MRW Issue 38

ISSUE 38
MARC MÁRQUEZ
BYE-BYE HONDA
HELLO DUCATI
FIRST LOOK
KTM 1390
SUPER DUKE R
RACING NEWS
WORLD SBK
& MOTOGP
FIRST LOOK
KAWASAKI
HYDROGEN H2
FIRST RIDE
2024 KTM
390 DUKE

EDITOR’S NOTE
Greetings MRW enthusiasts, and welcome
to the 38th edition of SA’s exclusive
motorcycle magazine – marking the
culmination of an exhilarating year in
motorcycle racing. The 2023 MotoGP
season was nothing short of spectacular,
delivering suspense until the final race
– just the kind of thrilling conclusion we
relish. World SBK also provided sensational
racing, setting the stage for an even
more phenomenal 2024 season in both
championships.
Anticipation is building for the upcoming
year, with numerous intriguing
developments in store for MotoGP and
World SBK. A major focal point is the highly
anticipated move of MM93 to Ducati with
the Gresini team. Witnessing the eighttime
world champion on the dominant
Ducati machine promises excitement, with
expectations of ruffling a few feathers and a
triumphant return to his winning ways. While
there may be some adjustments for Marc,
both with the bike and the team, I firmly
consider him a strong contender for the
2024 title.
Pecco remains a formidable force,
and Martin is poised to be a significant
contender once again. Keep an eye on
KTM, as they aim to make further strides
after a solid 2023 season. The absence of
a main race win in the previous year will
undoubtedly drive them, especially our own
Brad, who is eager to rectify that statistic.
Brad’s impressive fourth-place finish in the
highly competitive 2023 MotoGP season
solidifies his status as one of the world’s
best, yet questions linger until he and KTM
can enhance their overall winning records.
For more insights into MotoGP, be sure to
catch our latest episode of Talking MotoGP,
where we review the final race and the
Valencia test.
Looking ahead to World SBK 2024, the
stage is set for an epic season. With Rea
moving to Yamaha, Iannone returning to
Ducati, Toprak on a BMW, and new rider/
machine weight rules in play, excitement is
guaranteed. I, for one, cannot contain my
anticipation.
As we bid farewell to 2023, a year marked
by highs and lows, here’s hoping that
2024 brings more positivity and restores
a sense of peace and brightness to our
world. I extend my heartfelt thanks for your
continued support and wish you all a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Rob
CONTRIBUTORS
Shaun Portman
Beam Productions
Adam Child “Chad”
Sheridan Morais
CONTACT
DETAILS
EDITOR/OWNER
Rob Portman
082 782 8240
rob@motoriderworld.com
ANYTHING & EVERYTHING
Shaun Portman
072 260 9525
shaun@motoriderworld.com
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KISKA.COM Photo: R. Schedl Please make no attempt to imitate the illustrated riding scenes, always wear protective clothing and observe the applicable provisions of the road traffic regulations!
The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.
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FOR LONGER
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On pristine new asphalt or a broken-up old track,
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FIND OUT MORE AT KTM.COM/TRAVEL

NEWS DESK
HYDROGEN
POWER
K A W A S A K I
HYDROGEN-
POWERED
NINJA H2 SX
Kawasaki has developed a hydrogen-powered, supercharged
Ninja H2 SX, marking a significant step in the decarbonization of
motorcycles. After introducing the world’s first hybrid streetbike, the
Ninja 7 Hybrid, Kawasaki has now created a supercharged, zeroemissions
Ninja H2 SX fueled by hydrogen.
While battery-electric powertrains are thriving in the automotive
industry, electric motorcycles still face challenges in providing the
desired all-day range, quick refueling, and maintaining a light and
well-concentrated mass. Recreational bikers often prefer the sound
of combustion engines, adding another layer to the challenge.
Kawasaki’s solution involves hydrogen, which offers more energy
per weight than batteries, albeit with challenges related to storage
space. Hydrogen can be rapidly refueled at hydrogen stations,
though their current scarcity poses a limitation. The hydrogen can
either power electric motors through a fuel cell or be burned in a
modified combustion engine, preserving the familiar sounds of
traditional motorcycles.
While acknowledging the hurdles and inconveniences associated
with hydrogen, Kawasaki sees it as a viable option. The company
takes a combustion approach, leveraging its unique supercharger,

NEWS DESK
the only one in the production motorcycle world. This supercharger,
capable of delivering air in bulk, positions Kawasaki as the only
motorcycle manufacturer ready to explore a production hydrogenburning
motorcycle.
The recently unveiled hydrogen-powered Ninja H2 SX is not a simple
modification of the existing model; Kawasaki has developed new
bodywork, including an H-shaped headlamp. The design appears
more bulky and angular than the regular SX, with oversized hard
panniers containing high-pressure gas cylinders for hydrogen storage.
Kawasaki plans to commence testing the hydrogen-powered
motorcycle next year, as part of the HySE initiative, collaborating
with Yamaha, Honda, and Suzuki. The initiative also involves the
development of a hydrogen-combustion ATV set to race in the Dakar
Rally next year. While the practical details, such as hydrogen capacity,
power output, weight, and range, are yet to be disclosed, Kawasaki’s
move signifies an intriguing development in the pursuit of alternative
motorcycle propulsion technologies.

NEWS DESK
BIGGER IS
BETTER
K T M ’ S N E W 1 3 9 0
SUPERDUKE R
The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R, a magnificent and formidable
motorcycle, undergoes its second major redesign. With a larger
engine, expanded fuel tank, semi-active suspension, and a boldly
unconventional new headlight design, this iteration continues the
Super Duke’s legacy as one of the most audacious bikes in the
market.
The redesigned headlight, reminiscent of a mechanical Predator
alien, deviates dramatically from conventional motorcycle
aesthetics. It maintains a normal profile from the side but presents
an avant-garde, confrontational appearance from the front. This
design choice aligns seamlessly with the Super Duke’s reputation
for unapologetic hooliganism.
Although named the 1390, the motorcycle features a 1350 cc engine,
a slight bore increase from its predecessor. KTM emphasizes
improved power and torque distribution across the entire rev range,
adapting to the latest EURO 5+ emission standards. Claimed
peak horsepower rises from 177 to 190, with torque reaching an
impressive 145 Nm compared to the previous 144 Nm.

NEWS DESK
Despite its wild performance, the Super Duke R has practical
enhancements, including a larger 17.5-liter (3.85-gallon) fuel
tank, providing an extended range of approximately 300 km (186
miles). The bike comes equipped with KTM’s adjustable WP Apex
suspension as standard, while the EVO model boasts the latest
WP semi-active technology with electronically controlled magnetic
valves for rapid damping adjustments based on road conditions
and rider preferences.
For those seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience, the 2024
KTM 1390 Super Duke R, equipped with advanced electronics
for performance management, is designed to cater to both skilled
riders and enthusiasts. The promotional video emphasizes its
ease of riding coupled with the capability for superhuman feats,
reinforcing its status as a powerhouse in the motorcycle realm.

NEWS DESK
PANIGALE
2023 REPLICA
D U C A T I C O L L E C T O R S ’ L I M I T E D
E D I T I O N T O C E L E B R A T E A
RECORD-BREAKING SEASON

Ducati celebrates the conquest of the MotoGP, WorldSBK and
WorldSSP titles with the creation of five special, collector’s edition
Panigale series, inspired by the Desmosedici GP of Francesco
Bagnaia, Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi, the Panigale V4 R of
Álvaro Bautista and Nicolò Bulega’s Panigale V2. The Panigale V4s
dedicated to Bagnaia and Bautista take up the yellow livery with which
the two champions raced in the Misano Grand Prix and SBK Round,
celebrating an iconic color in the Ducati history and thus becoming
even more iconic.
The bikes were presented during the press conference anticipating
“Campioni in Festa”, the event with which Ducati celebrated this
historic success together with its enthusiasts.

NEWS DESK
2023 was an incredible year for Ducati: no motorcycle manufacturer
had ever been able to prevail in the MotoGP and WorldSBK World
Championships for two consecutive years. A dream result, also
completed by the conquest of the WorldSSP title and second and
third place in the MotoGP world championship standings, which came
to fruition thanks to the exceptional work of the engineers, teams
and riders. A triumph that Ducati wishes to celebrate with five unique
motorcycles, true jewels in limited and numbered editions.
Each individual example of the series will be made unique by the
rider’s original autograph placed on the tank, a signature which
will then be protected with a layer of transparent varnish. The five
replicas celebrate the racing numbers of the riders to whom they are
dedicated: Pecco Bagnaia’s 63, Álvaro Bautista’s 19, Jorge Martín’s
89, Marco Bezzecchi’s 72 and Nicolò Bulega’s 11.
Like the racing bikes that inspire them, the Panigale 2023 Racing
Replicas are offered in single-seater configuration only. Each
is embellished with a billet aluminium steering plate with laser
engraving of the model’s name and progressive number, and

a dedicated key and animation for the dashboard at key-on. In
addition, the saddle is made of special material, with the rider’s logo
displayed as on the race bike.
The Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2023 World Champion Replica is inspired
by the most exclusive livery of the 2024 season, the Ducati Yellow with
which the Desmosedici GP of the Ducati Lenovo Team raced the San
Marino and Riviera di Rimini GP at Misano. Production is limited to
263 units.
The Panigale V4 Bautista 2023 World Champion Replica takes
up the Ducati Yellow livery of the Panigale V4 R with which Álvaro
raced the Misano rounds and race 2 at Jerez de la Frontera.
The livery, specifically, is inspired by the one with which Bautista
became WorldSBK World Champion for the second time, at Jerez.
Furthermore, like the Panigale V4 R from which it takes its inspiration,
is enhanced by the brushed aluminium fuel tank, carbon fibre winglets
and Marchesini forged aluminium wheels in light grey. Production is
limited to 219 units.

NEWS DESK
The Panigale V4 Martín 2023 Racing
Replica takes up the official colours of the
Desmosedici GP of the Prima Pramac team,
and is rendered all the more unique by the
carbon fibre front fender. Production is
limited to 189 units.
The Panigale V4 Bezzecchi 2023 Racing
Replica is inspired by the yellow/black livery
of the Desmosedici GP of the Mooney VR46
team. Production is limited to 72 units.
These four Panigale V4s are based on the
“S” model, and are enhanced by various
Ducati Performance components that make
them even more valuable and effective on
road and track. The technical equipment
boasts the adoption of the nine-disc STM-
EVO SBK dry clutch and the Akrapovič
homologated silencer, which is 2 kg
lighter than the standard silencer on the
Panigale V4. The Brembo braking system is
enhanced by Stylema® R calipers and MCS
master cylinder with remote adjustment.
The adjustable footpegs are Rizoma billet
aluminium. The plexiglass is a racing version.
Other technical details that characterise
these special bikes are the heat shield for the
rear exhaust manifolds, the alternator cover,
the rear mudguard and the front brake ducts,
all made of carbon fibre. Also in carbon
fibre, combined with titanium, is the cover
protecting the single-sided swingarm.
All Panigale V4 Replica bikes are made even
closer to the racing bikes they are inspired
by thanks to a series of accessories, such as
the open clutch cover in carbon fibre*, the
kits for removing the number plate holder

and mirrors*, the racing fuel tank cap in
billet aluminium* and the GPS module that
allows the display on the dashboard of lap
times and split times taken on the track.
The Panigale V2 Bulega 2023 World
Champion Replica takes up the red/black
livery of the Panigale V2 of the Aruba.it
Racing WorldSSP team with which Nicolò
Bulega won the world title. Production is
limited to 111 units.
The Panigale V2 is also enhanced with
Öhlins suspension and steering damper,
and Akrapovič racing silencers*, which
increase the maximum power by 2.5%
and the maximum torque by 2%, and
contribute to reducing the weight of the
bike by 5 kg, along with the Li-ion battery.
The Rizoma rider footpegs are adjustable,
made from billet aluminium. The front and
rear mudguards, chain guard, clutch cover
guard, swingarm guard and shock absorber
guard are in carbon fibre. Also the Panigale
V2 dedicated to Bulega can get even closer
to the racing bike by fitting the number
plate and mirror removal kit*, and the billet
aluminium racing tank cap*.
Each motorbike will come with a certificate
of authenticity and will be delivered in
a wooden packing case with dedicated
graphics and a customised motorbike cover.

