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NEWS
BRIEFS
MotoGP and Yamaha have announced a new Moto3 project " for the next generation of Grand Prix racing " with a " new vision for accessible, global and talent-driven racing is set to begin in 2028." Yamaha become the exclusive motorcycle supplier for the FIM Moto3 World Championship from 2028 to 2033. Currently, the Moto3 series relies on Honda and KTM to supply the prototype motorcycles for the grid, with related brands like CFMOTO and Husqvarna running KTM-supplied hardware. The small-displacement category will undergo a major rules reset, transitioning to a single-make spec class. New Yamaha machines will feature re-engineered versions of their 689 cc CP2 production engines and custom prototype chassis to reduce costs.
The FIM endorsed and sanctioned World Supercross Championship( WSX) continues its recovery from an uncertain start( ownership / management and financing issues) with a five-race plan for 2026. The opening round will be staged at Calgary, Canada( Canadian GP, 8 August) before moving on to Birmingham in the UK( British GP, 10 October), Argentina( Buenos Aires City GP, 24 October), Gold Coast for an Australian GP( 21 November) before wrapping up with a South African GP( City & Date TBD).
The Piaggio AGM has approved a new authorisation for the purchase and disposal of its own shares( a share buy-back programme) of up to 27,000,000 no-par Piaggio ordinary shares, for a maximum outlay of € 41,500,000. This will add to the present holds 2,422,008 of its own shares that already owns.
Stark chooses RK 520MXU chain
Premium electric motorcycle manufacturer Stark Future has unveiled its new electric supermoto model, the Stark VARG SM, now available in multiple international markets. Following the motocrossfocused VARG MX and the street-legal enduro-spec VARG EX, the VARG SM becomes the company ' s second homologated street-legal model. Like the VARG EX, the new VARG SM is powered by an electric motor producing up to 80 hp and 914 Nm of rear-wheel torque, paired with a 7.2 kWh honeycomb magnesium battery pack. The motorcycle weighs 124.5 kg and offers an estimated riding range of approximately 120 km( 74.6 miles) in urban use, 79 km( 49 miles) on highways, and 81 km( 50.3 miles) in mixed riding conditions. Charging is handled via Stark Future ' s new 3.3 kW portable charger, enabling full recharge in around two hours using a 240V power supply or approximately 3.5 hours with a 120V outlet. As with the MX and EX models, the battery serves as a structural component of the chassis, contributing to both increased rigidity and reduced overall weight. Since its founding, Stark Future has equipped its electric bikes with chains from RK Chain as original equipment. The VARG SM is fitted with the lightweight sealed RK 520MXU chain, designed to provide a lighter and more responsive riding feel compared with standard O-ring chains. The RK 520MXU utilises RK Chain ' s proprietary " UW-Seal "( Ultra-Thin Seal) technology, developed for selected narrow-profile chain models.
According to RK Chain, the UW-Seal technology offers several advantages:
• Narrower overall width compared with standard sealed chains
• Reduced friction due to smoother seal movement
• Improved acceleration response and extended wear life compared with non-sealed chains The VARG SM is positioned as a highperformance electric supermoto that combines urban practicality with aggressive riding capability. Target customers include commuters, canyon and track riders, stunt enthusiasts, and performance-focused riders seeking exceptional power-to-weight performance. With its instant electric torque delivery, lightweight chassis, and agile handling characteristics, the VARG SM is designed for both everyday urban riding and more technical applications such as stunt riding and track sessions.
The model represents Stark Future ' s latest step in bringing electric performance bikes into the mainstream supermoto segment. www. rk-europe. com