Table of contents for 06 December 2023 in MCN

‘It still the bike we know and love’ ADVENTURE ROYALTY FIGHT IT OUT, P27 THE MCN TEST R1300GS meets its biggest rivals BMW, Ducati and Triumph have been painting the world with flashes of their corporate offspring for decades now, providing the means for bikers to go to ever-further in search of whatever adventure means to them. But the landscape has been increasingly rocky in terms of market dominance for the previously unassailable GS. It may still be king of the showrooms, but the others have been getting too close for comfort. So does the new R1300GS have what it takes to reassert its dominance? We pitch it against two of its biggest rivals. PAGE 27 IN THE NEWS Triumph Thruxton’s little lifeline There was a polite muttering of collective…

Oxford Stinger Anchor and Chain Lock £79.99 This combined security system provides an all-in-one solution, with a dual lock/ anchor unit and 10mm × 1.2m round link chain. The cast stainless steel anchor can be either floor or wall mounted using the anti-tamper fittings provided, and secures both ends of the chain with an integrated 10mm locking pin. oxfordlocks.co.uk Keis UltraFlex Heated Jacket £220 Stay warm this winter with heated kit specialists Keis’ latest jacket. Using micro carbon fibre panels on the front, back, sleeves and around the collar to deliver 65W of heating power, it’s guaranteed to keep core body temperature at cosy levels. Flexible, washable and with a lifetime warranty, it’s available in sizes 2XS to 3XL. keisapparel.com Oxford Byron Gloves £34.99 With a fully ventilated mesh back…

mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com motorcyclenews motorcyclenews MCNnews ‘Prices are getting silly’ Having been riding for some 40 years, it struck me and my friends during a visit to Motorcycle Live that manufacturers are attempting to normalise ridiculously high prices. I ride a Yamaha MT-10 which is starting to look like good value at circa £14k. Most of the new bikes at the show were above this figure. For example, BMW’s R1300GS is over £20k if you spec it as most would like. Call your bank manager if you fancy a Ducati of any description. I know there are people who will buy them, but come on, this is just getting silly. How refreshing it was therefore to see the new Royal Enfield Himalayan which is destined to be £6k or less. Ty Jackson,…

KEY TO THE AREA ■ SOUTH WEST ■ CENTRAL ■ NORTH & SCOTLAND ■ SOUTH EAST Wednesday December 6 BIKE MEETS ■ Amici Coffee Biker Night, Girtford Bridge, Sandy, Bedfordshire. 6pm9pm www.amicicoffee.co.uk ■ Huggys Speed shop, Mallory Park, Leicestershire. From 10am www.huggysspeedshop.co.uk ■ The King Billy Rock Bar - Bike & Burger Night, Northampton, Northamptonshire. 6.30pm Facebook: The King Billy Rock Bar ■ Squires Cafe, Newthorpe, near Sherburn in Elmet, West Yorks. 01977-684618 or www.squires-cafe.co.uk ■ The Old Stores, Pontblyddyn, Mold, Flints. 6pm-9pm 07548224866 or Facebook: The Old Stores Motorbike cafe ■ Loomies Moto Cafe, West Meon, Hants. Open till 9pm www.loomiescafe.co.uk ■ The Pathfinder Cafe, Blackbushe, Surrey. From 10.30am-1pm Facebook: Pathfinder Cafe ■ Ryka’s Cafe, Box Hill, Surrey 5pm-9pm www.rykas.co.uk Thursday December 7 BIKE MEETS ■ Vic Bikers Pub,…

‘It’s a real exclusive’ So, is it worth it? Well, as a bike that is both dynamically exciting to ride and visually stunning to gaze at, the Brabus 1300 R Masterpiece Edition is an exclusive and impressive beast. Sure, it’s essentially a swanky Super Duke R Evo at heart, but that’s no bad thing, with the price point being an attraction, not a hindrance for the wealthiest petrolheads among us. This isn’t a machine built for regular bikers, oh no. This is an exclusive toy and an accessory, that will sit alongside a host of Brabus cars, and even boats. But the fact that it exists? Well, that’s no bad thing whatsoever. THE FACTS £37,000 Brabus 1300 R Masterpiece Edition…