NEWS DESK
TOPRAK MAKES BMW
DEBUT & LOVES IT
The moment has finally arrived; 2021 WorldSBK Champion
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
got to try the BMW M 1000 RR for the first time and he was
overjoyed with the first impressions. Despite a mechanical
issue after just two laps, the smile said it all for Razgatlioglu,
who described the sensation of the power, the braking,
the turning and the feeling within the team. It was originally
planned that Razgatlioglu would test on Monday, 4th
December but with unpredictable weather coming, he and
Shaun Muir’s team decided to get the ball rolling with a half a
day of testing on Sunday.
“IT’S VERY POSITIVE… INSIDE THE TEAM, MY
FEELING IS VERY WARM” – Toprak talks
Beginning in his usual humorous fashion, the #54 was relieved
to finally try the bike: “First, I say, finally! We were waiting for my
contract to finish but finally, I’m riding a BMW. For me, it’s very
positive, I like hard braking but the engine braking was working
a lot. Inside the team, my feeling is very warm and everyone is
a very good person, so I’m happy for this. The first day is done
but I think the total was only 11 laps but it was important to
have a feeling. The first ride was very good and positive.
“We tried to put my setup but today, we didn’t start it really
because the bike wasn’t ready. We used half a day from 12pm.
We had a problem and everyone said it was the engine but
actually it was an oil problem. I lost time due to that but my last
run was very positive as I rode eight laps. I learnt the bike as
both this and my old one are different. I’m very happy as every
lap I’m improving and learning the bike’s style. I need my style
but in the slow corners, I feel better now.”

CAREER RECAP: BMW the third manufacturer
for ‘El Turco’
Starting his WorldSBK career with Kawasaki – coincidentally
with a first test at Portimao in 2017 – Razgatlioglu was a
podium finisher in his first season in 2018, before becoming
a race winner in 2019. He moved to the factory Yamaha team
in 2020 where he won his first-ever race for them, whilst in
2021, he stopped Jonathan Rea and Kawasaki’s reign in the
Championship, taking the crown. In 2022 and 2023, valiant
efforts left him just short of Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing
– Ducati), with a new challenge needed for the #54, thus his
switch to BMW. However, one hot topic was the power of the
BMW, which features engine upgrades for 2024.
“I FELT UNBELIEVABLE POWER” – the smile
said it all…
“On the first lap, I was just smiling,” resumed a still-smiling
Razgatlioglu. “Especially on the corner exit. I know my old
bike very well after 4 years but on the exit of the last corner,
I felt unbelievable power and over the hill, it was still going.
This bike keeps getting faster. I had to adapt the braking at

NEWS DESK
the first corner because I was trying it like I had before but I
stopped a lot. Also, after the problem at Turn 1, there was oil
on the left side of the track so we used the middle. This wasn’t
easy for me to turn into Turn 1. Anyway, every lap I was getting
better, understanding the bike and the traction. The throttle
connection is much better. I’m very happy and we have many
parts to try.”
THE MAIN DIFFERENCES: “Engine brake is
unbelievable… the bike is very fast on the straight!”
BMW are the third manufacturer Razgatlioglu has ridden for,
having made his debut with Kawasaki and spent two seasons
on the ZX-10RR for the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing outfit,
before switching to the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK
squad from 2020 to 2023; claiming the 2021 title. After two
days of limited running under his belt, the Turk explained the
differences between his old Yamaha YZF-R1 machine and his
new M 1000 RR bike
He said: “The biggest difference is the engine brake is
unbelievable and also the other biggest difference is the bike
is very fast on the straight. This is good because it’s the first

time I’m feeling power. I’m very happy about this. I don’t know
about the aero but maybe I’m feeling it on the last corner exit,
going uphill. I’m feeling the bike isn’t wheelieing but maybe
this is helping; I don’t really understand it. I’m just focused on
entering the corner and acceleration. Maybe I need more laps to
understand the wings. I think it’s helping through the exit of the
last corner. With the Yamaha, I was always trying to have more
lean because of the wheelie but with the BMW, I’m not fighting.
On the corner exit, I’m feeling power and, after the hill, I’m
feeling power still; the bike’s accelerating more. Under braking
for Turn 1, I’m also happy now because I start to lean, I feel
the engine brake a lot and now it’s a very positive test. I need
more laps. I tried my best and explain the bike, explain some
problems. We are immediately improving. I need more time.”
WARNING SENT: already aiming high
After so few laps on the bike, you could forgive a rider for being
a bit coy about the potential of the rider and bike package.
However, Razgatlioglu was not as he fired a warning shot to his
rivals: “We are not far away. I’ll say just this. We are coming.”

NEWS DESK
It was a challenging week for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK
Team as they went in search of valuable dry weather running to prepare
for the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship with Toprak
Razgatlioglu and Michael van der Mark. Initially planning for a day at
Portimao and then two days at Jerez, the team ended up travelling
across the Iberian Peninsula and their unexpected and unplanned
‘week’ of testing concluded in Valencia.
THE STORY OF THE WEEK: trying to run away from rain
Initially, the team planned to test at Portimao on December 4th before
heading to Jerez on December 5th an 6th. However, with poor weather
forecast, the #54 took to the track on the 3rd before getting limited
running across the two days. Razgatlioglu and van der Mark didn’t fare
much better in southern Spain either, with rain continuing to hamper
their running. Due to this, the team opted to – spontaneously, according
to BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers – head a bit
further across Spain to Valencia where they were able to get some key
laps in to allow the 2021 Champion to adapt to the M 1000 RR while the
#60 was able to test some new components for 2024.
RAZGATLIOGLU’S REVIEW: “Now I know the grip and the
reactions; this makes me very happy”
After four years on the Yamaha YZF-R1 machine which he won the 2021
title with, the Turk left the Japanese manufacturer to join BMW for 2024.
Portimao was his first taste of his new machine, and he’s been looking
to adapt to it since. Reviewing the test, the 27-year-old said: “We have
not really been lucky over these past days. Also in Valencia, it started
to rain a bit on Friday morning and the track was fully wet. But this track
dries really fast and we could ride again in the afternoon. We made
big improvements, especially on the last three outings, and I am really
enjoying the BMW M 1000 RR. Especially with the engine brake and the
electronics we made big improvements. With every lap I am still learning
my bike but now I know it, I know the grip and the reactions, and this
makes me very happy. I am still learning because it is a completely
different bike, but we did a very good job, especially on the final day.
Thanks to all the guys because everyone really works hard to give me
a good bike. I am still adapting to the bike and the guys in the team are
learning my riding style, so it is teamwork. But we are not far off, we are
coming, the feedback also has been better every day.”

NEWS DESK
“THE TEST BIKE HAD A LOT OF NEW ITEMS ON IT” – busy
Valencia for van der Mark
After two injury-hit campaigns, van der Mark will be hoping 2024 will
have him return to his best and see out a full season. He is the reference
of the team, having been on BMW machinery since 2021, which also
means he’s able to test components looking at next season while his
teammate gets adjusted to the new bike. Discussing his test, where he
worked with the BMW test team which was announced to feature 2014
WorldSBK Champion Sylvain Guintoli and two-time MotoGP podium
finisher Bradley Smith, the Dutchman said: “It has been really nice to get
to Valencia. In the end, we got a day and a half in. On Thursday evening,
it rained again so Friday was a bit cut short. But it was really good for
me to finally do laps. In the end, I was working with the test team and
the test bike which had a lot of new items on it for next year. It was nice
to do some longer runs with that bike and I think that the guys have
enough data now to work over winter and to prepare everything for the
end of January.”
THE TEAM SAYS: “Great to welcome Toprak to the team…
his initial impressions have been very positive”
With a new arrival, the make up of the test team announced and BMW
aiming to make a big step in 2024, these tests have been crucial for
the German manufacturer although they tested without their rivals,
so making a comparison is hard. Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad
Motorsport Director, reviewed the tests and stated: “After the Bonovo
Action BMW team tested with Garrett Gerloff and Scott Redding
immediately after the season finale at Jerez, we now have been able
to start testing with Toprak Razgatlioglu, Michael van der Mark, and
the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. Overall, it was great to
welcome Toprak to the team. His initial impressions of the BMW M 1000
RR he conveyed to us have been very positive. He adapted well to the
bike right away. However, the conditions were challenging, and we had
no reference from the competition. Therefore, making an assessment
is still difficult. The days in Portugal and Spain were demanding. The
weather was not on our side. Initially, we had some bad luck in Portimao
and could only complete a few laps; the situation was no better in
Jerez. Since it was crucial to gather test information, we spontaneously
travelled to Valencia with Michael and Toprak to hit the track there
together with our BMW Motorrad Motorsport test team. Michael also
tested new components with the test team that will be available to the
ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the Bonovo Action BMW
team for the upcoming season.”

NEWS DESK
2014 CHAMPION GUINTOLI AND
MOTOGP PODIUM FINISHER SMITH
JOIN BMW AS TEST TEAM RIDERS
The complexion of the BMW test team for the
MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship
has been announced. Sylvain Guintoli and
Bradley Smith, each with vast experience across
motorcycle racing, will test, and were at the
Valencia test, for the German factory as they look
to take a step forward in WorldSBK. With Toprak
Razgatlioglu joining the ROKiT BMW Motorrad
WorldSBK Team for 2024 alongside Michael van
der Mark, plus Garrett Gerloff and Scott Redding
and Bonovo Action BMW, the test team is another
piece of the puzzle the manufacturer hope will
lead them to glory.
ANOTHER CHAMPION JOINS: Guintoli
links up with BMW
French rider Sylvain Guintoli last raced in
WorldSBK back in 2017 but he’s kept himself
race fit by competing in the FIM Endurance World
Championship as well as occasional wildcard
appearances in MotoGP with Suzuki until 2019.
His responsibilities for BMW include testing for
them but he will also dovetail this with an EWC
campaign on the M 1000 RR. Discussing his new
role, the 2014 WorldSBK Champion said: “I am
very happy to join the BMW Motorrad Motorsport
WorldSBK factory project as a test rider, the
project is very exciting, and I am looking forward
to bringing my experience into it. I can’t wait to get
started and enjoy the BMW M 1000 RR.”
SMITH AND GUINTOLI TEAM UP: Brit also
a member of the test team
33-year-old Smith, like Guintoli, brings lots of
experience to the BMW family. He raced in
MotoGP as recently as 2020 with Aprilia and
has podiums in the 125cc World Championship
as well as Moto2, MotoE and MotoGP to
his name. While running Yamaha machinery in
MotoGP, he teamed up with Pol Espargaro and

Katsuyuki Nakasuga to win the famous Suzuka 8
Hours and his attention now turns to a test role –
something he’s held previously with Aprilia – with
BMW. On his move to BMW, Smith said: “To be
asked by BMW Motorrad to join the test team is
a great privilege. I will work my hardest to deliver
what our four WorldSBK factory riders need to
battle with the best in the Championship.”
THE TEAM’S VIEW: “their wealth of
experience strengthens our project…
they are the perfect riders”
Discussing the two new arrivals to BMW, Christian
Gonschor, Technical Director for BMW Motorrad
Motorsport said: “Welcome aboard, Sylvain
and Bradley. It’s fantastic that their wealth of
experience strengthens our project. Sylvain brings
extensive knowledge from many years in the
Superbike and Endurance World Championships,
where he also secured the titles, as well as from
MotoGP. Bradley complements this knowledge
perfectly with his extensive experience as a race
and test rider in MotoGP. They are the perfect
riders for our new test team, which focuses solely
on testing work on the track, independent of race
commitments.”
BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc
Bongers added: “I am proud that, under Chris’s
leadership, we have assembled such a strong
line-up to support our factory commitments in
WorldSBK and the FIM EWC with the test team
in the background. It is also a clear indication
of BMW Motorrad’s strong commitment to
motorsport. The significant input provided by the
test team has already shown promise in recent
months, and we are confident that this structure
will contribute to success.”

