2010 Dakar -Good News!

[CrazyFrog]

Looks like the bike cc restrictions have been relaxed for next years Dakar race, but will be all restricted for by 2012.

Here's the news release....

For the Dakar 2010, the ASO Elite pilots must ride with a restrictor reducing the power of their bike, if its cubic capacity is over 450 cc. Or they may use a bike of a cubic capacity under or equal to 450 cc.
The other pilots are free to choose their bike with no restriction.

For the Dakar 2011, the ASO Elite pilots must imperatively ride a bike of a cubic capacity under or equal to 450 cc.
The other pilots must ride a bike of a cubic capacity under or equal to 450 cc, or a restrictor, if the cubic capacity is over 450 cc.

At last, for the Dakar 2012, all the pilots will ride 450 cc’s.

The restrictor is currently being developed and it will be delivered to the Elite pilots from mid July. This restrictor has been designed in order to have a similar weight / power ratio between the different cubic capacities.

I wonder how they're gonna peg the power back on the 690RR, and still let it breathe freely like the fire eating monster it is. At least it won't be revving its tits out to reach max power :niceone:

[.chris]

It still messes things up for the KTM Rallye guys, not much point developing the 690 anymore when you have to hold it back to 450 levels of power, might as well start with a 450 and try and squeeze some more out of it.

Which is a real shame, the 690 is a great bike. I went out this weekend and did a bit of Dakar/Baja style riding in the gravel (at 1/5th the speed) and she just loves it (my rear indicators did not like the gravel roost so much, infact they hated it so much the literlly leap right off the bike) but me and the rest of the bike had a great time.

But on the bright side, at least we got one big cc race bred bike out of them :woohoo:

[CrazyFrog]

A-Ha, found the details on the restrictor, sounds simple enough.


The ASO will deliver the restrictors for the month of September – in time for the period when drivers are beginning to prepare their machines. The system is very quick and simple to install – it only takes about ten minutes to fit one to a bike undergoing preparation. Once it is in place, the restrictor will be visible at a glance, enabling stewards to check that a driver has not removed it.

How does it work ?
The restrictor is an aluminium ring to be positioned between the carburettor and the air filter. In concrete terms, air flow will be reduced, and the ring diameter calculation will result in performance equivalent to that of bikes with 450cc engines. In terms of pure power, the 660cc will still have a slight edge so as to compensate for the difference in weight, which could otherwise penalise them.

What effect does the restrictor have on the mechanical balance of the engine ?
There won’t be any effect at all. On the contrary, by minimizing the load on the engine, it’s almost as though the driver was being obliged to drive economically. Risk of overheating will therefore be reduced. Engine reliability will be intact.

So, no engine blow ups then? :woohoo:

[.chris]

The restrictor is an aluminium ring to be positioned between the carburettor and the air filter.
:

That will be tricky on the fuel injected bikes like the 690. :yes:

[topo]

That will be tricky on the fuel injected bikes like the 690. :yes:

I think you'll find that the 690rr (rallye's) are carb'd not FI, by all accounts that i've heard the restricted 690rr is still the weapon to beat as there have been a few reports of the power being lower (as expected) but an off set increase in torque and "ride ability".

The current generation of 690r's have very little resemblence to the 690rr's of Coma,Despres etc.

I see on the Dakar entry list http://www.dakar.com/2010/DAK/presentation/docs/engagesM.pdf that Paul Cumings is entered as an Australian. He was entered in the Australasian Safari this year as a Kiwi, regardless all the best for him. Hope he has more luck than at the safari.

[CrazyFrog]

I see on the Dakar entry list http://www.dakar.com/2010/DAK/presentation/docs/engagesM.pdf that Paul Cumings is entered as an Australian. He was entered in the Australasian Safari this year as a Kiwi, regardless all the best for him. Hope he has more luck than at the safari.

Yep, all good to see another (Kiwi) out there.
I saw this one on ADV rider today, Rob Pollard's 690R from Oz. Go the Anzacs!

[Brian d marge]

Risk of overheating will therefore be reduced. Engine reliability will be intact.

So, no engine blow ups then? :woohoo:

A lot of engines use swirl and the gasolines cooling to keep combustion hot-spots , thus detonation and subsequent overheating to a minimum

not saying that in this case this will happen , just that some engines do ...


Where is the Enfield entry ,,,thats what I want to know

then watch those frenchies get the learn!

Stephen

[Phreaky Phil]

There have been restrictions placed on all types of motorsport and it doesnt take long for engineers to find a way around things and make them just as fast or faster

[topo]

Looking at this years distances, looks like they've reduced the stages somewhat from previous years (to assist the 450's?).

