Restricted to Death or a Poor Design for Racing?
the future of Ducati's New 1199 Panigale in SBK World Superbike

August 1st, 2013 - You've seen it at every race this 2013 SBK World Superbike race season as the once dominate Ducati name has been left floundering in mid-pack with their new Superquadro powered 1199 Panigale. Team Alstare Ducati factory riders Carlos Checa and Andrea Badovini have been qualifying and finishing in mid-pack, behind the other factory teams and just in front of the privateers. While World Superbike TV commentators Jonathan Green and Steve Martin tell us each week the 'New Panigale is still going through a difficult development program".

That may be organizer Dorna / SBK's official line - a "difficult development program", as they try to pull as many 1000cc in-line four cylinder Manufacturers as they can - hit hard by global economic collapse, back into the depleted World Superbike grid. But for the Bologna manufacturer who's unmatched passion for building winning sportbikes has garnered them 17 World Superbike Championships in the last 25 years of World Superbike racing, getting a new Superbike design right, the first year, had not been a problem in the past - just witness Carl Fogarty's 1995 title win on the new 2nd Generation 916/955; Neil Hodgson's 2003 title win on the new 4th Generation 999 in 2003; and Troy Bayliss 2011 title win on the new 5th Generation 1090/1198 in 2008. Winning 17 world titles in 25 years shows Ducati knows how to design and develop winning bikes right out of the factory front door.

Making this all the more perplexing, in box-stock form, the 1199 Panigale is probably the best of the current street legal Superbike on the market with its light weight, incredible handing, electronic controls and adjustability, and power equal to the best of the competition from BMW and Aprilia.

Proving Ducati's winning potential with the all new 6th Generation 1199 Panigale was the simple fact that in the 2012 Superstock 1000 Championship the newest Ducati was in the hands of Eddie La Mara on the privateer Althea Barni racing Team Italia 1199 was able to take 5 Podiums, 2 Pole wins and 1 Race Win against strong factory backed teams from BMW and Kawasaki. Only reliability problems with the stock 1199s engine's heavy steel connecting rods held it back the first season, rectified in 2013 by the change to new lighter Titanium rods and valves in the 1199R model.

So why has Ducati become an also ran in the 2013 World Superbike Class with the new 1199 Panigale which should be dominating again with its all new short stroke, hi-rpm Superquadro engine? Does it have to do with FIM SBK Rule Book and the restrictions placed on 1200cc V-twin bikes, while, the 1000cc 4-cylinder bikes can run virtually unrestricted? Ignoring the additional weight restriction (compared to the 1000cc 4-cylinders bikes), the Ducati 1098/1198 had to run in mid-way thru 2012 after Carlos Checa won the 2011 World Championship again for the bike, the previous 5th Generation 1098/1198 with its Testastretta engine was always required by the FIM to run 50mm intake restrictors on its stock 63.9mm throttle bodies.

The 1198 Testastretta engine has a 106 x 67.9mm bore x stroke (1198cc) and the 1198RS race engine made peak power of 199hp at 11,900 rpm. With its broad, torquey powerband delivering gobs of mid-range power and provided for great rear tire grip, the FIM mandated 50mm restriction of air flow at peak RPM wasn't a big concern to be completive in World Superbike.

But the new Ducati 1199 Superquadro engine with its even shorter stroke 112 x 60.8mm bore x stroke (also 1198cc) was designed as a higher revving, higher horsepower engine to keep up with the horsepower race in the marketplace dominated by BMW and Aprilia, et all. On the stock production bikes the peak horsepower RPM was raised from the 1198's power peak at 195hp 9,975 rpm to the 1199's at 195hp @ 10,775 rpm.

So the new Superquadro has to turn 800 more RPM than the Testastretta to same power in stock form. But everyone assumed the new Superquadro short stroke engine could be modified in race trim (with higher compression, more radical cams, ignition and fuel mapping) to make even more power.

And we can assume, that if the old 1198RS Testastretta race engine made it's peak power at 11,900 rpm, then the new Superquadro's 1199RS engine, in direct relation to their street counterparts, needs to make its peak power at 12,900 rpm. All the while, at a sacrifice to that once famous Ducati mid-range power. However, with the FIM mandated 50mm restrictors installed, is the new 1199RS limited at the higher 11,900+ rpm it needs to spin to say competitive this 2013 race season?

We asked the Ducati Corse Press Department to show us the powerband of a Corse prepped Superquadro 1199RS with its even bigger stock 67mm throttle bodies, with and without with the FIM mandated 50mm restrictors installed, and they declined to show or tell us any numbers.

