Those words by the Triumph representative leading the circuit tour pretty much summed up the two days of riding in the Algarve in Portugal at the global media launch of the 2025 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS. On the first day of our ride, our wave of journalists just got done with the first photo shoot on the street before the rain hit, and the pavement didn’t dry entirely until everyone had packed up and headed home.

Still, for blasting along country roads and ripping around the Circuito Internacional do Algarve racetrack near Portimao, Portugal, the new Speed Triple is a really competent riding companion. Upgraded semi-active suspension, new electronic rider aids, and more power is a recipe for a good time, but it’s how they all work together that really matters.

What we learned in two days on the road and track is that Triumph engineers not only improved the motorcycle, but refined it so that every feature not only works on its own, but also works together to deliver a great ride. It’s fast, handles and rides well, and does so in a way that’s accessible. Beyond any individual technological advancement, that’s the big deal that stands out to me.

Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS Technical Overview

New engine tuning, a new exhaust system and a new balancer strategy bumps the claimed output a bit. Horsepower goes to 180.5 bhp at 10,750 rpm and 94.4 lbs.-ft. of torque at 8,750 rpm, and the power goes through a six-speed transmission with clutchless up- and down-shifting en route to the fat 190/55 Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 rear tire. Unchanged is the 1160cc displacement, the 90.0mm x 60.8mm bore and stroke, and the general architecture of the inline, three-cylinder, DOHC engine. Brembo Stylema brake calipers work with 320mm discs in the front and are controlled by an adjustable Brembo master cylinder and a cornering-sensitive ABS system.

The chassis remains the same for 2025, with a twin-spar/tubular-aluminum frame and an aluminum swingarm. An aluminum subframe helps keep the claimed curb weight to 438.7 pounds. An adjustable steering damper is fitted, but the biggest change is the new semi-active Ohlins Smart EC3 Objective Based Tuning interface that controls the 43mm inverted front forks and the Ohlins rear shock.

In short, the rider doesn’t select settings. The rider tells the system what they want–generally, more or less support in various phases of the riding process–and the electronic brain adjusts damping and selects the optimal settings to reach that goal. The suspension and engine work together, so that when selecting settings as the rider is riding, the suspension knows what gear the engine is in, throttle settings, etc. New spool-type damping valves in the forks and shock allow for faster adjustments over a wider setting range.

New electronic four-position wheelie control, engine braking modes, and brake slide assist are incorporated into the five ride modes available – Rain, Road, Sport, Track and the customizable Rider mode.

The bars are slightly higher and wider, there are new color schemes–Jet Black, Granite and Diablo Red, and Granite and Performance Yellow. There’s a new seat cowl and an emergency braking system that causes the stylish tail light to flash when the rider hits the brakes hard. American market suggested retail is $19,995.

Riding The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS

I turned on the heated grips, threw a leg over the seat, and the bike immediately felt small-ish and really solid. The low, tubular bar position isn’t dramatically different than on the prior model, the pegs are mid-rear-set, and the bar-end mirrors are stylish and thankfully arched back over the grips, so they don’t add to the width of the machine — an important consideration when splitting traffic.

Twist the throttle and the engine feels big. There’s no other word to describe it. It’s a bit slower-revving than a supersport bike, but it pounds out torque at relatively low rpm, and while it’s revvy it’s not overly so. Triumph reps say the company wrote the origin story of the streetfighter with the 1994 Speed Triple 900, and big power is part of that narrative. And since there’s no replacement for displacement when it comes to creating power, Triumph engineers opted for big pistons moving through a big stroke. There’s just enough vibration to create a sense of character, the engine/intake noise is a unique growl, and even after the engine punches through a meaty mid-range, it still pulls to redline quickly.

It’s complete and glorious overkill on the street, but the steep, power-eating uphill front straight at the Portimao circuit puts any engine to the test. With a wet surface sapping my desire to really twist the throttle at the exit to the final corner, I was still able to get the Speed Triple to touch 248 kph on a soaking, wind-gusting straight. That’s just shy of 155 mph. Since plunging downhill into a wet Turn One at those speeds didn’t seem like a good idea, I was letting off the throttle early, so I’m pretty sure there’s more to come there.

The active suspension helped the bike feel remarkably planted on the street, especially given that the Pirelli SP V3 tires are really not primarily aimed at use in the wet. The suspension constantly adapts the compression and rebound settings, modulating the spikes in tire loading, which helps avoid breaking traction.

What I took away from riding the Triumph on the wet track was the feeling of confidence that the effective electronics suite delivered. Our bikes were set with Rain-mode traction control but Road-mode throttle mapping, which progressively gave us all 180 horsepower. As the day wore on, I got more and more aggressive with the throttle, with more and more lean angle (Pirelli technicians on hand for the Superbike World Championship tests the following day had installed full-on Pirelli soft racing rain tires, and those are magic) and harder on the brakes. We were braking hard enough to trigger the emergency warning tail light and dragging knees with rooster tails of water spraying from both wheels.

The bike never did anything sketchy, and given the circumstances, I’ll remember that for a long time. The bike felt like it had my back in a riding situation where I really wanted a wingman, and that allowed me to go faster than I would have felt comfortable going otherwise. But at the end of the day, streetfighters aren’t about lap times. They’re about emotion, feeling and experience, and that’s what Triumph delivers better than ever with the latest version of the Speed Triple.

