NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 24, 2024) – Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) today announced that the company has been named the “Official Tire of Yamaha Champions Riding School.” The Yamaha Champions Riding School teaches all skill levels and aims to grow the sport of motorcycling through world-class rider education, with state-of-the-art tire technology a critical component of this goal.

Yamaha Champions Riding School offers ChampSchool two-day, on-bike training sessions, which are immersive, in-person training events that take place on tracks across the country. In addition to ChampSchool, Yamaha Champions Riding School also offers ChampGrad for ChampSchool graduates; ChampStreet for a single-day, scaled-down version of ChampSchool; and Champ U, which is an online, video-based curriculum accessible to any rider anywhere in the world.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Yamaha Champions Riding School,” said Jared Williams, General Manager Bridgestone Motorcycle Tire business in the United States and Canada. “This partnership reflects Bridgestone’s dedication to supporting riders with top-tier technology that is perfect for teaching students how to manage grip and ensuring a superior experience on the track.”

Yamaha Champions Riding School in-person schools will now feature tires from Bridgestone’s premium motorcycle tire line, BATTLAX, including the new Bridgestone BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23, to help riders gain sufficient confidence and comfort while learning and completing each course. The ChampStreet school will feature the flagship tire of the BATTLAX street application line, BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11, to help riders experience a stable and comfortable ride.

“Besides the rider, tires are the single most important component on the motorcycle,” said Nick Ienatsch, Founder and Chief Instructor, Yamaha Champions Riding School. “Our curriculum revolves around managing tire grip in all circumstances and for the longest period time. To properly educate riders, we need a tire partner that can supply world-class products and the latest tire technology data. After extensive research and testing, we approached Bridgestone, and we are ecstatic that they share our vision.”

Announced in October 2023, the Bridgestone BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 is a sports radial motorcycle tire for street use that is engineered to meet the requirements of sport riders, featuring increased levels of dry grip performance¹ whether riding on circuits or cornering on mountain roads. The BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 turns faster lap times in both wet and dry track conditions^2,3 compared to its predecessor, delivering confident traction in rain or shine. The BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 is available in popular sizes as of January 2024.  The BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11 is a sports radial motorcycle tire for street and racing use that is engineered to improve the contact area with the road surface, enhancing cornering grip and stability⁴. The BATTLAX RS11 is the first road-oriented tire to adopt the new V-MS-Belt construction in the rear, which is currently used in Bridgestone’s highest performing race tires⁴.

Since 2014, Yamaha Champions Riding School has taught competition-proven techniques of motorcycle control to any pavement-bound rider with the ultimate goal of promoting safer riding in any condition. Riders can choose to use the school’s motorcycles and riding gear or bring their own. The 2024 ChampSchool class registration is live. To learn more, visit www.champschool.com.

Bridgestone’s partnership with Yamaha Champions Riding School aligns with the “Emotion” and “Ease” values of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment. The Bridgestone E8 Commitment, encompassing eight values all beginning with the letter “E,” solidifies Bridgestone’s dedication to fostering a more sustainable world.

For more company news, visit BridgestoneAmericas.com.

¹ Comparison based on BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) vs. previous generation BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) in internal testing. Results may vary depending on proper tire and vehicle maintenance, surface conditions and riding habits.  

² Comparison based on BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) vs. previous generation BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) in internal testing using a Yamaha YZF-R1 at Autopolis Speedway (2 min 03.4 sec lap time).   

³ Comparison based on BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) vs. previous generation BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) in internal testing using a BMW S1000RR at Bridgestone Proving Ground (1 min 19.8 sec lap time). 

⁴ Comparison based on BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11 tire vs. previous generation BATTLAX RACING STREET RS10 in internal testing. Results may vary.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.: 

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 45,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.

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OSS, NL/MAROSTICA, IT – Italian custom racing gear specialist, Vircos, will move forward under the new name “REV’IT! TAILORTECH” as of January 2024. This change of name reflects the integration of REV’IT!’s innovative technology and design with the decades of experience, craftsmanship, and service that Vircos has made its name with.

REV’IT! TAILORTECH opens the door to an even wider audience. Providing fully bespoke, track-ready, leather one-piece suits for demanding sportive street riders, amateur track-riding enthusiasts, and budding pro racers alike. So that they, too, can experience the race-ready quality, tailoring craftsmanship, and the same on-point service that REV’IT! offers its professional riders in WorldSBK and MotoGP.