FIRST RIDE Keeway were formed in Hungary in 1999 and have since made close to 3 million bikes. They export to more than 90 countries and produce petrol and electric two-wheelers varying in capacity from 50cc to 298cc. In 2005 they bought a stake in Benelli, and they’re now part of the Qianjiang Group, leading to all their bikes being built in China. The value-focused brand have topped the UK’s small-capacity custom bike sales charts for a decade with their Superlight 125 (recently usurped by the Royal Enfield Meteor) and this year have launched three custom cruisers: two 125s and this range-topping V302C. 1 Mini twin Unlike its main minicruiser rival, the single-cylinder Royal Enfield Meteor, the V302C is powered by a 298cc V-twin – a charming little motor with a…

Short boots are all about comfort and versatility, and the TCX Jupiter 5s score full marks for both. I’ve worn them on commutes to the office, pounded around Brands Hatch all day as a spectator and completed an eight-hour stretch on a sports-tourer, barely aware they’re on my feet. Ortholite insoles make the footbed as comfy as a pair of slippers, providing cushioning on the pegs and when walking. A Gore-Tex membrane keeps moisture moving the right way, and my feet have remained dry in the rain and sweat-free in summer. It helps regulate temperature in cold weather too. Grippy ‘Groundtrax’ soles prevent any slippage on foot controls, even when wet, and make for a confident plant on tarmac too. 2100 miles ON TEST In terms of wear and tear,…

Hibernation tips Putting your bike away for winter? Here’s the best way to do it BRUCE’S TIPS Give all the paint a polish using a high quality product like Autoglym resin 1 Ultra clean and dry Wash the bike all over with a dedicated motorcycle cleaner, and use a brush to get behind exhaust downpipes and into awkward places. You’re aiming to get the bike as clean as possible, so be diligent. You also need to make sure it’s thoroughly dried; an airline or bike dryer is ideal for blasting away water. If not, rub it all over with a soft towel or cloth. 2 Choose your spot, then lift Work out where you’re going to put your bike while it’s in storage – it should be in a dry area and…

Richard Kerr has been named as the 2023 Pirelli National. Superstock champion after a tribunal, of the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control. Board disqualified original title-winner Dan Linfoot from the final round. Linfoot clinched the title at Brands Hatch, but a protest was Lodged against the Optimum Motorbikes team regarding the Legality of the front brake master cylinder on their Honda Fireblade. The resisting investigation found that the team were in breach of the sporting code, stating that “the front brake master cyLinder on the motorcycle of #4 was not as originally produced by the manufacturers for the homologated machine.” There is no right of appeal to the decision. ‘A protest was Lodged over Linfoot’s bike’…

Maverick Viñales and official test days are simply a match made in heaven. It always seems to be the case that the Aprilia racer finds himself at the top of the timesheets and, given he holds the lap record at Valencia, it came as no surprise to him that it happened again. The Spaniard’s best lap-time of 1:29.253 was enough to beat Brad Binder to top spot by a narrow margin of 0.028s. Of course, testing isn’t all about lap-times, but the so-called winter testing champion was delighted with the progress he and the team made in Spain, “Today we worked in a smart way to try to understand the direction for next year,” Viñales said. “We tried a few different swingarms, and we found plenty of positive tilings with…

There are only 67 days until the first 2024 MotoGP pre-season tests get underway at Sepang, Malaysia. Although right now riders and teams will be trying to chill out after the longest-ever season - from late March to late November - they won’t get as much rest as you may think. Riders never stop training. Most of them are at it six days a week, all year round: gym, motocross, supermoto, cycling. And engineers never stop working. The internet will buzz all winter long with vast files of designs, redesigns and redesigns of redesigns. The engineers know they must not make any mistakes, because most factories only have five days of pre-season testing available to them, so if they head down the wrong road with engine or aero specs, they…

