F1 News - Stroll and Perez to stay at Racing Point for 2020 season
https://ift.tt/2UrhCa5 Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll will stay at Racing Point for next season. The team said Perez had signed a three-year deal. He joined them in 2014, when they were known as Force India, and is set to stay until at least 2022. Stroll is the son of owner Lawrence Stroll, the Canadian billionaire who saved the team from collapse in 2018. The Canadian, who raced for Williams in 2017-18, will likely have a seat at the team for as long as he is a Formula 1 driver. Perez said: "I've been working together with this group of people for a long time now and they have become my second family. "Together we have enjoyed a tremendous amount of success and we share the same passion for racing. I have been impressed with the direction the team has taken over the last 12 months and that gives me confidence for the future. "I believe the best times are still to come and I look forward to celebrating plenty of podiums in the years ahead." Team principal Otmar Szafnauer said: "Over the last six years we have seen Sergio become a very complete driver with excellent qualifying speed and exceptional race craft. "He believes in the long-term vision of this project and getting his commitment until the end of 2022 gives us valuable consistency going forward. As the team continues to grow and develop, it's important to have a driver with Sergio's level of experience, especially with new regulations on the horizon." Racing Point finished seventh in last year's F1 championship, despite having all their points from the first part of the season removed after Force India went into administration. They were fourth in both 2016 and 2017. The team are eighth in the championship after a disappointing start to the 2019 season, something Racing Point say was caused by their car being designed at a point last year when they were struggling for income. They are hoping improvements made to the car in recent races will give them a stronger end to the season. Perez said at the Belgian Grand Prix on Thursday: "The margins in the midfield are very small, so a little improvement can put us back in contention to be the fourth fastest here. We are aiming to finish the season on a high. "It has been a struggle all the way up to now but margins are small, we are improving, so hopefully we can finish the season with the fourth fastest car." #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 August 30, 2019 at 11:21AM
F1 News - Leclerc fastest in Belgium practice as Mercedes show good race pace
https://ift.tt/2ZAR7nf Charles Leclerc set an eye-opening lap to head a Ferrari one-two in second practice at the Belgian Grand Prix. The 21-year-old was 0.630 seconds quicker than team-mate Sebastian Vettel - and a massive 0.846secs ahead of the fastest Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas. Championship leader Lewis Hamilton was fourth, 0.046secs behind his team-mate, but only Leclerc of the drivers in the top teams seemed to manage a clean lap. Alex Albon was down in 10th, with Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen sixth. Albon, who has been promoted from Toro Rosso for the final nine races of the season, had been right with Verstappen in the first session in the morning but ended the day 0.377secs off the Dutchman's pace. Vettel, Hamilton and Verstappen all made errors at the final chicane on their laps. Albon's lap looked uncomfortable and while Leclerc also went into the Bus Stop chicane a little deep, he lost less time than the other top drivers. The cars were showing wildly different performance profiles. Ferrari were blisteringly quick on the straights, with Leclerc 0.8secs quicker than the Mercedes in the first sector, which includes the flat-out drag from La Source hairpin to the Les Combes chicane, and 0.2secs up in the final sector, including the run through Blanchimont. But Mercedes were nearly 0.4secs quicker than Ferrari in the middle section, which includes the vast majority of the corners at Spa-Francorchamps. However, Mercedes clearly have more pace to find, as Bottas and Hamilton were only 0.1secs quicker than the Racing Point of Sergio Perez in fifth place. And on the race-simulation runs later in the session, Mercedes appeared to have a significant advantage not only on absolute pace, but also on tyre degradation, which was much more pronounced on the Ferrari. Ferrari were more competitive on the medium tyre, on which Verstappen's Red Bull appeared quickest, and that may influence their decision as to how to run their qualifying strategy and therefore on which tyre to start the race. Perez's strong session ended in sadness, when he pulled off with what looked like an engine problem. He appeared very unhappy as he climbed out of the car - and may be fearing a grid penalty. Behind Verstappen in sixth, Kimi Raikkonen's Alfa Romeo was seventh, ahead of Lance Stroll's Racing Point, Daniel Ricciardo's Renault and Albon. There are a number of grid penalties caused by excessive engine changes already confirmed, largely as a result of upgraded engines being introduced by all manufacturers apart from Ferrari. Albon, Stroll and Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat will start from the back and Ricciardo, his Renault team-mate Nico Hulkenberg and McLaren's Carlos Sainz have five-place penalties. #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 August 30, 2019 at 09:39AM