Course detail

01/01 Buenos Aires Colon 317 km 01/01 Colon Buenos Aires 317 km
02/01 Colon Cordoba 652 km- 02/01 Colon Cordoba, 652 km
03/01 Cordoba La Rioja 626 km- 03/01 La Rioja, Cordoba, 626 km
04/01 La Rioja Fiambala 441 km 04/01 La Rioja Fiambala 441 km
05/01 Fiambala Copiaco 629 km 05/01 Fiambala Copiaco 629 km
06/01 Copiapo Antofagasta 670 km 06/01 Antofagasta Copiapo 670 km
07/01 Antofagasta Iquique 598 km 07/01 Antofagasta Iquique 598 km
08/01 Iquique Antofagasta 641 km 08/01 Iquique Antofagasta 641 km

09/01 Journée de repos 09/01 Day of Rest

10/01 Antofagasta Copiapo 568 km 10/01 Antofagasta Copiapo 568 km
11/01 Copiapo La Serena 547 km 11/01 Copiapo La Serena 547 km
12/01 La Serena Santiago 586 km 12/01 La Serena Santiago 586 km
13/01 Santiago San Juan 434 km 13/01 San Juan Santiago 434 km
14/01 San Juan San Rafael 796 km 14/01 San Juan San Rafael 796 km
15/01 San Rafael Santa Rosa 725 km 15/01 San Rafael Santa Rosa 725 km
16/01 Santa Rosa Buenos Aires 707 km 16/01 Santa Rosa Buenos Aires 707 km
TOTAL 8 937 km TOTAL 8 937 km

[cooneyr]

Looking at this years distances, looks like they've reduced the stages somewhat from previous years (to assist the 450's?). ....

Its going soft. Bunch of pussies on 450's. Back in the day, when men were real men, none of this metro crap, they use to ride 800's and do 1000km days. I'll say it again - bunch of pussies.

:shutup::shutup::shutup:

[Eddieb]

Its going soft. Bunch of pussies on 450's. Back in the day, when men were real men, none of this metro crap, they use to ride 800's and do 1000km days. I'll say it again - bunch of pussies.

:shutup::shutup::shutup:

+1000

They rode proper Adventure bikes, not girlyweight enduro machines that may or may not grenade underneath you.

:girlfight:

[Woodman]

Whats wrong with the only rules being that it has 2 wheels and an engine, and whoever crosses the finish line first wins?:2guns::done:

[spacemonkey]

Good to see Chris Birch From NZ winning the Roof of Africa race
And Rory Mead in 2nd.

Kiwi Chris Birch and KTM win the 2009 Roof of Africa (http://www.ktm.com/KTM-News.223.0.html?nodeID=107760&cHash=cf41db821c)


Dakar for him next maybe?


RESULTS 2009 ROOF OF AFRICA
1 Chris Birch KTM New Zealand 19:07:08
2 Rory Mead Yamaha New Zealand 21:20:53
3 Jade Gutzeit BMW South Africa 21:21:05
4 Darryl Curtis KTM South Africa 21:40:53

[Waihou Thumper]

Its going soft. Bunch of pussies on 450's. Back in the day, when men were real men, none of this metro crap, they use to ride 800's and do 1000km days. I'll say it again - bunch of pussies.

:shutup::shutup::shutup:

Sorry....After watching countless Dakar footage from the years right through to the latest and 'so called greatest' I do find the early ones more of a feat in navigating skill and pure bike skills, yes...
The latest Dakar, from 2000 onwards does seem to be a bit of a who has the money, can buy the driver , rider etc...
Reminds me of the Americas cup in some ways....Yes?
'Bunch of pussies' nope.....I still think it is a hard ride, no matter what machine you are on. In 2002 the LC8 ran rings around the field, but as you know, imagine handling that beast for 17 days or so...?
I am sure you can appreciate how the LC8 handles at the best of time, let alone making it over those dunes and finishing even!
I stand to be corrected, but whatever is under the saddle boys, they aren't pussies...at any stretch of the imagination....:)
1000km days, no.....not that much....<_<

[topo]

Whats wrong with the only rules being that it has 2 wheels and an engine, and whoever crosses the finish line first wins?:2guns::done:

I agree to an extent, problem is,
(200kg bike@200km/h)x(off piste+navigation) = one free seat next to the "maker" of your choice:confused:

I can't wait for the 450's to trickle down to us plebs:soon: already got the GasGas available just waiting for one of the big 5 to come up with the goods too!

[Waihou Thumper]

+1000

They rode proper Adventure bikes, not girlyweight enduro machines that may or may not grenade underneath you.

:girlfight:

I still admire those guys riding the Teneres, TTs, Elefants....the PD's and the DRBig even...
All before the days of GPS. Just wind a headscarf around your head, use a map and rely on the locals to point you in the right direction...
Real adventurers.....

Girlyweight enduro machines? That's a little unfair though...:)

[Waihou Thumper]

I can't wait for the 450's to trickle down to us plebs:soon: already got the GasGas available just waiting for one of the big 5 to come up with the goods too!

