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  1. Suzuki has announced details of an updated Burgman 400, with the now Euro 5 compliant version of the original maxi-scooter boasting traction control, Suzuki’s Easy Start System, and updated instrument cluster, plus changes to its 400cc single-cylinder engine including a new twin-plug cylinder head, piston, and injectors.

    Launched in 1998, the Burgman 400 carved out a new market for large displacement scooters, combining comfort, power, style, and practicality. Updated for the 2006 and 2018 model years, the latest iteration further improves on the proven and solid platform.

    A revised engine produces well balanced low-midrange torque with improved throttle control, courtesy of a number of changes.

    A new twin-plug cylinder head – with simultaneous ignition timing – provides strong power delivery, increases combustion efficiency, and aids fuel consumption. As an added bonus, adjusted ignition timing also results in easier engine startup and a more stable idle. The change additionally contributes to high combustion speed and reduces the possibility of engine knocking in the upper speed range. Consequently, ignition timing can be set to a timing at which power is produced more easily, thereby increasing top speed. A new secondary air pathway helps meet Euro 5 emissions standards.

    There are revised cam profiles, and the injectors have changed from 16-hole to 10-hole injectors, resulting in more miniscule fuel droplets and increased air agitation, improving fuel consumption. A new catalytic converter increases the number of catalysts from one to two, further purifying exhaust gases.

    One of the biggest changes to the updated Burgman 400 comes in the form of a traction control system, which benefits riding in slippery conditions and pulling away briskly from a complete stop. Meanwhile stopping is helped with a new ABS unit, which is also 36g lighter than the previous unit.

    Practicality is maintained through 42 litres of underseat storage, plus an additional 6.3 litres of storage thanks to compartments upfront, the right hand side of which also houses a 12V socket for charging electronic devices.

    The addition of Suzuki’s Easy Start System requires just one brush of the starter button to fire the engine, removing the need to hold the button down.

    Cutaway footboards make it easier to get feet flat on the floor, and a plush seat with adjustable lumbar support makes for a comfortable ride. LED running lights, headlights, and taillights provide excellent nighttime visibility, while also enhancing the maxi-scooter’s stylish design.

    Security features come in the form of Suzuki’s Advanced Immobiliser System (SAIS) and a magnetic cover that protects the ignition barrel and opens only for the owner’s key. A chain gate allows the rider to pass a chain lock through the bodywork, around the frame, and then around a pole or other immovable object.

    The updated Burgman 400 will be available from authorised Suzuki dealerships in the summer, and will come in matte silver, matte black, and iron grey, all complete with blue rims.

  2. Gresini Racing continues within the #GresiniFamily and, with immediate effect, will see the official involvement of Nadia Padovani – Fausto’s wife – as the new CEO of the Faenza-based company. Nadia takes over Fausto’s role completely, therefore getting both Team Owner and Team Principal titles.

    NADIA PADOVANI IS THE NEW GRESINI RACING TEAM OWNER

    This is not the only news, as their sons Lorenzo and Luca will also be protagonists, with the former who will be involved in the administrative part of the company, while the latter will have more of a sporting role and will already be present at Jerez with the team.

    With the whole family on board to give continuity to the company, Fausto’s secret wish to return to MotoGP as an independent team will become a reality from 2022, as expected by the contract signed with Dorna at the end of last season.

    NADIA PADOVANI – GRESINI RACING TEAM OWNER & TEAM PRINCIPAL

    “I would like to think that Fausto’s two families – ours and the racing one – have joined their efforts to bring forward everything he was planning, and especially the MotoGP. To have an independent team in the premier class is surely something very demanding, with a team to be built from scratch, but I know everyone in the company is giving their 110% to make his dream come true. Personally, I see it as a real mission, a challenge we will face – also and above all – thanks to the strength of Fausto, who is following us from above. We’re currently speaking with several manufacturers and in a matter of few weeks we will reveal the details of our MotoGP project.”


    #CiaoFausto❤️

  3. APRILIA RACING SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH DORNA THROUGH 2026

    FROM THE 2022 SEASON, THE RS-GP FACTORY BIKES WILL BE ON THE TRACK WITH THE OFFICIAL APRILIA RACING TEAM

    Aprilia Racing is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with Dorna Sports to participate in the MotoGP World Championship through 2026.

    For the next five seasons, Aprilia Racing will be one of the protagonists in the top motorcycle racing competition in the world, thereby reaffirming its mission of technological research and experimentation excellence within the Piaggio Group.

    From 2022, Aprilia Racing will participate as manufacturer, with the official RS-GP machines on the track as a factory team, as the agreement has ended with Gresini Racing, which accompanied Aprilia Racing’s participation in the championship since 2015. In the moving and heartfelt memory of Fausto, Aprilia Racing holds team Gresini in the highest regard and wishes to thank them for these years together.

    Aprilia is one of the most victorious brands in motorcycle racing history, having won an astonishing 54 world titles in its young career, 38 in World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing, 7 in Superbike and 9 in Off Road disciplines. With 294 GP wins, it is the European brand that has won the most races in World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing. Many of the riders who have made motorcycling history in the last few decades have made their début on the bikes from Noale. These World Champions include Max Biaggi, Loris Capirossi, Alex Gramigni, Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner, Manuel Poggiali, Marco Simoncelli and Alvaro Bautista.

    Massimo Rivola – Aprilia Racing CEO
    “I am obviously happy about this agreement. From next season, we will be participating as Aprilia Racing Factory Team. This opens up new and hopefully great opportunities and we will need to manage many additional responsibilities. It is a natural step that we are taking just as we are beginning to see the first positive signs from the hard work we’ve done in Noale, first and foremost on our structure, and consequently on our beautiful RS-GP bikes. At this time, our thoughts and gratitude go to Gresini Racing, who have accompanied us in these years. In heartfelt memory of Fausto, I wish the team and all its staff the best success for the coming seasons.”

    Carmelo Ezpeleta - Dorna Sports CEO
    “Dorna and Aprilia extending their partnership is really positive news for the FIM MotoGP World Championship. We are excited to continue this association with the Italian manufacturer in a project that has set many fascinating goals, not just in racing performance, but in overall technical excellence of the championship.”