MotoGP News - Petronas SRT's Fabio Quartararo sweeps Misano MotoGP testing
https://ift.tt/34cqUuJ Fabio Quartararo was once again fastest at the Misano MotoGP test, after topping Friday's running by 0.476s over Ducati's Danilo Petrucci... Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei August 30, 2019 at 11:34AM
F1 News - Belgian GP: Ferrari fastest as Lewis Hamilton struggles in practice
https://ift.tt/2PqAHu7 Sebastian Vettel led a Ferrari one-two in first practice at the Belgian Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton struggled and Alexander Albon excelled. Vettel was 0.214 seconds ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen third, 0.933secs behind. Albon, who has stepped up to Red Bull for the final nine races of the season, was fourth, 0.077secs behind the Dutchman. Hamilton was sixth quickest, 1.399secs off the pace and just behind team-mate Valtteri Bottas, after a messy session. Hamilton, who leads the championship from Bottas by 62 points with nine races to go, had throttle problems when he first went out, the car almost slowing to a crawl mid-way around his out lap as the engine hit trouble before he was able to reset it and get going. When he rejoined, Mercedes had a telemetry issue which forced Hamilton to pit again, and when he finally got running, he was clearly unhappy with the car, running wide and making mistakes in a number of places, and over-ruling his team to extend his run so he could get more laps to learn the car. However, although the Mercedes were both 1.3secs off the pace, they were the only cars to set their fastest laps on the slower medium tyre, while everyone else used softs. Ferrari's pace underlines their status as favourites for this weekend, as a result of their car being the quickest on the straight and Spa being one of the tracks where engine performance is most important in terms of overall lap time. But the stand-out performance was from Albon, who drove for Toro Rosso for the fist 12 races of the season but has swapped seats with Pierre Gasly because of the Frenchman's disappointing performances. On the face of it, it is an outstanding performance for the Anglo-Thai to be so competitive in his first run in the car. Albon has an upgraded Honda engine in his car, which Verstappen is not taking this weekend, and the fuel loads and specifications in which the cars were running is not publicised. Even so, it is a big ask for any driver to take over a new car midway through a season, especially against a team-mate as formidable as Verstappen, who some consider to have been the driver of the season so far. Behind the big six, Lance Stroll led the rest of the field in the Racing Point, from Renault's Daniel Ricciardo, the Canadian's team-mate Sergio Perez, and McLaren's Carlos Sainz. #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 August 30, 2019 at 05:39AM
Motorcycle News - RADICAL RACER: Kraftstoffschmiede ‘Achilles’ BMW R1250 RS
https://ift.tt/32iGAep Written by Martin Hodgson When it was first conceived the Sultans of Sprint race series provided the perfect place for the custom bike builders of Europe to compete in a fun but competitive environment. Fast forward to 2019 and while the teams still party harder than Charlie Sheen, the desire to be the fastest has seen the bikes go to all new heights. With the final round of the series at the Glemseck 101 just days away, Philipp Ludwig of Germany’s Kraftstoffschmiede unveils his midyear update of his radical racer, ‘Achilles’. Teaming up with designer Krzysztof Szews from Man & the Machines, they’ve gone all out on the BMW R1250 RS in the hope of ending the year on top. Motorcycles via Pipeburn.com https://ift.tt/2LY9tnG August 29, 2019 at 06:08PM
F1 News - 'An attacking style, lovely fluidity & still lives with mum'
https://ift.tt/2zyjYu1 Ten months ago, Alexander Albon believed his childhood dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver was over. This weekend, in what has been a remarkable turn of events in a whirlwind 2019, he is driving a Red Bull at the Belgian Grand Prix. Back in October last year, the British-born 23-year-old, who races under the flag of Thailand, had signed a deal to race for the Nissan team in 2019 in the all-electric Formula E series, after accepting that he had lost his battle to make it to F1. Then came a phone call from Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko - who in 2012 had dropped Albon from the drinks company's junior-driver programme - to say he wanted him to drive for their junior team Toro Rosso. His F1 ambitions alive again, Albon was extricated from his Formula E contract, secured the Toro Rosso drive and set himself on the course that will see him line up for the rest of the season as Max Verstappen's team-mate in a car that has won two of the last four grands prix. "Twelve months ago, I was fighting for a seat in F1, and now I'm here," Albon says. "It's nuts. "It is quite laughable when I look back at