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BMW Motorrad launched the BMW M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 to commemorate factory rider Toprak Razgatlıoğlu’s winning the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).

Special edition of the BMW M 1000 RR M Competition with world champion honors

With 18 victories and a total of 27 podium finishes, as well as 527 points at the end, “El Turco” was the dominant rider of the 2024 season, securing the first world championship title for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. The 28-year-old further emphasized his outstanding season performance with six pole positions, 13 fastest race laps, and winning the Pirelli Best Lap Award. For Razgatlıoğlu, this was already his second world championship title in WSBK after 2021, and with a total of 57 victories, he currently ranks fourth in the all-time best list.

Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad: “Toprak’s incredible performance, culminating in the world championship title, was a joyful occasion for us to create a genuine replica of his M 1000 RR world champion machine for BMW Motorrad’s motorsport-affine fans. Limited to 54 units, corresponding to his starting number.

Signed BMW M 1000 RR M Competition in world champion design

The basis for the BMW M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 is the M 1000 RR
M Competition of the 2024 model year. The M Competition package includes:

  • Activation code for using the M GPS Laptrigger.
  • M Motorsport paintwork with the base color Blackstorm metallic.
  • Maintenance-friendly DLC-coated M Endurance chain.
  • M Carbon package includes high-quality components made from visible carbon and coated with clear lacquer and the M billet package.
  • In addition to the standard single rider tail, the passenger package including a carbon pillion seat cover is also included.

  • All 54 units of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 are equipped with the original design and sponsor stickers of the factory racing machines.
  • Ilmberger carbon components such as covers for the tank, frame, swingarm, wiring harness, and clutch cover, as well as fairing parts, an exhaust heat shield, and a carbon license plate holder, complement the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024.
  • Buyers of the special edition receive a voucher for a matching Akrapovič Evolution Line titanium exhaust system.
  • All 54 units are consecutively numbered from 01/54 to 54/54, featuring a special graphic commemorating the world championship title on the M Carbon tank cover, and are personally signed by world champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu.

  • The world champion graphic and the champion’s signature have been sealed with clear lacquer.
  • Buyers will also receive a meet and greet session with world champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu in person.
The number 1 of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 goes to the world champion himself

While the number 54/54 of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 will remain with BMW Motorrad and will be on display at the BMW Museum in the future, the motorcycle with the number 01/54 goes to world champion Toprak himself.

Toprak “El Turco” Razgatlıoğlu: “Wow, what a season and we became world champions. I can’t thank BMW Motorrad, my team, and everyone involved in this fantastic success enough, and it is a great honor for me to receive the number 1 of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024. It will definitely have a place of honor at my home.

The M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024, equipped with a certificate, is approved in Germany through individual acceptance. The price is EUR 54,000 (RM254,778.95 before duties and taxes, etc., of course!).

The 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 has been launched alongside with the 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 following the announcement of a new V2 engine several days ago.

Highlights
  • The new Streetfighter V2 shares the looks of the familiar Streetfighter V4 mixed with the new Panigale V2, including the new double-sided swingarm, although it does not have the bigger bike’s winglets.

  • The new 890cc V2 (90º V-Twin) engine it entirely new, but is less powerful than the previous Superquardo, producing 120hp and 93.6Nm compared to 148hp and 104.4Nm.
  • However, the new engine signals a return to the traditional, more tractable V-Twin power delivery by providing 70% of its peak torque from 3,000 RPM, rather than being higher up in the rev range.

  • The engine is very light, weighing only 54.5kg, which is 9.4kg lighter than the older engine.
  • There is also a new monocoque frame which weighs only 4kg.
  • Consequently, the new Streetfighter V2’s overall weight is 17.5kg lighter than the old bike, for a total of 177kg.

  • As usual, there are two variants – the standard and “S.”
  • The standard 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 uses fully-adjustable, upside-down 43mm Showa Big Piston Forks (BPF) and a fully-adjustable Sachs monoshock.

  • The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 S uses fully-adjustable Öhlins NIX-30 forks and Öhlins monoshock. It also receives a lithium-ion battery.
  • Its wheels are three-spoke cast items that looks like those from Marchesini, and fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.
  • Up front, there are twin Brembo 320mm brake discs grabbed by Brembo M50 monobloc calipers (not Stylema).

