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2024 WorldSBK: BMW Motorrad Motorsport goals to construct on the promising begin at Barcelona.

Barcelona. Following the season opener in Australia, the FIM Superbike World Championship has returned to Europe. Next weekend (twenty second to twenty fourth March), BMW Motorrad Motorsport is gearing up for the second racing occasion of the 12 months on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (ESP). There, the 4 manufacturing facility riders and the 2 groups, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team, purpose to proceed the constructive momentum from Phillip Island (AUS).

In February, Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) clinched his first podium as a BMW Motorrad WorldSBK manufacturing facility rider by ending third within the Superpole Race there. The BMW M 1000 RR was within the main group in each session, and Michael van der Mark (NED), Garrett Gerloff (USA) and Scott Redding (GBR) ensured that every one manufacturing facility riders had been represented within the prime ten within the races.

To put together for the Barcelona racing weekend, each groups, together with the 4 riders, performed a two-day check on the similar venue final week. The BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Test Team was additionally current to help the 2 groups of their preparations.

 

Quotes forward of the Barcelona spherical.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “The results from the season opener in Australia give us a lot of momentum heading into the second race weekend in Barcelona. Of course, Phillip Island is a very unique track, and now the deck is being reshuffled. However, also the insights from the Barcelona test last week have left us feeling optimistic. There we were able to see the pace of our BMW M 1000 RR again. Now, the challenge is to convert this into corresponding results during the race weekend. Qualifying forms the crucial foundation for the races, and our goal is to secure strong starting positions with all four riders. If the race pace also is strong, this is the base for successful races in this extremely competitive field. In the past, Barcelona hasn’t necessarily been one of the tracks that suit us best, but we have worked hard and approach the weekend with confidence.”

Garrett Gerloff (#31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team): “I’m really looking forward to this weekend in Barcelona. It’s a track that I really enjoy and where I’ve had success in the past so I can’t wait to get there and seeing if we can have a really good weekend. The BMW M 1000 RR felt good at the test and there are still a couple of things that I want to improve but all in all I think we have a strong package and I’m looking forward to starting the weekend.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu (#54 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “I think it will not be an easy race weekend for me because we need further improve tyre life but the test was also very positive, we also worked on race pace and that was very good. We are still not at really 100 per cent but I am learning the bike every day and we are improving. My general feeling is not bad. This race weekend will be very important for me. I try to make it to the podium and my big target is to win the race because I never won at Catalunya before. I hope we will win this weekend, I will try to do my best.”

Scott Redding (#45 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team): “The Barcelona weekend will be an interesting one. We know that it’s not one of our stronger circuits on the calendar. Obviously having a test last week we were able to work on the bike set-up, trying to improve our weak points which is always good. Everyone is working super hard to do the best that we can. The race weekend is always different so we need to see with track conditions and weather. Hopefully we can have some better results than at Phillip Island, trying to get back on track and keep improving.”

Michael van der Mark (#60 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “It’s nice to go out on track and have another race weekend. It’s good that we had a test there last week and I think we are quite ready for the race weekend. We have a good base, we just have to work on details. Barcelona circuit is a fantastic race track. I think one of the key things to work on is to get a full race distance out of the tyres, mainly the front. It will be interesting but I’m looking forward to it. I had a good feeling at the test and also in Australia, we have seen how strong we can be. I can’t wait to race again and to fight for the best positions.”

The Kimera Evo38 Is The New Rally Car Lancia Won’t Build

After being dormant for a few years, Lancia returned with a reskinned Peugeot 208 for the new Ypsilon. But Another Italian firm, Kimera Automobili, has a greater concept to revitalize the troubled model. Meet the Evo38, a modern-day tribute to a automobile that formally by no means existed—the Lancia 038.

The 038 was presupposed to be an evolution of the 037—the final rear-wheel-drive automobile to win the WRC title again in 1983. It had been engineered with all-wheel drive and extra energy in a bid to maintain up with the Audi Quattro S1 however it by no means noticed the sunshine of day. The Delta S4 outmoded the 037 however there was no 038, regardless of at the very least one prototype being made and examined. In an try to repair historical past, Kimera is bringing again the 038.

