Akrapovič Magazine vol. 12

25 Years of a World Superbike

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ex hausts

r a ci ng

f o r

one

bike

W A L Z H A R DCOR E CYCLES

“No compromises, no rules, no limits!”

Mo s c o w - 3 6 0 :

A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW AND A WORM’S-EYE VIEW

The Capital of Road Racing

Is le of Ma n… a n d machine A L A N H I S

H R A N I T E L J

W I N D Y

D R E A M S

A column by Alan Cathcart

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Contents

Contents

05 letter

06 akrapovic news

08 CAR ACTION

10 Moto Action

11 REVOLUTION

12 ON THE TRACK

16 CUSTOM STARS

22 CELEBRATION

26 RACE DAY

32 WORLD CHAMPS

38 COWBOY

42 GO WILD

48 VISIT WITH US

56 ORIGINAL

62 HIGH GEAR

// Si NOTE All the longer articles in the Akrapovič magazine will include a text that will be marked with the // Si sign and placed in a special frame. The Akrapovič company is based in Slovenia and this is why we decided to keep this part of the text in Slovenian as well.

Printed in Slovenia in November 2012 in 12.000 copies. This magazine and its entire textual and pictorial content are subject to copyright. Any reproduction thereof without prior written consent of the copyright holder is prohibited. The articles contained herein do not necessarily correspond with the opinions of Akrapovič d.d., the publishers or the editors. Not for sale.

Warning Please note that certain aftermarket exhaust systems may not comply with applicable California laws and regulations, and may therefore be prohibited for use on California highways or roads, or on roads or vehicles otherwise subject to emissions control requirements.

Akrapovič exhaust systems for automobiles and motorcycles mounted downstream of the catalytic converter (also known as “cat-back systems”) are considered “replacement parts” in California by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and do not require an exemption or

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executive order from CARB to be sold in California. However, California prohibits the use of any aftermarket exhaust system that modiies, removes or replaces original equipment catalysts, unless CARB has issued an Executive Order as to such a part or system.

Further, Akrapovič parts or exhaust systems used or intended for use on “racing vehicles” (i.e. a competition vehicle used exclusively for competition on closed-course circuits) do not require an exemption or Executive Order from CARB to be sold in California. However, such parts are prohibited from use on California public highways or roads, even if occasionally used “off-road.”

AKRAPOVIČ Akrapovič Lifestyle Magazine Issue 12, November 2012 Akrapovič d.d.

Malo Hudo 8 a SI-1295 Ivančna Gorica Slovenia www.akrapovic.com -

Publisher: Korpmedia d.o.o.

Tomšičeva 1 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia www.korpmedia.si ID No.: 2272237000 VAT No.: SI14601737 President: Miran Ališič

Marketing and advertising manager: Mateja Kos Pregelj Printing: Florjančič Tisk d.o.o.

Nad izviri 28 2204 Miklavž, Slovenia -

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Letter

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05 It’s perhaps itting that this month, November, we ind ourselves in fashionable Milan at the world’s premier motorcycle show, EICMA. Where better to celebrate a remarkable season on the race tracks? 2012 has seen our exhaust systems on the machines of 13 newly crowned motorcycle World Champions.

In a dramatic inale to a remarkable season, the last few weekends have seen Jorge Lorenzo clinching the MotoGP rider’s title, making a clean sweep of the Moto titles with Marc Márquez winning the Moto2 title and Sandro Cortese winning the Moto3 title, all sporting Akrapovič exhausts.

Earlier in the year, Tadeusz Blazusiak won the Super Enduro title and Marc Coma the Cross Country Rally title, both KTM riders. In October, Max Biaggi clinched the WSBK title with Aprilia also sporting Akrapovič.

There were also clean sweeps in the Enduro world titles, thanks to outstanding performances by Pierre-Alexandre Renet and Mathias Bellino with Husaberg, and Antoine Méo and Christophe Nambotin with KTM. And world titles in MX1, 2 and 3 thanks to the efforts of Tony Cairoli, Jeffrey Herlings and Matthias Walkner, all with KTM. On four wheels, it was especially gratifying to see that our two new oficial partnerships paid immediate dividends.

With Audi Sport, we were delighted to be on the Audi R18 e-tron quattro race cars which won at Le Mans back in June, and to clinch the FIA World Endurance manufacturers’ and drivers’ titles* last month. And at Hockenheim, our partners BMW Motorsport capped a remarkable return to the DTM Championship by taking manufacturer, team and driver titles in a closely fought season. Bruno Spengler drove his BMW Bank M3 DTM car to his fourth win of the season and in doing so his irst ever DTM title.

Becoming a World Champion takes a special kind of charac-

Editor-in-chief: Miran Ališič Photo editor: Bor Dobrin Art directors: Neja Engelsberger, Saša Kerkoš -

Cover design: Zdenko Bračevac Contributors: Alan Cathcart, Matevž Hribar, Primož Jurman, Gaber Keržišnik, Natalia Klyukovkina, Neil Morley, Mitja Reven -

ter. A mixture of skills, itness, mental toughness, experience and, above all, a great amount of courage. In this issue of the magazine we have exclusive interviews with some of the current stars in motorsports, from MotoGP’s Jorge Lorenzo, to Moto2’s front man Marc Márquez, to the car racing world and BMW DTM driver, Andy Priaulx. We take a look at an iconic race event where courage really reigns supreme for those taking part: the Isle of ManTT. We’ll also take a look at an unsung hero who has just broken the Nordschleife Record.

In addition to showing some of these world championship machines at EICMA, we’re also delighted to reveal our exhaust system for the incomparable Ducati Panigale. So much has been written about this superb bike and we’re pleased to add a new chapter, the one where this machine inally gets the best exhaust system in the world. You can read about our development project right here in this magazine.

And to demonstrate the breadth of our business, we’ll reveal a new custom project – the Walz Benchmark, an amazing bike designed by the incomparable Marcus Walz of WalzHardcore Cycles.

As a truly remarkable season ends, we send our warmest congratulations to all our race partner teams and new World Champions.

Enjoy the Magazine.

Neil Morley Marketing Director

* Subject to the oficial publication of the results by the FIA

Contributing Photographers: Ray Archer, Aleš Bravničar, Bor Dobrin, Gold & Goose, Aleksander Štokelj Lectorship: Michael Manske Translation: Matjaž Horvat -

Client Editor: Neil Morley On the cover: 2012 Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP Exhaust Photo by: Aleksander Štokelj -

Akrapovič at the 2012 Paris Motor Show

Racing Line 183

After its 2011 premiere appearance at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, Akrapovič this year debuted at the major international motor show in the French capital. It unveiled a completely new exhibition area in Paris, where it showcased one of the best race cars of all time, the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race and the leader in the FIA WEC 2012 championship: the one and only Audi R18 e-tron quattro. One of the highlights of the show was the visit of the Audi Sport driver Benoît Tréluyer. Bénoit posed in front of his Audi R18 e-tron quattro race car and signed plenty of autographs for his numerous fans. Akrapovič also premiered its exhaust systems for the Porsche 911 Carrera/Carrera S (991) and BMW M6 (F12).

While the Monster Energy Yamaha team uses the outstanding Akrapovič exhaust systems in the World Motocross Championship, its riders use them on ordinary roads as well. That includes Steven Frossard, who recently received a Racing Line exhaust, which lowered the weight and improved the power of his civilian Yamaha T-MAX. The exhaust sports Steven’s number, 183.

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2013 Calendar

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UK, continued on May 4 in SpaFrancorchamps, Belgium, and culminate with the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, France, in June. The FIA WEC race cars will then move to Brazil’s Interlagos, hop north to Austin, US, and then travel across the Paciic for an Asian tour through Fuji, Japan, and Shanghai, China. The season will conclude on November 30 with the 6 Hours of Bahrain.

BMW wins DTM

R.S. Track Day

BMW

A fourth win of the season at the wheel of the BMW Bank M3 DTM in the tenth and inal DTM race of the year saw Bruno Spengler (CA) win the drivers’ title and cap an outstanding comeback season for BMW Motorsport. BMW also won the manufacturers’ title in Hockenheim (DE), while BMW Team Schnitzer ended the season

Audi

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has announced its provisional calendar for the coming FIA WEC race season. If conirmed, the 2013 season will begin on April 14 in Silverstone,

at the top of the team standings after a dramatic inale.

As of 2013, four BMW teams will do battle for points and victories in the popular touring car series. Like BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG, the newly-formed BMW Team MTEK will also run two BMW M3 DTMs.

Renault Sport organised a track day at the Red Bull Ring race track, assembling more than 100 of the French company’s sports cars, ranging from the Twingo R.S. to Clio R.S. and Mégane R.S. Several splendid Alpine brand cars were there as well, as were the company’s legendary products, such as the Renault 5 Turbo. The day began on a very wet track but ended on a dry racecourse and also featured several distinctive Clio R.S. Akrapovič Edition models.