The Official 2023 World Superbike Yearbook is on sale now (at a special price of £33.16, down from £41.46, at worldsbkstore.com) allowing you to relive the highs and lows from this year’s season. Inside, you’ll find details on each of the riders. You’ll also be able to learn more about the teams and the motorcycles. Death announced of inspirational jeans pioneer Grant Charles Mackintosh, the pioneering force behind Draggin Jeans, sadly passed away on Monday, November 27 with his death announced on the company’s Facebook site. Mackintosh engineered his first pair of riding jeans in around 1997 – an idea that has since become a staple of almost all motorcyclists’ wardrobes with riders won over by the promise of proper crash protection, smart looks and all-day comfort. Already a jeans…

The boss of Britain’s leading motorcycle industry body has called for a major shake-up on motorcycle safety. Tony Campbell, CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), was speaking at the National Road Safety Conference, which included delegates from Government and the wider industry, and noted that while powered two-wheelers (PTWs) constitute only 1% of traffic, they account for 20% of fatalities, a statistic, he said, that “should not be accepted as the norm”. In urging the Government to act, he quoted Einstein by stating: “The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again but expecting different results." ‘Working together for a safer future’ Commenting after his speech, the MCIA boss said: “Instead of basing policy decisions solely on past concerns, the Government needs to adopt a…

Q ‘Have I got to lose 50%?’ I was riding near Ross-on-Wye when I came up to a queue of slow-moving traffic, so I filtered past on the outside. I was going about 30/35 on a 60-limit road and there were no junctions where I was overtaking. Having passed a few cars, one pulled out to do a U-turn right in front of me with no indication and I went over the bonnet. My solicitor says I am 40-50% to blame and should accept the 50/50 offer from the other side. I remember reading that another rider got all of his compensation in a similar case. Is that right? John, Hereford A Each case turns on its own facts and I would need to see the police report and witness…

Send your trips to yourpics@motorcyclenews.com Readers Aidan and Alfie Tough The ride European adventure When to do it We went in the Last two weeks of August How many miles? 2500 Tell us about the trip… My 13-year-old son Alfie (as pillion) and I set off on my KTM 1050 Adventure and joined up with some good friends including Dan and his Mrs, Dave and Derick. We headed down to the channel tunnel and into northern France. For the next 15 days we toured France, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Italy. We mostly camped, visiting some quality campsites such as the TCS sites with a few hotels (only three nights) along the way. We avoided motorways and explored some stunning passes including the Grimsel, San Bernadino, Splugen, San Gotthard, Furka…

SAVE £££s – BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR THE mcnmotorcycleshow.com ‘Peaks of the Picos’ PAUL STOPFORD The last time I was on the bike I went over to Picos de Europa mountains and covered around 1600 miles. ‘Next stop Rome’ RICHARD BLACKMORE AND EWA SAWICKA We were in Julier pass in the Swiss Alps just a few days ago, oddly we found we were the only bikers in the area! OK, it was freezing, but we had a blast on our way to Rome. ‘Local dirt’ CHRIS INSTONE I went for a little bit of green laning on the return trip of a XHC 2023 Challenge ride in Quatt, Shropshire. ‘Spanish sunshine?’ PETER HORVATH This was taken when I was dodging the rainclouds while playing in the Picos de Europa,…

‘They are all so capable’ Not only have class-leading adventure bikes never been so capable, but they’ve also never been so manageable, with all three of these machines offering a different take on the class. For fans of the GS family, the new 1300 carries the mantle in a recognisable and familiar way albeit slimmed down. It’s more agile and manageable at slow speeds than before, while being more dynamic and excitable in terms of both its engine and its chassis set-up. It’s undoubtedly one of the most technologically advanced machines on sale today, perfect for riders of all shapes and sizes, and for all kinds of routes and roads. But it lacks sheer presence and zing, two things the Ducati offers up, in abundance. The Multi V4S really does…

Mental health has been at the forefront of the news for a while now even more so with the changes to everyday life since Covid and the cost of living crisis. It’s something that can affect any of us during our lifetime and can, in the worst cases, lead to tragedy. It’s something we at MCN know too well as our friend and colleague, Stuart Prestige, lost his own battle earlier this year. Although much has been done to break down the stigma attached to mental health issues, for the many thousands of sufferers it can still be hard to know where to turn. But, in the world of motorcycling there is hope from those who want nothing more than to help people during those hard times. On Mental Health…

