MotoGP 2012

[Reckless]

be interesting to see how the first test turns out!

Colin Edwards doesn't seem tremendously positive here http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2012/Edwards+interview+pre+sepang+test

oh and the Ducati GP12 said to be looked at more closely on Friday. 20 design staff been on it full time, no holidays allowed.
Similar to all the other bikes Id imagine now they have dumped Carbonfibre and joined same design as the rest.
Teaser vid here http://www.motogp.com/en/videos/latest+videos#Behind+the+scenes+at+Ducati+Corse+A+ sneak+peek+at+the+GP12

Love to see Ducati get up there and join Yamaha chasing the Honda's at the front :)
Not to long now :sweatdrop

[rachprice]

Yeah poor Marquez....it seems his eye was more the reason why he stayed back in moto2

Cant wait to see what the new Ducati can do, I really hope they have better luck fixing it this season

[DidJit]

Is it testing time yet?!? :wait:

[Oscar]

Is it testing time yet?!? :wait:

No.

The new Race Director is coming around my place tonight for a coupla beers.

[DidJit]

Have one for me then. :drinkup:

[Crasherfromwayback]

No.

The new Race Director is coming around my place tonight for a coupla beers.

Tell him CRT bikes suck arse.

[Oscar]

Tell him CRT bikes suck arse.

He'll tell you what he told me - that you can have four or five Ducatis or 22 CRT bikes on the grid.

In the meantime he hasn't turned up yet, and he's on my KTM....:facepalm:

[Crasherfromwayback]

He'll tell you what he told me - that you can have four or five Ducatis or 22 CRT bikes on the grid.

In the meantime he hasn't turned up yet, and he's on my KTM....:facepalm:

After 2010, and some of the best shit I've seen in a while, I'm happy with 18 odd full on GP bikes thanks all the same.

Opps. "I leant it to my mate..." Nek minnit.

[Trudes]

i dont mind him hes not my favourite rider my favourite rider is far from the front but has 1 world title to his name, Nicky Hayden he doesnt moan about shit just gets on with the job

I'm with you.
I :heart: Nicky.
And no, nothing to do with how he looks. He just seems like a really down to earth bloke who does it 'cause he loves it. I would love to see him up on the podium a bit more.

[slowpoke]

After 2010, and some of the best shit I've seen in a while, I'm happy with 18 odd full on GP bikes thanks all the same.


Trouble is 18 was a high point with several races with only 15 starters. Give it a couple more years (the GFC is going nowhere in a hurry) and it'd be down to a dozen....or less.....where do you say enough is enough and make some changes?

[cmoore]

here is an interesting perspective on 2012...http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/817/11818/Motorcycle-Article/How-Will-CRT-Work-in-MotoGP-.aspx

[Crasherfromwayback]

Trouble is 18 was a high point with several races with only 15 starters. Give it a couple more years (the GFC is going nowhere in a hurry) and it'd be down to a dozen....or less.....where do you say enough is enough and make some changes?


here is an interesting perspective on 2012...http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/817/11818/Motorcycle-Article/How-Will-CRT-Work-in-MotoGP-.aspx

Nodoby would argue that something had to happen. But basically trying to oust the factories ain't the way in my view.

[cs363]

In the meantime he hasn't turned up yet, and he's on my KTM....:facepalm:

I thought in your business you would understand risk....
It's those quiet guys that always cause trouble!

[Crasherfromwayback]

CRT ain't what it's all cracked up to be already...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Jan/120127x.htm

[merv]

Yep, thank the greedy buggers of the world that sucked all the money to start this GFC in the first place. Now the money go round has slowed so no-one spends, so businesses go to the wall, sponsorship dries up all in a vicious circle.

[BMWST?]

so ..is a 220 or 250 hp bike unrideable WITHOUT electronics....

[DidJit]

Testing <del>times</del> dates (http://motomatters.com/news/2012/01/27/motogp_testing_who_is_testing_where_and_.html?utm_ source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MotoGPMatters+%28MotoMatters% 29).

[Crasherfromwayback]

so ..is a 220 or 250 hp bike unrideable WITHOUT electronics....

An 800cc one more than likely. Maybe a 1000cc one not so bad.

[slowpoke]

CRT ain't what it's all cracked up to be already...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Jan/120127x.htm

The fact that rider's have to buy a ride is nothing new, that's been standard practice for years if you aren't a World Champion (insert class here) or close to it but some of the names being mentioned are a serious worry. CRT bikes are one thing but less than elite world class riders is something else again. A CRT team might enjoy the dosh they bring but without a decent rider they aren't doing anyone any favours.


so ..is a 220 or 250 hp bike unrideable WITHOUT electronics....

Nope, it's just slower around a track.


Nodoby would argue that something had to happen. But basically trying to oust the factories ain't the way in my view.

Trouble is the factories didn't offer a solution. If they'd been a lil' more agreeable to cost cutting options we wouldn't be in this situation. I would like to have seen the GP bikes stay but with a control ECU as per BSB, but the factories wouldn't have it. They've shot themselves in the foot....or have they? With the costs involved they may well be happy (behind the scenes) to have someone else give them a way out without losing face?


here is an interesting perspective on 2012...http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/817/11818/Motorcycle-Article/How-Will-CRT-Work-in-MotoGP-.aspx

It's a bullshit article really. CE II has admitted to only riding at 65%, and some of the other teams are even earlier in development with inexperienced (at that level) riders at possibly the very first test and to compare that against qualifying and race times of guys who are highly familiar with their bikes isn't worth the pixels it's written with. Sure there's a big gap, but it's early days and testing is far different to racing.

He's got one thing right though: if I'd paid a coupla grand to fly to Mugello or some other iconic track and saw only 15 bikes on the grid I'd be farkin' pissed off. To put it another way, with the skinny grids as per last season and lack of competition I wouldn't even consider going and neither would many thousands of other potential spectators.

[cmoore]

seriously!?..not one comment about the money......$450mil Honda spent.......the numbers thrown around for the bikes and engines leaves a hell of a lot of money for something else......and if the ECU stories are true then there must be hundreds of computor programmers sitting somewhere writing software for different tracks, bikes, tyres, riders, weather, moon position, wind speed, temperature..etc

[Oscar]

I thought in your business you would understand risk....
It's those quiet guys that always cause trouble!

He turned up, cleaned the 950, and then we went for a ride to Raglan on the XT500 and the R80G/S.

[rachprice]

here is an interesting perspective on 2012...http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/817/11818/Motorcycle-Article/How-Will-CRT-Work-in-MotoGP-.aspx

I totally agree with that....

Obviously something needs to be done and Im glad they are trying to do something I just wonder if we might lose motogp forever

[rachprice]

Nope, it's just slower around a track.

Trouble is the factories didn't offer a solution. If they'd been a lil' more agreeable to cost cutting options we wouldn't be in this situation. I would like to have seen the GP bikes stay but with a control ECU as per BSB, but the factories wouldn't have it. They've shot themselves in the foot....or have they? With the costs involved they may well be happy (behind the scenes) to have someone else give them a way out without losing face?

It's a bullshit article really. CE II has admitted to only riding at 65%, and some of the other teams are even earlier in development with inexperienced (at that level) riders at possibly the very first test and to compare that against qualifying and race times of guys who are highly familiar with their bikes isn't worth the pixels it's written with. Sure there's a big gap, but it's early days and testing is far different to racing.

He's got one thing right though: if I'd paid a coupla grand to fly to Mugello or some other iconic track and saw only 15 bikes on the grid I'd be farkin' pissed off. To put it another way, with the skinny grids as per last season and lack of competition I wouldn't even consider going and neither would many thousands of other potential spectators.

Yeah to be honest I would prefer them slower around the track but a bit more wild....I think when some of them say its too dangerous without, they forget they would be going a lot slower. Who says they need to ban all electronics even? Maybe dropping them to the very basics may be an option?

I agree about the factories not providing an option....they may well regret that in the near future! (or hopefully come up with an option!!)

By the way, could they just stop changing the rules every fucking 2 seconds!

mmmm don't think its bullshit, I understand what you are saying - but 9 fucking seconds, that's a lifetime - and they aren't all 100% familiar, being a change in bike. Weren't the very first lap times testing for CRT slower than the superbikes (please correct me if iI'm wrong)

I flew all the way to Valencia not race gone but the one before and there weren't a lot - 17 I think anhd to be honest I had an incredible time. It was fucking exciting, even though the commentary was in spanish!!!

[Reckless]

Here it is!! GP12

But concentrate you got about 3 seconds of it right at the end :facepalm:

http://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2012/Behind+the+scenes+at+Ducati+Corse+A+sneak+peek+at+ the+GP12+1

[puddytat]

Honestly, they really need to do something ,because apart from watching Casey dominate & the odd tussle here & there, i found it a tad boring to watch.
The best racing of the season for me was watching the 125's & Moto2.I dont really give a fuck about brand, its the riders for me & Id prefer a grid of 40 0dd MotoGP CRT bikes than the small fields of the last few seasons.

[Crasherfromwayback]

& Id prefer a grid of 40 0dd MotoGP CRT bikes than the small fields of the last few seasons.

Then stick to World Superbikes.

[cs363]

He turned up, cleaned the 950, and then we went for a ride to Raglan on the XT500 and the R80G/S.

Don't let the facts get in the way of a good story, this is KB - FFS! :D

[cmoore]

MotoGP is the elite end of the sport, during good economic times there will be a few more teams because they can find the sponsorship, but history tells us there has generally always been only a small group that is truly competitive each year, more often than not one team and one rider dominates, because it is about prototypes and as such one group will develop an advantage which the others will take a year to catch up to. I don't like changing that basic formula just to get more bikes on the grid because it would appear to reduce the one common goal throughout MotoGp history....to develop something new to go faster than the others.

[DEATH_INC.]

Then stick to World Superbikes.
True, if it's good close racing ya want (most of the time) WSBK is where it's at, tho I'd like to see traction control pulled from this. :shit:
Leave all the techheads alone to develop their ultimate racing machines (moto gp), and don't worry about the quality of the racing, that's not what it's about. :yawn:

[slowpoke]

Yeah to be honest I would prefer them slower around the track but a bit more wild....I think when some of them say its too dangerous without, they forget they would be going a lot slower. Who says they need to ban all electronics even? Maybe dropping them to the very basics may be an option?

Me too. A BSB style ECU would do the trick with just fuel injection, ignition, quickshifter, so you can lose an engineer (or two) and let the rider earn his money looking after the wheelie and traction control.

I agree about the factories not providing an option....they may well regret that in the near future! (or hopefully come up with an option!!)

By the way, could they just stop changing the rules every fucking 2 seconds!

mmmm don't think its bullshit, I understand what you are saying - but 9 fucking seconds, that's a lifetime - and they aren't all 100% familiar, being a change in bike. Weren't the very first lap times testing for CRT slower than the superbikes (please correct me if iI'm wrong)

The times are definitely a worry, but I just wanna see 'em both in full race mode before I write 'em off.
I flew all the way to Valencia not race gone but the one before and there weren't a lot - 17 I think anhd to be honest I had an incredible time. It was fucking exciting, even though the commentary was in spanish!!!