The previous 1198 Testastretta engine came stock with 63.9mm Throttle Bodies and was required by FIM rules to run 50mm intake restricters to reduce power. The new 1199 Superquadro engine has massive new 67mm Throttle Bodies are bigger than on most race car engines. But it still had to breath through the 50mm Restrictors at the start of the 2013 race season, on an engine designed to make its peak power 1,000 RPM higher. The new engine now needs 1000 rpm x 1198cc more air per minute pulled though those same tiny 50mm restrictor plates - that's equivalent to 316.5 gallons of air more per minute! Is the Superquardo RS limited in making competitive poawrr by the FIM mandited restrictors?

So the new 1199RS is probably only making the same 199hp peak horsepower as the old 1198RS, but now with the loss of the old engine's big advantage in mid-range power and traction. The new Panigale Superquadro with its narrower powerband, can't pull out of the corners like the old bike, while on the big straightaways its down some 30+ hp / 10 mph to the much more powerful 230-240hp 1000cc 4-cylinder superbikes.

Strike One: Effectively, Ducati shot itself in the foot with the new 1199 Superquadro engine. Which on its own is an incredible engine. But In designing it to make more peak power to stay completive in the Superbike street market, it gave-up the famous mid-range power that Ducati enthusiasts love.

Strike Two: Then in SBK World Superbike the 50mm intake restrictors at the start of the 2013 race season have nullified its designed-in power increase - Strike Two.

With Two Strikes against it over last year's Testastretta engine, you can understand why the Superquadro was not competitive at the beginning of the year in World Superbike. No amount of "development" can help a great engine design, that didn't anticipate running in a restricted race class, or needing to be highly modified beyond stock production specs.

Now if you are watching the 1199S/R in SBK European Superstock last season and this season, the stock Barni and Alstare Ducati bikes have been somewhat completive against the stock BMW 1000RR and Kawasaki ZX-10 machines. Sock for stock, even with intake restrictors, the Panigale is somewhat completive in Superstock just as it was designed to be. The only disadvantage for the new 1199 Superquadro in Superstock seems to be the higher RPM motor is not as kind on its rear tires as the old Testastretta long stroke motor was, and now towards the end of a race, the tires are going off and lap times are suffering.

But in the World Superbike class where the 1000cc fours are allowed to employ higher compression and more radical camshaft timing, and breath in as much air as as they need to make even more power. While the 1200cc V-twin bikes - the Ducati1199RS is restricted even further to stock 1199 pistons, although all type bikes are allowed to make compression increases by maching the cylinder head surface.

Could it be the new Superquadro engine design is limited in that it can't be modified very much beyond stock to make it competitive in WSBK against the 4-cylinders bikes? That even with the FIM Restrictors reportedly "removed" since Imola in June (the FIM rules do not allow immediate complete removal, only increases in size in 2mm increments, and only after 3 Event Weekends / 6 Races). We hear the 1199 engine, even without Restrictors, only picks up about 5-7 hp more horsepower, increasing power output up from its current 195hp restricted to about 200hp. Not a significant power gain against their 240hp competition.

According to the FIM rules (see below), if the restrictors started the 2013 season at 50mm, they can only be adjusted in 2mm increases, and only after 3 races of poor results. So Ducati Corse could only go up from 50mm to 52 mm at Imola. So the current Ducati 1199 Superquadro engine design has a few more years of losing races before they can keep going up in size and remove the restrictors entirely and run their fully open 67mm throttle bodies. No one at Ducati Corse will tell us if they have tested a Superquadro engine with higher compression and wilder cams, and they won't tell us what size restrictors they are running on their stock 67mm Throttle bodies.

And even with the change to Titanium rods and valves on the new production 1199R homologation bike this year to allow them to turn 500 higher RPM and make more power, it seems the current engine specifications still can't turn the higher RPM's it really needs to make competitive power.

Update - No Restrictors Confirmed
August 12, 2014 - We have since learned, and without any formal announcement, the FIM and DORNA have bypassed the published Technical Regulations (see below) and allowed the Ducati 1199RS Panigale Superbikes to now run open 67mm throttle bodies with no restrictors at all, since the Imola Round the end of June 2013.

The race results for Alstare Ducati at Imola, then followed by Moscow, still remained disappointing for the factory squad. Although at Silverstone on the August 3rd-4th weekend, Carlos Ceca was able to put the 1199RS on the front row with a 2nd place in Superpole. But in both races the factory bikes remained down on top speed, and Badovini and Checa fell back in both races to finish in 8th -12th positions.

In Superbike race trim the 1199 Superquadro, now unrestricted, remains down in peak power agains the 1000cc 4-cylinder bikes. And its peaky powerband is not easy on the Pirelli spec tires, causing the tires to overheat and loose grip towards the end of the races, and the bikes falling back in position. Effectively for Ducati in 2013, this year's Superbie race season has been a huge disapointment for the exciting new Panigale design.

