Toni Elias, the renowned MotoGP race winner and Moto2 champion, has announced his retirement from two-wheel racing. The decision comes after securing a respectable fifth-place finish in the Road America Superbike race on June 4, 2023.
Elias, known for his impressive record of 17 grand prix victories across multiple classes, including 125cc, 250cc, Moto2, and Racing, is particularly remembered for his remarkable triumph over Valentino Rossi in the 2006 Estoril race.
This win marked Elias’ first premier-class rostrum and stood as the last MotoGP victory by a satellite rider until Jack Miller’s triumph in 2016.
After struggling to secure further wins in the 800cc MotoGP class, Elias transitioned to the newly formed Moto2 category in 2010 and clinched the championship title in its inaugural season with Gresini. Despite returning to MotoGP with LCR Honda, Elias failed to make a significant impact and spent the next few seasons accepting temporary MotoGP rides between his Moto2 commitments.
However, Elias experienced a remarkable resurgence when he moved to the United States in 2016. He made a victorious debut in MotoAmerica and went on to claim the championship title in the following season.
Elias continued to compete in MotoAmerica, finishing as the championship runner-up in 2018 and 2019 while riding for Suzuki. His final full campaign took place in 2020, followed by sporadic appearances in races before signing with Team Hammer/Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki for the 2023 season.
After securing a fifth-place finish in the recent race, Elias emotionally announced his retirement on live television, referring to it as his “last dance.” He expressed his gratitude to Chris Ulrich, John Ulrich, Team Hammer, and all those who had supported him throughout his career. Elias acknowledged that his return to racing did not meet his expectations but expressed his appreciation for the enjoyable moments in his final race.
With his retirement, Elias leaves behind an illustrious career that saw him compete at the highest level of motorcycle racing and make a lasting impact on the sport. Fans and fellow riders alike will undoubtedly remember his fierce battles on the track and his significant contributions to the MotoGP and Moto2 championships.
Francesco Bagnaia continued his dominance in the MotoGP circuit by securing his third consecutive win at Mugello in a thrilling race. The Italian rider displayed exceptional skill and determination, outshining his competitors, with Jorge Martin finishing closely behind in second place.
The race initially saw Bagnaia making a strong start, but his lead was short-lived as Jack Miller quickly overtook him, rapidly advancing from fourth to first position. However, Bagnaia swiftly responded, regaining his lead just one corner later at turn two.
As the race progressed, the pace of the KTM rider faltered, allowing for intense moments on the track. At one point, a near collision loomed as both Marquez brothers and Luca Marini found themselves in a precarious situation.
Alex Marquez pushed too hard, out-braking himself into turn one, narrowly squeezing between his brother and Marini before running wide. Miller capitalised on the opportunity, reclaiming his position, but Marquez remained on the inside, jostling for control.
Meanwhile, Marc Marquez, in fourth place, faced a devastating setback as he crashed out of the Grand Prix for the fourth consecutive time. The crash occurred at the final corner while he was attempting to overtake Marini, but Marquez misjudged his line, losing the front-end and ending his race prematurely.
While Bagnaia and Martin maintained a stable gap of half a second between them, yellow flags were deployed in sector three due to Miguel Oliveira’s crash.
As the race continued, Alex Marquez, who had been in fourth position, made a move to claim third place from Marini on lap 12. However, Marquez ran slightly wide, allowing Marini to regain his position momentarily. Determined, Marquez tried again on lap 13, utilising his better rear grip to close in along the start-finish straight, successfully securing third place.
The battle for victory intensified on lap 14 when Bagnaia, who had initially held a lead of four tenths of a second, unleashed an impressive surge, extending his advantage to over six tenths of a second and ultimately crossing the finish line with a comfortable one-second lead.
The Marquez family’s challenging race took a turn for the worse when Alex crashed out of third place at turn two during lap 15. Despite the setback, Marini, eager to secure a podium finish on home soil, fought hard, attempting an immediate response after making a mistake at the final corner. Although he briefly managed to move ahead of Johann Zarco, the Italian struggled to fend off the French rider for an extended period and losses out his podium spot.
Motorcycle enthusiasts in Malaysia have a thrilling reason to celebrate as Ducati Malaysia introduces an enticing promotion to ignite their passion for riding.
The #Ride4Free campaign offers a unique opportunity to experience the exhilaration of three of Ducati’s powerful models – the Ducati Monster 937, Hypermotard 950, and Hypermotard RVE – with up to four months of installments covered by the company.