That Baja design Gasgas is a tad ugly, but I reckon it will do the trick!
I still think Husaberg is up to the play, looking at the Aussie Safari. They seem to have all of the right stuff....:)

[Eddieb]

Girlyweight enduro machines? That's a little unfair though...:)

120kg? thats not a real bike :2guns:

Anything less than the weight of a PD is a girlyweight bike, that includes DR's and KLR's :bleh::jerry:

[Waihou Thumper]

120kg? thats not a real bike :2guns:

Anything less than the weight of a PD is a girlyweight bike, that includes DR's and KLR's :bleh::jerry:

:bleh: the LC4 would easily weigh 170kg plus....remember these guys are also carrying 10 litres of water and 40 litres of fuel...
Remember the guy who did the Dakar last year on the Honda Monkey? Now that was a sexy girlyweight bike......If he got stuck, he lifted it and carried it out of trouble! I still don't know if he finished...:laugh:

[Brian d marge]

:bleh: the LC4 would easily weigh 170kg plus....remember these guys are also carrying 10 litres of water and 40 litres of fuel...
Remember the guy who did the Dakar last year on the Honda Monkey? Now that was a sexy girlyweight bike......If he got stuck, he lifted it and carried it out of trouble! I still don't know if he finished...:laugh:

Dont think he did , its wasn't a monkey bike i think but a bike using that engine ,,,it failed

but he had a huge following

Stephen

[topo]

That Baja design Gasgas is a tad ugly, but I reckon it will do the trick!
I still think Husaberg is up to the play, looking at the Aussie Safari. They seem to have all of the right stuff....:)

Watching the Husaberg's at this years safari i can tell you that they look,go and sound great:Punk: but the kit they were wearing was all prototype/one off's. The tanks were prototypes from safari fuel tanks and should be available to the public late january (waiting for Gary to return from Dakar?), the rear tank also fits the new KTM-EXC's as on the CPW safari bikes.

I spoke with a few of the Husaberg team while there and asked about any chance of and adv version of the 570 in the pipline, they hadn't heard anything so i wouldn't hold you breath.

[Waihou Thumper]

Dont think he did , its wasn't a monkey bike i think but a bike using that engine ,,,it failed

but he had a huge following

Stephen

Ivo Kastan : The smallest motorcycle on the Dakar

This guy has experience…Ivo Kastan sets of this year on the quest of his 9th Dakar. But for this rally regular, the 2009 edition will have a particular savour. Because Ivo isn’t going to South America to just put in a good result, but rather create an exploit:”to become the first rider to finish the Dakar on a 125cc motorcycle.” In order to ride to the finish in these conditions, on “the smallest motorcycle on the Dakar”, the Czech will be able to rely on his solid experience.

In eight attempts, he has finished five times, taking a gratifying 27th place result on his second Dakar in 1997. In 1998, 2000 and 2004, Ivo was forced to retire. Triumph, Honda and Suzuki, none of these bikes brought any good fortune. Bad luck also struck in 2002 and 2003 when, with an injured knee, he followed the Dakar…in a press vehicle.

This year, for his 9th participation, he wants to continue on without any sentiment of lassitude: “I will participate as long as my body can stand it.” Above all else, he is impatient to return the atmosphere in the bivouac he likes so much. “It is a fantastic moment, which is unlike anything else this, which is the moment I prefer the most!” And each night his wife, a journalist who will follow the Dakar in a press vehicle, will be waiting for him at the bivouac.


xApslV02Nz8

[cooneyr]

Sorry....After watching countless Dakar footage from the years right through to the latest and 'so called greatest' I do find the early ones more of a feat in navigating skill and pure bike skills, yes...
The latest Dakar, from 2000 onwards does seem to be a bit of a who has the money, can buy the driver , rider etc...
Reminds me of the Americas cup in some ways....Yes?
'Bunch of pussies' nope.....I still think it is a hard ride, no matter what machine you are on. In 2002 the LC8 ran rings around the field, but as you know, imagine handling that beast for 17 days or so...?
I am sure you can appreciate how the LC8 handles at the best of time, let alone making it over those dunes and finishing even!
I stand to be corrected, but whatever is under the saddle boys, they aren't pussies...at any stretch of the imagination....:)
1000km days, no.....not that much....<_<

My comments were a bit tongue in cheek. It will be a damn hard ride no matter how you look at it but like you say it was originally a navigational/physical endurance/mental endurance challenge whereas if they use GPS or other nav aids and have light weight high performance bikes you might as well just consider it a really long ISDE. I get the impression just completing each day within the time limits , then getting enough sleep and food was a massive feat. If the days are shortened then that element is lost. It seems that mechanical issues are the major problem now not the humans capacity to complete the event.


I agree to an extent, problem is,
(200kg bike@200km/h)x(off piste+navigation) = one free seat next to the "maker" of your choice:confused:...

Your not wrong!

Cheers R

[warewolf]

Watching the Husaberg's at this years safari i can tell you that they look,go and sound great:Punk: but the kit they were wearing was all prototype/one off's.This is to be expected. Husaberg is effectively KTM's test mule - by their own admission. I would not expect anything to become production directly from Husaberg, but rather via KTM as well-proven.

