With 34 teams signed up for the inaugrial Moto2 season, the series is over-subscribed for its launch in 2010. Adding itself to the fray allegedly is the French MotoGP team, Tech3. With Moto2 being such an enticing series for lower budget satellite teams, does MotoGP risk losing teams to Moto2 more than WSBK?
In this fourth installment of Ducati’s documentary on the Desmosedici, we focus on the the RR’s special Bridgeston BT-01 tires, which were specifically built with the Desmosedici in mind. The BT-01’s are the stickiest OEM tire Bridgestone has ever made, and is basically a MotoGP slick with tread to meet DOT standards. If you’re late to the DesmoDoco series, you can find , right here at A&R.
J.D. Power and Associates has completed its 2009 Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study, and the results are in. In their research, J.D. Power & Associates measures the overall satisfaction of motorcyclists with their new helmet in three key factors:
These three factors are then marked into 11 attributes:
Continue reading after the jump for the results.
The FIM has announced that MotoGP riders will have added choice for their front slick tire allocation from the end of next month. Although the total number of front slick tires permitted for a race weekend will remain unchanged at eight, three different distribution options will be made available. However, new rules on when the tires can be ordered may make the tire situation much more difficult for teams.
Valentino Rossi is the unofficial King of Mugello, winning at the Italian circuit seven times out of seven appearances at the track. This weekend marks Rossi’s eighth visit to his home track, with all eyes watching to see if The Doctor can win again.
Normally, Valentino would be the heavy favorite on Sunday’s race, but after finishing last for the first time in his MotoGP career at Le Mans a fortnight ago, there might just be a little doubt in the paddock about Rossi’s ability.
With only a few more days until the Isle of Man TT officially kicks off, we can hardly contain ourselves for the pinnacle of road-racing in its truest form. Adding to the anticipation is the fact that for the first time, the TT will also feature electric prototype motorcycles, making the IOMTT the first series to embrace the carbon-neutral movement.
This coming Saturday will be the TT’s first day of practice, with the Senior TT and TTXGP races taking place on June 12th. A promotional video for the legendary race is after the jump. Enjoy.
Last week, we leaked the fact that the Ducati Streetfigther has begun to arrive at US dealers, who are obliged to keep the bike under wraps until its official unveiling. The Streetfighter might be the most anticipated bike this summer, with the Bologna factory finally bringing a naked version of its 1098 Superbike.
Oberdan Bezzi, taking the next logical step in Ducati’s progression, has put pen to paper on what a Desmosedici based streetfighter might look like. The result is menacing, but we’ll wait for the carbon frame version.
If you weren’t too busy BBQ’ing it up this past Memorial Day weekend, you may have noticed that things around here at A&R were a little slow. Never fear, the rumors of our death were overly exaggerated.
We apologize for the lack of news as over the course of the weekend, A&R moved from the East Coast to the Left Coast, trekking through 10 of our Nation’s fine states. As of now, Asphalt & Rubber is coming to you live from San Francisco, a city with 3 major tracks and some of the best roads within sticking distance.
With an 11 month riding season, we have a feeling we’ll take well to the California coast, and the many, many roads it has to offer us. Look for us on the PCH and at the Sunday Morning Ride, and be sure to say hi.
Ducati North America boosted its market share across the United States in the first quarter of 2009, with record sales fueled by the Monster and Superbike line of motorcycles.
Ducati now boasts more than 10% of the sport and street bike sales in 20 key U.S. metropolitan markets, with the brand capturing 6% sales across the country.
The Missouri State legislature has passed a bill that, if signed, would repeal the state’s mandatory helmet regulation, thus allowing riders over the age of 21 who are traveling on city roads, to do so without a helmet. The passage of this bill is naturally divisive, with advocates of individual liberties and safety experts squarely on opposite sides of the table. Should personal liberty advocates win this debate, the bill would make Missouri 1 of 28 states with such a helmet law on the books.
Japanese tuner Moriwaki track tested its at Suzuka, Japan for the first time last week as it prepares to sell kits to racing teams. The tests come just a week before teams have to submit their intent to join the Moto2 series at MotoGP’s stop at Mugello. The MD600 completed 40 shake down laps at the Japanese circuit with rider Shogo Moriwaki at the helm, with initial reports looking good.