The post Intro: Riding The New 2025 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Mick produced the Roadracing World Historic Racebike Illustrations feature for decades before his recent passing. He knew his subject matter, having worked on Norton designs and also having raced Norton motorcycles. May he rest in peace…

The post Barber Video: Mick Ofield & Brian Slark On 50 Years Of Norton Design appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Most Powerful Production Harley-Davidson Big Twin Ever Sets New Benchmark for Street-Legal Bagger Performance

Harley-Davidson has set a new benchmark for performance baggers with the introduction of the CVO Road Glide® RR model, the most powerful and dynamic production motorcycle ever offered in the company’s 122-year history. Leveraging knowledge and components developed by the Harley-Davidson® Factory Racing Team competing in the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers road-racing series, the CVO Road Glide® RR model combines extraordinary performance with the obsessive attention to custom detail that is a hallmark of Harley-Davidson® Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) limited production motorcycles.

“Taking inspiration from the track and onto the street, the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide RR is truly the ultimate in performance,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, CEO and President. “With this limited series of motorcycles, we’ve taken all the lessons from the track and created the pinnacle of street-legal bagger performance.”

Production of the CVO Road Glide® RR model will be limited to 131 hand-assembled, serialized motorcycles available through select authorized Harley-Davidson® dealers in the United States only, with a retail price of $110,000 that includes Harley-Davidson’s 24 Months/ Unlimited Miles Limited Warranty.

Race-Inspired Styling

A graphic design inspired by the livery created for the 2025 Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Team motorcycles competing on the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series establishes the high-performance attitude of the CVO Road Glide® RR model. Solid Racing Orange color “disintegrates” into a series of bars that form the shape of the Bar & Shield logo on the fairing, tank, side covers and saddlebags. On select areas of the bodywork the dark carbon fiber weave pattern is revealed under a clearcoat finish. A white “Screamin’ Eagle” graphic flows from the fuel tank to the fairing sides. The engine is finished in Hog Black with Racing Orange highlights on the lifter tubes and rocker boxes. Wheels are finished in Gloss Black with red “CVO RR” laser etched in the rim of the front wheel.

An Exclusive Powertrain

A new Screamin’ Eagle® 131 V-Twin engine is the most-powerful Milwaukee-Eight® variant ever offered factory-installed in a production Harley-Davidson® model, rated at 153 peak horsepower (114 kW) at 5750 RPM and 150 lb. ft. (204 Nm) peak torque at 4750 RPM. Displacement of 131 cubic inches (2147cc) is the same as that of the engines powering the Harley-Davidson Factory Team competition Road Glide® motorcycles. Assembled by Harley-Davidson with Screamin’ Eagle® Stage IV components, the engine is tuned to produce abundant torque at low RPM with a camshaft profile and high-volume intake designed to carry that torque through a broad powerband, with redline elevated to a 6500 RPM. The Screamin’ Eagle® 131 engine is exclusive to the CVO Road Glide® RR model. Key features include:

· Screamin’ Eagle® Stage IV CNC ported cylinder heads feature fully CNC machined combustion chambers and ports. Intake (42mm) and exhaust (34mm) valves are 2mm larger than standard Milwaukee-Eight® valves for enhanced flow. Exhaust valves are fatigue-resistant Inconel. Multi-angle valve seats are fully blended to the ports and combustion chamber. The cylinder heads are liquid-cooled.

· The high-performance SE8-550 Camshaft with 0.550-inch valve lift offers increased flow at high RPM for maximum horsepower.

· A new race-inspired intake features a 68mm throttle body and a matching aluminum intake manifold to contribute to increased power output. The manifold is CNC machined to precisely match the intake ports for the smoothest possible air flow and shaped to minimize weight and to offer extra rider leg clearance. The engine breathes through a washable Screamin’ Eagle® High Flow air filter.

· These Screamin’ Eagle® internal components contribute to durability under extreme duty: Screamin’ Eagle® high-capacity valve lifters, Screamin’ Eagle® high-performance valve springs, Screamin’ Eagle® high-capacity inner camshaft bearing, and a Screamin’ Eagle® high volume oil pump. The 6.8 grams/second fuel injectors ensure adequate fuel flow at high RPM.

· A 30-tooth (30T) output sprocket provides a lower final drive ratio than the standard Road Glide® model 32-tooth sprocket (2.27:1 with 30T vs. 2.13:1 with 32T) to boost acceleration performance in every gear.

· The new Billet Clutch Basket designed by Harley-Davidson® Factory Racing is machined from U.S.-sourced high-strength 7075 aluminum with a MIL-SPEC anodized finish. It is designed with precision tolerances to reduce wear and lost motion from friction disk chatter.

· New billet aluminum powertrain covers reduce weight and have the same machined finish as covers on the Factory Race Team race bikes. The primary cover is shaped to provide additional lean angle and features added cooling fins.

· The new Akrapovič designed for Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Full Titanium Exhaust features lightweight titanium 2-into-1 header pipes, carbon fiber exhaust shields and titanium muffler shells with titanium fiber end caps. This exhaust system is more than 10 pounds lighter than a standard Milwaukee-Eight® exhaust. The high-flow design unlocks engine performance while maintaining noise and 50-state emissions compliance. Exhaust tone and level are enhanced to produce an exhilarating sound, especially on acceleration.

· A new Screamin’ Eagle® Racing King 6 Transmission has been battle-tested on Factory Race Team motorcycles and engineered for smooth shifting performance and durability. Key features include modified back-cut angles on the shift dogs to improve gear engagement and gears and shafts shot peened for strength.

High-Performance Suspension

The CVO Road Glide® RR motorcycle is equipped with fully adjustable premium race-spec front and rear suspension.

· Inverted 43mm Öhlins FGR 253 Hypersport Superbike forks were developed in partnership between Öhlins and Harley-Davidson® Factory Racing to offer no-compromise front suspension performance for confidence-inspiring handling. Rebound/compression damping is adjustable. Pre-load adjustment may be used to set suspension height for rider weight and desired vehicle attitude. Micro-polished inner tubes reduce friction for smooth performance, while pressurized TTX25 cartridge technology maintains damping at higher frequency to improve control, noticed by the rider as improved tire contact feel. Billet aluminum triple clamps are designed to maximize the performance of the Öhlins FGR 253 fork and use race-proven geometry combined with enhanced strength-to-weight ratio.