it. The first thing I did was call my mum and dad. It was a journey we all took. From as early as 2012, I don't think my career has been very, er, fluid, let's say. "I've had a few ups and downs and just to be in this position has been incredible. There are a lot of drivers who have done an amazing job in F1 and have never been given the opportunity of being in a race-winning, championship-winning team. So it is a big opportunity for me and I really know that." As for how excited he is, he says: "It's a 10 for excitement, but the nerves are quite high as well." Albon's big break comes at the expense of Pierre Gasly - the Frenchman has swapped seats with Albon, demoted back down to Toro Rosso, after a disappointing first part of the season, in which he has usually been a long way off Verstappen. How did it end up this way?Albon's dreams of making it to F1 seemed to have died a slow death - from being a big name in karting, a World Cup winner in 2010 and a rival of Verstappen to being picked to be part of the Red Bull young driver programme, then dumped by the ruthless Marko after one season in car racing. Albon moved on from that to finish runner-up to team-mate Charles Leclerc - now at Ferrari - in GP3 in 2016. But after an up-and-down debut season in Formula 2 in 2017, as Leclerc stormed the title, Albon only just managed to secure a second F2 season in 2018. That was for the French Dams team. They were impressed by Albon as he raced to third in the championship behind Britain's George Russell and Lando Norris and offered him the place in Formula E, where Dams run the Nissan programme. He admits now that he thought his chances of making it to F1 were over. "Yeah, it was a little bit like that," he says. "When you sign for Formula E, it was a bit like, 'Ah, OK, I didn't get the opportunity [in F1] but I'm really happy to be in Formula E; it is pretty much the next biggest thing for a single-seater driver.' And that's when the call [from Marko] came." And what did it feel like to finally get the big break he had always wanted? "It was, not weird, but it was, let's say, a rocky path to F1, especially the beginning of last year. "At the start of 2018, it looked like nothing was going to happen, even to race in F2, never mind to race in F1. So in eight months it went from just managing to race in F2, first race, second race, and then this opportunity here. It was pretty immense. A bit of a shock. Just kind of like: 'We did it!'" Why Albon and not Kvyat?Albon found out about his promotion to Red Bull in a meeting with Marko on 12 August. He went to Austria thinking it was a regular mid-season catch-up, only to be told their plans. "It was one of those things," Albon says. "'Oh by the way, this is what's going on.' You guys knew only an hour after I did." At the start of this season, both he and his erstwhile team-mate Daniil Kvyat - both of whom have at one stage been axed by Marko - were beneficiaries of the fact that a hole had appeared in the Red Bull young driver programme. The company had been somewhat caught on the hop by Daniel Ricciardo's move to Renault - leaving two gaps to fill in the junior team after Gasly's ill-fated promotion and the sacking of New Zealander Brendon Hartley. After the first half of the season, on the face of it, some will be surprised that it is Albon who has now been chosen to replace Gasly rather than Kvyat. After all, Kvyat is much more experienced, has 27 points to Albon's 16, has made it into final qualifying three times to Albon's two and scored a surprise podium in the chaotic German Grand Prix. But it actually makes sense. Kvyat, after all, has already been demoted or dropped by Red Bull in F1 a number of times, and he is into his fifth F1 season. So for Albon to come in raw and match him for pace, as he has done, is highly impressive. And while Germany may have been Kvyat's stand-out race in terms of results, in fact Albon out-classed him - and Gasly, for that matter, despite the Frenchman's faster car - that day. Albon was a considerable distance ahead of Kvyat for the vast majority of the race in the challenging wet conditions and lost out only because Kvyat made a late stop for dry-weather tyres at exactly the right moment, vaulting him up to second, which became third when he was passed by Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari. Albon ended up sixth, but was running fourth at the time of the final safety car, behind only Verstappen and the two Mercedes, having briefly battled with Lewis Hamilton - an outstanding performance in a Toro Rosso. On top of that, while Kvyat and Albon were tied 6-6 in qualifying after 12 races, Albon has been ahead on the grid for four of the past five races, and lined up a superb ninth in Silverstone, suggesting he is beginning to build a head of steam. A quick learning processAlbon - who still lives with his mum, three sisters and brother in Milton Keynes, and does the school run for his younger siblings when he is there - says it has taken time to feel completely at home in F1. "I'm still finding my feet in F1," he says. "I'm not starting from the beginning, but I've got to find out what the car is like to drive, how the team works and learn everything. There