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06 / 07

Akrapovi] News

Rossi returns to Yamaha

BMW M6 Safety Car

BMW

BMW unveiled a novelty at the MotoGP races this year as well. After entrusted with the role of the safety car to the BMW 1 Series M Coupe and BMW M5, the company this year gave honours to the new BMW M6 Coupe.

Like its two predecessors, the BMW M6 also sports the Bavarian company’s signature colour scheme and features a host of sporting add-ons, including an Akrapovič exhaust system with carbon ibre outer sleeves. Apart from the Akrapovič exhaust, the most noticeable change is the large rear spoiler. Akrapovič also developed an after-market exhaust system for the BMW M6.

Marco Melandri visits

Yamaha

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd has conirmed signing Valentino Rossi to the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team for 2013 and 2014.

Valentino Rossi irst joined Yamaha in 2004 and achieved four MotoGP World Champion titles with the Yamaha YZR-M1 in 2004 & 2005 and again in 2008 & 2009. He won 46 Grand Prix races with Yamaha over a 7 year period before leaving at the end of the 2010 MotoGP season.

Rossi will partner with Jorge Lorenzo. Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing said: “This announcement is once again excellent news for Yamaha. In June we were able to sign Jorge Lorenzo for the 2013-14 campaign and now we are able to conirm Valentino Rossi for the next two years. In doing so we have been able to put together the strongest possible team to challenge for victories and to promote the Yamaha brand.”

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Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport rider Marco Melandri visited the Akrapovič company after the inal race of the Superbike World Championship.

Together with Slavko Trstenjak, the main man behind the Racing R&D department, Marco was guided through the secrets of manufacturing superior exhaust systems. He took a tour of the production facilities, the titanium foundry and also took some time off to sign some autographs for Akrapovič workers. After his visit, Marco noted: “For sure, the racing department was the most exciting for me.

To see the people who are making my pipes and all the racing pipes is really cool. And to see my posters on the walls where they work is something really special.”

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MINI Comes to Town The last days of September 2012 were very special for the Akrapovič factory, as they marked the irst time that such a large number of MINIs parked in front of the factory. The New MINI Drivers club took a tour through the luscious countryside of the region of Dolenjska, starting with a visit to company headquarters, where they were initiated into the mysteries of making superb Akrapovič exhaust systems.

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Car Action

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Marc Márquez

by Primož Jurman

Marc, how did you feel in the Moto2 class as the former 125cc (two-stroke) World Champion? Do you miss twostroke bikes? This is much dif-

This season you were riding in Moto2. Could you become a world MotoGP champion already next season? That will be

How do you prepare for races? I train a lot with my personal

MotoGP? It’s one of my dreams.

I’ve dreamt about it since I was a young boy. I want to be there, just like all kids, I suppose. But up until now I had to concentrate on Moto2, not MotoGP. This will come now, after the end of the season and in the next month. Step by step.

What would you do with your life if you weren’t racing? I’d like to be a mechanic. I’m always checking what my crew does, it’s great.

If you had the option, who would you choose as your team-mate? I don’t know. There

town. It’s calm, which is one of the things I’m looking for.

trainer in Cervera. Gym, mountain bikes, bikes …

What would we ind in your garage at home? A lot of bikes, helmets, leather, posters…everything that you would imagine inding around riders. You have to know that my father also loves this sport and that my brother is even a competitor.

You’re using an Akrapovič exhaust on your bike this season. What do you think of it?

I like Akrapovič a lot! I’m very happy with the pipes and my entire crew is very comfortable working on them. Thanks for helping us!

What would be your advice to motorcyclists around the world? Enjoy our hobby, our sport, but only go fast on the track, during competitions, when it’s not as risky.

are a lot of riders, but maybe my friend Tito Rabat.

Who are your childhood heroes? Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa.

Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool

Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool

riding mountain bikes. It’s one of my favourite things to do for training and in my free time.

What’s your favourite place in the world? Cervera, my home

What are your feelings about

on the podium in Marc Márquez (1993) irst stepped in World Cup rider 2008, becoming Spain’s youngest h among the top history to win a pole position or inis the two-stroke three. He recorded his irst victory in followed by 125cc class in 2010 in Italy’s Mugello, Sachsenring. and a luny wins in Silverstone, Assen, Cata Valentino with k These victories put him neck-and-nec ive races in Rossi, who in 1997 also won 5 consecut rd a total of 10 the 125cc class. Marc went on to reco last race in the in victories in 2010 and inished 4th world chamValencia, becoming the second youngest He moved over pion in history (after Loris Capirossi). had a relatively to the 600cc Moto2 class in 2011, but irst victory his ing poor start for the year, only scor his stride in the in France. He well and truly got into a total of six second half of the season, when he won n for winning races. This put him in serious contentio unfortunate of g strin the world champion title, but a meant that he events (a fall and injury in Malaysia) ile, 2012 was ended the season in 2nd place. Meanwh in Moto2 chamhis year as he became world champion he will be moving pionship and has already announced to MotoGP next season.

What are your hobbies? I like

ferent, but I like it. I miss the 125’s, because I enjoyed them a lot, but now I am focused on Moto2 and it’s amazing.

very dificult. I think my irst season there will more or less be a learning experience.

r sport, but u o y, b b o h r u o y “Enjo e track!” only go fast on th

Moto Action

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Revolution

A StAr iS born 11

by Neil Morley photography Akrapovič

Spring 2012. The excitement builds. The most talked-about bike of the year is inally revealed. The Ducati Panigale broke out earlier this year to wide acclaim. In the superbike segment, where sales have taken (and continue to take) a hammering, many observers felt that this new Ducati was a much-needed shot in the arm. Ducati, in pre-Audi sale mode, certainly put everything into this bike and into its launch.

The Panigale features the most powerful engine ever on a Ducati road bike, sports a light chassis and comes with all the electronic gismos, including: traction control, ABS, pre-set riding modes, engine braking and suspension settings. It promises to be a bike for power-hungry hedonists. This gorgeous bike also promises to be able to compete head-on with 1000 cc rivals. Not since the recent launch of the BMW S 1000 RR has so much been expected of a new superbike.

Throughout the emergence of the Panigale, Ducati recognized the heritage it had built up over 25 years of designing and making desirable superbikes. The outside world didn’t know it at the time, but the Italian marque was also clearly in the early stages of its sale to Audi, so the management team surely had its hands full. But the result is truly a glorious one, a bike true to its bloodline but never backward looking. This is a modern Ducati for today’s rider.

So how was it received by the motorcycle media?

Scanning the magazines in the early days of the summer, the earliest road tests seemed to give it a thumbs up. Tested widely against the likes of the BMW, the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC, the Honda Fireblade and Kawasaki’s ZX-10R, the results were encouraging, to say the least.

And what do the numbers tell us? Well, this Ducati sports a liquid-cooled 1198cc heart with a six-speed box. It boasts eight-stage traction control, suspension adjustment, three riding modes (Race, Sport, Wet), quickshifter, engine-braking control and antilock brakes. Listed power is 195bhp and 98ft/lb of torque. A monocoque die-cast aluminum frame with single sided aluminum swing arm. The suspension is courtesy of Ohlins USD manually and electronically adjustable forks and the whole package comes in at 188 kg. That’s 18 kgs less than the current king of the hill, the BMW S 1000 RR. The Panigale doesn’t lack for horses either, with a listed top speed of 159 mph. In terms of fun and comfort, it scored around 9 out of 10 among most bike reviewers.

So, a desirable, leading contender and with that, a coveted Ducati badge and blood-red paint. It’s a sure-ire hit.

A few months on, as the rubber started hitting the road, the Ducati fans, always fanatical and often quite forgiving of their precious marque, also seem to have fallen instantly for this new family member. Take a look at any bike magazine’s letters page or forum and the instant sense you get is that Ducati nailed this one

and that it’s sure to be a sales success.

So how do you improve a super superbike? This Italian stallion has heaps of power, is already on the light side, and has great aural qualities. For the Akrapovič Research and Development Team, this was going to be a challenge. But for a team that has developed exhausts for the world’s best bikes, for over seventy world champions and even contributed to three successive wins with Audi Sport at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, this was never going to be “mission impossible.” Maybe just a touch more demanding than some bikes...

As Akrapovič Magazine went to print, we were able to give you a sneak preview of the new exhaust system in its development stages. Of course, designs, inishes and those oh-so-important hard facts: the extra performance, that reduction in weight were not yet available to us. And as for the sound: well you know it’ll be fantastic but for that you’ll just have to wait….

So, if you’re in the market for a stunning Italian superbike, one that really delivers on its Ducati promise, then look no further than the 1199 Panigale. But just remember to add the inishing touch, the Akrapovič exhaust system, developed with care and passion by those cunningly clever Slovenes in Ivančna Gorica.

