The 24 Heures Moto in Open class

Open class bikes do not compete for the World Championship of Endurance. The motorcycles in this category are identified by their green plate with white numbers.

Five bikes were qualified the Open category on the grid, only three were still in the race after 12 hours.

The first retirement was the Aprilia Le Mans 2 roues #6 at 1:38. After a time leading the category, #91-Bihr Metiss first met with mechanical problems. It retired 6:05, following a collision with the Honda National Motos #55.

The other three machines were still on track this Sunday at 12 noon, but all three have experienced mechanical problems. The first is the Metiss JLC Moto #45 which has stayed around  twelfth place since Sunday morning. The MV Agusta of Team Raffin Moto had a fall but was still second in the category.

In the night, the Kawasaki #161  of PS-LSL-X Lite 61 fell sharply and the front fork was too damaged to push the bike normally. The pilot had to bring his machine alone, as required by regulation, by pushing on the rear wheel while lifting it from the front. The images of his incredible effort have moved all observers. He arrived exhausted in the pit lane, where his mechanics could help him. They got back to their pit to the applause and encouragement from all the other teams. The machine was still running at 12:00.

Karine Avon

Photo : CIRCUIT BUGATTI, LE MANS, 24 HEURES MOTO, 25 SEPT 2011. Tenacity of Kawasaki #161 team in the Open class