are parts I can bring with me from Toro Rosso, but there are other parts that will be new." He is an exciting driver to watch. He has an attacking style, but there is a lovely fluidity to the car's movements when he is on a roll. "These cars, they have so much downforce," he says. "Stability isn't really what I like in a car. I don't mind it moving around but that's not always the quickest way to have a car. I like a lot of front in the car; just understanding the amount I can get away with has been quite important." Was he aware that he had made a very positive impression halfway through his debut season? "Not really. I don't look at everything outside. My mum does. But not really. I don't like looking at that." Why? "I don't need to. I guess you can look at critics but in the end the people I get advice from are in the team, fans or my engineers or stuff like this. I know what I need to work on personally and I don't need the external world to… It's distracting and the world is quite opinionated." And now the big time - but is he Thai or British?The move to Red Bull means Albon will have to cope with a lot more external opinions, and the stakes just increased by multiples. It is the opportunity of a lifetime, but as befits such a chance, it won't be easy. Apart from Hamilton, Verstappen is probably the toughest yardstick in F1, Albon has to adapt instantly to a new car, and Marko will expect him immediately to exceed Gasly's level and start to mix it with the other top teams, and boost Red Bull's chances of beating Ferrari to second in the constructors' championship. On top of that, this is sink-or-swim - do well, and Albon will be in a Red Bull next year. Fail, and that F1 chance will likely have passed him by almost as soon as it has been revived. On the face of it, Spa is not exactly an ideal place to start. It's one of F1's most daunting circuits, a true-blood classic, steeped in history and with a succession of demanding, high-speed corners. But Albon has always gelled with high-speed circuits, as he proved at Silverstone. "I like medium and high-speed stuff," he says. "It always treats me well." He adds: "I love the track at Spa. The conditions can be mixed, but I think I want that in a weird way. I wouldn't mind a race like Germany again. "It will be baby steps, really. We'll build the blocks and then just do our jobs. I will take each session as it comes and see where that leads us for each race. "I know it's a step-by-step process, and it will be like that for the rest of the year. It's not going to come straight away, but I do want results." Going up against Verstappen, who has been outstanding for the past 15 months or so, is a big ask, but Albon already has experience of that. They raced against each other in karting in 2010. "We did the World and European championships together," Albon said on Thursday, omitting to mention that he won both. "We had a few crashes together. We had a good rivalry going. Max was the young guy, and I was the experienced one. Which is a bit weird. I am a bit older than Max, but he is more experienced in F1. We had some good races." The need to be right on it in qualifying pace is lessened to a degree this weekend because he has a grid penalty after a Honda engine upgrade, which means he will be starting from the back, but the scale of his ambition is clear from his response to whether that lessens the pressure. "You could say so, yeah," Albon says. "We just go into the weekend more focused on the race pace, which also means more laps. That will be the target. And that feeling straight away into qualifying, it will be a different atmosphere. I would still like to have given it a go and see how I would have done and tried to start further up than I will be." Finally, then, how should people refer to him? Is he Thai or British? The full answer is: both. Albon races under a Thai licence, and Toro Rosso have been pushing hard on that side of his identity for promotional reasons this year. But many people consider him effectively British. He has a British father - the former touring car racer Nigel Albon - and a Thai mother, Kankamol. He was born in London, has spent much of his life in the UK, and has been supported throughout his career by the British Racing Drivers' Club, which last year gave him its President's Award for outstanding achievement. Albon himself says the distinction is more of an issue for others than himself. "I see media trying to put me on one side or the other," he says. "My mum's Thai, my dad's British. There's not really a leaning towards either. In motorsport you can only choose one licence and I chose Thai. I see a lot of 'London-born Thai'. That's fine." How to follow the Belgian GP on the BBCBBC Sport has live coverage of practice, qualifying and the race across the BBC Sport website with updates on BBC Radio 5 Live, plus live digital coverage on the BBC Sport website and app - including audience interaction, expert analysis, debate, voting, features, interviews and audio content. You can follow all the action and the latest news on the BBC Sport F1 page and via the BBC Sport app, and catch up with analysis and interviews with the BBC Radio 5 Live Chequered Flag podcast.
