Suzuki win world endurance title

Thursday, September 29th

Suzuki Endurance Racing Team, Suzuki Castrol has taken victory in the final round of the World Endurance Championship at Vallelunga in Italy after 79 laps and 200 miles.

World Endurance Champions Keiichi Kitagawa and Matthieu Lagrive competed without team mate Vincent Philippe - who was injured yesterday - and led from the third lap to beat Yamaha Phase One Endurance by almost one-and-a-half minutes. The British-based team were the only team to finish the race on the same lap as French-run Suzuki Castrol.

Yamaha Austria's team of Igor Jerman and Thomas Hinterreiter finished in third place after a final-session battle with Phase One. The two teams had been trading places after every fuel stop but Nowland caught and passed the Austrians with only eight laps to go.

Said Kitagawa: "Except for Suzuka, we have won all the races so overall I am very comfortable with this season. I wanted to win at Suzuka as well of course, but I am very happy with this result."

RESULTS:

1 Suzuki Castrol - FRA - (Suzuki GSX-R1000) - Philippe, Kagayama, Lagrive - 79 laps. 2 Yamaha Phase One Endurance - GBR - (Yamaha YZF-R1) - Nowland, Cudlin +1:29.236. 3 Yamaha Austria - AUT - (Yamaha YZF-R1) - Jerman, Hinterreiter -1lap. 4 Kawasaki Bolliger - SUI - (Kawasaki ZX10R) - Kellenberger, Morillon -1 lap. 5 Ducati Spring Team - ITA - (Ducati 999) - Colombo, Mauri, Gennari -2 laps.

6 Suzuki Fagersjo-el.se - SWE - (Suzuki GSX-R1000) - Notman, Carlbark -2 laps. 6 Shell Endurance Academy - GBR - (Yamaha ZF-R1) - Hogan, Rohtlaan, Wylie -2 laps. 8 Yamaha X-One - ITA - (Yamaha YZF-R1) - Tessari, Ricci, Clementini - 2 laps. 9 Suzuki No Limits & RT - ITA - (Yamaha YZF-R1) - Ruozi, Giachino, Codeluppi -3 laps. 10 Kawasaki RMT21 - GER - (Kawasaki ZX10R) - Fluckiger, Roth, Wildisen - 3 laps.

(this article was taken from insidebikes.co.uk)
GT on 29.09.05 @ 11:01 AM GMT [link]

Monday, September 26th

BSB Donington; Suzuki Report

There's more news from other leading BSB teams in our racing section, but here's the word from Rizla Suzuki, who had atough fight on their hands at Donington;

Rizla Suzuki's John Reynolds and James Haydon each recorded hard-fought fifth place finishes at the 12th round of the British Superbike Championship at Donington Park in Leicestershire today.

A change of fork settings before the opening dry race allowed reigning Champion Reynolds to set the third fastest lap on his way to taking fifth place. A rainstorm before the second race meant the riders started on a damp track with a drying racing line and Reynolds fell foul of the conditions when he strayed onto a wet patch and crashed unhurt early on.

Haydon crashed without injury on the opening lap of the first race. His crew then made the same change to his forks that Reynolds had found beneficial and that gave him extra confidence to fight through to fifth in the second race despite a poor start.

Rizla Suzuki will be racing again at the final round of the 2005 British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch GP circuit in Kent, on Sunday, October 9th.

John Reynolds:

"I'll go away from Donington and focus on the positives we have achieved here. We have been struggling to set up the front end of the Rizla Suzuki but today we made a change that has given me much more feeling and confidence in my bike.

"Well done to my team for working so hard all weekend. I'm just gutted that early in the second race I came off the dry line onto a wet patch and crashed without getting a proper chance to show what I could achieve. I guess that will have to wait until we are racing at Brands Hatch."

James Haydon:

"I was disappointed to crash out of the first race when I lost the front end without any warning. We sat down after that and decided to make the same change to my forks that 'JR' found beneficial. Thanks to that change my bike felt much better in the second race.

"I got caught behind a couple of riders from the start and because it was wet off the racing line it took time to get past them. Once I did, the extra confidence in my Rizla Suzuki let me get a move on and I was catching the leaders towards the end. I'm really excited about going to Brands Hatch and can't wait to get racing again."

(this article was taken from insidebikes.com)
GT on 26.09.05 @ 11:08 AM GMT [link]

Thursday, September 22nd

Kawasaki Top Seller

Kawasakis middleweight supersport ZX-6R is the top selling machine in its class according to sales figures released by the MCIA. With over 1500 registrations so far this year, the ZX-6R commands first spot in the important 126-650cc sales category. For the past three months the compact and stylish supersport machine has been at the top of the hard fought category despite strong challenges from other manufacturers.

