Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/127947
dreault holds the lead in thechampionship over Munroe, 86-83. On the heels of MV Agusta's first track test of the all-new 750cc F4 superbike comes news of a similar track outing for Aprilia's RSV1000 V-twin. Aprilia's testing-and-development squad took to Mugello last week for a test of the allnew machine. Test rider Alessandro Antonello took the bike to a top speed of 179 mph on the pit straightaway. By comparison, Ducati, also at the track testing a new version of the 90-degree V- . twin for future use in Pier-Francesco Chili's 996 Superbike, had a top speed of 181.7 mph. It is clear that the Aprilia is quickly getting up to speed and that it should be ready to attack the World Su perbike series in short order. The Aprilia Superbike racing team will be directed by Toni Merendino, former GP team manager first with anHB Honda in the 250cc class, and last year of the Aprilia 125 ridden by Stefano Perugini. Aprilia conctacted Mauro Lucchiari a few weeks ago to see if he would be interested in becoming a "race tester" f.or the final stages of the machine's development. Motocrosser Brian Deegan says he has parted company with Team Moto XXX/Pro Grip, due to a "disagreement with management." Deegan is expected to sign with Team Stiffie and finish out the remainder of the AMA National Championship 12Scc MX Series aboard a Suzuki RM125. "There's no hard feelings," said Moto XXX/Pro Grip team manager Kenny Watson. "We thank Brian for everything he's done for us, and we wish him the best." Filling Deegan's position at Team Mota XXX/Pro Grip will be Iowa's Chad Pederson. Pederson will compete out of the Team Moto XXX/Pro Grip hauler, aboard a Grand Prix Motosports' (Fort Dodge, Iowa) Yamaha YZI25, wearing Pro Grip gear. Northwest Maico & CZ in Bend, Oregon, was burglarized on June 4th, and five vinjage motorcycles were stolen. The stolen motorcycles include a restored 1965 CZ 250,(twin-pipe), a restored 1967 CZ 360 (twin-pipe), a brand-new, never-started 1971 Husq- Agostini rides again - on new MVI T he first prototype of the MV Agusta F4 750 was delivered a few days ago to MV testers at Centro Ricerche Cagiva (CRC), based in San Marino and directed by technician Massimo Tamburini, the father of Ducati 916. Giacomo Agostini, IS-time World Champion and now a tester of the new MV Agusta, performed the first track test of the all-new Cagiva-built superbike. Agostini tested the street verion of the bike at Vergiate, near Varese, in a small proving-ground area used by Agusta for helicopter tests. "This bike is really fantastic," Agostini said. "Riding the F4, my mind is returned to the past, when I was on the old MV Agusta GP bikes. This four-cylinder is at the top of the (current) technological level and I think that this bike will be very competitive on the World Superbike tracks." European editor Alan Cathcart spoke at length with test rider Fabrizio Latini, the man who had already logged some 40,000 miles on the early 916-100kalike test mules, and who was setting off from Cagiva's Varese factory for the 300-mile ride to San Marino to deliver the bike. "The power delivery is' extremely smooth and progressive, be~ause we've taken a lot of care to get the fuel-injection mapping just right for street use," Latini said. "But when the strong power comes in up high, it's a real thrill t9 ride. And while we still have some detail work to do on suspension setup, the handling is really exceptional - especially compared to two Japanese competitors we're using for comparison purposes." Of the power output, Latini said that the street version of the bike - 125 hp on the Cagiva dyno - peaks at 12,200 rpm, but that it continues strongly all the way up to the 14,000-rpm rev limit. "It has the true soul of an MV Agusta," he added. As for future racing plans, it is certainly a good possibility that Agostini - considering his past experience as a manager in Grand Prix racing and his long-standing friendship with Castiglioni could end up as the team manager for MV Agusta's first World Superbike assault at the end of 1999. However, the likely racing debut of the F4 will be with an AMA Superbike team fielded by Fast By Ferracci, though probaply not before the 2000 season as a full-fledged factory effort. Fast By Ferracci is the official U.S. importer for Cagiva products, including the Husqvarna line, and will be handling MV Agusta's delivery in the United States. "I was just in Italy yesterday," Fast By Ferracci vice president varna 400CR, a restored 1974 Maico 450 (four-speed), and a custom, one-of-akind "Mini Maico." Tools, apparel and tires were also stolen. If you happen to corne across these motorcycles or have any information, you are asked to call Northwest Maico & CZ at 541/389'-6112, or the Bend Police Department (case #98-9340) at 541/388-5550. Carmichael extends Kawasaki contract