You can see the Ducati Panigale, fully equipped with Akrapovič pipes on the Akrapovič stand at EICMA, the Milan Show in November and also at the website www.akrapovic.com

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On The Track

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The Nordschleife record

by Primož Jurman photography Frozenspeed, Bor Dobrin, Proimedia

his Name is aNdy carlile, age 33, origiNally from Wales, buT NoW liviNg iN germaNy, Where he fell iN love WiTh his TWo passioNs: The NorThloop of The NürburgriNg aNd bikes.

aNdy, WhaT does “The greeN hell” meaN To you? The green hell has never been

so green. Every year the green grows more, and another little bit of vision is lost. Not that it was ever good to begin with. So, in that sense, the green hell means frustration - some people are happy to ignore the dangers in the name of proit, an altogether different kettle of ish to ignoring your own instincts for self preservation. It also means worrying, and a conscious ignorance of danger and long term planning. I also wonder what life would mean without all this - I suspect not a lot.

WhaT does iT meaN To you To be The fasTesT iN The greeN hell?

Why did you do iT? I didn’t. Honestly, I

never set out to be the fastest. I set out to have fun and see if I could improve. I chased a few guys.

I learned, I self-analyzed. And I enjoyed going fast, I always have. And this led to getting faster still. But I didn’t set a goal for myself. I was just out enjoying a Wednesday night. The time was a happy surprise. Timing is a sore point around here, clock-based demons cause a lot of trouble around Nürburg. But that said, I could feel it was fast. And I’m not so naive that I would ignore the possibility of helping myself. So why say what I have done?

It’s something worthy. I’m sort of proud, even if I do see a lap of mistakes.

WheN did you firsT ride iT? August 2006. I rode 2 laps behind someone that I had asked for help - I couldn’t see anything but a GSXR1100 taillight. I then shot off on possibly the most ignorant laps a new user has ever done. I have always been good at getting a bike to change direction. Given the amount of mistakes I made this is just as well. I fell off after 18.4 laps.

hoW maNy laps oN The circuiT have you made iN ToTal? It could be a few thousand. This would include driving as well as riding. But also cycling, walking and recovery trucks. Oh, and for some daft reason I decided to learn to ride a unicyle, so I could say I’ve been

around on 1,2,3 and 4 wheels. Except that’s not true. I haven’t unicycled the track, it would take far too long and it would be very dull.

Tell us someThiNg more abouT The bike. hoW maNy modificaTioNs did you make aNd WhaT kiNd Were They? There are a lot of small

differences. Mostly changes to the chassis and handling changes to improve - for me at least - the feel of the bike so I can use as much of the available power as much as possible. 150 bhp that I can completely use is much faster than 200 bhp that I’m unsure about. That and weight is the enemy. I’m good with tools and understand machines, so I know what I can mess with and what’s not a good idea.

My latest idea was nylon bolts. These weigh almost nothing, and are stronger than you think. Using them to hold non-stressed components has to be more cost effective than using titanium on failure critical areas. So no, no special modiications, just careful thought, and a careful use of money. If I won the lottery, I would love some ceramic matrix brake disks - but spending 30% of the value of the bike to save 800g is out of my league.

WhaT´s NexT for The bike? A bit less

weight is always welcome - the hoped for modiication is a monocoque seat unit. Better brakes are also needed, this is my main focus right now. And a bit more power, if I can get it without shortening the life and reliability too much. I need to be careful there.

hoW did you prepare yourself?

The lap is raTher loNg aNd iT demaNds ToTal coNceNTraTioN aNd preparaTioN – from boTh you aNd The bike. I don’t see it as a prob-

lem. It’s only 20km of track with 70 corners or so.

Preparation for me is more like taking a big bottle of water with me rather than buying food or drinks there. I spend hours removing a few grams off the bike. My itness? I go cycling when it’s raining.

WhaT’s The mosT difficulT parT of The race Track? That’s easy. The bits

I don’t do either correctly or optimally. I can ride entirely based on ‘feel’ - no “markers are a reference point” mumbo jumbo. But once I ind a marker it’s very useful. The problem is when you can’t ind anything to inluence the feel or measurement.

There are several of these. Bare in mind you cannot overstep the mark by too much or you hit steel. So some corners consume a lot of thinking time on how to get by better. And some are not right, even now.

WhaT Was your Top speed duriNg your record aTTempT? 160mph. A good 13-17 mph down if the track was free of other trafic. There are many places I ought to be going faster. If you pick up on my exit speeds, yes, I should get out of the corners faster. I can and I have a plan to improve, but it’s not a quick ix.

Any changes need to be tested. I have managed 1 lap this week and that was intentionally slower. The rest of the week was closed, wet or shut.

did you fiNd iT disTurbiNg To be oN The Track WiTh cars aNd bikes, some of Them goiNg raTher sloWly? No. Don’t all road riders get used to riding with cars? Its not compulsory to try all the time, if you’re not sure, wait and watch. Think about it.

I earn a lot less than the cost of one bike every 10 minutes, this is true for almost everyone. Healing up takes longer than 10 minutes, for everyone.

Some patience and time spent learning trends seems like time well spent. With this approach, I’ve made very few errors around other vehicles on the road and the track. Is that really rocket science?

Why did you choose akrapovič exhausTs for your bike? Buy good

quality once. Or poor quality often. I have rattled and bashed the system for thousands of track miles.

No breaks. No fractures. Everything still its snugly.

Good power, top control. And it still passes noise control. Fit and forget about performance upgrades.

If only it was that easy all the time...

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Hot stuff

Hot Stuff from Akrapovič Akrapovič exhaust systems are designed for riders who demand maximum performance from their motorcycles. They feature exceptional production quality, hi-tech materials, increased engine performance and of course amazing sound and appearance. The change is also visual, as our muflers perfectly it the exterior line of modern motorcycles and add a clean racing image.

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Find more content on the Akrapovič Lifestyle eMagazine iPad app!

Harley-Davidson V-Rod VRSCF Muscle + 4 HP/8,250 rpm - 14 kg

Suzuki V-Strom 650 + 2 HP/8,800 rpm - 5 kg

Yamaha Majesty 400 + 2 HP/8,000 rpm - 6 kg

Yamaha FJR1300 + 4 HP/8,650 rpm - 4 kg

Piaggio Beverly 350 Sport Touring + 1 HP/7,450 rpm - 4 kg

Honda Crosstourer + 6 HP/8,900 rpm - 2 kg

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Car stuff

Car Stuff Welcome to our range of aftermarket exhaust systems for cars. We offer complete, partial, open or EC-type approved products that signiicantly improve performance. We use only the best and exclusive titanium and stainless steel. We combine these two materials with high technologies and craftsmanship of our welders that divide this exhausts systems from anything else on the market.

Porsche 911 Carrera/S/4/4S + 18 HP/4,050 rpm + 35 Nm/4,000 rpm - 9 kg Titamium Wireless kit for sound control

BMW M6 + 10 HP/5,950 rpm + 17 Nm/5,200 rpm - 12 kg Titanium

Porsche Cayenne models + 15 HP/6,100 rpm* + 32 Nm/2,800 rpm* - 17 kg* Titanium Wireless kit for sound control * Cayenne Turbo

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Coming soon Audi RS4, Audi RS5, Porsche Cayman/Boxster (981), BMW 335i (F30)

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Custom Stars

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Custom Stars

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Custom Stars

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Race Day

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Isle of

Man… and machine

Situated in the iriSh Sea, halfway between Great britain and ireland, iS the iSle of Man. the iSland iS hoMe to natural Splendour, Manx Kipper SMoKed fiSh and the tail-less breed of Manx cat. the iSle of Man iS alSo hoMe to the Spectacular touriSt trophy Motorcycle raceS and iS riGhtly conSidered the capital of road racinG…

by Trevor Franklin photography Honda TT Legends, www.tgfphotos.com, Proimedia

The Tourist Trophy motorcycle time-trials, where riders and their bikes compete against a stopwatch, are associated with the Isle of Man, but the irst motorsport events on the island involved automobiles.This happened after the British Government imposed a 20mph speed limit on the UK mainland at the beginning of the 1900s. This restriction led to representatives of the Automobile Car Club of Great Britain approaching the Isle of Man (Manx) Government seeking permission to hold unrestricted time-trials on the island’s roads.

Permission was eventually granted in 1904, but motorcycles didn’t compete there until 1905. Even so, the Snaefell Mountain section of the allotted course proved itself to be too much for the woefully under powered bikes of the day. A hastily rescheduledevent took placeaway from the cattle track-like road leading to Snaefell, the island’s tallest peak at 621meters (2,036ft).

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It wasn’t until 1911 that the Snaefell Mountain Course was irst oficially used. The winning machine in the premier Senior Tourist Trophy (TT) race of the time was an Indian, with an average speed of 76.6kph (47.6mph).The Mountain Course has undergone many changes since 1911, but is synonymous with the IoM TT races and is still a breathtaking arena that challenges both man and machine.

In its early days, the TT course was more akin to a farm track where stones and tree roots were common.It was a far cry from the 37.739-mile-long tarmac course used today. But where the term ‘lap’ is used to describe circumnavigating the Mountain Course, it can never be described as a racetrack in the MotoGP/WSB sense of the word.

The IoM is the spiritual home to road racing. It’s racing on open roads as opposed to closed-circuit road racing on computer-designed circuits where the emphasis is on safety.

