Ducati - Canadian Connection Part 1

Ducatista wannabes across the country, rejoice! Here's your chance to join the club.

Thanks to a partnership with the National Bank/Banque Nationale, Ducati has launched the "Freedom Of Choice" event, a finance offer with a great introductory rate of 5.45% on all new Ducati models in Canada. And yes, this applies to the 1199 Panigale.

In celebration of the promotion, Ducati has launched a brand new, dedicated Canadian website at www.canada.ducati.com. The online portal is specific to the Canadian market, providing direct access to everything Ducati.

The "Freedom Of Choice" offer ends on March 1, so head on over to your neighbourhood Ducati dealer and ride away a Ducatista!

For more information, visit the new www.canada.ducati.com.

BMW Motorrad Brings Maxi-Scooters to Canada

BMW Motorrad Canada recently announced their 2012 product and pricing updates for the Canadian market, including the introduction of the C600 Sport and C650GT Maxi Scooters. In an effort to address growing traffic volumes, rising energy costs and increasing pressure on CO2 emissions and fuel efficiency, BMW, as part of their strategy for sustainable mobility, are introducing these two premium vehicles in the maxi-scooter segment.

According to BMW Motorrad, "The BMW C600 Sport and C650GT combine the outstanding riding characteristics of a motorcycle with the agility, weather protection and comfort of a scooter, creating a whole new dynamic riding experience."

Conceptually unique, the two BMW maxi scooters appeal to a wide target group: The C600 Sport is aimed at riders with sporting preferences, while the C650GT has been designed for customers who place a great emphasis on comfort and touring capability. Both BMW maxi scooters incorporate the unique, modern and dynamic design language of BMW Motorrad.

Both the C600 Sport and the C650GT come with a powerful 2-cylinder water-cooled inline DOHC four-valve engine with a displacement of 647cc. Both models are equipped with electronic fuel injection and have a class-leading output of 60hp at 7500rpm, with maxium torque of 48.7 ft-lb at 6000rpm.

The suspension design of the C600 Sport and the C650GT features a tortionally rigid hybrid interconnection of tubular steel bridge frame and diecast aluminium unit at the swingarm bearing with the engine functioning as a load-bearing member. Up front, an upside down fork presents a generous fixed fork diameter of 40mm. The rear employs a reclining spring strut on the left side. The overall objective being to combine direction stability at highway speeds with agile handling in city traffic, just like a motorcycle.

Both maxi-scooters also come equipped with duel 270mm disc brakes with double-piston floating calipers and a single 270mm disc with double-piston caliper at the rear.

The C600 Sport comes with a world premiere FlexCase/ variable stowage space concept in the tail section under the seat, while the C650GT gets large stowage space of about 60 litres in the rear. Both are able to accommodate two helmets.

As with all BMW Motorrad products, a full range of accessories are also available.

According to BMW Motorrad, pricing for the new BMW Maxi Scooters will be announced in the Spring of 2012 and will reach dealers in the Fall of 2012 as 2013 models.

Additional 2012 product announcements from BMW Motorrad Canada included the introduction of the new G650GS Sertao, part of the BMW Enduro family. Echoing the previous-generation F650GS Dakar, the Sertao offers greater off-road practicality, with equipment and design graphics reflecting the more rugged orientation. The G650GS Sertao has an MSRP of $9,750.00

Products that get significant upgrades for 2012 include the S1000RR superbike which we reviewed previously, as well as the BMW F800R.

CMA Elects Directors & Officers for 2012

The Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA) held their Annual Meeting of the members of the Association in Hamilton, Ontario on Thursday, December 8th. A number of elections were made including:

Board of Directors with a mandate ending in 2013:

• David Hewgill, Calgary, Alberta

• Paul Imrie, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

• Hugh Lim, Ajax Ontario

Continuing on the Board with a mandate through 2012 are:

• Joseph Godsall, White Rock, B.C.

• Holly Ralph, Ancaster, Ontario

At a Board of Directors Meeting held immediately after the AGM the following elections/appointments took place:

Elected:

• President - Joseph Godsall

• Vice President - Hugh Lim

• Member Executive Committee - Paul Imrie

The President, Vice President and CEO (ex officio) are automatically members of the Executive Committee.

The CMA theme for 2012 is "APPRECIATE THE PAST - EMBRACE THE FUTURE - FOCUS ON YOUTH"

Further information about the CMA can be found online at www.canmocycle.ca

Jordan Szoke Joins HotLap TV

HOT LAP, the motorcycle racing reality TV game show is pleased to confirm Jordan Szoke as its newest cast member. Szoke will be appearing as Team Coach and Technical Advisor for the production, which starts filming at the most famous racetracks across North America in 2012.

