Full Throttle Chronicles - 03/08/23

Race to Victory: The Krämer GP2-890RR Strikes a Stunner on the Circuit

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines for a wild ride. The German motorcycle manufacturer, Krämer Motorcycles, has hit the fast lane with its latest sportsbike marvel, the GP2-890RR. Limited to only 125 engraved units worldwide, this £35,990 track specialist is not just a new model—it's an assertive statement in the racing world, aiming to claim the top podium spots.

Known for consistently challenging British GP2 racing classes, Krämer ups the ante with this new model, now armed with cutting-edge electronics, an improved top speed, and an ambition that's as fiery as the twin cylinders powering it.

The heart of this beast is a revamped 889cc parallel twin engine from KTM 890 Duke, now sporting a whopping 136.1bhp at 10,100rpm and 74lbft of torque at 8200rpm. The power boost is thanks to an array of high-grade upgrades, such as Pankl titanium con-rods, high compression pistons, and titanium valves, coupled with a new camshaft and an unrestricted racing exhaust system.

Keeping this raging heart pumping is a moulded plastic fuel tank, cleverly doubling as the bike’s rear end. It carries 16 litres of fuel and, designed for optimal weight distribution, maintains the bike's balance even as the fuel depletes during the heat of a race.

However, the genius of the 890RR isn't just under the hood. The bike boasts an impressive suite of lean-sensitive electronics supported by a six-axis IMU, including traction control and wheelie control. It's all coordinated via a Mectronik ECU and a wide-band oxygen sensor, ensuring the best possible combustion under real-time racing conditions.

The cockpit is no less impressive, featuring an AiM full-colour TFT dash that doubles as a data logger complete with GPS lap timing and a database of circuit maps.

Encased within a steel trellis frame, the 890RR offers adjustable swingarm angle, steering-head angle, seat height, and more, to deliver customised ergonomics for reduced fatigue during long, gruelling races. Add Brembo Stylema brake calipers, forged aluminium Dymag UP7X wheels, and WP Apex Pro suspension, and you've got a speedster designed for absolute performance on the track.

Further pushing the limits is a newly designed bodywork that improves the ram-air effect into the airbox, leading to a 9% increase in aerodynamics over its predecessor, the GP2-890R model, and boosting the top speed by a remarkable 9mph.

Under the hood, there's a plethora of additional engine enhancements, like CNC machined cylinder head ports, 48mm throttle bodies, and a revamped ram-air system. These are housed within a chromoly steel-trellis frame, augmenting both rigidity and stiffness and enabling the bike to hit a racing weight of a mere 142kg.

Marking a new chapter in its journey, the GP2-890RR will be the first bike to roll out from Krämer's new German plant in Burghausen, a 43,000 square foot space that's triple the size of their former unit.

Diehard racers and track day enthusiasts can start their engines come September 2023, with the new speed king debuting in a striking 'Brno Blue' matte paint finish. Buckle up and get ready to race—Krämer's GP2-890RR is here to take the world by storm.

A Change of Pace: Alex Rins Shifts Gears to Yamaha for 2024 MotoGP Season

Prepare for a thrilling shake-up on the MotoGP grid: Alex Rins is trading in his Honda leathers for the racing blue of Yamaha in 2024. Leaving LCR Honda at the end of the 2023 MotoGP season, Rins will partner with Fabio Quartararo, replacing Franco Morbidelli, who was confirmed earlier to be leaving Yamaha.

Morbidelli's next pitstop is rumoured to be Ducati in 2024, and there's a chance he'll join his mentor Valentino Rossi's team, Mooney VR46 Racing.

Rins' departure from LCR Honda comes after a challenging season on the RC213V, which he hopped on after Suzuki's surprise exit from the championship. Despite this tough campaign, Rins made his mark by dominating the COTA earlier this year, celebrating his second victory at the Texan circuit.

However, Rins' journey has hit a speed bump. After sustaining a fractured tibia and fibula during a sprint race accident at Mugello, he's been sidelined for two rounds and will miss the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Filling his shoes will be World Superbike Championship rider, Iker Lecuona.

Yamaha has extended a warm welcome to Rins, with Lin Jarvis, Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing, expressing excitement for the new collaboration. Jarvis views Rins as a seasoned MotoGP rider with a natural talent and an enviable track record, expecting him to adapt quickly to the YZR-M1. The confidence is high that Rins will make a full recovery from his injury and hit top speeds in the 2024 season.

His pairing with Quartararo is also seen as an opportunity to bolster the overall performance of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team.

However, Rins may not be the only rider considering a change of scenery after the 2023 season. Joan Mir, Rins' former Suzuki teammate now with Repsol Honda, is also enduring a challenging season and is dealing with a hand injury.

Meanwhile, Marc Marquez's future is veiled in uncertainty, despite having a contract with HRC for 2024. Marquez has also had his fair share of trials this season, missing five rounds due to injury and suffering a series of crashes.

For now, all eyes are on Silverstone this weekend as Marquez makes his return, and fans await more news from the ever-evolving MotoGP paddock. Stay tuned, racing enthusiasts—it's a fast-changing track.

Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP2 (2023 - on) - An Exhilarating Ride

The Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP2, following closely in the path of the '22 special edition Streetfighter V4 SP, is the newest super-naked motorcycle from Ducati's stellar range. Based on the reimagined 2023 Streetfighter V4 S, the SP2 variant boasts a multitude of impressive upgrades, designed to enhance track performance and bolster its aggressive appearance.

