Australia has given MotoGP champions like Casey Stoner, Mick Doohan, and Wayne Gardner, but currently, the grid of the premier class has only one Australian rider: Jack Miller. Even in the lower categories, the situation isn’t much more encouraging, with only Senna Agius (Moto2) and Jacob Roulstone (Moto3) confirmed in the 2024 paddock.

Despite this, Miller is not concerned about the future of Australians in MotoGP. The Red Bull KTM rider said in a press conference that there has always been a presence of compatriots, and he believes that nowadays it’s easier for Australians to succeed in motorcycle racing:

– There are guys coming true. It’s always been though, there was always a lack of Aussies, I guess you can say. But in the big scheme I think we’ve always had more or less somebody there – some better than others. But, yeah. It’s always the way. It’s a long way away from everywhere else in the world and it is extra hard. But there is a lot of young talent: Senna, Joel, Roulstone and a few others – even doing well in the Rookies Cup. So there is a lot of talent coming up through this side of the world and I think now more than ever is easier with the Asian Talent Cup, and then of course the Rookies Cup and the programs like that, it’s easier.

O conteúdo Jack Miller isn’t worried with the lack of Aussies in MotoGP: ‘Now more than ever is easier’ aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Luciano Benavides clinched the Rally-Raid World Championship title on Wednesday. To achieve this, he finished the Rallye du Maroc in second place, just behind the winner Toby Price (Red Bull KTM), after a fifth stage in which he had to lead the way.

The Argentine rider from Husqvarna reacted to the achievement: ‘It’s a dream come true for me! It’s been a long journey to get to this point from finishing my first rally here in Morocco in 2017. To finish like this against Toby on the last day of the rally while opening the stage is incredible, I can’t thank the team enough for all the hard work and their belief in me!’.

Regarding the final stage in particular, Benavides commented: ‘Today was crazy! The navigation for this stage was tricky, I did get lost at some points, but I managed to get back on track quickly and make up time. I loved opening the stage on the dunes and I knew that I had to get ahead as the others would be catching me up’.

As for winning the title, the South American rider revealed that the wait was challenging to manage: ‘Finally I’ve got my first World Championship! Waiting for confirmation of the championship when I finished was tense, 40 minutes felt like four hours, but I knew I gave my best today as there was no other option. It was really special to start first because I could just look forward and get on with it, and no one caught me so I finished first too’.

Finally, Benavides also said: ‘I want to celebrate and enjoy this feeling for a while because although it is amazing, it’s been a tough season and I have trained hard so I want to rest for a week or two! After that it’s full gas again because I want to keep the same rhythm and pace for Dakar as it’s another dream for me to win’.

O conteúdo ‘Waiting for confirmation of the championship was tense; 40 minutes felt like four hours’ – Luciano Benavides aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

As it is well-known, Marc Márquez has had a deep connection with Repsol Honda for over a decade, but he will be moving to Gresini in MotoGP next year. Therefore, the Japanese manufacturer will have to find a successor to their reference rider since 2013.

When asked in a press conference whether he had suggested any replacement riders to the team for his position, the Spanish rider assured that this was not the case: ‘No, I will not go there, I will not go on that point. Of course there are some good names on the table, but it’s more about rumours and I already understood with my rumours that in 100 rumours, one is true. Which one, you don’t know’.

Márquez also revealed that he would like to return to Honda in the future: ‘I wish the best for Honda and for me it’s not a bye bye, it’s like see you later – sooner or later, but I’ll see you. I wish to cross our futures again in the next years’.

O conteúdo ‘I wish to cross our futures with Honda again’ – Marc Márquez aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Jorge Martín is the new leader of the MotoGP World Championship, but his approach remains the same. The Prima Pramac rider is now seven points ahead of the defending champion, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati).

The Spanish rider emphasized that the pressure is on the opponent, and he is experiencing his first time leading the MotoGP with good feelings, but without changing his mindset:

– It feels good, it feels amazing, and it’s like a dream – it’s why we are here. But the mentality will be the same. I need to attack, I need to enjoy the moment. Everything that comes is good; the pressure is on Pecco, I feel, because he needs to win. So, I will keep the same mentality.

Asked if he could do a similar performance at the beginning of the season with his current confidence levels, Martín replied: ‘I think I missed a lot of good points at the beginning of the season, I did some mistakes, but this a learning process – this year is still a learning process. And hopefully next season I have another opportunity and I can be able to improve those mistakes’.

O conteúdo ‘The pressure is on Pecco Bagnaia’ – Jorge Martín aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

The provisional calendar for the 2024 MXGP and MX2 motocross World Championships was announced this Thursday. It includes 20 rounds, starting in March and ending in September.

The season kicks off in Argentina on March 10, and on March 24, the European phase of the championship begins with the MXGP of Europe at a location yet to be determined. The championships then settle in the Old Continent, except for the double round in Indonesia on June 30 and July 7. The season ends with the MXGP of Italy on September 29.