MotoGP is the elite end of the sport, during good economic times there will be a few more teams because they can find the sponsorship, but history tells us there has generally always been only a small group that is truly competitive each year, more often than not one team and one rider dominates, because it is about prototypes and as such one group will develop an advantage which the others will take a year to catch up to. I don't like changing that basic formula just to get more bikes on the grid because it would appear to reduce the one common goal throughout MotoGp history....to develop something new to go faster than the others.

So you would be happy to go back to these days:

"After the 1957 season, the Italian motorcycle manufacturers Gilera, Moto Guzzi and Mondial jointly agreed to withdraw from Grand Prix competition due to escalating costs and diminishing sales. Count Agusta originally agreed to withdraw, but then had second thoughts. MV Agusta went on to dominate Grand Prix racing, winning 17 consecutive 500 cc world championships." (Wiki)

Substitute a few manufacturers and this sounds awfully familiar.


Leave all the techheads alone to develop their ultimate racing machines (moto gp), and don't worry about the quality of the racing, that's not what it's about. :yawn:

That's not what it is about to you. It might be about something completely different to others. If they are ultimate racing machines why are they limited by capacity, fuel allowance and type, number of gears, number of cylinders, brake rotor diameter, combustion cycle, GPS use, electronic suspension,etc etc etc? There are rules, the rules change or would you rather go back to racing 50cc with 10 gears? Good luck drawing a crowd for that. Ultimately the series has to be profitable for all concerned or it will die, simple as that.

[Crasherfromwayback]

. MV Agusta went on to dominate Grand Prix racing, winning 17 consecutive 500 cc world championships." (Wiki)

Substitute a few manufacturers and this sounds awfully familiar.[/COLOR]


.

Not to me is doesn't. In the last few years we've had the title go to Ducati, Yamaha and now Honda.

[RobGassit]

I'm with you.
I :heart: Nicky.
And no, nothing to do with how he looks. He just seems like a really down to earth bloke who does it 'cause he loves it. I would love to see him up on the podium a bit more.

Prepare yourself for disappointment.

[Oscar]

After 2010, and some of the best shit I've seen in a while, I'm happy with 18 odd full on GP bikes thanks all the same.

Opps. "I leant it to my mate..." Nek minnit.

18 was the exception and it wasn't going to get any better...
Notwithstanding that, it was basically at a point where Honda constantly got what they wanted (no two stokes in any class for example), otherwise they would take their toys and go home. CRT is structured to break the Japanese control of MotoGP.

[slowpoke]

Not to me is doesn't. In the last few years we've had the title go to Ducati, Yamaha and now Honda.

True dat, but I was peering into my cracked chrystal ball at the the proposed future if we'd stayed with the the program of unfettered technology and bugger the cost or the racing. Suzuki have followed Kawasaki out the backdoor, and Aprilia transferred their MotoGP project to WSBK. With Ducati and Yamaha being outspent by Honda in tough economic times how long before they get tired of the beating and pack it in? Ask any bookie and get odds on the Honda juggernaut not winning the championship this year...and the next for that matter, if the factories are still involved.

I'd love to be wrong but I get the feeling that Honda are the modern equivalent of MV Agusta back in the day and there is no 2 stroke revolution coming to save us from yawnsville. CRT won't save us either as it stands alongside the Factory bikes. I'm interested to see how they go and develop but ultimately it needs to be one set of rules (whatever they might be) across the board or it's just FUBAR.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Honda constantly got what they wanted (no two stokes in any class for example), otherwise they would take their toys and go home. CRT is structured to break the Japanese control of MotoGP.



I'd love to be wrong but I get the feeling that Honda are the modern equivalent of MV Agusta back in the day and there is no 2 stroke revolution coming to save us from yawnsville. .

I was chatting to a friend of mine that sells Aprillia the other day. He was telling me about the new direct injection two stroke scooter they have. Meets Euro 5, and gets 300km's on the same size tank the previous one got 120km's out of.

Bout time everyone told Honda to stick their diesels up their arse and form a runaway series for injected strokers I say. Cheaper to produce, run and replace. Sorted. Sort of back to the future.:Punk:

[merv]

You're onto it crasher, why aren't there more direct injected strokers? Honda tried injection on the NSR500, can't remember if it was direct injection, but why didn't they persist? The direct injection will certainly solve the fuel going straight through to the exhaust like happens to a proportion of it on carburetted strokers. They'd probably still smoke a little bit due to oiling needs of the piston, but hey perhaps there's another way of solving that issue too.

You might laugh about diesels but how many real diesels are already direct injection and two stroke?

[Crasherfromwayback]

You're onto it crasher, why aren't there more direct injected strokers? Honda tried injection on the NSR500, can't remember if it was direct injection, but why didn't they persist? The direct injection will certainly solve the fuel going straight through to the exhaust like happens to a proportion of it on carburetted strokers. They'd probably still smoke a little bit due to oiling needs of the piston, but hey perhaps there's another way of solving that issue too.

You might laugh about diesels but how many real diesels are already direct injection and two stroke?

Thinking they may run a four stroke type bottom end Merv,so may need sweet fa in the way of oil for the piston(s) and rings?

It's reasonably new technology in small two strokes I guess...but I'm sure if the lil factories get it sorted, the big boys will have to follow suit.

Detroit Diesel?

[slowpoke]

I think most sane people agree that costs are out of control? The question has been how best to rein them back in, now that the horse has officially left the barn.

I heard someone talking about Post Classic racing while I was down South and it summed things up in a nutshell for me, even with regards to the GP classes. He was talking about full floating brake rotors in one of the classes/era's and how they should be legal according to when they were available but aren't allowed by the rules. Why not? Because the only person who wins is the rotor manufacturer. One person buys them for a momentary advantage, which forces everyone else to buy them. Soon enough the status quo is restored, with everyone $600 worse off and the manufacturer laughing his box off.

Same applies to even MotoGP. Honda develop pneumatic valve technology at great expense, force everyone else to spend up large to develop the same (unless you are Ducati with their desmodromic system) and the status quo is restored. Who wins out of that? We are never going to see pneumatic actuated valves on road bikes, the racing was no better, so what was the point? You could apply the same to carbon disc rotors or any number of things.

I dunno what the answer is, as things stood last year we were in a downward spiral, CRT hasn't been applied very well, so right now I'm just pretty disillusioned with the whole stuation.

[slowpoke]

I was chatting to a friend of mine that sells Aprillia the other day. He was telling me about the new direct injection two stroke scooter they have. Meets Euro 5, and gets 300km's on the same size tank the previous one got 120km's out of.

Bout time everyone told Honda to stick their diesels up their arse and form a runaway series for injected strokers I say. Cheaper to produce, run and replace. Sorted. Sort of back to the future.:Punk:

Nice! Trouble is folks like Aprilia have developed traction control for their RSW/RSA 250's, so you're straight back to the present again as far as electronics and rooms full of engineers racking up the $$$. Fuck off most of the electronics/GPS type crap and you're halfway to a decent race series no matter what sort of bikes you run.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Fuck off most of the electronics/GPS type crap and you're halfway to a decent race series no matter what sort of bikes you run.

We're together there 100%!

[cmoore]

All good and interesting comments, I guess we will all know for sure as the season gets going. The main players/teams all had a say in the new rules and it would be nice to think they all had more passion for the sport then most and only want the best to come of the changes.

[wharfy]

You're onto it crasher, why aren't there more direct injected strokers? Honda tried injection on the NSR500, can't remember if it was direct injection, but why didn't they persist? The direct injection will certainly solve the fuel going straight through to the exhaust like happens to a proportion of it on carburetted strokers. They'd probably still smoke a little bit due to oiling needs of the piston, but hey perhaps there's another way of solving that issue too.

You might laugh about diesels but how many real diesels are already direct injection and two stroke?

Don't know how many now but they have been used in everything from trains,boats and planes to trucks :) The opposed cylinder configuration I first saw in a Commer truck I thought it was pretty out there .
They were not direct injection though

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Opposite_piston_engine.gif

Kiwi engineer has a crack :)

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/motoring/5614635/NZ-designed-motorcycles-coming-soon

[Reckless]

You're onto it crasher, why aren't there more direct injected strokers? Honda tried injection on the NSR500, can't remember if it was direct injection, but why didn't they persist? The direct injection will certainly solve the fuel going straight through to the exhaust like happens to a proportion of it on carburetted strokers. They'd probably still smoke a little bit due to oiling needs of the piston, but hey perhaps there's another way of solving that issue too.

You might laugh about diesels but how many real diesels are already direct injection and two stroke?

Oh merv us smoker boys that ride dirt have been waiting for direct injection for the last few years mate :)
As I understand it the very high pressure pump and generating the power required to run it are a problem. The only ones developing 2 strokes are KTM and rumor has it they have a direct injection bike. But they simply dont need to market it yet as explained under.

IMHO the main reason why smokers where not developed was marketing and money. The clean green thing was an excuse. A smoker can with 1/2 the cc's, do anything a four stroke can if its ported, weighted and fueled correctly. But one thing a smoker cant do is need a mechanic for recons, valves, timing chains and tuning etc.
Four strokes make a lot more sense for the whole distributor chain from the factory selling more parts to the shop getting more recons. So from boss to boy it simply makes much more commercial sense to go 4 than 2. Ive seen a dyno chart in the net of a direct injected 250 vs a 450 4 stroke. The 250 developed the same linear power of the four stroke but with a little more horsepower. But of coarse that would mean we could do our own pistons again and they wouldn't sell as many valves, timing chains and labour charge out.

There is no doubt four strokes deliver their power better and therefore are faster on the mx track but there is also no doubt in my mind that if they had put the same energy into the 2 strokes over the last few years it could do better for less cc's.

Anyway I digress back on topic rant over :bash:

[RobGassit]

Oh merv us smoker boys that ride dirt have been waiting for direct injection for the last few years mate :)
As I understand it the very high pressure pump and generating the power required to run it are a problem. The only ones developing 2 strokes are KTM and rumor has it they have a direct injection bike. But they simply dont need to market it yet as explained under.

IMHO the main reason why smokers where not developed was marketing and money. The clean green thing was an excuse. A smoker can with 1/2 the cc's, do anything a four stroke can if its ported, weighted and fueled correctly. But one thing a smoker cant do is need a mechanic for recons, valves, timing chains and tuning etc.
Four strokes make a lot more sense for the whole distributor chain from the factory selling more parts to the shop getting more recons. So from boss to boy it simply makes much more commercial sense to go 4 than 2. Ive seen a dyno chart in the net of a direct injected 250 vs a 450 4 stroke. The 250 developed the same linear power of the four stroke but with a little more horsepower. But of coarse that would mean we could do our own pistons again and they wouldn't sell as many valves, timing chains and labour charge out.

There is no doubt four strokes deliver their power better and therefore are faster on the mx track but there is also no doubt in my mind that if they had put the same energy into the 2 strokes over the last few years it could do better for less cc's.

Anyway I digress back on topic rant over :bash:

Bloody Bastards. So we have to use these heavy diesel shitboxes coz it sells more parts. I'll always own a smoker. They just make so much sense when you pin that throttle. The green party can kiss my ass.