‘Surprising!’ I wasn’t expecting much from the V302C but the Keeway surprised me. It’s a great-looking mini-cruiser that has a bit of spirit thanks to its V-twin engine. It’s not as practical or as comfortable as its main rival, the Enfield Meteor, but it is certainly more of a head-turner and gives the impression of being a higher quality product as a result. If Keeway could tighten up the handling and improve ground clearance they could be on to a winner Although many 125 owners may find themselves being tempted by the sub-£5000 price tag, it still costs about £800 more than the 350 Meteor. So, right now, it’s hard to see past the Royal Enfield. THE FACTS £4999 Keeway V302C…

MR VELCRO When buying any used adventure bike, I am always reminded of an incident that very nearly caught me out back in the late 2000s when a chap came to the dealership wanting to trade in his KTM 950SM. The bike had done a fairly low mileage and was in good condition. I was about to offer him the going rate but something made me call a tech over for a second opinion. After running the motor the tech was happy but then he spotted something about the frame. On the righthand side the paint looked a bit weird around where the footpeg joins the frame. For those who don’t know, the SM’s peg mounts directly to the frame rather than on a hanger. On closer inspection you could…

A long-stored Moto Guzzi V11 didn’t turn out to be quite the bargain its owner had hoped for. The 2003 V11 had been stood for about ten years and the new owner changed the fuel pump and battery as he tried to get it up and running. But it still wouldn’t start. Mike Russell de Glanville, owner of Italian Motorcycle Restorations in Somerset, was brought on board to help get the bike going. He said: “The bike is the Special Tourer edition with lots of carbon fibre, Öhlins shocks and magnesium wheels, and it had cleaned up well. He thought the fuel system was all that needed looking at, but before you start a job like this you need to get the oils out of it. The bike should have…

I’m a Honda rider and I don’t know how to sugarcoat it, but in 2023 they didn’t stand on the top step of the podium and that needs to change. And it’s certainly changing because they’ve signed Jack Kennedy, a multiple British Supersport champion, to ride the new 600; Tommy Bridewell, who is the reigning BSB champion; and Dean Harrison, who’s one of the top, top guys at the TT. It’s a really strong team and I don’t think there is anything else they could do. I’m looking forward to working with Tommy, he’s a good character. He’s got a tractor, I’ve got a tractor and we both like cutting our grass! He’s strong and he just needs to draw a line under what he’s done this year and throw…

The hype surrounding Pedro Acosta’s debut outing onboard a MotoGP bike was the biggest seen since Marc Marquez first jumped onboard the Repsol Honda a decade ago. For many, the now two-time Grand Prix world champion is the next big thing in MotoGP. The next megastar who has the natural ability and skill to rival the likes of Marquez and Valentino Rossi. So, how did it go? Well, Acosta looked like a premier class rider almost immediately. You wouldn’t have thought these were his first laps spun onboard the Tech3 GASGAS RC16, not by the way he was power sliding through turn 13. Indeed, Acosta already has his first viral video and gifs to enjoy across his social media channels. His bike control was seriously impressive and will have caught…

Franco Morbidelli’s Pramac Racing Ducati debut ended with the Italian down in 16th after experiencing a smooth day of learning onboard the Desmosedici. Morbidelli jumps on the Ducati after spending the last five seasons onboard Yamaha’s M1, first at Petronas Yamaha (20192021) and then at the factory team (2021-2023), “It was a good first day,” Morbidelli said. “It was smooth, and we did many laps. It was important to meet the bike, get to know the bike and understand as much as possible to see how it works and what it needs. “I started straight away with the new bike and I’m pretty happy. There are things I need to get better at, and I need the bike to follow me. We didn’t work on anything today. Just enjoyed it…