Its fantastic news that the ZX-6R is at the top of its class. The engine and chassis performance coupled with the amazing design and style of the machine is obviously hitting the spot with bikers across the UK, says Martin Lambert, Marketing Manager for Kawasaki Motors UK.

In the Rider Power Awards for 2005, carried out by RiDE magazine, the Kawasaki ZX-6R came first in the Supersports class. The Rider Power Awards are based on surveys received from the owners themselves and the result continues to underline what a top-class machine the ZX-6R is, said Lambert.

Kawasaki were responsible for creating the mid-weight supersport class in 1985 with the GPz600R and in 2005 they continue to be a market leader. The 2005 machine, the ZX636-C1H, was designed by Kawasakis Shunji Tanaka who is also responsible for creating the Ninja ZX-10R and the new ER-6.

The Kawasaki ZX-6R is not only proving the most popular in its class but also amongst the bigger bikes. The recent figures also show that the ZX-6R is currently the fourth best selling machine in the entire UK motorcycle market.

(this article was taken from insidebikes.com)
GT on 22.09.05 @ 03:55 PM GMT [link]

Monday, September 19th

Goldwing 2006 Gets Airbag

Honda Motor Co. unveiled the world's first airbag system for production motorcycles, and plans to offer it on the 2006 Gold Wing touring bike in the U.S. market. The airbag equipped Wing is expected to arrive in the UK and Europe a year later.

The airbag module is built in between the bike's handlebars, according to business press sources, and activates when four crash sensors detect a severe frontal collision, creating a buffer as the rider is flung forward on impact.

Honda, the world's top motorcycle maker, said the airbag would be effective in significantly reducing fatalities and serious injuries, citing data which shows that most occur during frontal collisions, where riders are pitched over the handlebars.

Officials said Honda aimed to offer the airbag on more motorcycles in future, but acknowledged a number of technical problems would limit its application. One concern is believed to be that a smaller, lighter motorcycle might tip over itself suring a head-on collision, crushing the rider upon the inflated airbag which has just saved his or her life. The airbag also needs enough space to blow up safely in front of the rider, which means that the system can't be mounted on a sports bike, where the rider leans forward much more.

(this article was taken from insidebikes.com)
GT on 19.09.05 @ 10:02 AM GMT [link]

Thursday, September 15th

New 2006 ZX-10R Ninja

Kawasaki have released details on their 2006 ZX-10R Ninja, which is being launched officially at the Paris Motorcycle Show later this month.

The ZX-10R has received major attention to its chassis, with a brand new, lighter swingarm and a wider range of suspension adjustment at the back end too.

At the front the Ninja gets an Ohlins steering damper, plus revised geometry to make it more stable, especially under hard acceleration.

The engine has been modified internally, the alternator shifted and an all new titanium exhaust added, matched up with a brand new fuel injection set-up. Kawasaki have stated that the motor will make more power, yet meet Euro 3 emissions - sounds unlikely, but does anyone need more power from a modern 1000cc sportbike? Probably not.

Finally, the Ninja's nodywork is subtly re-styled, which according to the big K is to enhance the aerodynamics of the ZX-10R. The one thing that strikes you immediately, just from glancing at the press CD images, is that the screen seems very low indeed. Great on the track, a pain in the neck for some riders on the road perhaps.

2006 paint schemes are traditional green, silver and jet black.

The Ninja's UK price is likely to be around 9K, so it competes alongside the GSXR1000, with details on availability finalised around the NEC show launch in late October.

(this article was taken from insidebikes.com)
GT on 15.09.05 @ 10:45 AM GMT [link]

Monday, September 12th

Team Roberts Drop Motegi

Team Roberts has confirmed that it will not be present at next week's Japanese Grand Prix on 18th September.

After breaking up with KTM, the team have no engine supplier and used their old V5 Proton motor at Brno, with McWilliams riding.

Proton are unlikely to enter the 2006 season, as the Malaysian company are simply too small a car company in global terms to bankroll a GP engine development programme and in any case, Proton have the revival of the MV Agusta group to consider.

Team Roberts may well return next season with new engines, but who will supply them? Honda? Probably not, but Yamaha? Maybe. There's no word as yet, but there are another two months to go before the season ends and negotiations can begin in earnest between manufacturers and potential satellite teams.

(this article was taken from insidebikes.com)
GT on 12.09.05 @ 11:22 AM GMT [link]

Thursday, September 8th

Design Icon Triumphs

E3 has created a website to showcase the partnership between two truly-British design icons fashion designer Paul Smith and classic motorcycle manufacturer Triumph (www.triumph.co.uk/paulsmith).