[DidJit]

Here's some bait (http://www.gpone.com/index.php/en/201201305946/Test-CRT-De-Puniet-veloce-con-la-Art.html) for you, Crasherfromwayback. ;) Not too shabby considering track temperature was apparently 7°C colder and RdP set the same time November last year in temperatures around 15–20°C. The new modified Aprilia chassis (and probably the 2012 Bridgestones) must be an improvement.

And from Sepang, some MotoPorn (http://www.gpone.com/index.php/en/201201305942/Le-prime-foto-da-Sepang.html)... Suter seem to have made some fairly big changes to their CRT swingarm. Tech3's M1 looks grouse clad in bare carbon fibre fairings.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Here's some bait (http://www.gpone.com/index.php/en/201201305946/Test-CRT-De-Puniet-veloce-con-la-Art.html) for you, Crasherfromwayback. ;) .

I was pissed off RDP didn't get a Honda this year, as I reckon he would've gone sick! Best you wait till the test in Sepang to see how they all stack up before getting too excited 'bout your CRT bikes though...

[yod]

I was pissed off RDP didn't get a Honda this year, as I reckon he would've gone sick! Best you wait till the test in Sepang to see how they all stack up before getting too excited 'bout your CRT bikes though...

Testing must start in the next few hours? this new Duc could be interesting, could be an epic fail too....

[Crasherfromwayback]

Testing must start in the next few hours? this new Duc could be interesting, could be an epic fail too....

Probably putting the tyre warmers on about now!

This looks horn... http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/archive/2012rc213v/

While this looks...well...pretty rough... http://www.superbikeplanet.com/showPic early days I know.

[nudemetalz]

Nice! Trouble is folks like Aprilia have developed traction control for their RSW/RSA 250's, so you're straight back to the present again as far as electronics and rooms full of engineers racking up the $$$. Fuck off most of the electronics/GPS type crap and you're halfway to a decent race series no matter what sort of bikes you run.

You mean like when Lorenzo forgot to turn on his traction control that time and arsed off his 800. Throttle control? What's throttle control?
When the telemetry comes on they're basically full throttle while still cranked over.....
I don't recall the YZR, NSR and RGV500's having traction control.......

(I await the thrown beer cans at me...)

[boostin]

While this looks...well...pretty rough... http://www.superbikeplanet.com/showPic early days I know.

I assume you mean this one? http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Jan/120130d17.htm

Does look pretty rough but as the article states "And a chassis doesn't need to reflect in order to work well."

Hope it goes better than it looks!

[Crasherfromwayback]

I assume you mean this one? http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Jan/120130d17.htm

Does look pretty rough but as the article states "And a chassis doesn't need to reflect in order to work well."

Hope it goes better than it looks!

Aye!

And hell yeah. The whole bike looks like I built it.

[nudemetalz]

Aye!

And hell yeah. The whole bike looks like I built it.

It may not need to shine to work but at the end of the day, this is THE sales advertisement for Ducati and needs to look sharp.

[DidJit]

This looks horn...

Even though the RC213V is the machine to beat I think I prefer the M1 standalone looks-wise.


... needs to look sharp.

Looks very prototype. Eh, Crasher? ;)

[Crasherfromwayback]

Even though the RC213V is the machine to beat I think I prefer the M1 standalone looks-wise.



Looks very prototype. Eh, Crasher? ;)

I used to prefer the M1, but now the Honda does it for me.

And for sure...the Ducati looks like a prototype of days gone by. Long gone by.

[Reckless]

:Oi: TIMES!

We need lap times now :niceone:

[nudemetalz]

I used to prefer the M1, but now the Honda does it for me.

And for sure...the Ducati looks like a prototype of days gone by. Long gone by.

NONE of them hold a candle to this beauty !!

256362256365

[slowpoke]

You mean like when Lorenzo forgot to turn on his traction control that time and arsed off his 800. Throttle control? What's throttle control?
When the telemetry comes on they're basically full throttle while still cranked over.....
I don't recall the YZR, NSR and RGV500's having traction control.......

(I await the thrown beer cans at me...)

No beer cans. Aprilia had sorted traction control for their 2 stroke 250 GP bikes so you can guarantee the same would find it's way on to a modern version of the 500 GP bikes. Plus wheelie and launch control etc etc, the electronic cat is well and truly out of the bag. And it's an expensive cat: whatever the bike is worth to lease/buy the same would go towards running/maintaining/maximising the electronics

Credit where credit is due, you don't just slam the thing on it's side and twist the grip off the r/h clip on, there's a lot more skill required than you think. The riders need the tyre spinning to get around as quick as possible so balancing spin when cornering vs traction when accelerating is a dark art balancing act accomplished by sensors, gyro's, engineers, and riders which is why it's a team sport, but also why it's so expensive.

Edit: the pic of the Duc is from Rossi's phone camera vs a cheesey Honda press release (anytime Stoner and Pedrosa are smiling in each other's company you know something is going on). Be interesting to see what Ducati roll out at the test.

[montsta56]

NONE of them hold a candle to this beauty !!

256362256365

I always thought the 97 nsr500 was the best looking bike ever

[Crasherfromwayback]

I always thought the 97 nsr500 was the best looking bike ever

Best of the Honda Smokers for sure!

[Badjelly]

:Oi: TIMES!

We need lap times now :niceone:

To record a lap time, first someone must complete a lap.

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/176322/1/damp_track_means_delayed_start_to_2012.html

[yod]

To record a lap time, first someone must complete a lap.

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/176322/1/damp_track_means_delayed_start_to_2012.html


UPDATE: Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa was the first rider on track at 11:15am.

by my calculations that was about 7 minutes ago, let's see how he goes...

[Reckless]

According to some facebook feeds they are only allowed 4 tyres so no one wants to go out and scrub the track and waiste their tyres lol
Damp out their to I understand.

Your probably all subscribed to Moto GP and NZSB but for those that arn't here a re few pics of the bikes

Rossi duc, Colin Edwards bike, Nick Haydnes and the Yamaha's

I think the black carbon fibre coverup strip is the theme this year lol

[Crasherfromwayback]

I think the black carbon fibre coverup strip is the theme this year lol

They tend to do that every year until they get underway 'proper' mate.

[Reckless]

They tend to do that every year until they get underway 'proper' mate.

yeh why I called it the "coverup strip"

Last few updates

So the 2012 MotoGP season has finally started with Dani Pedrosa and Honda test rider Akiyoshi first out on track (40 mins ago)

Casey Stoner Valentino Rossi are out on track now , Akiyoshi taking out Casey and Dani's other bikes, performing a shake down..

Ivan Silva is the first CRT bike on track with the BQR-FTR Kawasaki

(15 mins ago)

Bloody exciting really Cant wait to see if Yamaha can keep up with Honda and if Ducati has nailed it??
Although its very early days yet?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Stoner FTW!!!:bleh:

[NZsarge]

Spies or Rossi FTW :D

[Crasherfromwayback]

Spies or Rossi FTW :D

Definately time for Spies to step up to the plate or find a new job.

[yod]

early days, but Ducati second fastest so far, in a factory Yammie sandwich.....


Lorenzo fastest 2´02.601 ahead of
VR +0.304,
BS +0.329,
AB +1.025,
DP +1.605,
Nakasuga +1.696,
CC +2.165,
AD +2.395,
SB +3.032,
HB +3.756

[Oscar]

Definately time for Spies to step up to the plate or find a new job.

One win, one pole, six podiums and 381 points from 37 starts.
A wee bit harsh...

[RobGassit]

One win, one pole, six podiums and 381 points from 37 starts.
A wee bit harsh...


Crash is just judging Ben on what Crash himself has achieved.:third:

[Crasherfromwayback]

One win, one pole, six podiums and 381 points from 37 starts.
A wee bit harsh...

Hey...I'm a huge Spies fan. Ever since I saw him at Laguna in '07' dicing with Mladin, I thought he was the next big thing. But he's not been employed for the sort of finishes he's so far had...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Jan/120127y.htm

[Crasherfromwayback]

Crash is just judging Ben on what Crash himself has achieved.:third:

Cheeky Coont. Dunno if Spies won a national title in his first season of road racing, but I did. :bleh: So obviously...I could whip his arse.






NOT.:baby:

[Brian d marge]

Sorry been out of the loop for a while ,
Ducati on a suter frame ?? or something similar?

Stephen

[Reckless]

Test times

Test Times 3pm:
lorenzo 2'02.406
Spies 2'02.465
Pedrosa 2'02.535
Rossi 2'02.824,
Crutchlow,
Bautista 2'03.153,
Nakasuga,
Barbera 2'03.523,

Maybe just maybe we'll have a 3 make battle :)


Edit:
NZSBK has a better source
Copy and paiste off them thanks NZSBK!!

Official test Times Day 1 - MotoGP Test - Sepang - 3pm
1 Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha Factory Racing 2:02.406
2 Ben Spies Yamaha Factory Racing 2:02.456
3 Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda Team 2:02.535
4 Valentino Rossi Ducati Team 2:02.824
5 Cal Crutchlow Yamaha Tech 3 2:03.099
6 Alvaro Bautista Honda Gresini 2:03.153
7 Katsuyuki Nakasuga Yamaha Factory 2:03.418
8 Hector Barbera Pramac Racing Team 2:03.523
9 Nicky Hayden Ducati Team 2:03.969
10 Andrea Dovizioso Yamaha Tech 3 2:04.033
11 Stefan Bradl LCR Honda 2:04.148 +0.115
12 Karel Abraham Cardion AB Motoracing 2:04.863
13 Franco Bataini Ducati Team 2:05.292
14 Casey Stoner Repsol Honda Team 2:07.163
15 Colin Edwards NGM Mobile Forward Racing 2:08.240
16 Ivan Silva Avintia Racing 2:11.267
17 Jordi Torres Avintia Racing 2:12.816

[RobGassit]

Cheeky Coont. Dunno if Spies won a national title in his first season of road racing, but I did. :bleh: So obviously...I could whip his arse.
NOT.:baby:

Hahahaha,,You're nearly as easy to wind up as RT.:clap:

[RobGassit]

Test times

Test Times 3pm:
lorenzo 2'02.406
Spies 2'02.465
Pedrosa 2'02.535
Rossi 2'02.824,
Crutchlow,
Bautista 2'03.153,
Nakasuga,
Barbera 2'03.523,

Maybe just maybe we'll have a 3 make battle :)


Edit:
NZSBK has a better source
Copy and paiste off them thanks NZSBK!!

Official test Times Day 1 - MotoGP Test - Sepang - 3pm
1 Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha Factory Racing 2:02.406
2 Ben Spies Yamaha Factory Racing 2:02.456
3 Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda Team 2:02.535
4 Valentino Rossi Ducati Team 2:02.824
5 Cal Crutchlow Yamaha Tech 3 2:03.099
6 Alvaro Bautista Honda Gresini 2:03.153
7 Katsuyuki Nakasuga Yamaha Factory 2:03.418
8 Hector Barbera Pramac Racing Team 2:03.523
9 Nicky Hayden Ducati Team 2:03.969
10 Andrea Dovizioso Yamaha Tech 3 2:04.033
11 Stefan Bradl LCR Honda 2:04.148 +0.115
12 Karel Abraham Cardion AB Motoracing 2:04.863
13 Franco Bataini Ducati Team 2:05.292
14 Casey Stoner Repsol Honda Team 2:07.163
15 Colin Edwards NGM Mobile Forward Racing 2:08.240
16 Ivan Silva Avintia Racing 2:11.267
17 Jordi Torres Avintia Racing 2:12.816

Stoner must have been on a CT110 Postie.

