MRW Issue 43
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otoGP<br />
ISSUE <strong>43</strong><br />
MOVERS &<br />
Shakers<br />
MOTOGP MUSICAL CHAIRS IN FULL SWING<br />
FIRST SA RIDE REVIEWS<br />
NEW HUSQVARNA<br />
SVARTPILEN 401 & KTM<br />
1390 SUPER DUKE R<br />
Making everyday street<br />
riding, weekend adventures,<br />
and track days more<br />
exhilarating than ever.<br />
ALSO INSIDE: SA STARS SHINE IN AMERICA | RED BULL ERZBERG 2024 | SUNBET ZX10 MASTER CUP ZWARTKOPS
EDITOR’S NOTE<br />
Welcome to <strong>Issue</strong> <strong>43</strong> of South Africa’s<br />
premier motorcycle magazine, Moto<br />
Rider World! In this edition, we bring<br />
you the latest and greatest happenings<br />
in the motorcycle world.<br />
First up, we test-ride Husqvarna’s<br />
brand-new 401 Svartpilen. Is it any<br />
good? You’ll have to dive into our<br />
detailed review to find out.<br />
Additionally, we revisit the all-new KTM<br />
1390 Super Duke R. In an exclusive<br />
South African test, we put this beast<br />
through its paces at the Monday Club<br />
at Kyalami Raceway. Don’t miss our<br />
in-depth analysis of its performance on<br />
one of the country’s most iconic tracks.<br />
Enjoy the ride!<br />
It’s been a busy period in the racing<br />
world, with a plethora of South African<br />
talent making their mark on the<br />
global stage. Our local heroes are<br />
competing across various prestigious<br />
championships:<br />
From MotoGP to the new FIM Women’s<br />
World Championship, South Africa’s<br />
motorcycle racing talent is truly being<br />
showcased to the world, and we’re<br />
thrilled to keep you updated on their<br />
progress via our social platforms.<br />
The recent MotoGP at Mugello saw<br />
Pecco Bagnaia, the “Mugello Master,”<br />
dominate both Saturday’s sprint race<br />
and Sunday’s main GP.<br />
For Brad Binder, it was a challenging<br />
weekend as he continues to battle with<br />
his KTM machine. We hope the team<br />
can find a breakthrough for a stronger<br />
second half of the year.<br />
Darryn Binder had a promising run in<br />
Moto2, getting as high as third in the<br />
Mugello race before an unfortunate<br />
crash. Despite this setback, it’s<br />
encouraging to see Darryn running up<br />
front and competing with the best.<br />
Even bigger news emerged after the<br />
Mugello race weekend, shocking<br />
many, including us. Championship<br />
leader Jorge Martin seemed set to<br />
join the factory red Ducati team for<br />
2025. However, in a surprising twist<br />
typical of modern-day MotoGP, Martin<br />
was announced as a factory Aprilia<br />
rider for 2025 during the washed-out<br />
Mugello test on Monday. It appears<br />
that something transpired over the<br />
weekend, leading Ducati to opt not to<br />
sign Martin. Instead, they look to be<br />
going with the 8-time world champion,<br />
Marc Marquez. This incredible shift<br />
adds even more excitement, not<br />
only for 2025 but for the remainder<br />
of this season. No doubt, Martin will<br />
be motivated to outshine the factory<br />
Ducati team by winning this year’s<br />
championship and taking the number 1<br />
plate with him to Italian rivals Aprilia.<br />
There are still some significant pieces<br />
of the puzzle to be sorted for 2025,<br />
including the futures of Enea Bastianini,<br />
Maverick Viñales, Joan Mir, and Jack<br />
Miller. Full feature in this issue.<br />
Stay tuned for more updates and<br />
insights into the world of motorcycle<br />
racing right here at Moto Rider World!<br />
Until next month, thanks for the<br />
support, stay warm, and ride safe!<br />
Shaun Portman<br />
CONTRIBUTORS<br />
Beam Productions<br />
Sheridan Morais<br />
CONTACT<br />
DETAILS<br />
EDITOR/OWNER<br />
Shaun Portman<br />
072 260 9525<br />
shaunpotman@gmail.com<br />
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Exclusive to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 model
NEWS DESK<br />
BMW PRESENTS THE<br />
R20 CONCEPT<br />
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este has become<br />
such an annual treasure trove of automotive<br />
delights that the headline acts can overshadow<br />
some important debuts. This is one of them.<br />
As it does regularly at Concorso d’Eleganza<br />
Villa d’Este, BMW Motorrad showcased a<br />
concept, and this year, it was the only internalcombustion-engined<br />
motorcycle at the entire<br />
event. This bike was presented to a cultured,<br />
affluent, and automotive-focused audience,<br />
alongside the 20th BMW Art Car and a stylish<br />
V8 Sports Car concept.<br />
When it was mentioned in very few dispatches,<br />
it shouldn’t have come as a surprise—except<br />
to motorcycle enthusiasts who immediately<br />
recognized that one of the most iconic<br />
motorcycle designs in history had just<br />
undergone a major revision. This update visually<br />
distills 100 years of continuous refinement of<br />
BMW’s signature horizontally-opposed engine<br />
into a truly exquisite form.<br />
Few motorcycle marques have endured 100 years<br />
of commercial warfare: Royal Enfield (founded<br />
in 1893), Peugeot (1898), Norton (1898), Indian
NEWS DESK<br />
(1901), Triumph (1902), Harley Davidson (1903),<br />
and Husqvarna (1903). Moto Guzzi joined this<br />
exclusive club in 2021, BMW Motorrad in 2023,<br />
and Ducati will join in 2026.<br />
BMW’s very first motorcycle, the R32, began<br />
production in 1923, and you can still see the<br />
family resemblance even now. The bike gave<br />
the fledgling BMW motorcycle brand a perfectly<br />
balanced horizontally-opposed engine platform<br />
that has been the brand’s signature configuration<br />
for 100 years.<br />
We’ve shown some detailed pictures here, but<br />
at this point, very little solid information has<br />
been revealed, as it is still a concept bike. The<br />
thought of how sweet this bike is likely to be,<br />
and how sought-after a limited-production model<br />
commemorating the 100-year lineage would be,<br />
is exciting. Given how good the R20 looks, BMW<br />
Motorrad must have production in mind. Let’s<br />
hope so!
NEWS DESK<br />
DUCATI STREETFIGHTER<br />
V4 SUPREME EDITION<br />
It’s not uncommon for motorcycle manufacturers<br />
to release special editions, but it’s quite rare for<br />
them to pair these bikes with matching apparel<br />
and lifestyle items. However, that’s exactly what<br />
Ducati did with the launch of the Streetfighter V4<br />
Supreme this week.<br />
For no apparent reason, Ducati decided to gift<br />
the world with a limited-edition motorcycle,<br />
accompanied by all the gear a rider would need<br />
for their travels and leisure time.<br />
Collaborating with New York-based clothing brand<br />
Supreme and Italian bike designer Aldo Drudi,<br />
Ducati created something truly exciting.<br />
Mechanically, the bike is the same Streetfighter<br />
V4 we know and love, featuring a MotoGP-derived<br />
frame and the mighty Desmosedici Stradale<br />
engine, with a displacement of 1,103cc producing<br />
208 horsepower and 123 Nm of torque.<br />
Visually, however, the Streetfighter V4 Supreme<br />
is transformed by Aldo Drudi’s design, featuring<br />
Supreme’s signature colors. The white and red<br />
color scheme, reminiscent of the clothing brand,<br />
flows across the bike, giving it a distinct and<br />
eye-catching look. The livery mimics Supreme’s<br />
underground style, turning the motorcycle into a<br />
work of pop art. This special styling extends to the<br />
Brembo front calipers, wheels, and the convertible<br />
single-seat section at the rear.<br />
The bike is packed with unique features, including<br />
specially designed sports grips, exclusive<br />
graphics, and a progressive number indicating its<br />
place in the production run. Even the dashboard<br />
animation at startup is unique to this edition.<br />
Accompanying the bike is a range of technical<br />
apparel, including a matching racing suit and<br />
jacket by Dainese, an Arai helmet, and Spidi<br />
gloves. On the lifestyle front, the Streetfighter V4<br />
Supreme is joined by Supreme-made clothing<br />
items such as track and hooded work jackets,<br />
soccer jerseys, track pants, T-shirts, and hats.<br />
Despite being presented as a package, the bike,<br />
technical apparel, and clothing will be available for<br />
purchase separately from their respective makers.<br />
The Streetfighter V4 Supreme will be produced in<br />
a very limited series, available for a short period.<br />
Exact numbers and specifics have not been<br />
provided by Ducati.<br />
Those who purchase the Ducati Streetfighter V4<br />
Supreme will receive the motorcycle in a unique<br />
wooden crate, marked appropriately. Inside,<br />
alongside the bike, there will be a dedicated box<br />
containing an accessory kit, including a certificate<br />
of authenticity, a dedicated motorcycle cover,<br />
and all components necessary to transform the<br />
motorcycle into a two-seater configuration.<br />
Ducati has not disclosed the price of the<br />
Streetfighter V4 Supreme.