A small number of UK Ducati customers have been left disappointed after discovering their order for a £37,195 Panigale V4 SP2 30° Anniversario 916 had been cancelled following an error in the Bologna firm’s systems. The special edition superbike was limited to 500 units and sold out in days. It was this unexpected turn of pace that led to the issues. “Due to the overwhelming success of the Panigale V4 SP2 30° Anniversario 916 model, following its release at EICMA, and the incredible pace at which orders were placed globally, we have experienced a malfunction in the confirmation process for a small number of UK customers whose orders were unable to be processed successfully,” Ducati UK Managing Director, Fabrizio Cazzoli confirmed to MCN. “Ducati is in contact with each valued…

These spy shots recently snapped in southern Europe appear to show a new Triumph Thruxton 400 in the works, based on the firm’s latest small-capacity singles built in partnership with Bajaj Auto. It’s been little over a month since the Hinckley factory confirmed production of their 1200cc parallel twin Thruxton café racer would end in 2024 - with the name now looking likely to live on in the 398cc single cylinder range. Immediately given away as a Triumph by the distinctive styling and triangular logos on the engine cases, a closer inspection reveals the mystery model is heavily based on the Speed 400 naked - revealed in June alongside a more rugged Scrambler 400 X. This means you can likely expect the same 398cc liquid-cooled motor with finned cylinder head,…

SAVE £1100 £5199 KTM 390 Adventure Life on the A2 licence-friendly 390 is easy-going, with the rider sitting comfortably in a wellproportioned, typically adventure bike position. The seamless action of the quickshifter makes the ride even easier and strong acceleration from low down means overtaking slow-moving is a breeze – perfect for commuters. It sounds good, too. www.mandp.co.uk SAVE £1700 £15,717 Harley-Davidson FXBBS Softail Street Bob 114 This Redline red bike is a Black Friday deal that’s been extended into December for MCN readers. www.sykeshd.com • Engine 1800cc ● Power 67bhp ● Weight 288kg ● Seat height 655mm SAVE £1400 £10,299 Suzuki GSX-S1000 The GSX-S is an economical alternative to more exotic super nakeds thanks to its engine, which is based on the excellent K5 GSX-R1000 lump. www.daytonamc.co.uk • Engine…

THIS WEEK Kymco have announced a new sales incentive that will see their two- and four-wheeled products equipped with Datatool security free of charge. “Kymco welcomes the strengthened partnership with our security business partner, Datatool,” National Sales and Marketing Manager, Neil Keeble, said. “Both companies passionately believe in offering our customers a security solution for their peace of mind in tracking, and the DNA marking of a customer’s machine.” He continued: “The strength of our relationship with Datatool will be a huge benefit to our customers.” With Kymco producing a range of bikes from affordable geared 125s, to their £9999 AK550 Premium maxi scooter, it is hoped the offer will reduce the chances of theft, as well as delivering insurance benefits. ‘We believe in offering this security’ Customers purchasing a…

Co-pilot with connectivity Whilst the long nights and winter weather may not be ideal for recreational riding, it gives plenty of opportunity to spend some time tinkering in the shed. This week we’ve taken a deep dive to trawl the net for deals on electronic gadgetry that’ll keep you busy when you’re not riding – and help you out when you are. A dedicated motorcycling satnav can make a huge difference to how you plan and navigate routes, whether it’s to make your daily commute more efficient, find the best roads for a weekend adventure or plan a multi-day European tour. The Garmin Zumo XT has the versatility to do all this, as well as providing a control centre for making calls and listening to music by connecting your phone…

CFMoto have released more details about their upcoming 675cc threecylinder engine platform, which looks destined to spawn a new roadfriendly sportsbike. The ambitious Chinese brand not only partner KTM to produce the Austrian brand’s Latest 790 Adventure but have also released a steady stream of increasingly impressive and ever larger models under their own steam. Most recently, we’ve seen the 94bhp 800NK naked twin, and they are expected to launch an all-new 675SR triple next year, based on the engine platform we see here. This was confirmed in October when CFMoto demonstrated a disguised prototype of the machine in front of a live audience at the ZhuZhou International Circuit. Now the company have officially announced for the first time that the new triple will deliver maximum torque of 50ft.lb at…