There are still two rounds in countries to be announced, while the MXGP of Nations is scheduled for October 6 at Matterley Basin in the United Kingdom.

MXGP calendar for 2024:

March 9 and 10: MXGP of Patagonia Argentina (Villa la Angostura, Argentina)
March 23 and 24: MXGP of Europe (local por anunciar); with EMX125 and EMX250
April 6 and 7: MXGP of Sardegna (Riola Sardo, Italy); with WMX and EMX125
April 13 and 14: MXGP of Trentino (Pietramurata, Italy); with EMX125 and EMX250
May 4 and 5: MXGP of Portugal (Águeda, Portugal); with EMX125 and EMX250
May 11 and 12: MXGP of Spain (intu Xanadu/Arroyomolinos, Spain); with WMX and EMX250
May 18 and 19: MXGP of France (Saint Jean d’Angely, France); with EMX125 and EMX250
June 1 and 2: MXGP of Germany (Teutschenthal, Germany); with WMX and EMX250
June 8 and 9: MXGP of Latvia (Kegums, Latvia); with EMX125 and EMX250
June 15 and 16: Country and track to be announced; with EMX125 and EMX250
June 29 and 30: MXGP of Sumbawa Indonesia (Sumbawa, Indonesia)
July 6 and 7: MXGP of Lombok Indonesia (Lombok, Indonesia)
July 20 and 21: MXGP of Czech Republic (Loket, Czechia); with EMX65, EMX85 and EMX 2T
July 27 and 28: MXGP of Flanders (Lommel, Belgium); with EMX125 and EMX Open
August 10 and 11: MXGP of Sweden (Uddevalla, Sweden); with EMX125 and EMX250
August 17 and 18: MXGP of the Netherlands (Arnhem, Netherlands); with WMX and EMX125
August 24 and 25: MXGP of Switzerland (Frauenfeld, Switzerland); with EMX125 and EMX250
September 7 and 8: MXGP of Turkiye (Afyonkarahisar, Turkiye); with WMX and EMX250
September 14 and 15: Country and track to be announced
September 28 and 29: MXGP of Italy (Track to be announced)
October 5 and 6: MX of Nations (Matterley Basin, United Kingdom)

O conteúdo MXGP provisional calendar for 2024 has been revealed aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Often, our journeys are not just for the pleasure of walking. They become journeys to work, school or small errands, requiring the transportation of essential goods. This need increases on long journeys and adventures. Fortunately, the market is full of luggage options, especially for BMW GS enthusiasts.

Wunderlich, known for its extensive BMW accessories, has introduced a clever storage solution for R 1200 and R 1250 GS enthusiasts – the Subframe Bag. This stylish accessory hides the frame’s “windows” under the seat, precisely where the front frame meets the subframe. What’s impressive is its ability to blend in perfectly, giving your bike a sleek appearance that doesn’t immediately catch the eye.

These practical side bags feature Cordura TrueLock fabric, known for its durability and abrasion resistance. They are also designed to repel water, keeping your belongings dry in variable conditions. Inside, a soft lining ensures that your items stay securely in place, even during dynamic rides. These small bags are carefully positioned to avoid interfering with the rider’s legroom, whether he’s sitting, standing on off-road trails or leaning against the tank on winding, lively roads. This configuration ensures that your quick-access items are safe and conveniently within reach.

The lower frame bag offers a reliable attachment to the bike’s frame via four secure zippers, ensuring that it stays in place even on difficult terrain. These bags retain their shape thanks to their pre-formed design, preserving the sleek look of your bike even when they’re empty. The padding on the back, where they attach to the frame, protects you from potential scratches caused by vibrations and engine oscillations.

For more information, visit the official Wunderlich website.

O conteúdo Wunderlich offers new frame bags for the BMW GS – Subframe bag aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Dainese, a prominent name in motorcycle gear and apparel, serves riders of various disciplines – whether on the racetrack, off-road adventures, daily commuting or touring. Headquartered in Italy, the Dainese Group has a considerable portfolio encompassing the Dainese, AGV and TCX brands. They offer comprehensive motorcycle gear solutions, ensuring your protection from head to toe.

The Dainese Group is undergoing significant changes, with Angel Sánchez taking on the role of CEO as of November 2, 2023. Sánchez brings a diverse background, mainly in retail and consumer products, to this leadership position. His impressive track record includes CEO and senior leadership roles in several international companies.

In the midst of these transitions, Cristiano Silei, who has been at the helm of Dainese since 2015, will transition to the position of non-executive chairman of the company. These changes signify a new chapter for Dainese, and it will be interesting to see how these changes affect the future direction of the brand and innovations in the motorcycle gear industry.