· Dual outboard Screamin’ Eagle® Öhlins Remote Reservoir shock absorbers feature the same technology developed for the race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Factory Racing Road Glide® bikes. Rebound/compression damping is adjustable. Pre-load adjustment may be used to set suspension height for rider weight and desired vehicle attitude. Total shock length of 14 inches (375mm) is adjustable on the rear eye +8/-2 mm. Remote reservoirs exposed between the rear fender and each saddlebag keep the shock oil and gas separated to maintain shock performance under demanding conditions.

· Front and rear suspension is designed to raise the motorcycle ride height by 2 inches which contributes to an increase in lean angle to facilitate aggressive cornering. Lean angle is 36 degrees right and 35 degrees left, an increase of 3 degrees left and right compared to the CVO Road Glide® ST model.

· A new billet aluminum swingarm designed for Harley-Davidson® Factory Team race motorcycles using advanced computer-aided engineering techniques including topology optimization is 10 percent stiffer and 10 percent lighter than the steel Road Glide model swingarm to contribute to precise handling in dynamic situations. The swingarm is CNC machined from a 220-pound billet of 6061 aluminum to a state-of-the-art 18-pound performance part.

Premium Braking Components

Brembo braking components provide outstanding braking feel and performance for added rider confidence.

Brembo GP4-RX CNC front calipers combine unrivaled stability with near-MotoGP levels of braking performance. The 2-piece calipers are machined from a solid block of billet aluminum, delivering outstanding strength and tighter machining tolerances. Brake pads slide within the caliper body on special guides machined directly into the caliper body, eliminating pad pins. The GP4-RX features a nickel-plated finish adapted from MotoGP which enables enhanced heat dissipation. The hydraulic system has been painstakingly optimized with four 32mm-diameter pistons for increased braking power, consistent performance and optimized feel. The front brake hand lever is adjustable for reach to best match rider hand size or preference.

Brembo T-Drive front rotors have the same fixing concepts used by the Harley-Davidson Factory Race Team motorcycles. Brembo’s patented T-drive system was developed for the highest level of racing at WSBK and utilizes a fully floating action in both radial and axial directions to transfer torque more efficiently between the contact area of the rotor and carrier and optimized weight reduction. These revolutionary 320 mm rotors have an increased thickness (5.5 mm) and a premium stainless steel braking surface.

The single rear brake features a four-piston Brembo caliper. The rear brake rotor diameter is 300mm.

Weight Reduction

Racers understand that every pound of weight reduction is like free horsepower and can also contribute to improved fuel economy, braking performance and handling. Through the use of alternate materials and emphasizing performance features the CVO Road Glide RR model has an as shipped weight of 750 pounds, 50 pounds less that the CVO Road Glide ST model.

· Mufflers and exhaust headers are formed of lightweight titanium. Exhaust shields are lightweight carbon fiber.

· Lightweight woven carbon fiber composite is used to form the front and rear fenders, side covers, tank console, fork nacelle, and radiator shroud. Further enhancing durability, an industry first carbon fiber and Kevlar layup is used on the front faring, saddlebags, and lids.

· Billet aluminum foot peg mid controls replace traditional footboards.

· Lightweight billet aluminum powertrain covers replace standard cast covers.

· A lightweight billet aluminum swingarm replaces the standard steel swingarm.

· Lightweight Brembo T-Drive front brake rotors replace standard brake rotors.

Rider Safety Enhancements

The CVO Road Glide® RR model is equipped with Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson, a collection of technologies designed to enhance rider confidence during unexpected situations or adverse road conditions. Rider Safety Enhancements are designed to match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration and braking. The systems are electronic and utilize the latest chassis control, electronic brake control and powertrain technology. The elements of Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson include:

Cornering Electronically Linked Brakes (C-ELB)

Cornering ABS (C-ABS)

Cornering Traction Control (C-TCS) with modes

Cornering Drag Torque Slip Control (C-DSCS)

Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)

Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)

Ride Modes

The CVO Road Glide® RR model features selectable Ride Modes that electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle and the level of technology intervention. Each Ride Mode consists of a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, Cornering Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) and Cornering Traction Control System (C-TCS) settings. The rider may use the hand control MODE button to change the active ride mode while riding the motorcycle or when stopped. A unique icon for each mode appears on the display when that mode has been selected.

· Road Mode: Intended for daily use, Road Mode delivers balanced performance. This mode offers less-aggressive throttle response and less mid-range engine power than Sport Mode, with a balanced level of C-ABS and C-TCS intervention.

· Sport Mode: In Sport Mode the rider can experience the full performance potential of the motorcycle in a direct and precise manner, with full power and the quickest throttle response. C-TCS is set to a lower level of intervention, and engine braking is increased.

· Rain Mode: This mode is designed to give the rider greater confidence when riding in the rain or when traction is otherwise compromised. Throttle response and power output are programmed to significantly restrain the rate of acceleration, engine braking is limited, and the highest levels of C-ABS and C-TCS intervention are selected.

· Four Custom Modes: Within each Custom Mode the customer may use the touch screen to select their combined preference of engine torque delivery characteristics, engine braking, throttle response, and C-TCS and C-ABS intervention, within specific ranges.