Road racing is motorcycle racing in its purest, original and most dangerous form – and the IoM TT is the epitome of this. There are no gravel or concrete run-off areas: only kerbstones and dry stone walls.

Trees and hedges block the view ahead, while road signs and telegraph poles provide braking points and perches for birds. Countless front garden boundary walls, grassy banks and front porches become viewing points during the TT fortnight.

Painted concrete super paddocks don’t exist here: just tents and caravans, while pit lane garages are nothing but awnings and articulated trucks…

In 1949, the IoM TT achieved international status as a venue for the Motorcycle World Championships and with it came the grandmasters of motorcycle racing:Giacomo Agostini, Geoff Duke, Mike Hailwood, Carl Fogarty and many more have ‘run the island.’ The average speed of a TT course lap also

rocketed, leading to the irst 100mph lap,by Bob McIntyre on a Gilera in 1957.

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The IoM TT also saw the arrival of exotic European and Japanese race machines. Agostini ran with MV Agusta, while Hailwood set Honda on course for island and world domination at the cost of British manufacturers. Benelli, Moto Guzzi, Yamaha, BMW et al.have challenged the TT course and conquered it. Even so, the famed Snaefell Mountain Course is still regarded as the ultimate motorcycle racing challenge. It has created great champions such as 26-time TT winner Joey Dunlop, and John McGuinness who, at an average speed of 211.754kph (131.578mph) and a course time of 17 minutes and 12.30seconds, holds the outright lap speed record.

tt fortnight – two weeks of MotorcyclinG heaven and hell -> Practice week The Isle of Man TT takes place over a period of two weeks – commonly known as TT Fortnight – and is traditionally held over the last week of May and irst week of June. The irst week is reserved for TT practice.

With all course roads closed, practice should be a trouble free event, but there still remains one danger and it’s a natural phenomenon: the sun. As it starts to drop in preparation for night time, the setting sun can literally blind riders. Even if the sun’s rays hit the riders’ eyes for a leeting second, at speeds of 160mph-plus it can prove to be costly.

Riders start the practice sessions at 10-second intervals, with a starting position by seeded riding number based on previous best lap speeds. For the Saturday practice run,solo and sidecar newcomers get an unhindered, slightly relaxed view of the course with a speed-controlled lap.

Practice week isn’t just about the riders gaining qualiication and getting their bearings, or learning a little bit more about the course to up their lap speed, it’s also the irst time to give the bike a shakedown run.It’s not just to see if the bike and its ancillaries and fasteners are durable to cover four race laps of the bump-strewn course. It’s also a time to calculate race gearing and fuel consumption – certain sections of the course can see the 1000cc bikes hit 190mph. Smaller capacity machines will literally run lat out for a greater part of the course, so the correct inal drive gearing is imperative to achieve decent fuel consumption.

Practice week is also a time to ensure that everything is well oiled and running smoothly.That not only means fuel stops and tyre changes, but everything behind the scenes as well. That includes the course marshals and medical staff, and the many women and men who sacriice their time to stand on duty in every weather condition.

There are no practice runs on the Sunday of practice week though. Not just because it’s a day of rest, but because the course is handed over to a tradition known as Mad Sunday. This is the day when the island’s ‘visitors’ – fans of TT fortnight – take to the course and the Snaefell Mountain section runs one-way trafic for the safety of the 10,000 plus motorcyclists riding the course.

-> race week

Race week begins on the irst Saturday of the second week. From as early as 7:00am, race fans are on the course making their way to the best vantage spot to witness the spectacle that is the Isle of Man TT in full swing. If you haven’t made it to your destination by at least 10:00am then forget about getting there: the roads literally close to all trafic.

Travelling marshals take to the circuit on bikes, of course, to check if the roads are clear and free of obstructions. The whole island falls silentin eager readiness for the racing, broken only by the sound of radio commentary from the popular TT Radio station.

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Race Day

Second ce practi < <<

If you sit in the paddock grandstand for the irst race, you’ll get an incredible view of the start of the Superbike TT race. The top teams are running bikes comparable to WSB machinery and the noise of these machines being warmed causes hearts and heads to pound. Competitors leave in pairs at timed intervals. To think that from a standing start, on cold tyres and in the space of a few 1,000 yards, the bikes and riders are already hitting 160mph downhill towards Ago’s Leap, a section where the chassis gets its irst taste of serious abuse with a take off and heavy landing…

Out on the course, the race starts to unfold with the help of the radio commentary. Marshals and medics are also in contact via two-way radios.

Then out of nowhere the scream of an engine hits your ears even before the riders come into view. As soon as you clock their race number they’re gone, onwards to the next section. Depending on where

laxey wheel

you’re sitting, you’ll either see a bike at extreme speed, cornering at an incredible lean angle, putting air between the tyres and road or simply struggling with bumps, braking or both at the same time. And this all happens on public roads!

Meanwhile, the scout movement of boys and girls is readying itself at the giant lapboard across the road from the grandstand to post the irst lap times, including speed information and rider position.

The young scouts place the written results on the lapboard for the world to see. Tradition is everything at the TT: digital technology will always take a backseat on the Isle of Man. In a lash, the irst bike shoots across the inish line and moves on towards the start of the second lap, this time hitting 180mph!

The second lap inishes with a pitstop for tyres and fuel. The constant engine and gearbox abuse can

deplete a tank of fuel very, very quickly. Visors get replaced or cleaned. Sometimes helmets are swapped. The riders quickly down a drink before leaving the pit lane at the same governed speed he entered. Then its race mode yet again for the next two laps…

The big two races – Superbike and Senior TT – run for a gruelling six laps. The Supersport and Superstock run for four laps, while sidecars and Lightweight TT classes compete for three laps.

The newest race, featuring the electric machines of the TT Zero Challenge, has just one lap. Even so, every race is close and full of excitement.

Simply put: there is nothing like the IoM TT. -

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the art of tt preparation

race

One lap of the Isle of Man’s 37.739-mile-long TT course is a gruelling affair for a motorcycle.

One race of four laps is, according to some riders, akin to two years of hard road riding.

To say TT race bikes go through hell during one race is an understatement. The inal drive chains get savagely stretched from take off and landings over the worst jumps; suspension luid gets pummelled to an overheated froth and wheel and headstock bearings are hammered. The vibrations from undulating road surfaces can cause fasteners to unwind on their threads, bodywork to crack and lap loose, brake luid to cavitate and cables to rub against the chassis.

The best way to understand how a bike is prepared for such abuse is to listen to someone who has years of TT and race experience.

“Experience counts for a lot,” says Adrian Gorst, the Chief Technician for Akrapovič-supported Honda TT Legends. “In the case of John McGuinness’ Superbike, it’s the same chassis spec he’s been using for the past three years. Familiarity doesn’t breed contempt here at the Isle of Man but rather mental comfort. He knows exactly what he’s riding on and how far he can push it.

“The Superbike [Honda Fireblade CBR1000RR] machine is based on a 2008 British Superbike. The main difference is the suspension set-up, where we reduce the spring preload and alter the compression and rebound valving to compensate for the bumps.

Then it’s just a case of dialling in everything to suit tyre construction and whatever John feels he needs balancing to suit the course as a whole.

“The bike is stripped and rebuilt after practices and races. We’re happy that the engine will be ine, but because of the bumps, jumps, savage braking and everything else, we have to check every nut and

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y joe op l n du > >>

bolt, switchgear, sensor, chain, cushdrive, cable… basically everything because the abuse is relentless and unforgiving. We use bigger everything to keep it all together, Loctited and safety-wired in place. You can’t afford to take chances here.

“Like everything else on the bike, say the brake pads, luids, suspension and so on, the Akrapovič exhaust is the best you can get for the job at hand.

We’ve never had a problem with the exhaust. It its perfectly, and delivers the necessary power and torque exactly where we want it, and it lasts.

It may be light but it’s durable and its perfectly no matter how many times we remove and replace it. And it looks and sounds great.

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to have a bike that is right for the job and right for the rider – you can’t afford second best. We check and recheck all the time. John is the man who puts the bike across the line. We prepare the bike that will get him there.”

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john KinG

Race Day

the island. It’s a great place to be and I love it. When the sun is out, it’s like a little Mediterranean island…

McGuinneSS iS of the Mountain

John McGuinness hails from Morecambe, in northwest England and is the current King of the Mountain. He holds the distinction of second highest number of wins at the Isle of ManTT, second only to the late, great Joey Dunlop’s 26 wins.

He is also the outright lap record holder with an unbelievable lap time set at the 2009 IoM TT of 17minutes 12.30seconds, and the fastest lap speed of 211.754kmh (131.758 mph) Akrapovič caught up with John during practice week for the 2012 Isle of Man TT. what doeS the tt Mean to you?

It means a lot to me. It’s been part of my life for a long time now. I’ve done 16 TTs and I’m a mad, passionate fan of the Isle of Man – not just the races but

there MuSt be More to the tt than that?

The Island’s been good to me. I’ve had some fantastic opportunities to ride some fabulous two-stroke bikes, big bikes, single-cylinder bikes and now these factory Honda bikes, which can take a beating. It’s also helped to pay the bills. I really love the island for what it is – a quiet, pretty place with history. you are havinG a fantaStic tt career, what KicKStarted it?