If I can qualify that; "normal" stuff will filter through via KTM. Radical stuff, eg the 'Berg's new engine layout, will be released as a 'Berg so if it bombs, it won't impact (:rolleyes: :laugh:) on KTM's reputation.

[Brian d marge]

Ivo Kastan : The smallest motorcycle on the Dakar

This guy has experience…Ivo Kastan sets of this year on the quest of his 9th Dakar. But for this rally regular, the 2009 edition will have a particular savour. Because Ivo isn’t going to South America to just put in a good result, but rather create an exploit:”to become the first rider to finish the Dakar on a 125cc motorcycle.” In order to ride to the finish in these conditions, on “the smallest motorcycle on the Dakar”, the Czech will be able to rely on his solid experience.

In eight attempts, he has finished five times, taking a gratifying 27th place result on his second Dakar in 1997. In 1998, 2000 and 2004, Ivo was forced to retire. Triumph, Honda and Suzuki, none of these bikes brought any good fortune. Bad luck also struck in 2002 and 2003 when, with an injured knee, he followed the Dakar…in a press vehicle.

This year, for his 9th participation, he wants to continue on without any sentiment of lassitude: “I will participate as long as my body can stand it.” Above all else, he is impatient to return the atmosphere in the bivouac he likes so much. “It is a fantastic moment, which is unlike anything else this, which is the moment I prefer the most!” And each night his wife, a journalist who will follow the Dakar in a press vehicle, will be waiting for him at the bivouac.


xApslV02Nz8

ahh so it was a monkey bike I thought it was a crm or something like that ,,, Top effort that man

Did he finish ?

Stephen

[Waihou Thumper]

ahh so it was a monkey bike I thought it was a crm or something like that ,,, Top effort that man



Did he finish ?



Stephen




:no: Blown Head Gasket...

[Woodman]

I agree to an extent, problem is,
(200kg bike@200km/h)x(off piste+navigation) = one free seat next to the "maker" of your choice:confused:

I can't wait for the 450's to trickle down to us plebs:soon: already got the GasGas available just waiting for one of the big 5 to come up with the goods too!

yea but a formula will evolve, eg if a huge bike crashes or is too hard to ride quick it will not win therefore a redesign will happen. it would be interesting to see what would evolve into a fast winning unit given enough time.

[Waihou Thumper]

I found a photo from the Dakar 2009. This is the bike doing well before the blown head gasket! :scooter:

[Padmei]

Thats one sophisticated monkey bike. Makes a lot of sense... in a kind of abstract way...

[CrazyFrog]

One week to go until launch ........:clap:

The rider profiles have been updated, watch #124 Paul Cummins, riding a WR450FX and proudly saying he's a Kiwi, looking forward to "the adventure" of it all. Go hard!

Keen to see how the 450 Aprilia, BMW and Sherco bikes go this year, they've got a couple of top names riding them, so should perform well if the engines hold out.

[Padmei]

Very exciting. Does anyone know if coverage will be on Sky? I heard a rumour it may be. Maybe I should check it myself. The Dakar shop looks very tempting & the prices not bad at all $40NZ approx for Tshirt + postage. If anyone wants to get something maybe we could amalgamate.

[Padmei]

I've been checking out the racing thread on Adv rider & the Dakar is nearly at the start line. Some of the bikes look fantastic.

For those interested this Aussie station has nitely updates

http://www.sbs.com.au/dakar/

The only trouble is I keep looking at Farewelll Spit on the map & wonder if they'd notice me sneaking in under cover of darkness & setting up camp for a few days.

Crazyfrog you found yourself a 690 yet?

[CrazyFrog]

Yep, I found me a 690, unfortunately it's not a sexy 690RR, just a plain ol' END, but good enough for this kid. Red Bull stickers will make it go faster....:yes:

Anyhooo, the Dakar prologue started today, just a liason stage to the official start line. Reports say over 200,000 spectators were there to watch them leave, awesome.
One poor bastard had his CRF450 catch on fire before leaving the parc ferme, so that's him out already :crybaby:

Coverage for each days highlights will be on SBS Tv from 8pm NZ time. The prologue video is even a good watch so far, short interviews with the big boys, Coma, Despres, Casteau and Fretigne, has some good ride action shots, and close ups from scutineering, god thems bikes are sexy, Casteau's Sherco in black looks so coooool.
Red Bull sponsorship is everywhere too, they're backing numerous riders, not just their official team. See, I told you stickers make 'em go faster.......:2thumbsup

[CrazyFrog]

Okay, day 2 is now done and dusted. Seems the 450's are more than holding their own with line honours again, this time for Fretigne's Yamaha, yesterday David Casteau won on the Sherco. The KTM boys are right up there as well, by a matter of seconds, today Coma got a time penalty which handicapped him a bit. Looking forward to seeing them in the Atacama desert.
Our Kiwi Paul Cummins never seemed to have made the start line, wonder what happened there. :weep:
Rob Pollard on the 690RR is the best placed Aussie so far, he got 30th today.
Nice to watch some coverage on SBS, albeit short but sweet.

