Lorenzo closes title season with first Valencia victory

 Rookie of the Year Ben Spies, who replaces Rossi next season, began the race level on points with fellow American Nicky Hayden for sixth in the championship, a position that automatically went in Spies' favour after Hayden crashed out of second place early in the race.

The Ducati rider lost the front through the third-gear first turn, while Spies rode to fourth on his final appearance for Tech 3 after carving past Andrea Dovizioso and Marco Simoncelli in the closing stages.

Former title contender Pedrosa finished seventh, while Hector Barbera gave the Aspar Ducati team eighth place at the end of the team's first MotoGP season.

Fellow rookie Alvaro Bautista was ninth for Suzuki, while Randy de Puniet's 200th grand prix, and last for LCR Honda, ended with tenth position. The Frenchman will ride for Pramac Ducati next season.

Aleix Espargaro, starting his final MotoGP race before switching to Moto2 next year, signed off with eleventh in front of experienced rivals Colin Edwards (Tech 3) and Marco Melandri (Gresini).

Former MotoGP title runner-up Melandri was making his last premier-class appearance before moving to World Superbike.

Fellow Italian Loris Capirossi retired with a technical problem from his final Suzuki race, and what looks like being the last race for Suzuki as a two-rider team. Capirossi will switch to Pramac Ducati next year.

Hiroshi Aoyama gave Interwetten 14th in the team's final race, while Carlos Checa's second and final stand-in appearance for Pramac brought one world championship point for 15th and last.

A test session, when Valentino Rossi will make his Ducati debut and Casey Stoner his first factory Honda appearance, will be held at Valencia on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Valencia Grand Prix: 
1. Lorenzo
2. Stoner
3. Rossi
4. Spies
5. Dovizioso
6. Simoncelli
7. Pedrosa
8. Barbera
9. Bautista
10. de Puniet
11. Espargaro
12. Edwards
13. Melandri
14. Aoyama
15. Checa

The BMW K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL.

When luxury is freed of ballast, a new dimension is created. The BMW K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL.

The K 1600 GL – a touring motorcycle like no other before it. With the most compact and economical 6-cylinder engine ever to be fitted in a serial production motorcycle. Comfort and dynamic performance. Safety and riding pleasure. Ergonomics which makes travelling pure luxury. Versatility which is wonderfully easy to operate. For those who want to experience a new kind of supremacy.

The Highlights -

• Supreme in-line six-cylinder engine with a high level of pulling power, especially in the lower and medium engine speed range.
• Engine output 118 kW (160 bhp) at approx 7 500 rpm and maximum torque approx. 175 Nm at approx. 5 000 rpm.
• Over 70% of maximum torque available from 1 500 rpm.
• Lightest and most compact six-cylinder in-line engine in serial motorcycle production, weighing just 102.6 kg and measuring 560 mm in width.
• Consistent lightweight construction throughout the entire vehicle (magnesium front panel carrier, aluminium rear frame, crankshaft etc.).
• E-Gas (ride-by-wire).
• Three modes to choose from (“Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic”)
• High active safety due to standard BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral).
• Traction control DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) for maximum safety when accelerating (optional extra).
• Chassis with Duolever and Paralever and ideal concentration of masses for dynamic riding properties combined with optimum comfort.
• Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA II for optimum adaptation to all uses and load states (optional extra).
• World premiere in motorcycles: Adaptive Headlight (optional extra) in conjunction with standard xenon headlight and lighting rings for increased safety at night.
• Integrated operating concept for the first time with Multi-Controller, TFT colour screen and menu guidance.
• Audio system with preparation for navigation device and controllable interface for iPod, MP3, USB, Bluetooth and satellite radio (only USA and Canada) (standard in the K 1600 GTL).
• Innovative design with outstanding wind and weather protection.
• K 1600 GT with active riding ergonomics for proactive touring.
• K 1600 GTL with very comfortable, relaxed ergonomics set-up for long trips with pillion passenger, as well as luxury touring features.
• Extensive fittings and individually tailored accessories at the familiar high level of BMW Motorrad.

BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles at EICMA 2010

As of Sept. 2010, BMW Motorrad sales have exceeded those of 2009 by 17 %. To date they have delivered over 81,500 motorcycles to customers worldwide.

Growth has come from the S 1000 RR; the shooting star of the season. BMW Motorrad has managed at first-go to conquer second place in the segment and may be on the way to becoming the world's top-selling superbike.

The new BMW K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL are innovative six-cylinder touring bikes that may be a start of another motorcycle model offensive from German motorcycle company.

The new entry-level model from BMW Motorrad is the G 650 GS. In an attractive enduro design, the G 650 GS continues the success story of BMW's single-cylinder bikes.

The new DOHC Boxer engine, which was first presented at EICMA 2009, is now also available on the new 2011 BMW R 1200 R and Classic.

The R 1200 R Classic, with its exclusive features and the traditional color concept in black and white, is targeted fully at up-market motorcyclists who enjoy classic roadsters.