NEWS DESK<br />
SOUO S2000 GL - CHINA’S<br />
8-CYLINDER, 2-LITER<br />
MEGATOURER<br />
We love an adventurous startup, but GWM’s new<br />
“clean sheet” motorcycle company announced<br />
last Friday looks poised to disrupt the established<br />
motorcycle industry.<br />
The privately-owned Chinese “Great Wall Motor<br />
Company” (GWM), which started making cars in<br />
1984, has been among the 25 largest automotive<br />
manufacturers in the world for the last decade<br />
and is currently on a massive growth trajectory.<br />
Domestic sales are up more than 20% year-onyear<br />
in 2024 after selling a record 1.4 million<br />
vehicles in 2023 (1.1 million domestically and<br />
300,000 internationally).<br />
GWM has released 20 new models across its<br />
brands (GWM, Haval, Wey, Tank, Poer, and<br />
Ora) this year and aims to sell a million vehicles<br />
annually internationally by 2030, requiring 85%<br />
year-on-year growth for the next six years. The<br />
company already exports to more than 170<br />
countries and plans to leverage its existing<br />
1,000 overseas sales channels for its new<br />
motorcycle brand.<br />
If you haven’t heard of Great Wall Motors, you<br />
soon will. The global automotive industry has<br />
been in a state of perpetual revolution, with<br />
GWM now bigger than Volvo, Suzuki, Subaru,<br />
Renault, Nissan, Isuzu, Mazda, and Mitsubishi.<br />
GWM’s rise will become more challenging as it<br />
competes with massive conglomerates that have<br />
dominated their home markets.<br />
At GWM’s annual conference, Chairman Jack<br />
Wey stated, “GWM will attach great importance<br />
to overseas markets, increase investment in<br />
overseas resources, fully support overseas<br />
expansion, and launch products with category<br />
advantages, high quality, and competitiveness<br />
in various regions overseas!” GWM aims for<br />
its high-end (luxury) vehicle sales to account<br />
for more than one-third of all sales by 2030, an<br />
ambitious goal given its track record.
NEWS DESK<br />
With the monumental size of the Chinese<br />
marketplace behind it, GWM could be in the top<br />
10 automotive manufacturers a decade from now.<br />
New Zealand last year became the first sizeable<br />
nation to surpass the one vehicle per resident<br />
mark, while the United States has over 900<br />
vehicles per 1,000 people, Canada has 790, and<br />
there are 50 more countries with more than 500<br />
vehicles per 1,000 people. China, with 231 vehicles<br />
per 1,000 inhabitants and a rapidly growing<br />
affluent population, offers immense potential.<br />
Don’t expect the SOUO S2000 GL to remain<br />
the sole model in GWM’s motorcycle range for<br />
long. The SOUO motorcycle brand, under the<br />
leadership of a motorcycle enthusiast Chairman,<br />
will quickly expand into international markets with<br />
more models. Initially, rumors suggest the EIGHT<br />
will be sold in different variations, similar to how<br />
Bugatti built its range around the W-16 engine.<br />
The company’s first bike, a technological marvel<br />
powered by a two-liter flat-eight engine with an<br />
eight-speed DCT transmission, has captured<br />
global media attention. While no power figure<br />
has been quoted, with eight high-efficiency 250cc<br />
cylinders, it should easily achieve impressive<br />
performance. The LCD instrument cluster and 240<br />
km/h speedometer suggest it aims to balance<br />
power with accessibility.<br />
Having tested both the BMW K1600 6-cylinder<br />
and Triumph 2300cc triple, the potential midrange<br />
power of an eight-cylinder motorcycle is<br />
intriguing. This move in the game of motorcycle<br />
one-upmanship seems poised to set a new<br />
benchmark.<br />
We can’t wait for the next chapter.
NEWS DESK<br />
LIMITED EDITION SPEED<br />
TRIPLE 1200 RR<br />
Modern technology meets classic style in the<br />
latest collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles<br />
and Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling;<br />
two pioneering brands known for precision<br />
engineering, performance and style.<br />
Capturing the essence of freedom on the open<br />
road and celebrating the brands’ shared spirit<br />
of bold innovation, Triumph unveils a top of the<br />
range Speed Triple 1200 RR Breitling Limited<br />
Edition, while Breitling introduces a distinctive<br />
Chronomat B01 42 Triumph watch.<br />
Proud owners of the new Limited Edition<br />
motorcycle will also have the unique opportunity<br />
to purchase a made-to-order Triumph Owners<br />
Exclusive watch featuring a carbon dial, brown<br />
alligator strap and a caseback engraved with their<br />
motorcycle’s unique number, which is inscribed<br />
on the top yoke of the bike, creating a unique<br />
set where the watch and motorcycle enrich each<br />
other’s story.<br />
Limited to only 270 individually numbered<br />
motorcycles worldwide, the Limited Editon features<br />
a bespoke paint scheme with premium gold handpainted<br />
detailing, leather seat with French stitching,<br />
exclusive high-specification Akrapovič silencer and<br />
ultra-light carbon fibre parts.<br />
Breitling’s presence is in the details: a custom<br />
Breitling start screen, the Breitling logo laseretched<br />
onto the machined rear wheel finisher, and<br />
a distinct gold Breitling badge on the tank.<br />
Known for its exhilarating performance, the Speed<br />
Triple 1200 RR impresses with its Öhlins semiactive<br />
suspension, track-derived specification and<br />
beautifully crafted cockpit fairing accentuating its<br />
signature single rounded headlight.<br />
The Chronomat B01 42 Triumph watch is a fusion<br />
of titanium and 18k red gold graced with an<br />
anthracite dial, echoing the dark shades of the<br />
motorcycle, while their golden details pay homage<br />
to the Speed Triple 1200 RR’s class-leading<br />
Öhlins front forks. This new iteration is perfectly<br />
complemented by a perforated brown leather<br />
strap, capturing the essence of freedom on the<br />
open road. Originally designed for the Italian<br />
aerobatics team Frecce Tricolori in 1983, the<br />
Chronomat bucked the quartz trend by reinstating<br />
mechanical chronographs to their former<br />
prominence. It’s this spirit of bold innovation that<br />
thrives in the new Chronomat B01 42 Triumph<br />
— a watch born from a shared philosophy with<br />
Triumph’s own pioneering role in the world of<br />
motorcycles.<br />
Triumph CEO Nick Bloor says, “Teaming up with<br />
Breitling, we’ve united two worlds, delivering<br />
our shared passions for precision, speed, and<br />
impeccable style.”<br />
“The Chronomat and the Speed Triple 1200<br />
RR exemplify our joint devotion to the highest<br />
standards of design and performance,” added<br />
Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. “With Triumph,<br />
we share a rugged spirit that combines artistry<br />
with adventure.”<br />
The new Speed Triple 1200 RR Breitling Limited<br />
Edition will be available from £22,995 (SA price<br />
TBC) OTR. Customers can register their interest at<br />
triumphmotorcycles.co.uk. Bikes will be arriving in<br />
dealerships from June 2024.
