APRILIA RACING IS READY FOR THE 2023 MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

AS PLANNED, THE PROJECT CONTINUES ITS DEVELOPMENT: FOR THE FIRST TIME FOUR RS-GP BIKES AND FOUR TOP RIDERS WILL BE ON TRACK

AFTER THE EXCELLENT 2022 SEASON, THE EVOLUTION OF THE PROJECT DOES NOT STOP, WITH THE AIM OF BEING EVEN MORE COMPETITIVE BUT ABOVE ALL TO ENTERTAIN AND MAKE THOUSANDS OF APRILIA FANS AROUND THE WORLD DREAM

From surprise to confirmation: this will be the goal of the MotoGP 2023 season for Aprilia Racing, which presents itself through a fun and engaging video, with team and riders immersed in the atmosphere of one of the most famous TV series.
Last season, Aprilia experienced impressive growth in terms of results (their first MotoGP win, another eight podium finishes, and two pole positions) which placed the Italian team among the championship protagonists, in the battle all the way to the end of the season for the most prestigious objectives in every category.

Results which had already been foreshadowed at the start of 2021 when, along with a series of outstanding placings, the first MotoGP podium arrived and results rooted in years of taking steps in the right direction.
Now Aprilia Racing faces a dual challenge - confirming their potential in the championship battle and continuing to grow, with a few more weapons in their arsenal, beginning with the satellite team and its riders Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez, as well as an additional flow of information that will come in handy in developing the RS-GP.

But the spotlight will certainly be on the number 41 garage where Aleix Espargaró will once again be fighting for the championship after his fourth place last season - with more than one regret. Team veteran by statistics and "Captain" by unanimous acclamation, Aleix will be able to count on both the perfect symbiosis with a team that has been following him since 2017 and on the experience and maturity that he has built up over more than 200 Motorcycle World Championship Grand Prix races.
For Maverick Viñales, the positive pressure is just as clear. The talent of the rider from Roses will now be able to rely on complete harmony with the structure of the team and the characteristics of the RS-GP. If 2022 was a year of growth with some spectacular high points, 2023 promises to be the year when he will achieve high level consistency.
Tester Lorenzo Savadori is more than confirmed. His work has been one of the pillars on which Aprilia's huge growth has been built over recent season and he will also be participating in three wild cards, still to be decided.

On the technical front, the evolution of the Aprilia RS-GP involved every single aspect. The V4 engine, which cannot evolve during the season after losing concessions, has increased in power and maximum RPM whilst maintaining its outstanding rideability. The chassis architecture relies on a frame that has been revisited based on the riders’ requests, striving for traction and stability. The aerodynamics maintain the concepts introduced in 2022 such as the curved side panel or the characteristic configuration of the front winglet and evolves them, confirming Aprilia Racing’s technological leadership in the sector. The electronics benefit from the introduction of a new Magneti Marelli ECU and refined strategy management, the object of constant work which will continue race after race.

Aprilia Racing’s growth from a structural point of view also continues. New arrivals on the factory team and new organisation to follow the team clients are the most evident results of this. The racing department from Noale thereby perseveres in its commitment to improve from an organisational point of view, as well as in the technology the RS-GP brings to the race.

Massimo Rivola - Aprilia Racing CEO
"Our growth is undeniable, as is how rapidly we improved. It is a path that did not come about by chance. We are a better company from every point of view, so I expect this trend to continue. Our challenge will now increase with the further responsibility of a satellite team which, while on one hand will allow us to have much more information available, will also be an important test bench for our organisational and analytical ability. The winter break, which was actually one of the most labour intensive periods, was positive, as were the first tests, but only in the race will we be able to assess our level with respect to our rivals. We’ll be under more pressure and we are faced with a new format which implies new challenges for teams and riders, but we have prepared well and I believe that we’ll start the championship season with extremely high motivation. Goals? To do better than last year."

Romano Albesiano, Aprilia Racing Technical Director
"We are rather convinced that we worked well during the winter break and the first tests have already provided some confirmation of this. The technical situation will be new for us, also having a second team to support and from which to be able to draw important information. The race weekends will also bring some changes, with the introduction of the Sprint Race which will demand a specific approach. Every detail of the new RS-GP is an evolution of the 2022 concept, with a numerical improvement of all the main aspects and the development programme anticipates further refinements throughout the season."

Aleix Espargaró
"Being with Aprilia for such a long time puts a certain amount of pressure on me because I know how important results are for this company. At the same time, maturity and the fact that I know the people I work with well give me peace of mind. The 2023 championship season will begin with plenty of unknowns. The new format with the Sprint Race on Saturday will demand even more preparation of us riders but no one can truly assess the actual impact of this change yet. I have prepared to my best ability and I am confident that we will have fun again this year."