The new automobile is a follow-up to the Kimera Evo37 launched in 2021, however now with all-wheel drive and roughly 100 extra horsepower with a much bigger turbocharger and different {hardware} revisions. It routes almost 600 hp to each axles by a six-speed guide transmission modified with shorter gear ratios.

With ample carbon fiber and titanium, the group behind the Evo38 has restricted the load penalty of including AWD. It weighs roughly 1,100 kilograms (2,425 kilos), so roughly as a lot as a Mazda MX-5 Miata RF or an Alpine A110S.

Kimera Evo38
Kimera Evo38

This “Integrale” model has an electrohydraulic differential controllable from the within by permitting the motive force to decide on how a lot energy goes to the wheels. The suspension has been tweaked in comparison with the 037 and now has electronically managed shock absorbers together with a raise system.

The Kimera Evo37 had a 2.1-liter engine made by Italtecnica re-engineered below the steerage of Lancia engineer Claudio Lombardi. There are plans to promote the Evo38 with an electronically actuated sequential gearbox.

Kimera intends to convey the Evo38 to the 2024 Geneva Motor Show subsequent week earlier than beginning manufacturing of the 38 items later this 12 months. Pricing particulars haven’t been disclosed however the 037 was supplied in 37 examples at €480,000 a pop. In at present’s cash, that is about $520,000.

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Kimera Ok-39 teaser

Interestingly, the corporate has arrange a devoted web page on its web site for a 3rd future mannequin. There’s already a countdown till the Ok-39 will likely be unveiled in 120 days, so offered our math is correct, the debut date is locked in for June 22, 2024.

In a great world, Lancia would’ve launched a rally-bred automobile in 2024 to kickstart its revival. But finally, the Ypsilon made extra sense because it’s primarily based on a number of current Stellantis merchandise, such because the Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa.

But corporations like Kimera are prepared to money in on that heritage by producing what Lancia will not. Just put together to pony up some severe cash.

2024 GLENDALE SUPERCROSS RESULTS

The 2024 Monster Energy Supercross season returned to the west for spherical 6 this weekend, and it was one other new winner. Ken Roczen added his title to the checklist, making 5 winners in 6 rounds. Jett Lawrence is the one two-time winner, and he assumed the factors lead along with his third place end behind Roczen and Jason Anderson. In the 250 class, the west coast riders resumed their battle and it was RJ Hampshire who got here out on prime. Levi Kitchen retains sole possession of the pink plate of the factors chief along with his second place run.   For extended coverage of the 2024 Monster Energy Supercross season, click here.

450 HEAT 1

1 Ken Roczen
2 Malcolm Stewart
3 Jett Lawrence
4 Chase Sexton
5 Vince Friese
6 Justin Cooper
7 Dylan Ferrandis
8 Derek Drake
9 Benny Bloss
10 Josh Hill
11 Jeremy Hand
12 Mitchell Harrison
13 Kevin Moranz
14 Tristan Lane
15 Cheyenne Harmon
16 Jerry Robin
17 John Short
18 Colby Copp
19 Hunter Schlosser
20 Josh Cartwright

450 HEAT 2

1 Aaron Plessinger
2 Jason Anderson
3 Eli Tomac
4 Hunter Lawrence
5 Cooper Webb
6 Justin Barcia
7 Christian Craig
8 Dean Wilson
9 Justin Hill
10 Kyle Chisholm
11 Shane McElrath
12 Freddie Noren
13 Marshal Weltin
14 Devin Simonson
15 Cade Clason
16 Justin Rodbell
17 Justin Starling
18 Michael Hicks
19 Theodore Pauli
20 Joel Wightman

450 MAIN 

1 Ken Roczen
2 Jason Anderson
3 Jett Lawrence
4 Eli Tomac
5 Hunter Lawrence
6 Dylan Ferrandis
7 Cooper Webb
8 Malcolm Stewart
9 Chase Sexton
10 Aaron Plessinger
11 Justin Cooper
12 Christian Craig
13 Vince Friese
14 Shane McElrath
15 Justin Hill
16 Dean Wilson
17 Benny Bloss
18 Justin Barcia
19 Kyle Chisholm
20 Freddie Noren
21 Derek Drake
22 Devin Simonson