Is there a solution for Ducati in World Superbike, and the Superbike Market?
Should Ducati can't keep plodding along with an oversize engine in World Superbike at the mercy of changing rule restrictions? Is there a long term solution for Ducati's current woes in World Superbike and in the market place? Can the unrestricted Superquadro engine be redesigned in some way, to make competive power?

Before learning that the current spec 1199 Superquadro 1200cc engine would still be struggling to be competitive in World Superbike even without FIM Restrictors, I'd have had the engine department at Ducati testing a downsized 1000cc Superquadro engine on the dyno without Restrictors to see how much power it can make - modified with high compression pistons, race cams and unrestricted. Going smaller doesn't necessarily mean less power. In GT2 Le Mans Sports Car Racing the factory Corvette team was required to run very small Intake Restrictors on its stock big displacement 6.2 litter V-8 push rod 2-valve engines. They found in testing by going to smaller displacement 5.5 litter V-8 engine with the same size restrictors and air flow, they could rev their smaller engine higher with the same amount of air and make more peak horsepower and remain completive against the the DOHC 4-valve Ferrari F430s.

The same might be true for Ducati in going to a smaller 1000cc V-twin Superbike engine, they could probably make more peak horsepower, plus they would be allowed by the rules to do away with the Restrictors all together. Then just sell 500 examples of a new 1000R Panigale next year to homologate the smaller displacement bike for racing.

But for all the Ducati Superbike enthusiasts bemoaning the loss of mid-range torque with the new 1199 Superquadro engine, Ducati might just be better off to revert back to something like the old 106mm bore x 67.9mm stoke found in the old 1198 Testastretta engine, which also produced the same stock 195hp ratings as the new 1199 engine while running with 50mm Restictors. And perhaps with the removal of Restrictors on this revised 1199 longer stroke / torque engine, Ducati would also have the peak power to keep up with the competition. One other problem though, the new Superquadro engine design may not allow for a return to a longer stroke crank and rod in its current design structure.

Should a smaller displacement 1000R Panigale or a longer stroke 1199R still not prove power completive in dyno testing against the current BMW and Kawasaki Superbikes, and the all new Honda RC211 derived V-4 Superbike coming this fall, then it just might be time to pull the V-4 Desmosedici 1000cc engine out of the closet and homologate it for World Superbike.

Either way Ducati should not be at the mercy of FIM rules restrictions by running a bigger displacement Superbike than everyone else. In fact, I sent a letter outlining all this to Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali back in May of 2013. I didn't get a reply back, either because he thinks I'm an idiot, or because they just may be working on what I've suggested. We'll probably have to wait for Ducati's next big new product reveal at EICMA in November 2013 to see if Ducati has a new unrestricted 1000cc V-twin or V-4, or a long stroke 1200cc Superbike in the pipeline. - Jim Gianatsis, Editor

Go to: Ducati 1199 Feature Introduction • Ducatii 1199S Track Ride • Ducati 1199R
Design of the 1199 SuperQuadro Engine • 1199 Restricted to Death in World Superbike

Back to Ducati Motorcycles • New Bike Index • Pit Board Index • Pit Lane News

The FIM SBK 2013 Superbike / Superstock Rule Book

See the Complete Rule book at: http://www.fim-live.com/fileadmin/alfresco/6510004_eng.pdf

2.4.8.1.2 Air restrictors for 1200cc 2 cylinders
Application: Only the 1200cc 2 cylinders will be fitted with air restrictors. The initial air restrictor size to be installed is equivalent to a Ø 50 mm circular area (1963,5 mm2). Air restrictor size will be adjusted (in steps equivalent to a change of 2 mm in diameter or equivalent circular area, upwards to Ø 52 mm and then to no restrictor at all, downwards to a minimum of Ø 46 mm), if needed during the Championship, as described below in Art. 2.4.8.1.4

Definition: An air restrictor is a metallic device with a tract of constant controlled section and which is placed in the induction tract between the throttle body and the cylinder head. The length of the controlled tract must be at least 3 mm. No air and/or air-fuel mixture to the engine must by-pass the restrictor. No part of the fuel injection system (injector, needle, slide, etc) shall extend through the restrictor.

The Manufacturer must supply the FIM with 10 sets of plug-calibres (-gauges) to check the diameter of the air restrictor when using one of the prescribed sizes (Ø 52, Ø 50, Ø 48, Ø 46 mm).
A Manufacturer may have a non-circular air restrictor, provided that the area of this restrictor is equivalent to the area of a nominal circular restrictor. In this case, the Manufacturer must supply the FIM with 10 sets of plug-calibres (-gauges) for measuring the restrictor during the technical verifications.

59 SBK
The FIM may also request the Manufacturer to supply a cut section of the air restrictor(s) in each of the prescribed sizes.

