Milan Show
KTM
KTM have already updated thier brand new RC8, by launching the RC8-R, with capacity increased by 47cc from 1148 to 1195cc. Power has increased from 112kw to 121kw and torque is up from 112nm to 123nm. Weight is down by 10kg, and wheelbase 5mm shorter. There are rumours that KTM are also planning to enter WSB in 2009. All they need now is someone to ride the orange machine.
Bimota
The hand made Bimota DB7 just got a whole lot more exclusive, as the chassis (the frame and swingarm) is now made totally from carbon fibre - a world first. This remarkable design has lowered the dry weight to 164kg, which is just 2kg above the WSB limit, which is incredible for a production motorcycle.
The new bike, called the Oro Nero, which means 'Black Gold' in Italian, is powered by a Ductati 1098cc engine producing 119kw.
European pricing is expected to be around the €40,000 mark.
Parkes to WSB with Kawasaki
Broc Parkes has announced his return to WSB after 7 years in WSS. He will be riding a Paul Bird Motorsport Kawasaki ZX-10R. PBM is taking over from PSG-1 as the official Kawasaki WSB team. Kawasaki have yet to field a full factory team in WSB, which could be the reason for their lacklustre performance in recent years.
Casey's Scaphoid
Casey stoner recently underwent surgery to repair his damaged scaphoid in his left wrist. The injury dates back to 2003, and had not healed properly. Hopefully this time the job has been done properly, and he makes a full recovery. Either way lets hope we don't see the same whingeing from him in 2009.
Garry McCoy to WSS on a Triumph
Garry McCoy has competed in the Portimao round of the World Supersport Championship (WSS). Riding a factory supported SC Caracchi Triumph. Finishing in 13th position it is likely that McCoy will ride for the team in the 2009 championship, replacing countryman Mark Aitchison.
Nicky Hayden to Ducati
Nicky hayden has done his first tests at his new MotoGP team - Ducati. Riding the new carbon fibre framed GP9 bike at the end of season test, he clocked a best time of 1:33.960 as opposed to Casey Stoner's 1:32.464. However Hayden was fastest on day two in wet conditions.
Hayden said he was satisfied with the move to Ducati after 9 years at Honda, but it remains to be seen if he can tame the powerful Ducati, which claimed another scalp (Marco Melandri) in 2008.
Marco Melandri to Kawasaki
After his move to the Kawasaki MotoGP team, Marco Melandri has already lapped quicker on the Kawasaki at his first end of season test, than he did on the Ducati in the entire 2008 season.
Now we all know that the Kawasaki is not exactly the best bike in MotoGP right now, and Casey Stoner has had more than enough wins on the Ducati, so exactly why Melandri can have these outcomes remains a mystery to everyone at present.