Maverick Viñales
"I learned a lot in 2022 about Aprilia and my team, but also about myself. In this new season, we’ll be able to put everything learned during this apprenticeship into practice. I liked the new RS-GP straight away. It has improved in aspects, such as early throttle opening management, which are fundamental for my riding style. I like the new weekend format. It will be interesting both for the fans and for the teams which will have a chance to prepare for the Sunday race using the Sprint Race. I can't wait to get started. The break was refreshing, but now I just want to get back out on the track!"

Lorenzo Savadori
"The new 2023 RS-GP 2023 has clearly grown, but I think there is still margin for improvement. Our goal is to continue testing new solutions. We have some interesting ideas to implement. Physically, I am at 100% after recovering from various injuries so, as always, I will be ready to go. The biggest improvement of the new Aprilia? I’d say the engine. We made more than one step forward and I think that this will help us during the course of the season."

If you are looking for something new to read and you are a horror fan, then this e-book could be for you.  

It’s September 1972. The Devil’s Advocates MC have ridden from Essex to the remote, Snowdonia Mountains of North Wales to attend a secret outlaw motorcycle rally. The party takes an unexpected twist when the gang is invited to a gypsy camp to celebrate the ancient festival of Mabon. What starts as a promise of fun and misadventure, quickly turns into a nightmare ride into the unknown. On roaring, Harley choppers and thundering, British café racers, the outlaws take to the road in a desperate fight against evil. The story is inspired by the fantastic New English Library's 'Biker' books of the 1970s and can be found on Amazon Kindle.  

Maximum comfort on long stages and optimum ergonomics in all riding situations: the two-piece Touratech comfort seat noticeably enhances the touring capability of the Harley-Davidson Pan America.
 
With its beefy Revolution Max 1250 engine, track-stable suspension system and generous on-board space, the Harley-Davidson Pan America is made for epic rides. But even a thoroughly successful vehicle like the Pan Am still offers plenty of scope for individualisation and optimisation.
For example, when it comes to the seat: The different statures of riders alone make a compromise in the design of standard equipment unavoidable. Not so with the Touratech comfort seat. This two-part design offers riders a choice of three different heights. And no matter which version is chosen, all the benefits of this seat, which has been manufactured with proven quality craftsmanship for more than two decades, play their part.
 
Seat core made of ergonomically shaped special foam
For a start, there is the high-grade core made of suitable quality foam, which is specific to the model and does not lose its shape even on the longest stages. The shape of the core is anatomically optimised. This means that not only is the contour completely free of disturbing edges but the special shaping also provides efficient relief for the coccyx and supports an upright sitting position. Thanks to the ingenious shaping of the contour, the Touratech comfort seat has a reduced inner leg curve length so that the rider's feet reach the ground more easily although the seat height remains the same.
 
Seat cover with Fresh Touch technology
Through bonding the foam core and the seat cover over the entire surface, these two components are prevented from shifting independently. The result is wonderfully firm seating and optimum power transmission for precise handling. In addition, Fresh Touch technology reflects the infra-red part of sunlight, which results in up to 10 degrees less heat-up of the seat. Unlike other suppliers, Touratech has been using waterproof taped seams for more than 15 years, effectively preventing the penetration of water into the foam core.

Two-part concept with maximum compatibility
Riders opting for the Touratech comfort seat retain full use of the standard height adjustment.
And the Touratech developers have also given a lot of thought to the pillion seat. Here, too, a foam mixture is used that is particularly suitable for long stages. In addition, a modified contour effectively prevents the passenger from sliding forward, considerably increasing the comfort of riding with a partner.
The Touratech comfort seat for the Harley-Davidson Pan America is ideally used as a set, but the rider and pillion seat are also available separately and are compatible with standard components.
Further information can be found in our Webshop
 

Scouting with Ranger and Bronco
Ford is supporting ACT

Kürten, Germany, 08.03.2023 - With Ford, one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, Adventure Country Tracks e.V. (ACT) has gained a strong partner to support the association in maintaining legal off-road tracks in Europe. With its brand-new Ranger and Bronco models, Ford will provide valuable help in scouting the next track.

Off the beaten tourist track, experience the authentic spirit of a country and take as many unpaved tracks under your wheels as possible - this unique combination of riding fun and unadulterated impressions is made possible by the Adventure Country Tracks.
With Adventure Country Tracks e.V., a team of inveterate adventure riders has created a registered association with the goal of linking the last legally rideable gravel routes in Europe to attractive routes through selected regions. The GPS data and extensive travel information are available to all members of the association. The makers of Adventure Country Tracks e.V. need the support of strong partners for their responsible and time-consuming voluntary work.

Now, with Ford, a company that shares the passion for adventure and discovery is joining the association. "We share the same values when it comes to responsibly experiencing nature and culture, which the association advocates," explains Marc Bertelsbeck, Head of Advertising and Marketing Planning, Ford Germany.

In the current product range, Ford has two highly emotional, iconic vehicles, the Ranger as well as the Bronco, which perfectly fit the Adventurous spirit of ACT. With their high off-road capability, both the Ranger and Bronco are also ideally suited to the driving challenges of scouting new Adventure Country tracks. "Both vehicles will be newly launched in Europe this year, and with both we are supporting the ACT team's production this year. They are made exactly for this kind of adventure and represent the feeling of freedom and life that the ACT team brings to life through their work," says a delighted Marc Bertelsbeck.