NEWS DESK
SAM LOWES ON WORLDSBK TEST
DEBUT: “WE CAN LOOK INTO OUR
FIRST SEASON AND HAVE HIGH GOALS”
The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World
Championship is rightly being billed as one of the
most exciting seasons ever with a line-up featuring
a myriad of changes as well as the arrival of fresh
faces. Sam Lowes (ELF MarcVDS Racing Team)
will be aboard the Ducati Panigale V4 R for the
forthcoming season and after just one day of
action at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, he
was more than positive with his first sensations.
Elsewhere on track, Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT
BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) only did a
handful of laps on Monday and nothing on
Tuesday, with him and the BMW outfit heading to
Valencia for more testing.
“CONSIDERING THE CONDITIONS, IT WAS
A VERY POSITIVE DAY” – Lowes takes to
the track
Evaluating his first laps on track, Lowes said:
“We only did 65 laps at Jerez on Tuesday and
on Monday, we didn’t ride at all because of the
conditions. I started with rain tyres and did about
30 or 35 laps with those, then changed to the slick
tyre. The conditions weren’t so good, particularly
at Turn 2, Turn 9, Turn 13, which were quite wet
but the other parts of the track were dry and I was
able to ride and get the first sensations.

“My first feeling with the Ducati was honestly amazing; I was quite nervous to
go out in the morning with the first feeling in the rain, so for me it was a good
feeling. To go out, understand the bike, the electronics… of course, it’s the first
day so I’m not going to get a massive feeling but to understand the electronics,
the power compared to the Moto2, I was smiling even with the first few laps
being in the rain. I was very excited and there was a lot of anticipation. Waiting
around all day on Monday before going out made it longer.”
“I FELT VERY COMFORTABLE ON THE BIKE STRAIGHT AWAY” –
rain doesn’t dampen Lowes’ feeling
With the conditions not being great, it was still productive and learning for the
33-year-old: “Considering the conditions, it was a very positive day; I felt very
comfortable on the bike straight away which is something that I was quite
surprised about. There are some things that I need to adapt with my riding
style in comparison to Moto2, and probably not the areas I actually thought.
Where I thought I’d need to work on, I was already quite good. There are lots
of things to think about and work on and obviously, you need time and laps; 30
dry laps is not so much, especially when it was quite patchy.”

NEWS DESK
I’M REALLY HAPPY, LUCKY AND PROUD…. I JUST SMILED ALL
DAY” – a bright future for the new team and rider
It may have just been the first test but Lowes was elated to be part of the team
and start this new challenge in his career, returning to the WorldSBK paddock
for the first time since his 2013 WorldSSP title success: “The team were really
good! It was really nice to get everyone together; the months did a great job to
put it all together to get to ride this side of Christmas so thanks to the team and
Ducati for helping with that. It’s a really nice group and we’ve done a good job
to get that. My crew chief has fantastic knowledge of the bike which also helps.
I’m really happy, lucky and proud to be in the team.
“Where I still need to work is to understand the tyres and electronics more and
to adapt my style to the Superbike. The strengths were that in some corners
and in some areas of the bike, I was doing very, very well, on the level that I
need to be. I just smiled all day, enjoyed it, was nervous but it was nice to get
out and get the first day out of the way. I look forward to January and it’s quite
a long wait now but in the end, the first race is at the end of February. We have
a lot of work to do in that side but very positive, looking forward to it and we
can look into our first season and have high goals.”

NEWS DESK
TRACKHOUSE RACING
LANDS IN MOTOGP
2024 will see a new team land in MotoGP:
Trackhouse Racing. Trackhouse have already
enjoyed impressive success in the NASCAR Cup
series, and now the American team will take their
racing ambition onto two wheels as they join
MotoGP as an Independent Team, partnered
with Aprilia to run their RS-GP MotoGP
prototypes.
The announcement was made in Milan on
Tuesday, with the presentation beamed live
around the world. At the launch, Trackhouse
founder and owner Justin Marks was joined on
stage by Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola,
Dorna Sports Chief Sporting Officer Carlos
Ezpeleta and Dorna Chief Commercial Officer
Dan Rossomondo to talk about the new venture.
Trackhouse Racing will run two Aprilia RS-GPs,
ridden by multiple-MotoGP winner #88 Miguel
Oliveira and rising talent #25 Raul Fernandez. The
full 2024 livery will be revealed early next season
but as part of the launch, the team unveiled a
symbolic American flag-liveried bike, paying
tribute to both previous testing colours used by
Nicky Hayden and to the incredible motorcycle
racing heritage of the USA.
Adding to that heritage and writing a new chapter,
with a new approach, is a key goal for Trackhouse
and one MotoGP shares. The addition of an
American team, representing one of the world’s
largest markets, offers a wealth of opportunity
for both parties to create an exciting new project
from the ground up – built on foundations of
established success.
Justin Marks, Trackhouse Racing Founder
and Owner: “Joining the MotoGP World
Championship is a very exciting moment for our
young company. Trackhouse has worked from
day one to recognize unique and compelling
motorsport opportunities and being able to
expand to a global series like MotoGP is a
massive step in scaling the company. We believe
deeply in the mission of Dorna and are committed
to bringing something new and exciting to the
championship while working hard to help grow
and amplify this amazing sport to millions of new
fans in North America and beyond.”
Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO: “We are
happy and proud to welcome Trackhouse into
the Aprilia Racing family. What they have been

able to build in a very short time in NASCAR is an
extraordinary presentation card, which anticipates
the potential of this partnership. This is thanks to
Justin Marks and his team, whom I got to know
through my long-time friend PJ Rashidi, and
with whom we were immediately in sync both
in terms of technical ambitions and marketing
and communication developments in such an
important market as the US. Our commitment will
increase significantly, a responsibility we gladly
take on because, I am sure, it will allow us to grow
even more.”
Carlos Ezpeleta, Dorna Sports Chief Sporting
Officer: “We’re super happy to welcome
Trackhouse to MotoGP. We know this new team
is a perfect fit for our sport: they’ve already
shown they know how to win and arrive with a
great personality. In the most competitive era
the sport has ever seen, it’s even more vital than
ever to have strong Independent Teams on the
grid with solid projects. Trackhouse working
with Aprilia, who will offer extensive support, is
a really exciting prospect too. The RS-GP is a
winning motorcycle and the combination of the
bike, factory and Trackhouse’s approach with
this team is something super exciting for MotoGP
fans everywhere. We can’t wait to see Trackhouse
come racing with us.”

Marc Márquez:
“Repsol Honda will
always be the team
for which I will be
remembered”
The eight-time World Champion talks
about his time with the Repsol Honda
Team in an interview prior to the
Valencian Grand Prix weekend.

You are going to face your last Grand Prix with
the Repsol Honda Team. How do you feel?
“It’s the Wednesday before the Valencia Grand
Prix, the last of the year. Obviously now the stands
are empty, with a calmness that will not be there
later during the weekend. Being the last race
of the year, it is always special, but this one is
different. I don’t like to say that it is my last Grand
Prix with Honda, because you never know what
will happen in the future. But it will be the end of a
spell with the Repsol Honda Team and it will be a
weekend with many emotions.”
How have you worked on it mentally?
How do you face it?
“It is always very difficult to work on how to face a
Grand Prix, especially when it comes to emotions.
At the Valencia Grand Prix there are sure to be
unforgettable moments, because I want to do my
best on track -and to do that I need to be 100%
focused.”
What does the Repsol Honda Team
mean to you?
“The Repsol Honda Team has been -and always
will be- the team that has defined my sporting
career and my life. I have been with them for 11
years and we have won 6 world titles, something
that I am not going to achieve with another team.
I am 30 years old now. They will be the team with
which he I have achieved the most success on a
personal and collective level.”
Do you recognise the bike behind you? What
does it mean to you? What memories does it
bring back to you?
“I do recognise this bike. This is where it all
started. It was from my rookie year and it was
a dream debut: My first year in MotoGP, and
winning the title. It was the most fun year in
MotoGP for me, because I had no pressure on
me, I could do anything and everything went well.
Here I had the opportunity to join the team where
my idols had raced, in addition to sharing the box

with one of them: Dani Pedrosa. From there, these
11 successful years began.”
What is the difference between the Marc from
2013 and from 2023?
“We have learned a lot; more from the difficult
moments and the setbacks we have received, but
we have also enjoyed a lot of the good moments.
You cannot compare a 20-year-old kid with a
30-year-old, with all his ideas clearer in his head
and more mature. I have learned many things and
the decision I have made now at 30 years old is
one I would have been incapable of making at
22, 23 or 24 years old, because I was not mature
enough to do it.”
There are many times
that it is difficult, but
I would not be able
to sleep soundly
tomorrow if I had
doubts or if I were
thinking “what if I
had done this?”
And what hasn’t changed about you over
the years?
“My character, my smile and, above all, my
ambition have not changed. That remains the
same as when I started out. This is one of the
reasons for the change. I am here to try to be the
best on the track and to do this you have to try
to find the best solution. There are many times
that it is difficult, but I would not be able to sleep

soundly tomorrow if I had doubts or if I were
thinking “what if I had done this?” I am a rider
who, both on and off the track, does what he feels
is right and what I need in order to try to fight for
the leading positions.”
Throughout all these years with Repsol, what is
a moment that stands out?
“There are many moments with Repsol, and
above all I remember moments at the circuit the
most: the details like when I got in their plane,
many events, the Sunday dinners in Valencia once
the season was over, the fun parties… these are
moments that I will never forget. Since I have been
there for so many years, I have seen many people
come and go at Repsol, different teams such as
communications departments and sponsoring,
but they have always performed excellently, and I
have felt very well treated. I feel privileged.”
Do you think that having the support of a brand
like this has helped you in terms of recognition
in Spain?
“The entire paddock wants to be a Repsol Honda
Team rider and wants to be with Repsol because
they are the sponsor with the longest history in

MotoGP, with ties to motorcycling and competition
for the longest time… Everyone would like to have
a bike in Repsol colours, to have your picture
shown everywhere.”
When you are alone and think about who you
are, what you have achieved and what you
mean to this sport, what comes to mind? What
do you feel?
“All the people who support, you value it very
much -not only in the good times, but also in the
bad times. For me it makes no sense to go around
the track alone, for me it is competition that makes
sense, creating excitement for the fans, seeing the
paddock full, a little girl or boy coming up to you
and starting to cry… These are reactions that you
create in people that I would never have imagined.
As a child you imagine the life of a rider, but you
don’t imagine the life of a star.”
What was your debut like, with riders like
Lorenzo, Rossi and Pedrosa on the same track?
“The first race in Qatar, when I was able to go behind
Pedrosa and Valentino -but not Lorenzo because
he escaped quickly. But seeing Pedrosa’s name,
Rossi’s name and Lorenzo’s name when you’re

As a child you imagine
the life of a rider, but
you don’t imagine the
life of a star.”
riding… You’re in Moto3 -125cc back in my time-,
then in Moto2, but when you arrive in MotoGP and
see that, you realise that it’s a big thing.”
Which was the easiest race for you?
“There were many that I didn’t win by being the
fastest, but rather I won by being the smartest or by
managing the race in a different way. I won some at
Montmeló not by being the fastest but by managing
the race in the best way, and many others. I won
in the Netherlands, which is a circuit that I am not
good at, but I have won many times there. They
stick with you, but there have been so many… it’s
good that there are so many that you forget them.”
Which was the toughest?
“The one I suffered most in? I think 2013 here in
Valencia. It wasn’t the hardest, but it was the longest,
by far because I had to finish fourth if Lorenzo won
the race. And it was very long because when you are
at the limit you are very focused and the laps go by
quickly, but when you have doubts, you don’t go to
the limit, you know you can’t crash… you think more
things. The race seemed to go on forever, but it gave
me the title in 2013.”