“HOT LAP is a great concept for a motorcycle television reality show,” says Jordan. “I am looking forward to coaching the team to win on the most challenging race tracks in the world.”

Jordan is the most winning Superbike Champion in Canadian history, finishing his seventh Superbike championship in 2010 with an unprecedented perfect season. Jordan is the owner of Waznie Racing, a successful privateer team, and has successfully worked with most major bike manufacturers and premium racing brands capturing a total of seventeen No.1 plates during his career.

“Clearly this is a big win for HOT LAP” said Andrew Shaw, producer of the show. “Having Jordan Szoke on board with this production raises our profile within the industry and the team is excited to have a world class champion as our coach.”

HOT LAP gives amateur riders a chance to race at ten of the fastest tracks in North America. Featuring amateur riders, the series is the first motorcycle racing game show where challengers race for the fastest lap of the day to win a ticket to attend the season grand finale episode

HOT LAP launches its TV production at the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW January 6-8, 2012, where a track day riders casting call is being held to attract some of the 100,000 plus attendees to sign up for a chance to participate on the show as a challenger.

Canadian Dan Kruger: Endurance Race Report from China

Team Kawasaki/BG finished 2nd in Free Practice, took Pole in Qualifying by only 100th of a second (On the first flying lap), and led the first 2 laps of the 103 lap, 3 Hour Endurance Race at Zhuhai on December 11th. The team swapped the lead with Factory Yes Yamaha and it was starting to appear to be more of a 3 Hour sprint race until about half way through when Yamaha encountered some engine problems. They pitted and rolled out the other bike. The rules in this event allow for 2 bikes and 2 or 3 riders on the track for 45 minutes at a time maximum.

Team Kawasaki/BG consisted of regular Dan Kruger from Canada and Alan Vilches Alejes from Spain. Alan currently competes in the Spanish 1000 Superstock Championship also on a Kawasaki. They made a good team today as they both followed the strategy 100% and as a result, brought home the win in convincing fashion. Alan was new to this track but picked it up pretty fast.

According to Dan Kruger: “I was pleased to have the quickest lap time of the event barely dipping into the 1:39's. Considering the weather and track conditions, I was pleased with that time and the Kawasaki ZX10 traction control played a key role in today's victory. Ending the season beating the YES Yamaha Team only makes me wish the 2012 season was already here. This was my 2nd Endurance race in 10 days, the last one being at Phillip Island for 8 hours. We finished 3rd in 1000Superstock and 10th Overall in that event”

Dan will be back over in China testing a Moto 2 machine in late December. January will be mainly training and a break. He will return to testing in February and racing for 2012 begins in March. The team expects to announce a major sponsor within 2 weeks if all goes according to plan.

FIM CUP: Effenbert Liberty Racing signs Canadian Brett McCormick

(PRAGUE) - Liberty Racing is pleased to announce the signing of rider Brett McCormick. The Canadian champion will be part of the new team competing in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup in 2012.

The talented 20 year-old, coming off a season in which he dominated the MOPAR Canadian Superbike Championship, is an experienced racer. He rode BMW RR1000 in the final rounds of the 2011 FIM Cup (in France and Portugal). In October, Liberty Racing invited him to participate in private tests in Portimao on the Ducati 1098F. He delivered a positive performance.

McCormick is the second rider signed to the team, which was formed to support and advance young riders; a priority for Liberty CEO Dr. Mario Bertuccio and the team.

The Superstock team will campaign the new 1199 Panigale, which is replacing the successful 1098F.

Brett McCormick’s first official appearance on the new Ducati masterpiece is scheduled for February 13 during a three-day test session at Australia's Phillip Island circuit.

Commenting on the news, McCormick said, "It has been my goal and my dream to race in the world championships, and I have to thank the Effenbert-Liberty team for giving me a test in Portimao. Their team and bike are among the best, and they are serious about winning, so I plan to return their faith in me by putting the team colours at the front! At the test I found the bike to be the best I’ve ever ridden. And working with the team from both a technical and human standpoint was awesome, so I can’t wait for the season to start!”

From Effenbert Liberty Racing

Ontario gets a newly formed Supermoto Club; Supermoto Ontario

from Supermoto Ontario

Kitchener, Ontario - Supermoto Ontario is a newly formed club focused on promoting Supermoto riding/ racing in Ontario. The club is incorporated as a non for profit organization and is made up of a board of directors who are all riders passionate about the sport.