NEWS DESK<br />
YOUNG SA STARS STAMPING<br />
THEIR AUTHORITY AT SASCS<br />
Round 3 of the Short Circuit Series took place at<br />
the Formula K Circuit in Johannesburg, marking<br />
an exciting weekend for the Robert brothers,<br />
Cayden (15) and Blake (10). This was the first<br />
time motorcycles raced the circuit in an anticlockwise<br />
direction, but the brothers, familiar<br />
with this layout from training, excelled during the<br />
event. In Friday practice, both Cayden and Blake<br />
topped the timesheets.<br />
Cayden, racing in the 150 Cup on his Honda<br />
CBR150, qualified in pole position and won all<br />
three heats, setting a new lap record of 1:19.226<br />
in Race 2. His outstanding performance earned<br />
him the “Rider of the Day” award, and he now<br />
leads the championship by 28 points.<br />
Blake also had a remarkable weekend,<br />
competing in both the SAMRA NSF Cup and<br />
the SM65 Junior Motard Class, managing the<br />
demanding schedule of three races per class.<br />
He secured pole positions in both classes and<br />
achieved six wins, setting lap records in both<br />
categories. Reflecting on their success, Cayden<br />
expressed his joy: “It doesn’t get better than that.<br />
So awesome for us to have a perfect weekend<br />
where we both do well. I’m super happy.”<br />
PICS@BEAMP.CO.ZA
NEWS DESK<br />
RAZGATLIOGLU OBLITERATES<br />
MISANO LAP RECORD<br />
During the two-day MOTUL FIM Superbike<br />
World Championship test at Misano, Toprak<br />
Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK<br />
Team) emerged as the fastest rider, despite<br />
rain disrupting the session around lunchtime.<br />
Razgatlioglu’s impressive lap time outpaced<br />
his previous day’s record, placing him ahead<br />
of Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) in<br />
second place. However, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.<br />
it Racing - Ducati) faced a challenging day,<br />
missing the top three and experiencing three<br />
crashes on Friday.<br />
Razgatlioglu Dominates: P1 Again for ‘El Turco’<br />
Turkish superstar Toprak Razgatlioglu clocked<br />
a 1’32.918s lap to claim first place on Day 2,<br />
continuing his strong performance from Thursday.<br />
After setting this time, the 2021 Champion<br />
switched to his second bike and further improved<br />
to a 1’32.535s. Razgatlioglu focused on setup and<br />
electronics to prepare for the upcoming Emilia-<br />
Romagna Round. His teammate, Michael van der<br />
Mark, finished ninth, praising BMW’s new seat he<br />
first tested on Thursday. Van der Mark’s best time<br />
was 1’33.715s, over a second behind Razgatlioglu.<br />
Rea Surges to Second: Maximizing<br />
the Final Hour<br />
Jonathan Rea capitalized on the final hour of<br />
testing to climb the ranks, posting a 1’33.113s<br />
to claim P2. This followed what Team Principal<br />
Paul Denning described as Rea’s “best day of<br />
testing” with Yamaha. Rea tested new chassis<br />
balance, weight distribution, and rider position at<br />
Misano. His teammate, Andrea Locatelli, finished<br />
fifth, just two-tenths behind Rea, highlighting<br />
Yamaha’s potential.<br />
Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK<br />
Team) also performed well, securing sixth place<br />
with a 1’33.639s. His teammate, Dominique<br />
Aegerter, ended the test on a high note, finishing<br />
eighth. Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) recovered<br />
from a crash to claim 18th place.<br />
Highs and Lows for Ducati: Bulega Third,<br />
Bautista Fourth with Three Crashes<br />
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) led<br />
Ducati’s efforts on Friday, finishing third with<br />
a 1’33.133s, surpassing teammate Alvaro<br />
Bautista in the final stages. Bautista, the reigning<br />
Champion, ended the day in fourth with a<br />
1’33.175s but suffered three crashes, adding to<br />
his total of four for the test. Michele Pirro also<br />
performed well, finishing 12th with a 1’33.876s.<br />
Independent Ducati rider Sam Lowes (ELF Marc<br />
VDS Racing Team) finished 14th despite feeling<br />
under the weather. He focused on rider position<br />
and ergonomic improvements, with a best time<br />
of 1’33.949s. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing<br />
Team), returning from injury, secured a top-five<br />
spot on Friday with a 1’33.963s. Andrea Iannone<br />
(Team GoEleven) finished 16th.
NEWS DESK<br />
Kawasaki’s Mixed Day: Lowes Seventh,<br />
Rabat Impresses<br />
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)<br />
finished seventh, briefly topping the times in<br />
the afternoon with a 1’33.458s. Teammate Axel<br />
Bassani was 13th. Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti<br />
Racing) was a standout on Friday, initially running<br />
second with a 1’33.856s, but fell to tenth as the<br />
day progressed.<br />
Honda’s Progress: Lecuona in 11th,<br />
Vierge 17th<br />
Honda continued their work at Misano,<br />
introducing new exhaust pipes and evaluating a<br />
new swingarm option. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC)<br />
was the fastest Honda rider, securing 11th place<br />
with a 1’33.866s. Teammate Xavi Vierge posted<br />
a 1’34.419s, finishing 17th. Tarran Mackenzie<br />
(PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) finished 19th,<br />
while Adam Norrodin (PETRONAS MIE Racing<br />
Honda) rounded out the WorldSBK field.
NEWS DESK<br />
RED BULL ERZBERGRODEO:<br />
LETTENBICHLER TRIUMPHS<br />
German rider Manuel Lettenbichler was once<br />
again unbeatable at Red Bull Erzbergrodeo,<br />
known as the toughest enduro race in the world.<br />
Of 500 starters, only nine made it to the finish line.<br />
Manuel Lettenbichler was in a class of his own<br />
as he re-wrote the record books with victory<br />
at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo to mark his 10th<br />
consecutive win in the Hard Enduro World<br />
Championship. He also made it a hat-trick of wins<br />
on the Iron Giant as the German Red Bull KTM<br />
rider known by his nickname “Mani” became only<br />
the second rider to take three wins in a row since<br />
Poland’s mighty Taddy Blazusiak in 2009.<br />
One of the most technically and physically<br />
demanding courses of all time<br />
The reigning Hard Enduro World Champion<br />
Lettenbichler was at the top of his game, arriving<br />
in perfect form for the toughest one-day race in<br />
the series and on the back of a commanding win<br />
at the HEWC-opening Valleys Hard Enduro in<br />
Wales. He blasted around the mountain to finish<br />
20 minutes clear of his closest rival. but while<br />
he made it look easy, that only speaks to his<br />
supreme skill, not the difficulty of the challenge.<br />
In fact, it took all Lettenbichler’s experience and<br />
skill to conquer one of the most technically and<br />
physically demanding Red Bull Erzbergrodeo<br />
courses of all time. For 2024, race organizer Karl<br />
Katoch packed the track with two passes through<br />
the boulder-strewn Carl’s Dinner, punctuated with<br />
two runs through the Erzberg’s notoriously soggy<br />
forests, each trickier than the last.<br />
The logic of replacing some of the event’s famous<br />
steep climbs with an early run through Carl’s<br />
Dinner meant that more of the 500 riders who’d<br />
qualified via the prologue would have a chance<br />
to pit their skills against the brutal boulder field.<br />
It also extended the pain for the front-runners,<br />
who still had energy-sapping routes through the<br />
mountain forests ahead of them. At the four-hour<br />
cut-off mark and the end of the race, only nine<br />
had crossed the finish line.<br />
Fastest out front and disaster for Hart<br />
With Lettenbichler’s arch-rival Billy Bolt safely in<br />
the commentary box as he recovers from knee<br />
surgery, the German’s likely challengers came<br />
from the new Sherco team of Teo Kabakchiev and<br />
Mario Roman – second and third in the opening<br />
round – as well as double third place finisher<br />
Trystan Hart and three-time winner Jonny Walker,<br />
who arrived in Austria fresh from taking on the<br />
infamous Red Bull Hardline downhill mountain<br />
bike course.<br />
The two-day prologue sets the starting positions<br />
for the riders and whittles the entries from<br />
1,300 down to the elite 500. Competing as a<br />
wildcard was EnduroGP star Josep Garcia, who
NEWS DESK<br />
was the fastest in the field by some distance.<br />
The Spaniard wasn’t entered for Sunday’s<br />
race however. The prologue also accounted<br />
for expected front-runner Cody Webb, with the<br />
American crashing out on Saturday.<br />
The fastest rider to start Sunday’s main race was<br />
German motocross racer Chris Gundermann and<br />
he got away fastest to lead the first 50 riders out<br />
of the bottom of the quarry, but Lettenbichler was<br />
past him by Wasserleitung, the first checkpoint<br />
and first big climb.<br />
The start always claims a big name. Last year it<br />
was Billy Bolt, this time it was Hart, who ran out<br />
of space and crashed into the big track marker at<br />
the end of the start straight. The Canadian was<br />
bruised, but quickly back on his KTM and fighting<br />
his way up the order – sometimes quite literally.<br />
Mani takes charge at the front<br />
Up front, Lettenbichler soon shook off the<br />
attentions of Kabakchiev and young Brit Will<br />
Hoare, and set about building an unassailable<br />
lead, which he would stretch out in the new Carl’s<br />
Dinner Lite, the first of several runs over a valley<br />
full of jagged rocks.<br />
Carl’s Dinner Lite was to be an appetizer for the<br />
Carl’s Dinner main course, with Chris’s Stony<br />
Party for dessert. By the time Lettenbichler<br />
reached the two-thirds point at Stony Party, he<br />
had a 15-minute lead over the recovered Hart<br />
and was through the section and at the top of<br />
mountain by the time his rival was entering.<br />
All eyes were on the late forest sections at<br />
Motorex Highway and the new Killer’s Leap:<br />
conditions in these woody valleys at the bottom<br />
of the Erzberg can be treacherous and gamechanging,<br />
but Lettenbichler took time to reset and<br />
cleared each test, emitting a loud cry of triumph<br />
as he cleared the valley with victory in sight.<br />
Red Bull Erzbergrodeo veteran Graham Jarvis<br />
rolls back the years<br />
A kilometer further back, there was further drama.<br />
While Hart dug in for the runners-up spot, veteran<br />
Graham Jarvis produced another masterclass to<br />
contend for the final podium position.<br />
A five-time winner at this race and simply the<br />
greatest hard enduro rider of all time, the Brit<br />
shook off his 49 years to scythe through the field<br />
after qualifying 35th. There’s younger and quicker<br />
riders out there, but few can live with the veteran’s<br />
technical ability on a bike and he made light work<br />
of the hardest sections.<br />
At checkpoint one, he was 30th, by Carl’s Dinner<br />
he was sixth, soon slipped by fellow previous<br />
winners Wade Young and Walker and was third<br />
by Udo’s Playground at the top of the mountain.<br />
Mario Roman was hot on his tracks and Jarvis<br />
began to tire in the Motorex Highway, needing<br />
Roman’s help to climb out. The Spaniard took<br />
third place and valuable championship points,<br />
with Jarvis finishing a superb fourth.<br />
Following them over the finish line were Young,<br />
Kabakchiev and Walker all in close contention,<br />
while Mitch Brightmore extended his lead in the<br />
Junior championship with eighth place, followed<br />
by last year’s champion Matthew Green in ninth.<br />
Each takes home a finisher’s trophy – a large,<br />
polished lump of rock – a checkered flag and a<br />
collection of cuts and bruises. No prize money,<br />
no champagne, but they’ll all be back next year to<br />
take on the Iron Giant once again<br />
SA star Wade Young on his<br />
GasGas managed a brilliant<br />
5th place overall.<br />
SA star Matthew Green<br />
picking up 9th overall.