2.4.8.1.3 Air restrictor adjustment
The minimum air restrictor size is increased or decreased in 2 mm steps in diameter of equivalent circular area, according to following procedure:

1. If the gap in the average value of ‘event averages’, calculated as described in Art. 2.4.4.2 is more than 5 points in favour of the 1000cc 4 cylinder manufacturer, and If a rider of a 1000cc 4 cylinder motorcycle is leading the riders’ FIM Superbike World Championship standings at that time:

Then the initial air restrictor size of all the 1200cc 2 cylinder motorcycles will be increased by one size, to a Ø 52 mm (or the equivalent area 2123.7 mm2), or as a last step, the air restrictor will be withdrawn.

2. If the minimum weight for 1200cc 2 cylinder manufacturers has reached the upper limit of 171 kg, and if the resulting gap of the average value of ‘event averages’, calculated as described in Art. 2.4.4.2, is more than 5 points in favour of the 1200cc 2 cylinder manufacturer, and
if a rider of a 1200cc 2 cylinder motorcycle is leading the riders’ FIM Superbike World Championship standings at that time:

Then, the initial air restrictor size of the 1200cc 2 cylinder manufacturers will be reduced by one size, to a Ø48 mm (or the equivalent area 1809.6 mm2) or, as last step, to a minimum of Ø46 mm (or the equivalent area 1661.9 mm2).

60 SBK
If the air restrictor size is not updated, then the results of three more events will be considered and the best manufacturers for each engine configuration will be updated considering the sum of points of the best two riders from each selected manufacturer over six events and so on, over multiples of three events. A new average value of the ‘event averages’ will be calculated over six events and so on, over multiples of three events, until the points gap of the average value of the ‘event averages’ from the last minimum weight update is higher than 5.

The FIM Superbike Technical Director will inform all the teams about the possible air restrictor size adjustments, within 24 hours from the end of the last event (the last meeting of the International Jury), where the average value of the ‘event averages’ was calculated. The new air restrictor size adjustments must be applied from the first following event.

2.4.8.6 Pistons
• For 1000cc 3 and 4 cylinders
Pistons may be altered or replaced from those fitted to the homologated motorcycle.
• For 1200cc 2 cylinders
Standard piston or the piston kit (*) must be used. (*) The piston kit must have the same price as the standard one and must be listed in the current racing parts list of the Manufacturer and be on sale for customers. Within 90 days from the order, the customer must receive the piston kit set.

2014 FIM World Superbike Rules Changes
The FIM, August 8th 2013 - Following various meetings between the FIM, Dorna and the MSMA, a new framework has been put in place for the progressive application of the new Superbike rules. The new rules are aimed at reducing costs for the motorcycle and its components.

1. The rules changes for the 2014 FIM Superbike World Championship season will be as follows:
• A limited number of engines (eight) per rider/per season.
• A limited number of gear ratios.
• A price cap on the brakes.
• A price cap on the suspensions.

2. In order to ensure that there are a sufficient number of riders with competitive motorcycles on the grid, the MSMA has agreed to provide, on request, a complete motorcycle package at a fixed prize, for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016.

The motorcycle packages supplied will be the same as those used by the manufacturer and will receive certain updates and maintenance from the manufacturers during the season. (The price being discussed for these race packages is USD $300,000 not including crash damages - Ed).

3. Under the new rules, there will be a sub-category known as the EVO class. This class will follow the FIM Superbike technical regulations for all chassis, suspension and brake components. On the engine and electronics side, however, these motorcycles will follow the present FIM Superstock rules. The price cap on brakes and suspensions will be the same as Superbike.

More details about the EVO technical rules will be available on the FIM Website shortly.
A draft of the new technical rules will be published on the FIM website by 26 August.

Supermodel, actress, and singer songwriter and Fast Dates Calendar Kitten Sara Horvath.

FastDates.com Calendar Kittens to headline the
2013 SBK World Superbike Laguna Seca USA Starting Grid on Sept 26-28th
 
Los Angeles, CA, August 1, 2014 - The FastDates.com Calendars & Website, in association with Umbrella Girls USA, is excited to announce that SBK World Superbike has selected three beautiful Fast Dates Calendar Kittens to grace the front of the starting grid when the World Superbike Championship returns to the Monterey Peninsula at Laguna Seca Raceway the weekend of September 26-28th 2013. The models include supermodel, actress, singer songwriter Sara Horvath who hails from Livingston, Montana, and popular Umbrella Girls USA spokesmodel Jessica Harbour out of San Diego, CA.

World Superbike in America makes its return to Laguna Seca this September after an 8 year hiatus from the west coast's most popular roadrace facility. Together with the premier SBK World Superbike Class, the AMA Pro Roadracing Championship will also be joining the 3-day race weekend with its top classes including Pro Superbike. The first World Superbike Championship race in America took place at Laguna Seca Raceway back in 1995 with four FastDates.com Calendar models serving as the official SBK grid and podium girls on race day that year, and in many subsequent years since.