[yod]

http://www.motogp.com/en/TestResults/MotoGP+Sepang+Test+2012

Stoner gone home with a sore back.....

[Reckless]

http://www.motogp.com/en/TestResults/MotoGP+Sepang+Test+2012

Stoner gone home with a sore back.....

Jesus pulled a sicky already!!
Crasher give your man a call and tell him to get his bloody shit together!
He'll take the rest of the season off because he's tired again if ya don't :bleh:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hahahaha,,You're nearly as easy to wind up as RT.:clap:

Not at all. I was being sarcastic.

[yod]

Jorge setting the pace, Crutchlow in third, Rossi 5th (+1.07)

the three CRTs are +6.6, +9.6 and +11 :facepalm:

[Brian d marge]

dont supose for an odd chance there is actually any chance of someone posting anything meaningful?

would love to know about the ducati ,

Stephen

first day of testing isnt important , the last lap of the first race is .....

[pritch]

dont supose for an odd chance there is actually any chance of someone posting anything meaningful?



That's a bit much to hope for. :whistle:

Ducati having minimal knowledge base of delta box frames and such, the last 2011 version of their bike had an English built "frame".
FTR? Can't remember, and haven't got time right now to look.

It is reasonable to assume the same manufacturer is doing the new frame, but nobody is saying - so far.

Shame about Casey straining his back pulling his leathers on. He didn't ride on the first day of testing.
Hayden and Dovisioso are riding with training wheels due to injury.

Things might warm up this afternoon our time?

[DidJit]

... would love to know about the ducati...

Not much but here (http://motomatters.com/results/2012/01/31/2012_sepang_1_motogp_test_day_1_times_lo.html) you go. And a bit more here (http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/rossi-the-gp12-is-beautiful/19985.html).

Edit: NZSBK (http://www.nzsbk.com/2012/02/rossiducati-has-done-good-job-in-such.html?spref=tw) has their finger on the pulse as well.

Edited edit: Should have included this (http://motomatters.com/analysis/2012/01/30/2012_motogp_sepang_1_test_monday_pre_tes.html) as well.

[pritch]

With no official comment as yet the early indications for Ducati are good.

Uccio reports that while it's early days this bike, unlike last years model, responds to adjustments much as expected, .

Rossi patted the tank of the new bike at the end of the last session, when asked by a reporter how many of the seven tenths gap between him and Lorenzo he could make up, he smiled and said, "Seven."

The new bike reportedly has cured the corner entry problems although the warmer track temperature in Sepang may account for some of that.

Stoner doesn't like the new "retro" instruments on the Honda so is staying fully digital. Pedrosa likes the new look.

One of the satelite GP Hondas will be running Showa suspension.

If that all looks like bits and pieces, that's how it arrives. Here's hoping we get a real chase for the championship this year.

[Crasherfromwayback]

With no official comment as yet the early indications for Ducati are good.

.

Be fantastic if we see Rossi back at the front this year.

[DidJit]

According to David Emmett (http://motomatters.com/news/2012/01/31/2012_valencia_crt_test_day_2_times_de_pu.html?utm_ source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MotoGPMatters+%28MotoMatters% 29), RdP lopped another half second off his lap times at Valencia.

[pritch]

Be fantastic if we see Rossi back at the front this year.

And Loenzo and Stoner and...

Might even have to go back to Phillip Island.

[Crasherfromwayback]

And Loenzo and Stoner and...

Might even have to go back to Phillip Island.

Aye. I think I'll have to do Phillip Island again this year too. May well be the last time we see full on factory GP racers for a while.

[yod]

@Spalders tweets

Someone has clearly been feeding @calcrutchlow red meat .. 4th fastest with a 2.01.710

[yod]

10char....
256454

[Badjelly]

Jesus pulled a sicky already!!
Crasher give your man a call and tell him to get his bloody shit together!
He'll take the rest of the season off because he's tired again if ya don't :bleh:

It's not his fault, he didn't have Adrianna to look after him (http://motomatters.com/analysis/2012/01/31/2012_sepang_1_motogp_test_day_1_round_up.html):

Normally, Stoner's wife Adriana would have been able to get medical help, but she is back in Switzerland awaiting the birth of the couple's first child. After having had Adriana as his constant companion throughout his years in MotoGP, Stoner now has to travel to events on his own, and problems like this highlight the unexpected difficulties riders can face.

[Reckless]

It's not his fault, he didn't have Adrianna to look after him (http://motomatters.com/analysis/2012/01/31/2012_sepang_1_motogp_test_day_1_round_up.html):

haha was just having a good natured dig at crasher but the wisecrack reply didnt come :msn-wink:

Great article thanks Mr Jelly, very informative enjoyed that :)

[Crasherfromwayback]

haha was just having a good natured dig at crasher but the wisecrack reply didnt come :msn-wink:



It didn't need one.:bleh:

[Reckless]

Looks like Spies is getting a wriggle on :)

Nzsbk Motosport
7 minutes ago
UPDATE: 12 Mid Day. Top 10 Spies 2.01.52 , Lorenzo 2.01.144 , Stoner 2.01.245 , Pedrosa 2.01.638 , Crutchlow 2.01.710 ,Bautista 2.02.130 , Hayden 2.02.354 , Rossi 2.02.400 , Bradl 2.02.414 , Dovizioso 2.02.506 ,

[yod]

As at 4pm Sepang time:

1 Ben Spies 2:01.052 - - 20

2 Jorge Lorenzo 2:01.144 +0.092 +0.092 26

3 Casey Stoner 2:01.245 +0.101 +0.193 16

4 Dani Pedrosa 2:01.566 +0.321 +0.514 24

5 Cal Crutchlow 2:01.710 +0.144 +0.658 24

6 Valentino Rossi 2:01.886 +0.176 +0.834 31

7 Alvaro Bautista 2:02.065 +0.179 +1.013 23

8 Franco Bataini 2:02.354 +0.289 +1.302 63

9 Stefan Bradl 2:02.414 +0.060 +1.362 32

10 Andrea Dovizioso 2:02.506 +0.092 +1.454 30

11 Hector Barbera 2:02.597 +0.091 +1.545 27

12 Katsuyuki Nakasuga 2:02.941 +0.344 +1.889 30

13 Karel Abraham 2:03.050 +0.109 +1.998 39

14 Colin Edwards 2:06.542 +3.492 +5.490 23

15 Ivan Silva 2:10.297 +3.755 +9.245 16

16 Robertino Pietri 2:12.546 +2.249 +11.494 5

[BMWST?]

Session 2 as of 17:00 - 01/02/12
Pos Rider Team Fastest lap Prev. Gap Lead. Gap Laps
1 Casey Stoner 2:00.895 - - 23
2 Ben Spies 2:01.052 +0.157 +0.157 32
3 Jorge Lorenzo 2:01.068 +0.016 +0.173 34
4 Cal Crutchlow 2:01.565 +0.497 +0.670 35
5 Dani Pedrosa 2:01.566 +0.001 +0.671 24
6 Valentino Rossi 2:01.886 +0.320 +0.991 35
7 Alvaro Bautista 2:02.065 +0.179 +1.170 33
8 Andrea Dovizioso 2:02.160 +0.095 +1.265 42
9 Nicky Hayden 2:02.354 +0.194 +1.459 41
10 Stefan Bradl 2:02.414 +0.060 +1.519 41
11 Hector Barbera 2:02.433 +0.019 +1.538 42
12 Karel Abraham 2:02.598 +0.165 +1.703 52
13 Katsuyuki Nakasuga 2:02.941 +0.343 +2.046 35
14 Franco Bataini 2:04.311 +1.370 +3.416 30
15 Colin Edwards 2:05.603 +1.292 +4.708 30
16 Ivan Silva 2:10.297 +4.694 +9.402 16
17 Robertino Pietri 2:12.546 +2.249 +11.651 5




Session 1 as of 18:00 - 31/01/12 Analysis
Pos Rider Team Fastest lap Prev. Gap Lead. Gap Laps
1 Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha Factory Racing 2:01.657 - - 30
2 Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda Team 2:02.003 +0.346 +0.346 48
3 Cal Crutchlow Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2:02.221 +0.218 +0.564 32
4 Ben Spies Yamaha Factory Racing 2:02.234 +0.013 +0.577 28
5 Valentino Rossi Ducati Team 2:02.392 +0.158 +0.735 43
6 Andrea Dovizioso Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2:02.751 +0.359 +1.094 20
7 Hector Barbera Pramac Racing Team 2:02.773 +0.022 +1.116 41
8 Katsuyuki Nakasuga Yamaha Factory 2:02.829 +0.056 +1.172 32
9 Alvaro Bautista San Carlo Honda Gresini 2:02.869 +0.040 +1.212 45
10 Nicky Hayden Ducati Team 2:03.151 +0.282 +1.494 33
11 Stefan Bradl LCR Honda 2:03.668 +0.517 +2.011 44
12 Karel Abraham Cardion AB Motoracing 2:03.781 +0.113 +2.124 45
13 Franco Bataini Ducati Team 2:04.986 +1.205 +3.329 35
14 Casey Stoner Repsol Honda Team 2:07.163 +2.177 +5.506 4
15 Colin Edwards NGM Mobile Forward Racing 2:08.240 +1.077 +6.583 21
16 Jordi Torres Avintia Racing 2:10.671 +2.431 +9.014 42
17 Ivan Silva Avintia Racing 2:11.267 +0.596 +9.610 12

[Reckless]

Arn't Crutchlow and even young Bradl doing well good to see them up there!

[yod]

According to a tweet from @motomatters:

According to @M_Turco Nobu Aoki, Suzuki's test rider, told press at Sepang that Suzuki is working for a MotoGP return in 2014.

[Crasherfromwayback]

According to a tweet from @motomatters:

They may as well not bother. It'll be dead by then if CRT bikes take over.

[RobGassit]

Stoner fastest! No surprises there then!:woohoo:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Stoner fastest! No surprises there then!:woohoo:

Takes the first day off, does the 4th fastest lap only his second lap...spell freak.

[RobGassit]

It would'nt matter if they were ALL on Hondas,, Stoner is in the zone.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I wonder if he can break the curse of running the #1 plate?

[DidJit]

Shhh! :shutup:

[DidJit]

From the Twittersphere on the morning of Day 3 of the Sepang Test: @AziFarni (MotoGP reporter)


“Stoner just dropped under 2´00 with a 1´59.607, 1.2s ahead of Spies. ...”

Reckon a few lap records are gonna get smashed this year.

[Crasherfromwayback]

From the Twittersphere on the morning of Day 3 of the Sepang Test: @AziFarni (MotoGP reporter)



Reckon a few lap records are gonna get smashed this year.

Bet anything you like they all will.