NEWS DESK<br />
KTM TEST OUT CLUTCHLESS<br />
ADVENTURE BIKE AT ERZBERG<br />
SAVE<br />
R20 000<br />
At the Erzbergrodeo 2024, KTM unveiled what<br />
might be their most extreme adventure bike yet:<br />
the KTM AMT Prototype. Official information is<br />
scarce, but rumors suggest this could be the<br />
most radical travel ADV from the Mattighofen<br />
manufacturer. The bike is expected to come in<br />
three versions: S (road-biased), R (dual sport),<br />
and Rally.<br />
One of the most eye-catching features is the option<br />
for an automatic or semi-automatic gearbox.<br />
Stills from the teaser video reveal the absence<br />
of a clutch lever, similar to Honda’s DCT model<br />
adventure and touring bikes. A close-up shot of the<br />
left handlebar shows a button marked ‘Down’ on<br />
the switchcube, indicating gear changes can be<br />
made without a clutch or gear lever, much like the<br />
DCT setup.<br />
KTM demonstrated their confidence in the bike’s<br />
capabilities by debuting it at the Erzbergrodeo,<br />
one of the world’s toughest hard enduros, held<br />
in Erzberg, Austria. French motocross, rally, and<br />
enduro rider Johnny Aubert rode the prototype,<br />
finishing a respectable seventh in the Iron Road<br />
Prolog, a class dedicated to large-capacity twincylinder<br />
adventure bikes.<br />
Exclusive to KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2023 model
MT Stinger Helmet:<br />
Excellence in Safety<br />
and Comfort<br />
Established in Spain as “Manufactures Thomas” in<br />
1968, MT Helmets have been producing high-quality,<br />
affordable helmets for decades. The MT Stinger<br />
helmet is available in a variety of vibrant colors,<br />
including classic black and white, and is priced at<br />
under 2,000 Rand in South Africa, exclusively from<br />
Batt-Tech Specialized Helmet Division.<br />
Superior Safety and Construction<br />
The MT Stinger helmet is known for its safety,<br />
reliability, and craftsmanship. It features a strong<br />
outer shell made from High Impact Resistant<br />
Polymer (HIRP), which is significantly more<br />
durable than cheaper plastic alternatives. The<br />
helmet boasts a 4 out of 5-star safety rating,<br />
making it 100% track-ready.<br />
Comfort and Fit<br />
The MT Stinger helmet is designed for all-season<br />
use in South Africa, making it perfect for racers,<br />
track enthusiasts, and everyday commuters.<br />
The interior features anti-allergic, breathable,<br />
moisture-wicking materials that are removable<br />
and washable. Multiple inner configurations<br />
ensure a snug fit for any head size and shape,<br />
thanks to its intermediate oval inner head shape.<br />
Advanced Ventilation<br />
The helmet’s ventilation system is top-notch,<br />
featuring induction vents instead of slider vents.<br />
This system includes frontal chin bar ventilation<br />
and dual top ventilation, leading to large exhaust<br />
vents at the back, providing excellent airflow on<br />
hot days.<br />
Lightweight and Certified<br />
Weighing only 1,450 grams, the MT Stinger 2 is<br />
lighter than many popular brands worn by MotoGP<br />
and other racing disciplines. It meets the new 22-<br />
06 international safety standard and holds DOT<br />
certification, ensuring it’s fully track-ready.<br />
Recommendation<br />
The MT Stinger helmet is highly recommended<br />
for aspiring race teams, weekend riders, and<br />
everyday sport/road bike users. It combines<br />
supreme safety, comfort, and performance at an<br />
unbeatable price.<br />
Max Godrich<br />
Batt-Tech Specialized Helmet Division<br />
Contact: 082 897 7711<br />
Email: max@batt-tech.co.za
LS2 Thunder Carbon Helmet:<br />
Redefining Safety and<br />
Performance<br />
Established in 2007, Spanish manufacturer LS2 produces a full line of<br />
motorcycle helmets, including full-face, modular, open-face, off-road, and<br />
youth. The LS2 Thunder Carbon is the brand’s top-of-the-line motorcycle<br />
racing helmet, designed with input from professional riders in World<br />
Superbike, Moto 2, Moto 3, and other series and certified by DOT, ECE, and FIM.<br />
The LS2 Thunder Carbon helmet features a Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber<br />
shell, a multidensity EPS liner, emergency-release cheek pads, and a double<br />
D-ring chin strap. The interior has an intermediate-oval shape with a snug and<br />
comfortable fit, making it ideal for full days on the track, on the highway, or in<br />
the canyons. Its aerodynamic shape slices through the wind, its rear spoiler<br />
enhances stability, and its light weight reduces fatigue.<br />
The Thunder Carbon motorcycle racing helmet comes with both clear and<br />
dark smoke faceshields, as well as an extra set of black visor fasteners to<br />
match the dark smoke visor. Slick and thoughtful! The eyeport is above the<br />
normal line of sight, which improves visibility when tucked in. A Pinlock antifog<br />
insert and a breath guard are also included.<br />
Six intake vents, three exhaust vents, and channels in the EPS lining provide<br />
ventilation. The intake vents have harmonizers to streamline the airflow<br />
through the helmet for maximum cooling, and the faceshield has an air crack<br />
position to allow in additional air. Testing this helmet on hot days in Texas was<br />
a pleasant experience, and I remained cool even at stop lights and in traffic.<br />
The Thunder Carbon has no cutouts for Bluetooth speakers inside the<br />
liner, which is understandable for an aggressive-style helmet like this one.<br />
However, I was able to install a Sena 50 Series Mesh system easily.<br />
Overall, the LS2 Thunder Carbon is an attractive, comfortable, high-quality<br />
helmet with excellent safety features. It also comes with a hydration tube, a<br />
helmet sleeve, a protective bag, and an inflatable resting pillow for off-bike<br />
storage.<br />
Whether you’re a professional motorcycle racer or an everyday road warrior,<br />
the LS2 Thunder Carbon helmet offers a perfect blend of style, performance,<br />
and protection. It’s available in sizes XS-2XL in solid and graphics. For more<br />
infomation on pricing, contact your nearest motorcycle accessory store.
FIRST SA<br />
TEST<br />
Words: Shaun Portman | Pics: Pieter Botha & Zephnie Botha<br />
KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R<br />
READY<br />
FOR ANYTHING<br />
KTM’s new 1390 Super Duke R is more ready<br />
to race and more prepared for everyday riding<br />
than ever before. The Super Duke has evolved<br />
significantly over the past few years, becoming<br />
smarter, faster, more refined, and more mature.