Mirko Nagler, board member and co-founder of Adventure Country Tracks e.V., adds: "Thanks to the cooperation with Ford, we have two powerful vehicles at our disposal that can reliably transport the extensive photo and film equipment of our documentation team even over the most difficult stretches of road."

Nagler adds: "Besides the main sponsor Touratech, Yamaha, Harley-Davidson, SENA, NEXX, REV'IT!, Edelweiss Bike Travel and others support our project. Ford's commitment shows that ACT's experience-oriented target group is also highly attractive to companies outside the motorbike industry."

More about which part of Europe the upcoming Adventure Country Track will be ridden is only to be announced later this year.

About Ford

Ford-Werke GmbH is a German automobile manufacturer and mobility provider based in Cologne. The company employs around 19,800 people at its sites in Cologne, Saarlouis and Aachen. Since its foundation in 1925, Ford-Werke has produced more than 47 million vehicles.

About Adventure Country Tracks:

ACT Adventure Country Tracks® is an association for motorbike adventure riders that has been verifying a new ACT track in Europe every year since 2016. Each ACT track is carefully developed and includes the best, legal to ride routes for heavy adventure motorbikes. ACT tracks are GPS-readable routes that can be downloaded from the ACT website in the members' area.

Since 2016, the ACT has established tracks in Portugal, Italy, Pyrenees, Romania Greece and the UK. Each ACT route has an ACT film, which is made possible through the support of industry partners and makes an important contribution to the maintenance of the Association.

Following the success of our weekend event in 2022, National Motorcycle Museum LIVE continues in October 2023 as a two-day event! As always, this is the time when everyone can visit us free of charge* and enjoy a host of exciting free attractions including the return of the popular HENRY COLE AND FRIENDS live on stage.

*Car parking charges apply.

Museum Live 2023 Timetable: To assist visitors, everyone arriving on site will be given a free timetable with a full list & timings of all the weekend’s exciting, free, events.

Free Museum Entry: Everyone is invited to visit the museum collection free-of-charge!

Indoor Trade Area: The event will feature a large indoor trade area held within the warm & dry surroundings of both the National Motorcycle Museum and our conference facilities.

The event will also feature trade stands & displays from many well-known names including Central Wheel Components Ltd, Sealey Tools, H&H Auctions, and Andy Tiernan Motorcycles to name but a few.

The museum shop will be open throughout the event selling a huge range of classic motorcycling books, clothing & memorabilia.

‘Meet The Experts’ presented in association with Central Wheel Components Ltd: In attendance will be some of the museum’s specialist suppliers & craftsmen (including our own restoration team) as well as other classic motorcycling personalities who will be available to chat and answer questions.

Don’t miss the LIVE wheel building demos by Central Wheel Components Ltd.

“HENRY COLE AND FRIENDS” LIVE Stage shows: We are very excited to confirm that Museum LIVE is now the exclusive event to see Henry Cole and Friends live on stage.

“HENRY COLE & FRIENDS” will feature popular personalities from Henry’s TV shows including Henry Cole himself as well as Allen Millyard and new addition Fuzz Townsend. Not only that, but we are also excited to welcome the following motorcycle racing stars who will join Henry and the crew on stage during both Sat & Sun.

SATURDAY: TT superstars John McGuinness and Michael Rutter.

SUNDAY: OMG Racing’s Kyle Ryde, Ryan Vickers and James Hillier

Held in the museum’s magnificent Britannia suite, TT legend, TV presenter, STEVE PLATER will host these brilliant FREE TO ENTER stage shows which will be taking place on both Saturday AND Sunday of the event

ALL of Henry’s guests will be holding special book/memorabilia/autograph signing sessions during the weekend.

Other motorcycling personalities from the past and present will also be in attendance, check the dedicated event page for updates @ www.thenmm.co.uk

Manufacturers In Attendance: Offering the chance to view the latest machines from BSA, Triumph, Royal Enfield, and Langen.

LIVE indoor “Start Up” Feature: See & HEAR some of the most famous race machines in the world started up in our LIVE start-up feature which will take place on stage in the museum’s Britannia Suite.

Bikes old and new will include some of the museum’s famous racing inventory as well as the current team bikes from British Superbike Champions OMG Racing.

Back again for 2023, genius special builder ALLEN MILLYARD will be firing up one of his stunning motorcycle creations.

Food Court & Bar: Fantastic catering provided by the museum’s chefs will be available in our Premier Suite food court & bar area. Our famous breakfast BBQ will also be available from 8.30am onwards.

Parking*: Car parking for the event is just £15.00 per car with motorcycle parking absolutely free. Given the event’s huge popularity, the museum encourages car sharing which makes this nominal parking charge even better value!

For further Museum Live 2023 updates visit www.thenmm.co.uk