As he does every year at one of the SBK World Superbike rounds around the world, FastDates.com Calendar publisher and photographer Jim Gianatsis will use the 2013 SBK Laguna Seca September 26-28th race weekend to shoot with the Calendar Kittens for the next edition of the Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar.

"This year's Calendar shoot will be for the 25th Anniversary of the Fast Dates Calendar, the first edition of which featured Pamela Anderson on the cover with Miguel DuHamels' "Big Papa" Yoshimura Suzuki Superbike," explains Jim. "Every year I've been privileged to have exclusive track access to photograph the Calendar with all the top factory race teams in AMA and World Superbike, MotoGP, together with many of the world's most beautiful models and celebrities."

Above, Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar Kitten Sara Horvath, and left, Jessica Harbour

"This year will be no exception with the addition of beautiful models Sara and Jessica. I've been shooting with both of them for the Calendars over the past year and don't take a bad shot, plus they are fun and easy to work. I look forward to travel with them up the beautiful Pacific Coast on Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Monterey for the return of World Superbike at Laguna Seca, and show them the fan party atmosphere on Monterey's Cannery Row on Saturday night. It's going to be an incredible race weekend experience in one of the most beautiful locations on earth that no motorcycle racing fan will want to miss!"

Sara and Jessica recently worked togther in July, hosting the 22 annual LA Calendar Motorcyle Show at the Queen Mary, in Long Beach, CA. The premier custom streetbike event in America, the girls hosted the world premier of the new 2014 FastDates.com Calendars. And as a talented singer songwriter, Sara also performed on stage entertaining the spectators during the day

To find our more about the FastDates.com Calendars and Calendar Kittens, and to order Calendars and Books go to FastDates.com.

Gianatsis Design Associates specializes in advertsing and marketing for the motorsports and sports fasion markets and can be found at FastDates.com/JGDESIGN.HTM. UmbrellaGirls USA.com spealizes in providing spokesmodels for motorsports events and shows.

New Fast Dates.com Calendar Shoot!
Go behind the scenes at the glamorous Gianatsis Design Studios with beautiful new Calendar Kittens Jessica and Kelsey as they shoot for the FastDates.com Motorcycle PinUp Calendars with photographer Jim Gianatsis. And look for the new 2014 Calendars available right here on July 1st. Order the Calendars!

Videographer: Eric Lundmark; Video Editing and Still photography: Jim Gianatsis; Models: Jessica Harbour, Kelsey Silwinski; Make Up: Victoria Rubell, Music: Special thanks to Neil Sedaka for our theme song Calendar Girl; Modeling Agent: Umbrella Girls USA.

2013 SBK Eni World Superbike Championship, Silverstone Round 9 of 15

Loris Baz and Jonthan Rea on Top at Silverstone World Superbike
Silverstone, Great Britain, Sunday 4 August 2013 - A typical British mixed weather welcomed the eni FIM Superbike Championship for Round 9 race day at Silverstone. A busy schedule gave fans plenty of spectacular action to watch and delivered unpredictable results, along with some of the most thrilling battles witnessed so far this year. Amid dry and wet conditions throught the race weekend, Race day on Sunday would see Pata Honda's Jonthan Rea and Kawasaki's Loris Baz come out on top, while Aprilia's Sylvain Guintoli increase his points lead in the World Championship standings ahead of Kawsaki's Tom Sykes. Complete Race Coverage

Laverty, Checa and Rea share the champaign in the Paddock Show after securing the front row in Superbpole for Sunday's races.

Jonthan Rea led an all British rider podium in Race One

Loris Baz beat Kawasaki team mate Tom Sykes both races on Tom's home turf at Silverstone.

Ron Boldonado and his Classic American Class winning replica Board Track race with girls from the band Nylon Pink
and Calendar Kittens Sara Horvath and Jessic Harbour who will be accompanying us this September 26-28th to Laguna Seca World Superbike to shoot the next edition of the Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar and will serve as official SBK grid girls on race day.

2013 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show & Calendar Girl Music Festival
Los Angeles, July 14th, 2013 - The 22nd edition of the annual LA Calendar Motorcycle Show marked its return to the Queen Mary Seawalk Village in Long Beach, CA with Southern California's Sam Baldi continuing his domination of 2013 season West Coast bike event by taking the Calendar Bike Building Championship's Best of Show and one of the coveted Mikuni Carburetor Trophies with his latest Jimmy Todorovith / Profile Cycles built Big Twin custom named "Lost Angel".