When I was a young lad, I came over to the TT to watch the race with my dad. I dreamed then of winning here, although not to the extent that I have.

I still dream of winning because that’s how racing here affects you. I feel a little bit lost at the end of TT Fortnight, when we pack up and go home.

are biKeS Still a part of your life, or iS it juSt a job?

No, I’m still passionate about bikes. I’ve got about 34 bikes in my collection. I’ve got a few of my TTwinning bikes and all other kinds as well, ranging from scooters, to scramblers, to mini-bikes and so on. What I want now is a Suzuki AP50 like I had when I was young lad, but they’ve gone berserk price-wise. do you Get involved with Mechanical preparation?

No. Not really. When you ride for a team that has as much TT preparation experience as Honda TT Legends you let them get on with it. To be honest, I have very little input because the bike’s almost spot on from the start and doesn’t need any major alterations. It’s more a case of them dealing out the goods and my job being to make the best of it.

< < < neSS McGuin : john e M a n 40 - age: nal feSSio n: pro o i t a P acer - occu ycle r Motorc eGendS a tt l d n o h : 16 - teaM idden: ears r y t t 9 ins: 1 - tt w es) c a l diuM P (36 Po

“the MoSt difficult Section iS… …Ginger Hall to Ramsey. Some people think it’s a straight run but there are deinitely some bends and areas that are quite physical. You’ve got Ginger Hall then down into Kerrowmoar, which is downhill braking, a left-hander, then a long bumpy right-hander, you go over a jump that the bike has to be dead straight for. Then there’s a real high-speed straight line up to sixth gear past the Council Yard and down into the Glen Duff area, which is all one line and you have to be careful and really hold on to the bike and be bang on line because there are bumps all along this part. Next up is The ‘K’ and the kerb… it’s all very physical. By the time you get to Ramsey and hit the brakes for School House, I think to myself that was pretty heavy-going and I take a few deep breaths and relax the hands again before getting hard on the brakes for Parliament Square.”

“the ScarieSt part of the courSe… …for me it’s the irst lap from the start and then down into Bray Hill. That’s when the bike’s got a full tank of fuel so it’s at its heaviest, and the new tyres with tyre pressures that aren’t up to spec, and you’re wondering if the brakes will hit operating temperature straight away. But, saying that, it’s not just the irst lap: over a six lap race it’s lap one, lap three and lap ive: the laps where new tyres and fuel are taken onboard and your concentration has been knocked sideways from being in the pits.”

“durinG the firSt practice… …I actually feel ok. Mentally, I’m just making notes on what might be different from the year before. Are there any road repairs? Any kerbs that have been changed? And so on. Physically, I’m trying to relax to get into the swing of it. Afterwards it’s different, though – you need to be it to ride at race pace even though you think you’re

race ready. After the irst practice session,my lower back, thighs and the front of my legs hurt the most. My neck’s also giving out some pain.

It’s all from being tucked in and getting hit by the high speed wind blast when sitting up to brake.”

“the Mountain Section… …from the Gooseneck to Brandish is all about being smooth and perfectly placed to maintain a good top speed. The trouble is the danger of relaxing too much. You can’t afford to because there are key lines to run through in order to get the next set of lines spot on. It’s always about momentum and the only way to keep it is planning ahead. Because of the importance of top speeds, it pays to get tucked in against the tank and not worry about your aching neck from looking upwards.”

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e he iSl Gth, t n e l n t ou leS i S with 739 Mi urSe i o c at 37. llenn a i h st c o Mounta M n d a n M t a rld. of longes the wo e n h i t e t ’37 ourS doub Ked by race c r a d M a o S r i GinG endS, courSe More b h the G e u r o a h t e al itS her eS,’ t ntS in n i o o t p S e G Mil Kin are to nd bra ould c a w S S r e e r tS corn oSt ty S adMi than M uinneS G c M where lenGth n joh laceS n p e v d e n a S cover. e tiMe ere ar h t where… t e a S th e el b r e h at he’d r

avid GerMan tt fan >>>

nG viSiti S Star <<<

Sure r Sideca

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World Champs

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celebraTiNg akrapovič 74 World champioN TiTles

CHAMPIONS EXPOSED

by Primož Jurman, Matevž Hribar

aldo drudi, The World-famous desigNer, respoNsible for The helmeT desigNs for all major riders, oNce said someThiNg like: “riders are people Who love life Yamaha

To The max. because They love iT so much, They expecT more from iT. The more you love someThiNg, The more you WaNT iT, The bigger The challeNge aNd The more poWerful The emoTioNs. buT NoT iN The seNse of ‘The fasTer you go, The greaTer The risk.’ riders doN’T WaNT To Take chaNces – They kNoW fully Well WhaT happeNs if They crash. daNciNg WiTh a moTorbike, The push aNd pull rhyThm aT 300 kph; This balleT has To be perfecT. There caN be No aligNmeNT, No harmoNy, WiThouT rhyThm. aNd The champioNs Take iT oNe sTep furTher. They are alWays curious, have a Wide opeN miNd aNd releNTlessly ThiNk abouT WhaT They caN improve.”

Find more content on the Akrapovič Lifestyle eMagazine iPad app!

Akrapovič has rich racing history, moreover racing is in the genes of the company. First victory for Slovenian company on world stage came in 1997 WSBK race by Japanese Akira Yanagawa on a Kawasaki. Later, in 2000, Colin Edwards has taken irst ever world championship crown as he won WSBK title with Honda. Since then, 74 world titles has been won with Akrapovič exhausts in various motosport championships – from road racing to the off road. 74 hard wars were fought and 74 victories were gained by the men who were the fastest. The luckiest. Simply - The best. On the top of the world. But, do we really know them, do we know who these guys are in real life, not just on the track? head To head WiTh champs We speak with champions from the past, present and future. They are all superstars – at least in the eyes of the public. But the spectators only see glorious side of their lives. In reality they are hard workers. They train

hard in itness clubs, ighting to stay in the right shape, and sweat on the track as they roar around in pursuit of those precious tenths of a second.

Have you seen scars hidden underneath their racetrack suits, have you felt their steely handshake? Hey, all those guys have some strange lash of determination in their eyes!

They all love racing, but have vastly different personalities. As they should, due to the different signs, under which they were born.

After looking at the characteristics of individual star signs, we were left wondering whether they really relect a champion’s personality. We offer you some of their answers to help you decide. While none of them were born under the sign of Scorpio – which is connected with Akrapovič - they are united by the fact that they are world champions and they use the same exhaust system: the Akrapovič exhaust. Congratulations, guys!

jorge loreNzo -

Jorge Lorenzo was born on May 4, 1987 in Palma de Mallorca. He is a Champion and Taurus by birth. Taureans are people of habit, who feel at home in predictable environments. They are not well served by being steady, though, as it prevents them from trying something new. They are very good with inances, so usually have no problems with money. They are inclined to comfort, luxury and enjoyment. They thrive in creative jobs.

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jorge WhaT raciNg represeNT To you - a challeNge? First and foremost, it’s my job and I try to do the best I can. And regarding challenges – yeah, of course it’s a challenge. Every race presents a challenge and I only want one thing: to win. That’s my nature, I like to compare myself to others, I like to compete and, of course, I love winning.

WhaT Would The World champioN TiTle meaN To you? More than it meant in 2010.

The circumstances were different then. I got an early advantage over the competitors, Valentino was injured … This year it is much tighter. There are more of us in the race, Dani and Casey kept breathing down my neck, but I didn’t surrender.

Everything was easier after Misano.

WhaT do you do WheN you’re NoT raciNg or geTTiNg ready To race? Sleep, sleep, sleep. Well, I also swim, listen to music - AC/DC, Red Hot Chili Peppers are my favourite rock bands – go to the cinema and surf the net.

What do you think of akrapovič exhausTs? Akrapovič is a very well-known brand with a high reputation. It’s deinitely the best and most recognisable motorcycle exhaust maker. Apart from the Yamaha M1, I also have an Akrapovič exhaust on my BMW M3 and I have to say I really like the sound.

Yamaha

Yamaha

WhaT do you ThiNk is more imporTaNT – The maN or The machiNe? A rider cannot win without the motorbike and the bike cannot win without the rider. They complement each other

and cannot stand alone. They are the perfect combination.

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World Champs

max biaggi Max Biaggi was born on June 26, 1971 in the Eternal City: Rome. He is a Superbike World Champion. Born under the sign of Cancer.

People born under this sign are intuitive and emotional, hold traditional values and convictions. They often have “bad days.” They fearlessly defend themselves and their close ones as well as take care of others. They can be good managers; they excel in inance, while their sharp intuitiveness gives them a good chance to succeed in the world of real estate.

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WhaT Would you do if you WereN’T raciNg? Hmm, to be honest, I haven’t thought about it yet. Instead of thinking about what I’d do if I weren’t racing, I have been and still am thinking about how to be successful at what I do. Racing is my life. The stuff I do in my free time is also connected to racing.