REV’IT! TAILORTECH further allows riders to express their own style with custom measurements and graphics, as well as the assurance riders take to the grid with high-quality fit and professional style, showcasing sponsors and matching bike livery designs. To maintain and even build on maintaining the highest levels possible in safety and service throughout the process, REV’IT! TAILORTECH will start this new chapter from its all-new, state-of-the-art headquarters in Marostica, Italy. 

Vircos was originally founded by Aldo De Agnoi as an artisan leather company in 1982, before stepping into the world of producing leather racing suits at the turn of the century. Vircos and REV’IT!’s paths first crossed when the two started working together in GPs over 15 years ago.

A partnership that culminated in REV’IT!’s acquisition of the Italian brand in 2022 and the launch of REV’IT! TAILORTECH in 2024, cementing our new – shared – way forward.

For more information visit http://tailortech.revitsport.com and @revit_tailortech_ on Instagram.

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THE NEW GENERATION OF AUTONOMOUS ELECTRONIC AIRBAG SYSTEMS

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW, LAS VEGAS – Alpinestars has redefined protection for motorcyclists ever since the company was established in 1963, and today sees the brand launching Tech-Air® 7x, the all-new, autonomous motorcycling airbag system.

Tech-Air® 7x is the latest addition to the Alpinestars Tech-Air® family, which includes the Tech-Air® 10, Tech-Air® 5, Tech-Air® 3, and Tech-Air® OFF-ROAD systems. Alpinestars continues to lead the way in active air-bag technology for riders and their passengers. The all-new Tech-Air® 7x is a definitive demonstration of Alpinestars’ continued commitment to making the most versatile airbag technology products in the industry.

The Tech-Air®7x system was developed for Road Racing competitions, with full coverage protection focused on the upper body. (Full-Back, Full-Chest, Collar Bones, and Shoulders) The Tech-Air®7x system replaces the Tech-Air® RACE, with the latest innovations coming from the Alpinestars research and development team. This autonomous system complements the existing range Tech-Air® 10, Tech-Air® 5, and Tech-Air® 3 systems.

Like the Tech-Air® RACE, one of the key features of the Tech-Air® 7x is its integration (via attachment) to Alpinestars Tech-Air® compatible garments for increased practicality and comfort with select Alpinestars racing leather suits and jackets. Tech-Air® 7x is also compatible with garments as a stand-alone Tech-Air® vest (Similar to Tech-Air® 5) with a converter kit included in the package.

The Tech-Air® 7x supports dual deployments with the end user being able to replace the canisters for the first four deployments before sending it in for full service and airbag bladder replacement.

A convenience feature of Tech-Air® 7x is the USB-C charging port located in the activation flap on the chest. It’s easily accessible even when the system is integrated inside a suit or jacket.

Over 20 years ago, Alpinestars began development on the original Tech-Air® system.  When launched in the market in 2011, the Tech-Air® system was recognized as the world’s first airbag providing full upper body protection with a completely independent electronic management system, in addition to having the versatility of the vest which could be easily zipped into a variety of Tech-Air® compatible jackets.   In December 2019, Tech-Air® 5 was recognized by CES as one of the must-see innovative products in the Wearables Technology Marketplace.
 
 

ABOUT ALPINESTARS

Alpinestars was established in 1963 and is the world-leading manufacturer of professional racing products, motorcycling airbag protection, high-performance apparel, and technical footwear. Alpinestars understands that the best design and research are achieved under extreme conditions. The company’s involvement in Formula 1, NASCAR, AMA, World Motocross, and MotoGP has led to the creation of the most advanced technical equipment for the racing world’s top athletes.  ALPINESTARS PROTECTS.

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Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC3 V4 tires are designed for street and track use without the need for tire warmers, and they’re the highest-performing street-legal tire line Pirelli has. Utilizing technology derived directly from the Superbike World Championship, riders can feel the performance whether on the street or at a track day. Available from Pirelli road racing tire vendors, with prices starting at $320 per set.