450 POINTS AFTER ROUND 6

1 Jett Lawrence 117
2 Chase Sexton 111
3 Aaron Plessinger 108
4 Cooper Webb 107
5 Jason Anderson 106
6 Ken Roczen 102
7 Eli Tomac 100
8 Dylan Ferrandis 93
9 Hunter Lawrence 69
10 Justin Barcia 63
11 Justin Cooper 60
12 Malcolm Stewart 51
13 Shane McElrath 49
14 Jorge Prado 45
15 Christian Craig 39
16 Dean Wilson 35
17 Adam Cianciarulo 33
18 Derek Drake 25
19 Justin Hill 23
20 Kyle Chisholm 18

250 HEAT 1

1 Levi Kitchen
2 Carson Mumford
3 Mitchell Oldenburg
4 Julien Beaumer
5 Phillip Nicoletti
6 Ryder DiFrancesco
7 Talon Hawkins
8 Anthony Bourdon
9 Tj Albright
10 Matti Jorgensen
11 Alex Nagy
12 Addison Emory
13 Nicholas Nisbet
14 Braden Spangle
15 Chad Saultz
16 Max Sanford
17 Josh Greco
18 Joey Desimone
19 Chris Howell
20 Billy Laninovich

250 HEAT 2

1 Jordon Smith
2 Jo Shimoda
3 RJ Hampshire
4 Garrett Marchbanks
5 Hunter Yoder
6 Robbie Wageman
7 Cole Thompson
8 Max Miller
9 Joshua Varize
10 Slade Varola
11 Kyle Wise
12 Carter Biese
13 Blaine Silveira
14 Ty Freehill
15 Ragan Cochran
16 Guillaume St-Cyr
17 Tre Fierro
18 Robert Hailey
19 Austin Cozadd
20 Nate Thrasher

250 MAIN

1 RJ Hampshire
2 Levi Kitchen
3 Jo Shimoda
4 Jordon Smith
5 Garrett Marchbanks
6 Mitchell Oldenburg
7 Julien Beaumer
8 Phillip Nicoletti
9 Robbie Wageman
10 Hunter Yoder
11 Carson Mumford
12 Anthony Bourdon
13 Cole Thompson
14 Talon Hawkins
15 Max Miller
16 Joshua Varize
17 Tj Albright
18 Max Sanford
19 Billy Laninovich
20 Guillaume St-Cyr
21 Blaine Silveira
22 Ryder DiFrancesco

250 WEST POINTS AFTER 5 ROUNDS

1 Levi Kitchen 106
2 Jordon Smith 102
3 Rj Hampshire 101
4 Garrett Marchbanks 87
5 Jo Shimoda 74
6 Mitchell Oldenburg 67
7 Anthony Bourdon 65
8 Julien Beaumer 63
9 Carson Mumford 58
10 Hunter Yoder 56
11 Nate Thrasher 50
12 Phillip Nicoletti 44
13 Cole Thompson 43
14 Ryder DiFrancesco 42
15 Joshua Varize 41
16 Robbie Wageman 41
17 Matti Jorgensen 22
18 Maximus Vohland 20
19 Max Sanford 20
20 Talon Hawkins 18

Sauber F1’s New Team Name Sounds Like A Newspaper Headline

Next 12 months you gained’t see the Alfa Romeo model on the Formula 1 grid. The automaker returned to the game for the 2018 season, however its partnership with Sauber ended final month after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The group will as an alternative resurrect its Sauber identify for the 2024 season, formally calling itself the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, after signing a sponsorship cope with the streaming platform Kick.com. The automobile shall be known as the Kick Sauber C44. The Sauber identify may not stick round for lengthy because the group will develop into the new factory Audi endeavor for the 2026 season.

Audi’s arrival on the grid will coincide with substantial adjustments deliberate for F1’s engine and chassis laws. Sauber will proceed to make use of Ferrari engines till 2026, when Audi arrives with its personal energy unit. The German automaker’s new CEO, Gernot Dollner, lately reaffirmed the corporate’s commitment to join F1 in two years.

