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/595371
IN THE WIND P24 KTM MOTOGP MACHINE BREAKS COVER T he KTM RC16 MotoGP con- tender has had its first public outing at the Red Bull Ring in Austria as the company prepares to re-enter MotoGP in 2017. Test rider Alex Hoffman com- pleted three full days of testing under cool but otherwise dry conditions. "What shall I say? Just take a look at my boots and the bike. They both look like new. I have already experienced very differ- ent premieres," Hoffman said. "A big respect for what KTM has already achieved in this extreme- ly short time. I think you can not only see it in my face, but also among all those who have worked here with such enthusi- asm and professionalism." KTM's Motor- sport Director, Pit Beirer, was equally enthused about the project's debut, 15 months after the company announced its in- tentions to go racing in MotoGP. "Thursday was a very emo- tional moment, not only for me but also for the company, and I believe for many KTM fans in Austria and all over the world. This and the start of the project on the racing circuit are just as important as any lap time." A second test with new test rider Mika Kallio and Hoffman is scheduled for later in the year, as well as extensive in-house development at the company's headquarters in Mattighofen. CN Alex Hoffman heads out for the RC16's debut. The early signs are promising. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY KTM KAWASAKI SC-01 CONCEPT UNVEILED AT TOKYO MOTOR SHOW M ore Kawasaki super- charged machines ap- pear to be on the horizon, with the company unveiling the SC-01 Sprint Charger concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. Kawasaki already has the famed Ninja H2 and H2R on its books, however, these are both at the ex- treme end of performance. The SC-01 is aimed at reducing fuel consumption and bringing the technology to the touring and long- distance segment of the motor- cycle market, according to Kawa- saki's President of Motorcycle and Engineering, Kenji Tomida. "Firstly, the need for machines to possess power and grace, secondly Kawasaki motorcycles should continue to be fun and re- warding to ride and, thirdly, the on- going reliance on the skills within the entire Kawasaki Group harnessing cutting edge technology to enrich the lives of people world- wide," Mr Tomida said. The new Concept SC-01 would carry a far less ag- gressive design than the H2/H2R line up and would be constructed using "more luxurious materials" than the H2, and would be a machine suitable for all day, long distance enjoyment and comfort." Kawasaki did not release details on the engine capacity or when we might see the SC-01 in production. CN Kawasaki unveiled its SC-01 supercharged concept.