• A year after the first track test at Misano, production of the bikes that will compete in the 2023 MotoE World Championship has begun
• By mid-February all the bikes for the championship will be completed. At the same time, the courses for the team technicians who will have to support them have begun
• Two pre-season tests, at Jerez and Barcelona, before the race debut at the French GP on 13 May

Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 16 January 2023 – A little more than a year after the first test with Michele Pirro at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, work has begun on the "V21L" prototypes that will be the protagonists of the 2023 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship season. The production of the bikes started in December and the 23 units will be ready by mid-February. In addition to the 18 motorbikes that will be raced, five spare units will be made available to the organisation. Each prototype is assembled by expert technicians in the Ducati MotoE Racing Department with the same process, precision and attention to detail typical of the high craftsmanship used to build a MotoGP bike.

The start of production of the "V21L" prototypes represents the beginning of a new and important chapter in Ducati's history. For the Bologna-based company, this project was born with the aim of developing skills for its future, maintaining the approach that has always fuelled Ducati's DNA: experimenting with technological solutions in the world of racing and working to ensure that everything developed in this area can then be used on motorbikes destined for enthusiasts all over the world. To do this, Ducati created the world's most technological, refined and sophisticated electric motorcycle, the result of the joint work of Ducati R&D engineers and the Ducati Corse team. "V21L" is the MotoGP of electric motorbikes, combining the electronic technologies and chassis dimensions developed by Ducati Corse with the design process and project management typical of a road bike like the Panigale V4. It is the combination of the best skills of the two worlds, racing and production, a prototype with which Ducati experiments in a world yet to be discovered, that of electric sports bikes.

Claudio Domenicali, CEO Ducati:  “The start of production of the Ducati MotoE is a historic moment for our company, which with this project is thoroughly studying the technologies of the future for the world of motorcycling. It is an important area of experimentation, in which we are investing to build know-how, so that we will be ready when battery technology should allow the creation of an exciting electric road bike with the weight, performance and range that enthusiasts expect from a Ducati. We are therefore embarking on this new adventure with the aim of developing the people and skills within the company to shape what the character of a future Ducati electric road bike might be. The MotoE project represents a decisive step for Ducati to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions on the product side, alongside research into synthetic fuels (eFuel) that can reduce the total CO2 emissions of internal combustion engines to zero. Environmental sustainability is something that all individuals and all companies must consider a priority if the delicate balance of the planet is to be preserved. Ducati is committed to this also at industrial level, and the construction of the new Finitura e Delibera Estetica area classified as Nearly Zero Energy Building is just the latest example”.

After a year of development tests that have seen Michele Pirro, Alex De Angelis and Chaz Davies take turns riding the "V21L" prototype, the Ducati MotoE project is getting closer to the moment when the bikes will take to the track. The first test with the riders and teams that will compete in the 2023 World Championship is scheduled for the 6, 7 and 8 March at Jerez, followed by three more test days on the 3, 4 and 5 April at the Montmelò circuit in Barcelona.

The race debut will take place at the French Grand Prix on Saturday, 13 May. The 2023 MotoE World Championship calendar is spread over eight Grands Prix with two races per weekend, both on Saturdays. After the French debut, the MotoE World Championship will be present in all the following European races until the Misano GP, thus will continue at Mugello on the weekend of 11 June, at Sachsenring on the following weekend and at Assen on the 25 June. After the summer break, the Ducati MotoE bikes will return to the track at Silverstone on 5 August, before tackling the final three Grands Prix at the Red Bull Ring (20 August), Catalunya (2 September) and Misano (10 September).

While everyone’s attention turns to a new year, Suzuki is reflecting on a successful 2022 that saw the GSX-S1000GT end the year as the top-selling sports tourer, despite only going on sale in April.

Final figures for the year saw 781 bikes registered, with the forecast for more than 1,000 units to be sold before the end of March 2023, which would mark 12 months on sale.

Suzuki GB head of motorcycles, Jonathan Martin, said, “Of course, we’re delighted with the popularity and success of the GSX-S1000GT. It was launched to high praise in the autumn of 2021, and we were seeing a huge number of reservations and orders before the bike had even arrived in dealerships. Despite that, and though it presented challenges, we managed to keep up with demand and we’re on course to top 1,000 sales by the end of its first year on sale, which is a fantastic achievement and something we’re all pleased with and proud of.”

The GSX-S1000GT seamlessly blends sports and touring capabilities, with a flexible, torque-laden inline-four cylinder engine producing 152PS peak power and 106Nm of peak torque, making it equally adept at motorway cruising as it is rev chasing on sportier runs.

That sportier performance is also enhanced by a bi-directional quickshifter and slipper clutch, while five traction control settings can be used to dial in the desired level of interference, depending on the road and riding conditions. The same is also true for three selectable power modes, while cruise control makes long distance touring a doddle.

All of that information, plus smartphone connectivity for calls, messages, and navigation, is displayed via a 6.5”, full-colour TFT screen, with day and night modes.

There’s a twin-spar aluminium frame, superbike-derived swingarm, and fully-adjustable forks from KYB and a rebound and preload adjustable shock, while angular and aggressive bodywork creates a fresh look for faired Suzuki machinery as well as having the benefits of extensive wind tunnel testing.

Available in dealerships now, the best-selling sports tourer can be had for £12,499, while £13,599 gets you the GSX-S1000GT+, which comes complete with two 36-litre panniers as standard.