With this exclusive offer, riders can turn their dreams into reality and hit the road on one of these remarkable Ducati motorcycles. The promotion not only allows enthusiasts to experience the cutting-edge features and unparalleled performance of these models but also eases the financial burden by shouldering the installment costs for a limited time.
To take advantage of this exciting opportunity, interested riders can register online at bit.ly/DucatiTests or visit their nearest Ducati showroom. The registration process is simple, ensuring that aspiring riders can quickly reserve their chance to get behind the handlebars of the Ducati Monster 937, Hypermotard 950, or Hypermotard RVE.
So, whether you’ve always yearned to conquer the streets with the iconic Monster 937, crave the adrenaline rush of the Hypermotard 950, or desire the unique style and flair of the Hypermotard RVE, Ducati Malaysia’s #Ride4Free promotion is the perfect opportunity to make your two-wheeled dreams come true.
Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to ride in style and experience the thrill of Ducati motorcycles without the burden of immediate financial commitments. Head to bit.ly/DucatiTests or visit your nearest Ducati showroom, including @ducati.pj, @ducati_welly, @ducati_kualalumpur, @ducati_johor, or @ducati_penang, and embark on an unforgettable journey with Ducati Malaysia.
Join the conversation online using the hashtags #Ride4Free, #Ducati, and #DucatiMalaysia to share your excitement and connect with fellow riders.
Kawasaki has recently revealed its latest creation, the Eliminator, a light-to-middleweight standard motorcycle that aims to meet the demands of everyday riders. With a focus on rider-friendliness, this machine combines performance, comfort, and retro styling reminiscent of Kawasaki’s power cruisers from the 1980s.
powering the new Eliminator is the firm’s brand-new 451cc parallel-twin engine.
in some markets, the Eliminator will continue to run with the tried and tested 399cc engine.
At the heart of the Eliminator lies a brand-new 451cc parallel-twin engine, derived from the renowned Ninja series. To enhance low-end torque, Kawasaki has increased the stroke by 6.8mm, resulting in a total displacement boost of 52cc.
The engine features the same 32mm throttle bodies as the 400cc model, along with a 5.8L airbox. It wouldn’t be surprising to see this upgraded powerplant making its way into other Kawasaki models in the future, although some markets, like Japan, will continue to use the 399cc engine.
Designed for lightness and agility, the Eliminator boasts a lightweight chassis with an upright riding position and a seat height of 734mm. The trellis frame, developed using advanced dynamic rigidity analysis, contributes to both the overall weight reduction and the low seat height.
Additionally, the square-tube swingarm, bolted directly to the engine via an aluminum swing arm mount plate, ensures improved torsional rigidity without the need for extra bracing.
Equipped with 18/16-inch wheels, the Eliminator sports a 130/70-18 tyre at the front and a 150/80-16 tyre at the rear. Braking power is provided by a single 310mm rotor with a two-piston caliper at the front, complemented by a 220mm rear disc also gripped by two pistons.
It’s important to note that ABS will only be available on select models of the Eliminator.
In the era of connectivity, the Eliminator embraces technology with Bluetooth functionality integrated into the instrument panel. Riders can utilize the Kawasaki Rideology app to access vehicle information, log their rides, receive mobile phone notifications, and customize various bike settings.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia has unveiled the new BMW R 18 100 Years, a limited edition motorcycle paying homage to the founding year of BMW Motorrad. With only 1,923 units produced worldwide, this exclusive model is set to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.
the R 18 100 years pays homage to the founding years of BMW Motorrad.
Only 1,923 units produced worldwide.
Out of this limited production run, only ten units will be made available to loyal customers and fans of the brand in Malaysia with a recommended selling price of RM159,500.
The Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, Hans de Visser, expressed his enthusiasm for the release, stating, “Presenting SoulFuel in its most iconic form, the New BMW R 18 100 Years is set to make its mark as the most stylish heritage cruiser by BMW Motorrad.” This model features the largest engine ever installed on a BMW motorcycle, promising an exhilarating ride for genuine enthusiasts of SoulFuel motorcycles.
The New BMW R 18 100 Years epitomizes the modern-classic design of the BMW R 18, enhanced with heritage-centric features that give it an unmistakable appearance. The motorcycle incorporates classic design elements harking back to the late 1920s, with chrome surfaces and high-quality paint concepts that exude timeless elegance both on the asphalt and beyond.
The 100 Years Edition boasts a striking aesthetic, showcasing a combination of black paintwork and high-gloss chrome surfaces adorned with white double pinstriping. A 100 Years badge further accentuates the motorcycle’s unique appeal. Classic Chrome accents can be found on various parts, including the rear wheel cover, front wheel cover, side covers, and the front mudguard. The bicolour Option 719 seat upholstered in black and oxblood with diamond embossing perfectly complements the overall design.
