MotoGP 2012 [Archive] - Page 9

eelracing

3rd August 2012, 01:38

Yep. Been seeing lots of speculation about that. Seems Ducati have talked to him about sorting out their entire MotoGP programme, particularly the bike.

Wanna see an Italian really spit the dummy watch Preziosi if Furusawa gets in there.

More to the point will be Rossi staying on...he'd be a fool to go back to Yamaha and playing second fiddle to Lorenzo.

Everyone's denying it... so it must be true! ;)

In other news, Casey Stoner speaks (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Aug/120901a.htm).

Telling comment from Casey in that interview...

"I don't really think not about not riding anymore at any track. I can come back whenever I want. Perhaps not competing, but I can take a ride at tracks. I'll miss racing, because unfortunately it is only a small part of the sport -very small")

I bet Dorna secretly can't wait to see the back of him...sad state of affairs allround really.

denill

3rd August 2012, 02:33

Rea to MotoGP? Not likely methinks. (But - what do I know????????????)

http://www.bikesportnews.com/news-detail.cfm?newstitle=Silverstone-WSBK:-Rea-cagey-over-MotoGP-future&newsid=7664

merv

3rd August 2012, 07:24

Rea to MotoGP? Not likely methinks. (But - what do I know????????????)

http://www.bikesportnews.com/news-detail.cfm?newstitle=Silverstone-WSBK:-Rea-cagey-over-MotoGP-future&newsid=7664

The man that likes diving up the inside to take the gap - how many "Bautista's" could he do on Lorenzo in a year?

denill

3rd August 2012, 07:42

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Aug/120802b.htm

Still no idea if it is the 'right' move but , hey, it is probably the only thing that would prevent 2013 being a Lorenzo benefit.

DidJit

3rd August 2012, 08:20

The proposed Ducati Junior Team is off to a good start (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2012/Redding+tests+with+Ducati)...

roogazza

3rd August 2012, 11:18

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Aug/120802b.htm

Still no idea if it is the 'right' move but , hey, it is probably the only thing that would prevent 2013 being a Lorenzo benefit.

I've been guessing 'Yamaha' since the Italian round Bill. He gave hints there to 2013 in his helmet design. (I haven't seen it mentioned in print though ).
He's the type of guy who lets his riding do the talking. True enough the last two years haven't worked for him, but only a fool would write him off on a Yamaha and that's been said many times before.
C'mon Vale, stick it to em.

Crasherfromwayback

3rd August 2012, 11:37

He's the type of guy who lets his riding do the talking.

C'mon Vale, stick it to em.

Yeah. He's been pretty quiet then!

I reckon Rossi will win some races when it comes to a gloves off scrap, as that's when he's at his best, and one of the very best ever. But I think Lorenzo will have more outright speed at most races.

roogazza

3rd August 2012, 11:47

Yeah. He's been pretty quiet then!

I reckon Rossi will win some races when it comes to a gloves off scrap, as that's when he's at his best, and one of the very best ever. But I think Lorenzo will have more outright speed at most races.

I'd hate to see him 'Bomb' another year. No one likes to see a sportsman hang on too long and fade. Hope it works for him next year, whatever name is on the tank, huh ?

Crasherfromwayback

3rd August 2012, 11:51

I'd hate to see him 'Bomb' another year. No one likes to see a sportsman hang on too long and fade. Hope it works for him next year, whatever name is on the tank, huh ?

Me too. But I can't see it going too well for him if the badge is 'Ducati'

slowpoke

3rd August 2012, 11:52

He's like Colin Edwards used to be, the best of the rest.

Dunno 'bout that. He's likeable enough but has never even won a race, and never really made it to the top echelons.

As for Rossi on the yamaha? The Ducati has been excellent training as Stoner found out last year! Climb off that thing onto a decent bike and it'll be like walking in the park, lol.

Mental Trousers

3rd August 2012, 11:53

Mental Trousers

3rd August 2012, 11:57

Dunno 'bout that. He's likeable enough but has never even won a race, and never really made it to the top echelons.

He won in 2009 on the RC212V.

He's never finished a MotoGP year lower than 6th (1x 3rd, 1x 4th, 2x 5th, 1x 6th). There's only 4 people that are what you call the top echelon and most people call them the Aliens. Outside those 4 his record is second to none, even Colin Edwards can't match that record.

Brian d marge

3rd August 2012, 17:11

The one thing Rossi can do is generate talk. There's been nothing like all the blathering over him changing back to Yamaha for a very long time. He'll be laughing all the way to the bank with his endorsement money from sponsors.

There's going to be quite a few people looking stupid when Furusawa climbs onboard and Rossi resigns with Ducati.

I want to agree, but it wasnt just fuji who made the m1..rather a whole team, with fuji,,calling the shots....I have experience of that....
can he turn around the ducati, tough call, unless he can work around ducatis Inherient problem,and can sort out the electronics..I think we will see an easier to use ducati...which may result in more top tens..but xhampionship winning........atm im doubtful
stephen

Mental Trousers

3rd August 2012, 17:33

I want to agree, but it wasnt just fuji who made the m1..rather a whole team, with fuji,,calling the shots....I have experience of that....
can he turn around the ducati, tough call, unless he can work around ducatis Inherient problem,and can sort out the electronics..I think we will see an easier to use ducati...which may result in more top tens..but xhampionship winning........atm im doubtful
stephen

Yes it was a team effort, but if the head of the team isn't doing the job the team won't produce the goods.

The problems with the Ducati are all to do with the staff. The engine is the one thing that hasn't changed through each iteration of the bike and that won't change because Preziosi is first and foremost an engine designer. Until he decides the riders know better it won't change and the bike won't handle.