  • As usual with Ducatis, the 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 features a comprehensive set of electronic rider aids which works with the six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), including ride modes (four), traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, engine brake control. Launch control and pit lane speed control are included in the optional pack.
  • A new 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connection.

The 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 is also cheaper than the old bike: £14,995 (RM85,141.74) for the standard, and £16,995 (RM96,497.76) for the V2 S. The previous Streetfighter V2 standard was priced at £16,395 (RM92,760.22).

The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 has been launched, following the announcement of a new V2 engine several days ago. The 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 featuring the new engine has also been launched at the same time, so please click on the link above to find out more about it.

Highlights
  • The new Panigale V2 shares the familial looks of the new Panigale V4 launched not long ago, right down to the new double-sided swingarm, although it does not have the bigger bike’s winglets.

  • The new 890cc V2 (90º V-Twin) engine it entirely new, but is less powerful than the previous Superquardo, producing 120hp and 93.6Nm compared to 148hp and 104.4Nm.
  • The racing exhaust system pack liberates 126hp and reduces 4.5kg of weight.
  • However, the new engine signals a return to the traditional, more tractable V-Twin power delivery by providing 70% of its peak torque from 3,000 RPM, rather than being higher up in the rev range.

  • The engine is very light, weighing only 54.5kg, which is 9.4kg lighter than the older engine.
  • There is also a new monocoque frame which weighs only 4kg.
  • Consequently, the new Panigale V2’s overall weight is only 176kg (15kg lighter) and has the distinction of being the lightest Panigale, ever.

  • As such, the lower weight contributes to a fast motorcycle, with test rider Davide Stirpe circulating only 0.2 second slower than the old Panigale V2 at the Vallelunga Circuit.
  • As usual, there are two variants – the standard and “S.”
  • The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 uses fully-adjustable Marzocchi upside-down forks and a Kayaba monoshock.

  • The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 S uses Öhlins forks and monoshock. The latter also receives a lithium-ion battery.
  • Its wheels are six-spoke cast items that looks like Marchesini, and fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.
  • Up front, there are twin Brembo 320mm brake discs grabbed by Brembo M50 monobloc calipers (not Stylema).

  • As usual with Ducatis, the 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 features a comprehensive set of electronic rider aids which works with the six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), including ride modes (four), traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, engine brake control. Launch control and pit lane speed control are included in the optional pack.
  • A new 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connection.
  • The riding position has also been changed with higher clip-on handlebars and repositioned footpegs compared to the new Panigale V4.

The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 is also cheaper than the old bike: £14,995 (RM85,141.74) for the standard, and £16,995 (RM96,497.76) for the V2 S. The previous Panigale V2 standard was priced at £17,195 (RM102,162.87).

The BMW Concept F 450 GS adventure bike has been revealed at EICMA 2024.

The lightweight bike will bridge the single-cylinder G 310 GS and larger F 900 GS platforms. BMW Motorrad says that it is not a trials bike, with the standing position closer to that of an enduro bike.

Although BMW did not reveal more details, they stated that the engine will produce in the regions of 48hp. Pictures show a prototype with a twin-cylinder engine, besides a styling that resembles its flagship R 1300 GS brethren including the “X” shaped headlight.

Product Manager, Sepp Mächler pointed out that the engine was developed in-house using lightweight materials such as magnesium. It is a big departure from the G 310 series where the engine was built in partnership and shared with TVS. The company has not revealed who will actually build the new 450 engine.

Mächler, a keen off-road rider himself, added, “Generally, it’s around 175kg, with 48 horsepower, and the engine has a 125-degree crankshaft for the ignition.

It’s very narrow and for the seating position we have different variations of what customers demand,” he continued. “It’s a brand-new design, engineered by BMW. This was an idea we had a long time ago, and then we decided to do it like that.

We are really looking at having the footpegs in the right position, and we were really looking at riders from 1.65 metres to 1.90 metres – so every kind of customer can sit or stay on the bike.

Head of BMW Motorrad Design, Alexander Buckan further commented: “We have succeeded in designing the concept with the sporty dynamic appeal of our large off-road icon in a particularly compact form.

