Ducati Alstare’s Carlos ChecaShoulder Injury Forces Carlos Checa to Miss Monza World SBKDue to struggling with an ongoing shoulder issue, the 2011 World Superbike Champion Carlos Checa will miss Monza World Superbike.
The Spaniard finished 11th in the first qualifying session at Monza Friday, clearly struggling aboard the Ducati Alstare 1199 R.Last week, Alstare Ducati reports that Checa received treatment for osseous edema to humerus of the left shoulder, or fluid in the tissues that causes inflammation and pain.Throughout Friday’s World SBK’s sessions, which were led by BMW Motorrad GoldBet’s Marco Melandri, Checa reported the pain got worse. He consulted with the Clinica Mobile doctors, and along with his team decided not to compete this weekend.Instead, Checa will recuperate for the next few weeks in hopes of returning for Donington World Superbike in two weeks.The 2013 WSBK began sour for the 40-year-old rider. Checa earned the pole for Phillip Island SBK, the season opener, but crashed out in race one. Due to a concussion, he was forced to miss race two.At round two in Aragon, Checa couldn’t keep the pace, finishing 7-8. This also occurred at Assen two weeks ago, where Checa finished 10-10.For a preview of Monza World Superbike, click here.
Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory + Steve ’Stavros’ Parrish
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
Our first segment features the new Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory. Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his report on the flagship version of Aprilia’s upright middleweight machine. He gives us insight into whether it’s worth spending the extra money on the Factory version, and also of course, whether this sporting Aprilia is really the motorcycle for you.
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The next guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In this segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with (arguably) one of the most interesting Suzuki race riders of all time. the iconic RG500 alongside teammate double World Champion Barry Sheene. The two were almost as famous for their exploits off-track, as for their success on it. Those were the days! Steve also raced the Isle of Man TT for about ten years where he won 13 Silver Replicas, and got a podium finish. His insight into that particular brand of mayhem are fascinating.
But there’s waaay more to Steve Parrish than his motorcycle racing. He is also the most successful Semi-Truck racer ever, and, little known piece of useless trivia—he’s my birthday twin: 24th February. He is a natural entertainer and you can’t miss his recounting of the world’s most entertaining—and arguably terrifying—double-decker bus ride ever. If any of you were actually on that hell-ride then we’d love to hear from you!