News and stories from the world of Powersports business.
HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES UNVEILS ALL-NEW VITPILEN AND SVARTPILEN MODELS
Husqvarna Motorcycles is pleased to present the exciting, all-new 2024 generation Vitpilen and Svartpilen models. Featuring the biggest technical updates to the ranges since their introduction in 2018, the completely redesigned Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 feature entirely new engines, new chassis, class-leading technology, and new styling.
From urban commuting to weekend exploration, the newest Vitpilen and Svartpilen models have been designed to offer a consistently fun, memorable, and dynamic riding experience. Aboard these new machines, riders both young and experienced can disrupt and escape the ordinary.
An all-new steel trellis frame preserves the much-loved agility of the Vitpilen and Svartpilen, with a lightweight aluminum swingarm and WP suspension on each machine ensuring predictable handling. The 2024 machines also feature a longer wheelbase, a new frame, and a revised seat height, improving cornering behavior while keeping their renowned stability. The Vitpilen 401 further benefits from new handlebars that offer reduced weight for highly responsive steering.
Housed inside an updated steel trellis chassis, the 2024 Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 are powered by a new 399 cc, single-cylinder engine delivering increased performance, paired with improved weight distribution and a revised gearbox. Combined with a new aluminum swingarm, the motorcycles’ much-loved nimble handling gives excellent rider feedback. The Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 also share key technology, including cornering MTC, switchable ride modes, adjustable WP suspension, ByBre brakes and Bosch cornering-sensitive ABS that delivers powerful stopping. Easy Shift technology allows clutchless gear changes, while a 5” bonded glass TFT display, premium paint finish with decals, and 17” wheels complete the unmistakable style of the Vitpilen and Svartpilen models.
Technical highlights:
- New frame and swingarm that accommodate the new engine with off-center rear suspension
- New 5” bonded glass TFT display
- Adjustable open cartridge front fork
- A premium paint finish with over-coated decals
- Low seat height of 32.2” (820 mm)
- Cornering ABS
- Easy Shift and connectivity features as standard
- LED headlight with positioning light ring
- Spoked 17” wheels with premium Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires (Svartpilen 401)
- Cast aluminum 17″ wheels with 6-spoke aero design and premium Michelin Power 6 tires (Vitpilen 401)
Additionally, Husqvarna Motorcycles offers a Technical Accessories range with a collection of meticulously designed, high-quality components to enhance performance and looks while increasing durability. The Functional Street Apparel collection allows riders to choose from a comprehensive range of riding gear and protective items, all of which provide maximum levels of safety and comfort.
The 2024 Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 will be available from March 2024 onward at authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers.
Paul Devine Joins LeMans Corp. as Vice President, Sales and Marketing
LeMans Corp. has announced the appointment of Paul Devine as its new vice president of sales and marketing. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the industry, Devine is set to bring fresh perspectives and strategic leadership to LeMans Corp.
In his role, Devine will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s sales and marketing functions. This includes developing and implementing innovative strategies to drive growth, expanding market share and further enhancing LeMans Corp.’s position in the powersports aftermarket sector.
Devine comes to LeMans Corp. with an impressive background in the industry, having held significant leadership roles in sales and marketing with a focus on delivering results and building strong customer relationships. His extensive knowledge and expertise are expected to be invaluable in guiding LeMans Corp. through its next phase of growth and development.
“We are delighted to welcome Paul Devine to the LeMans Corp. family as our vice president of sales and marketing. His wealth of experience and proven ability to drive sales growth align perfectly with our goals for the future,” said Mike Collins, president of LeMans Corp. “We believe that Paul’s strategic vision and leadership skills will play a crucial role in elevating our brand and expanding our market presence. We look forward to achieving new milestones together.”
Devine stated, “I am honored to be a part of such a dynamic and innovative company as LeMans Corp. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team here and contributing to the continued success and growth of the organization. Together, we will build on the strong foundation that the company has established in the powersports aftermarket industry.”
Suzuki Homologates the New GSX-8R for MotoAmerica Twins Cup Roadracing
Suzuki Motor USA LLC (Suzuki) announced it has homologated its brand new GSX-8R sport motorcycle for 2024 MotoAmerica Twins Cup championship competition.