Or, on a four-year PCP deal, the GSX-S1000GT can be ridden away for £149 per month, with a £2,641.55 deposit.

Find out more about the GSX-S1000GT here.

• In advance of Blue Monday on 16th January, Ben launches new text support service
• Free and confidential support available around the clock for those struggling or in crisis
• Ben is always there for the automotive community – day or night 24/7

January is a tough month for those struggling with their mental health. The festivities are over, it’s a long time until payday and our social media feeds are flooded with everyone we know declaring that ‘this is my year’ and that 2023 will bring a ‘new year, new me’. For some, the new year can indeed feel like a new opportunity, but for others the forced positivity that a new year brings can feel like additional pressure, a difficult standard to live up to.

Ben, the automotive industry charity, regularly sees an increase in demand for support in the winter months and, with Blue Monday fast approaching, has launched a new text service to ensure people who are struggling or in crisis can access free and confidential help any time they need it, day or night.

The text service offers support outside of Ben’s helpline hours (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm), in partnership with Shout. If you need support outside of Ben’s helpline hours, you can simply text the word BEN to 85258. You will then receive four automated messages which will connect you to the next available trained professional who will support you. You will then be able to chat over text about what is troubling you - be it feeling anxious, having relationship issues, experiencing problems with addiction or gambling, feeling lonely, low in mood or depression, dealing with bullying, or experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Whatever is on your mind, the Ben team is on hand 24/7 to listen and help you to reach a calmer and safer place and figure out a plan for how to move forward.

Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “We are delighted to be launching our text service in advance of Blue Monday as we know this will be a hugely valuable new resource for people who need our help. The fact that people can now contact us and receive support at any time, day or night, means that we can offer potentially life-saving support to our automotive family who may be struggling or in crisis.

“Sometimes people prefer to text rather than speak on the phone, it can be easier to share how we truly feel, to chat discretely if there are others in earshot, or to talk about things that are causing us shame or embarrassment over text rather than having to say them out loud. Our existing webchat during the day and now a dedicated out of hours text support service gives our community another way of accessing vital help and may make a crucial difference to someone who is thinking of harming themselves or taking more drastic action in a time of crisis. We want people to know that we are here, any time, for a judgment-free, confidential chat.”

Between 8pm – 8am you can text BEN to 85258 free and anonymously from all major UK networks – to find out more about Ben’s text support service, visit www.ben.org.uk/get-help/ben-s-text-support-service

Ben is here for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and their family dependents. If you would benefit from some support or if someone you know might need us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our free and confidential helpline: 08081 311 333, use our webchat at www.ben.org.uk or text BEN to 58258.

When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.

otorcyclists may be in the minority on UK roads at present, but in the wake of reports that around 1 in 4 families are selling their cars to deal with the cost of living crisis, new research shows motorcycle and moped ownership is trending upwards. More than 67,000 motorcycle tests were taken between April 2021 and March 2022, according to Department for Transport figures released in October, the highest number in any year since records began. Now, Lexham Insurance predicts that this upward trend is here to stay.

Analysing MCIA data and government figures, their team notes that:

• Total two-wheeled vehicle registrations were up 32% on 2021 in the peak buying season between January and April this year, with the year to date showing petrol-powered tourers and classics up 25.1% and 11.6% respectively, and a 9% growth for the electric motorbike market (01/01/22-30/11/22)

• Lexham Insurance has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people looking for motorcycle, moped and scooter insurance this year, with Google search data showing a 26% uplift in motorbike insurance searches between 2021 & 2022 

• In the last year, more than 50,000 new bikers passed their tests to take to the road – a record high, amounting to 34% more new bikers on the road in the course of a year than pre-Covid figures, and a 203% growth on the 2020/21 pandemic period  

Following an initial surge in two-wheeled vehicle ownership coming as a result of the pandemic, many had assumed that figures would dip as the UK returned to almost-normal after repeated lockdowns – but a substantial post-lockdown uplift in new registrations now looks like it’s here to stay.

With fuel prices at the pumps rising 20% so far this year and the cost of living as a whole up more than 11%, many road users are looking for more economical ways to get around, with Startline Motor Finance’s October Tracker reporting that 23% of UK families are selling their cars, while 59% are looking for a vehicle that’s cheaper to run.

“Many small capacity motorbikes get around 50% more miles to the gallon than most cars.” says Andy Goodson, Sales & Marketing Director at Lexham Insurance, “Given that running costs are all typically lower for scooters, mopeds and small motorcycles, it’s not surprising that we’re seeing a sustained growth in registrations now that people all over the country are looking for ways to reduce their outgoings.”

Industry data aggregated across all insurers by Compare The Market shows that the typical insurance premium for a motorbike or moped is approximately 51% lower than that of the average car.

Lexham Insurance has seen a substantial growth in site visits from people seeking motorcycle, scooter and moped insurance so far this year when compared to the same period in 2021, and from those looking to insure electric motorbikes and mopeds. UK search volume data pinpoints a 26% year on year growth in searches for motorbike insurance alone, with the trend looking set to continue.

Of course, it isn’t just the steep incline in living costs and fuel costs that experts say is driving the boom. The UK has seen record-breaking temperatures in recent years, including the warmest New Year’s Day on record in 2022. As the local climate gradually shifts to see warmer temperatures for larger periods of the year, figures support the possibility that road users who have previously been deterred from motorcycling by the cold and rain are reconsidering that option.