#F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 August 29, 2019 at 05:21PM
Motorcycle News - Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 – Live From The Silverstone GP
https://ift.tt/2UlKOPG Watching the sunset from the British Racing Drivers’ Clubhouse aside the Silverstone circuit was one I won’t soon forget. Of course, I wasn’t there to enjoy the sunset and hors d’oeuvres. Motorcycle.com had the North American exclusive coverage of the media launch of the new Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 ahead of the MotoGP weekend at the British circuit. Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 Limited Edition Just after dusk, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and Triumph CEO Nick Bloor pulled the covers off of the carbon-clad, 765 Triple-powered limited edition sportbikes. While we’ve already shared the bulk of the information surrounding the new Daytona, we were able to learn a bit more about Triumph’s outlook and positioning for this model while also capturing other information not yet made available. At the end of the night I also had the opportunity to interview Triumph’s Chief Product Officer, Steve Sargent regarding the company’s involvement in Moto2, as well as Chief Engineer Stuart Wood to discuss the new model. Get the Flash Player to see this player. Probably the most significant news we weren’t already privy to is the fact that Triumph has no plans to follow this limited release with a production Daytona 765. That’s right. We’re told if you’re interested in this top-spec Daytona, you’ve got 765 chances or rather 465 or so since I overheard approximately 300 are already sold via pre-order. While this is disheartening news for fans of the Triumph sportbike, after seeing the new model introduced, it’s not entirely surprising. The Daytona Moto2 765 looks, well, like a 2017 Daytona with gorgeous carbon-fiber bodywork and top-o-the-line componentry thrown on it. Furthermore, some of the new componentry to this 2020 model isn’t actually new to the brand. Features like the TFT display, ride modes, and quickshifter were already found on other models such as the Street Triple RS from which the new Daytona’s motor is based. In all fairness, or maybe I’m being a bit unfair, the Daytona Moto2 765 looks like a relatively easy engineering project versus an entirely new bike. The break in production also coincided with regulation though we’ve been told this limited edition model is fully street-legal and meets Euro 5 regs. To be clear, this is the most powerful, lightest, highest tech and spec Daytona ever to come out of the doors in Hinckley, and yes, it will be manufactured in Hinckley. The Öhlins NIX30 fork and TTX36 shock, as well as the Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial mono-block calipers and cast aluminum five-spoke wheels, are just a few of the up-spec components that aim to deliver the ultimate track-focused performance from the Daytona 765. The engine has undergone some serious upgrades to deliver higher performance. We’re told to expect 128 hp at 12,250 rpm and 59 LB-FT peak torque at 9,750 rpm. This performance is said to be a 20% increase across the rpm-range from the Street Triple’s power plant. The motor also revs 600 rpm higher than the Street Triple, putting its redline now at 13,250 rpm. Chief Engineer Stuart Wood tells us Triumph has used the Daytona Moto2 765 as an opportunity to deliver a limited number of customers the experience of a motorcycle as close to the Moto2 race bike as possible. When asked what that meant, Wood tells us this new motorcycle is all based around character, feel, and torque. Intake ports have been developed with new machining while the intake funnels have also received a redesign to deliver sportier power delivery. Pistons, rods, and crankshaft have all undergone changes to help not only deliver a Daytona capable of the highest levels of performance, but also to ensure dependability with the increased stress. While it’s not the entirely new model many had hoped for, fans of the Daytona will likely be drooling and possibly fighting over the chance to get at this top-spec iteration of an already fantastic motorcycle. We’re told to expect the Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 to be hitting dealerships at the beginning of next year and to expect US pricing within the coming months. The bike will sell for £15,765 in England which directly converts to $19,374 USD. The post Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 – Live From The Silverstone GP appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO August 29, 2019 at 04:23PM
Motorcycle News - Swedish twins: A pair of vintage café racers from PAAL
https://ift.tt/346i95r
Malmö-based Fredrik Pål Persson is one of the passionate types: he actually did mortgage his house to keep going, a couple of years ago. He bounced back with a stunning CB500, and he’s just given us a peek at his two latest bikes, a classic pair of Honda and Kawasaki café racers.