‘Under-the-radar hooligan buy’ As the weather turns cold and horrible outside I’m sitting indoors desperately hoping someone will call me up and ask if I want to get on a plane and ride a bike somewhere warm. Sadly this hasn’t happened so instead, I find my mind drifting back to some of the more entertaining launches I’ve been on. Once such event was the unveiling of the Yamaha XSR900, a bike that has a special place in my heart. As a huge fan of the original MT-09, I was genuinely excited about the arrival of the XSR. Far better looking, especially in the limited edition ‘Kenny Roberts’ 60th Anniversary yellow colours, the XSR’s motor was also slightly upgraded when compared to the MT-09 along side its suspension, electronics (TC and…

1 December 10 Ace Cafe Bike Day Why have a bike night when you could have the whole day instead? London’s Ace Cafe invites you to brave the winter weather and come for a hot cuppa on the forecourt where you can enjoy checking out a range of metal and speak with hardy, bike-loving folk. london.acecafe.com 2 December 9 Santas on a Bike Why wouldn’t you want to join a charity rideout dressed like Santa? If you’re in Devon, this ride is for you! Supporting the local children’s hospice, Little Bridge House, there are multiple pick-up points to choose from (and are all available online to view). The official ride starts at McDonalds, Tiverton, at 10.30am so get there early with a smile on your face and Santa suit on your back!…

THE MCN TEST ●THE HOTTEST BIKES ●EVERY WEEK £21,495 Ducati Multistrada V45 (£25,511 as tested) • 1158cc 90-degree V4 • 170bhp/92lb.ft • £289 per month PCP £17,095 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro (17,295 as tested) • 1160cc 12v triple • 148bhp/95.9lb.ft • £133.46 per month PCP £18,465 BMW R1300GS TE (£22,793 as tested) • 1300cc 8v flat twin • 143bhp/110lb.ft • £252.60 per month PCP Time for the new GS to face its key rivals… The current crop of big, adventure bikes truly are some of the very best motorcycles on this planet, full stop. Not only are they built to rack up serious motorway mileage with the comfort of an armchair, but they can tackle just about everything, from fast, flowing B-roads to the gnarliest off-roading, anywhere in the…

ICONS ‘We just changed the name to production. It drove Barry mad!’ In 1974, Suzuki unveiled a bike that would go on to change the face of 500cc GP racing – the RG500 XR14. Although its first season didn’t give too much of a hint about what was to come, mainly as it was still very much in the fledgling stages, by the time the 1975 season started Suzuki were ready to fight and in 1976 it was almost unbeatable. But far from limiting the XR14 to factory racers, Suzuki built it as an over-thecounter racer that anyone could buy and be in with a chance of GP glory (assuming they had the talent). During the early 1970s the 500GP championship was shifting towards two-stroke power and Suzuki saw this…

TRIED & TESTED MCN STAFF RATE THEIR RIDING KIT 3500 miles ON TEST These Rukka Explore-R two-piece textiles are at the premium end of the scale, offering an impressive list of features along with weatherproofing, a practical design and quality, all backed up by a six-year warranty. They are easily the most comfortable items I’ve worn on a bike. They also have massive amounts of adjustment, with poppers on the arms, adjustable Velcro on the cuffs, a waist band and a stowable waterproof collar. The salopettes feature wide openings which mean it’s easy to get boots on, and the shoulder straps are easily adjusted. There’s an ‘air cushion’ system on the bottom too, with heat and abrasion-resistant materials both there and on the inside of the thighs. Ventilation is outstanding,…

If you’re a fan of toasty toes then you can’t go far wrong with a pair of these Zerofit Heatrub Ultimate Socks. At £25 they are reasonably priced for a product that should last for a few winter riding seasons. The fabric is not only soft but it’s also thick and hard-wearing. I’ve used this pair for almost two winters, on and off the bike, and the material still feels comfortable and cosy, even after multiple washes. The ‘nano pods’ (little rubber circles) on the sole are good for providing a little more grip, but can get snagged when you are pulling on boots. It’s worth noting that the newer knee-height socks do not feature them, so may be easier to live with. 1318 miles ON TEST Quality Value zerofit.co.uk…