[yod]

Pos Rider Team Fastest lap Prev. Gap Lead. Gap Laps

1 Casey Stoner 1:59.607 - - 0

2 Dani Pedrosa 2:00.256 +0.649 +0.649 0

3 Ben Spies 2:00.585 +0.329 +0.978 0

4 Jorge Lorenzo 2:00.617 +0.032 +1.010 0

5 Valentino Rossi 2:00.824 +0.207 +1.217 0

6 Hector Barbera 2:00.929 +0.105 +1.322 0

7 Cal Crutchlow 2:01.108 +0.179 +1.501 0

8 Andrea Dovizioso 2:01.257 +0.149 +1.650 0

9 Alvaro Bautista 2:01.384 +0.127 +1.777 0

10 Nicky Hayden 2:01.729 +0.345 +2.122 0

11 Stefan Bradl 2:01.894 +0.165 +2.287 0

12 Karel Abraham 2:02.218 +0.324 +2.611 0

13 Katsuyuki Nakasuga 2:02.334 +0.116 +2.727 0

14 Franco Battaini 2:03.816 +1.482 +4.209 0

15 Colin Edwards 2:06.730 +2.914 +7.123 0

16 Ivan Silva 2:09.703 +2.973 +10.096 0

17 Jordi Torres 2:14.117 +4.414 +14.510 0

[DidJit]

@AziFarni adds a little more on that 1´59.607
“By the way, Casey´s 1´59 (+0.6 on the rest) was on his second lap this morning. ...”

[slowpoke]

Hmmmm, the main manufacturers look to be doing business as usual, with not a lot changed in the pecking order since last year.

I'm actually most interested in hearing what Colin Edwards has to say. I wonder where he's losing the most time and why?

[Crasherfromwayback]

. I wonder where he's losing the most time and why?

Electronics ain't it?

[cmoore]

I never know how much you can take from these times when they are all tinkering with settings, Is there any point in hiding what you got in these test?? real question, just wondering if they play games knowing they have more but not wanting to show it, or do they just go for it?

[slowpoke]

I never know how much you can take from these times when they are all tinkering with settings, Is there any point in hiding what you got in these test?? real question, just wondering if they play games knowing they have more but not wanting to show it, or do they just go for it?

You can't tell what needs improving unless you find the limits.....but we all remember how well Suzuki used to do in testing then fold like a cheap suit come race time, so take it all with a pinch of salt I reckon..

[merv]

Here's why your boy is fast crasher, he cuts the corners, shouldn't he stay on the track :laugh: ?? http://www.motogp.com/en/photos/2012/Casey+Stoner+Repsol+Honda+Team+Sepang+Test+1

[yod]

bloody hell, where's Rossi off to? http://www.motogp.com/en/photos/2012/Valentino+Rossi+Ducati+Team+Sepang+Test+9

[merv]

Yod, that was interesting for sure.

[NZsarge]

bloody hell, where's Rossi off to? http://www.motogp.com/en/photos/2012/Valentino+Rossi+Ducati+Team+Sepang+Test+9

OMG! Someone else other than Stoner can slide a Moto GP bike, I never knew anyone else in the paddock had the skills to do that.....

[Crasherfromwayback]

Makes no real difference I guess.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Feb/020202a.htm

[RobGassit]

Will the guys on the CRT bikes have to wear fluro vests?:facepalm:

[merv]

Makes no real difference I guess.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Feb/020202a.htm

Not bad coming back from a shagged back.

[SimJen]

Not bad coming back from a shagged back.

Stoner reckoned it didn't affect his riding
Interesting how close the Ducati is given the fact its just over a month old compared to all the others that have been kicking around for 6 months+
I can imagine it may well be another Stoner year, but I reckon Rossi won't be far off and there could be some epic battles for the remaining podium places!
I just hope it doesn't get all Schumachery with Stoner miles out in front making it look boring!

[yod]

Will the guys on the CRT bikes have to wear fluro vests?:facepalm:

lmao! :killingme

[DidJit]

Ducati are happy campers.
@Alex__Briggs (Alex Briggs, Rossi’s mechanic):
“Sitting at breakfast & just thinking how well the test went. It's so early in this bike's development but it's clear that this is our bike!”

[yod]

Ducati are happy campers.
@Alex__Briggs (Alex Briggs, Rossi’s mechanic):

next test will be very interesting, 25 days to go....

[Crasherfromwayback]

While the Ducati boys seem reasonably happy with the new bike, they haven't really closed the gap that much as yet. Early days I know...

I wanna see Rossi, Stoner, Lorenzo, Spies and Pedrosa going sick together!!!

[SimJen]

While the Ducati boys seem reasonably happy with the new bike, they haven't really closed the gap that much as yet. Early days I know...

I wanna see Rossi, Stoner, Lorenzo, Spies and Pedrosa going sick together!!!

Considering they were usually 1.5-2 secs of the pace, id say they've done a fair bit.
Take Stoner out of the equation and they look considerably better!
At least Rossi is within the same second as the men in front! This hasn't happened for a year!!!

[Crasherfromwayback]

Take Stoner out of the equation and they look considerably better!
At least Rossi is within the same second as the men in front! This hasn't happened for a year!!!

That much is true. But I can't see the Honda or the Yamaha not improving a wee bit more too.

[SimJen]

That much is true. But I can't see the Honda or the Yamaha not improving a wee bit more too.

yeah, hopefully ducati will too. Once they understand a little more about the settings etc.
Hopefully it will be a three horse race! Looking forward to it!

[Crasherfromwayback]

yeah, hopefully ducati will too. Once they understand a little more about the settings etc.
Hopefully it will be a three horse race! Looking forward to it!

I'm sure they will. Rossi and Burgess will make far better/quicker progress with aluminium I reckon.

[Brian d marge]

I'm sure they will. Rossi and Burgess will make far better/quicker progress with aluminium I reckon.

Watch comments about front end feel , if things like " its still vague in the front " then its the design and a fundamental design problem
if they have fixed it ( I doubt ) expect Rossi to highlight the front end feel.
I feel Ducati should try and get more fuel economy,so they can wind up the wick in the final stages ...
IMHO all of course

now back to cheap lunchtime claret

Stephen

[cmoore]

So i'm guessing the Honda is the same with a bigger but same engine?....In which case As long as Stoner stays upright then he is a good bet,

[Crasherfromwayback]

So i'm guessing the Honda is the same with a bigger but same engine?....In which case As long as Stoner stays upright then he is a good bet,

I'd say it'll be a fair bit different. Because of the extra torque the thing will be much meatier I'd imagine.

[Mental Trousers]

The Honda's and Yamaha's will be an evolution of the 800 frames, but the litre engine is physically bigger so the frame will have had quite a major redesign. They'll need different flex characteristics, there's a lot more torque to deal with, the tyres are different and alsorts of other stuff.

[SimJen]

the Honda is substantially beefed up, the position of the weld to the area where the swingarm fixes has been moved further up the beam due to a change in flex/strength in that area. The swingarm size/bracing has been increased also.
Biggest change this year is the fact that Bridgestone have finally changed the carcass of the tyres, this was a major factor in the ducati's failure according to Rossi.
He has said that the GP12 is substantially better and he can now ride it how he likes it! Still a way to go.
I was reading an article on Jeremy Burgess speaking about the way that Ducati left the bike alone pretty much when Stoner was winning on it, when he crashed they never analysed why!
Stoner just rode at 105% the whole time, sometimes he pulled it off, other times he crashed. Ducati had a different mind set than the other manufacturers.
Ducati's bike was one that only Stoner could ride, Capirossi/Melandri didn't get on with it in too well despite Capirossi winning on it once!
Whereas the Yamaha's and Honda's are made to be ridden by multiple riders and are designed to be easy to ride from the off as can be evidenced by the number of guys doing pretty well on them.
Interesting times ahead.

[slowpoke]

Ducati's bike was one that only Stoner could ride, Capirossi/Melandri didn't get on with it in too well despite Capirossi winning on it once!
Whereas the Yamaha's and Honda's are made to be ridden by multiple riders and are designed to be easy to ride from the off as can be evidenced by the number of guys doing pretty well on them.
Interesting times ahead.

Not quite right. Capirossi had seven wins on the Duc over 4 years and was a genuine contender for the championship (equal leader after 3 rounds, finished 3rd) in 2006 until he had that big first corner crash with Sete Gibernau that was a turning point. The same year Bayliss came from a year out of MotoGP to jump on it and win at the last round. The D16 was obviously a bloody good bit of gear back then, and it's only later that it got to be such a unique beast.

Stoner, Bridgestone and that early Duc were a phenomenal combo but even his results slipped after that 2007 season as the thing became harder and harder to use.

[pritch]

Marquez may miss the first two Moto2 tests. The spokesman was still optimistic but...

[pritch]

Watch comments about front end feel , if things like " its still vague in the front " then its the design and a fundamental design problem


now back to cheap lunchtime claret

Stephen

Rossi's comments to date indicate that he is very happy with corner entry on the new bike. Which may indicate the front end problems are less of a problem, or better yet a thing of the past.

This new bike is a major redesign. Nobody is talking about the shape of the engine but there is more room at the front. The pundits claim this means the engine has been rotated backwards.

Last year apparently the Ducati tank actually held gas, unlike the other bikes which store it under the rider's family jewels. This bike though has room for a tank in the same place as everybody else.
This sort of suggests that there is more room at the back as well as at the front. Hmmmmm

Enjoy the vino Tinto...

[Mental Trousers]

This new bike is a major redesign. Nobody is talking about the shape of the engine but there is more room at the front. The pundits claim this means the engine has been rotated backwards.

Last year apparently the Ducati tank actually held gas, unlike the other bikes which store it under the rider's family jewels. This bike though has room for a tank in the same place as everybody else.
This sort of suggests that there is more room at the back as well as at the front. Hmmmmm

There's a bunch of pics from the Sepang test showing the tank and exhaust routing are very different. The changes make sense if the engine is rotated around the crankshaft so that the front cylinder is closer to vertical/rear cylinder more horizontal. If that's the case then it's transferring weight fore/aft much better than it was which means more feel, much more predictable handling and changes do what they're meant to.

[SimJen]

Not quite right. Capirossi had seven wins on the Duc over 4 years and was a genuine contender for the championship (equal leader after 3 rounds, finished 3rd) in 2006 until he had that big first corner crash with Sete Gibernau that was a turning point. The same year Bayliss came from a year out of MotoGP to jump on it and win at the last round. The D16 was obviously a bloody good bit of gear back then, and it's only later that it got to be such a unique beast.

Stoner, Bridgestone and that early Duc were a phenomenal combo but even his results slipped after that 2007 season as the thing became harder and harder to use.

It has been a good bike, but every rider has commented on the front end feel despite some good but inconsistent results. It has been a unique beast. It seemed like it reached a point and couldn't get faster! Rossi's times weren't too bad on it initially beating previous years times from Stoner, but everyone else had been able to get a few more seconds a lap from their bikes.

[BMWST?]

this is the other thread (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=740005) i look at....there are lots of pics there from sepang.

[pritch]

There's a bunch of pics from the Sepang test showing the tank and exhaust routing are very different. The changes make sense if the engine is rotated around the crankshaft so that the front cylinder is closer to vertical/rear cylinder more horizontal.

I've seen a lot of them. The one that got me going was the one that showed what appeared to be a fuel tank where the rear cylinder of an L should have been, regardless of how much it had been rotated.

So far I haven't seen a pic sans fairing, when we do it might answer my question.

[roogazza]

http://www.motomatters.com/news/2012/02/06/valentino_rossi_has_surgery_to_remove_pi.html

Second offical Test at the end of the month.