In addition to its stunning visual features, the New BMW R 18 100 Years comes equipped with a range of high-quality chrome parts offered by the Chrome design option. These parts, including handlebar fittings, foot brake levers, mirrors, and engine casing covers, enhance the motorcycle’s aesthetic appeal. The Akrapovič rear silencers feature a “propeller style” perforated tailpipe trim, showcasing the iconic BMW logo.
The motorcycle is also equipped with advanced features to enhance the riding experience. These include a new speedometer with a multifunctional display, a full LED headlight, LED rear and brake lights with indicators, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), and three riding modes: Rock, Roll, and Rain. Notable optional equipment, now made standard for the New BMW R 18 100 Years, includes Adaptive Headlight, heated grips, Hill Start Control (HSC), Cruise Control, reverse gear, a lockable filler cap, powertrain black, and floorboards.
The New BMW R 18 100 Years is a testament to the 100-year legacy of BMW Motorrad, combining timeless design elements with cutting-edge technology. With its limited production and exclusive features, this motorcycle is sure to be highly sought after by passionate collectors and dedicated BMW enthusiasts.
Harley-Davidson is raising the bar for the motorcycle riding experience with the introduction of two premium 2023 models from Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO).
The new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models not only showcase advanced technology but also enhance rider comfort and deliver dynamic performance, thanks to the powerful new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine.
These exclusive models present a transformative revision of the iconic Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring platform.
Jochen Zeitz, the Chairman, President, and CEO of Harley-Davidson, expressed his excitement about the new models, stating, “With the all-new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models, our mission is to advance every aspect of the Grand American Touring motorcycling experience. These models set a new standard for Harley-Davidson performance, technology, and style, accelerating the evolution of the world’s most desirable motorcycle brand.”
The new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models feature stunning designs that have evolved from the classic shapes of previous Grand American Touring motorcycles. Integrated venting and LED signature lighting with integrated turn signals are incorporated into the fairings of both models.
Notable design elements include a trimmed front fender, a distinctively beveled 6-gallon fuel tank, and saddlebags that harmonise with the fairings and fuel tank with their three-dimensional shape. The bold custom statement is further reinforced by the new Combo Cast Laced wheels, featuring a black machine-cut cast-aluminum rim and laced spokes. Each model will be available in two highly detailed finish options.
Setting a new benchmark for factory-installed torque and displacement in a Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle, the new 121-cubic inch V-Twin Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine delivers exceptional performance. It features optimised liquid-cooled cylinder heads with a new cooling system, variable valve timing, a redesigned intake tract, and a performance exhaust system. The development of the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models carefully considered every aspect of design to enhance overall performance and comfort.
These models weigh significantly less than their predecessors, with a reduction of 31 pounds for the CVO Street Glide model and 35 pounds for the CVO Road Glide model. High-performance front and rear SHOWA suspension components provide confident handling and greatly improve rider comfort compared to previous CVO models, with rear suspension travel increased by 50 percent. Premium Brembo braking components ensure outstanding braking feel and performance, enhancing rider confidence.
*2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide
A notable feature of the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models is the introduction of selectable Ride Modes – Road, Sport, and Rain – which electronically control power delivery, engine braking, Cornering-Antilock Braking System (C-ABS), and Cornering-Traction Control System (C-TCS) settings.
*2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide
The models prioritize aero and thermal comfort through all-new fairings with a “floating” windshield design and adjustable air-control vanes. In wind tunnel testing, these improvements resulted in a 60 percent reduction in subjective helmet buffeting compared to equivalent 2022 models. The new engine cooling system further enhances thermal comfort for riders compared to previous CVO models.
Embracing cutting-edge technology, the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models introduce an all-new suite of infotainment technology powered by the Skyline OS. Replacing analog instrumentation and most switches, a customizable 12.3-inch TFT color touch screen offers three distinct view options and is compatible with Apple and Android devices.
Confidential and Embargoed Until 6/7/2023; 10:00AM CST – 2023 Key Features. CVO Street Glide.
Wireless connectivity through Wi-Fi enables riders to connect their devices seamlessly, while a built-in Bluetooth receiver facilitates wireless headset use. These models also feature expanded media storage compartments with a USB-C connection point. A premium Harley-Davidson Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate Stage II four-speaker audio system, boasting a new 500-watt RMS amplifier, enhances the overall riding experience.
The CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models will make their U.S. public debut during the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival in Milwaukee from July 13-16, 2023. Authorized Harley-Davidson dealer showrooms worldwide will have both models available in mid-July.