The BMW Concept F 450 GS will be a new addition to the lightweight adventure segment, currently filled by the just-launched Suzuki DR-Z4, KTM 390 Adventure, and the upcoming Aprilia Tuareg 457 in the 350-450cc category. The G 310 GS, on the other hand, competes with the Kawasaki Versys 250/300, Suzuki V-Strom 250, Honda CRF250L/Rally, et al.

BMW Motorrad says the F 450 GS will be launched in 2025, so stay tuned!

Dorna has confirmed the cancellation of the Valencia MotoGP 2024 due to a devastating and deadly flood which hit the region. The BBC reported that the calamity has claimed 202 lives, with more missing victims, at the time of writing (2145 hrs., MY time).

Pictures from the region has shown the landscape covered in thick mud, along with motor vehicles strewn everywhere, even on highways. The Spanish national weather agency said that the region saw more than 300 litres of rainfall per square metre.

In a statement released today, MotoGP organisers stated that “the championship will put our collective efforts behind backing the relief funds already in place to ensure our positive impact can connect with the area”.

Much of Spain has been hit by extreme weather for the past week, with the Valencia region being one of the worst hit. Some parts of the Ricardo Tormo circuit have been completely washed out, with access roads collapsing and huge amounts of damage making it difficult to see how a grand prix weekend could go ahead beginning 15 November.

The round in Malaysia this weekend will now become a springboard for the fundraising effort, as organisers try to ensure a positive impact can be made for the people and communities affected by the extreme weather.

Indeed, several MotoGP riders have expressed their wish not to race in Valencia regardless if the Ricardo Tormo track can be repaired in time. Defending World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia went as far as to say that he will boycott the event even if it costs him the championship. 9-time World Champion, Marc Marquez had also said that it is only right that the championship not be held in Valencia this year out of respect for the victims.

In the meantime, Dorna is considering another location to hold the last race of the 2024 season. Some pundits have speculated that Malaysia will indeed be the last round. Some have called for the Sepang International Circuit to hold another round, since everything is already in place, anyway.

Our hearts go out to those who were affected by the floods.

The 2025  Yamaha MT-07 has been launched, marking the model’s fourth generation since its introduction in 2014. Instead of refreshing its looks alone, the new bike brings along many changes throughout including new chassis, electronics, weight reduction, and electronic features.

Highlights:
  • The engine remains unchanged: 690cc, parallel-twin with 270-degree crank, which produces 72.4hp at 8,750 RPM, and is now Euro5+ compliant.
  • Taking the cue from its bigger MT-09 brother, there is also an acoustic amplifying system which channels the engine’s induction sounds to the rider through the tank.
  • The intake element’s size, shape, and layout have been altered with four openings on the restyled 14-litre fuel tank.
  • Yamaha says the induction sound is most noticeable when accelerating out of slow corners with 25% to 50% throttle.

  • There is now an assist and slipper clutch for easier downshifts and reduces clutch lever pull force by 22%.
  • Buyers can opt for the semi-automatic Y-AMT variant, which deletes the clutch and gear levers, allowing them to shift gears via buttons on the handlebar.
  • Overall weight has been reduced by 1kg to 183kg, which is 7kg less than the Honda Hornet and 19kg lighter than the Suzuki GSX-8S.
  • The new rims are spinforged and 500g lighter, reducing inertia by 4%.
  • The new bodywork presents a familial tie to the MT-09, but with a more minimalist headlight unit.

  • A new handlebar creates a sportier riding position: 18mm wider, 22mm lower, 9.3mm closer to the rider.
  • The footpegs are lowered by 10mm to fit taller riders and the cutout in the tank allows the rider to grip it with his knees.
  • The tubular steel frame is all-new and Yamaha claims 12-13% increase in torsional, longitudinal, and lateral rigidity. There is also a new swingarm pivot for the new swingarm.
  • The 2025 Yamaha MT-07 sports new 41mm upside-down forks up front.
  • There is a new shock linkage for the rear monoshock which is now adjustable for preload and rebound.

  • The front brakes are upgraded to dual four-piston calipers.
  • Moving over to the electronics, there is a 5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.
  • The throttle is now ride-by-wire, enabling three riding modes, and two levels of traction control.
  • Quickshifter is optional with the manual variant.
  • Yamaha has not announce the price of the 2025 Yamaha MT-07.

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