We have recently tested the brand-new KTM 1390<br />
Super Duke R here at Moto Rider World since its<br />
launch not so long ago. We were lucky enough to<br />
be invited to the world launch, which happened in<br />
Almeria in Spain. This was track only, and this was<br />
in Spain and attended by one of our test riders<br />
who had only good things to say about KTMs new<br />
powerhouse.<br />
So, with the imminent arrival of the 1390 Super<br />
Duke R in South Africa, we took the opportunity<br />
with both hands held wide open to test KTM’s<br />
brand-new beast as it arrived on our shores.<br />
Over the years, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R has<br />
been refined to be easier to manage and has<br />
now taken another step forward with the 1390<br />
and its variable valve timing, more power, refined<br />
electronics, and suspension but a smoother<br />
overall experience.<br />
In the past, the 1290 Super Duke R was known as<br />
an outright monstrous beast, but over the years,<br />
it’s become more refined, easier to use, and<br />
easier to ride for everyday users, but luckily this<br />
hasn’t taken away from its beastly characteristics.<br />
The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R has erupted<br />
into the naked bike segment without warning,<br />
sending a clear message to the competition, there<br />
is a new beast on the prowl. With 2024 marking 30<br />
years of Duke, the all-new KTM 1390 Super Duke<br />
R has evolved into the most fearsome iteration of<br />
‘The Beast’ yet.<br />
The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R represents a<br />
significant evolution in the naked bike segment,<br />
building on the legacy of its predecessor, the<br />
1290. It boasts a larger 1350cc engine that<br />
delivers 190hp and 145Nm of torque, ensuring<br />
POWER<br />
190 bhp @<br />
10,000rpm<br />
TORQUE<br />
145Nm @<br />
8,000rpm<br />
TANK<br />
CAPACITY<br />
17.5 L<br />
SEAT<br />
HEIGHT<br />
834mm<br />
WET<br />
WEIGHT<br />
200kg<br />
explosive performance. The bike features major<br />
updates including variable valve timing, refined<br />
electronics, and advanced suspension components.<br />
The major talking point is the increased capacity, as<br />
the traditional 1301cc V-twin, which made its debut in<br />
2013, is now replaced by a new 1350cc unit. Contrary<br />
to some expectations of a 1390cc engine, the new<br />
unit achieves its displacement through a 110 mm<br />
bore, an increase of 2 mm over the previous model.<br />
Similar to BMW’s ShiftCam system, KTM’s version<br />
provides two separate valve lifts depending on the<br />
rpm range, enhancing power and torque throughout<br />
the rev range. This system also allows for more<br />
precise fuel mapping to meet global emission<br />
standards. It activates around 6700 rpm, influenced<br />
by the rpm build-up and gear position. At this point,<br />
the cam shift enables more aggressive cam timing—<br />
likely higher lift and longer duration, though KTM has<br />
not disclosed specifics—and different fuel mapping,<br />
resulting in improved high-rpm performance.<br />
The new engine now produces the aforementioned<br />
190 hp, a 10 hp increase, and 145Nm of torque, up<br />
5 from 2023. These impressive numbers for a V-twin<br />
are approaching the performance levels of modernday<br />
superbikes, all in a naked street bike. We have<br />
always labeled the Super Duke as a naked superbike<br />
with upright handlebars and nothing has changed on<br />
the 1390.<br />
Visually, the 1390 Super Duke R is more aggressive,<br />
with a redesigned LED headlight, new tank spoilers,<br />
and added winglets that enhance downforce and<br />
aesthetics. The overall design emphasizes a lower<br />
profile and increased muscularity, especially from<br />
the front. A redesigned fuel tank now holds 17.5<br />
liters(1.5L more than before), increasing the bike’s<br />
range and contributing to better ergonomics thanks<br />
to a redesigned airbox with a reduced stack height<br />
due to shorter throttle bodies, a larger throttle body<br />
inlet diameter (60mm, up from 56), a repositioned<br />
top-feed injector for better atomization of the fuel-air<br />
mixture, and revised 5th and 6th gears. Improvements<br />
in durability have enabled longer service intervals,<br />
with valve inspection checks now required every<br />
60,000 km.
THIS MAKES THE<br />
RIDING POSITION MORE<br />
AGGRESSIVE ON THE NEW<br />
1390. IT’S ALMOST AS IF<br />
YOU ARE SITTING ON TOP<br />
OF A SUPERMOTARD ON<br />
STEROIDS!<br />
There’s only really one place to test a beast like this that want’s<br />
to be let off its leash and not caged, hense why KTM’s tagline is<br />
“Ready to race”. So, to unleash the 1390’s full potential, we took<br />
it to the Monday Club, held at the Kyalami International Grand Prix<br />
Circuit. The first thing you notice about the new 1390 is that it’s<br />
quite large, noticeably bigger than the outgoing 1290<br />
SuperDuke. You sit more on top of the bike, whereas<br />
with the old 1290, you sit more inside the bike.<br />
This makes the riding position more aggressive<br />
on the new 1390. It’s almost as if you are<br />
sitting on top of a Supermotard on steroids!<br />
Leaner, meaner, keener than ever before - the<br />
’24 Super Duke has grown in the right areas and<br />
slimmed down in others much like a professional<br />
heavyweight boxing champion who despite being<br />
on top of his game has gotten even stronger,<br />
leaner, meaner, and smarter!<br />
Technological advancements are plentiful, with<br />
new Michelin Power GP tyres as standard, WP<br />
APEX shock absorber, and a sophisticated<br />
suspension system that allows for extensive<br />
adjustability to ensure optimum performance.<br />
Throttle-by-wire and a 6-axis IMU allow for a full<br />
suite of electronics, including ride modes (Sport,<br />
Street, and Rain), cornering ABS with a Supermoto<br />
mode that disables ABS at the rear, leansensitive<br />
traction control, and cruise control. The<br />
optional Tech Pack adds Motor Slip Regulation,<br />
Quickshifter+, Suspension Pro, and the Track<br />
Pack, which adds Track and Performance ride<br />
modes, engine-brake control, wheelie control,<br />
telemetry, and a lap timer. One of my favorite<br />
changes to KTM’s new 1390 is that you can now<br />
fine-tune and alter your wheelie control, engine<br />
braking, and Slip Regulation all separate from one<br />
another to suit your personal needs.<br />
The new integrated indicators and taillight in<br />
the number plate bracket thanks to a slimmer<br />
subframe might not appeal to everyone,<br />
myself included, however saying this, most<br />
manufacturers seem to be going this route as<br />
of late. The overall package of the 1390 Super<br />
Duke R marks it as a formidable contender<br />
in its class, blending raw power with modern<br />
refinement and design.
The handling was typical Duke, pin-point accurate<br />
and swift, making change of direction a breeze. I<br />
felt as though I was positioned more toward the<br />
front end of the bike, well my weight was, which<br />
allowed a better feeling and more feedback<br />
from the front end eliminating that typical front<br />
end floating feeling of years gone by. We didn’t<br />
play with suspension setting touch, which was a<br />
mistake as the rear was way too soft causing me<br />
to spin and slide out of corners leaving thick black<br />
lines of happiness in my wake and destroying the<br />
rear tyre. Mind you 80 laps of aggression around<br />
Kyalami with more talk(torque) than DR Phil could<br />
also be the culprit.<br />
Top-shelf Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers<br />
grip 320mm discs at the front, controlled by a new<br />
Brembo MCS (multiple-click system) radial master<br />
cylinder. Additionally, a self-venting Brembo clutch<br />
master cylinder eliminates the need to bleed<br />
the hydraulic clutch system. The brakes were<br />
consistent, fade-free, and offered great feeling<br />
which they always have done on the KTM. I found<br />
myself braking later than I have ever done in my<br />
life, even surprising the white line at the end of<br />
Kyalami’s main straight from 255kph to around<br />
65kph for the tight turn 1.<br />
Having spent some time on the roads as well, the 1390 Super<br />
Duke R impresses with its agreeable ergonomics as a naked<br />
bike, featuring upright handlebars, ample legroom, great wind<br />
protection(for a naked bike), and a well-padded seat. Despite<br />
its intimidating “Beast” moniker, in today’s era of advanced<br />
electronics and refined tuning, the Super Duke proves surprisingly<br />
civilized – that is, unless you push it like I do. It’s noticeably<br />
smoother than its predecessor, the 1290, and overall easier to<br />
handle on a daily basis and on longer trips. As they say with age<br />
comes wisdom and that’s what the 1390 Super Duke R feels like<br />
to me, older, wiser, and more experienced but still as muscular<br />
and beastly than ever before.<br />
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R represents a significant leap<br />
in power, sophistication, and capability compared to its<br />
predecessor. While it truly shines on the track under skilled hands<br />
and optimal conditions, it’s also a remarkable street bike – as long<br />
as you can resist the urge to push its wild side too far but then<br />
again it is a KTM and definitely Ready to Race! Priced from just<br />
R389 999.00, it is by far, in my opinion, still the most fun you can<br />
have with your clothes on.
otoGP<br />
The wonderful world of MotoGP just gets more and<br />
more exciting with every passing day, both on and off<br />
track. While the ontrack action is faster, more intense<br />
than ever, so is the offtrack affairs with rider and team<br />
rumours changing by the second it seems. At the recent<br />
Mugello round, things looked to have found their way,<br />
but that was Saturday, come Monday and things would<br />
take a dramatic and surprising turn.<br />
Jorge Martin is set to join the factory Aprilia team. In an<br />
unconventional move, Aprilia Racing CEO Romano Albesiano<br />
announced via an Instagram post that the Pramac Ducati rider<br />
will replace the retiring Aleix Espargaro. This was later confirmed<br />
with an official statement revealing Martin had signed a “multiyear”<br />
deal.<br />
This announcement ends weeks of intense speculation about<br />
the future lineup of the Ducati factory team. Initially, it seemed<br />
Martin would secure a seat in the factory Ducati team, while Marc<br />
Marquez was offered a GP25 ride with Pramac Ducati. However,<br />
Marquez publicly rejected the move to Pramac, arguing it made<br />
no sense to switch from one satellite team to another.<br />
MOVERS &<br />
Shakers<br />
MOTOGP MUSICAL CHAIRS IN FULL SWING<br />
This rejection appears to have disrupted Ducati’s plans.<br />
Reports from Motorsport.com and Spanish daily AS.com<br />
indicate Ducati had offered Martin a contract with the<br />
factory Lenovo team, contingent on Marquez not winning<br />
the 2023 MotoGP title. Marquez reportedly declined this<br />
offer, indicating he had other factory team opportunities<br />
if not placed in the Ducati factory team. Marc seemed<br />
to push Ducati’s buttons by then heading into the Tech3<br />
GasGas hospitality on Thursday at Mugello sparking<br />
rumors of both him and his brother Alex taking over the<br />
Tech3 team with factory KTM machinery.