Both bikes have had their electrics completely stripped out and replaced. They’ve now got new electronic ignition systems to boost reliability, and speedos and turn signals from Motogadget.
For an instant visual refresh and declutter, the rear subframes have been ground off and clean, minimal hoops installed with new seat and tail units on top. The main frames have been cleaned up and refinished with fresh powder, along with the wheels and hubs.
The motors and transmissions have been completely rebuilt from the ground up, and Fredrik has vapor-blasted the engine cases. The carbs have been rebuilt too, and polished to a sheen and fitted with custom-made velocity stacks.
But the Honda engine has received special treatment. It’s a 1972 CB750 Four, but Fredrik has bored the motor out to 899cc for extra oomph.
“This is a bike designed to make you feel like a kid again: a bike to ride and enjoy. The low, aggressive stance, uprated engine and carbs and loud exhaust will make you smile too, no doubt!”
Everything on this CB750 has been fully overhauled, except the gas tank. “We sealed the inside, but kept the beautiful raw patina on the outside to accentuate the bike’s heritage.”
“It’s our first bike in over five years that’s not a custom order,” Fredrik reveals. “We usually build everything to order—and don’t get me wrong, we love all of our clients—but sometimes it’s nice to build something straight from the heart. There’s no compromise on our vision here, in regards to time, money or aesthetics.”
Sounds intriguing. We’ll be staying tuned, and passing on the details as soon as we get them. Paal Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Yannick Wolff Motorcycles via Bike EXIF https://ift.tt/2Mf9b0c August 29, 2019 at 12:06PM
Motorcycle News - Top 6 – Best 300cc Motorcycles
https://ift.tt/2UdvbcO What’s the sweet spot for small displacement motorcycles? Is it 250cc? Perhaps 400cc? Ask any internet forum and you’ll likely hear some BS like, 600cc sportbikes are the smallest I would EVER recommend for a beginner. Idiots. Darwinism at its finest. What do we think? We think there are a lot of variables to consider for this question, but the 300cc category is still filled with solid options of bitchin’ motorcycles. Many look at these small-displacement bikes as great options for beginners as well. Which motorcycle is best for a beginner? It all depends on what kind of riding you’d like to do. Any of the options on this list provide a great starting point for new riders. What’s even better is that there are plenty of great bikes in this category that spans multiple genres of motorcycling such as sportbikes, adventure motorcycles, and naked bikes. If you’re interested in entering the world of two wheels check out these great starting points. Here’s Motorcycle.com’s list of the top six 300cc motorcycles on the market. 1. Honda CB300R (CBR300R & CB300F)Honda is one manufacturer who has absolutely saturated its model line with plenty of 300cc and below two wheeled offerings. The 286cc liquid-cooled Single found in the CB300R is used in three other models itself. Not a fan of the neo-retro look of the CB300R? Maybe you’re looking for a nice standard bike like the CB300F or perhaps the sportier CBR300R. The CB300R looks the spitting image of its big bro, the CB1000R, which means this is one sexy lightweight motorcycle, not to mention that the 300 gets some choice upgrades for under five grand. A 41mm inverted fork, upgraded Showa shock, and radial-mount brake calipers are a few of the items that set the CB300R apart from others in the class, and in the Honda family. 2019 Honda CB300R Review – First Ride 2015 Honda CBR300R First Ride Review 2. Honda Rebel 300Of course our next pick would also be a Honda! They have so many to offer! The Honda Rebel has been around since the ’80s, ushering in new riders with its small stature and approachable, but nearly anemic 250cc single. Well, guess what!? Honda plonked it’s 286cc Single in the Rebel as well, giving the little cruiser a modern mill to compete with the times. Not to mention the Rebel is also available with a 500cc motor, if you’re feeling frisky. The 300 starts at $4,399 and is available with ABS for 300 extra smackers. If you’re feelin your inner Fonzy, but still aren’t entirely sure where the clutch is, maybe it’s best you start with the Rebel 300. 