The 2024 GSX-8R sportbike features a completely new compact, yet powerful parallel-twin engine cradled in a performance-oriented chassis. The result is a motorcycle that delivers a new standard of sport; one that is ideal for enthusiasts seeking real-world performance, technology, and rideability.
The 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R sportbike takes the parallel-twin platform to a new level with
MotoAmerica Twins Cup competition as a prime target.
“The GSX-8R is a significant motorcycle for us, our dealer body, and most importantly, Suzuki riders,” said Kerry Graeber, Suzuki Motor USA’s Senior Vice President. “The heart of this motorcycle is an all-new 776cc parallel-twin engine that delivers exceptional performance. Combining ample torque and a broad powerband, we’re confident the 8R is a great choice for riders competing in MotoAmerica’s highly competitive Twins Cup Championship.”
Graeber added that Suzuki remains fully committed to its line of Supersport motorcycles including the GSX-R1000/R, GSX-R750, and GSX-R600 and each of those models remains eligible for MotoAmerica’s Superbike, Stock 1000 and Supersport classes.
“Our new GSX-8R and GSX-8S are designed to complement our GSX-R line and offer riders a completely different riding experience. Some riders prefer the feel and performance delivered by a high-revving inline four while others prefer the torque and linear feel of a twin. Whether your sportbike goals are everyday street riding, occasional track days, or a full-fledged commitment to competing in a roadracing championship, our comprehensive line of sport motorcycles ensures we have a perfect choice for you.” said Graeber.
The GSX-8S, the R-model’s sister bike, an unfaired, naked version, is also homologated for the Twins Cup series.
Suzuki expects this platform to make a strong showing in amateur and pro-level racing. With the GSX-8R giving racers, teams, and aftermarket manufacturers a strong foundation on which to build their racing program, the GSX-8R will be a highly desirable competitor in Twins Cup racing.
Suzuki has a rich history of success competing in Twins Cup roadracing. The legendary SV650 V-Twin motorcycle won the first-ever Twins Cup race and went on to earn that series’ inaugural championship in 2018. Suzuki dominated this series for several years, winning multiple championships.
The 2024 Twins Cup series, along with the MotoAmerica roadracing championship kicks off at Daytona International Speedway on March 7 through March 9, 2024.
For more racing news, results, and special team content please visit suzukicycles.com/racing/road-racing.
Honda Offers Most Red Rider Rewards Ever for 2024 MotoAmerica Racing
American Honda announced today that it will offer the powersports industry’s most generous Red Rider Rewards payouts for MotoAmerica’s Superbike and Stock 1000 classes for 2024. The new season of the AMA’s professional road racing national championship will see Red Riders competing for an available total of over $1 million across the series’ top categories, with additional payouts going to the Mini Cup series. This is Honda’s richest racing-contingency offering ever for MotoAmerica—well over twice as high as the 2023 season!
At each round, the program offers payments to Red Riders in the top 10 finishing positions in MotoAmerica’s top two classes, including a whopping $25,000 for a Superbike win and $10,000 for a Stock 1000 victory. That said, Red Rider Rewards don’t just benefit racers who battle at the front of the pack, as a 10th place result pays out $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.
“It’s been exciting to see MotoAmerica continue to improve their program, and the series is really hitting its stride,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Racing & Experiential Marketing at American Honda. “Road racing plays an important role in Honda’s heritage, including a rich record of success in AMA-sanctioned competition. That being the case, we’re excited to significantly increase our offerings for Superbike and Stock 1000 racers of our CBR sport bikes. In addition, we’re pleased to support tomorrow’s stars with our offerings in the Mini Cup series. We’re confident that Red Riders will enjoy their best MotoAmerica season ever in 2024, and we look forward to rewarding them for their efforts.”
Of course, Honda’s Red Rider Rewards program also continues to offer generous payouts in other disciplines this year, including motocross, Supercross, SuperMotocross, off-road, and ATV and side-by-side competition.
For more information, visit the Honda Powersports website.
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