WhaT Would you chaNge iN The superbike champioNship? The safety of riders in the Superbike World Championship series is not on par with the safety in, let’s say, MotoGP.

We don’t even have an association of riders that could submit proposals and cooperate with organisers regarding the safety of competitors and, of course, everyone else. I think this is a topic that all of us will have to address soon.

Where do you feel The mosT aT home?

We are all in a way linked to the place where we were born, where we spent our childhood, and where our families live. We met our friends there who stood by us throughout our lives.

I’ve been living in Monte Carlo for 20 years so it’s become my second home and I love to go there. I enjoy its vibe and atmosphere. you are using an akrapovič exhaust This year. WhaT’s your opiNioN of iT? I can safely say it’s the best in the world. It helped me to a few world champion titles in recent seasons, but I regarded Akrapovič as the best even before it was installed on my racing bike.

Aprilia

max, you’ve beeN parT of The moTorbike World for TWo decades NoW aNd you’ve goT six World champioN TiTles uNder your belT. Which Would be your flighT of choice, seeiNg ThaT you’ve compeTed iN pracTically all of Them? If I compare the MotoGP world championship with Superbike, I’d say that the former has seen an inlux of ever-younger riders. There’s much more glamour,

less real racing and the riders and teams are becoming more and more unapproachable for spectators. It’s exactly the opposite in Superbike – the series is based on a formula that the viewers can relate to, since all riders use tires by a single manufacturer. This is the right formula, as shown by the increasing number of competing teams, gripping races and a rise in the number of spectators.

aNToiNe mÉo Antoine Méo was born on August 29, 1984, which makes him a Virgo. Virgos are famed for their clear mind and their constant attempts to create order from chaos. They do not fear physical exhaustion if they’re convinced that they can reach their goal, but can get into trouble by hiding their emotions. Antoine was born in the town of Digne, just a hundred kilometres from Brignoles, where this year’s enduro world championship season came to a close. We didn’t see anyone else have the time to wave at spectators during a race …

your commeNT oN The firsT year WiTh The kTm Team? Excellent. I was little scared in the beginning, but I’ve found my place in the

team. I feel a good connection with everyone, working with the team is going well and the bike is just perfect. The results show that. hoW Would you describe supporT from akrapovič? For me Akrapovič is the best pipe ever and I like it very much. I also have a small Akrapovič pipe on my 125, the sound is crazy! Whenever we have a request, Akrapovič comes up with a solution quickly and that’s very important for us.

WhaT’s imporTaNT for eNduro riders To survive WheN ridiNg 100 km/h jusT a feW ceNTimeTres aWay from Trees, rocks aNd slippery mud? Riders have different style. I’m one of those riders who tries

to push the limit all the time. This year with Nambotin we tried to push the limit little by little across many races. Sometimes it can be quite scary, yes. You take a risk and say to your self: uff… (laughter) No, it’s good. I like to improve my technique to get faster and faster.

I like the situation at the moment. I also think that sometimes adrenaline helps you react correctly. But you know, when you put the helmet on and you’re at the gate, I think you switch off something in your head and focus on what you’re doing. You try to give it your best and take as few risks as possible.

>>>

aNToNio cairoli Antonio Cairoli was born on September 23, 1985 in the town of Patti on the northern coast of Sicily. The six-time world motocross champion was born under the sign of Libra and is thus honest, diligent, strong-headed and determined to reach his goal, even if that means being stubborn. Libras make good partners at all levels, especially on a personal level. They can be addicted to luxuries and resent crowded areas, but can skilfully escape from them.

you WoN your sixTh champioNship This year. ThaT’s a good Number, isN’T iT? I don’t watch the numbers too much. I just like to be the best, to be on top all the time. Six championships is a big thing for sure. As a young guy I

wasn’t really expecting it, but that’s how it is. I’m just really happy.

Would you say a sporT like moTocross helps you sTay focused oN sporTs aNd geT Through hard Times easier? Yeah, for sure. I think every sport helps people stay healthy and focus on goals, which you need in life. Motocross demands a lot of training, a lot of good living. You can’t go out every weekend and get drunk like a lot of guys do. It deinitely keeps you in good shape.

WhaT do you suggesT To youNg people Who WaNT To succeed? Especially for motocross, I think it’s really important to always be it

and always keep your feet on the ground because it’s really a sport that demands sacriice.

To stay on top you need to ‘spit a lot of blood,’ as we Italians say. If you don’t do the right stuff, you fall behind fast, so it’s important to be professional and understand your limits. caN you describe WhaT differeNce aN exhausT caN make? I’ve ridden a lot of different brands, and Akrapovič is a really good one. It’s really powerful, that’s for sure. It helps the engine out a lot, but it’s also very resistant.

I use it a lot for training and stuff and it never fails, so I’m really happy with it.

R. Archer / KTM

S. Taglioni / KTM

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M. Hribar

J. Edmunds / KTM

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Fantastic

1

Hear the Nature Aside from being simply gorgeous, wood has amazing acoustic properties as well.

Sometimes you just want a little extra bass, and the Vers 7E is designed to deliver!

Tuned particularly for bass-heavy movies, games and music, the Vers 7E extended bass earphone is designed to deliver enhanced realism with a unique driver design and a larger acoustic chamber and precision bass-tuned port. The low-proile integrated microphone with mute and play/pause control makes it a perfect solution for the iPhone, iPad - or any device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The in-ear passive noise cancellation design blocks 90% of surrounding sounds, assuring an ideal acoustic experience in any environment. And Vers is environment friendly. They replant 100 trees for every tree they use. So, let’s hear it for nature!

www.versaudio.com

2

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Be Faster Adidas’s innovative AdiZero Feather 2 is currently the lightest running shoe available, with a male size 42.5 pair tipping the scales at a measly 190 grams. The new and technologically improved model is meant for all athletes who want to run faster and reach farther. Apart from the new frame, the lightest shoe for everyday jogging now allows you to use a new miCoach SPEED CELL™ interface, which records the runner’s movements in a 360° radius, and measures their average/top speed, number of sprints/accelerations, distance run at normal and high intensity, and the number of steps per minute.

The gadget can record for up to 8 hours and the data can be shared, compared, and used to compete with against friends.

www.adidas.com

3

Eco Watch / Eco-Drive Citizen Eco-drive watches utilise a simple but revolutionary concept, do not require batteries, and are thus perfect for anyone who swears by environmentally-friendly products. They harness the power of light, which is converted into electric energy. The stored energy sufices to power the watch for a long time, even in total darkness.

www.citizenwatch.com

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4

A Sip of the Golden Liquid Richard Hennessy Cognac is a blend of over one hundred exceptional “eaux-de-vie,” which partially come from the house established in 1774 by Richard Hennessy, and which were given special attention during their maturation. These “eauxde-vie” mainly come from the best vineyards and plantations in the La Grande Champagne region. The taste of a sumptuous cognac contains the perfect balance of complex aromas: vanilla, lower oil extracts, crystallised sugar and spices. These are complemented by delicate lower aromas, spices and peppers with the predominant smell of walnut and crystallised fruit. The spices remain on the sidelines and never take the leading role.

The smell of underground dampness, created by recent rain, adds freshness to this sumptuous drink.

www.hennessy.com

5

Retro & High Tech The retro-styled The Box speaker by Seletti launts a vintage exterior housing the latest technology. This exceptional sound system combines unique aesthetics with high-quality sound. The combination of a 50-watt ampliier and speaker with an MP3 docking system will play your favourite songs as well as amplify your electrical instruments and microphone.

www.seletti.it

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30’s Style The Abici’s concept is future memories, a bicycle in its pure conceptual form, a perfect combination of yesterday and tomorrow, available to pedal today. Its latest model, the Velocino, is based on an original 30s Italian steel frame, with joints and braze welding, wide tyres with relecting lines, leather saddle, back-pedal rear brake and leather grips. It is hand-made like all Abici bicycles and available in one size.

www.abici.it

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Cowboy

by Gaber Keržišnik photography Bor Dobrin

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DuStin Kott

Starbucks

owboy C

Dustin Kott hit the motorcycle scene like a meteor, courtesy of a masterful documentary ilm by the skilful Benedict Campbell.

I have watched the short documentary entitled “Cafe Cowboy” numerous times. If you ask me, it’s best seen on vimeo.com. It’s an Oscar-worthy masterpiece if you’re at least a little bit interested in old motorbikes. Dustin Kott convinced me with his genuineness, something that I’m not used to when visiting various bike builders all over the world.

And, believe me, I’ve visited a few. Kott feels legit.

Natural, direct and genuine. He reminds me of a modern-age James Dean as he rummages through the old rusty parts of Honda motorbikes from the 70s in his metal-sheet workshop.

The real-life Dustin looks exactly as he’s portrayed in Benedict’s short, and he’s now a widely recognizable igure. But his star is still ascending. Big

markets, rich buyers and pompous motorcycle magazines have not yet fully discovered him and that’s what gives his story some extra charm. Dustin is a raw diamond on the motorcycle scene.