It was great to meet so many of you at Motorcycle Live, and one of the questions I was asked most often was about what to do with fuel when storing a bike. Storing a bike dry should be avoided, as it can cause residue left in the fuel system to gum up, creating problems further down the line. You really want to be storing a bike with fuel that’s free from ethanol, and previously I recommended Esso’s Synergy Supreme 99+ as it was ethanol free. Shame, though, because as of September this is no longer the case and this super unleaded now has up to 5% ethanol. This is where a dedicated storage fuel such as Aspen 4 or VP 4-Cycle Fuel is a good idea, as it’s stable…

Tommy Bridewell will aim to defend his Bennetts British Superbike Championship crown with new machinery after joining Honda Racing UK for the coming season. Bridewell departs PBM Ducati after just one year and will now race the Fireblade alongside Andrew Irwin and Dean Harrison. MCN caught up with BSB’s number one rider to discuss the move. What’s lured you to Honda? “The prospect of spearheading the project and facing a new challenge. Every decision I make is about me being able to defend my championship, that’s all I’m worried about. “They’ve shown their intentions and what they’re setting out to achieve. The technical conversations I’ve had have allowed me to have the confidence to know that there’s as much pressure on Honda as there is on me. “They are such…

Pecco Bagnaia was more than happy with his first outing on the Ducati Desmosedici GP24, explaining that the revised bike is closer to the 2022 bike than it is the 2023 model. The two-time MotoGP champion finished the test 11th overall but did not go for a time attack, ending his day reasonably early given his exploits at the weekend. “We managed to try everything and session by session I felt better and better," Bagnaia said. “We improved corner entry, but we still need to improve on our power delivery. Last year, we went in the direction of being too smooth, and I prefer a more connected bike on acceleration,” he said. ‘Session by session I felt better…’ “The good thing with the 2022 bike was corner entry, you could…

Much like Marc Marquez’s gilet in the paddock, you couldn’t really miss the Red Bull KTM pairing of Brad Binder and Jack Miller. The 2024 RC16 was decked out in a camouflage zebra paint job to try to conceal their latest aerodynamic creations. Alongside aero, KTM worked on some new spec exhaust systems and electronic setups, with Miller also trying the hand brake and traction control settings. Binder ended the day second overall, with Miller in ninth. ‘We didn’t have anything big or radical’ “We didn’t have anything big or radical, but we learnt a lot about what we did use, and that’s the most important thing,” Binder said “We played with some electronics to try to put the bike a bit more ’in our hands’ and that was cool…

Marc Marquez will be a title contender in 2024. That’s the feeling in the MotoGP paddock after his sensational start on the Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP23. Anticipation around the Valencia Test was higher than ever given the significance of Marquez’s new venture. In fact, many were more excited by the test than the race weekend itself. Marquez didn’t disappoint and as the day progressed, it felt like a significant day in MotoGP history. MCN spent the day tracking Marquez’s every move during his Ducati debut… 10:18 - Welcome to your new home Excitement was in the air on the morning of the test. Without doubt, this was Marc’s day. An early media scrum (9am) with Ducati’s Gigi Dall’lgna couldn’t reach its end without an MM93-related question. The media then…

Camouflage and persiflage filled the day at Valencia’s 2024 seasonopening test. The former came with the black-and-white stripes concealing the KTM’s latest aero tricks, the latter in Marc Marquez’s mischievous refusal to comment on his prowess. “I can’t speak,” he said, selfcontradictorily. Not until his Honda contract expires at the end of the year. But, he added, the stopwatch spoke for him. Dressed in diabolical black with demonic red accent stripes, a smiling Marquez served notice to the other Ducati riders. He was up to speed in his first outing of just seven laps; mid-afternoon he topped the sheets. As the temperature dropped, he called it a day; and by the end only Vinales’ Aprilia, Binder’s KTM and Bezzecchi had gone faster. Bezz is the most significant, riding an identical…