Ducati seemingly had to reconsider<br />
their strategy. It now appears they<br />
have offered Marquez the second seat<br />
in the factory team alongside Pecco<br />
Bagnaia, prompting Martin to sign with<br />
Aprilia. The Martin to Aprilia move<br />
literally happened overnight, with<br />
Aprilia management saying<br />
that Martin contacted<br />
us on Sunday night<br />
wanting to join the team.<br />
Aprilia quickly got their<br />
lawyers out of bed and<br />
put together the fastest<br />
contact ever for Martin<br />
and Aprilia to sign the next<br />
day at the official Mugello<br />
test. This was done at 5.30 pm<br />
local time and at 6 pm the news<br />
broke the internet.<br />
Was this move down to Martin’s<br />
annoyance with Ducati to get<br />
the deal done? We think so,<br />
although it could also be<br />
Martin wanting to find his path<br />
and be the “number one” and<br />
most appreciated rider in the<br />
team, something he might not<br />
have got at Ducati, even if he does<br />
go on to win the title. It seems as if<br />
it was very much a “take Marc then,<br />
goodbye” approach from Martin, either<br />
way, the deal is done and makes the rest<br />
of the 2024 season and 2025 season very<br />
spicy indeed. Martin has more of a<br />
point to prove than ever now and<br />
will want nothing more than to<br />
take the number 1 plate away<br />
from Ducati and with his to<br />
Aprilia next season.<br />
Ducati has yet to<br />
officially confirm,<br />
the likely factory<br />
Ducati lineup<br />
will be Pecco<br />
Bagnaia and<br />
Marc Marquez.<br />
This development<br />
has created uncertainty among<br />
satellite teams. Pramac faces the<br />
choice of remaining with Ducati or<br />
potentially switching to Yamaha,<br />
which seems increasingly likely.<br />
This could place factory Ducati<br />
GP25s in the VR46 squad,<br />
possibly with Fermin Aldeguer
on one bike. Additionally, it opens the possibility of<br />
two more Yamahas with factory support.<br />
Before all this madness, KTM officially announced<br />
that Pedro Acosta would join the Red Bull Factory<br />
KTM Racing team for 2025. A new multi-year deal<br />
with the 20-year-old Grand Prix sensation sees #31<br />
equipped with a KTM RC16 for his fifth season<br />
at the highest level and second in MotoGP. The<br />
Spaniard has been an outstanding sight in 2024 and<br />
his first attempt at the premier class. Acosta has<br />
already totaled two podium finishes to date – one<br />
of the youngest riders in the sport to stand on the<br />
rostrum as well as the youngest to grab back-to-back<br />
silverware – and is roaming the fringes of the top five<br />
in the world championship standings.<br />
It was also confirmed that Pedro would join the team<br />
alongside Brad Binder, ending all speculation that<br />
Brad would be pushed aside to make way not only<br />
for Pedro, but also potentially Marc Marquez.<br />
More news regarding KTM broke unofficially on<br />
Monday with the news that Enea Bastianini would be<br />
joining the Tech3 team for 2025 but not in GasGas<br />
colours, but rather that of full factory Red Bull KTM<br />
orange. This has been confirmed by Carlos Pernat,<br />
Enea’s manager, but no official word from KTM<br />
just yet (this may have been confirmed as you read<br />
this). KTM’s reason for going with four KTM factorybranded<br />
bikes could be to prevent the “B” team<br />
from outshining the “A” team, something that has<br />
happened with Pedro and Tech3 so far this season.<br />
With all 4 bikes in the same livery and same spec,<br />
no matter which rider crosses the line first it will be a<br />
factory KTM, rather than the “B” team GasGas. The<br />
flip side is also KTM putting pressure on Dorna and<br />
new MotoGP owners, Liberty Media, to allow them<br />
2 more bikes – GasGas, Husqvarna, or MV Agusta.<br />
This is all just our minds wondering off though, no<br />
confirmed substance to it all.<br />
It seems as though, if true, Enea will take the place<br />
of Pedro in the Tech3 team with the second spot<br />
still up for grabs. Jack Miller has been mentioned as<br />
the second rider, but judging by Jack’s comments<br />
after Mugello he is not sure what his next move will<br />
be. Talk is that he could be on his way to the factory<br />
Honda team, replacing Joan Mir, who is undecided<br />
if he wants to carry on racing in MotoGP or pack it<br />
all up, for now. We can’t honestly see Mir carrying<br />
on and certainly not with Honda. His best bet would<br />
be a move to Gresini Ducati or Trackhouse Aprilia,<br />
which are genuine possibilities for him.<br />
With the talk of MM93 heading to the factory Ducati<br />
team that leaves his spot in the Gresini team up for<br />
grabs. This is a hot ticket seat, proven by MM93 this<br />
season and Enea in the previous. No doubt many<br />
riders will have their agents on the phone to the team.<br />
The likes of Miguel Oliveira and Joan Mir could use a<br />
move like this to reignite their racing careers. Miguel’s<br />
name has also been mentioned with the vacant<br />
Pramac Ducati, or Yamaha ride for 2025.<br />
And then there’s the curious case of Maverick Vinales.<br />
What does the Spanish rider do now that Martin<br />
will be joining? What seemed like a done deal with<br />
Vinales and Aprilia is now up in the air, with “nothing<br />
being confirmed yet” according to both parties. Will<br />
Vinales be happy to have Martin as a teammate? Will<br />
he be happy to be the potential “second” rider in the<br />
team behind Martin? Will he be looking at a move<br />
to Pramac Ducati (if they stay with Ducai), or Gresini<br />
Ducati? Time will tell. We think staying with Aprilia<br />
would be his best move. Vinales’ decision could<br />
also impact the Enea to KTM deal, as it’s just been<br />
reported that Enea is waiting in the wings for the 2nd<br />
seat at Aprilia if Vinales does not sign.<br />
With four weeks until Assen, expect a flurry of<br />
announcements as these negotiations unfold. Stay<br />
tuned to our channels for up-to-date news.
FIRST SA<br />
TEST<br />
Words: Shaun Portman | Pics: Beam productions<br />
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, first released in 2018, has<br />
garnered a reputation for its practicality, ease of maintenance,<br />
fuel efficiency, and overall enjoyment. For 2024, Husqvarna<br />
has introduced significant upgrades to this popular entry-level<br />
motorcycle, enhancing its appeal and performance. Now available<br />
in South Africa, enthusiasts can experience the latest model at<br />
their nearest authorized Husqvarna dealer. These updates aim to<br />
maintain the Svartpilen 401’s standing as a favored choice among<br />
small-capacity motorcycle riders worldwide.<br />
HUSQVARNA SVARTPILEN 401<br />
URBAN<br />
EXPLORER
POWER<br />
45 bhp @<br />
8,500rpm<br />
TORQUE<br />
39 Nm @<br />
7,000rpm<br />
TANK<br />
CAPACITY<br />
13 L<br />
SEAT<br />
HEIGHT<br />
820mm<br />
The Svartpilen 401 is a motorcycle<br />
that stands out for its unique blend of<br />
classic and modern design elements.<br />
Its lightweight and narrow bodywork is<br />
carefully sculpted around the chassis,<br />
promoting smooth and agile rider<br />
movement. This machine’s distinct<br />
appearance is further enhanced by<br />
its dark color scheme, rugged tires,<br />
and protective features such as the fly<br />
screen and skid plate. These attributes<br />
collectively give the Svartpilen 401<br />
a distinctive and unmistakable look,<br />
making it a standout among its<br />
competitors.<br />
Although the Husqvarna Svartpilen<br />
401 features some off-road attributes,<br />
such as off-road style handlebars and<br />
risers, forged aluminum triple clamps,<br />
a skid plate, and 17” spoke wheels<br />
with aluminum rims wrapped in Pirelli<br />
Scorpion Rally STR tyres, it isn’t a true<br />
dual-purpose or adventure bike. These<br />
elements might give the impression of<br />
off-road capability, but the Svartpilen<br />
401 is more suited for urban and<br />
maybe the odd dirt road, rather than<br />
serious off-roading. Its minimalist<br />
design includes a handlebar-mounted<br />
5-inch TFT display, providing essential<br />
information like speed, fuel level,<br />
riding mode, and the selected gear, enhancing its<br />
modern appeal while maintaining functionality.<br />
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 has always<br />
boasted a unique look, and the 2024 model is<br />
no exception. It features new front and rear LED<br />
lights that offer improved illumination, especially<br />
in low-light conditions, thanks to the latest LED<br />
technology. This advanced lighting performance<br />
enhances visibility, making urban riding safer and<br />
ensuring the rider is seen by other road users.<br />
The LED positioning ring on the front doubles<br />
as a daytime running light, adding to the bike’s<br />
distinctive premium appearance.<br />