Chris Redpath / MotoGPwerks.com Sportbike Class winner features a Suzuki TL1000 V-Twin Superbike engine in a hand made trellis tube frame.

This year's Calendar Motorcycle Show continued it's long standing tradition of showcasing top Celebrity Builders in the Calendar Bike Building Championship, selected Vendors and Exhibitors, together with Calendar Girl Music live performances. And as always, this year's Show celebrated the world premier of the new 2014 FastDates.com Motorcycle PinUp Calendars photographed by Show producer Jim Gianatsis featuring the world's top SBK World Superbikes, sport and cafe bikes, and custom motorcycles with the beautiful Calendar Kittens. On hand throughout the day to meet with fans and pose for pictures were Calendar Kittens Apple Price, together with official SBK World Superbike grid girls, Jessica Harbour and singer songwriter Sarah Horvath.   Complete Show Coverge Here

Steve Storz premiered his new Storz SP1200RR Cafe Racer which retails for $28,000 or you can buy the parts individually to modify your own Sportster donor bike.

Click to GO BIG

2013 MotoGP World Championship, Sachsenring, Germany, Round 8 of 18

Stefan Bradl takes Pole and finishes in 2nd Place
Marquez Continues to Win at Laguna Seca MotoGP
Laguna Seca, California, USA July 18-20th - Marc Marquez has won Sunday’s Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, becoming the youngest ever back-to-back race winner in MotoGP™. The Repsol Honda Team rider extended his championship lead while LCR Honda MotoGP’s Stefan Bradl celebrated a first premier-class podium finish from pole position. Valentino Rossi held off Alvaro Bautista for the final rostrum spot.   Complete Coverage HERE

The 2014 FastDates.com Calendars and the FAST 2014 Calendar Magazine Yearbook feature
the official SBK World Superbike grid girls Jitunka & Petra from the Czech Republic!

NEW! FAST 2014 Digital Calendar Magazine Yearbook
The Bikes, the Builders, the Riders, the Kittens,the Calendar Bike Show, the World Superbike races all the 2014 Calendar Pictures, and Special Features... For the first time every we take you around the world in 120 exclusive pages for the making of the 2014 FastDates.com Calendars!    Now in Members Corner

Edelweiss Alps Ride and News Adventure Bike Guide
Ride with Edelweis Tours and Motorcyclist magazne as they test all the hot new Adventure Motorcycles through the Alps -
the Triumph Explorer XC, Ducati Multistrada S Touring, KTM 1190 Adventure & Adventure R, BMW 2013 Watercooled R1200GS and 2012 Aircooled R1200GS, Yamaha Super Tenere, Honda Cross Tour. To find our more abour Edelweis Bike Tours click here:

Mission R / RS Electric Superbike Ready for Production
This $58,999 RS model is limited to just 40 units. Once it’s delivered, the Mission R will enter production starting at just $29,999 (before a $2,500 federal tax credit). For additional details and to order go to: http://www.mission-motorcycles.com

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2012/13 RACE CALENDAR & EVENT REPORT INDEX

2013 World Superbike
Season Preview
DATE/REPORT   TRACK LINK
Feb 24      Phillip Island AUS
April 14     Spain, Aragon
April 28     Netherlands, Assen
May 12     Italy, Monza
May 26     GB, Donnington
June 9      Portugal Portimao
June 30    Italy, Imola
July 21     Russia, Moscow
Aug 4       GB, Silverstone
Sept 1      Germany, Nurburgring
Sept 15    Turkey, Istanbul Park
Sept 29    USA, Laguna Seca
Oct 6        France, Magny Cours
Oct 20      Spain, Jerez
Nov 17     India, Buddh

All Rounds include Superbike and 600cc Superstock except USA is Superbike only.
European rounds also Include 1000cc Superstock.

2013 MotoGP
DATE/REPORT   TRACK LINK
Apr 7    -   Qatar – Doha Losail
Apr 21  -   Americas, Austin TX
May 5 -     Spain, Jerez Frontera
May 19 -   France, Le Mans
June 2 -    Italy, Mugello
June 16 -  Catalunya,Catalunya
June 29 -  Netherlands,AssenTT
July 14 -   Germany,Sachsenring
July 21 -   USA, Laguna Seca                (Only MotoGP class)
Aug 18 -  USA, Indianapolis
Aug 25 -  Czech Rep, Brno
Sept 1 -   GB, Silverstone
Sept 15 - SanMarino Misano
Sept 29 - Aragon Motorland
Oct 13 -   Malaysia, Sepang
Oct 20 -   Australia, Phillip Is
Oct 27 -   Japan, Motegi
Nov 10-   Valencia, Ricardo