· Track Mode: Designed specifically for “track day” riding on a dry track/closed course, this mode was developed with input from Harley-Davidson® Factory Team racer Kyle Wyman with the desired throttle mapping for best feel of torque delivery in a racetrack environment. This gives the rider smooth, repeatable throttle response on corner exits. Full power performance is on tap. Rear-to-front electronically linked braking is disabled to allow independent rear trail braking capability and consistent front lever feel. C-ABS and C-TCS intervention are set to a reduced level of intervention to allow greater rider control.

· Track Plus Mode: This mode is intended for experienced riders who want maximum control on a dry track/closed course with benefits of Rider Safety Enhancements working in the background. In addition to the specially tuned power delivery of Track Mode, Track Plus Mode disables electronically linked braking entirely, giving full independent control of both brakes to the rider. The C-ABS setting has an even further reduced level of intervention which permits a significantly higher level of rear wheel slip under braking or aggressive downshifts to further enhance rider control in a track setting. The C-TCS intervention is set to its lowest level to maximize both straight line and cornering acceleration and put control in the rider’s throttle hand.

Performance Ergonomics

Ergonomics have been designed to place the rider in a position that combines comfort with confident control in any street or track riding environment.

· New mid-mount foot controls replace footboards to maintain the increased lean angle achieved by elevating the ride height. Pegs are positioned to optimize the rider triangle and to make shifting and braking more efficient during dynamic riding. Foot pegs and controls are machined from billet aluminum to reduce weight and provide race-ready style.

· A new race-inspired solo seat places the rider in an athletic riding position, enhances vehicle control by optimizing rider center of mass and improves the rider triangle related to the mid-controls. The seating position is elevated by approximately 1 inch to facilitate a comfortable rider triangle distance to the mid-mount foot controls. A raised rear bolster helps hold the rider in position during aggressive riding. The padded pommel on the rear of the fuel tank is a racing-derived feature which allows the rider to brace their inner thigh under hard braking and support themselves while using body position to enhance cornering control. Laden seat height is 28.9 in. (735 mm) which is 2.3 inches higher than the Road Glide® model.

· A Moto Bar handlebar and 6-inch riser put the rider in a more upright position compared to the Road Glide® model. The riser is 2.2 inches taller than the Road Glide® riser, while the Moto Bar handlebar has a much flatter bend than the Road Glide® handlebar.

High-Performance Audio

The CVO Road Glide® RR model debuts a new premium, high-performance Harley-Davidson® Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate® Stage III audio system. Two fairing-mounted Harley-Davidson® Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate® Stage III 3-way, 6.5-inch speakers are rated for 250 watts RMS power handling per speaker. The system is powered by a Harley-Davidson® Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate® 4-channel, 500-watt RMS amplifier. The speakers feature Racing Orange Stage III trim rings and grille inserts.

Additional Features

· The aggressive and aerodynamic Road Glide® model fairing incorporates a brilliant LED headlamp and LED signature lighting with turn signal lamps seamlessly integrated within the outer portions of the signature lighting, eliminating separate signals for a cleaner over-all look. The inner fairing incorporates left and right-side media storage compartments, each sized to hold most current mobile phones in a case. The right compartment is equipped with a USB-C connection point.

· A 5-inch dark smoke Wind Splitter windshield offers the ideal combination of effective airflow management and performance styling.

· A suite of infotainment technology, powered by the exclusive Skyline OS, is presented on a 12.3-inch (diagonal measurement) touchscreen display. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® enable wireless connection to a rider’s device or headset for wireless Apple CarPlay and to provide live services such as traffic, weather and map updates. Embedded navigation is factory-activated. The CVO Road Glide® RR ships with a single wireless headset. Over The Air (OTA) software updates may be downloaded through the Skyline OS when the system is connected to a Wi-Fi network.

· Hard-shell saddlebags offer 2.42 cubic feet of lockable luggage capacity.

Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure and freedom for the soul. Go to H-D.com to learn more about the complete line of Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring, Sport, Adventure Touring, Cruiser and Trike motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Certified pre-owned motorcycles, Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories, Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® apparel and accessories, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services.

About Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com

The post Harley-Davidson Introduces $110,000 “Race Spec” Bagger Streetbike appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

By Michael Gougis

When the Husqvarna rep told us that the 2025 Vitpilen 801 was based on a “shared platform” with the KTM 790 Duke, I smiled a little inside. I’m a huge fan of the Duke. So yeah, when I learned that I’d be spending the day riding a bike a lot like a Duke, I was happy.

A day of ripping the new Vitpilen along the coast and up one of Southern California’s most well-known mountain roads delivered pretty much exactly what I’d expected. If you’re on a light, torquey, good-handling bike on a twisty back road in good weather and you’re not having fun, well, it’s not the bike!

In short: The Vitpilen is the biggest naked roadster in the Husqvarna lineup, and its first Twin. They say it’s designed for an urban environment, much like its redesigned smaller sibling, the 401 Vitpilen. But it’s more powerful, has a much better power-to-weight ratio, and is designed to deliver more performance in a broader range of uses while still remaining accessible and friendly.

Vitpilen Tech

Husqvarna’s Vitpilen 801 (and the scrambler-esque-styled Svartpilen 801) share the LC8c 799cc four-stroke, DOHC Parallel Twin engine with the 790 Duke. The company claims 105 bhp and 64.2 lbs.-ft. of torque for the Husqvarnas, right in line with the output of the last 790 Duke we had on the dyno. A pair of 46mm throttle bodies handles intake duties; a 2-1 stainless steel exhaust system gets rid of the burned gasses.

Standard, the bike comes with three ride modes, Sport, Street and Rain, each with a pre-set throttle response and traction control setting. Cornering ABS is standard, and the rider can engage Supermoto mode, which deactivates ABS at the rear wheel. The optional, extra-cost Dynamic Mode on the bike I rode makes the throttle response sharper and more responsive, and includes 10-position traction control; five-position wheelie control; and electronic engine braking. A clutchless up-and-down-shift system is available as an additional, separate option, and was also on the bike I rode. An assisted slipper clutch comes standard. 

