Suzuki revient en MotoGP™ l’an prochain avec Aleix Espargaró et Maverick Viñales / Suzuki return to MotoGP™ with Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales in 2015

Suzuki Motor Corporation a officiellement annoncé son retour en MotoGP™ pour 2015 avec les pilotes espagnols Aleix Espargaró et Maverick Viñales.

Suzuki a décidé de faire son retour dans le Championnat du Monde MotoGP™ en 2015 avec un nouveau prototype baptisé GSX-RR et un team qui sera dirigé par Davide Brivio et qui aura Aleix Espargaró et Maverick Viñales pour pilotes.

Suzuki fera aussi une apparition lors de la dernière manche de la saison 2014 avec une wildcard pour le Grand Prix Generali de Valence.

Suzuki avait mis fin à son engagement en MotoGP™ en 2012 mais a poursuivi son travail de développement ces trois dernières années afin de préparer son retour.

Le développement de la GSX-RR avait commencé en 2012 avec l’objectif d’atteindre le plus haut niveau de performance en MotoGP mais aussi de développer des technologies transférables à la gamme de modèles de série GSX-R. 

La GSX-RR utilise un moteur de 4 cylindres en ligne dont le développement avait mis la priorité sur le caractère, l’efficacité énergétique et la fiabilité. Le châssis est quant à lui caractérisé par une largeur contenue afin d’optimiser manoeuvrabilité et performances aérodynamiques et a été conçu pour proposer une rigidité et une repartition du poids optimales.

L’objectif était de développer un prototype MotoGP hautement compétitif qui reprenne l’excellente manoeuvrabilité développé au fil des ans sur la GSX-R.

Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced that it will participate in MotoGP™ from 2015, with Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales as their two riders.

With the development of the MotoGP machine and team structure prepared, Suzuki has decided to participate in MotoGP from 2015, and announced its newly-developed MotoGP machine, the GSX-RR, team riders, and team structure.

The team will be led by current test team manager Davide Brivio with Spanish riders Espargaro and Viñales recruited to spearhead Suzuki’s efforts on track.

Also, prior to its participation, Suzuki will make a wildcard appearance at this season’s final race, the Gran Premio Generali de la Comunitat Valenciana.

Suzuki had temporarily suspended its participation in MotoGP from 2012, but has been continuing with the machine development toward its return.

Through MotoGP racing, Suzuki will develop more attractive products by giving technical feedback to the products, as well as improve the brand image.

The development of the GSX-RR was started in 2012 with the aim to achieve high performance in the MotoGP class, as well as to give technology feedback to production models such as the GSX-R range.

It equips a newly developed in-line four-cylinder engine that realizes a strong, flexible engine character, fuel efficiency, and durability at a high level. The frame has a layout that keeps its width slim for both maneuverability and aerodynamic performances, and optimizes body strength and weight balance.

The aim was to develop a highly competitive MotoGP machine that can bring out the straightforward maneuverability developed over the years with the GSX-R.

Dakar 2015 : Honda présente ses pilotes en Espagne

Dans le cadre du Moto GP d’Aragon, Honda HRC a présenté sa nouvelle équipe qui participera au Rallye Dakar 2015 du 4 au 17 janvier.

Joan Barreda, Paulo Goncalves, Helder Rodrigues, Jeremias Israel et Laia Sanz seront les cinq pilotes officiels Honda-Michelin au départ de l’édition 2015 du plus difficile et exigeant Rally-raid du monde, le Dakar.

Afin de préparer ce grand rendez-vous, les pilotes Honda s’aligneront dès le 3 octobre au Rallye OiLibya du Maroc.

Joan Barreda, Paulo Goncalves, champion du monde des Rallyes Raid, et Helder Rodrigues ont déjà participé cette année à plusieurs épreuves du championnat du monde. Paulo Goncalves, actuellement deuxième du classement général, a remporté la première manche de la saison, Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge et visera un second sacre au Maroc. Joan Barreda s’est imposé au Sealine Qatar Rally.