[Padmei]

Paul didn't front up with the final entry fee for some reason.

As the commentator said on the sbs coverage the air restrictors have worked really well keeping the 690s even with the 450. I love safariberg's bike very cool.

I think the 450 class has opened up so many more avenues for sponsorship from alll the other manufacturers & that'll def help more people get into the dakar. maybe we'll start seeing 450 dakar RRs around.
BTW are the 690's really 690cc in the race? i know they're 650cc in real life but the narator mentoned they were 690cc so wondered if he got it wrong.

[NordieBoy]

BTW are the 690's really 690cc in the race? i know they're 650cc in real life but the narator mentoned they were 690cc so wondered if he got it wrong.

The factory 690's really are.

[CrazyFrog]

Yep, the stock standard 690 SM, SMC, END models are 650cc badged as 690.
Those 690RR's are the real deal, but those air restrictors make 'em run like a 450. Stink one.

[Padmei]

If anyone hasn't aleady go to this page & CHECK OUT THE STAGE2 cars - way beterer than the bikes even
http://www.sbs.com.au/dakar/

To be a spectator here you really are taking your life in your hands

[JATZ]

If anyone hasn't aleady go to this page & CHECK OUT THE STAGE2 cars
http://www.sbs.com.au/dakar/

:crybaby: effin dialup

[Woodman]

cool, .....................

[Padmei]

I feel sorry for ya. Don't want to rub it in but I got a new pc yesterday & the screen is fantatistical. Mustn't be a lot of crap inside it either cos doen't take long to load up vids etc.

[Padmei]

Stage 4 is awesome. Marc como is the man!! Robbie Gordon in the 2wd Hummer - outstanding. I only wish there was more coverage - 5 mins for 3-5hrs racing?

Does it seem to others that are watching that the narrator is watching the same clip as us & making it up as he goes along?

Here's hoping the kids keep drinking Red Bull for many more years to help the drivers sponsorship bids.

[Waihou Thumper]

OK you Dakar whores....:)
Try typing racing underground into your browser...(good site)
I have a full 39-40 minutes of the Dakar posted 24 hours after it has been on the satellite thanks to the folks over in Europe..:)
I will share....:) Promise....

[NordieBoy]

I want a Jingcheng :D
189524

There's 2 still racing after 4 stages.

[Waihou Thumper]

Two brothers.....I saw that!
I want a Jingcheng :D
189524

There's 2 still racing after 4 stages.

[cooneyr]

The Dakar managed to get air time on mainstream NZ TV. Prime News at 5.30 has a couple of minutes with both the bikes and the cars mentioned.

Cheers R

[Woodman]

The Dakar managed to get air time on mainstream NZ TV. Prime News at 5.30 has a couple of minutes with both the bikes and the cars mentioned.

Cheers R

Well theres bugger all 'proper" sports at the moment.

[Brian d marge]

Wow

Day five

Wow

Stunned Mullet here

Stephen

[cooneyr]

Well theres bugger all 'proper" sports at the moment.

Yep. Was interesting watching one of the SBS videos - the Dakar is the largest motorsport even in the world though no mention of why. Guessing it is the largest number of people involved and the distance involved. There is 2500 people in the "entourage" that chase the 374 participants each day.

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

Luca Manca is down and in an induced coma for head injuries.
He gave Marc Coma his rear wheel yesterday and they're not even on the same team.

[Padmei]

Luca Manca is down and in an induced coma for head injuries.
He gave Marc Coma his rear wheel yesterday and they're not even on the same team.

OH F**k! I really admired him doing that and now this??!! Def not Karma.

I can't get over the way this race costs a team hundreds of thousands of bucks to get to the start & half the field don't make the first 5 days. I guess you realy have to ahve a great deal of luck as well as incredible amounts of talent.

I was bummed Safariburg has pulled out. I really loved his bike & Mardi gras shirts. I'll go exploring & find out his story.

[NordieBoy]

Stage 6 BIKE VIDS (http://player.sbs.com.au/dakar/#/dakar/highlights/highlights/playlist/Dakar-2010-Stage-6-Bikes/) are up.

[Brian d marge]

absolutely speechless

its just all up in the air at the moment

Stephen

[Brian d marge]

I hope Fella gets better , just watching the highlights

that was a big crash

Stephen

[Padmei]

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=11819276&postcount=402

The above is a report from Rallye Radio which gives an excellent account of what it's really like in the Dakar for clubman level riders. Really honest stuff. Makes me respect the competitors even more.

[Woodman]

This dakar thing is bloody brilliant. never followed it before and now I'm hooked.

Just can't believe how fast those guys go, especially that stage 7 dried up sea bed part fantastic.