Sauber first entered F1 in 1993, working beneath its personal identify till 2006 when it turned BMW Sauber. The pair break up in 2009, however the group competed beneath the identify for the 2010 season. In 2011, it dropped BMW, competing with the Sauber identify till partnering with Alfa Romeo in 2018, working beneath the identify Alfa Romeo Sauber. In 2019 it dropped the Sauber identify altogether, turning into Alfa Romeo Racing.

While Alfa Romeo gained’t return to the grid subsequent 12 months, its drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, will. Every group is coming into the brand new season with the identical driver lineup. Bottas ended the 2023 season in fifteenth with 10 factors, whereas Zhou completed with 6 factors in 18th place. Alfa got here in ninth within the Constructors’ Championship forward of last-place Hass.

Kia Sportage Owner Tired Of Thefts Returns Car To Dealer

A Kia Sportage owner returned his SUV to the dealership after experiencing four theft incidents. In other news, tuning firm Irmscher has introduced a unique police-themed Volkswagen ID. Buzz.

This is AM Drive, Motor1’s daily look at the news you need before you get in your car.

Kia Sportage Owner Tired Of Thefts Returns Car To Dealer

Behrouz Alimoradi, a Kia Sportage owner, decided to take a drastic step after his vehicle was stolen in Federal Way. Fox 13 News reported that his frustration increased when he discovered all the windows of his car were smashed upon its recovery. After dealing with four separate incidents involving the same vehicle in just two years, and spending thousands of dollars on repairs, Alimoradi reached his breaking point.

In response, he returned the stolen and damaged Kia to the dealership where he originally purchased it and opted to make a four-hour journey back home on foot. An employee from the dealership declined to comment, citing legal constraints preventing them from discussing the situation. (Fox 13 News)

Irmscher Unveils Police-Themed Volkswagen ID. Buzz

The Tune it! Safe! initiative is showcasing a unique police-themed van in collaboration with a renowned tuning company at the start of the Essen Motor Show. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz from the gallery below is equipped with Hankook tires and an exclusive tuning package from Irmscher. The safety initiative emphasizes roadworthy and compliant automobile tuning.

The Irmscher ID.Buzz police edition features a specially designed front apron with an Irmscher front spoiler lip to enhance the vehicle’s character. Integrated side skirts, a rear apron attachment, and an aerodynamic roof spoiler contribute to a more dynamic appearance. The electric bus sits on a lowered suspension and striking Irmscher wheels in Hydra-Star design.

DTM: René Rast Secures First Victory as BMW M Works Driver, Sheldon van der Linde Takes Second Place

In the penultimate race weekend of the DTM season at the Red Bull Ring, René Rast celebrated his first victory as a BMW M works driver. He finished in first place in Sunday’s race, breaking the DTM record for pole positions in the process. Sheldon van der Linde secured second place, resulting in a 1-2 finish for Team Schubert Motorsport. Marco Wittmann narrowly missed out on a podium finish, coming in fourth.

After a mixed performance on Saturday, the BMW M works drivers bounced back on Sunday. Rast claimed pole position, while van der Linde started in second place. The two drivers held on to their positions throughout the race, with Wittmann also battling for a podium spot but ultimately settling for fourth place. Sandro Holzem retired on Sunday, after finishing 24th on Saturday.

As the season finale approaches at Hockenheim, van der Linde and Rast are currently in fourth and fifth place in the driver’s standings. Schubert Motorsport holds fourth place in the team standings.

Here are some reactions from the DTM weekend at the Red Bull Ring:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): Congratulated Rast, Schubert Motorsport, and everyone involved with BMW M Motorsport on their fantastic performances. He praised Rast for his first win as a BMW M works driver and for breaking the pole position record. Roos also commended van der Linde for his second-place finish and Wittmann for his fourth-place finish.

René Rast: Expressed his joy and described his first win with BMW M Motorsport as a special moment. He credited his team for their excellent work and expressed his hopes for continued success. Rast also mentioned the upcoming birth of his second child.