Supermoto racing in Ontario reached its peak around 2005 and has been in a decline ever since. The club is working to change this by rebuilding the sport in Ontario from the ground up. Supermoto Ontario will be organizing open track days for the 2012 season where riders will be able to come and participate on a Supermoto specific track. The goal is to increase participation and add racing to the 2013 schedule.

The track will be setup in the parking lot of the Shell truck stop in Drumbo, Ontario (between Kitchener and Woodstock) directly off hwy 401 at exit 250. The lot is freshly paved, has a very large area to work with and an area for a dirt section to be constructed. These track days will be focused on inexpensive fun with instruction available onsite.

For those of you who have an Offroad/MX bike and have always wanted to try supermoto, now is the time! To get your bike setup properly it is as simple as swapping out your knobby tires to something non-knobby like a dual sport or flat track racing tire. Mounting a fluids catch can and axle sliders is required for safety. Supermoto is one of the cheapest disciplines of motorcycle riding and racing.

A website for Supermoto Ontario has been setup at www.supermotoontario.com. When finalized, the event schedule will be posted on the website. There is a bunch more info there on Supermoto including what it takes to get your bike setup, what it needs to pass technical inspection as well as pictures and videos.

Supermoto Ontario will be present at the North American International Motorcycle Super Show this coming January 6-8 at the International Centre in Toronto. Please come by our booth to check out some bikes, videos and get all of the info you will need to get out riding Supermoto with the club. A special thanks to the Super Show for donating the booth space to the Club.

For more information please visit the club website: www.supermotoontario.com or send an email to supermotoontario@gmail.com

Supermoto Ontario is sponsored by NineOneNine Designs, Maxima Oils, Artisan Complete and SuperShow Events.

BMW Motorrad Canada Announces 2012 Road Racing Program

BMW Motorrad Canada has announced their 2012 road racing competition program. If you are interested in purchasing a new S1000RR for the sole purpose of competing in the Canadian Superbike Championship, there is a special competition package available from any BMW Motorrad Retailer. This program is open to any PRO or AM licensed racer while supplies last. Packages are limited so act fast.

Competition Package:

Option #1 – 2011 S1000RR $12,500 (Very limited while supplies last)
Option #2 – 2012 S1000RR $13,500

Both options include: A new S1000RR, Race ABS, Dynamic Traction Control, BMW Gear Shift Assist, One complete spare set of wheels and a $1000 parts support credit. *Additional options if requested and retailer prep are extra.

Competition Package Requirements

• A copy of a current and valid Canadian roadracing license
• Provide the retailer and BMW Motorrad Canada a race resume complete with projected 2012 activities

National Contingency Program: Canadian Superbike Championship – National Series

Pro Superbike Class Amateur Superbike Class
1st $2500 1st $1000
2nd $2000 2nd $600
3rd $1400 3rd $400
4th $1000 4th $300
5th $700 5th $250
6th $400
7th $300
8th $250
9th $150
10th $100

CSBK Superbike Championship Bonus:

PRO Superbike Class $10,000
AM Superbike Class $5,000

BMW Motorrad Contingency Requirements
• Official series results will only be accepted.
• Only Canadian spec S1000RR models qualify for contingency.
• There must be a minimum of 10 competitors start the race to qualify for contingency.
• The BMW logo and “BMW Motorrad” must be present on both sides of the motorcycle fairings.
• A colour photo must be submitted with the request for contingency.
• BMW Motorrad Canada Roadracing Program Registration form must be submitted each time.
• No regional contingency program will be offered at this time.

Please feel free to contact Chris Duff ( chris.duff@bmwgroup.ca) at BMW Motorrad Canada if you have any additional questions about the 2012 BMW Motorrad Canada Roadracing Program.

Ducati Panigale comes to Toronto Motorcycle Show

By far one of the most popular motorcycles on display at the EICMA Motorcycle Show in Italy last month, the highly acclaimed 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale makes its way to Canada.

This year, for the first time in Canada, Ducati brings their 1199 Panigale to the Toronto Motorcycle Show. This bike, direct from Italy, boasts an all-new Superquadro engine that uses titanium valves, vacuum die-cast crankcases, race-derived pistons and the traditional Desmodromic valve system. Also included is eight-position traction control and Brembo radial monobloc brakes. This new model is setting the benchmark high in Superbikes. Come and check out this beauty first at this year’s Toronto Motorcycle Show.

The Toronto Motorcycle Show takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this weekend, December 9-11, 2011. For show hours and ticket information please visit www.torontomotorcycleshow.ca

Inside Motorcycles 2011 Holiday Buyers' Guide... great gift ideas!

The Inside Motorcycles Holiday Buyers' Guide is full of great gift ideas for the two-wheel enthusiasts on your list. Support the businesses that support the Canadian motorcycle and motorsports communities! Click on the flip book below to open the document on your computer.