Poor old Comas out by the looks of it, unless he drinks about 3 gallons of redbull to make up his 6 hour penalty.

[NordieBoy]

I want a Jingcheng :D
189524

There's 2 still racing after 4 stages.

But unfortunately they're WR450's with a Dutch full rallye kit and were built in EU.

:(

[Waihou Thumper]

Well, Marc Coma, did he or didn't he? I am of the thinking that he did change that rear tyre. The tread looked a lot different even if they were different makes of tyre. Marc's tyre still had little flakes of rubber in between the tread, indicating very newish tyre. Hmm..
When you saw the pair of them riding, Despre and Coma, Marc certainly wasn't taking it easy like he quoted. It is a pity, because he is a good enough rider, now he is saying he might pull the pin as he isn't mentally in the race anymore...
Geez, if the guy cheated then fess up mate!
My highlight of the race so far is the German rider Tina Meier who broke down, then borrowed a Gaucho's horse, rode it back to park ferme'. She picked up the spares, rode the horse back, fixed the bike, and continued the stage....Wicked!
I have some photos of her putting the bike into the compund, the day before the start of the race last year. She looks quite hot! :) The bike is nice too....(Photographs are courtesy of Motosport Magazine....) :)

[NordieBoy]

But the tyre had only done 160km.
He got 2nd? on todays stage.

Despres broke his rear rim and had to swap with a teammate.

Technically Tina should then receive a penalty up to 6hrs for "receiving outside assistance" :D

Hell just getting a bottle of water from a spectator is outside assistance.

Back in the day Peterhansel used a hammer at a checkpoint to straighten a foot peg and was protested against for it.

Last year all the top guys changed their mufflers to race cores once through scrutineering and the associated sound checks.
People complained but it was ignored.

The rules seem to be implemented very inconsistently.

[Waihou Thumper]

I haven't seen Stage 8 but thanks...:)
I guess the outside assistance rule is debateable. The bottles of water, the filling of the radiators with Evian etc from spectators seems to be acceptable. Yes, I remember Peterhansel and the hammer episode.
Tina showed some resourcefulness riding the horse, maybe it was just grazing there and she hopped on it...:)
Outside assistance may be relaxed for what the camera catches unless Europsort helicopter happens to sort of point the way for some wayward competitor stuck down the bottom of a dune..
I think you can rack up many penalties but can still finish the race? I see some of the results have the scratch time, the overall time and the penalties....ala Coma with 6hrs 22mins...
I wouldn't care with penalties, just get it done and finish the race would be an achievement in itself. For the Priveateers anyway...

[NordieBoy]

Despres'ss's rim...
190242

[NordieBoy]

Swedish Dakar rally rider Annie Seel reports from the bivouac in Copiapo, Chile:

"At km 131 the track split around some ruins, and joined again after. To avoid dust I cut from right track over to the left, across a small rise. Behind the rise a 5m deep tomb opened, 2x3 wide. I rode to slow to jump and to fast to stop. Put breakes on, slide bike to the left and abandon ship. I managed to jump to the left edge while bike tumbled down. I am lucky not to go down cause the walls were impossible to climb.
190243
Stopped some riders to call for help. A helicopter came and I climbed down with a thin rope to check bike, it was ok. We tried to pull the bike, but no. They said I must wait for the organisation truck to come and help. Took a while but then Mr Etienne Lavigne, race director, arrived in a helicopter instead. Like a true hero he climbed down with a rope, tied my bike with the real tie roses, and instructed the pilot how to lift it. Now I could continue the race, saved by the angel from above. Only suffering from painful swollen hand and aching foot"

[Waihou Thumper]

Annie has had some real bad luck. I think either stage 2 or 3 she fell and demolished her helmet and supported a nice black eye. She is a hard woman!

[cooneyr]

Despres'ss's rim...
190242

Thats not a bad effort!!


Swedish Dakar rally rider Annie Seel reports from the bivouac in Copiapo, Chile: ...Now I could continue the race, saved by the angel from above. Only suffering from painful swollen hand and aching foot"

Thats bloody lucky, not only that she is ok but pretty amazing that the bike was ridable too!

There is some bloody skilled/lucky people out there.

Cheers R

P.S. dont spoil all the stories. I cant watch the videos till i get home tonight!

[topo]

Annie, from the concersations i had with her at the safari is one of the toughtest women i've ever met and this only backs up my initial impressions!!


GO ROB POLLARD!!!!!!!!

[JATZ]

Is anybody saving/tapeing this footage, I tried to watch some yesterday on line, but............

f**kin telecom and thier lack of b/band

[NordieBoy]

Annie has had some real bad luck. I think either stage 2 or 3 she fell and demolished her helmet and supported a nice black eye. She is a hard woman!

Last year.

[cooneyr]

But the tyre had only done 160km.....

Is there pictures of said tyre around somewhere? All the talk but no proof - I want proof damn it!

