Thanks to the MCN we are able to glance at the first spy-photos of the new 2013 KTM Adventure bike. Still in the early stages of testing, the new model will replace the already 10 year old KTM990. The engine capacity will increase to 1290cc and it will develop around 130hp – 25hp more than it’s rival – BMW R1200GS. As we are looking at an early stage prototype here the KTM factory needs 18 more months for a full production version. Continue reading →
Adventure
28
Jan 12
KTM Adventure 2013: The First Spy Photos
26
Jan 12
Yamaha Worldcrosser is getting closer…
It looks like the beautiful Yamaha WorldCrosser concept will become a realty after all. Although back in 2010 Yamaha factory denied that WorldCrosser will ever hit the market, in 2011 they’ve trademarked the name casting a shadow of a doubt on the previous statement. In the 2012 we’ll see the limited edition machine (basically Super Tenere with carbon fiber side panels, fork protectors and frame guards, plus an alloy skid plate, plus plus) being priced at £12,999, £1000 more than a stock Super Tenere. March will be the release date for UK market. Check out the full picture gallery after the jump. Continue reading →
17
Jan 12
Mika Ahola (13 December 1974 — 15 January 2012)
“I have fulfilled my ambitions and I feel that it is time to move on and see what else the world has to offer.”
Mika Aloha won five Championship titles in the WEC series in all three classes: E1, E2 and E3. As fate would have it – he announced that he will retire from enduro racing on the New Year’s Day – 2012. Aloha died from the internal injuries on 15th of January 2012 in the hospital in Barcelona, few weeks after the training crash. Continue reading →
16
Jan 12
Dakar 2012 / FINISH / Cyril Despres is the Winner!
While the last special was won by Norway’s Pål Anders Ullevålseter (motorcycles) and Robby Gordon (cars), France’s Cyril Despres and Stéphane Peterhansel took their fourth and tenth Dakars respectively, all categories included. The champions were applauded on the podium on Lima’s Plaza de Armas by a huge crowd which came to acclaim both the competitors and the arrival of the greatest rally raid in the world to Lima’s capital. All in all, 97 motorcycles, 12 quads, 78 cars and 60 trucks made it to the finishing line of the 33rd Dakar, i.e., 249 of the 443 vehicles which started the rally in Mar del Plata. Continue reading →
14
Jan 12
Dakar 2012 / Stage 13 / Cyril Despres so close…
CRÉDIT – PACO GOMEZ RALLY TEAM
Hélder Rodrigues may have taken his first stage victory in the 2012 Dakar, but Cyril Despres was the real winner of the 13th special. Despres took advantage of Marc Coma’s gearbox problems, with the Catalan leading the field and under pressure, to claw back 12’38″. Just 24 hours away from the end of the race in Lima, he seized the overall lead with an 11’03″ margin over the Catalan. Continue reading →
13
Jan 12
Dakar 2012 / Stage 12 Arequipa – Nasca / Chess game between Coma and Despres
“The two leading riders are head and shoulders above the rest…” – Joan Barreda Bort
Taking advantage of the starting order today, the third man out, Marc Coma, achieved a not inconsiderably splendid performance in the dunes at the end of the special stage to pick up his 5th stage victory of 2012. More importantly, the Catalan beat his main rival Cyril Despres by 3’57” and regained the lead in the general standings by 1’35”. Continue reading →
11
Jan 12
Dakar 2012 / Stage 10 Iquique – Arica / Win for Joan Barreda Bort!
Joan Barreda Bort, the unquestionable revelation of the 33rd Dakar in the bike category, with 3 special stage finishes in the Top 5, displayed his full potential by winning his first special on the Dakar on the 10th stage. Not merely content with being quick, the young Spaniard also proved that he has a character to be reckoned with, by winning despite a severe injury to his right foot picked up after 35 km of the 377 on the day’s programme. Continue reading →
10
Jan 12
Dakar 2012 / Stage 9 / Cyril Despres Strikes Back
By winning his third stage on the Dakar 2012, 3’54” in front of his main rival Marc Coma, Frenchman Cyril Despres has returned to the top of the general standings on conclusion of the mythical Antofagasta-Iquique stage and now leads the Catalan by 2’28”.
In the end Cyril Despres only needed a day to brush away the memory of his muddy mishap on the 8th stage. Seventh to get to grips with the day’s special, altered to 606 km in length due to weather-related changes to the route, the Frenchman set off at a frightening pace. Continue reading →