Before taking over as CEO of Dainese, Angel Sánchez had a remarkable professional career. He was CEO of Conserve Italia, one of Europe’s largest food and beverage cooperatives, responsible for renowned brands such as Cirio, Yoga and Valfrutta. During his leadership, the companies recorded impressive growth, with EBITDA doubling during his tenure.

Sánchez also held the position of CEO of ABM Italia, a European manufacturer specializing in cabinets, shelving and storage products. His tenure culminated in the successful sale of the company to Keter, a leading manufacturer of high-quality plastic consumer products. At Keter, Sánchez initially held the position of Marketing Director and later progressed to Deputy Managing Director and Director of Europe. His diverse experience in different sectors brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role as CEO of Dainese.

O conteúdo Angel Sánchez appointed new CEO of the Dainese Group aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Volcon, the off-road electric motorsport specialist, has some exciting news to share. They have started shipping their latest creation, the Grunt Evo electric motorcycle. This long-awaited improved two-wheeler with rugged tires is now on its way to dealers and customers in North America and Latin America. Dealers, distributors and those who have already made reservations can expect to receive their bikes in just two to three weeks.

In April, the Volcon Grunt Evo made its debut, provoking a wave of enthusiasm among riders. It offers an impressive off-road adventure with its updated features and state-of-the-art design. Since its official launch earlier this year, customers have had the opportunity to customize their Evo bikes on the Volcon website, choosing from a trio of colors and a variety of accessories, all available through their chosen dealer. Those who signed up early can expect to get their hands on these bikes in the coming weeks and are encouraged to contact their dealer for more details.

You may remember the first product to hit the market before the Evo – its predecessor, the Grunt FE. While the Evo retains some essential elements of the original Grunt, it introduces improvements that set it apart. Significant improvements have been made to increase silence, reduce weight, improve styling and increase rider comfort. One notable change is the introduction of the Gates carbon belt drive, which replaces the chain drive used on the previous Grunt FE model. For cycling enthusiasts, the Gates carbon belt drive is known for its quiet performance and virtually maintenance-free durability, especially when it comes to e-bike applications.

The initial range of accessories consists of a flat rear rack, a utility rack, a trailer hitch, a tank bag and various storage solutions – all conveniently available on the Volcon website. In addition, customers can opt for the iconic gold anodized forks, a classic Grunt FE feature, as an accessory for their Evo. With three distinct colors, each paying homage to the company’s Texan heritage, customers have a range of choices to personalize their Evo and make it truly unique.

O conteúdo First deliveries begin of the new Volcon Grunt Evo electric bike aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Ducati Multistrada, a name recognized in every corner of the world and immediately destined to leave its mark. In these twenty years, the range has imposed the rules of road bike production, becoming a brand within a brand. At Ducati in Milan, in addition to professionalism and service, there is always a deep and sincere passion for Ducati motorcycles.

Ducati has always been associated with the concept of sportiness. Then, in 2003, the engineers in Borgo Panigale had an intuition: the future of two wheels called for more versatile models, sporty but also suitable for traveling, without losing the Ducati soul. And so the 1000 DS was born. Since then, each new model has raised the bar in terms of technology and performance, forcing the others to keep up, right up to the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour, presented a few days ago by the parent company and which promises fantastic journeys.

From the Multistrada V2 S, which is the gateway to Ducati’s tourer universe, to all the versions of the Multistrada V4, with many options in terms of equipment, from the sportiest to those designed for longer journeys.

The day dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Multistrada will be a very special occasion for Ducati to celebrate one of its most iconic models.

O conteúdo The Ducati Multistrada turns 20 – Ducati celebrates on September 30th in Milan aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

It’s called X-Wedge and it’s a new Chinese brand entering the market. One of the many brands we’ve never heard of, but which represent solid realities, at least in Asia.

Established companies are always being added to, and this X-Wedge represents something different. Let’s start by saying that it is part of the Huansong industrial group, based in Chongqing, and that instead of attacking the market for medium and low displacement motorcycles, it intends to enter the market for large displacement cruisers.

The range will consist of five new models, obviously inspired by American V-Twins.

The engine is said to be derived from the famous S&S, curiously also called the X-Wedge, which has similar characteristics to the engines that equip the Chinese manufacturer’s new models.

The entry-level model is called the Ranger RX2000 and is inspired by the more classic H-Ds. Equipped with a fairing and a set of rear bags, it is called the RL200.

Of the five new entries, three are three-wheeled, the Voyager VS2000 is essentially a Ranger RX2000 with sidecar (with both rear wheels driven), while the Vanguard VT2000 is a real tricycle.

Also with three wheels, but with an inverted layout, two at the front and one at the back, the Walker WR1000 is the only model that doesn’t have the S&S twin-cylinder engine. In fact, its engine is a 975 cc twin-cylinder with 81 hp of power and 80 Nm of torque, with a CVT transmission.

We don’t know if these models will be launched in other markets outside China, but we doubt that they will reach Europe.

O conteúdo X-WEDGE – China thinks big aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.