Cheers R

[Brian d marge]

I am but how I could get it to you I dont know ( dropbox?)

Stephen

[Waihou Thumper]

Is there pictures of said tyre around somewhere? All the talk but no proof - I want proof damn it!

Cheers R

I grabbed this off Eurosport, they went into it quite thoroughly. They were on the computers and comparing tyre manufactures etc. Cyril sent over a camera crew to snap photos as soon as Marc finished. The second photo is Marc Coma's rear tyre, the third is the little pieces of new rubber still attached to the tyre between knobs and the first photo shows the comparative difference between Marc's tyre and Cyril's....Make up your own mind guys...What do ya reckon?

[Waihou Thumper]

Last year.

Aah, right. I was watching stage 9 of last years Dakar and then went straight into my episodes I have on this years...Thanks for clearing that up..

[cooneyr]

I grabbed this off Eurosport, they went into it quite thoroughly. They were on the computers and comparing tyre manufactures etc. Cyril sent over a camera crew to snap photos as soon as Marc finished. The second photo is Marc Coma's rear tyre, the third is the little pieces of new rubber still attached to the tyre between knobs and the first photo shows the comparative difference between Marc's tyre and Cyril's....Make up your own mind guys...What do ya reckon?

That looks pretty damn fresh. Doubt it did the 400kmish stage. I didn't realise they were both using the Pirelli's Scops instead of the Mitchy Deserts. Are the Deserts "old tech" now?

Cheers R

[Waihou Thumper]

That looks pretty damn fresh. Doubt it did the 400kmish stage. I didn't realise they were both using the Pirelli's Scops instead of the Mitchy Deserts. Are the Deserts "old tech" now?

Cheers R

They said in the coverage that they couldnt compare two different tyre manufacturers....So, one rides Pirelli, the other Michelin? Check out the first photo, they are different tyres...tread patterns

[cooneyr]

They said in the coverage that they couldnt compare two different tyre manufacturers....So, one rides Pirelli, the other Michelin? Check out the first photo, they are different tyres...tread patterns

Doh - just watching the sbs rest day coverage and realised that they are on different tyres.

[topo]

Coma's running Pirelli's, Despre's running deserts.
The first photo is the one to look at. both have supposed to have traveled 200km (ish) from the the first stage/CP. To me both have done 200km in sand when comparing with the tires from the safari, for example Andrew's tires on the first day of safari propper still had some of the little knobs left on the sides of both tires after 400km'ish.
If it was on sand i'd say it's the difference between being sympathetic to the tire V's thrashing it at any oppertunity.

my 2c.

[NordieBoy]

That looks pretty damn fresh. Doubt it did the 400kmish stage. I didn't realise they were both using the Pirelli's Scops instead of the Mitchy Deserts. Are the Deserts "old tech" now?

Cheers R

Only 160km old at that point.

[cooneyr]

Only 160km old at that point.

Hmmm - they are very sharp but like Topo says it could be possible. I'd have though pretty unlikely the little bits of rubber between the outer knobs would have been there though - even if it was only 160km. Sand would have removed the little rubber flaps between the knobs and rocks would have "de sharped" the knobs. I'm inclined to think there was a tyre change.

Cheers R

[Waihou Thumper]

:)
Hmmm - they are very sharp but like Topo says it could be possible. I'd have though pretty unlikely the little bits of rubber between the outer knobs would have been there though - even if it was only 160km. Sand would have removed the little rubber flaps between the knobs and rocks would have "de sharped" the knobs. I'm inclined to think there was a tyre change.

Cheers R

It was funny in Stage 8, Cyril had the rim issue on both the front and back rim. As he was changing the front, Marc was having a good look at the change, making sure things were Kosher...

After watching the developments and seeing the footage, I am of the opinion he cheated...Thing is, he is appealing the decision. I think it is a lost cause. Even if they took it away and he won, it would always be a suspicious victory...

It is going to be a thrilling next couple of days, watch out for the Kermit coloured Norwegian..

No spoilers for stage 9 please...

[NordieBoy]

Now this is a nice shot...
190419

[cooneyr]

Now this is a nice shot...
190419

Thats awesome picture. Even the sand comming off the front tyre looks cool. It would be interesting to know how strung out the RVX (http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/aprilia/aprilia_rxv_dakar.htm) is i.e. how much HP and how much maintenance its being getting during the race.

[Waihou Thumper]

I have added some shots from the early Stages for you all to look at....

Picture 1 - Annie Seel KTM 525 Super Rocket
Picture 2 - Cyril Despres KTM 690 Rally Replica
Picture 3 - Marc Coma KTM 690 Rally
Picture 4 - Kemal Markit (Turkey) KTM 690 ( I am guessing full powered, different category)


It would be interesting to know how strung out, how much maintenance its being getting during the race.