The steel twin-spar frame is shared with the Duke, with a nearly flat handlebar and a 32.9-inch seat height. Four-piston, radial-mount J.Juan calipers clamp a pair of 300mm discs in the front, with a single-piston J.Juan caliper and a 240mm disc handling rear braking. With no fuel but with all other fluids, the bike weighs a claimed 396.8 pounds.

The biggest functional difference between the Vitpilen and the Duke is the suspension. The Vitpilen’s inverted WP forks add adjustable rebound and compression damping, and the WP monoshock has adjustable rebound damping and preload. The adjustments are simple and broad. Moving the adjusters one click makes a significant difference in suspension behavior.

Oh yes, the styling. Remember that Husqvarna’s roots are deeply Swedish, as is its name; Vitpilen translates into White Arrow (and Svartpilen into Black Arrow). The Vitpilen manages to look unique and attractive in its own way, with a minimalist, solid visage that conveys the emotional concept the designers sought to project. It looks mechanical, bulbous, and sleek all at once, with the silver (not white) color scheme, I think, emphasizing the feeling of something mechanized. I’ve seen this in neo-dystopian films. It can make a rider want to wear all-black leather gear to complete the look, and Mad Max-ish apparel wouldn’t appear out of place. But yes, I like it very much, thank you.

Riding The Vitpilen

Light weight and a narrow inseam make the Vitpilen confidence-inspiring for the newer rider coming off a stoplight. The throttle pull is light and the engine responsive (I rode in Dynamic Mode and Sport Mode all day), and the clutch lever is equally easy to operate when leaving a stop. The clutchless shifting system was enabled on our test units, and it operated well over a wide range of riding situations, so clutching is minimal anyway. My only complaint was that the clutchless shifting was a little clunky for low-rpm shifts.

The solution, of course, is to avoid low rpm situations (ahem). The compact Twin spins happily, with real thrust all the way through the rev range, and it’s one of those sweet spot motors that encourages getting aggressive with the throttle without worrying  about overdoing it. Like I said, I thoroughly enjoy this engine. It pulled hard out of corners, quickly whipped up to redline, the electronic shifts smooth and seamless.

Even with the upgraded forks, the suspension still feels unsophisticated. It’s either compliant or controlled, but never both, and with the damping dialed up to keep the chassis stable, response (at the rear in particular) can be a bit jarring. On smooth pavement, the stiff-enough chassis, swingarm, and forks allowed me to flick the bike around, confidently and almost effortlessly making mid-corner corrections when the road caught me off-guard. I could rip this thing around a tight, twisty circuit all day and be ready to do it again tomorrow. The brakes did everything I wanted them to on the street, and the chassis, suspension and geometry allowed me to trail-brake into corners without upsetting the bike.

It’s not uncommon for motorcycle manufacturers to offer similar platforms in a variety of styles. I’ve always liked the Duke platform the Vitpilen is based on. In restyling the machine into a Husqvarna, the designers have lost nothing of its functionality and fun, and created an entirely different aesthetic attractive to a different set of existing and potential riders. That’s a win on every front.

Suggested retail is $10,499.

The post Intro: 2025 Husqvarna 801 Vitpilen appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Since January 19th 1945, MV Agusta has been creating masterpieces on two wheels, infused with innovation, beauty, and proudly handmade in Italy.

Logo OTTANTESIMO ANNIVERSARIO

MV Agusta celebrates its 80th anniversary, a remarkable milestone that tells a unique story of innovation, passion, and success in the world of motorcycling. Since 1945, MV Agusta has been synonymous with excellence in design, engineering, and motorcycle racing. Over eight decades, the Varese-based brand has set new standards for quality and performance, both on the racetrack, with its unmatched record of 75 world titles (38 riders and 37 manufacturers), and on the road, becoming an icon of Italian style and craftsmanship. Since its inception, MV Agusta has embodied the values of innovation, precision, and dedication, crafting models that have entered the mythology of motorcycling. Every motorcycle designed is the result of an enduring passion for performance, technical perfection, and aesthetic exploration — foundational principles of a philosophy that continues to inspire generations of riders and enthusiasts worldwide.
The Agusta family, a key player in the aviation industry, unable to produce airplanes immediately after World War II, decided to channel its passion for speed and technology into building motorcycles. On January 19th 1945, the Società Anonima Meccanica Verghera was officially founded in Cascina Costa di Samarate, near today’s Malpensa International Airport, in northern Italy.

The first MV Agusta-branded motorcycle was officially launched in the fall of 1945 and went down in history as the MV 98. The Agusta family’s love for aviation was clearly reflected in their motorcycles, giving them a true racing soul. With the MV 98, an extraordinary series of victories and successes began, dominating racetracks worldwide for decades. The aviation legacy is evident throughout MV Agusta’s 80-year history. A prime example is the iconic red and silver livery: while the red symbolizes Italy’s motorsport heritage, the silver pays homage to aviation, where wartime planes often left with their aluminum fuselages unpainted to save weight.

The mass production of automobiles in the 1950s and 1960s caused a significant decline in demand for motorcycles as a simple means of transportation. MV Agusta’s response was to develop increasingly innovative, high-performance models distinguished by constant aesthetic research. These bikes sparked desire as aspirational objects, overcoming the diminishing necessity of two-wheeled transportation. This strategy proved successful, thanks in part to the brand’s continued sporting triumphs.