He uses his brand, Kott Motorcycles, to transform bikes, which he mostly does for pleasure and out of passion … but with a sale here and there. Well, you have to make a living somehow! But the majority of similar entrepreneurs in the motorcycle world feel completely the opposite. And because the magazine you’re reading right now focuses on passion, ideas and lifestyle, visiting Kott’s workshop near Los Angeles was a must for me as a motorcycle journalist.

Prior to this year’s MotoGP race in Laguna Seca, I deliberately stayed in sunny California for a few days longer. I sent an email to Dustin, informing him that I would love to drop by with our photographer. To stop by for a coffee, to say hello, to see

what he does and to take some photos. I received a reply the same day. In fact, it came just a few hours later and said: “You are welcome!”

As we drove into the town of Newhall, we felt like this was a place where time had stopped decades ago. The town could easily serve as a backdrop for a Western. A few houses, a gas station and a railroad track. We drove past Dustin’s workshop twice.

Despite our on-board navigation telling us we had reached the right place, we were convinced that the electronic box had gotten it wrong. There was nothing there.

We expected to see a large workshop in an industrial zone, sporting a huge billboard, with walls full of multi-coloured grafiti, and an ofice, a small showroom and a workshop. The typical things, that is.

Plus an inside full of motors in all the colours of the rainbow, with shining chrome, pneumatic testbeds

for repairs, modern and large tool crates with spanking new spanners and screwdrivers. Nope ... there was none of that. If you want to see something like that, you’ll have to visit the guys you can see on the obviously staged TV shows.

Dustin works in a small improvised workshop. The partially wooden building is covered with sheet metal and in no way betrays the fact that motorbikes reside within. Well, almost. Next to the entrance there’s a rusty frame from one of the air-cooled Hondas from the early 80s. I stop. Upon closer inspection, I can see parts of an engine lying behind the house by the railroad. A cemetery for old Hondas – this has to be it. We’ve made it!

But because the workshop was still locked and there was no sign on the door betraying its ownership, I still wasn’t 100% sure that we had made it to the right place. “Maybe he moved?” the photographer

quipped. I decided to ask the neighbors and when they conirmed that the shed did indeed belong to a guy dealing with motorbikes, my faith was restored.

We were at the right spot. “He’s a quiet guy, he doesn’t talk too much. He drives an old rusty pickup that usually has a motorbike in the back.”

Yep. This is the place. Dustin tells me over the phone to wait at the door. He’s on his way and should arrive soon. True to his word, he appears ten minutes later. He looks exactly like he does in the documentary. He gets out of his old and rusty Ford pick-up wearing his signature cap, a sleeveless vest and washed-out jeans, which cover the top of a pair of leather boots. There’s also his characteristic white paper cup with coffee from one of the drive-through cafes. Could have been Starbucks, I don’t remember exactly. But that’s how I gave him his name.

While the documentary is called “Cafe Cowboy,” I

christened him “Starbucks Cowboy” instead. And if motorbikes became cafe racers in the 60s, then Starbucks racers will be an apt name for Dustin’s creations. He really is a character. I don’t know why, but he immediately and strongly reminded me of Bruce Springsteen.

He vigorously shakes my hand, laughs and introduces himself. He unlocks the doors to his workshop and calls us in. “This is it. This is my studio,” he says as we enter the small workshop. This is where he makes the motorbikes that I’ve been fascinated with ever since irst seeing them online.

Perhaps because a few similar ones can be found in my garage. The English will be miffed if we call them cafe racers. For them the only real ones have been parked in front of London’s Ace Café by guys in black leather jackets and turtlenecks. BSA, Norton, Matchless, Vincent, Triumph ...

Dustin mainly works on Hondas. He calls his segment hot rod bikes. The same as Americans call their old tuned cars.

This motorcycle segment has been increasing in popularity in recent years. Retro is in. And Dustin makes proper retro style machines. Bikes from the 60s and the 70s. With all the useless junk removed and a touch of “sportiness” thrown in. Honda CB 500 four and 750 four, with a 250 or 350 twin put in for good measure. Air cooling, open carburettors, cut-off exhausts, spoke wheels, low and elongated fuel tanks, low slung handlebars and a single sports seat. It sounds so easy. It might well be easy, but if you lack the vision, the motorbike will come out looking ridiculous instead of cool.

Retro cafe racers, hot rod motorbikes, vintage bikes and custom classics are everyday motorcycles which don’t want to draw attention by using wild colours, shiny chrome or sizeable wheels.

These bikes fulill the most basic of motorcycle principles: To ride and give your life lightness.

The principle of a motorcycle as a means of city transport or a sports toy for enjoying aimless rides.

These motorcycles are like All Stars, Levi’s 501 jeans, Coca Cola in a bottle, or an old and washedout T-shirt. Classics that are always in vogue and whose main quality is their comfort, usefulness and eternal cool looks.

“I’m interested in the essence of a bike,” Dustin says. “A bike as a thing to ride on. Without useless junk. The frame, wheels, engine, fuel tank, seat and handlebars. I want to remove everything that is superluous. I only leave the stuff that is required for getting the bike licensed. My aim is to make a motorbike I can feel. A bike I can ride and know it doesn’t ride me. I’m not interested in motorcycles as luxury toys or status symbols. I’m interested in them as a means of transport for people who can’t afford a car. Just as it once was.”

Dustin kick-starts the engine of his black and silver Honda, the exact bike whose sharp sound was featured in the documentary. He then adds: “Kick-starting a bike is always cool. Right?”

Yep, Dustin Kott is a motorcycle romantic. His workshop resembles an art gallery and a junkyard at the same time. Old, greasy chrome exhausts, fuel tanks, and ancient rims with or without tires hang from the ceiling. Hammered above the ofice door are motorcycle license plates from bikes consumed by Kott’s workshop and then spit out onto the streets a few days later, in a completely

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Cowboy

new guise. There’s a bike in the center of the shop, just being completed by Dustin, his latest creation.

This baby will soon be inished. “It’s almost a clone of my ride,” says Dustin after I tell him that the two look very alike. “I know, I know, a client wanted to buy mine after seeing it in the documentary on the web. But that one’s mine. I made it for myself and I’m not selling it.” But … the one being made looks much nicer than the one he made for himself.

“Why don’t you sell your old one and keep this one?” I ask. “You don’t understand,” he replies.

“This one’s mine and is not for sale.”

Got it. Loud and clear. And I think I do understand as well. Dustin doesn’t work for money. He can make a living by rebuilding bikes, but he does it for his own pleasure and to have an outlet for his creativity. Didn’t Van Gogh paint every day, even though he barely sold any paintings?

“You won’t get rich doing this,” he explains. “The price for the bike I’m just inishing will be about 10,000 dollars. I paid over 2,000 for the old bike.

And factoring in my labour, material, chrome, colouring and other stuff that I buy, like tires, strips, oil, gaskets and other motorcycle parts … I really

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don’t make a lot of money off a single bike. If I calculated my hourly wage I’d probably be doing something else. But I don’t want to. I don’t make bikes for fame and glory. I ind pleasure in them and also ride every single one I make a couple of times to test it before sending it to the client. It’s better if something breaks here, rather than there.” While Dustin speaks, he works on repairing the lights and indicators on a Honda CB 750 four. One he just wheeled into the workshop.

“It’s getting harder and harder to ind bikes like this,” he continues. “Once they were a dime a dozen, but not anymore. And the people who own them don’t want to sell them for a few hundred bucks apiece. The prices are rising, because there are fewer and fewer bikes like this. I know that one day they’ll run out. My advantage is that I used to work as a real estate agent. I visited a lot of people and walked through numerous houses, workshops and courtyards. That’s how I came across many bikes and I still have a keen nose for snifing them out.”

So, who are the clients who buy bikes from a cool guy like Dustin Kott? I know that quite a few Hollywood stars are keen riders, so I try to get a titbit or

two from the man himself. But Dustin stays professionally quiet and skilfully dodges the question.

“Yes, quite a few recognizable faces have already been in this dusty old shed,” he says. But he mentions no names.

As we were chatting, Dustin ixed the electronics on the Honda and pushed it out of the garage. He lowered the side of the box on his pickup and pushed the bike on it via a wooden plank.

“Guys, I’d love to chat more and it was really nice to meet you, but I’m in a hurry. I’m taking this bike for a check-up and I’ve got to be there on time.

Can’t be late,” Dustin says by way of goodbye.

He starts his Ford, lowers the window and puts his elbow out. He honks twice to say bye and takes off.

And we follow him to take a few more shots. He’s an interesting guy, our Dustin. As if he came out of a movie. We are bound to visit him again and I’m sure that motorcycle aicionados will hear more about the Cafe …, sorry, Starbucks Cowboy from Newhall.

Find more content on the Akrapovič Lifestyle eMagazine iPad app!

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Go Wild

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Photos: Taglioni S., Archer R.

Hat trick for Tony Cairoli!