We are at Turn 1 in Valencia. Does it remind you
of anything?
“At this corner, in the 2017 season, I made
the famous save that is by far one of the best
saves I have ever had. That save was sheer
nonconformity. I was so calm that I tried to create
tension to concentrate on the race again and I
almost went down, but the save allowed me to
finish the race on the podium and win the title.”
What are you going to miss most about your
experience with Repsol?
I will miss everything, from
the entrance to the box,
to the colours, the people
there, the bike… I haven’t
known anything else.
“What will I miss about Repsol Honda? I will miss
everything, from the entrance to the box, to the
colours, the people there, the bike… I haven’t
known anything else. Since I joined in 2013 I have
been with the same people, the same colours,
the same box, with everything the same… The
question is what I won’t miss.”
What message do you want to send to the fans?
“I know that many Repsol Honda fans will continue
to support no.93 as well, because as I said in my
post when my departure was announced, “we are
separated, but always united.” In some way we are
united. Whatever I do, and no matter how things in
the new stage of my career, this will be the team of
my life, of my professional career and with which I
will be remembered.”

MARC MARQUEZ
SHINES IN
DUCATI DEBUT AT
VALENCIA TEST
The spotlight was firmly on the eight-time
world champion, Marc Marquez, during the
Valencia test held on the Tuesday following the
conclusion of the MotoGP season. A departure
from his usual Repsol Honda colors added
an unexpected twist, creating heightened
anticipation and excitement throughout the
paddock. As observers gathered around
the Gresini garage, eager to catch a glimpse
of MM93 on his new Ducati machine, the
atmosphere was charged with curiosity and
enthusiasm, adding a unique flavor to the
MotoGP narrative.
The Tuesday test became a focal point for fans
and pundits alike, raising the question of whether
Marc Marquez’s move to Ducati could fill the
void left by the iconic VR46. It was a departure
from the norm, and the anticipation surrounding
the switch added an extra layer of intrigue to the
already thrilling world of MotoGP.
When discussing reigning world champions,
Marc Marquez quickly emerged as a prominent
figure during his debut on Ducati’s 2023-spec
Desmosedici. The departure from his familiar
Repsol Honda colors did nothing to dampen
Marquez’s competitive spirit, and his infectious
smile after the first outing hinted at the success
that lay ahead.
The Valencia test showcased Marquez’s swift
adaptation to the Ducati as he wasted no time
in challenging the leaders on the timesheets.
With just over 90 minutes remaining in the day,
Marquez claimed the top spot with a lap time of
1:29.460, momentarily sitting 0.250s ahead of his
competitors. However, Maverick Viñales of Aprilia
Racing shifted the dynamics in the final hour,
leaving Marquez in a commendable position.
Despite ending his day early, Marquez completed
an impressive 49 laps, providing valuable insights
ahead of the winter break. Finishing the Valencia
Test just 0.171s behind Viñales and 0.078s adrift of
Bezzecchi, Marquez’s Ducati debut proved to be a
triumph in the brand-new racing environment. The
tantalizing prospect of Marquez filling the void left
by VR46 adds an extra layer of excitement to the
upcoming MotoGP season, as fans eagerly await
the continuation of this captivating storyline.
The Tuesday test became
a focal point for fans and
pundits alike, raising the
question of whether Marc
Marquez’s move to Ducati
could fill the void left by the
iconic VR46.

MARC
MARQUEZ’S
FIRST ‘DANCE’
WITH GRESINI ON
JANUARY 20
The first feelings of the ‘93’ on the back of the
Ducati at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit were really
positive and the fans are already counting down
the days to see the Cervera rider wearing his new
colours. The exact date of the presentation of his
new team for the 2024 season is now known.
As announced by Gresini Racing MotoGP on their
own social media channels, the official presentation
for the upcoming campaign with Marc Marquez
and his brother, Alex Marquez will take place on
January 20th. “We are always ready to dance. We
start on January 20,” the team announced on its
Twitter account.
So, Marc Marquez’s first ‘dance’ with Gresini is just
around the corner and we will be sure to share all
the details of a presentation that will mark the start
of a new and exciting adventure for the eight-time
World Champion.

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Words: Shaun Portman | Pics: Beam Productions
FIRST
RIDE

KTM 390 DUKE
CHALK &
CHEESE
Rev your engines for the latest chapter in the evolution of
KTM’s iconic 390 Duke. Having dominated the entry-level naked
motorcycle segment for over a decade, the 2024 KTM 390 Duke
is not just an upgrade – it’s a full-blown transformation.

POWER
44.3 bhp
TORQUE
39 Nm
TANK
CAPACITY
15 L
SEAT
HEIGHT
820mm
DRY
WEIGHT
165kg
Cast your memory back to 2013 when the firstgeneration
390 Duke hit the scene, a pint-sized
beast that set the standard for agility, power, and
affordability. Its success continued until 2017
when the second generation brought aesthetic
upgrades and modern features. Now, in 2024, the
third generation is here to redefine the game.
Visually, the 2024 390 Duke stands out with a new
wider LED headlamp and new LED rear taillight,
color-injected plastics and shrouds, and daytime
running lights, giving it a more aggressive look.
A beefier 15-liter metal fuel tank, reminiscent of
its elder siblings, promises extended rides with
enhanced rider comfort.
LED lights all around, a redesigned sharp-looking
front fender, and two striking color options –
Electronic Orange Metallic and Atlantic Blue
– further distinguish this Duke. The build quality
remains top-notch, and the overall finish is
impeccable.
Under the hood, or rather, under the rider, the
390 Duke boasts a new steel trellis frame with an
aluminum subframe. The 373 cc engine has been
replaced by a punchier 399 cc single-cylinder, liquidcooled
motor, delivering 44.3 bhp and 39 Nm of
torque(up from 43bhp and 37Nm). The addition of a
slipper clutch and an optional quick-shifter/auto blip
makes the 2024 model unrivaled in its class.

On the side, a significant design change stands
out – the absence of a side-slung exhaust. In
2024, the bike adopts the underbelly exhaust
format which takes the 390 back to its 2013 roots.
Also noteworthy is the offset mono-shock, a
consequence of the expanded airbox, enhancing
the distinctive Super Duke aura of the bike.
Suspension receives a notable upgrade with a
43mm WP Apex open cartridge fork at the front
and a WP Apex separate piston shock absorber
at the rear, both adjustable for rebound and
compression. New lighter wheels, fitted with grippy
Michelin tires, enhance handling on both road and
track. The new wheels use a hollowed-out hub
design like on the RC200 and RC390. This design
also means that the disc brake is mounted on the
rim spokes directly rather than on the hub as they
have been on the previous two generations and is
reminiscent of those fitted to Buells.
The dual-channel ABS braking system sees
significant improvements as well for 2024,
featuring a new single 300mm disc on the
front with BYBRE four-piston radial calipers
and a new master cylinder with new adjustable
levers. A 240mm disc on the rear, coupled with
cornering ABS and Supermoto mode, ensures
optimum braking performance and maximum
fun on the track.

THE NEW DUKE EMERGES AS A TRUE
GAME-CHANGER, PUSHING THE
BOUNDARIES OF WHAT AN ENTRY-LEVEL
NAKED BIKE CAN OFFER. KTM CONTINUES
TO LEAD THE PACK, PROVING THAT
EVOLUTION IS NOT JUST ABOUT KEEPING
UP; IT’S ABOUT SETTING THE PACE.
Electronics take center stage with dual-channel
ABS, three riding modes (Rain, Street, and Track),
traction control, launch control (in track mode),
and a TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity. The
handlebar switchgear is revamped for a neater
layout. You also get a speed limiter as standard
which can be set to ensure the rider can’t exceed
certain speeds.
Embark on a thrilling journey with the 390 Duke
as it effortlessly transitions from a refined ride to
an agile powerhouse on the open road or track.
The redesigned frame geometry enhances its
adaptability, offering stability at high speeds and
the capability to reach an impressive 170kph+.
The acceleration, particularly from a standstill
to 140kph, leaves competitors in the dust, even
defying a friend’s robust Audi A3 1.8T in a robotto-robot
showdown.
Incorporating Rain, Street, and Track modes, the
390 Duke caters to diverse riding preferences.
Rain mode ensures safety in wet conditions, while
Street and Track modes maintain power delivery
consistency. Track mode, with its launch control
and bespoke display, transforms the bike into a
lively, fun companion on the race track.

The third-generation 390 Duke, featuring WP
Apex suspension, proves predictably forgiving.
The suspension not only absorbs road bumps
but remains firm enough to conquer corners with
aggression as we found out around the track.
The steel trellis frame, paired with a new
aluminum swingarm, contributes to a sleek
design and reduced rear-wheel pumping during
aggressive leans while the new suspension
setup, with adjustability options, strikes a balance
between plush ride quality and responsive
handling.
On the track, the 390 Duke shines with increased
power, shorter gearing, and a smooth quick
shifter and auto-blip. The bike’s performance
improvements are evident, delivering better
acceleration out of turns and a refined riding
experience thanks to KTM’s engine tuning,
providing 80% power and torque 1000rpm earlier,
enhancing tractability, and making it more userfriendly
for everyday riding.
Comparing the 2024 Duke to its predecessor,
the improvements are noticeable but not
revolutionary. You can in essence still tell it’s a 390
Duke and it hasn’t lost any of its characteristics.
The bike is snappy, responsive, and accompanied
by a throaty exhaust note. The riding position
has evolved, with the new model feeling more
compact and immersive compared to the older
one’s spacious design.

Navigating turns with precision, the 390 Duke
remains in control, equipped with Metzeler
Sportec M5 H-Rated tyres that seamlessly handle
both road and track conditions. Surpassing
even 1000cc superbikes on the track, the 390
Duke offers a full day of exhilarating riding at a
budget-friendly cost, embodying its essence of
“Performance on a Budget.”
We had the privilege of comparing the 2024 390
Duke to its predecessor at Redstar Raceway in
Delmas and on the open roads. The result? The
new Duke emerges as a true game-changer,
pushing the boundaries of what an entry-level
naked bike can offer. KTM continues to lead
the pack, proving that evolution is not just about
keeping up; it’s about setting the pace.
Priced from as little as R109 999.00 and just under
R5000 for the optional quick-shifter, the new 2024
KTM 390 Duke is set to be the bargain of the
century. A huge thank you to RAD KTM for the use
of their 2023 KTM 390 Duke demo.

RACING FEATURE
PUSHING
FORWARD
CAYDEN ROBERTS’ 2023
South Africa boasts a wealth
of talented youngsters making
strides towards success, not
just within the country but also
on the international stage. One
promising young talent who
has caught our attention is
Cayden Robert. In this feature,
he takes us through the
highlights of his racing journey
in 2023.

