Suzuki’s Alex Lowes at Jerez SBK Test, Day 2Jerez World Superbike Testing, Day 2Due to heavy rains on Monday at Jerez de la Frontera in Spain, the track was still damp before a few World Superbike teams ventured out Tuesday for the second day of testing.
Initially, only two riders braved the wet conditions – World Supersport’s Kenan Sofuoglu on the San Carlo Puccetti Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja and Barni Racing Team Ducati Leandro “Tati” Mercardo.But the other riders soon joined when the tarmac dried, and everyone quickly got up to speed.Leading the test was Crescent Suzuki’s Alex Lowes, who topped the time sheets with a 1:40.730, which was four-tenths of a second quicker than all Monday times.The GSX-R1000 pilot was a mere 0.123 of a second ahead of Red Devils Roma Aprilia’s Leon Haslam, and 0.135 of a second ahead of the 2013 World Superbike Champion, Kawasaki Racing Team’s Tom Sykes.World Superbike says the former Pata Honda rider Haslam, who was the second most active on the track thanks to 76 laps completed, has already proved to be very competitive in what was his only second day aboard the new RSV4 RR.Newly-signed Kawasaki Racing Team pilot Jonathan Rea put in a best lap of 1:41.127 to take the fourth quickest time of the day. The former Pata Honda rider finished just ahead of Red Devils Roma Aprilia’s Michel Fabrizio and the reigning World SBK Champion Sylvain Guintoli on the Pata Honda World Superbike CBR1000RR SP Fireblade.Despite an impressive total of 81 laps, 2014 WSS Champion and World Superbike rookie Michael van der Mark did not manage to break the 1min 42secs barrier.The riders will return to Jerez Wednesday for the third day of testing.2014 Jerez World Superbike Testing Results Day 2 (unofficial): 1- Alex Lowes 1’40.730 2- Tom Sykes 1’40.853 3- Leon Haslam 1’40.865 4- Jonathan Rea 1’41.127 5- Michel Fabrizio 1’41.384 6- Sylvain Guintoli 1’41.639 7- Michael van der Mark 1’42.651 8- Randy De Puniet 1’42.938 9- Kenan Sofuoglu (WSS) 1’43.730 10- Raffaele De Rosa (STK) 1’44.920 11- Luca Salvadori (STK) 1’45.985
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!