Count Domenico Agusta had a knack for selecting the best riders, many of whom became motorcycling legends: Franco Bertoni, MV Agusta’s first rider, followed by Arcisio Artesiani, Carlo Ubbiali (“The Flying Chinaman”), Leslie Graham, Cecil Sandford, Fortunato Libanori, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, Gianfranco Bonera, Giacomo Agostini, and Phil Read. During the 30 years of the Agusta era, their victories intertwined with the legacy of legendary MV Agusta production models. The partnership between MV Agusta and Giacomo Agostini remains the most famous in motorcycling history: during his career on Cascina Costa’s bikes, “Ago” won 13 world titles, 18 Italian championships, and 10 Tourist Trophies, becoming the most successful rider in motorcycling history.

MV Agusta’s 80 years are marked not only by countless sporting successes but also by the creation of true collector’s items, highly sought after by enthusiasts worldwide. Examples include the 175 CSS of 1954, nicknamed “Disco Volante”, the 1973 750 S “America”, the legendary F4 launched in 1997, whose variants have captivated generations of motorcyclists, and the iconic Brutale, still considered the epitome of naked bikes. In 2010, with the F3 — the world’s first motorcycle to feature a counter-rotating crankshaft — MV Agusta adopted a technical solution that revolutionized handling and stability in mid-sized sports bikes.

Recent history has been marked by models such as the Rush, Dragster, Turismo Veloce, and Superveloce, each embodying the brand’s DNA of innovation, performance, and beauty. In 2024, MV Agusta took another bold step forward with the Enduro Veloce, redefining the adventure bike segment with a project that combines performance, advanced technology, and sophisticated design.

MV Agusta’s creations are not only milestones in motorcycling but also recognized as true works of art. Some have earned places in the world’s most renowned design and art museums.

The Superveloce, unveiled in 2018, with its neo-retro aesthetic which stunned the world was chosen by American artist Daniel Arsham to create six of his “modern relics.” The artist selects icons of contemporary pop culture and reworks them using his erosion technique, transforming them into objects that merge classic aesthetics with a forward-looking perspective. In 2024, the Superveloce Arsham, the most exclusive motorcycle in history, was showcased in the Arsham 3024 exhibition during the Venice Biennale.
The name Superveloce evolved further in 2024 with the final version of the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro. Produced in just 500 units, this motorcycle was instantly hailed as “the world’s most beautiful bike.” Its beauty inspired Hollywood director Nicholas Winding Refn, who created a short film titled “Beauty Is Not A Sin,” selected for the Venice Film Festival’s official lineup — the first commercial project ever to achieve this honor.

“Motorcycle Art,” the slogan that accompanies MV Agusta, embodies the artistic and artisanal dimension of the brand, elevating it beyond mere motorcycle manufacturing to a true factory of dreams on two wheels, upholding authentic Made in Italy as a core value.

Today, MV Agusta looks to the future with the same pioneering spirit that has defined its legacy. With a focus on technological innovation, connectivity, and strengthening relationships with dealers and customers, the brand continues to create unique motorcycles that seamlessly blend tradition and modernity.

As a tribute to this glorious history, MV Agusta has crafted the 2025 Collezione Ottantesimo, unveiled last November at EICMA. The Centro Stile MV Agusta redesigned the historic logo for this occasion, replacing the traditional emblem on all motorcycles in the collection.

The six celebratory models (800 Series 3-cylinder range: Brutale RR Ottantesimo, Dragster RR Ottantesimo, F3 RR Ottantesimo, and Superveloce S Ottantesimo – 1000 Series 4-cylinder range: Brutale 1000 Ottantesimo and Brutale 1000 RR Ottantesimo), all produced in a limited series of just 500 units, are identifiable by a laser engraving, “1 of 500,” located either on the steering plate or on the tank protection plate, depending on the model. Each motorcycle dedicated to the 80th Anniversary comes with its respective certificate of authenticity.

The 80th Anniversary Collection celebrates a glorious history of passion, success, and performance that, over 80 years, has brought true Made in Italy to the top of the world more times than anyone else. It has gifted works of art in the form of motorcycles and made generations of enthusiasts and lovers of design, mechanics, and beauty dream and fall in love, always staying true to its vision.

Luca Martin, CEO of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., stated: “Being part of MV Agusta during such a significant year in its history is a unique emotion and a great responsibility. This milestone is not only a tribute to our legacy but also a commitment to the future: to continue innovating while maintaining the values that have made MV Agusta a global icon. We are proud to represent Italian excellence, recognized last December at Montecitorio with the ‘100 Italian Excellences’ award, a testament to our craftsmanship, exclusivity, and passion. Every MV Agusta motorcycle in the world comes entirely, and solely, from our beautiful factory on the shores of Lake Varese. The knowledge of working in the only place where these dreams take shape is a source of immense pride for all of us.”

The post MV Agusta Celebrates 80th Anniversary appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

From rugged roads to legendary circuits, Brembo continues to make Motorsport history

Brembo, leader in the production of braking systems, celebrates a successful 2024: with 69 titles won, the company confirms its undisputed leadership in the braking systems sector. A year full of triumphs, with some truly memorable moments. In particular, in Formula 1, Max Verstappen (Oracle Red Bull Racing) won his fourth consecutive world
championship, using Brembo calipers and discs.

Speaking of other championships, notable mentions include Jorge Martin’s (Prima Pramac Racing) success in MotoGP with the entire Brembo braking system and Marchesini wheels, and the WorldSBK championship in which Toprak Razgatlıoğlu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WSBK Team) returned to triumph. Not to forget the victories of Ai Ogura (MT Helmets MSI) in Moto2 and David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) in Moto3.

Thierry Neuville’s first WRC World Championship (Hyundai Motorsport) highlights the reliability and performance of Brembo braking systems in asphalt and dirt competitions. The strength of the Italian company is also evident in Gen-7 Car, in which all drivers and teams use components from the Brembo Group, such as AP Racing, demonstrating their reliability at high speeds on oval tracks.