What an incredible year it has been! In 2023, I had the
privilege of racing a Honda CBR150 in both the SA Short
Circuit Series and the Redstar Race Series, and the journey
was nothing short of amazing.
Round 1 at a wet VKC in Vereeniging tested my skills, where
I qualified 3rd, leading in the first race but unfortunately
crashing on the last lap, finishing 4th. However, I secured a
2nd place in Race 2, ending Round 1 in 2nd place overall.
Round 2 at Idube in KZN marked a turning point as I
clinched my first 150 Cup race win, finishing 1st overall.
Round 3 at Formula K became a highlight with a hat-trick of
wins and first overall.
Round 4 at the Polokwane Cart Circuit was a memorable
victory, securing pole position and winning all 3 heats,
maintaining a comfortable lead in the Championship.
Round 5 back at VKC provided intense racing, with close
battles among the top 4 riders. Winning 2 out of 3 races,
I took 1st overall for the day, extending my lead in the
Championship.

Round 6 at Formula K presented challenges, but I managed
to finish 3rd overall. During the mid-year break, I received
exciting news of an invitation to the MotoGP Red Bull
Rookies Cup Selection Event in Spain, a dream come true.
Though I didn’t make the finals, the experience was surreal.
Peter Clifford, CEO of the Red Bull Rookies Cup, advised
me to work hard and apply again in 2024 – a plan I fully
intend to pursue.
Returning to SA, I secured the Redstar Raceway
Championship, overcoming bike issues. The final race of
the SA Short Circuit Series at VKC posed challenges, but I
secured the 2023 Championship.
A heartfelt thank you to the Gaorekwe Family, King Price, HJC
Helmets, Clint Seller, Dragon Energy, the Morrocon Barber,
Honda SA, MRW Magazine, MASS Leathers, and everyone
who supported me.
To my family, your sacrifices and dedication mean the world.
Two championships and Red Bull Rookies – it couldn’t
be better. Next year promises to be epic! I’ll strive to retain
my 150 Championship and step up to the 400 Class on a
Kawasaki ZX400.
Thank you all, and happy holidays!

LIFE
AFTER
RACING
WHERE MOTOGP BIKES END UP WHEN THE SEASON IS OVER
What becomes of the motorcycles
used in the MotoGP World
Championship once the season
concludes? While manufacturers have
varied approaches, MotoGP bikes
generally enjoy a prolonged life even
after the championship wraps up.

As the season is now done,
riders and teams reset,
anticipating a new season
filled with fresh aspirations
and equipment. The retired
motorcycles, often left to the
side, are typically reserved
for the financially affluent,
considering the abundant
private training in lower
categories that frequently
recycle and adapt bikes from
one season to the next. While
everyone may desire a new
motorcycle annually, this isn’t
always feasible. MotoGP,
being subject to constant innovation, presents
a different dynamic. But what happens to these
motorcycles post-championship?
Traditionally, previous season’s official materials
were either recycled, sold, or leased to private
teams. Some retired bikes found themselves as
showpieces in motorcycle expos, occasionally
leading to intriguing tales. Notably, a Honda
RC166, the six-cylinder 250cc that secured Mike
Hailwood two 250cc championships in 1966 and
1967, faced an interesting fate. Upon Honda’s
Traditionally,
previous
season’s official
materials were
either recycled,
sold, or leased to
private teams.
withdrawal from Grand Prix
racing in 1968, Hailwood was
offered contracts and some
champion motorcycles, yet
by 1969, these machines
were seemingly discarded.
One of these models
appeared at the 1969
German Grand Prix during
training, piloted by an
unknown German rider
who convinced Honda
Germany to lend him
the bike. Unfortunately,
technical issues prevented its
participation in the race. Subsequently, it vanished
into obscurity, much like many motorcycles of its
time, with some landing in collections or displayed
in venues such as the Twin Ring Motegi Honda
Collection Hall.
The journey of racing motorcycles sometimes
takes curious turns. For instance, the Benelli
250/4 with which Kel Carruthers won the 1969
250cc World Championship was once part of
Benelli’s private collection. Later, it saw its engine
removed for personal use by a member of the

Benelli family. After restoration and dismantling, the
motorcycle found its way to auction at Bonhams, a
renowned auction house.
Motorcycle champions like Ángel Nieto had a habit
of retaining some championship motorcycles,
assembling valuable collections. Nieto even managed
to keep a motorcycle on the podium after becoming a
champion, a moment of opportunistic triumph.
In current MotoGP scenarios, obsolete motorcycles
no longer head to the scrapyard due to
considerations about sustainability and financial
prudence. Each rider typically has two units in
MotoGP, and manufacturers also maintain test
teams with varying materials to experiment with for
development.

In current MotoGP
scenarios, obsolete
motorcycles no
longer head to the
scrapyard due to
considerations
about sustainability
and financial
prudence.

Honda uses previous season’s bikes for
evolutionary purposes and engages in separate
strategies for their official and satellite teams.
Ducati utilizes materials across multiple seasons
depending on their needs and commitments to
satellite teams.
Once motorcycles are retired from service,
they might find new roles as test team units,
dyno components, or showroom exhibits. KTM
took a unique step in 2018 by publicly selling
two genuine MotoGP motorcycles, offering
enthusiasts a rare opportunity to own such
exclusive machines.
KTM took a unique step in 20
publicly selling two genuine
motorcycles, offering enthu
a rare opportunity to own su
exclusive machines.
While the price tag might be substantial, it is
a testament to the value of these exceptional,
museum-worthy motorcycles, ensuring their
journey concludes with a dignified purpose.

18 by
MotoGP
siasts
ch

RACING FEATURE
CLOSING
CHAPTER
POL ESPARGARO BIDS FAREWELL
TO MOTOGP... FOR NOW
At the Valencia GP, the
#44 took the chequered
flag as a full time rider
for the final time and is
poised to move into a
new role with GASGAS
Tech3 from 2024

Amidst the heightened emotions of the title-deciding
Valencia GP season finale and the subsequent
thrill of rider debuts a few days later at the Test, a
significant story evaded the limelight as 2023 drew
to a close. The tumultuous journey of Pol Espargaro,
marred by a brutal injury sustained during the
opening weekend crash in Portimao, unfolded as a
less-heralded but captivating tale.
Enduring a protracted recovery process, the resilient
#44 rider made his return to the track at the British
GP, only to face another setback shortly after – the
loss of his full time GASGAS Tech3 seat to Augusto
Fernandez and Pedro Acosta. Despite rumoured
interest from Repsol Honda, Espargaro is slated to
transition into the role of the team’s Test Rider from
2024. Consequently, the Valencia GP marked his
final appearance as a full-time MotoGP rider.

As Espargaro crossed the chequered flag at Circuit
Ricardo Tormo, the moment triggered a flood of
emotions. Friends, family, and loved ones gathered
by his side, expressing their gratitude for his efforts
during a trying season.
“It was a very tricky day honestly, you know, it’s
not the last time I’m going to be on a on a grid but
obviously the emotions that I was feeling on that grid
they were a little bit too much. Every time I raised
my head and I was looking at all the people in the
stands, the noise, the tension, all my teammates
around, all the guys that I have raced with since I was
a little guy. It’s been amazing. I just feel so, so lucky
to have been with you know living my life, my story,
trying to chase my dreams through the last 10 years
so I’m a very lucky guy,” said Espargaro after the
race in Valencia.

“A day to remember because, OK I have raced my last race as a permanent guy
in MotoGP but obviously because I had those people surrounding me. This is
with the people I live every day with, every hour, not just in racing but at home.
It’s the people that make me happy so at the end of the day I need them from
now till the end of my days so it was just amazing to be with them.”
One of those who was the first to offer his congratulations and thanks was elder
brother Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing). The #41 spoke glowingly about Pol,
and the influence he has had on his career.
“Pol has been always my idol even if I’m older than him. When we arrived at
the World Championship, he was very fast immediately, winning races and he
won the Moto2 title. I’ve always been by his side so today was very emotional.
On the grid, I went to hug him and I couldn’t avoid crying before the race. It was
not easy. The last lap with him was very nice. This year has been very tough you
know because you cannot imagine how Pol has suffered and we, his family, we
suffered a lot with him. His injury in Portimao was a very big one and I’m very
happy to see him happy and smiling. Next year he has a new role but for me
you know I don’t really care where he works I want to see him happy and I think
he’s happy now.”
Admitting he hasn’t been the same rider as he was prior to his Portimao crash,
Pol Espargaro is looking forward to getting some well-deserved R&R before
focusing on the future.
“I need to take some rest. I need to recover myself a little bit. It’s been a while
since I don’t feel as competitive as I should feel, but also with the confidence
that I need to perform to be beside these guys. These guys are talented, young
and extremely fit. If you don’t have all of these things, then you are too far away
so you enjoy it. It’s important to enjoy it but I will need to recover part of the Pol
that left in Portimao.”
While it’s not a definitive farewell, it does mark the conclusion of a significant
chapter for the rider hailing from the vicinity of Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.
With an impressive track record, including a Moto2 World Championship, 15
Grand Prix victories, and an additional 37 podium finishes, eight of which were
in MotoGP, Espargaro departs the grid with achievements that many would
take pride in and others can only aspire to attain.
Yet, as mentioned, this isn’t a final goodbye. We look forward to seeing
Espargaro make his return to the track as a wildcard with GASGAS Tech3 in
2024 as he begins the next stage of his career.

RACING FEATURE
Words: KTM Blog (Adam Wheeler) | Pics: Polarity Photo & KTM Images
YOUNG
TURK
THE MIND OF DENIZ ÖNCÜ
2023 was the fourth and final
Moto3 season for 20-yearold
Turkish racer Deniz Öncü
and a term where he won
three Grands Prix – his first
victories – often with explosive
and captivating displays.
Now on the threshold of a
Moto2 challenge with his
Red Bull KTM Ajo team for
2024 we decided to get 1-1 on
discussions with Deniz.

At the end of the 2018 MotoGP season the Ricardo Tormo
Circuit in Valencia was grey, cold and soaking wet. The Grand
Prix was a washout, but it was also the stage for the ‘Öncü’
name to make a first big splash. Fifteen-year-old Can, the
2018 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion that year, cut
through the puddles for an amazing debut wildcard win. Twin
brother Deniz, making his own steps along the MotoGP talent
pyramid, looked on in awe.
Skip forward to the start of 2023 and Deniz is now a three
season ‘veteran’ of Moto3. Can is still racing on the world
stage but his brother is making a mark in Grand Prix and
has switched from Red Bull KTM Tech3 to Red Bull KTM
Ajo to eye a path through the KTM GP Academy. Moto2 is
on the horizon but the chance of the Moto3 championship
remains in the palm. 2023 would turn out to be a ‘very Deniz
Öncü’ campaign; full of unpredictable action, amazing
highs (such as his first GP wins in Germany, Austria and
Australia), mistakes and moments of controversy (like the
last corner contact with David Muñoz in Barcelona that
cost him a podium finish). While his results have improved
and there is more consistency, Öncü has also shown clear
signs of progress. He was a clear protagonist in Moto3, a
leading name in title contention, and is currently one of the
most curious figures in the KTM GP Academy thanks to his
transition to Moto2 for 2024, to replace the MotoGP-bound
Pedro Acosta.

Deniz attracts interest regardless of his scorecard or his
speed. The mischievous grin accompanies a very strong
personality. Fans will either love him or hate him and his
future rivals in Moto2 and maybe MotoGP will quickly feel the
depth of his determination. We sit in the Red Bull hospitality
unit in Phillip Island, Australia as the wind begins to pick up
and buffet the large windows. Deniz has also blown his own
path through Moto3 in 2022 and 2023 especially. How does
he feel about the journey?
Deniz, when Can won in Valencia what was going
through your mind?
This moment when he won was super-amazing for all our
family. My brother and me are the same, no? When he or
I make a good result then we are both very proud of each
other. I was very emotional, and I was thinking ‘it’s possible!’
If he could do it, then I knew I could. I could see myself in that
place as well and I have been working for it ever since.