[DidJit]

Moriwaki Moto2™ bike porn (http://www.visordown.com/discount-racing-encyclopedia/bike-porn-2012-moriwaki-md600/20033.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter). This is the QMMF team's bike that Damien Cudlin (http://www.roadracingworld.com/enlarge/?section=news&image=8620) and Elena Rosell (http://www.roadracingworld.com/enlarge/?section=news&image=8621) are riding this season.

[RobGassit]

Moriwaki Moto2™ bike porn (http://www.visordown.com/discount-racing-encyclopedia/bike-porn-2012-moriwaki-md600/20033.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter). This is the QMMF team's bike that Damien Cudlin (http://www.roadracingworld.com/enlarge/?section=news&image=8620) and Elena Rosell (http://www.roadracingworld.com/enlarge/?section=news&image=8621) are riding this season.

Please mister,, can I have one?:ride:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Not everyone was born into Moto GP royalty...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Feb/120203smellthe.htm

[wharfy]

Not everyone was born into Moto GP royalty...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Feb/120203smellthe.htm

Great article ! Not a fan (or a hater). I might become a fan, funny thing is I don't really know what makes me pick one from another, not like I get to meet them or anything :) Talent ? Style ? off track behavior ? Hailwood or Ago ? I picked Hailwood

[DidJit]

That was an interesting article. Reminded me of how things are often done here with respect to kids and sport.

Meanwhile, Redding (http://www.livefrompitlane.com/2012/02/09/redding-rules-the-roost-in-valencia/) rules the roost at Valencia's Moto2 testing thus far...

[Crasherfromwayback]

That was an interesting article. Reminded me of how things are often done here with respect to kids and sport.

.

Yeah gotta admire the fact that Stoners parents sold EVERYTHING they owned to chase the dream. Also be nice for Stoner to be able to repay them tenfold.

[yod]

Also be nice for Stoner to be able to repay them tenfold.

I imagine he's not having too much trouble doing exactly that :niceone:

[Crasherfromwayback]

I imagine he's not having too much trouble doing exactly that :niceone:

Aye. A nice lil Aussie Battler story!!

[DidJit]

I imagine he's not having too much trouble doing exactly that :niceone:


Aye. A nice lil Aussie Battler story!!

True dat.

Bit more on the Moto2 testing here (http://motomatters.com/results/2012/02/09/2012_valencia_moto2_and_moto3_test_day_2.html?utm_ source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MotoGPMatters+%28MotoMatters% 29).

[SimJen]

Aye. A nice lil Aussie Battler story!!

be nice if we could have a kiwi doing this....

[Crasherfromwayback]

be nice if we could have a kiwi doing this....

Agreed 100%

[slowpoke]

Not everyone was born into Moto GP royalty...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Feb/120203smellthe.htm

Great wee article. That's why Soup is one of my favourite websites, you get so much more than just the PR bullshit.

[SPman]

Oh dear..........http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Feb/120207b.htm

Too fast! Good god man!

[Crasherfromwayback]

Oh dear..........http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Feb/120207b.htm

Too fast! Good god man!

Yeah I laughed at that. Sheesh...most of the Moto GP guys are stoked!!

[SimJen]

haha yourgay is a pussy! ;)
he's only just getting his licence, i wonder if he'll be limited to a 125cc! sounds like he needs to be :)

[Reckless]

I get Cycle world from the states every month :) Damn good deal to think it was Choppa that first put us onto it !!

Anyway I digress:)

Interesting article here (http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/02/07/motogp-test-in-malaysia-racing/?cmpid=enews020912&spPodID=020&spMailingID=4387880&spUserID=MjA0MDMxNDg0NjES1&spJobID=262683577&spReportId=MjYyNjgzNTc3S0) on their web site.

So have they got their bikes all at different fuel settings and when the fuel limitation hits will it even things out a bit or when Casey cures his chatter will he be quite a bit faster again ( as per the article). Wadya reckon :)

My guess is no one will catch Stoner he just riding the wheels of anything he gets on!! The minor placing battle will be brilliant tho :)

[Crasherfromwayback]

I get Cycle world from the states every month :) Damn good deal to think it was Choppa that first put us onto it !!



Think it may've been me. But regardless...they're offering renewals for only $12.00 for a full year again.

[Reckless]

Think it may've been me. But regardless...they're offering renewals for only $12.00 for a full year again.

If was was you mate apologies :) an thanks :)
How they can to that incl international post bets me?
Not totally interesting everytime but well worth a read for the money :)

[Crasherfromwayback]

If was was you mate apologies :) an thanks :)
How they can to that incl international post bets me?
Not totally interesting everytime but well worth a read for the money :)

No need for apologies mate! I reckon Cycleworld is worth it for Kevin Cameron's piece alone.

$1.00 an issue? Theft.

[BMWST?]

Oh dear..........http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Feb/120207b.htm

Too fast! Good god man!
Jorge has good reason to be wary of new motogp bikes
257221

[Oscar]

Think it may've been me. But regardless...they're offering renewals for only $12.00 for a full year again.

I've been trying to renew my sub, but the website says that NZ is "unrecognized territory":no:

[wharfy]

Jorge has good reason to be wary of new motogp bikes
257221

Ouch ! a couple of degrees rotation from/to a broken neck !!

[Crasherfromwayback]

Ouch ! a couple of degrees rotation from/to a broken neck !!

China from memory..and two broken ankles.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I've been trying to renew my sub, but the website says that NZ is "unrecognized territory":no:

I'll have a go tonight when I get home and see what's going on!

[BMWST?]

China from memory..and two broken ankles.

he had a bad run there for a bit didnt he.....

[Crasherfromwayback]

he had a bad run there for a bit didnt he.....

Yeah he's done more violent highsides than anyone else over the last few years.

[BMWST?]

Yeah he's done more violent highsides than anyone else over the last few years.
google images for lorenzo hishside....there is a whole stack of em
257260

[Crasherfromwayback]

google images for lorenzo hishside....there is a whole stack of em


Frequent flyer points by the doz

[denill]

<a href=http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/02/09/the-new-motogp-racing/>Carmelo Ezpeleta talked to Dennis Noyes:</A> And I reckon he is making the best choices for the conundrum he is faced with. Not ideal but necessary.

[slowpoke]

<a href=http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/02/09/the-new-motogp-racing/>Carmelo Ezpeleta talked to Dennis Noyes:</A> And I reckon he is making the best choices for the conundrum he is faced with. Not ideal but necessary.

Yeah, necessary thanks to that bunch of idjits called the MSMA. Things could have been soooo much different if they'd been a lil' more forward thinking.

[cmoore]

It sounds a bit pussy......but i tend to agree, Im not sure top speed makes for better racing....and having hit 200+ k once or twice I have no idea how these guys can race at 300+....amazing


One item of concern for Lorenzo in the new 1000cc era is the higher top speeds the powerful prototypes are able to reach. He believes there should be a line drawn at the maximum attainable speed in competition:

"It's unlikely that a crash will occur at 340 or 350kph in a straight line, but if it did, it would be almost impossible not to have serious consequences, so for me there’s no need to go 350kph in a straight line. I think 310, 320kph is more than enough speed to race at; Speed doesn’t make the race, what we wanted the last few years was more of a show for the fans, but I think there is a limit. We’ve reached 350kph. I think it’s too much," concluded Lorenzo.

[Cleve]

It sounds a bit pussy......but i tend to agree, Im not sure top speed makes for better racing....and having hit 200+ k once or twice I have no idea how these guys can race at 300+....amazing


One item of concern for Lorenzo in the new 1000cc era is the higher top speeds the powerful prototypes are able to reach. He believes there should be a line drawn at the maximum attainable speed in competition:

"It's unlikely that a crash will occur at 340 or 350kph in a straight line, but if it did, it would be almost impossible not to have serious consequences, so for me there’s no need to go 350kph in a straight line. I think 310, 320kph is more than enough speed to race at; Speed doesn’t make the race, what we wanted the last few years was more of a show for the fans, but I think there is a limit. We’ve reached 350kph. I think it’s too much," concluded Lorenzo.

Pardon my ignorance but what would be the difference in result when crashing at 320kmph compared with 350kmph?!

[cmoore]

30 kph....

[Crasherfromwayback]

Pardon my ignorance but what would be the difference in result when crashing at 320kmph compared with 350kmph?!

The fastest Moto GP crash of all time was Nakano at Mugello wannit? Over the bars at 340kph when his back tyre fell apart and locked the back wheel up when it jammed in the swingarm?

Very rare that a biff happens in a straight line other wise. Apart from the two 250 boys slamming into each other down Mugello's front straight. Was it Bautista and Lorenzo? Or De Angelis? Front brake getting jammed on for you...

[Oscar]

The fastest Moto GP crash of all time was Nakano at Mugello wannit? Over the bars at 340kph when his back tyre fell apart and locked the back wheel up when it jammed in the swingarm?



The telemetry showed that when the wheel went light at the top of a bump, it spun up to an effective speed of 430km/h+ and the tyre flew apart.

[Crasherfromwayback]

The telemetry showed that when the wheel went light at the top of a bump, it spun up to an effective speed of 430km/h+ and the tyre flew apart.

Then I'd have to say the 'telemetry' is surely talking shit. What RPM would the engine have to do to get the rear wheel spinning at that speed...when the real wheel was already spinning at 340 odd kph with the engine at close to redline in top?

I know they say the the rear wheel speed sensor says it's spinning at much higher speeds due to wheel spin etc...but 430kph?

Never.

[Oscar]

Then I'd have to say the 'telemetry' is surely talking shit. What RPM would the engine have to do to get the rear wheel spinning at that speed...when the real wheel was already spinning at 340 odd kph with the engine at close to redline in top?

I know they say the the rear wheel speed sensor says it's spinning at much higher speeds due to wheel spin etc...but 430kph?

Never.

The wheel almost came off of the ground and lit up, causing the tyre to shred.
How long would that take?
Several milliseconds?

[Crasherfromwayback]

The wheel almost came off of the ground and lit up, causing the tyre to shred.
How long would that take?
Several milliseconds?

It's not that Oscar. It's the fact that the engine couldn't possibly pull the revs to let the rear wheel spin to such speeds in my opinion.

[Oscar]

It's not that Oscar. It's the fact that the engine couldn't possibly pull the revs to let the rear wheel spin to such speeds in my opinion.

The story was related by an ex-crew chief who worked for 2D Telemetry.
I'm not arguing with ze Chermans.

[Crasherfromwayback]

The story was related by an ex-crew chief who worked for 2D Telemetry.
I'm not arguing with ze Chermans.

Do the math.

[slowpoke]

Do the math.

Exactly what I was thinking mate! Wheel is direct coupled to engine, engine has a rev limiter. I can see a slight over-rev but not those sorts of numbers.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Exactly what I was thinking mate! Wheel is direct coupled to engine, engine has a rev limiter. I can see a slight over-rev but not those sorts of numbers.

Yeah I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer...but those numbers don't compute. Rev limiters aside (they can be bypassed down shifting etc, hence why 'desmo' is a good thing), but the motor would've 'popped' if the rear wheel had spun at 400+ kph.

Someone is telling porkies.