R icky Carmichael has extended his commitment to race for Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA through the year 2001, which squ.elches any rumors of him signing with another team. "We're very happy to continue the relationship with Ricky Carmichael," said Kawasaki race-team manager Bruce Stjernstrom. "He is an exceptional rider with proven ability to win races and championships at every level in which he has competed. He has a very bright future in the' sport and with Kawasaki." "It's great to know that my future is secure with Kawasaki," Carmichael said. "I've ridden Kawasaki motorcycles since I was 6 years old, so my priority was to stay with Kawasaki. I'd like to be like Jeff Ward and be affiliated with Kawasaki until I retire." In 1999, Carmichael will defend his Eastern Regional 125cc Supercross title and compete in the 250cc class at selected (non-East Coast events). He will also contest the National Championship 125cc MX Series and will move to the 250cc class full time in 2000. The exact terms, or dollar amount, of the contract has not yet be revealed. Larry Ferracci said in a telephone conversation on Monday, June 8. "We'll see the firs t ba tch of the preproduction (limitededition) models at the end of this year, with the production model out by June of '99. Whether or not we'll have a race program, it doesn't seem likely for '99. But that's just my personal opinion. I don't think a formal team will be ready for the '99 season, but with production 750s running around, I would imagine you'll see' something happening with the bikes." Cagiva is set to begin production of the first batch of 200 hand-built versions in July - already sold out at the end of last year after the bike was exhibited for the first time - though there is some possiblity that initial production may be put off until aftedtaly's summer-holiday shutdown during August. Paolo Gozzi Australian road racer Kirk McCarthy has been signed by Castrol Honda to ride in the remaining World Supersport rounds for the tearn. McCarthy, a former Australian Superbike Champion, will replace Michael Paquay, who was killed in the Italian round of the series on May 9. "It's a great chance for me," McCarthy said. "I've raced in Europe for a couple of seasons, so I know most of the tracks, and I'm confident Castrol Honda will give me a machine capable of winning." Montclair Yamaha Ty Davis Racing will provide pH service for the upcoming Best in the Desert race in Mesquite, Nevada, June 26-27. For more information, call 877/TY-DAVIS. Yamaha has confirmed its entries for the Suzuka 8 Hours, with Noriyuki Haga scheduled to compete with Simon Crafar on the lead team. They will be joined on YZF750s by Kentsuke Haga and Wataru Yoshikawa on a Marlborobacked team, and Scott Russell and Norihiko Fujiwara in a BP-sponsored effort. Honda's lead team will feature Colin Edwards II paired with John Kocinski. The canceled Belgian round of the Individual World Trials Championship will not be replaced, according to the FIM. The series will now consist of nine rounds,. ' AMP Motocross will host a benefit motocross at the Hollister GP track in Hollister, California, on June 14' for Danny Ornelas, who was injured on Amateur day at Hangtown on May 16. Ornelas is currently paralyzed from the waist down. For more information, call 209/656-9682. CORRECTION: The wrong age was given for Andrew Vandenberg, son of the late Dirk Vandenberg, in last week's issue. Andrew is 18 months old. OPENED: Garwler-Westcott's home page on the World Wide Web. The site lor the fastener company can be found at: http://www.gardner-west· cott.com. HIRED: Rich Ambrookian, as merchandising director for Excelsior-Henderson, by Joel Norenberg, director of marketing. CORRECTiON: Our coverage of the AMA Honda Pro Oils 600cc Supersport race at Road Atlanta in last week's issue said that Steve Crevier has n.ever won a 600cc Supersport final. Crevier, in fact, won the Charlotte round of the series in 1992 while riding a Two Brothers Racing Honda CBR600, RETAINED: Manana Grafi,x; to deSign and produce a "promotional collectors' edition" for the U.S. Open of Supercross, by the promoters of the race, Mike Destafano and Eric Peronnard. RESCHEDULED: The Chaparrals Me's Alpine Trails dual sport ride, to July 25, due to snow. FOT more information, call 562/B04-4071. OPENED: Indian Motorcycle's home page on the World Wide Web. The site can be found at the following address: http://www.kiwi-indian.com. CANCELED: The dirt track race scheduled for June 25 at the Ashland County Fairgrounds in Ashland, Ohio. For more information, call 740/382-6085. CORRECTLON: The address for the Georgia Flat Track League's site on the World Wide Web is: http://www.flattracknews.com/gftl_main.htrnl. OPENED: The Lodi Cycle Bowl's home page on the World Wide Web. The site can be found at: http://www.flattrack.com/lodLhtml. ('N 3