As a Solution Provider, Brembo leverages its many years of experience in motorsport competitions to develop innovative and sustainable technological solutions. Thanks to a constant process of research and development, Brembo is able to offer cutting-edge products to major car and motorcycle manufacturers, ensuring maximum performance and safety. The numerous victories achieved not only by Brembo but also by Group companies such as Marchesini, AP Racing, SBS Friction, and J.Juan confirm the Group’s technological leadership in the sector.

Brembo has once again dominated Formula 1: all 24 races of 2024 were won by cars equipped with its brakes. Since 1975, the Bergamo-based company has collected 531 victories out of 851 Grand Prix races, winning 30 drivers’ titles and 34 constructors’ titles together with the strongest teams in the Circus.

The undisputed dominance in MotoGP continues, with successes extending to Moto2, Moto3, and World Superbike (also with Marchesini). Since 1978, a remarkable 592 victories in the premier class (500 and MotoGP) testify to Brembo’s excellence. For the ninth consecutive year, all MotoGP riders have chosen the performance and safety of Brembo components. With 36 riders’ titles and 37 constructors’ titles won with top teams, Brembo is synonymous with innovation and victory in the world of two wheels.
2024 consolidates Brembo’s dominance in electric motorsport as well. For the sixth consecutive season, all 22 full electric Gen3 single-seaters of the FIA Formula E and the 18 electric Ducati of the FIM MotoE World Cup have relied on the excellence of Brembo braking systems. In addition to the already mentioned championships of Formula 1, Formula E, MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, and WSBK, it is also worth mentioning the WEC, GT, IMSA, EWC, Gen-7 Car, MXGP, Enduro, Trial, Formula 2, Formula 3, WRC, Super Formula, MotoAmerica, Porsche Mobil1 Supercup, and many others, for a total of over 700 world titles won from 1975 to today in various categories.

About Brembo

Brembo leads the world in the design and production of high-performance braking systems and components for top-flight manufacturers of cars, motorbikes and commercial vehicles. Founded in 1961 in Italy, Brembo has a long-standing reputation for providing innovative solutions for OEMs and aftermarket. Brembo also competes in the most challenging motorsport championships in the world and has won over 700 titles. Guided by its strategic vision – “Turning Energy into Inspiration” – Brembo’s ambition is to help shape the future of mobility through cutting-edge, digital and sustainable solutions. With over 16,000 people across 15 countries, 32 production and business sites, 9 R&D centers and with a turnover of € 3,849 million in 2023, Brembo is the trusted solution provider for everyone who demands the best driving experience.

The post Brembo Brags On Its 2024 Success In MotoGP, World Superbike, And More appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Electric Bikes For Kids

These three electric bikes — the STACYC 16e Drive, the Kawasaki Elektrode, and the SUPER73 K1D — are designed and sized for kids. They all have 16-inch wheels (composite on the STACYC, cast aluminum on the Kawasaki, steel wire-spoked with aluminum rims on the SUPER73) with pneumatic tires and twist grip throttles. The Kawasaki and STACYC have adjustable handlebar and seat height. The STACYC and SUPER73 have removable, rechargeable batteries that can be swapped out with already-charged spares (not included) for continuous riding; the Kawasaki has a built-in battery and plug-in charger. The STACYC weighs 21.5 pounds and sells for $1,049; the SUPER73 weighs 28 pounds and sells for $1,295; and the Kawasaki weighs 32.5 pounds and sells for $1,099. Available from STACYC, SUPER73, and Kawasaki dealers.

The post Flashback: Holiday Gift Guide–Electric Bikes For Kids appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

(Editor’s note: This post originally ran on December 12th, 2022, so don’t count on the pricing being accurate now, in December 2024.)

An effective way to teach kids to ride on two wheels is to start them on a Strider 12 Classic (MSRP $119.99) balance bike designed for ages 18-months to 3 years. It has 12-inch wheels, adjustable seat and handlebar height, and is available with an easy-to-install, easy to remove optional rocker base (MSRP about $30) for the youngest kids.

When they’re ready, the bike can be removed from the rocker base and a kid can quickly learn to move it forward with their feet, and then balance and coast with their feet up.

For older kids, the Strider 14x (with 14-inch wheels, MSRP $219.00) can be used as a balance bike and later be fitted with an optional pedal kit (MSRP $69.99) to make it a bicycle.

A step up to powered riding is a twist-grip-equipped Stacyc 12e Drive electric bike (MSRP $799.00) for ages 3-5 or a 16e (MSRP $1,049) or larger 18e or 20e models for older kids, available with assorted motorcycle brand graphics.

And Indian sells the eFTR mini, which has a twist-grip throttle, two speed settings, and is designed for kids eight and older weighing less than 140 pounds (MSRP $529.99), and the larger eFTR Jr., which has a twist-grip throttle, chain drive, dual disc brakes, and a maximum weight rating of 175 pounds (MSRP $849.99).

Once a kid has mastered a larger machine, many gas minibikes are available, or, if a kid wants to stay on an electric, KTM offers the electric SX-E 3 and SX-E 5. Husqvarna and GasGas branded versions are also available.

The KTM SX-E 5 is based on KTM’s SX 50 motocross racebike with adjustable long-travel WP XACT suspension, 12-inch wheels, an adjustable seat height, and lockable ride modes (1-6) to limit power and speed (up to 45 mph in Mode 6) to a rider’s skillset. MSRP is $5,499.

