Suzuki’s GSX-8R made its National Sportbike Championship debut at the weekend, with Taylor Moreton racing the Powerslide Motorcycles Suzuki at Oulton Park.

The Powerslide team spent the summer building the 8R following the bike’s launch in the spring. However, with their rivals in the new-for-2024 series already up to speed and armed with data and experience – plus the changeable weather conditions over the weekend – it was always going to be a challenge for the Stoke-based squad. 

Though on the back foot, the team worked meticulously through practice and qualifying, steadily improving the package and the lap times, before Moreton qualified in 20th place. However, the arrival of rain on Sunday made for a difficult race, and with no prior wet weather experience for the team or rider with the new 8R Moreton took the flag in 26th.

Demonstrating the importance of prior circuit data and experience, Moreton’s qualifying time this weekend would have put him 10th on the grid at the opening round. Yet despite the result, it proved a solid first outing for the GSX-8R in the UK domestic series, a bike that has been winning in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup this season with Rocco Landers onboard. The team will see out the remaining two rounds of the 2024 before launching a full campaign in 2025.

Powerslide Motorcycles’ team principal Brad Clarke said, “Obviously we knew the challenges we would face this weekend, but I would be lying if I said I was happy after showing so much promise in FP3 where I honestly thought we would cruise into the 44s come race day. But that’s racing and the main thing was to get laps in, and to be only a couple of seconds off after FP3 was impressive. Looking over the data we can see where we are losing out, and hopefully we can make gains in those areas. We have a test on Tuesday to see where we are at and then we can look to improve at Donington. We all know the potential of this package and Taylor and of it hadn’t rained I know we would have been knocking on the door of the top 10.”

Taylor Moreton reflected on the result, saying, “It was great to be back. This weekend was just about getting the bike to feel like my own and we were looking forward to the race, but then the heavens opened and with no wet track time it was a last minute dash to get the bike changed only for it to dry during the race. But our time in FP3 would have put us sixth at the previous test so it shows just how much the bikes and riders have come on this year so to be able to do that lap time, first time out, gives us confidence.”

Jak Tyrrell, Suzuki GB marketing manager, added, “It was great to see the 8R in race spec and in the British Superbike paddock this weekend, and I have to thank Brad and the Powerslide team for their hard work to get the bike to this point. They had a real challenge on their hands this weekend and they did an excellent job in rising to meet it. The 8R’s been widely praised following its launch earlier this year as a road and track day-friendly machine, and Powerslide have further demonstrated its circuit capabilities by proving its competitiveness in the Sportbike Championship. The bike is also winning races in the US, so hopefully we’ll see some more 8Rs on the grid in 2025.”

The Powerslide Motorcycles GSX-8R swaps the standard suspension for Bitubo units, with power boosted and weight saved courtesy of a Spark exhaust system. There’s also a Spider top yoke, clip-ons, and rearsets.

To comply with class regulations it runs a Mectronik ECU, using the standard loom and throttle bodies. Peak power gets a lift thanks to new cams from UK-based specialists Kent Cams, with further development work carried out by Moto46 and PCR Performance. Protection comes from GB Racing engine covers, with the whole package wrapped in Pro Fibre bodywork.

23-year-old Taylor Moreton, who piloted the Powerslide Motorcycles GSX-8R, returned to the BSB paddock after finishing third in the domestic Moto3-based championship in 2018. He’s also raced in the National Superstock 600 championship, and made appearances in World Supersport 300.

Find out more about the GSX-8R here.

 

 

With the Compañero Rambler PRO, Touratech presents a revolutionary all-season suit made of three-layer laminate with the currently highest safety standard AAA. High-quality materials and a functional concept make the Rambler PRO the first choice for comfort-orientated touring riders as well as demanding adventure riders.

Outstanding safety, weather protection and first-class comfort - the new Compañero Rambler PRO combines the expertise Touratech has acquired over one and a half decades in the field of high-end textile suits, the competence of its development partner REV'IT! and the extensive feedback from customers around the globe.

Wind and waterproof thanks to Gore-Tex PRO three-layer laminate
The Touratech Compañero Rambler PRO is made from Gore-Tex PRO three-layer laminate. With a water column of 28,000 millimetres, this high-tech material is completely wind and waterproof and is also characterised by excellent breathability. The membrane is laminated between the sturdy outer layer and a robust inner material, guaranteeing a long product life.