[SS90]

Yeah I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer...but those numbers don't compute. Rev limiters aside (they can be bypassed down shifting etc, hence why 'desmo' is a good thing), but the motor would've 'popped' if the rear wheel had spun at 400+ kph.

Someone is telling porkies.

I would surmise that the wheel (and therefore tyre) accelerated to it's terminal speed (what ever that is) much faster that it was capable of doing if it was in contact with the track, hence..... destruction.

[Crasherfromwayback]

The story was related by an ex-crew chief who worked for 2D Telemetry.
I'm not arguing with ze Chermans.


I would surmise that the wheel (and therefore tyre) accelerated to it's terminal speed (what ever that is) much faster that it was capable of doing if it was in contact with the track, hence..... destruction.

I wonder if they're actually geared for around 400kph? I read a while back that the rear wheel was doing some 50 kph more than the front due to wheel spin in the upper speeds due to the drag.

Regardless...I remember watching that biff, and it was hell scary.

[roogazza]

I was listening in on a group in the Kawasaki pit in 05 which must have been the year after that crash ? A few were pulling the piss out of Nakano saying his arse must have been puckering !!!
I was standing next to Nakano and was amazed at the size of the guy, tiny. A friendly chatty fella.
The fastest speed reached that day was 346 !!!!! and thats a wheelie over the hump towards the end of the straight.

[Oscar]

Do the math.

How? Do you know what the top gear ratio is?
What speed is it geared for?

[Crasherfromwayback]

How? Do you know what the top gear ratio is?
What speed is it geared for?

What I was getting at was if they're at redline in top @ 350kph, then 430kph is gonna make something go bang in my mind. But if they're actually geared for 400 odd for the wheelspin...then maybe it could spin up to 430. But I've already said that in my last post.

[Cleve]

Simon Crafar talks CRT and other stuff
http://www.visordown.com/interviews/simon-crafar-lets-get-back-to-great-racing/20023.html

[pritch]

Marquez will not be at the next test but is riding moto x and says vision is nearly 100 percent.

The conspiracy theorists say he is OK now but doesn't want the world to see his new bike parts...

There is a video interview but you need to understand Spanish.

[DidJit]

Oooh, dem's fightin' words (http://www.carolenash.com/insidebikes/bike-sport/spies-claims-stoner-can-be-beaten.htm?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)!



Not really.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Oooh, dem's fightin' .[/SIZE]

All quite true I'd say.

[DidJit]

Without a doubt.

[cmoore]

anyone else logged into WSB web site...they still don't have the 2012 teams up??..whats up with that?...no Yamaha this year....:(.......

[pritch]

Today is Valentino Rossi's birthday. Today is also the due date for Casey's baby. What chances combined birthday parties? :whistle:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Today is Valentino Rossi's birthday. Today is also the due date for Casey's baby. What chances combined birthday parties? :whistle:

Same chance of me being the next Moto GP champ.

[DidJit]

Today is Valentino Rossi's birthday...

Yesterday was, mate. It's this whole time-zone thing — we're always ahead of everyone else! :first:

[DidJit]

... Today is also the due date for Casey's baby. ...

From @HRC_MotoGP (Repsol Honda's Twitter account):

We are very happy to announce Alessandra Stoner was born on the 16/02/2012 at 21:55 weighing 2.8kg. Mum & baby are both doing well!

Pritch, you called it! Reckon you should go buy yourself a Lotto ticket. :2thumbsup

[Crasherfromwayback]

From @HRC_MotoGP (Repsol Honda's Twitter account):


Pritch, you called it! Reckon you should go buy yourself a Lotto ticket. :2thumbsup

Coupla extra stiches, she'll be better than new.

[pritch]

Ahh so Casey's kid and Valentino have the same birthday 16/2 ? They should have called her Valentina... :shutup:

[Crasherfromwayback]

They should have call him Valentina... :shutup:

They should if he doesn't win a race this year

[Badjelly]

In the Herald (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=10785836)



Fresh from dominating pre-season testing, Casey Stoner will use criticism from key rival Valentino Rossi as motivation to defend his MotoGP world title.

Before he signed with Ducati, Rossi criticised Stoner at the end of the Australian's last season on the bike in 2010, saying he had not pushed the machine hard enough.

It was a year ago, Casey, let it go (http://www.facebook.com/pages/It-was-a-year-ago-Michael-let-it-go/211591402222315).

[Crasherfromwayback]

In the Herald (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=10785836)



It was a year ago, Casey, let it go (http://www.facebook.com/pages/It-was-a-year-ago-Michael-let-it-go/211591402222315).

That's just old shit rehashed as a new story mate. Let it go Badjelly.

[Badjelly]

That's just old shit rehashed as a new story mate. Let it go Badjelly.

It's from an interview in December 2011 I believe.

Edit: Anyway, great news about the baby. Best wishes to Adrianna and Casey.

[Crasherfromwayback]

It's from an interview in December 2011 I believe.

Yeah well seeing it was after Stoner won the championship it obviously wasn't a full year ago. But a calendar year...

But it's hardly something he's just said again now is it?

Regardless...they'll all be shitting themselves about what Stoner will do on the Thou.

[BMWST?]

Seems as though the moto 3 bikes are as fast as the 125s.Kent has done a 1 47 .5 at Jerez in testing about the same as the front runners in fp3 and qualifying last year.The race it self was wet
Qualifying from last year


<tbody>
1
11
Sandro CORTESE (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Sandro+Cortese)
GER
Intact-Racing Team Germany
Aprilia
211.0
1'47.399



2
18
Nicolas TEROL (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Nicolas+Terol)
SPA
Bankia Aspar Team 125cc
Aprilia
215.4
1'47.608
0.209 / 0.209


3
55
Hector FAUBEL (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Hector+Faubel)
SPA
Bankia Aspar Team 125cc
Aprilia
209.5
1'47.969
0.570 / 0.361


4
7
Efren VAZQUEZ (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Efren+Vazquez)
SPA
Avant-AirAsia-Ajo
Derbi
211.9
1'48.413
1.014 / 0.444


5
5
Johann ZARCO (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Johann+Zarco)
FRA
Avant-AirAsia-Ajo
Derbi
212.7
1'48.601
1.202 / 0.188


6
39
Luis SALOM (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Luis+Salom)
SPA
RW Racing GP
Aprilia
212.2
1'48.791
1.392 / 0.190

</tbody>

[Crasherfromwayback]

As I've said elsewhere...are fucking dangerous at the moment.

Imagine going over the blind crest at Laguna on your RCV @ 280kph and coming across a CRT bike that's 10 seconds a lap slower than you.

They almost need to try and qualify on the track at different times I reckon. Someone will get seriously hurt otherwise. Do you think they'd ever let the 125's out with the big boys? Not much difference really is there?

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Feb/120217m.htm

[DidJit]

Agree with you, mate. I'm in favour of the CRT concept (keeping the cost of fielding a MotoGP team "reasonable"), but not at the expense of safety. Guess we'll know if they're able to close the current gap at the next test.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Agree with you, mate. I'm in favour of the CRT concept (keeping the cost of fielding a MotoGP team "reasonable"), but not at the expense of safety. Guess we'll know if they're able to close the current gap at the next test.

Yeah...a 10 odd sec gap is not acceptable in my opinion.

[gixerracer]

Yeah...a 10 odd sec gap is not acceptable in my opinion.

Some of the guy's getting these rides arent up to the task Edwards thinks they will get there thong going not so bad. I reckon you should have to ahve a least raced in world championship with some kind of a result before being even allowed in the CRT race :shit:

[k14]

Some of the guy's getting these rides arent up to the task Edwards thinks they will get there thong going not so bad. I reckon you should have to ahve a least raced in world championship with some kind of a result before being even allowed in the CRT race :shit:
Yep that's exactly right, the problem won't be the CRT bikes it will be the riders on them compounding the issue. De Puniet and Edwards will be fine, it's the rich Spanish and Italian boys who's rich daddys have paid someone to get the ride. They should have had to ride in moto2 and finished in top 15 in championship or something like that at minimum.

[gixerracer]

Yep that's exactly right, the problem won't be the CRT bikes it will be the riders on them compounding the issue. De Puniet and Edwards will be fine, it's the rich Spanish and Italian boys who's rich daddys have paid someone to get the ride. They should have had to ride in moto2 and finished in top 15 in championship or something like that at minimum.

Anything would be fine World Supers or 600s even as long as you can prove your worth.
Domestic championships are where it starts but unless you have won the BSB Supers or AMA then most likely you still have plenty to learn.
Im not saying those guy's are no good just not ready for the challenge ahead of them and it coul also ruin there own carrers

[BMWST?]

Yeah...a 10 odd sec gap is not acceptable in my opinion.

i was wondering what the gap in lap times has been in the past

at philip island (qualifying)the gap was THREE seconds per lap between stoner and elias....even cudlin wasnt 10 seconds slower

<tbody>
1
27
Casey STONER (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Casey+Stoner)
AUS
Repsol Honda Team
Honda
321.4
1'29.975



2
1
Jorge LORENZO (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Jorge+Lorenzo)
SPA
Yamaha Factory Racing
Yamaha
314.9
1'30.448
0.473 / 0.473


3
58
Marco SIMONCELLI (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Marco+Simoncelli)
ITA
San Carlo Honda Gresini
Honda
316.5
1'30.599
0.624 / 0.151


4
19
Alvaro BAUTISTA (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Alvaro+Bautista)
SPA
Rizla Suzuki MotoGP
Suzuki
319.3
1'30.714
0.739 / 0.115


5
4
Andrea DOVIZIOSO (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Andrea+Dovizioso)
ITA
Repsol Honda Team
Honda
320.6
1'30.780
0.805 / 0.066


6
69
Nicky HAYDEN (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Nicky+Hayden)
USA
Ducati Team
Ducati
314.7
1'30.792
0.817 / 0.012


7
11
Ben SPIES (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Ben+Spies)
USA
Yamaha Factory Racing
Yamaha
315.7
1'30.835
0.860 / 0.043


8
26
Dani PEDROSA (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Dani+Pedrosa)
SPA
Repsol Honda Team
Honda
316.1
1'30.871
0.896 / 0.036


9
5
Colin EDWARDS (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Colin+Edwards)
USA
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
Yamaha
314.2
1'31.237
1.262 / 0.366


10
65
Loris CAPIROSSI (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Loris+Capirossi)
ITA
Pramac Racing Team
Ducati
310.3
1'31.583
1.608 / 0.346


11
14
Randy DE PUNIET (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Randy+de+Puniet)
FRA
Pramac Racing Team
Ducati
313.9
1'31.635
1.660 / 0.052


12
7
Hiroshi AOYAMA (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Hiroshi+Aoyama)
JPN
San Carlo Honda Gresini
Honda
318.9
1'31.889
1.914 / 0.254


13
46
Valentino ROSSI (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Valentino+Rossi)
ITA
Ducati Team
Ducati
315.4
1'31.980
2.005 / 0.091


14
35
Cal CRUTCHLOW (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Cal+Crutchlow)
GBR
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
Yamaha
316.5
1'32.023
2.048 / 0.043


15
17
Karel ABRAHAM (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Karel+Abraham)
CZE
Cardion AB Motoracing
Ducati
321.1
1'32.054
2.079 / 0.031