The Svartpilen 401 shares many attributes and<br />
parts with its stablemate, the KTM 390 Duke<br />
however this doesn’t prevent it from standing<br />
out and setting its own identity. Powering the<br />
Svartpilen 401 is a new single-cylinder engine that<br />
has been engineered to be larger in displacement<br />
and lighter in weight compared to the previous<br />
generation. This compact and modern<br />
engine enhances the bike’s refined handling<br />
characteristics and delivers smooth, controllable<br />
power throughout the rev range. With 44 hp<br />
and 39 Nm of torque, the 159 kg (dry weight)<br />
Svartpilen 401 can reach top speeds of over 175<br />
kph, even with my 100kg plus frame.<br />
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is the perfect<br />
point-to-point motorcycle. Traversing traffic<br />
has never been easier, thanks to its narrow<br />
handlebars, which make lane splitting a breeze.<br />
Additionally, the 30-litre fuel tank ensures you<br />
can travel upwards of 350 kilometers on a single<br />
tank, reducing the frequency of fuel stops and<br />
enhancing its practicality for urban commuting.<br />
Going through the 6-speed gearbox on the<br />
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 has never been this<br />
much fun, thanks to the easy shift function, better<br />
DRY<br />
WEIGHT<br />
159kg
However, good brakes mean nothing if the frame<br />
and suspension aren’t up to the task. The Svartpilen<br />
401 features a new steel trellis frame, crucial to<br />
its character and agility. Hydroformed tubes are<br />
precisely robot welded to create a strong yet<br />
lightweight frame, resulting in nimble handling<br />
and detailed feedback to the rider. Engineered<br />
flex characteristics enhance the frame and ensure<br />
consistent performance, complemented by WP<br />
suspension for a comfortable riding experience.<br />
The WP suspension, known for its quality and<br />
craftsmanship, includes an adjustable fork at the<br />
front with compression and rebound damping<br />
settings. The <strong>43</strong>mm WP Apex open cartridge forks<br />
offer dynamic handling with 150mm of travel while<br />
the rear shock, also with 150mm of travel, features<br />
a progressive spring design for smooth absorption<br />
of bumps. With adjustable preload and rebound<br />
damping settings, the shock is directly connected to<br />
the swingarm, providing heightened rider feedback<br />
and a unique look to boot.<br />
known as a bi-directional quick-shifter. This feature<br />
ensures all gear changes are as smooth as possible.<br />
When the EMS registers movement on the gear<br />
lever, it momentarily limits power, facilitating smooth<br />
gear changes both up and down. For a simplified<br />
riding experience, the clutch is not needed when<br />
changing gears on the Svartpilen 401. Additionally,<br />
the characteristic little pop and bang when changing<br />
up gears at higher revs adds to the excitement and<br />
enjoyment of the ride.<br />
As you would expect from Husqvarna, the Svartpilen<br />
401 is equipped with high-quality components,<br />
particularly in its braking system. The bike features<br />
hydraulic ByBre brake calipers paired with a 320<br />
mm disc at the front and a 240 mm disc at the rear.<br />
Its state-of-the-art Bosch cornering-sensitive ABS<br />
system ensures optimal control in various conditions<br />
and includes a supermoto mode that disengages<br />
the ABS at the rear wheel and softens it at the front.<br />
All components are meticulously manufactured to<br />
ensure precise and confidence-inspiring braking<br />
performance.<br />
LIVING WITH<br />
THE SVARTPILEN<br />
401 IN THE REAL<br />
WORLD IS SIMPLY<br />
MAGNIFICENT.<br />
IT’S A BIKE YOU<br />
CAN HOP ON,<br />
START, AND RIDE<br />
DAY IN AND DAY<br />
OUT WITHOUT<br />
ANY ISSUES.
The handling of the Svartpilen 401 is sharp,<br />
direct, and consistently confidence-inspiring.<br />
Revised ergonomics enhance the overall riding<br />
experience. A slightly longer wheelbase improves<br />
stability without compromising agility, while a<br />
15mm lower seat height(820mm) brings the rider<br />
closer to the center of gravity, catering to riders<br />
of varying heights. Additionally, a revised triple<br />
clamp offset contributes to a more confidenceinspiring<br />
riding position for all riders whether you<br />
are short or a Yeti.<br />
Living with the Svartpilen 401 in the real world<br />
is simply magnificent. It’s a bike you can hop<br />
on, start, and ride day in and day out without<br />
any issues. Whether it’s commuting to work,<br />
navigating through traffic, or simply enjoying a<br />
leisurely ride, the Svartpilen 401 puts a big smile<br />
on your face without pushing the speed limits. It<br />
accelerates effortlessly, making it a safe choice for<br />
urban riding.<br />
Despite its smaller capacity, you don’t feel like<br />
you’re on a small bike. It’s also beginner-friendly, as<br />
demonstrated by Daniella Kerby, who found it easy<br />
to ride and adapt to. Even without using the quick<br />
shifter and auto blip function, she praised the smooth<br />
gearbox and nimble handling, even with off-road tires.<br />
The fuel economy and unique looks were standout<br />
features for her, making it a very attractive bike<br />
overall- Pretty were her exact words!<br />
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is quite the ride then,<br />
offering both daily functionality and thrilling nighttime<br />
adventures. With its updated features and an<br />
affordable price tag of just R124 699-00, it’s definitely<br />
worth checking out at your nearest dealer.<br />
WHETHER IT’S<br />
COMMUTING TO<br />
WORK, NAVIGATING<br />
THROUGH<br />
TRAFFIC, OR<br />
SIMPLY ENJOYING<br />
A LEISURELY RIDE,<br />
THE SVARTPILEN<br />
401 PUTS A BIG<br />
SMILE ON YOUR<br />
FACE WITHOUT<br />
PUSHING THE<br />
SPEED LIMITS.
LOCAL RACING: SUNBET ZX10 MASTERS<br />
Round<br />
WORK<br />
MASTERS AT<br />
Words: Shaun Portman | Pics: Beam Productions<br />
4 of the 2024 SunBet ZX10 Masters Cup<br />
recently took place at Zwartkops Raceway on<br />
the 17th-18th of May. 2024 is proving to be the<br />
most action-packed and competitive year of<br />
the SunBet ZX10 Masters Cup to date, not to<br />
mention the fastest with the likes of Multiple SA<br />
Champion, Clinton Seller setting lap records,<br />
round after round. In turn, the rest of the field<br />
has truly upped their game also setting their<br />
fastest times, round after round.<br />
The 4th round took place under perfect weather<br />
conditions with sunny conditions throughout<br />
the weekends racing action. The weekend’s<br />
action started off on Friday with three Qualifying<br />
sessions where as always there were plenty of<br />
thrills and unfortunately, on this occasion, 1 spill<br />
in the form of Martyn Parry who crashed in the<br />
2nd Qualifying session on Friday in turn 1 and<br />
despite his best efforts to get back on the bike<br />
would be ruled out of Saturdays racing action<br />
with a right hand wrist injury.
At the end of the four Qualifying sessions(3 on<br />
Friday and 1 on Saturday morning), it was once<br />
again Clinton Seller who snatched Pole Position,<br />
setting a new ZX10 Masters Cup lap record of<br />
a 1.02.748 ahead of a monumental effort from<br />
Hein McMahon in 2nd who set his quickest ever<br />
lap time around Zwartkops and Jayson Lamb in<br />
3rd, completing the front row of the grid. Trevor<br />
Westman headed up the 2nd row in 4th in front<br />
of Graeme van Breda and David Veringa who<br />
was looking for 2 great races from one of his best<br />
qualifying results to date.<br />
The third row was headed by Appanna Ganapathy<br />
in 7th, Byron Rothquel in 8th and Teddy Brooke in<br />
9th. James Barson put his Steele Monkey Clothingbacked<br />
ZX10R into 10th, followed by Adriaan van<br />
Dalen in 11th who was looking for redemption<br />
after a disappointing Round 3 at Kyalami. Keith<br />
Agliotti put his Ridgeway Raceway-backed ZX10R<br />
into 12th as he looked for some top 10 results<br />
come the races. The 5th row was headed up by<br />
Cristian Caravello who would be looking for a good<br />
points haul after missing Round 3 followed by<br />
Johan le Roux and Renatus van Niekerk. Behind<br />
them, Dieter Huysamen lined up in 16th followed<br />
by Peron Parasaramen in 17th, and Joao Cruz in<br />
18th. Abrie Marais headed up the 7th row ahead<br />
of Stephen Galgoczy who was looking at building<br />
on a positive last couple of rounds. Ian Harwood<br />
set an impressive 1.08.689 which put him in 21st<br />
ahead of Mark Newland, and newcomer Darryl<br />
Barrington on his debut in the SunBet ZX10<br />
Masters Cup in 23rd followed by Stewie Christie.<br />
With the absence of Martyn Parry, the final and 9th<br />
row of the grid was completed by Raymond Keel,<br />
Tyron Piper, and Michael Louw.