Sheldon van der Linde: Said he was proud of his performance on Sunday, especially after a weak race on Saturday. He attempted to overtake Rast early on but was unsuccessful. Van der Linde congratulated Rast on his victory and acknowledged that defending his DTM title is unlikely. He now aims to challenge for third place in the driver’s standings at Hockenheim.

Marco Wittmann: Described his eighth and fourth-place finishes as good results. He admitted that he had hoped for better considering the strength of the BMW M4 GT3 at the Red Bull Ring. Wittmann acknowledged the impressive performance of Schubert Motorsport, but mentioned that a longer pit stop prevented him from securing a podium finish. He remains determined to make a strong push at Hockenheim.

SUPERMOTOCROSS PLAYOFFS, ROUND 2 RESULTS

Jett and Hunter Lawrence dominated the second round of the Supermotocross Playoff Series, which took place at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois. The Lawrence brothers showcased their skills in a faster venue compared to the previous race in North Carolina. In the 450 class, Jett won the first moto but strategically allowed Ken Roczen to take the lead in the second moto, with the intention of placing series rival Chase Sexton further back in the overall standings. However, this move had no impact on the final results, which ended with Lawrence in first place, followed by Roczen and Sexton. In the 250 class, Hunter Lawrence secured victories in both motos, despite strong performances from Jo Shimoda and Haiden Deegan. For more 2023 Pro Motocross results, click here.

450 CLASS RESULTS

1. Jett Lawrence 1 / 2
2. Ken Roczen 3 / 1
3. Chase Sexton 2 / 3
4. Aaron Plessinger 5 / 4
5. Dylan Ferrandis 6 / 5
6. Justin Barcia 4 / 10
7. Cooper Webb 8 / 7
8. Phillip Nicoletti 7 / 9
9. Jason Anderson 13 / 6
10. Colt Nichols 12 / 8
11. Garrett Marchbanks 10 / 11
12. Ty Masterpool 9 / 13
13. Adam Cianciarulo 11 / 12
14. Fredrik Noren 14 / 14
15. Dean Wilson 15 / 15
16. Jeremy Hand 18 / 16
17. Jerry Robin 16 / 18
18. Grant Harlan 20 / 17
19. Kyle Chisholm 19 / 19
20. Shane McElrath 17 / 21
21. Justin Hill 21 / 20
22. Joshua Hill 22 / 22

250 CLASS RESULTS

1. Hunter Lawrence 1 / 1
2. Jo Shimoda 2 / 2
3. Haiden Deegan 3 / 3
4. RJ Hampshire 5 / 4
5. Maximus Vohland 8 / 5
6. Jordon Smith 10 / 8
7. Seth Hammaker 9 / 9
8. Levi Kitchen 6 / 12
9. Ryder DiFrancesco 12 / 7
10. Jalek Swoll 7 / 13
11. Pierce Brown 11 / 11
12. Justin Cooper 17 / 6
13. Dilan Schwartz 13 / 10
14. Tom Vialle 4 / 22
15. Cullin Park 14 / 14
16. Talon Hawkins 15 / 15
17. Preston Kilroy 16 / 17
18. Caden Braswell 18 / 18
19. Hunter Yoder 21 / 16
20. Coty Schock 19 / 19
21. Joshua Varize 20 / 20
22. Luke Neese 22 / 21

450 POINTS

Chase Sexton 90
Jett Lawrence 88
Ken Roczen 80
Aaron Plessinger 74
Dylan Ferrandis 71
Cooper Webb 60
Justin Barcia 59
Jason Anderson 58
Garrett Marchbanks 44
Adam Cianciarulo 42
Colt Nichols 39
Ty Masterpool 39
Phillip Nicoletti 37
Fredrik Noren 37
Grant Harlan 26
Dean Wilson 22
Justin Hill 16
Kyle Chisholm 16
Eli Tomac 13
Shane McElrath 13
Jeremy Hand 12
Jerry Robin 10
Joshua Hill 4
Kevin Moranz 1

250 POINTS

Hunter Lawrence 89
Jo Shimoda 86
Haiden Deegan 82
Levi Kitchen 63
RJ Hampshire 62
Jordon Smith 62
Maximus Vohland 59
Tom Vialle 54
Ryder DiFrancesco 54
Seth Hammaker 49
Justin Cooper 47
Jalek Swoll 46
Pierce Brown 41
Dilan Schwartz 31
Talon Hawkins 25
Cullin Park 17
Caden Braswell 17
Max Anstie 14

Why the Second-Gen Ford GT was Created Instead of the Mustang for Le Mans

The existence of the latest Ford GT was not a guarantee. Originally, Ford had planned to return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2016 with a Mustang.