16
24
Toni ELIAS (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Toni+Elias)
SPA
LCR Honda MotoGP
Honda
321.6
1'32.503
2.528 / 0.449



6
Damian CUDLIN (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Damian+Cudlin)
AUS
Mapfre Aspar Team MotoGP
Ducati
303.8
1'36.666
6.691 / 4.163

</tbody>


at valencia (qualifying)Hayes was about 5 seconds slower


<tbody>
1
27
Casey STONER (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Casey+Stoner)
AUS
Repsol Honda Team
Honda
309.9
1'31.861



2
26
Dani PEDROSA (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Dani+Pedrosa)
SPA
Repsol Honda Team
Honda
309.4
1'32.875
1.014 / 1.014


3
11
Ben SPIES (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Ben+Spies)
USA
Yamaha Factory Racing
Yamaha
303.0
1'33.057
1.196 / 0.182


4
14
Randy DE PUNIET (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Randy+de+Puniet)
FRA
Pramac Racing Team
Ducati
305.1
1'33.118
1.257 / 0.061


5
19
Alvaro BAUTISTA (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Alvaro+Bautista)
SPA
Rizla Suzuki MotoGP
Suzuki
305.6
1'33.443
1.582 / 0.325


6
46
Valentino ROSSI (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Valentino+Rossi)
ITA
Ducati Team
Ducati
303.7
1'33.478
1.617 / 0.035


7
69
Nicky HAYDEN (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Nicky+Hayden)
USA
Ducati Team
Ducati
304.2
1'33.656
1.795 / 0.178


8
4
Andrea DOVIZIOSO (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Andrea+Dovizioso)
ITA
Repsol Honda Team
Honda
306.8
1'33.824
1.963 / 0.168


9
8
Hector BARBERA (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Hector+Barbera)
SPA
Mapfre Aspar Team MotoGP
Ducati
307.8
1'34.186
2.325 / 0.362


10
17
Karel ABRAHAM (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Karel+Abraham)
CZE
Cardion AB Motoracing
Ducati
306.6
1'34.265
2.404 / 0.079


11
35
Cal CRUTCHLOW (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Cal+Crutchlow)
GBR
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
Yamaha
303.1
1'34.329
2.468 / 0.064


12
65
Loris CAPIROSSI (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Loris+Capirossi)
ITA
Pramac Racing Team
Ducati
303.3
1'34.671
2.810 / 0.342


13
24
Toni ELIAS (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Toni+Elias)
SPA
LCR Honda MotoGP
Honda
313.2
1'34.680
2.819 / 0.009


14
7
Hiroshi AOYAMA (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Hiroshi+Aoyama)
JPN
San Carlo Honda Gresini
Honda
305.7
1'34.838
2.977 / 0.158


15
89
Katsuyuki NAKASUGA (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Katsuyuki+Nakasuga)
JPN
Yamaha Factory Racing
Yamaha
299.9
1'35.999
4.138 / 1.161


16
41
Josh HAYES (http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Josh+Hayes)
USA
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
Yamaha
296.1
1'36.042
4.181 / 0.

</tbody>

[Crasherfromwayback]

Edit: Anyway, great news about the baby. Best wishes to Adrianna and Casey.

Aye.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Feb/120220d.htm

[pritch]

A more meaty Casey interview?

http://motomatters.com/interview/2012/02/20/honda_press_release_interview_with_casey.html

[Matt Bleck]

Randy upping the CRT game

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/176974/1/de_puniet_puts_crt_on_motogp_pace_at_jerez.html

[Crasherfromwayback]

Randy upping the CRT game

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/176974/1/de_puniet_puts_crt_on_motogp_pace_at_jerez.html

Real shame he didn't convince Suzuki to stay or find another factory ride I reckon. At least we still get to perv at his brush again this year.

[Brett]

Oh dear..........http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Feb/120207b.htm

Too fast! Good god man!

Just as i start liking Lorenzo...he quips something like that.

[DidJit]

Randy upping the CRT game...

:2thumbsup

[yod]

Randy upping the CRT game

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/176974/1/de_puniet_puts_crt_on_motogp_pace_at_jerez.html


de Puniet rode his Aprilia (ART) bike to a best reported time of 1min 40.30sec ......

.....compares very favourably with the official MotoGP lap record of 1min 39.731sec, set by Honda's Dani Pedrosa in 2010.

Indeed, well ridden Mr De Puniet!

It remains to be seen how much faster the aliens on the thous can be but this at least must hold *some* hope for the CRT teams.

[pritch]

Here's hoping that the performance gap between the CRT bikes and the "prototypes" doesn't cause any serious accidents.

There is a certain potential for entertainment though if the lapping of a CRT bike on the last lap causes the lead to change
resulting in a major conniption and tossing of toys from cots.

Since the major difference in performance between the CRT and the factory bikes is attributed to the electronics of the latter, would it not make sense to limit the electonic rider aids to the factory teams? Or does that just seem an attractive idea because it was something i wanted anyway... :whistle:

[Badjelly]

Since the major difference in performance between the CRT and the factory bikes is attributed to the electronics of the latter, would it not make sense to limit the electonic rider aids to the factory teams? Or does that just seem an attractive idea because it was something i wanted anyway... :whistle:

That's already in the master plan for 2013, isn't it?

[BMWST?]

And corner exit, we're able to use that power a lot better, we're able to get more torque out of the engine and have a lot more control with the engine because it's not so peaky. And actually I've found a lot more traction-because of the extra torque and control, it wants to drive out of the corner a lot longer before it spins.

MORE???? drive out of the corners (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2012/Casey Stoner on the 1000s)...what will Bens Spies think about that?

[Crasherfromwayback]

MORE???? drive out of the corners (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2012/Casey Stoner on the 1000s)...what will Bens Spies think about that?

Spies has already said his Yamaha ain't lacking for power this year and seems every bit as fast as the Hondas.

All of the thous will have more power than they know what to do with. Excellent!!!

[BMWST?]

Spies has already said his Yamaha ain't lacking for power this year and seems every bit as fast as the Hondas.

All of the thous will have more power than they know what to do with. Excellent!!!

there was talk about them not being able to utilise that power but it sounds aa they they are more rideable ---good stuff indeed

[Crasherfromwayback]

there was talk about them not being able to utilise that power but it sounds aa they they are more rideable ---good stuff indeed

Yeah torque is good...and they'll have it in spades.

[Reckless]

I like what he says here

You've won a title before. Is it harder to win a title or defend a title?
"I think there is no defending a title. You don't go into a season with a points advantage over anyone. So I don't think it's ever a title defense. I think you've got a different number on your bike, if you choose, but everyone starts at zero again. Especially this year; we're going from 800s to 1000s, so there's nothing similar to the past year except we're running tyres on bikes and we're doing the same kind of championship, but it’s a completely different category now. So, I don't think you ever go into a season trying to defend your championship. I think you're going out trying to attack for another one."

Good reply, Certainly calls it like he sees it and doesn't just give an answer that's expected! :)
Just hope the others can step up and make a good race of it!

[pritch]

I don't know if Casey gave up hunting, he's almost certainly on rations otherwise...
But Casey is now on twitter.

I look forward to reading his thoughts hot from the action.

[Crasherfromwayback]

But Casey is now on twitter.

.

Bet Honda bullied him into it.

[DidJit]

Seems to be having fun with it so far...

[sil3nt]

So when are they going to remove TC and anti wheelie control?

[Crasherfromwayback]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jOk0lM4uWT4

[codgyoleracer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jOk0lM4uWT4

Maybe Honda could fit 4kg of fuel into their catchtank........

[Crasherfromwayback]

Maybe Honda could fit 4kg of fuel into their catchtank........

Doubt he'll need it. Be that far ahead...he'll be able to back it off a notch and cruise home for the win (s).

[Crasherfromwayback]

And while he sat in his pit garage the others went round and round Sepang. When he finally came out...he blew them away on only his third lap, and ended the session 1/2 sec ahead of anyone else.

[DidJit]

You forgot to mention the track's still dirty too.

[Crasherfromwayback]

You forgot to mention the track's still dirty too.

Suit him just fine then.

[DidJit]

And... he'll probably increase that gap even more when it cleans up.

[Badjelly]

And while he sat in his pit garage the others went round and round Sepang. When he finally came out...he blew them away on only his third lap, and ended the session 1/2 sec ahead of anyone else.

Are you talking about today's test session? (Because your description could apply, more or less, to almost any test or practice session in the last few years.) Anyway, at last report, today's session's still had 6 hours to run

http://www.crash.net/motogp/results/177155/1/sepang_ii_motogp_test_times_-_tuesday_12pm.html

[Crasherfromwayback]

Are you talking about today's test session? (Because your description could apply, more or less, to almost any test or practice session in the last few years.) Anyway, at last report, today's session's still had 6 hours to run

http://www.crash.net/motogp/results/177155/1/sepang_ii_motogp_test_times_-_tuesday_12pm.html

Awesome time on his last of 8 laps. No point in wearing yourself or everything else out eh!!!

[merv]

...... but, but, Honda riders are gay and its bikes are always so bland they have not a shit show in hell of ever being any good at real men's work like winning a championship :lol:


Lol and as I keep saying what other manufacturer has ever won so many classes of motorsport in so many categories? About the only thing Honda need to try next is a full on attack with its cars at world rallying.

[Crasherfromwayback]

..... but, but, Honda riders are gay and its bikes are always so bland they have not a shit show in hell of ever being any good at real men's work like winning a championship :lol:


Lol and as I keep saying what other manufacturer has ever won so many classes of motorsport in so many categories? About the only thing Honda need to try next is a full on attack with its cars at world rallying.

I'd have way more respect for Honda if they weren't such fucking bullies.

[merv]

I'd have way more respect for Honda if they weren't such fucking bullies.

They didn't bully over the 4kg by the sound of it lol!

... but then Casey and Dani probably more than make up for it by being lightweights.


.... and they aren't bullying over CRT.

[Crasherfromwayback]

They didn't bully over the 4kg by the sound of it lol!

... but then Casey and Dani probably more than make up for it by being lightweights.

Got caught napping more likely. Dani will struggle with the thou physically I reckon...Stoner won't. You wrestle nasty dirtbikes for years going sideways you'll be fine.

[merv]

Nah sounded like just coz one manufacturer couldn't get down to the agreed weight minimum the good ones have been penalised to be "fair". Not caught napping, just caught being superior at design, again :banana:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Nah sounded like just coz one manufacturer couldn't get down to the agreed weight minimum the good ones have been penalised to be "fair". Not caught napping, just caught being superior at design, again :banana:

Pity after winning their first 250 title for fucking years with the best racing engine ever designed they killed the fucking class.

[Oscar]

.... and they aren't bullying over CRT.

CRT is aimed squarely at Honda.
It is their comeuppance for being the bully.

[Crasherfromwayback]

CRT is aimed squarely at Honda.
It is their comeuppance for being the bully.

Should've made 'em go back to smokers. That'd really fuck them off!

[cs363]

Should've made 'em go back to smokers. That'd really fuck them off!

Fuck, it would give me the horn! :D Bring on the blue haze.....

[Crasherfromwayback]

Fuck, it would give me the horn! :D Bring on the blue haze.....

Cept Stoner would give them even more of a hiding.