2013 AMA Superbike
DATE/REPORT   TRACK LINK
Mar 14-16     Daytona FL
May 31-Jun 2   Road America WI
June 21-23    Barber, AL
July 12-14    Mid-Ohios
July 19-20    Laguna Seca CA
Aug 2-4       Miller MSports, UT
Aug 16-18   Indianapolis IN
Sept 13-15  New Jersey
Sepr 27-29  Laguna Seca CA

2013 British Superbike
Click Date for Race Report
DATE/REPORT   TRACK LINK
April 5-7         Brands Hatch Indy
Apr 12-14      Thruxton
May 4-6         Oulton Park
June 14-16    Knockhill
July 5-7         Snetterton
July 19-21     Brands Hatch GP
Aug 9-12       Oulton Park
Aug 24-26     Cadwell Park
Sept 6-8        Donnington Park
Sept 20-22    Assen
Oct 4-6          Silverstone GP
Oct 18-20      Brands Hatch GP

May 26-Jun 2nd   2013 Isle of                             Man TT, UK

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Editorial, Bike Tests
News Features

• 2013 LA Calednar Motorcycle   Show - Hot Bikes and Kittens!
• MV Agusta Brutale Corsa 1090   Naked Streetfighter
• 2014 FAST Digital Magazine   and Calendars World Premier!
• MV Agusta 2014 F3 800cc   Superbike - Perfect
• FastDates.com Calendar Video   Shoot - Kelsey and Jessica
• The Unrideables! - Incredible
   2-Stroke MotoGP Documentry
• Pirelli Angel GT Tire - World   Superbike Tech for the Street
• World Superbike 25 Years -   Tribute to Flammini Brothers
• 2013 MV Agusta F4RR   Superbike
• MV Agusta Factory Visit Movie
• 2013 Ducati 1199R Superbike • Hypermoto 821
• Extreme Cooley - Suzuki   Katana Superbike & Calendar   Show Bikes
• Troy Bayliss Race Academy   School Misano & Paris 2012!
• Ducati 1199 and Multistrada  1200 Performance Modifications
• EICMA 2012 International   Motorcycle Show Milan
• BMW HP4 S1000RR Superbike   Track Day Weapon
• 2012 LA Calendar Bike Show   Japanese Builder Best of Show
• World Superbike Changes to   Pirelli 17-Inch Wheels for 2013
• World Ducati Week 2012
  65,000 of the faithful at Misano
• Ducati 1199RS 2013 World   Superbike Part One & Part Two
• 2012 Honda CBR1000RR
• Editorial: World Championship   Roadracing in USA - Will it   Survive?
• Fast Dates Calendar Shoot at   Miller 2012 World Superbike
• Quail Motorcycle Gathering   2012
• Pirelli Diablo SuperCorsa -   Superbike Tires for the Street!
• Ducati 1199S Panigale Track   Ride
• 2012 World Superbike Preview
• Verona Italy Bike Show -
  Cool Customs and Sporbikes
• Pro Italia Cafe Desmo   Coverage
• Ducati's Monocoque Design   Dilemma - To Frame or Not?
• Manuela Raffaeta
  Marco   Melandri's Girlfriend!
• Ducati 1199 Panigale Feature
• EICMA 2011 Motorccycle Show
• Elena Myers - Teen Roadracer
• Ducati 1199 Panigale
  Most Advaced Superbike Ever
• Marco Simoncelli Tribute -   
  Death of a rising MotoGP Star
• New Ducati Superquadro 1199   Engine - 195 hp for the Street!
• Elena Myers - Teenage Dream   Girl Roadracer
• 2011 LA Calendar
  Motorcyle Show
• NCR D16! OMG 240hp / 316   pounds!
• Ducati Diavel Test in Italy!   Superbike meets Custom
• DRE Troy Bayliss Academy  Exclusive First Test at 180mph!
• NCR Factory / Poggopolini
  Ducati Racing Bikes and Parts
• Fox Factory Superbike Shox   
  The choice of Champions
• Mission R Superbike!
  Electron Powered racer!
• Brammo Electric Sportbike
• Hansen Dam British Bike Meet   Biggest Brit Bike meet in USA
• Valentino Rossi / Yamaha M1   Seminar with the Doctor
• Shorai Lithium MCBattery   GoodBye Lead & Acid
• EICMA 2010 International   Motorcycle Show - Bikes Girls
• Taylor Momsen / The Pretty   Reckless Chicks Kick ASS!
• Ducati Edelweiss Imola
  World Superbike Tour to
  Ducati Factory, Mueum, Store   Italy & Imola World Superbike
• Yosh Suzuki GS750E 1983
  The Ultimate Street Superbike!
• Fast Dates Calendar Shoot at   Miller USA WSB 2010
• 20th Anniversary Fast Dates    World Superbike Calendar
• 2009 LA Calendar Bike Show    Hot Bikes, Beautiful Girls
• John Britten A Video Tribute
   to Motorcycling's Innovator
• Heart Attack Grill - the
   World's Sexiest Hamburgers!
• Roehr Harley Supebike
   Silk Purse from a Sow's Ear
• Troy Bayliss Interview  
  3-Time World SBK Champ
• Valentino Rossi Interview
  8-Time Grand Prix Champ
• 2010 Fast Dates Cal Shoot
• Baltika Beer - Worlds Best!
• DMG Kills AMA Superbike!
• BMW S1000 RR Superbike
• High Speed - the Movie
• Casey Stoner - MotoGP star
• BMW HP2 Sport
• Ducati Hypermoto R
• 2009 Fast Dates Shoot
  at Brands Hatch WSB
• Calendar Bike Show 2007
• Vyrus Superbike Exotica
• Ducati 1098S Tri Colore
• Lame Ducks?
  Ducati and Bayliss Too Fast?
• Edelweiss Alps Challenge
• The Game A Racer's Tale
• Interview Paolo Ciabatti
  Ducati's Superbike Future
• Ducati Desmosedici RR
  World's best Superbike?
• World's Fastest Indian
• Ducati DRE Track Schools
• Ducati Museum Visit
• Chris Vermeulen
   Interview & Profile
• 2008 Fast Dates Calendar
  Shoot at Brands Hatch
• Edelweiss Bike Trip to   
  France and Western Alps
• AMA Pro Racing and the
  Decline of US Roadracing
• Pirelli PinUp Calendar
• MV Agusta F4-1000
   Rockin' Robin's 1st test
• Ducati Racing Experience
  Superbike School
• Pirelli Calendar  Supermodels   get naked in  Rio de Janero
• Who is Ten Kate?   
  Private Hondas Kick Ass
• Ducati Factory Visit
• Ducati Corse Race Shop
  Exclusive Visit!
• World Ducati Week
  Sportbike Heaven
• Ducati 04 Desmosedici
   D16 GP4 MotoGP Bike
• Torque Movie Review
   with our Jaime Presley
• British Sportbike
   Magazine Review
• AMA Superbike Rules
• Valentino Rossi
  Biography of a Champ.
• SBK Fast Dates Girls   
  Our official Ducati Corse   umbrella girls at Laguna
• Paris Motorcycle Show
  Well Worth the Trip