You’ve made progress quickly in the last two
seasons: this must be down to mentality as much as
physical and technical development…
Yes. Mentality, like you say, and two things with this: to be
more strong but also more calm because normally I am a very
aggressive rider and I’m very crazy. I was either arriving to the
finish line or I was making a mistake.
Your natural ability is evident but were the family
and the team the catalyst for the rest?
For sure. My family was always pushing me to be cleaner.
They said I was too aggressive and doing crazy things and it
meant the results were not coming. Nobody really understood
why we were not finishing where we should. Changing team
also helped me a lot. Before I thought ‘if I attack everywhere
then I can win…’ and I changed this mindset and I noticed if
I calmed down and thought slower then I could plan the next

lap or the last moves to win the race. I stopped being a
‘question mark’ and just going like hell; riding the bike
with more strategy helped me a lot.
You show your emotions easily, which is
endearing but also leaves you a bit exposed to
criticism…
I don’t care what people say or think about me. I don’t
give a s**t! I’m here to work and chase my passion. I will
say that I have started to change my feelings in the last
year because when I am too ‘hot’ or emotional then I see
it doesn’t work so good on the bike. It’s best to be like a
robot: all the time the same and without emotion. Now,
when I am on track, I just think about flowing with the
bike and at the same time riding with strategy.
Being a robot might be good but you also want
to show character and maybe inspire other
riders or kids…?
Yeah, sure. When I take off the helmet then I am a totally
different character then when I have it on. At the circuit
you need to be a bit of a b**tard but otherwise I’m just
myself. I do think the race starts ‘before the lights’. If
you are already beating some riders mentally then you
are a tenth ahead. Even some conversations with riders
can be important for this. In general, though I am a very
friendly character! I enjoy what I do and I do what I want.

What other sports do you like and look towards
for inspiration?
I like all extreme sports. Also BMX. Surfing I like a lot.
For training it is running, cycling or crossfit; which is
really nice. Basically, I like any sport that has wheels! I
don’t really take reference from any other sport. I’m here
because I like it [racing]. And I want to be the best.
Do you always go home during the races or do
you have a base somewhere else?
I normally always go back to Turkey between races.
It’s my home, and we also have a ‘ranch’ with
Kenan [Sofuoğlu] and some other riders like Toprak
[Razgatlıoğlu] and my brother. We live a sporting life.
We are always pushing each other. We wake up and
start the day by running or cycling together, then by
midday we are in the circuit riding, then to finish it will
be crossfit or something. On free days we just hang out.
Sometimes PlayStation together. Almost everything we
do is a competition. Someone always wants to win at
something. Always pushing.
2023 was the first full year with Aki and now
you’re looking to Moto2…
When I moved to this team I knew the pressure would
be very high because it is one of the best, maybe the

est, and you always have to be winning or fighting at the top. There are no
excuses. For me there was a point where I thought ‘is this the right decision or
not?’ but in the end I’m happy because we managed the situation quite well and
the relationship inside the team is good. It was a season where we could think
about the championship. We had really good speed and we showed how strong
we were but there have also been unlucky moments for us. We managed a lot
of situations in the right way. Even when we were bad, we found some way to
improve.
Moto3 craziness, talk about it…
Well, every race has a different scenario for the circuit. I would describe it as
‘too-aggressive’, ‘great fun’ and ‘very instinctive’. Without thinking I might dive
to the inside and pass five riders. It’s an automatic thing. Sometimes I crash,
sometimes not! You have to be a bit crazy to be in this Moto3 category. If you
are not then you won’t find a way. It’s not always about the last lap, and another
factor is luck; you can do your very best but you also need a bit of luck in Moto3.
It is not like MotoGP where they might be five seconds between a few riders. In
Moto3 there is half a second between five of us! There are a lot of factors like the
size, the weight, the setup, the speed of the bike and the position.
Moto2: curious or excited? Some riders adapt quicker than others…
Honestly, I haven’t thought about it! It’s clear I will be there…but that’s next year.
I’m here to be my best, enjoy and be the best in every session. I enjoy my life
and my category and I want to win. I will have a good think about Moto2 after my
last Moto3 lap!

RACING NEWS
THE mountain
games
YOUNG TAKES WIN NUMBER 8

Watch it all on our
YouTube Channel
TRAVEL FEATURE
REACHING
NEW HEIGHTS
ON THE BMW R 1300 GS MODELS
OFFICIAL REVEAL
TRIUMPH
TF 250-X
THE COVERS COME OFF

FIRST LOOK
STORM
THE
BARN
TRIUMPH REVEALS
NEW TF 250-X
Triumph starts an “all-in” assault
on the dirtbike world with the TF
250-X, a race-ready MX bike with
a “class-leading power to weight
ratio and the most complete
specification package ever to
launch into the ultra-competitive
250cc motocross market.”

The British company has spent plenty of time
getting muddy with its Tiger series adventure
bikes, scramblers and whatnot, but the new
machine marks the brand’s first proper modern
dirt squirter, and Triumph wants you to know it’s
not planning to do things by halves.
It’s a ground-up, clean-sheet 250cc MX racer
designed to hit the ground sprinting at the pointy
end of the class. It’ll be supported by specialist
motocross dealers, starting in Europe, Australia
and the UK, complete with “a unique 24/7 parts
and accessories supply system” to keep bikes
running with minimal turnaround time. And
Triumph is running factory race teams in the
2024 FIM Motocross World Championship and
US SuperMotocross World Championship, so
there’ll be nowhere to hide if it doesn’t deliver.
The heart of the beast is a new, “ultra compact
and super light” button-start 249.95 cc single
with a bore x stroke of 78 x 52.3 mm. With
diamond-like low-friction coatings, a forged
aluminum piston, and titanium valves, it runs
magnesium engine covers to keep weight down,
and offers the ability to fiddle with fuel mappings
and diagnostics through an optional MX Tune
Pro app.

It’s held in a twin-cradle aluminum frame and
surrounded by running gear that Triumph claims
is “unrivalled specification for a production
bike in this category.” That entails 48 mm KYB
AOS coil forks, forged and machined triple
clamps, a three-way KYB piggyback shock,
brakes from Brembo and Galfer, DirtStar 7000
series aluminum rims with machined aluminum
hubs, Pro-Taper carbon core handlebars, Pirelli
Scorpion MX32 tires and ODI grips as standard.
Race-ready accessories include a full titanium
Akrapovic exhaust system, XTrig holeshot
device, Athena launch/traction control module,
bodywork replacement kits and the like. There’ll
also be a full range of riding gear, apparel,
motocross and enduro boots.

Wet weight is listed at 104 kg, but no power
figure is claimed as yet. As our friends at
MCNews point out, the class-leading KTM 250
SX weighs about the same and makes a claimed
47 horsepower thanks to a wide 81-mm cylinder
bore. It remains to be seen what tricks Triumph
has up its sleeve to top that figure using a
strokier motor with a 78-mm bore.
“The TF 250-X is an incredible bike,” says widely
acknowledged GOAT motocross racer and
15-time AMA MX racer Ricky Carmichael, who
Triumph brought in from the very beginning
of the project, and who worked on the TF 250-
X from initial scoping through to prototyping,
testing and development. “This is the bike that
we set out to build. When you talk about the
chassis, the powertrain, the components - it’s
the best of everything you could ever want. And
whether you’re a professional rider or an amateur
rider, you will not be disappointed. I love this
bike, it’s been such an honor to part of a project
with such an iconic brand.”

DAKAR 2024 PREVIEW
CLOSE AS EVER
WITH A SOUTH
AFRICAN TWIST
South African contingent to add a twist
to epic Dakar 2024 Bike race

It is almost that time again! On Friday 5 January 2024,
354 crews comprising of 72 cars, 137 motorcycles and 10
quads, 78 Challenger cars and SSVs, and 46 Trucks will line
up to start Dakar 2024’s 157 km prologue around Al-Ula.
That sets the starting order for the next day’s first 532 km
Arabian desert stage to Al Henakiyah before 4,727 km of
racing and 7,891 km overall, to the finish at Yanbu on Friday
19 January. This preview covers all you need to know about
the 2024 bike and quad race.
The Dakar Motorcycle race is always close and intense,
and usually goes right down to the wire. Once again,
there’s a significant South African contingent among the
two wheelers, but looking at the frontrunners, it seems that
Dakar 2024 will be a very close-run race.

Husqvarna Factory Racing has only one machine
entered, but that’s for reigning Dakar bike
champion, Argentine Luciano Benavides. Sister
brand KTM Factory Racing has its regular trio
of bikes for former winners, second overall last
year, Aussie Toby Price in his swansong Dakar
bike race and, and Luciano’s brother, Kevin
Benavides. The third partner in that trio of sibling
dirtbike brands, GasGas has another two former
winners, Brit Sam Sunderland, and Aussie Daniel
Sanders in the saddle.
Honda quite literally has a Monster team
out chasing Dakar victory. Chileans Pablo
Quintanilla and Jose Ignacio Cornejo Florimo,
Americans Ricky Brabec and Skyler Howes,
Frenchman Adrien van Beveren and Spaniard
Schareina Tosha will all form part of that red
wave. Sherco’s Factory riders are Spaniard
Lorenzo Santolino, Portuguese Rui Gonçalves
and Indian Harith Koitha Veettil. Newcomers
Kove have American Mason Klein, Frenchmen
Xavier Flick and Neels Theric, and Italian
Cesare Zacchetti riding. Yamaha has called it
quits at the Dakar, but privateers Antonio Maio
and Javi Vega should be quick.
Hero Motorsports has however once again put
a strong factory effort together, with Spanish
Honda refugee Joan Barreda joining its existing
line-up of German Sebastian Bühler, Portuguese
rider Joaquim Rodrigues, and top Southern
African rider, Botswana hero Ross Branch. Ross
is one of eight Southern African riders entered
in the 2024 Dakar bike race alongside privateer
BAS KTM teammates, Bradley Cox starting his
third Dakar, and ever-quick 2023 rookie winner
Michael Docherty.

South Africa’s 2023 Malle Moto Original winner Charan
Moore is back but riding his Husqvarna with assistance
this time. Stuart Gregory however continues once
again in Malle Moto on his KTM. Former multiple South
African motocross champion and 2023 SA Senior
Cross Country champion Kerim Fitz-Gerald is worth
keeping a close eye on as he makes his Dakar debut
on a KTM. Fellow rookies, Ronald Venter rides a KTM
and Zimbabwean Ashley Thixton, a Husqvarna.
The Dakar quads are a dying breed with only ten
entries this year. Watch for Lithuanians Laisvydas
Kancius and Antanas Kanopkinas, Slovakian Juraj
Varga, French rider Alexandre Giroud, and Argentine
duo Francisco Moreno Flores and Manuel Andujar
among them.
“We have made sure that the fifth edition of Dakar in
Saudi Arabia will be the toughest race since we have
come to the Middle East,” race director David Castera
warned. “We will race 4,727 km and cover 7,891 km of
special stages, including a new two-day ‘48h chrono’
marathon stage, where competitors must stop at the
nearest of eight bivouacs at 4pm and crews will have
no contact with their teams. This one will be tough.
Good luck to all competitors and teams!”
Also the opening round of the third season of the
W2RC World Rally-Raid Championships Dakar 2024
starts with the 157 km Al-Ula Prologue on Friday
5 January. Day 1 on Saturday races 532 km to Al
Henakiyah, before 662 km to Al Duwadimi, and 733 km
on to Al Salamiya on Monday. Day 4 races 631 km to
Al Hofuf, before 727 km to Shubaytah, an 818 km lap
around there on Thursday, and on to Riyadh on Friday.
Saturday is the rest day before an 873 km trek to Al
Duwadimi on Sunday 14 January, before 678 km to
Ha’il, and then 639 km Al-Ula. A 609 km loop around
Al-Ula follows on Wednesday, before 587 km to Yanbu,
and finally, a 328 km sting in the tail loop to the Friday
19 January finish at Yanbu.