Ford’s decision to re-enter this iconic race came after the launch of the sixth-generation Mustang in 2015. This Mustang was designed to be a global vehicle, available in both left- and right-hand drive configurations. As a result, Ford began considering the possibility of using the Mustang to compete and win at Le Mans in 2016, as revealed by Ford CEO Jim Farley in a recent interview with Top Gear magazine during the debut of the Mustang GTD.

300 DUAL-SPORT BIKES: KAWASAKI VS HONDA–THE WRAP

This article compares two small-bore dual-sport bikes: the Honda CRF300L and the Kawasaki KLX300. Both bikes are priced around $5500 and are manufactured in Thailand. They are designed for simple transportation rather than fast off-road riding.

The Honda CRF300L and Kawasaki KLX300 are more about trail transportation than dirt thrills.

The Honda CRF300L was first introduced as the CRF250L in 2013 but received a major update in 2021. It features a 286cc engine with new camshafts, redesigned airbox and exhaust, and Nissin brakes. The suspension is basic with only adjustable spring preload in the rear. The bike weighs 286 pounds without fuel.

The Honda has the upper hand in mid-range power and ground clearance.

The Kawasaki KLX300 has a different history. It has been in and out of production since 1994. The off-road version of the KLX300 lasted for about 15 years, while the dual-sport version KLX250 was introduced in 2006 and lasted until 2014. The current version of the bike was released in 2021 with a 292cc engine. The Kawasaki has better suspension than the Honda, with adjustable rebound damping in the fork and adjustable preload, rebound, and compression damping in the shock. The bike weighs 282 pounds without fuel.

The Kawasaki gets the better of the Honda in the suspension department. It also is a more compact motorcycle.

Both bikes have taller seat heights than expected. The lowest part of the Kawasaki’s seat is 36.5 inches, while the Honda’s is 37.2 inches. The Kawasaki settles more when its suspension is under its own weight, making it easier for shorter riders to touch the ground. However, the Honda has more ground clearance. Both bikes come with street-oriented tires that need to be replaced with knobbies for off-road riding.

The Honda and Kawasaki have similar performance, with both producing around 23 horsepower and revving out around 9500 rpm. They are capable of respectable speed on level, hard-packed trails but struggle in sandy hills. The Honda has slightly more low-end power and is geared lower in first and second gear. Both bikes could benefit from lower final gearing for better off-road performance. The Honda has a wider seat and more ground clearance, making it better suited for taller and more experienced riders.

The Honda CRF300L weighs 286 pounds without fuel. The Kawasaki KLX300 is 282 pounds without fuel–both measured on our scale.

In terms of suspension, both bikes are not optimized for off-road riding and are more suited for comfortable riding around the campsite. The Kawasaki offers some adjustability, while the Honda lacks any adjustability and could benefit from improved damping. While both bikes can be improved with aftermarket upgrades, they are not built for racing. The overall winner between the two bikes is yet to be determined.

For more information on the bikes, you can watch the following videos:

– Honda CRF300L Dual Sport – Dirt Bike Magazine: [embedded content]
– 2023 Kawasaki KLX300 Dual Sport – Dirt Bike Magazine: [embedded content]
– Kawasaki KLX300 VS Honda CRF300L – Dirt Bike Magazine: [embedded content]

BACK IN THE DAY

The article concludes with a discussion of notable motocross bikes from the past. Some of the bikes mentioned include the 1981 Suzuki RM125, which was the first liquid-cooled dirt bike from Suzuki, the 1981 Maico MC490, which is highly regarded by vintage bike enthusiasts, the 1981 Honda CR250R, known for its innovative liquid-cooling and single shock suspension, and the 1981 Yamaha YZ125, the first mainstream liquid-cooled motocross bike.