Sportbike Magazines
& Pinup Calendars
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• Crossbow Calendar 2010
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• Pirelli Calendar 2009
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• Pirelli Calendar Review
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• British Bike Mag Review

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MotoGP Performance Riding New 2nd Edition!
Official MotoGP book, the second edition of this practical guide to motorcycle racing technique, aimed at racing and track day enthusiasts at all levels, has been expanded to include extra information as well as many new photographs and up-to-date quotes from MotoGP stars

.

The Making of the
Fast Dates Calendar
& World Championships
on DVD!

Report:
State of the Motorcycle Market in America
April 2013: Since the hey-day of 2006-2007, the industry has lost 5,000 dealers and retailers, vehicle sales have been slashed in half, and about 20,000 people have left the industry to find employment elsewhere.

2007 was the industry's last up year. Sales of motorcycles, ATVs and scooters reached about 1.5 million units. And according to MIC ststics there were in 2008, 13,300 retail outlets in the US split between authorized new vehicle dealers, and independent service and accessory outlet.

According to the most recent MIC static, 2012 retail sales of motorcycles, ATVs and scooter were at 677,630 - a drop of about 54% from peak. At the same time the US dealer base dropped from an increased of 14,127 dealers in 2008 (still riding the crest of the wave) to 8,985 in 2012 - a decrease of 36% percent.

The Medin Age of a new motorcycle buyers in America is now around 52 years old, and continues to grow about 1 year older per year, signifying no new riders are coming into the sport and the Amerian motorcycle market will end as the Baby Boomers die out.
From where it is today, the sport of motorcycling in America will continue to decline about 3-4% per year to the poin the sport will be gone in 20 years.

And unlike Europe and Asia where mototcycling is surviving and growing because of traditionally high fuel prices and crowded cities, in America we have become to attahed to our automobiles, so much so that motorcyles will never become a replacement for them. You'll always be able to buy and run and insure a cheap used car at a price lower than a nice used motorcycle.

This is not to say Motorccyle Racing will not continue as a spectator sport, as evidenced by the popularity of Supercross at sold-out stadium events across America. But how many people actually buy and ride/race dirt/mx bikes any more? This middle class sport is disappearing with the American middle class as fewer people can afford a truck to haul their expensive dirt bike to a riding area or track, or own a house with a garage to store and work on them. To a lessor extent, the streetbike market is affected similarly. These days kids in high school have little interestor the money in own or drive a cool car, let alone a street bike.
- Editor