The KTM SX-E3 (MSRP $4,999) shares the SX-E5’s chrome-moly steel tube chassis, WP suspension, and motor with lockable ride modes, but has 10-inch wheels, and a lower (and adjustable) seat height. A lower-voltage 648 Wh battery reduces the power output from 5 kW (6.7 hp) to 3.8 kW (5.1 hp) with a lower top speed, but can be swapped for the larger-capacity, higher-voltage 907 Wh battery from the SX-E 5 if the rider’s skill grows faster than their body.

Intro: Kawasaki Elektrode Electric Balance Bike

By Hayley Ulrich Zeidman

My son Max Zeidman, age eight, enjoys riding bicycles, but isn’t a natural daredevil; he’s more of a methodical learner, whose tenacity often results in great results after he gets over his initial apprehension. He had this same attitude when it comes to mini-motorcycles…he likes them, but wasn’t prepared to ride them himself.

Enter the 2023 Kawasaki Elektrode, Kawasaki’s entry level, very basic electric balance bike built for riders ages 3-8 and under 99 pounds. Designed for beginners as a first step to motorcycle confidence, the company brags that it has “over-engineered” the bike so that even the youngest riders have a positive experience.

It has an aluminum frame with a built-in battery pack good for up to 2-1/2 hours of running time, and an equal recharge time. Being powered by an electric motor built into the rear wheel hub, this light but sturdy bike delivers power in a smooth, linear, predictable fashion so that beginning riders can gradually build up comfort with power and control. The motor is almost silent, which helps unsure kids feel less intimidated (as opposed to the noise of a typical engine).

Other key design points include a low center of gravity and ideal balance point for easy turning and leaning, as well as no chain and no moving external parts on the drive-train. The bike has cool, pneumatic knobby dirt tires on 16-inch cast aluminum wheels, with three speed modes (Low, 5 mph; Medium, 7.5 mph; High, 13 mph) selected by entering a unique passcode into an onboard parental lock. Suggested retail price is $1,099.

As an non-intimidating entry-level bike, the Kawasaki Elektrode is an absolute slam-dunk. Max and I were asked by the editor (Max’s grandfather) to represent Roadracing World at an intro and test-ride event held at Fox Racing’s headquarters in Irvine, California, near Kawasaki’s offices. Max wasn’t sure about riding the Elektrode on the dirt, but gained confidence in a parking lot cone course. Soon, he was ready to ride the Elektrode on a simple kid dirt track behind the Fox building. Max, who weighs 55 pounds, initially crashed in one of the corners, but was able to easily pick up the 32-pound Elektrode on his own and get going again.

Max said of the experience, “It was really fun. At first I was just getting the hang of it and I was slow, and I tipped over. I got going better, and later on, in one turn, I started crashing. But I didn’t crash because I had more focus and control on the motorcycle.” Max admittedly doesn’t have a lot of powered riding experience, but gained so much confidence on the Elektrode that he said he wanted one as a holiday gift! With easy maintenance and durability, this makes a lot of sense as a present, and is designed to be passed along to younger siblings and cousins after it’s been outgrown.

The post Flashback: A Great Gift Is Teaching Kids To Ride On Two Wheels appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

A Ducati Streetfighter’s Journey from Showroom to Racetrack

        Roland Sands is the son of a custom bike builder, won the AMA 250cc Grand Prix national championship in 1998, is an entrepreneur and designer, and is also very energetic. Take Roland’s aesthetic, mix it with his philosophic synthesis of custom bike culture, punk rock, and road racing, and you get his racing class: Super Hooligan.

        As Roland explains: “My dad’s always been into motorcycles but he started as a chopper guy. He was building springer front ends out of Long Beach, California, and started a company called Performance Machine. I was racing grand prix 250 bikes and at the same time, I was the head of design of Performance Machine. That’s where the genetics of racing and outlaw chopper design came together. It was a really cool time because I would come out, I’d race motorcycles, and then I’d go home and I’d design motorcycle parts…”

“What the **** Is A Super Hooligan?” By Sam Q. Fleming

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The post MotoAmerica’s Weird & Wild Super Hooligans, In the October Issue appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Dainese has unveiled Smart Air – the latest iteration of their wearable airbag system that monitors a rider’s surroundings and when an imminent accident is detected (often before the rider even knows there is danger), it deploys a shield-like airbag in 45 milliseconds, more than four times faster than the blink of an eye.

Major D-Air® updates: Smart Air features the new D-Air system which features a triple activation airbag, which supports 3 deployments with no need for airbag replacement and utilizes a user-replaceable gas canister.

Dainese invented the motorcycle airbag 20+ years ago and this garment is designed for the everyday rider. D-Air technology represents the peak of safety in motorcycle protective gear, using the same patented innovation trusted by MotoGP champions.

The Smart Air is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Dainese Smart Jacket, and features the new D-Air® triple-activation airbag, which doesn’t need replacing until after three deployments, as well as a user-friendly replaceable gas generator, which deploys the airbag in 45 milliseconds, more than four times faster than the blink of an eye.

Built for the everyday rider, D-air® technology is the pinnacle of safety in motorcycle protective garments and the same patented technology used by MotoGP champions. The D-air® airbag integrates proprietary internal microfilaments that, when the system activates, control air to create a hardlink shield protecting vital organs. The new Smart Air features a Level 2 certified chest and back airbag and is capable of use for road and light off-road motorcycle use. The whole system is powered by a rechargeable battery that can last up to 12 hours of riding before needing a recharge.

Available at Dainese.com

Features:

Design: Lightweight and ergonomic. Can be worn over or under any outfit owing to its new minimal concept design.

New D-Air® Components: The system can deploy up to three times before requiring a replacement of just the airbag itself, and all essential components, including the gas generator, are user-replaceable.

Sizing: XS/S-X/2X

The post Dainese Smart Air Vest Is Designed For Street Use appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.