FIRST LOOK
ROCK
STARS
HUSQVARNA FC
MOTOCROSS BIKES GET
ROCKSTAR EDITION
With the incredibly popular GTA
VI trailer hit fresh in our minds, it’s
understandable how the simple
mention of the name Rockstar
might have one twitching in
anticipation of something perhaps
even cooler. Especially when the
name is tied to motorcycles.

Rockstar is a name that, despite being used
by several companies, will probably forever be
associated with the New York-based video game
publisher. But moving past the GTA trailer-induced
confusion, we’ll tell you this story is about another
kind of Rockstar.
That would be the one that makes energy drinks,
and even more specifically its involvement
with Austrian motorcycle maker Husqvarna in
motocross. The two entities run joint teams in the
sport, called Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory
Racing, and it is them the new Rockstar Edition
bikes are meant to honor.
With so little time left in the year Husqvarna
announced the availability of two race teaminspired
motocross bikes for the 2024 model
year, the FC 250 Rockstar Edition and the FC 450
Rockstar Edition.
Although not new to the market, the two bikes in this
configuration come with a series of improvements
over what came before, the most important of which
is the fitting of a new frame and the revision of the
suspension system.

More to the point, the molybdenum steel frame
that holds the two bikes together has been
reworked to provide better cornering capabilities,
while the upgrades made to the rear shock
linkage reduce its rigidity.
The suspension system on both bikes continues
to rely on WP XACT gear, with the 48 mm forks
up front featuring more progressive end-ofstroke
damping, and the rear shock coming with
optimized main piston and tool-free adjusters.
The bikes ride on Excel wheels, the same ones
used by the racing team’s motorcycles, with
stopping power ensured by Brembo hardware.
Just like we’ve seen happening with the 2024
KTM SX-F Factory Edition bikes, the two FC
machines now feature the Connectivity Unit
Offroad (CUO) system. Installed on the fork leg
and working in conjunction with the Husqvarna
Motorcycles app, it allows riders to modify
the engines’ maps based on track conditions,
play around with launch and traction control
settings, and even customize the sensibility of
the quick-shifter.
The Austrians make no reference to the bikes’
four-stroke engines having been modified in any
way, except for the fitting of racing silencers on
the tips of the exhaust system.
To make sure the two machines can be
differentiated from their normal siblings,
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
graphics have been devised for both of them.

RISE FROM
THE ASHES

From sea level to over 6,000 metres in less than 24
hours on the adventure icon. BMW Motorrad and
Metzeler climb the world’s highest active volcano
with series production BMW R 1300 GS models.

Barely two and a half months after its world
premiere, the new BMW R 1300 GS proves
its outstanding off-road expertise and unique
robustness in South America. From 6th to 7th
December 2023, starting from sea level on the
Nevado Ojos del Salado - at 6,893 metres the
highest active volcano in the world - a fleet of
fully equipped
BMW R 1300 GS models managed to reach
an altitude of more than 6,000 metres in less
than 24 hours. The climb, which is very difficult
for riders, bikes and tyres, culminates in the
notorious “Rock Channel” on the northern
flank of the Nevado Ojos del Salado, where
the expedition climbed to 6,006 metres in just
19 hours and 22 minutes to reach a maximum
altitude of 6,027 metres.
The backdrop for the expedition, which
represents an extreme challenge for man and
machine, is the Circuito de los Seis Miles in
the Atacama Desert in Chile, the highest active
volcano chain in the world, to which the Nevado
Ojos del Salado belongs. The four standard
BMW R 1300 GS models set off on 6 December
at 3.00 pm local time from Bahia Inglesa, a town
near the port of Caldera on the Pacific Ocean in
the Atacama region, to climb the Nevado Ojos
Del Salado.
International team of riders.
The destination was finally reached on 7
December at 10.22 am local time. Equipped with
Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres, the BMW R 1300 GS
models started from sea level on the coast of the
Pacific Ocean, followed by the ascent through
the Atacama Desert to the Circuito de los Seis
Miles and finally to the slopes of Nevado Ojos
del Salado on the border between Argentina and

Chile. Riding the BMW R 1300 GS were Christof
Lischka, BMW Motorrad Development Manager,
Salvatore Pennisi, Metzeler Test and Technical
Director, Michele Pradelli, Italian Extreme Enduro
Champion and tester for Italian magazine InMoto,
and Karsten Schwers, tester and journalist for
German magazine MOTORRAD.
A further unique feature of this expedition
was the decision to undertake it with standard
motorcycles and standard tyres. It should also be
noted that this result was achieved with 19” front
and 17” rear tyres, showing a new dimension in
the world of adventure riding.
Christof Lischka: “With this extreme ride up to
more than 6,000 metres, the new BMW R 1300 GS
has shown what it can do and what it is made for.
It masters off-road and adventure riding as well as
a sporty pace on tarmac and long tours. Even in
standard trim with off-road tyres. It was important
for us to emphasise these core competencies of
the new GS once again with this expedition.”
Standard BMW R 1300 GS with
off-road tyres.
The new BMW R 1300 GS is fitted with Metzeler
Tourance Next 2 tyres as original equipment
ex works. For dedicated off-road use, Metzeler
Karoo 4 tyres are available as an option, and
were used on this expedition. With the Metzeler
Karoo 4 tyres, the BMW R 1300 GS offers even
better riding characteristics both off-road and on
adventure tours. The multi-purpose tyres offer
exemplary off-road traction and can be used on
everything from sandy or desert tracks to the
deepest mud. They also work perfectly
on- and off-road with the advanced rider
assistance systems of the new BMW R 1300 GS.

A challenge for man and machine.
The climb to Nevado Ojos del Salado is an
extreme challenge for both man and machine.
Considerable physical and mental effort is
required of the expedition participants. After
all, the climb is be completed in less than 24
hours. In addition, the participants reach an
environment above 5,000 metres that is very
inhospitable to humans. The temperatures are
very low - around -10 °C during the day and -20
°C at night - and the oxygen content is low.
Long-term preparation and prior acclimatisation
to the region are therefore essential. In the days
leading up to the expedition, several base camps
were set up at different altitudes and a simulation
was carried out on Mount Etna in Sicily, the
highest active volcano in Europe. Specific
medical tests and checks at the University of
Enna, in cooperation with the health authorities
of the province of Enna, were also part of the
preparation of the expedition participants.
At over 5,000 metres above sea level, the cold
and low air pressure place particularly high
demands on the electronic control of the air-fuel
mixture of the Boxer engine, but also on all other
vehicle components of the new BMW R 1300
GS. The chassis and tyres are also put to the test
by the varied terrain with stony tracks, unpaved
roads, endless sandy areas and sometimes even
ice and snow.
“I am delighted that we were able to take on this
challenge with the new R 1300 GS and mastered
it with flying colours. On such adventurous rides,
the new GS has already demonstrated its great
off-road expertise in standard trim and shown
what it can do in extreme situations,” concludes
Christof Lischka.

Pics: Roof of Africa by ZCMC
LUCKY
NUMBER
EIGHT
In the challenging setting of Lesotho’s
Mountain Kingdom, Wade Young emerged
as the eight-time victor of the Roof of Africa
Hard Enduro in 2023, overcoming scorching
temperatures. This year’s race presented a
stark contrast to the previous edition, with
dry and hot conditions replacing the rain
and floods, posing significant challenges to
riders over three days.

Undeterred by Lesotho’s unpredictable weather,
Wade Young showcased his mastery, securing
victory despite strong competition from Cody
Webb, Matt Green, and Brett Swanepoel.
Young’s triumph began with a win in the Round
the Houses race on Thursday and a strategically
placed fifth in the Time Trial. By day one’s end,
he had established a commanding 25-minute
lead over Green and Swanepoel, a lead he
maintained to claim his impressive eighth victory.
Day two witnessed a tactical battle among a
small group of riders, with 17-year-old sensation
James Moore setting the fastest time. However,
Wade Young’s substantial lead from day one
ensured his overall victory, finishing just under
20 minutes ahead of Green, with Swanepoel
closely trailing Green by three minutes in the
overall standings.
Reflecting on the race, Wade Young
acknowledged the toughness, stating, “I have
never been this tired at the end of a race in my
entire career; the days were just so long, and the
heat only made it worse.”
The extreme conditions led to multiple
retirements across all classes, emphasizing
the grueling nature of the event. Sherco
claimed the Manufacturers title, with impressive
performances across various classes, including
Cody Webb’s sixth position in the Gold class.
Louis-Bresler Knipe dominated the Bronze class,
securing victory with an 18-minute lead.
The Silver class witnessed a fierce battle, with
Daniel Peckham settling for second place
after challenging encounters with Tate Stroh
and Grant Burton-Durham. Terri-Lynn Hodge
emerged as the top-finishing Lady at this year’s
Roof of Africa, overcoming mechanical problems
faced by Kirsten Landman.
Well done to all involved. Another great Roof of
Africa in the bag. To all the competitors, a big
hats off from us. Enjoy the pictures. They tell the
story of the Roof perfectly.

Pics: Roof of Africa by ZCMC
BRAD BINDER CONQUERS ROOF
OF AFRICA IN SPECTACULAR
DEBUT ENDURO PERFOMANCE
Brad Binder, known for his exceptional skills on the MotoGP circuit, harbored
a long-standing dream of participating in the Roof of Africa. In a serendipitous
turn of events, 2023 proved to be the year when his MotoGP schedule aligned
seamlessly with the iconic enduro race. Seizing the opportunity, KTM South
Africa joined forces with Brad Binder to transform his dream into reality.
Despite having only a mere two hours of Enduro riding experience under
his belt before the event, Binder exhibited unmatched determination and
adaptability throughout the Roof of Africa. His riding technique underwent
a remarkable transformation, showcasing the true mark of a champion.
Facing the challenges posed by the treacherous Lesotho mountains, Brad
demonstrated not only his prowess as a MotoGP rider but also his resilience
as an athlete.
After a grueling 17 hours on the bike, Brad Binder crossed the finish line
in the Bronze class, marking a historic achievement in one of the toughest
editions of the Roof of Africa. The KTM South Africa team is immensely proud
to have played a role in Brad’s success and looks forward to witnessing more
such milestones in the future.

KTM REIGNS SUPREME AT THE 55TH
ROOF OF AFRICA, SECURING 64%
MARKET SHARE WITH 359 PARTICIPANTS
The 55th edition of the Roof Of Africa, The Mother of Hard
Enduro, witnessed KTM’s unparalleled dominance as the brand
clinched an astonishing 64% market share with a staggering total
of 359 KTM’s participating in the grueling event.
KTM’s stronghold on this year’s Roof Of Africa was nothing short
of remarkable, with more competitors choosing the Austrian brand
over all others combined. The sheer number of KTM motorcycles
in the race not only demonstrated the trust riders place in the
brand but also showcased the exceptional performance and
reliability of KTM off-road machines.
The Brother Leader Tread KTM factory team, a powerhouse team
in the world of off-road racing, brought their A-game to the event.
However, extreme heat conditions posed a significant challenge,
leading to the unfortunate withdrawal of top rider William Slater at
the end of day 1. Despite this setback, the resilience of the team
was evident as the two junior riders stepped up to fly the orange
flag high throughout the demanding race.
Dylan Jones, facing some of the toughest riding challenges of
his young career, showcased remarkable skill and determination
to secure an impressive 10th-place finish. His performance
underscored the commitment and talent embedded within the
Brother Leader Tread KTM factory team.
Adding to the triumph, Matthew Stevens, a 16-year-old prodigy,
joined an exclusive list of young riders who have conquered
the Roof Of Africa in the gold class. Stevens’ accomplishment
onboard his 150 XC-W not only highlighted his individual skill but
also spoke volumes about the prowess of KTM motorcycles in the
hands of emerging talents.
The dominance of KTM at the 55th Roof Of Africa reinforces
the brand’s legacy as a leader in off-road racing, setting new
benchmarks and showcasing the unparalleled performance of
KTM motorcycles in the most challenging terrains.
KTM enthusiasts, sponsors, and the entire off-road community
celebrate this outstanding achievement, recognizing KTM’s
commitment to excellence and the indomitable spirit of the riders
who conquered the Roof Of Africa aboard the Austrian brand.