One thing I do know is that at the end of one stage as the cameras were panning the Bivouac, both Aprilias were on their sides with the welding equipment out. It seems that one of the frames had cracked or shown signs of cracking. The guys were very open about it too and let the cameras film as the bikes were stripped down. The RXV...:)

[.chris]

Great pictures from the Big Picture here (http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/01/dakar_rally_2010.html)

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/dakar_01_11/d06_21591813.jpg

[Waihou Thumper]

Geez, they are all stunning! I am gonna have them all.....:)

[Toureg]

The best pics for clarity I have seen, they are fantastic! Awesome thread too by the way, You guys are doing great work and it must be just so lazy sods like me can see it all here without having to surf the net all day.

[NordieBoy]

Control.....
190661

[pampa]

ok links to stages

Its amazing on stage 9 when Depres gets stuck, how he manage to get the bike out! :baby:

Stage 1 - 10
# 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYB6gYh7soA
# 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAZxPouONWg
#3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6FwhC7fumk
#4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBZPaI2OToE
#5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaJS3Iwcy2c
#6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jtd9AMSQoE
#7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlYoxTYeIe0
#8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLu_MpVUPO0
#9

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy0a1qKVZWk

#10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c7mBaaqjFQ

Cheers,
Pampa

[Woodman]

Control.....
190661

great pic, now on my desktop.

They had a bit on stage 10 today where coma was going through some wiggly bits and they cut to someone else. Pissed me off a bit cos it was brilliant.
is there anywhere else but sbs that has a bit more coverage?

Loving it.

[cooneyr]

NZKTM - are you thinking you might put the eurosport footage on a couple of DVD's :blip: I'd be keen on a copy.

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

Now that was a he'll of a stage!
Jonah 2nd by 3 seconds :D

[NordieBoy]

ASO changed the rules to say >450cc you have to use a restrictor right?

KTM 690's are usually 655 or so cc and the factory ones are 690cc.

They're currently running 730cc engines with the restrictors :D

[NordieBoy]

Aprilia 450's are small...
190743

[cooneyr]

ASO changed the rules to say >450cc you have to use a restrictor right?

KTM 690's are usually 655 or so cc and the factory ones are 690cc.

They're currently running 730cc engines with the restrictors :D

Hmmm KTM BIG maybe. But aren't the restrictors matched to the engine to make sure they produce the same HP as the 450's? So CC "should" have no bearing.


Aprilia 450's are small...
190743

Holy shit thats bloody tiny! Looks like they bolted the heads directly to the cases - where are the barrels? In the casings?

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

Hmmm KTM BIG maybe. But aren't the restrictors matched to the engine to make sure they produce the same HP as the 450's? So CC "should" have no bearing.

The restrictors are 33mm in size if memory serves.

So they are effectively running a 730cc engine on a 33mm carb :D
Not much top end but a lot of torque.

[CrazyFrog]

Luca Manca is now out of his coma, breathing unassisted without ventilator. Reacts normally to stimulation, answers questions and immediately recognised his papa at his side. Hopefully no long term damage from his head injury. Don't ya just love a story with a happy ending. :woohoo:
Get well soon Luca.

[Toureg]

Aprilia 450's are small...
190743

Yeah but from an engineering point of view, oh so pretty

[Padmei]

Damn I knew I shouldn't have started reading this thread again before looking at the last 5 stages. Thanks Nordie for the updates.

NZKTM you are gettting sleeepy, yooou are geettting slleeeepppy, you will copy the videos to Dvd. you will send them to your friends... ........Now when I click my fingers you will awake...
CLICK

[Padmei]

Luca Manca is now out of his coma, breathing unassisted without ventilator. Reacts normally to stimulation, answers questions and immediately recognised his papa at his side. Hopefully no long term damage from his head injury. Don't ya just love a story with a happy ending. :woohoo:
Get well soon Luca.

oH yeeesss!! Thats one story I'd love to read in the womans weekly:banana:

[NordieBoy]

Not much reading material at the bach?

[Padmei]

Read about some fat ugly chick that swallowed her own arse & Paris/brittany/whoever's underwear collection

[NordieBoy]

Read about some fat ugly chick that swallowed her own arse & Paris/brittany/whoever's underwear collection

BMW mag?

[Kickaha]

Some good photos from the Dakar here http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/01/dakar_rally_2010.html

[NordieBoy]

Annie Seel :D190954

[NordieBoy]

The French say the Dakar is returning to Africa next year.
The Chilians say the Dakar is returning to South America next year.

[NordieBoy]

Wow, what a race.
3 out of 5 Aprilias finished and all the Husqvarna did.

[Padmei]

Yep I've got some catching up to do.

[NordieBoy]

That's why I havn't mentioned that *********** won and *************** got second in an amazing finish.

Complete with fairy's, pony's and princessesses...

[Padmei]

For some reason the vids are really slow tonite so will leave the last 5 stages for another time. The spoilers are allup on the sbs page anyway.

[countryguy]

Some good photos from the Dakar here http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/01/dakar_rally_2010.html

Awesome Pics