L’objectif du constructeur japonais est de renouer avec la victoire sur le plus prestigieux et intraitable rallye du monde. Le départ de l’édition 2015 sera donné le 4 janvier à Buenos Aires en Argentine pour une arrivée jugée le 17 janvier également dans la capitale argentine après avoir parcouru plus de 9 000 km à travers l’Argentine, la Bolivie et le Chili.

BMW K-Series ‘Bell Kaff’

Written by Ian Lee.

There are few people amongst us who haven’t looked at the European bikes of 60s & 70s and thought: “those guys really knew how to build bikes”. Italian, German or English, the motorcycles of that age have inspired many a modern day builder to create something beautiful. The bike featured here today has been influenced by all three of the above bike building greats, the Beemer created using K-series mechanicals coupled with old school aesthetics. Built by Larry Romestant of Romestant Engineering and Design, we would like to introduce you to the ‘Bell Kaff’.

Starting by stripping back the frame, Larry fitted special bracing in order to accommodate for the fact that the engine and transmission wouldn’t form a stressed part of the frame. The use of a K1200S transmission, the fitment of twin shocks on the swing arm, and the engine being bolted to the frame required the change in frame design. Lateral arms are mounted using spherical rod bearings, in order to strengthen the frame’s backbone. According to the builder: “The Kaff is very stable, and handles well, the chassis is plenty stiff, and produces a very smooth ride.”

Italian inspiration has inspired much of the look of the bike. While the bike was stripped down, the opportunity was taken to paint the frame in Imola Green. This is the same colour used on the 1974 Ducati Supersport, the famous ‘Green Frame’ model. The fuel tank is inspired by the 74 MV Agusta America, albeit with a less square profile. Following the lines of the tank, the 750 SuperSport inspired seat is finished off with an OEM 900SS tail light.

The suspension system in the machine is a work of art. The adjustable preload shock mounts are Velocette, setting the rebound rate of the late 70s BMW swingarm and differential. The rear hub is something you won’t buy off the shelf, it’s a one-off unit turned from solid 7075 billet aluminum. At the front end sits a K75S suspension setup, sporting a Tarozzi period aluminum fork brace.

Though the brakes are both drums in keeping with the period theme, the front Suzuki GT750 4LS assembly is assisted hydraulically, with the a Patent-Pending under-tank brake mech, that converts cable energy to hydraulic and back to cable. The brake lever mechanical effort is greatly reduced, allowing single-finger lever pulls. The brake itself is modified, with competition level linings, increased cooling and beefed up link arm assemblies for reduced flex and significantly better stopping power than what was available back in the day. The bike weighs in at 529lbs dry, nearly 100lbs heavier than the bike the drum was designed for, so the brake is less than ideal, though manageable and is augmented with judicial use of engine braking, which fortunately, is massive. Future builds will sport 250 and 300mm 4LS drums of my own design, as well as Grimeca and Fontana replica 4LS units, and of course single and dual disc brakes as required.

Performance has been upgraded on the build as well, to give the angular powerplant a little more poke. The motor breathes in through K1200 FI throttle bodies, onto oversized intake runners packing 230cc injectors. Fuel management is Bosch 2.2 Motronic controlled and the exhaust system is handmade using Magni styling for inspiration.

To give the bike the look of 70s period styling, both front and rear brakes are drum units. The front end is a Suzuki GT750 four leading shoe setup, assisted through a system which converts cable energy to hydraulic then back to hydraulic, which according to the builder allows for “single-finger lever pulls”. The front brake unit itself has been upgraded using competition grade linings, ‘beefed up’ link arms assemblies, and higher cooling ability.

By raiding the BMW parts bin and putting his own touches on the build, Larry Romestant has produced a mucho modified motorcycle which is a fitting tribute to a golden age of motorcycling. As Larry puts it: “My goal was to build a bike with all the elements without looking cobbled together, rather appearing as a bike that could have been produced by BMW and would have been found on the dealer’s showroom floor, even with the 1200cc Flying Brick motor that would not be available for another decade.” We think he has certainly achieved his goal.

If you want see and hear this beautiful ‘flying brick’ cafe racer in action, hit this link.

[Hat tip to BMW Cafe Racers ]

via PIPEBURN

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