Metzeler Racetec TD Slick tires are designed for track riders and club-level racers who want the advantages of running slicks without having to use tire warmers or change suspension settings. They’re available from moto-garage.com with prices starting at $317 a set.

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These three electric bikes — the STACYC 16e Drive, the Kawasaki Elektrode, and the SUPER73 K1D — are designed and sized for kids. They all have 16-inch wheels (composite on the STACYC, cast aluminum on the Kawasaki, steel wire-spoked with aluminum rims on the SUPER73) with pneumatic tires and twist grip throttles. The Kawasaki and STACYC have adjustable handlebar and seat height. The STACYC and SUPER73 have removable, rechargeable batteries that can be swapped out with already-charged spares (not included) for continuous riding; the Kawasaki has a built-in battery and plug-in charger. The STACYC weighs 21.5 pounds and sells for $1,049; the SUPER73 weighs 28 pounds and sells for $1,295; and the Kawasaki weighs 32.5 pounds and sells for $1,099. Available from STACYC, SUPER73, and Kawasaki dealers.

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Woodcraft Technologies has goodies to spoil any racer (or yourself) this holiday season and into the start of 2024. MotoAmerica-approved hand guards are available individually or as a set in seven vibrant colors. The easily replaceable plastic guards help prevent accidental lever contact and also help protect hands and levers during a crash. They retail for $179.99 per set. Woodcraft’s Wide Coverage Toe Guard is an affordable way to help protect toes (and other parts) with a unique design developed to leave a minimum gap between the guard and the chain and a tapered face to deflect body parts away from the rear sprocket. It retails for $49.99. Woodcraft Technologies also offers gift cards starting at $50.00. Contact www.woodcraft-cfm.com to order from Woodcraft Technologies, Dept. 105, Baldwinville Rd. Winchendon, MA 01475, (978) 297-2977.

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The 6D ATS-1R helmet is designed for both top racers and recreational riders, with class-leading safety technology and premium features in a lightweight, aerodynamic 3k carbon-fiber shell. 6D’s Proprietary Omni-Directional Suspension technology is designed to provide superior protection against impacts. 6D offers multiple face shields and tear-offs for any race situation. Retail is $799.95 from 6D dealers, or from 6DHelmets.com. 

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The Pit Bull Helmet Holder adjusts to fit all size helmets, and can securely hold a helmet, riding glasses, keys, and (optional) gloves and riding jacket/suit. It can be mounted in a trailer, garage, or home, and prevents crushing a helmet’s interior foam. It makes a great gift because it fits all sizes! Retail pricing starts at $59.95 from Pit Bull dealers or from pit-bull.com.

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Concepts International is selling 2024 wall calendars featuring photography from the 2023 MotoGP World Championship. Produced in Germany with “stunning qualifying,” the calendar measures 13.0 inches (33.0 cm) x 18.75 inches (47.6 cm). Concepts International also sells the 2023 Motocourse racing yearbook and racing-themed holiday cards. Retail price for a calendar is $24.95 USD. From Concepts International, 13492 Research Blvd, Suite 120-R187, Austin, TX 78750 www.conceptsi.com.

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Strider has the whole teaching a kid to ride on two wheels process figured out, based on a line of balance bikes. It starts with an easy-to-install $109.99 rocker kit for a $139.99 Strider 12 Sport, suitable for kids from age 18-months who aren’t ready to balance (a Strider Sport 2-in-1 Rocking Bike kit includes both the bike and rocker kit for $249.98). When a kid is ready to balance, the rocker kit is easy to remove.

And once a kid masters a 12-inch-wheel model, there’s a $219.99 14-inch-wheel-model that can transform from being a balance bike to being a pedal bike using an easy-to-install $69 conversion kit.

The company also sells a line of accessories ranging from a snow-ski conversion kit to assorted elbow and knee pads, open-face and closed-faced helmets, colored grips, and lights. Available from dealers (including some OEM motorcycle dealers with matching-brand Striders like Honda, KTM, Suzuki and others), or from www.striderbikes.com.

Strider Bikes is also the driving force behind All Kids Bike, which is a national movement led by the Strider Education Foundation to place Kindergarten Physical Education (PE) Learn-To-Ride programs into public schools (at no cost to the schools) by using donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations. For more information about All Kids Bike, go to www.allkidsbike.org.

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