2017 Honda Rebel 300 Review: First Ride 3. Kawasaki Versys-X 300We’ve had a lot of fun on the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 here at MO. From the seashores of old Mexico, to the San Bernardino mountains, the Versys-X 300 has trailblazed its way through forests and beaches. That’s the great thing about the Versys, the versatility. We’ve spent hundreds if not thousands of miles on the wee Versys and the sewing-machine-smooth 296cc Twin has kept us coming back and choosing it as the winner in multiple shootouts. The reigning champ you could say. If you’re ADV-curious, but want an adventure bike that’s smaller and easier to learn on than most of the 13,000cc 6-foot tall behemoths on the market, peep the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 for a base price of $5,399. 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS Review Rallying The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Three Amigos 300cc ADV Bike Comparison 4. Yamaha R3Yamaha’s R3 just received a full upgrade that we covered before the brand’s presentation at AIMExpo. Initially built to rival other 300cc sportbikes, Yamaha was one of the last to build a bike for the entry-level class, after Kawasaki and Honda had shown significant success in the burgeoning market. The new R3 gets a host of upgrades with an inverted fork, styling reminiscent of the R6 and R1, and a slightly revised rider triangle, all of which you get at the same price point as the 2018 model, starting at $4,999. Climbing The Yamaha R-World Ladder 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 First Ride Review 5. KTM 390 DukeOne of our absolute favorites here at MO. The KTM 390 Duke was the model that made us reconsider the term entry-level. The 390 Duke can be an entry-level motorcycle, but it offers a level of finish, attention to detail, and performance, that’s hard to match in its class. Yes, the 373cc Single is plenty larger than many of the models on our list, but hey, it’s our list and we do what we want. From the Duke’s torquey 373cc Single, TFT display, three way switchable ABS (including Supermoto mode!), in-your-face styling, and WP suspension, you get a lot of motorcycle for $5,299. 6. BMW G310GSThe BMW G310GS had some big shoes to fill for a model carrying the GS moniker, maybe that’s why I came away from the launch of the bike with mixed feelings. The motor felt underpowered and the suspension undersprung, but maybe I was holding it to too high of a standard. When we compared the wee GS to the Royal Enfield Himalayan and Versys-X, the playing field was level and made me appreciate the bike for what it was, a solid entry point to the BMW brand as well as a great looking adventure motorcycle platform for those starting out. At $5,695, it’s certainly a worthy contender in the market. 2018 BMW G 310 GS First Ride Review Three Amigos 300cc ADV Bike Comparison Bonus! Kawasaki Ninja 400Technically, the 399cc Kawasaki Ninja 400 doesn’t fit into our self-imposed 300cc cap, but if we’re going to break our own rules and include the KTM 390 Duke, then the Baby Ninja deserves an honorable mention. We’ve written a lot about the littlest Ninja because, frankly, it’s an excellent motorcycle for both the new/inexperienced rider, and the veteran looking for a fun learning tool. The 399cc Twin hits that sweet spot in terms of power – feeling neither anemic, nor overwhelming – meaning riders of all skill levels can have a good time on it. Combine that with its good looks, capable handling, and $4,999 base price, and you can understand why this Green Machine earned Motorcycle.com’s Best Value and Best Lightweight awards for 2018. 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 First Ride Review The post Top 6 – Best 300cc Motorcycles appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO August 29, 2019 at 11:52AM
MotoGP News - Quartararo returns from concussion to top first MotoGP Misano test
https://ift.tt/2Ljs9Qc Fresh from suffering a mild concussion in a crash at the British Grand Prix, Fabio Quartararo topped the first day of MotoGP testing at Misano by 0.023 seconds... Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei August 29, 2019 at 11:24AM |
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8/30/2019
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