Red Bull KTMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italian factory rider Tony Cairoli takes his third consecutive MX1 World Championship title for KTM before the end of the season. The six-times Motocross Champion has won around half of all the races on his KTM 350 SX-F and has taken more than 80 percent of the available points â&#x20AC;&#x201C; GRANDE TONY!

facebook.ktm.com KTM Group Partner

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VAMPIRE RR CROSSES OVER TO THE DARK SIDE If these haunting pictures of the BMW S 1000 RR conjure up thoughts of speed, power, desire, or perhaps even envy, then you are deinitely on the same wavelength as lifestyle photographer Markus Hofmann, who invites us all to take a walk on the wild side – if we dare…

Let’s face it, fast motorcycles have often been associated with the darker side of life, inspiring subcultures of dedicated followers, keen to experience the adrenaline rush that comes from riding a powerful and uncompromising machine as close to the limit as they dare.

Erotic and beautiful but deathly pale model Felicia Rie and Hofmann rekindle our age-old obsession about the female vampire with these pictures that suggest her thirst and desire for blood, which can only be drained from the living by a mysterious, yet fatal bite to the neck. Those who like to lirt with danger are warned to beware, as the potency of the RR can make your hair stand on end, send a shiver down the spine and in doing so, possibly

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attract thirsty visits from the living dead, who are always keen to get their teeth into you…

– its screaming exhaust note loud enough to silence a pack of howling wolves.

With risk comes reward of course, as only those who have experienced the ultimate power of the RR can testify. Nobody needs nearly 200 horsepower and cutting-edge, racetrack performance of course, but since when have we ever let what we need get in the way of what we want?

“Ever since it irst arrived on the scene, the RR has always had a raw edge, which I wanted to explore with this ‘Underworld meets Speed’ photo-shoot,” he said. “I wanted the scene to be moodily lit, suggestive and erotic, with more than a hint of the existence and the power of evil. The pictures are sexy, provocative, dynamic and exciting – much like the RR – which offers a world of riding possibilities far beyond the reach of most of us mere mortals, but at the same time challenges us to explore how far we are willing to push ourselves in pursuit of riding pleasure.”

Whether your desire is to own the racetrack from dawn till dusk, ride like a ‘bat out of hell’ on your favourite mountain pass, or simply outrun a deadly vampire as twilight turns to sunset in Transylvania, the acceleration and top speed capabilities of the RR are the most effective weapon you can have at your disposal. Better by far than a cruciix, a clove of garlic, or even a wooden stake!

For Hofmann, the photo-shoot provided an opportunity to show the wild and uninhibited ‘underworld’ of the vampire existing in rebellious harmony alongside the adrenaline-charged, all-powerful RR

And while the RR can’t protect us from the bloodthirsty neck-biters that many believe still live among us, it is however packed with enough hightech features and options – such as Dynamic Traction Control and Race ABS – to help protect us from ourselves, when that familiar rush of blood happens out on the road or track…

Credits: BMW Motorrad, Wolford, Benetton, Sisley, schmuckrausch®, COS über Loews PR, PEINTNEŔs Wäsche & Mieder AM DOM, Krass Optik

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Crazy Stuff

y z a r C Stuff Dinner in the Sky The sky’s no longer the limit! We invite you to the most unusual restaurant in the world, where you can enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful views. When the crane lifts you 50 meters into the air and you ind yourself sitting at a big table with 21 people, you’ll know what we’re talking about. It’s a lying adventure called Dinner in the Sky. In the middle of this big, round table there is a chef who prepares delicious meals. This originally-Belgian success story is now available in more than 40 countries. You can sit above Monaco with France’s most highly ‘starred’ chef, Joel Robuchon; you can go to the Beach Bar in the Sky; enjoy an Opera in the Sky with Lesley Garrett singing at the Tower of London; sit in an Internet Café in the Sky in Las Vegas; and even a play a Poker Match in the Sky at the Grand Prix Moto of Jerez.

Please don’t panic. These gourmet experiences are organized in a safe way. Everything is in line with the German regulation norm DIN 4112. When you’re seated at your table, you have to fasten your seat belt and a highly-professional staff is on hand to take care of you throughout the surreal experience.

But it’s not just dinner and fun. You can do a lot of things up there, like get married in the clouds amongst angels; bungy jump from a platform; play golf; share a dinner or a glass of G.H. Mumm champagne with friends while listening to the sounds of Ghanaian drummers; arrange a match of bridge or poker; sip Chivas while enjoying a

ine Havana cigar; play a round of baccarat while being entertained by French Cancan dancers... all from an altitude of 50 meters.

A lot of crazy dreams can come true.

Your imagination is the limit, not the sky.

Check it out where and when you can! www.dinnerinthesky.com

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The sleek, angular house in Ayora near Valencia that bursts out of a rock is the latest project of Spanish studio Fran Silvestre Arquitectos. The building is located in a uniquely beautiful landscape. The bright white house is modern, linear and geometric and perfect for a family that wants to discover new forms of living.

The architects integrated this single-family residence into the environment. Their goal was to respect the strategies of adaptation to the environment by not using mimicking materials that would lead to a misleading historicity. The home had to be designed with three main factors in mind: the owners demanded privacy, sun-washed interiors and that the project stay within the available budget. The interior of the three-story house was designed with a void that served as a divider. The void cut a parallel version into the mountain without touching it.

Additionally, the void is adjacent to a skylight, which allows for abundant natural lighting to low through the interiors. The cellar can be found on the ground loor, while on the irst loor one comes across the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bedrooms, bunk beds, and a bathroom which open up to a private street.

The master bedroom on the upper loor overlooks the houses across the street and

the valley of Ayora. On the top loor, which is twice as big as the other two loors, you can ind the study, and an open-plan kitchen with a dining room and living room. A toploor courtyard faces the majestic mountain above. Perfect for a new story for a new family. www.fransilvestrenavarro.com

Photo: Hakuna Matata, pr material, Fernando Alda

House for Âťnew peopleÂŤ -

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10 reasons why akrapovič INNOVATIVE DESIGN.

Akrapovič is recognized as a leader in exhaust-system design. Akrapovič’s patented hexagonal shaped muflers created a storm in the motorcycle aftermarket industry, and their shape transformed the concept of exhaust systems, replacing the standard oval. Our conical design reafirms our commitment to great design. Akrapovič: there are no better-looking exhaust systems.

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Our exhaust systems are designed to provide you with higher levels of performance. We call it Pure Power. Reduced weight from the combination of the right materials and the best design to ensure optimum exhaust low. More horsepower. More torque. More performance. Pure Power.

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Our exhaust systems sound like no others. Just the right notes at the right times. Deep, resonant sound. The sound of Pure Power. Make your own sound with Akrapovič.

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Racing’s in our blood. Akrapovič has successfully supported racing teams since it was founded. Over 70 world champions have relied on Akrapovič when it really matters. It’s the choice of champions whether racing on road or offroad. Factory racers or privateers. There’s no better proving ground for your exhaust system than the world’s most demanding racetracks.

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT & TESTING. We invest heavily in research and development. The best people, new materials, new technology, and new processes ensure that we develop innovative new products. We back this up with rigorous measurement, testing, and quality control to ensure our exhaust systems meet the most stringent EC type-approval standards where required.

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We only use the best materials. Titanium heat-resistant alloys for all the key parts of our titanium exhausts, not just the outer sleeves like many of our competitors. Austenitic stainless steel and carbon ibre which is pre-impregnated and ultralight for high tensile strength and temperature resistance.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY. We are pioneers in developing and using technology to bring real beneits to the rider. Technology and its applications are developed in-house.

Hydroforming is one such process, where header tubes are molded by applying pressurized water. The material forms the ideal shape for optimum exhaust low, with no loss in strength. We are recognized as pioneers in the plastic deformation of titanium alloys and also in precision welding.

STATE-OF-THE-ART FACTORY.

All Akrapovič facilities are state-of-the-art, where quality control is maintained by designing and manufacturing all exhaust systems in-house.

This enables the creation of exhaust tubes to our own demanding speciications for maximum performance and quality. In-house laboratories ensure that the most exacting standards for type approval and certiication are met.

PASSION & EXPERIENCE. It’s the passion, experience, and dedication of the Akrapovič team that few can match. Over twenty years of devotion to developing the best exhaust systems and a desire for perfection in the design, performance, and sound of all our products. All Akrapovič employees work with a passion for our products, for racing, and for satisfying our customers.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL. It’s all in the detail. From the design right through to the packaging. The right looks, the right sound, and the right power delivery combined with perfect it and durability. These are the details that matter.

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OVER 50 WORLD CLASS RACE TEAMS. OVER 70 WORLD CHAMPIONS. 3 TIMES WINNER OF THE LE MANS 24 HOUR RACE WITH AUDI SPORT. WINNER OF 2012* FIA WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH AUDI SPORT. OFFICIAL PARTNER YAMAHA FACTORY RACING MOTOGP. DTM 2012 CHAMPION WITH BMW MOTORSPORT. 19 BEST BRAND AWARDS. THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS.

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Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha Factory Racing 2012 MotoGP™ World Champion

*At time of printing, Constructors’ title subject to official confirmation by FIA.