125, one of the most popular models on the Spanish market in its niche thanks to a price/range ratio that is currently unrivalled. In the future, the Andalusian company aims to set up production in Málaga.
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