Race 1 saw yet another dominant performance by Seller<br />
who took 5 out of 5 wins so far for 2024, setting another<br />
lap record of a 1.02.569 along the way. Hein McMahon<br />
took a fine but lonely second place ahead of a three-way<br />
battle for third between Westman, Lamb, and van Breda<br />
who would eventually finish in that order. Veringa had a<br />
fantastic ride to 6th in race 1 and 2nd in Class B, behind<br />
van Breda. The vastly experienced le Roux took 7th<br />
across the line and 2nd in group C behind Lamb. Agliotti<br />
achieved his goal of a top 10 with a fine 8th overall in<br />
race 1 and 4th in group A but was later disqualified from<br />
race 1 results due to using the incorrect brake pads,<br />
followed by Byron Rothquel in 8th, Caravello in 9th and<br />
Renatus van Niekerk rounding out the top 10 in 10th.<br />
There was drama midway through race 1 as Teddy<br />
Brooke had a fast crash off the back straight in turn 4<br />
but was quickly up on his feet but would be ruled out of<br />
race 2 as his ZX10R machine was beyond repair. The<br />
drama never ended there as on the last lap, last corner<br />
Adriaan van Dalen attempted a move up the inside of<br />
Appanna Ganapathy and lost the front in an attempt to<br />
prevent from hitting Ganapathy who didn’t see him. This
unfortunately resulted in the two riders colliding<br />
with Ganapathy coming off worse of the two with a<br />
broken leg. This plus the early retirement of James<br />
Barson on lap 1 with a faulty fuel filter meant that<br />
only 25 riders finished the race with van Dalen and<br />
Ganapathy still being classified after a late red flag<br />
in 17th and 18th places respectively.<br />
Race 2 went a lot smoother with Seller once again<br />
taking the victory and another lap record, setting<br />
a 1.02.372 ahead of McMahon who had to work<br />
for his 2nd place this time by getting past Jayson<br />
Lamb who eventually took a brilliant 3rd ahead of<br />
Westman who was battling with a hand/arm injury<br />
in 4th. Graeme van Breda had a fine ride to 5th<br />
and battle with The Juggernaught(Davidd Veringa),<br />
despite encountering an electronic issue at the<br />
start of the race. Veringa took a fine 6th ahead of<br />
Rothquel in 7th who had a much better start to<br />
the race this time around. AD van Dalen managed<br />
to repair his bike and take 8th and some muchneeded<br />
and important points ahead of Agliotti<br />
in ninth and Renatus van Niekerk once again<br />
rounding out the top 10 in 10th.<br />
As the days racing action came to a close the<br />
respective classes looked like this: (A) was won<br />
over by Seller, McMahon in 2nd and Westman in<br />
3rd. (B) was taken by van Breda ahead of David<br />
Veringa in 2nd and Dieter Huysamen taking his<br />
first-ever overall podium in third. (C) was dominated<br />
by Lamb in 1st ahead of Joao Cruz in 2nd and<br />
Stewie Christie in 3rd.<br />
Round 5 of the 2024 SunBet ZX10 Masters Cup<br />
will take place in PE on the 28th and 29th of June.<br />
Don’t miss all the action and be sure to like and<br />
follow all the SunBet ZX10 Masters Cup Social<br />
Media platforms to stay up to date with all the latest<br />
happenings of 2024 so far!
RACING PAGES<br />
Words: Paul Carruthers | Pics: Brian J. Nelson<br />
SA STARS SHINE!<br />
MOTOAMERICA ROUND 3<br />
Attack Performance/Progressive/Yamaha Racing<br />
teammates Cameron Petersen and Jake Gagne<br />
battled to the bitter end of the Steel Commander<br />
Superbike race, with SA star Petersen winning<br />
the battle of Yamaha YZF-R1s by just .004 of a<br />
second in horrendous conditions at the last round<br />
held at Road America.<br />
Steel Commander Superbike race one was held in<br />
a rainstorm and riders were faced with conditions<br />
many of them claimed were the worst they’d ever<br />
raced in. While the Road America surface had<br />
good grip despite the rain, it was puddles in bad<br />
places that caused the most concern with some<br />
riders crashing without any lean angle.<br />
When all was said and done, it was Petersen<br />
winning his second race of the young season<br />
and the fifth of his MotoAmerica Superbike<br />
career. Petersen led early, lost the lead to TopPro<br />
Racing’s Sean Dylan Kelly, got it back and then<br />
spent the majority of the remaining laps looking<br />
at Gagne’s rear wheel. Until the final lap. The pair<br />
went into the last turn side by side and came out<br />
of it side by side. With both Yamahas spinning<br />
their way up the hill, it was Petersen who got his<br />
hooked up better and nipped Gagne at the line.<br />
Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Loris Baz was<br />
with the two Yamahas for most of the race and his<br />
one error came with two laps to go when he tried<br />
to make a pass on Petersen in turn five. The outbraking<br />
move didn’t work with Baz getting in too<br />
hot and losing touch with the two Yamahas. Still,<br />
it was an impressive third-place finish that left the<br />
Frenchman smiling.<br />
Tytlers Cycle Racing’s JD Beach was a somewhat<br />
lonely fourth after inheriting the spot from his<br />
teammate Cameron Beaubier. The five-time<br />
MotoAmerica Superbike Champion had led<br />
the race early before running off track in turn<br />
five. He rejoined and started to charge forward.<br />
However, soon after getting past Beach for fourth<br />
and starting to make inroads into the lead trio,<br />
he crashed his BMW M 1000 RR. The crash left<br />
Beaubier limping away before ultimately getting<br />
helped to the ambulance. He was transported to<br />
undergo X-rays on his heel.<br />
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Brandon<br />
Paasch ended up fifth, less than a second ahead<br />
of Team Brazil’s Danilo Lewis. Those two were<br />
well clear of FLO4LAW Racing’s Benjamin Smith.<br />
Wrench Motorcycles’ Bobby Fong; Warhorse<br />
HSBK Racing Ducati’s Josh Herrin, who led early<br />
before running off track in turn five; and Jarritos<br />
Racing/Team GMR’s Gabriel Da Silva rounded<br />
out the top 10.
RACING PAGES<br />
Beaubier wasn’t the only one to crash out in the<br />
difficult conditions as Kelly crashed out of the lead<br />
early on and Xavi Forés crashed his Vision Wheel<br />
M4 ECSTAR Suzuki while battling for fourth place.<br />
With his second-place finish combined with<br />
Beaubier’s non-finish, Gagne moved to the lead in<br />
the championship point standings after six races<br />
by seven over Beaubier, 102-95.<br />
Petersen jumped up to second in third in the<br />
title chase and he trails his teammate Gagne by<br />
19 points. Kelly drops to fourth with 73 points<br />
and is now just five points ahead of Fong and 14<br />
ahead of Baz.<br />
Unfortunatley, in race two, Cam Petersen was<br />
forced out of the race due to a mechanical issue<br />
while contesting for the podium positions.<br />
SCHOLTZ JUST MISSES OUT ON WINS<br />
Rahal Ducati Moto’s PJ Jacobsen sat behind<br />
Strack Racing’s Mathew Scholtz for most of the<br />
six-lap Supersport race 1 at Road America. But<br />
he struck at the end and drafted past the South<br />
African at the finish line to win by .040 of a second.<br />
The win was Jacobsen’s third of the young<br />
season and it gave him a 16-point lead over<br />
Scholtz in the championship.<br />
Scholtz was an ever so close second with the lead<br />
duo well clear of Altus Motorsports’ Jake Lewis,<br />
who backed off late in the race after realizing the<br />
risk wasn’t going to get him the reward he wanted.<br />
Vision Wheel M4 Suzuki’s Tyler Scott was fourth<br />
with Jacobsen’s Rahal Ducati Moto’s Kayla<br />
Yaakov rounded out the top five.<br />
Sunday’s weather for race two turned out to be<br />
ideal compared with the rain-sodden conditions<br />
on Saturday, and MotoAmerica’s Supersport<br />
class put on an incredible show. “Supersport<br />
Next Generation” is the name of the game, which<br />
means that motorcycles with engine displacements<br />
ranging from the 599cc Yamaha YZF-R6, to the<br />
749cc Suzuki GSX-R750, to the 955cc Ducati<br />
Panigale V2 all race in Supersport with balancing<br />
measures taken to level the competition.<br />
So, how level is the competition in Supersport? At<br />
the finish line, Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s<br />
Tyler Scott barely nipped Strack Racing Yamaha’s<br />
Mathew Scholtz in a photo finish, with Rahal<br />
Ducati Moto’s PJ Jacobsen finishing third and just<br />
one one-hundredth of a second behind Scholtz.<br />
DOYLE STARS IN TWINS CUP<br />
Giaccmoto Racing Yamaha’s Dominic Doyle<br />
rode a flawless race at the front and took the<br />
checkered flag over second-place finisher, Rodio’s<br />
teammate Alessandro Di Mario. “At Atlanta, when<br />
I got a pretty good start and kind of got to the lead<br />
at the start, just having a clear track in front of<br />
me benefitted me quite a bit,” Doyle said. “It did<br />
again today. I just tried to nail the start and click<br />
off the laps. Just waiting for the race to end. The<br />
last round (at Barber Motorsports Park) hurt us a<br />
little bit, but I think these 25 points and hopefully a<br />
good result tomorrow will help us a lot.”<br />
Doyle once again battled for the lead and podium<br />
positions in race two but this time crashed on the<br />
final lap which cost him the chance to stand on<br />
the podium. He did remount and finished in 5th.