Despite its lofty price tag of £30,595, a solid £7700 more than the V4 S, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP2 is undeniably a sight to behold. Offering a slight performance increase due to enhancements like a superior suspension, lighter wheels, and a dry clutch, the V4 SP2 evokes an emotional response that more than justifies the price. It's the feeling you get when you swing open your garage door and see it staring back at you that truly makes it worth every penny.

The 2023 V4 S was already highly revered for its sharp handling, but the V4 SP2 takes it a step further with a more track-focused setup. The combination of wide bars, a stiff superbike chassis, semi-active Öhlins suspension, and a more spacious riding position for '23 all contribute to making quick laps feel effortlessly achievable. The task is simplified further by the SP2's split five-spoke carbon fiber wheels, which allow for easier side-to-side movement, enhanced track surface tracking, and sharper braking and acceleration performance.

Powering the Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP2 is the same 205bhp, 1103cc V4 motor as the V4 S, but with refined engine mapping and electronic rider aids for all '23 Streetfighter V4s, making them even easier to ride. It's still blazingly fast, though, so holding on tight at full throttle is a must.

When it comes to build quality, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP2 does not disappoint. The exquisite build quality, along with exceptional paint finishes and meticulous attention to detail, are exactly what you'd anticipate for the price. Durability should be no issue.

As for value, the Streetfighter V4 SP2 is more expensive than its super-naked competitors, barring MV Agusta's ultra-exotic Brutale 1000RR and Rush. It might not be twice as good as a Yamaha MT-10 or £7000 better than the Streetfighter V4 S, but if you have the means, it's an exceptional machine that certainly won't disappoint.

Lastly, the equipment is where the Streetfighter V4 SP2 truly shines. Alongside its slipper clutch and carbon wheel, the motorcycle boasts a "Winter Test" livery in satin black, an exposed brushed aluminum tank, a stitched V4 SP2 logo on the seat, and carbon fiber wings, front mudguard, and dry clutch cover. While it's a numbered machine, it isn't a limited-edition special.

Celebrating Baja Aragón Triumph: Limited-Edition Tiger 900 Range

Triumph is celebrating Iván Cervantes’ notable 2022 victory at the challenging Baja Aragón race with a new special edition of their Tiger 900 adventure bike range. Cervantes, a five-time Enduro World Champion, took the challenging 450km race by storm, finishing an astounding one hour and six minutes ahead of the runner-up. He achieved this impressive feat on a modified Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, a detail that's now immortalized in the £13,995 Tiger 900 Rally Aragón and £13,695 Tiger 900 GT Aragón special editions.

These limited-edition models will hit dealers the week of July 24th and will only be available for purchase throughout 2023. Both versions showcase new colors and trim levels to distinguish them from the standard models.

The Rally edition stands out with a blend of Matt Phantom Black, Matt Graphite, and Crystal White, accented with yellow and complemented by a dual-colour seat. The Tiger 900 GT, on the other hand, sports a dynamic Diablo Red, Matt Phantom Black, and Crystal White paint job. It also features a two-tone seat and engine bars as standard on both bikes. Notably, subtle Aragón Edition logos are intricately woven into the paintwork, but the internals remain untouched.

Cervantes' accomplishment is even more extraordinary considering he finished 11th in the Scratch classification, a category that also includes purpose-built 450cc rally motorcycles. This triumph suggests even greater things to come, especially given Triumph's open plans to develop a series of 250cc and 450cc motocross and enduro motorcycles. We might see Cervantes return in 2024, perhaps astride a purpose-built racer, aiming for yet another victory.

The Ducati Panigale V4R: The Perfect Blend of Street and Track Performance

Ducati, a stalwart in the motorcycle world, boasts a reputation for crafting high-performance machines. A shining example of this is the Panigale V4R, a powerful beast designed to rule the racetrack. With a coveted 5 out of 5 rating from Motorcycle News and a loyal following of owners, the Panigale V4R is an unrelenting powerhouse in the world of motorbikes.

The Panigale V4R isn’t just about blistering speeds and raw power; it’s also engineered for the everyday rider. Thoughtful design considerations like rider aids and generous service intervals make this beast not only a racing marvel but also a viable machine for your daily commute or weekend trip. Nonetheless, don’t be misled. Once let loose, the Panigale V4R is a force to reckon with. Its performance can rival any factory racer with intense power, lightness, and an unyielding stiffness that demands the expertise of a professional rider to truly appreciate.

In 2023, the Panigale V4R underwent several enhancements. It now boasts more power, better control, revamped bodywork, and a new set of wings, making it an even more formidable machine. With these improvements, the Panigale V4R stands as an unmatched contender, whether maneuvering through corners or rocketing down a straight road.

The Ducati Panigale V4R was born for the racetrack. Its swift turn-in, intense power, and exhilarating ride are unrivaled by any touring bike. Yet, it isn’t a daunting machine to handle. Thanks to Ducati’s electronic enhancements, the Panigale V4R maintains an excellent grip and smooth throttle response, making it a joy to ride even at lower speeds.

The core of the Panigale V4R is its formidable 998cc engine, delivering a jaw-dropping 218bhp that can be boosted to 231bhp with the optional race kit exhaust. This makes it the most potent road bike engine in Ducati's lineup. The 2023 model introduced lighter pistons, higher lift inlet cams, and several other performance-boosting upgrades. This engine refinement has elevated the power output to a staggering 234bhp when equipped with the optional full titanium Akrapovic racing exhaust system.