Click to launch the full edition in a new window

CSBK Returns to Mont-Tremblant in 2012

As was rumoured back in late September, The Canadian Superbike Championship will indeed return to Circuit Mont-Tremblant in Quebec next year.

According to a December 6 press release, from Frontline SBK, the national event will take place at Le Circuit on August 10-12 and marks the Canadian series' first visit to Tremblant in five years.

“We’re very excited about the 2012 return to Mont-Tremblant,” explains CSBK’s Kevin Graham. “It’s a premier venue that all competitors, sponsors and crew really enjoy. The CSBK team and its loyal partners continue to strive towards the betterment of national roadracing in Canada. We have a very large and loyal following in Quebec and it is great offer another event at such a prestigious venue.”

The scenic and challenging 4.275 km track first hosted Canadian Superbikes in 2003, with the last round being held in 2007. According to track manager Vincent Loughran, the venue is planning a week full of bike activities leading up to the weekend event.

Expect more details on the 2012 Canadian Superbike Championship season to be released during this weekend's Toronto Motorcycle Show.

(photo courtesy blogtremblant.com)

Catch the Action at the Toronto Motorcycle Show

The Toronto Motorcycle Show is less than one week away, taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from December 9-11, 2011.

While you're there, be sure to catch your favourite riders and journalists being interviewed live on the Go Tour Ontario Interview stage. The schedule for the weekend is as follows:

Go Tour Ontario: Interview Stage

Friday December 9th

11:00: Pat Milligan The Canadian Race Communications Association

12:00: Superbike Super news: Kevin Graham and Colin Fraser are joined by Rahul Dua.

12:30: radX BMW Superbike team: Brett McCormick and Micheal Ferrera.

1:00: Motorcycle Mojo Magazine presents Irish motorcycle author Paddy Tyson.

1:30: Mike Jacobs from Tour Ontario and Kristopher Garvie, Inside Motorcycles Amatuer Sportbike Champ

2:00: Vintage Road Race Association Dan Gosen and Steve Hoffarth

2:30: Andrew Murray news from FOGI

3:00: John Gilbank Touring Mexico

3:30: Patrick Trahan Out of Africa

4:00: Canadian Superbike has a New Sponsor Kevin Graham, Colin Fraser and our new partner's representative.

4:30: Think FAST Michel Mercier and Rahul Dua

5:00: She Rides Night with Liz Jansen

5:30: Lise Grenier and Barbara Wynd

6:00: Toni Sharpless and Kathleen Cobourne

6:30: Sue Cannell with YRA girl and Mx girl

7:00: "Ass Class" by Lissa Hill Leathers

7:30: Gwen Roberts Vicki Schouten and Nancy Irwin

8:00: Alex Carroni Laura Lang and Karen Hodgson

8:30: "Ass Class" Lissa Hill Leathers

9:00: Sandra Hinksman and Durham Divas

Saturday December 10th

10:30: A morning meeting with motorcycle magazine men: Graeme Jones of Inside Motorcycles, Glen Roberts from Motorcycle Mojo and Neil Graham of Cycle Canada

11:00: Inside Motorcycles Sportbike Champ Kristopher Garvie and AMA Flat Track star Doug Lawrence

11:30: The Bookmakers Paddy Tyson, Don Empey and Liz Jansen

12:00: "The Kid" is now the champ Brett McCormick and his radX BMW Superbike team mate Michael Ferrera

12:30: The History Makers Deeley H-D dirt track champ Don Taylor and Honda CBR Challenge champion Stacey Nesbitt

1:00: Patrick Trahan "The desert is my home."

1:30: Mike Jacobs from Go Tour Ontario

2:00: Jodi Christie Honda's Pirelli Pro Sportbike Champion and Golo Racing's Rahul Dua

2:30: John Gilbank Mexico by Motorcycle

3:00: CRCA Pat Milligan

3:30: Rene Cormier The University of Gravel Roads and Emily Roberts undergraduate.

4:00: Ask the students, see their results Michel Mercier of the FAST Riding School

4:30: The Vintage guys Dan Gosen and Steve Hoffarth

5:00:

5:30:

6:00:

6:30:

7:00:

Sunday December 11th

10:30: Paddy Tyson will he ever find Faglioli

11:00: Kristopher Garvie and Donald Taylor fast fellows from different facets.