Patented ventilation system
Thanks to a variable air intake, the patented VCS AQUADEFENSE ventilation system from REV'IT! ensures an optimum climate even under heavy physical exertion. If necessary, the flap openings on the chest and thighs allow air to flow in through the three-dimensional BALLISTIC MESH fabric. Thanks to the FIDLOCK magnetic fastener, the flaps remain reliably open even at high speeds.
On the jacket, the VCS front ventilation opens up a three-centimetre-wide BALLISTIC MESH vent and allows air to flow in over the entire upper body. The mesh panel can be closed with a double zip to make it waterproof when it gets cold or rainy.

Additional closable vents on the upper and lower arms, on the back and on the front and back of the legs maximise the air flow in high temperatures

Removable mid layer
To adapt to cooler temperatures, the Compañero Rambler PRO comes with a removable mid layer for the jacket and trousers. The inner jacket can also be used separately as a leisure jacket.
Leisure fit for a comfortable feel
The casual cut of the Compañero Rambler PRO is designed for comfortable touring even on the longest routes. In conjunction with generously dimensioned stretch zones at the knees, waist and seat, flutter-free comfort is guaranteed even at high speeds.
Straps for width adjustment also allow individual customisation. Sophisticated details such as the zips on the jacket sleeves make it easier to put on and take off the jacket, while zips on the side jacket hem allow maximum freedom of movement when seated. 
The equipment also includes a detachable kidney belt; a zip allows the jacket and trousers to be combined.

AAA certification for maximum safety
The Touratech Compañero Rambler PRO is one of the very few textile suits in the world to have the highest possible AAA certification for motorcycle clothing. Several advanced technologies are used to fulfil the requirements for this strict standard. Behind the name PWR Shield is a new type of knitting technology that dramatically improves the abrasion and tear resistance of the outer material. The extra-strong seams also play an important role. Areas that are particularly exposed in the event of a fall are also reinforced with ARMACOR, a highly abrasion-resistant textile material based on KEVLAR.
The Compañero Rambler PRO's extensive range of protectors is one of the key contributors to its outstanding protective effect. The back, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees are fitted with level 2 and level 1 protectors respectively, while large areas of highly reflective 3M SCOTCHLITE ensure passive safety.

The new Compañero Rambler PRO is available in seven sizes for women from XS to 3XL and in seven sizes for men from S to 4XL. The men's suit is available immediately, the women's version from January. The price for the jacket is 1,399 euros, the trousers cost 899 euros.

Further Information in the webshop

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Ace Cafe London teams up with the prestigious British watchmaker Bremont (to provide Ace Cafe Tea) at their Manufacturing & Technology Centre, known as "The Wing" outside Henley-on-Thames, for a special “Bikes & Coffee” event.

 Saturday 21st September (9-12am) including  Ace Cafe stand ,and an exclusive opportunity to experience the extensive watchmaking facilities while browsing the remarkable range of hand crafted Bremont watches.
 
Whether classic or modern, this unique collaboration of two true British icons, in the heart of the Chiltern Valley (an hour’s ride west of the Ace) is open to all bikes:
Bremont Manufacturing & Technology Centre
The Wing
Reading Road
Henley-on-Thames RG9 4GE
Noting that with space limited at the facility please RSVP to confirm your attendance via this link
 “Take It Further”
 
Ace Tea is available as 40 tea bag Ace boxes (6 x boxes to a pack)
 
See you at The Ace 

Listen, revel and be immersed in a mix of the best rock and roll and rockabilly, blended with the London sub-culture sounds, broadcasting 24/7 on online radio and social media.

The Countdown to Battle Begins! Super Stafford Awaits

1. Clash of the Titans: Foggy & Chili Reunited

2. Bikes Reunited: The Legends Return to Stafford

3. Thrills and Chills

4. Bargaining for Your Life: Stafford's Retailers and Autojumblers!

5. BSH Custom Champs: The Ultimate Battle of Creativity

6. Battle Royale at Bonhams: Brough Superiors Take Centre Stage

7. Smokers Corner: Two-Stroke Showdown

8. The Retro Hall: A Blast from the Past

9. Relive the Roar of Yesteryear

10. Join the UK’s Best Motorcycle Clubs