2011 Yamaha Yz on 2040-motos

Moto blog

French Moto Website Anticipates Versys 1000 at EICMA 2011

Musings of a liter-size engined Kawasaki Versys have circulated the web for a few years now, as loyalists of the likable Versys 650, as well as displacement-driven riders waiting in the wings, have pondered the potential of a more powerful adventure bike from Kawasaki that’s in the same league as BMW’s R1200GS and Yamaha’s Super Tenere. Alas, nothing of the sort has ever left the lips of Kawasaki, let alone go into production. Recently, however, the French motorcycle website, Moto-net.com, has produced convincing images that appear like photos of a complete Versys 1000, including matching hard luggage.

Shane Turpin on the 848 at Cadwell

AMA rider and World Superbike wildcard, Shane 'Tornado' Turpin will be riding the 848 Challenge VIP bike this weekend at Cadwell Park. Turpin is an experienced AMA rider and raced as a wildcard at this year’s World Superbike event at Miller Motorsports Park on board a Boulder Motor Sports prepared 1198RS. Asked about the opportunity, Turpin said, “I’m really excited to have this opportunity to race in Europe in the 848 Challenge race and am honored that Ducati UK, JHP Performance, Boulder Motor Sports and my personal sponsors have given me this great opportunity.

Simon and Leo

If you are a track day regular this year, you may well have bumped into former racer and friendly Kiwi, Simon Crafar. I first met him in Malaysia in 1990 when he was riding for a Yamaha dealer team, sweating his way round circuits like Shah Alam and Johor Bahru but with a long term plan to make it onto the World scene. And he didn’t take long as after riding for Honda in the UK in 1992 he moved to WSB in 1994 and enjoyed success with both the Honda and Kawasaki factory teams.