Commenting on his unforgettable experience, Brad
Binder stated, “The Roof of Africa has always been
a dream for me, and to have the chance to tackle
it this year with the support of KTM South Africa is
beyond words. The race was tough and the heat
didn’t help, but every twist and turn of the route
made the victory even sweeter. I’m grateful for the
opportunity, and this experience will remain etched
in my memory forever.”
Brad Binder’s remarkable journey at the Roof
of Africa adds another chapter to his illustrious
career, showcasing not only his adaptability as
a rider but also the collaborative spirit between
him and the KTM team. As the MotoGP season
drew to a close for 2023 Binder found himself
in fourth place in the championship, fans and
enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing Brad
Binder’s future endeavors, both on the track and
off-road in 2024.

Brad at the finish with
brother Darryn Binder,
who also completed the
Mother of hard enduro on
his Husqvarna machine

Words: JP Boer | Pics: BMW Press
QUALIFIED
Securing Victory in the Qualifiers and Earning a Spot
on the Team - JP Boer’s Ongoing GS Trophy Tale.
JP Boer, the founder of Mantle Fitness, embarked on a personal
challenge, pushing the limits of man, machine, and tyre. In this
narrative, JP shares his experience of triumphing in the GS
Trophy qualifiers and securing a spot on the team for the 2024
competition. Additionally, JP provides a candid review of BATT’s
X-Terrain rear tyre, the reliable companion that accompanied
him on this remarkable journey.

My preparation for the GS Trophy took me to
some of the most stunning and breathtaking
places in South Africa. It was incredibly
beneficial to cover so many kilometers through
diverse terrain and weather conditions in the
lead-up to the National Qualifier. The journey
was incredible, filled with new people, exciting
performances, and a wealth of knowledge
and life lessons shared within the group
and community. It’s hard to put into words
the experiences I had, from conquering the
challenging sands of Mozambique to navigating
the rocky drop-offs of Lesotho, all the way to
sleeping on a mountaintop at -3 degrees Celsius
without a sleeping bag.
Not only did I gain valuable
technical knowledge, such as
replacing clutches, respoking
wheels, fixing punctures,
rewiring side stand switches,
and much more, but I also honed
my soft skills through countless
hours of practice in small fields,
packing and unpacking cones,
and refining my techniques until
they became second nature.
The first chapter in my quest to qualify for the
National Team was the Regional Qualifier in the
North West Province. After performing well in
the first few exercises, I made a crucial mistake
on the slalom, one of the most frequently
practiced exercises for the GS Trophy. Despite
this setback, I regrouped, performed well in the
remaining exercises, and managed to win the
regional event.
In the few months leading up to the National
Qualifier, I realized that the most important thing
I needed to train for was staying calm, having a
clear head, and avoiding making silly mistakes
on simple exercises. Ultimately, the GS Trophy
is more about the person who makes the fewest
mistakes rather than the person who goes the
fastest or rides the most flamboyantly.

Three weeks before the
National Qualifier, my team and
I decided to take one last trip to
Mozambique. This proved to be
an invaluable training ground, as
four out of the six riding events
in the Qualifier turned out to be
sand-based.
Upon arriving in Aberdeen, we split up into
groups of 10 at random. We were briefed and
then split up into teams of 2 for the first exercise.
Our first exercise was a navigation event. We
faced a new navigation format this year. Unlike
previous GS Trophies, where navigation involved
a combination of loading coordinates onto a
GPS and following track logs, this year’s event
required participants to follow a roadbook like in
Dakar. It was a fun challenge in the dark, and it
served as a great icebreaker for the start of the
2023 GS Trophy National Qualifier.
On the second day, we headed out in our
groups, composed of people we had never
met before. One of our team members had
a puncture early on, the first of many for the
weekend. After covering about 70 kilometers, we
came across a small dugout dam and faced the
challenge of riding up and down the dam wall,
maneuvering through parallel logs. We continued
through the beautiful Karoo, surrounded by
nothing but fynbos as far as the eye could see.
Next came a challenging combination of an
elephant turn and a figure-of-eight. For the
second group, the small box within the figure-ofeight
proved to be extremely difficult to navigate
faultlessly due to the thick sand that was created
by previous groups. We continued along
wonderful Karoo roads until we reached the town
of Prince Albert.
We were then briefed on our final event for the day,
a team event that involved riding one bike through
a thick riverbed, making it turn around a pylon, and
bringing the bike back to the starting point.

The catch was that all team members had
to touch the bike for the time to stop. After a
challenging run in boots around the pylon in
thick sand, we finished the day and headed
to Prince Albert, where we were treated to the
amazing pool and wonderful food at the hotel.
After a long ride together, our
team adopted the name “Bomb
Squad.” It quickly became clear
what riding a GS is all about,
and that the “Spirit of GS”
slogan is not just a marketing
ploy but a genuine phenomenon
that can be experienced with
like-minded people who share
a passion for adventure and
the thrill that these beautiful
machines can offer.
The next day, we were the first team to the
starting point, eager to tackle the challenges
that lay ahead. We began with the Beautiful
Swartberg Pass, a scenic route with breathtaking
views. A quick walk-around bike challenge tested
our balancing skills, as we were asked to find
a fossilized clock engraved on the Swartberg
mountain. The winding gravel roads that followed
were like a dream come true, and we made our
way to the summit of the Swartberg Pass for a
quick team photo on the cliff’s edge.
We continued along gravel roads until we met up
with the rest of the marshals at a beautiful town
called De Rust. Along the windy road through
Meiringspoort, we were greeted with the next
challenge of the day, a quiz about the history of
the Meiringspoort pass. After a challenging trek
to the marshal at the top of the waterfall, we were
asked to take a picture of a box and bring it back
to the marshal at the...

After what felt like a 3-hour ride through the dirt
roads, we came to our next exercise, which was
at the bottom of a riverbed with lots of BMW
branding and spectators. It smelled like loads
of fun. I noticed that my bike was running a bit
hotter than it was supposed to. After further
inspection, I saw that one of my radiators was
leaking and that there was no more fluid left in
my coolant tank. With a quick Pratley putty and
the help from Stefan Boshoff, we attempted to
repair the leaky radiator.
After a brief explanation from the marshals, we
found out there were two events that were going
to happen: the Quarter Mile sand race and the
Namibia preparation. The Quarter Mile sand race
was a full blast as fast as you can run down a
riverbed with a pylon at the end. You turn around
and return as fast as you can, stopping over the
line trying not to send your bike into the river. The
second event was a series of rocks and thick
sand, flags that you had to navigate through thick
sand without spinning your bike into the sand
and getting stuck. We had a great time with some
difficult runs. Comradery was the name of the
game helping fellow team mates navigate the sand.
As we were managing to hop back on the bikes,
I looked down at the screen and saw that it was
a breezy 40 degrees Celsius. This just added to
the immense challenge of the physical work of
helping the bike through the sand. We tracked
through the hot afternoon and got to the camp,
which was the best I could explain the word
“the middle of nowhere.” With no cell phone
reception of any kind, it became dark quite

quickly with the last participants coming into
camp. After further inspection, I saw that the
repair that had been made to my leaky radiator
was not working. Luckily for me, there was a bike
that had some damage from the first day, and
the owner, Lorin, graciously offered to swap his
radiator with my leaky one. Under headlight, I
swapped out radiators and filled up all the water.
I did a test run, and everything seemed to be
working perfectly.
After two days of riding, I was coming into the last
day where the group would be split into the top
14. I was in fifth position. The last riding event was
coming up, and I would just have to keep my head
and not make any stupid mistakes to qualify for
the top 14. They informed us that all points would
be reset coming into the last event.
The last day came, and back to
Aberdeen with the final event
before the group would be split.
A slalom event through thick
sand, with all the spectators and
participants filling up around the
sand pit, we completed the last
exercise. It should be mentioned
that all these events needed to
be done at 2 bar tire pressure.
To my knowledge, the last event was exactly the
same throughout all the international regions
that were selecting teams before the GS Trophy
International. It was a combination of eight
exercises that tested all the skills that you had
to practice for the GS Trophy event. I felt like the

event itself was a combination of everything that
most participants would know to be part of the
event in the GS Trophy. There were garages,
elephant turns, brake slides, full lock turns, brake
slide then power slides, general balancing, and
ending off with an emergency brake. It was an
extremely close event, and to my luck or detriment
(whichever way you want to look at it), I was
selected to participate last in the entire group.
Having looked at every other competitor’s run,
there were a few that stood out above the rest,
and I knew that there was no room for error in the
events. After doing my run, I felt like I did a good
run, but I wasn’t confident that there was enough
to make the top three. I had a feeling that there
were two or three people that maybe made fewer
or the exact same amount of mistakes that I did.
After a long and stressful award ceremony, it was
announced that I was part of the team and then
placed second out of all the competitors! The
journey has come to an end, but the new one
has just begun. There is lots of hard training that
lies ahead, and a little bit of pressure, seeing as
South Africa has won the last four GS Trophy
titles. Obviously, there is a legacy already left
behind that you need to follow up through to make
it 5 for 5. There is lots of fun riding ahead, and I
am extremely excited about the journey that lies
ahead, the new teammates that I have, and the
bonds and relationships that we will make that will
last a lifetime. Thank you for all the support I have
received from my family and friends.

X FACTOR
JP reviews the BATT X-Terrain rear tyre
I was first introduced to Batt-Tech tyres when I went on a trip to
the Waterberg with a good friend, John Harris. The tyres looked
promising from the first glance, and I decided to test them out
after the trip. I was pleasantly surprised to see the price compared
to other brands that I am used to.
My Goals:
I had a goal of qualifying for the GS Trophy after I missed out on
being part of the 2022 team. The advice I got from members who
were part of previous teams was that you need to put in time in
the seat, so I decided to commit to riding and training as often as
I could.
Tyre Lifespan and Performance:
After riding a bike for a few years now, I have become
accustomed to the fact that longevity shouldn’t be the aim when
putting on a new set of rear tyres. The aggressive riding you
need to inherit when training for the trophy (lots of wheel spin
and tire drags) means the life of the tire is shortened by quite a
lot. The way I see it, there are some compromises to be made.
A soft tire provides a lot of grip but offers little mileage. But the
price difference between the Batts and what I am used to means I
could buy 3 Batts for the price of 2. A big win in my opinion!

My Experience with Batt-Tech Tyres:
In the span of 2 years, I did about 25,000 km,
and about 20,000 km was off-road. All of the
kilometers were on Batts, from every terrain
imaginable - mud, sand, rock, and everything in
between. The performance I received from the
Batts was remarkable!
Overall, I highly recommend Batt-Tech tyres. They
are great value for the money and offer excellent
performance, both on and off-road. I am confident
that they will help you achieve your riding goals.
Here are some additional details about
Batt-Tech tyres:
• They are designed and developed in South
Africa.
• They are available in a wide variety of sizes and
tread patterns to suit all types of off-road riding.
• They are DOT approved and E-marked, but
not for road use. Core thoroughbred off road
competition tyre.
• They are backed by a comprehensive warranty.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, affordable offroad
tyre, I highly recommend Batt-Tech.