Earlier than this, BMW unveiled a R 1200 GS that is virtually all black. The world's top-selling motorcycle can now be ordered as "Triple Black" special edition motorcycle that will be ready to be delivered as of January.

Apart from the standard spoke wheels, the "Triple Black" technically corresponds to the R 1200 GS. Its exclusive color scheme serves to emphasize the masculine touch of this large touring enduro.

The BMW Motorrad Concept C scooter provided a concrete look at the next generation of big scooters. The "C" stands for "Commuter" and indicates the primary field of use in urban areas.

The Mille 3 is a highly emotional concept bike from Husqvarna. It attempts to show that Husqvarna can do far more than develop excellent off-road motorcycles.

In the years to come, BMW intends to substantially boost sales of BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles.

The plan is to position new models that appeal to a broader audience and they will be entering motorcycle segments in which BMW Motorrad or Husqvarna were they have not historically played.

FIM announcement on 2011 tests

The Grand Prix Commission met in Valencia today (Saturday) and announced the dates of the 2011 Official MotoGP post-race tests, as well as technical regulations for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes.

The Grand Prix Commission met in Valencia today (Saturday, November 6th) and confirmed the dates of the 2011 Official MotoGP post-race tests, which will be May 2nd at Estoril and August 15th at Brno.

Also confirmed were technical regulations relating to the Moto2 class to be implemented in 2011, and the Moto3 class to be applied in 2012.

The new Battlax BT-023

The new Battlax BT-023 doesn’t just go further to deliver outstanding sports-touring performance… it goes mile upon comfortable mile further… In short, the BT-023 is designed to deliver outstanding mileage and a whole lot more. .

Things like greatly improved wet-grip, low-noise, light-handling, sharp-braking and superb shock-absorption to make smooth work of the toughest trip. Features that make it easy to see why the BT-023 is destined to become the ‘must have’ tyre for today’s touring bikes... and selected sports bikes too

Or, to put it simply, if you ride a bike like a Blade or a GSXR1000 and you want outstanding grip, remarkable handling and rock-solid, high-speed stability... you got it!Such performance is hardly surprising when you look at the BT-023’s heritage… following in the tracks of the legendary BT-020/021 and with all the technological advances you’d expect from the world’s leading tyre manufacturer.

Advances like Mono-Spiral Belt, 3LC and Silica Rich Ex construction and, probably the most significant advance of all, RC Polymer. Without getting too technical*, this is a rubber designed to give a better silica distribution to improve tread flexibility for enhanced wet and low-temperature performance and grip.

The technology also gives improved rolling resistance to reduce fuel consumption and tyre noise. Trust Bridgestone to go further to deliver a sports-touring tyre that leaves the competition miles behind.

It's back! 2011 Honda CBR600F

The greatest-ever 600cc middleweight is coming back.

IT'S BACK! We've secured images of Honda's 2011 CBR600F - the real world sports 600 that's dominated the middleweight sportsbike class for the last 23 years.

Featuring a 16-valve engine, producing around 120bhp at 12,000rpm, the subtly-styled CBR boasts and aluminium girder frame, 41mm front forks, a single rear shock and an 800mm seat height. The new CBR also features a 180-section rear tyre for that all-important big bike look, and 17-litre fuel tank.

The new Honda tips the scales at 203 kg (210 kg with ABS).

The Estoril in action.

Here's an official FIM YouTube video highlighting the 2010 Estoril MotoGP that occurred on Sunday, Oct. 31.

The winner was this year's MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo; the Fiat Yamaha rider took the lead with 12 laps out of 28 to go, and wasn't challenged again. It was the MotoGP Champ's eight win of the 2010 season, and his third conescuvtive win at Estoril.

Joining Lorenzo on the podium were his teammate Valentino Rossi and Repsol Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso.

One rider didn't start on Sunday, Monster Tech 3 Yamaha rider Ben Spies. The Texan, who clinched the 2010 MotoGP Rookie of the Year award last round in Australia, went down during the sighting lap, and dislocated his left ankle.

It is uncertain if Spies will race at the final MotoGP round in Valencia; something official should be released soon.

Sunday was the driest day of the race weekend. Riders encountered much rain during the practice and qualifying sessions, which created problems with tuning the bikes and tire choices.

There were also three other DNFs: Pramac Racing Ducati rider Aleix Espargaro crashed out on lap one; Ducati Team rider Casey Stoner lost his back end on Turn 13; and the World Superbike rider substituting for Mika Kallio on the other Pramac Ducati coasted into the paddock with 15 laps to go due to arm pump problems

Stoner's crash came from lack of grip on his Ducati GP10. The MotoGP teams didn't have much time to tweak suspension settings due to the track being soaking wet on Friday and Saturday. Also, the track was still a bit damp on Sunday.

The final round of the 2010 MotoGP Championship occurs in Valencia, Spain, this weekend. The big battle will be for second-place, as Rossi has shortened the lead of the man currently in second place, Repsol Honda Dani Pedrosa, to 19 points.