The site, which went live on August 26th, features the upcoming range of Paul Smith for Triumph clothing, accessories and the limited edition Bonneville T100 motorcycles that have been customised by Paul Smith.

The products are the result of a two-year worldwide collaboration on a range of co-branded items from jeans and shirts to Bonneville T100 bikes. Nine one-off hand-painted bikes styled by Paul Smith have been created and will be exhibited around the world in showrooms, at tradeshows and design exhibitions. In London they will form part of a Harrods window display for the stores Truly British campaign.

In response to the overwhelming reaction to these special bikes, two limited edition Paul Smith designs are for sale. Inspired by two of the original customised designs, the Multi-Union and Live Fast models feature special hand-painted bodywork and mock-croc leather seats. Fifty of each design will be produced for sale globally with each bike individually numbered and authenticated with a certificate signed by Paul Smith and Triumphs owner John Bloor. The bikes are available to buy on a first come, first served basis.

The clothing and accessories will be available at Paul Smith shops and concessions worldwide.

The E3-created partnership website features a gallery of products, wallpapers and a history of the design collaboration. The site also tells visitors where and when they can see the nine one-off designed bikes and how they can buy one of the 100 limited editions if they are quick enough.

Explaining the rationale behind the link-up, Triumphs Corporate Identity and Communications Manager Andrea Friggi says: This is the perfect marriage of two classic design brands. Paul Smiths flair for the eccentric, a style that is truly British and a dedication to the highest standards of craftsmanship is a perfect match for Triumphs individual, distinctive and timeless style.

(this article was taken from insidebikes.com)
GT on 08.09.05 @ 02:40 PM GMT [link]

Monday, September 5th

Mladin Is '05 AMA Superbike Champ

In a stunning end to the Suzuki weekend at Road Atlanta on Sunday, Team Yoshimura Suzuki's Mat Mladin clinched his third record-breaking AMA Superbike Championship by taking an unprecedented sixth title.

And team mate Aaron Yates carded his first Superbike win of the season while Ben Spies came in a close second to Yates.

"It was a good year for us," said Mladin. "And Suzuki delivered a motorcycle that made life a lot easier than last year. As I've said all along, the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 is an amazing motorcycle."

Mladin had a record-breaking qualifying session in that he not only broke the track record with a time of 1:21.685, but he is also the first AMA Superbike rider to capture every pole position in a single season -- that's 10 for the season and 47 for his career total.

His Yoshimura Suzuki team mates qualified closely behind him on the front row, with Spies in the second spot with a 1:23.161 and Yates in third with a 1:23.242.

The 25-lap race started late on Sunday afternoon and was almost immediately red-flagged after a rider crashed. The riders were re-gridded for a full re-start and although Spies got the holeshot, Yates took over the lead almost immediately. The duo led the race entirely.

"What can I say? Let's give it up for the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000," announced Yates from the podium. "It was a good day and a good race. We got a good start out there and I think I was a little stronger in a couple of spots and I just tried to take advantage of the opportunities -- then I sort of got into cruisin' mode. It's just really great to get the race win for Suzuki."

Spies rode hard and consistently and made a few runs at Yates. But after 25 laps, he maintained a strong second. "I wish there's been no red flag," said Spies. "But I just did the best that I could and tried to be conservative and get on the podium."

Mladin got a bad start and worked his way through traffic. With his sixth championship in mind, he rode a conservative race and finished fourth.

Mladin's five previous AMA Superbike titles came aboard the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 in 2004 and 2003 and aboard the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R750 in 2001, 2000 and 1999.

AMA Superbike Top 10 Finishers:

1. Aaron Yates (Yoshimura Suzuki) 2. Ben Spies (Yoshimura Suzuki) 3. Neil Hodgson (Ducati) 4. Mat Mladin (Yoshimura Suzuki) 5. Jake Zemke (Honda)

6. Josh Hayes (Kawasaki) 7. Jason Pridmore (Jordan Suzuki) 8. Eric Bostrom (Ducati) 9. Miguel Duhamel (Honda) 10. Steve Rapp (Jordan Suzuki)

(this article was taken from insidebikes.com)
GT on 05.09.05 @ 10:01 AM GMT [link]

Thursday, September 1st

Suzuki Rider's Charity Tour

Here's a cause worth supporting if you have the chance, as a Suzuki Owners GB member, Billy Mac travels from North to South along the roads of the UK.

Billy is raising money for cancer charities on this ride and you can follow his progress via the Discussion boards in the Suzuki Owners GB forum.

So post a message of support here as he journeys Southwards.
GT on 01.09.05 @ 04:21 PM GMT [link]

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