11:30: Syacey Nesbitt, Emily Roberts and Liz Jansen

12:00 radX BMW Superbike team Brett McCormick and Michael Ferrara

12:30: Michel Mercier of FAST, Marty Cooper of CRCA and Golo Racing's Rahul Dua

1:00: John Gilbank Mexico motorcycling spoken here

1:30: Mike Jacobs Tour Ontario

2:00: Darren James fast suit from Deeley H-D and Andrew Murray news from FOGI

2:30: Craig Jones Tour Northumberland

3:00: Rene Cormier The value of time. Patrick Trahan making wishes come true.

3:30: A vintage view with Steve Hoffarth and Dan Gosen.

4:00:

For ticket information and show hours for the Toronto Motorcycle Show, visit www.torontomotorcycleshow.ca . Be sure to stop by the Inside Motorcycles booth and get the latest issue!

Szoke and Parts Canada Reunite for 2012

Waznie Racing and Jordan Szoke are excited to continue their successful relationship with Parts Canada for 2012. Szoke and Parts Canada worked together for a successful season in 2011 finishing the Canadian Superbike Championship season with a win at Mosport International Raceway. A narrow defeat in the bid for the Superbike Championship, with a margin of only 10 points, Szoke and Parts Canada line themselves up for an exciting 2012 season. Szoke will continue to represent Parts Canada by representing Alpinestar leathers, HJC helmets and Thor dirt gear.

The 7 time Canadian Superbike champion says “I am very excited to work with Parts again for 2012. There are many products that they carry that co-exist with our current committed sponsors which makes branding of our team just that much better for everyone involved. It is such a positive statement for our industry that companies are still continuing to support roadracing. Mosport had one of it’s biggest spectator attendances in 2011, it’s good to see that a company like Parts can still see the value in marketing through our sport.”

Watch for Szoke competing for his eighth Superbike title during the Canadian Superbike Championship, whose schedule is expected to be announced December 9th 2011 at the Toronto Motorcycle Show.

Toronto Motorcycle Parking: Benefits Outweigh the Costs

Free motorcycle parking in Toronto may soon come to and end if Toronto budget chief Mike Del Grande and Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam get their way. In a recent report from the Toronto Sun, Del Grande was quoted as saying about motorcycles, "They burn gas just like everyone else. You take a parking spot, you pay what you pay for cars." Del Grande and Wong-Tam are encouraging other council members to consider charging for motorcycle parking in Toronto.

Inside Motorcycles caught up with Daniel Tessier, President and CEO of the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada, to get his views on the matter. According to Tessier, "Six years ago, the City of Toronto demonstrated real traffic management leadership by providing free street parking and other improvements for motorcycles and motorized scooters. But the City is about to take a step back if it continues with a proposal to enforce parking charges and fees for motorcycles." Tessier notes that from a strictly functional point of view, parking receipts tend to disappear from parked motorcycles resulting in unwarranted fines. He also points out that by taking up less space on the road, motorcycles have less of an impact on road infrastructure thereby saving municipal dollars. Further, the existing program to encourage free motorcycle parking compliments the Ontario government's tourism strategy to attract motorcyclists from border provinces and states.

Tessier went on to explain the benefits of free motorcycle parking and noted that not only should the parking program be preserved , but the city would benefit from the implementation of a motorcycling strategy. Tessier suggests a traffic safety management strategy could result in less accidents by opening up the lines of site at busy intersections by reserving parking spaces for motorcycles. "Reserving the last parking space at major intersections for motorcyclists would provide systemic allocation of motorcycle parking space. This traffic management approach would ensure uncluttered and clear lines of site for all road users, reducing the number of crashes at intersections involving motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. The City would save emergency response; but more importantly, it would save lives and reduce injury."

RACE Superseries Announces 2012 Schedule

The RACE Superseries has announced their 2012 road racing schedule with six rounds taking place at Shannonville Motorsport Park (SMP). The series has also expanded the number of race schools being offered in 2012, including six schools throughout the season, scheduled on the Friday prior to each race weekend. The full schedule is as follows:

2012 RACE Superseries Schedule:

May 4-6: SMP Long Track

June 22-24: SMP Pro Track

July 20-22: SMP Long Track

August 11-12: SMP Pro Track

August 31- September 2: SMP Long Track

September 21-September 23: SMP Pro Track

2012 RACE Schools:

May 4: Shannoville Motorsport Park

June 22: Shannonville Motorsport Park

July 20: Shannonville Motorsport Park

August 11: Shannonville Motorsport Park

August 31: Shannonville Motorsport Park

September 21: Shannonville Motorsport Park

The 2012 RACE Test Days will take place on April 21 (SMP Fabi) and April 22 (SMP Nelson), while two Vintage Road Racing (VRRA) Festival dates have also been added June 1-3 and July 13-15, 2012.

Further information and a detailed schedule can be found online at the Shannonville Motorsports Park website.