The Editor calls it research; we call it watching him trawl the internet and read about motorcycles. Here are five things he has subsequently mentioned … We think he is trying to sound educated. [Errr …. ~Ed]
Enough said … About Last Week
Marquez vs Mandalika
Marc Marquez, bless him, was elbows out, having qualified lower than normal at Mandalika and ended up with a fractured collarbone for his trouble. It was a full send from Bezzecchi, who clipped Marquez’s rear wheel, sending both riders off, with one heading to the hospital.
Marquez is now back in Barcelona, presumably with a titanium upgrade and a few choice words for his luck, having just won the championship.
Bezzecchi walked away, and although sympathetic, labelled it a racing incident. Looking at the closing speed he had on Marquez as they both went for the apex, the Aprilia doesn’t appear to have any problems getting the tyres to work early doors.
I still wouldn’t bet against Marquez winning again this year, but I wonder who will be promoted to the race team for the next couple of races?
BSB at Oulton Park
Josh Brookes finally got the monkey off his back with a win at Oulton Park. First one since 2023, and it wasn’t handed to him—he had to scrap with Leon Haslam and pull off a tidy pass on lap 14.
Charlie Nesbitt also made headlines with his first pole position, ahead of Storm Stacey. It’s the perfect time to be doing it, as the silly season is underway.
The ride of the weekend, though, has to go to Brad Ray. No spoilers. BSB Race 2 at Oulton Park. Edge of the seat stuff. Find a way to watch it.
And in the “wait, what?” department: FS-3 Racing are bringing Bimota KB998 Rimini Superbikes to BSB in 2026, complete with Kawasaki factory backing.
The Italian unicorn makes its return, and if they can keep the wheels on and the electrics dry, it should shake up the grid. [Cheap shot ~ Ed]
No news on the rider line-up, but I hope Christian Iddon gets a crack at it.
Suzuki UK Price Drops
Suzuki’s gone full supermarket special and slashed prices across its 2025 range, with up to a grand off some models. The price of the utterly brilliant V-Strom 800RE has had a £200 haircut, and the GSX1000GT and GX both now come with luggage and £1000 or £900 price reductions, respectively.
There is more – check out Suzuki’s website for all the details.
Why the reductions? I think the true costs haven’t changed; they have just been dressed up differently. Zero per cent finance, for example, is not really a thing. The cost of borrowing is somewhere in the price.
Suzuki has now changed its approach and is offering the bikes without masking the extras in the price.
Meanwhile, there are mutterings about a new Suzuki electric concept coming to EICMA. Lightweight, modular battery, urban-friendly. No specs yet. It is all smoke and mirrors at the moment.
Ducati Opens in Staffordshire
Ducati’s opened a shiny new dealership in Staffordshire. But the real news? Ducati’s teasing the V21L prototype—a MotoE machine with solid-state batteries. They’re aiming for a production sportbike by 2027.
Also, Stafford Classic Bike Show is around the corner (Oct 11–12), and Ducati’s bringing along some classic and concept bikes.
Buell’s Super Cruiser
Across the pond, Buell’s finally built the Super Cruiser they’ve been teasing for years. It’s got Brembo brakes, Fox suspension, and a 1190cc V-twin that makes 175 horsepower.
Reportedly, the top speed is in excess of 160 mph and it is priced at $25,900. As for the Comfort … I’m guessing it’s built for short rides and long stares. Will it make a dent in the Harley market? Only time will tell.
Buell’s also hinting at an electric version down the line, which I don’t think will be attracting any Harley riders.
Yet, if Buell can keep the performance and lose the petrol, they might just carve out a niche between Harley and the boutique builders.
Bottom Line
So there you have it—one broken collarbone, one comeback, two electric dreams, and a cruiser that thinks it’s a superbike. Just remember: twisty is better, wet is inevitable, and the best stories start with “I wasn’t planning to ride today, but …”