Or someone else, ie Furusawa, takes over the reins. I reckon Audi can see that. They're very good at making the changes needed to get a company back on track.

Brian d marge

3rd August 2012, 19:24

Yes it was a team effort, but if the head of the team isn't doing the job the team won't produce the goods.

The problems with the Ducati are all to do with the staff. The engine is the one thing that hasn't changed through each iteration of the bike and that won't change because Preziosi is first and foremost an engine designer. Until he decides the riders know better it won't change and the bike won't handle.

Or someone else, ie Furusawa, takes over the reins. I reckon Audi can see that. They're very good at making the changes needed to get a company back on track.

True , but Fujisawa worked in a Japanese team and Japanese teams work differently to western ones , and he will only be a consultant .....If , P and F can work together ,,,and they can draft in a decent electronic guy ...maybe ,

I mean it isnt looking that grim , they already have back tracked on the frame .......if they can give Rossi what he wants ( or had given Stoner). the story may have been different

Stephen

pritch

4th August 2012, 06:04

http://motomatters.com/news/2012/08/03/valentino_rossi_spotted_at_yamaha_s_euro.html

pritch

4th August 2012, 06:11

I want to agree, but it wasnt just fuji who made the m1..rather a whole team, with fuji,,calling the shots....I have experience of that....

Are you saying Furusawa is a mountain of a man? :whistle:

(Sorry been in Townsville for a week, hope y'all haven't been too cold...)

McWild

4th August 2012, 11:26

http://motomatters.com/news/2012/08/03/valentino_rossi_spotted_at_yamaha_s_euro.html

Eh... still just seems like the rumour mill churning away. I don't really see "news" like that as anything more than the photos of that Kardashian idiot you see plastered all over womens' mags.

I'll believe it when it's official. Cheers for the link though.

Mental Trousers

4th August 2012, 12:28

If I was Rossi I'd engineer that sort of sighting just to stir things up even more. Spotted at Yamaha HQ when he happened to drop in for a coffee with friends, why not. Wouldn't hurt anything and would just keep firing things up.

Besides, the deal most seem to talking about with Yamaha is worth less than 1/3 the money over 2 years and in 2015 he'd be heading up their WSBK effort when they head back there. Can't see that being appealling. Rossi will race in MotoGP until he can't race anymore and then retire.

Crasherfromwayback

4th August 2012, 12:39

. Can't see that being appealling. Rossi will race in MotoGP until he can't race anymore and then retire.

Dunno. He's always seemed quite interested in Superbikes I reckon. Can catch up with his best pal Max.

Drew

4th August 2012, 14:59

Dunno. He's always seemed quite interested in Superbikes I reckon. Can catch up with his best pal Max.

After that prick gets his beans this year, (christ I wish it wasn't fuckin Melandri doing it though), he might fuck off into obscurity too.

steveyb

4th August 2012, 17:54

After that prick gets his beans this year, (christ I wish it wasn't fuckin Melandri doing it though), he might fuck off into obscurity too.

Oh diddums, two of the best riders in the world spraying piss over whomever it is you spray, umm I mean leak, jiz over!!
Poor baby, sniff, sniff.....

I wish they could both win it. Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Drew

4th August 2012, 18:02

Oh diddums, two of the best riders in the world spraying piss over whomever it is you spray, umm I mean leak, jiz over!!
Poor baby, sniff, sniff.....

I wish they could both win it. Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Yeah yeah, they are all talented beyond my wildest dreams. But I like most people have my favourites.

steveyb

4th August 2012, 18:15

Neither setting the world alight at Silverstone so far.

Poor diddums.

Drew

4th August 2012, 18:20

Poor diddums.Is this directed at me or them?

Haslim is my favourite, how's he getting on?

steveyb

4th August 2012, 18:24

You, ya plonker, awwww....

Anyway, Haslam also going shite, 13th after QP1. But only 1 sec down to 11th!! Close as over a 127sec lap!!! Wow...

I don't have SKY so can't watch any of it. Stink.

Drew

4th August 2012, 18:27

You, ya plonker, awwww....

Anyway, Haslam also going shite, 13th after QP1. But only 1 sec down to 11th!! Close as over a 127sec lap!!! Wow...

I don't have SKY so can't watch any of it. Stink.

Oh right, I'm having a bad day for basic understanding sorry.

I only have pleb TV also, just use Moto acadamy money for Sky sport package, and say it's research.

gav

4th August 2012, 20:52

http://motomatters.com/news/2012/08/04/rectification_rossi_at_yamaha_story_a_ho.html

Brian d marge

5th August 2012, 00:36

Part of the fair fax media group

Stephen

5150

5th August 2012, 07:27

Then I found this: :eek5:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10824563

Crasherfromwayback

5th August 2012, 09:27

Oh diddums, two of the best riders in the world spraying piss over whomever it is you spray, umm I mean leak, jiz over!!
Poor baby, sniff, sniff.....

Ummmm...no. The best riders in the world race GP bikes. The ones that can't hack it there end up racing other also rans in Superbikes. Very talanted also rans. But also rans none the less.

Wingnut

5th August 2012, 09:35

Then I found this: :eek5:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10824563

Yep - NZ Herald has the breaking news!

They even refer to him as the Italian World Superbike Champion!

Fucken embarrassing...................... :killingme

pritch

5th August 2012, 11:08

Eh... still just seems like the rumour mill churning away. (snip)
I'll believe it when it's official.

20/20 foresight :yes:

Drew

5th August 2012, 11:21

Ummmm...no. The best riders in the world race GP bikes. The ones that can't hack it there end up racing other also rans in Superbikes. Very talanted also rans. But also rans none the less.

The piss sprayers were meant to be us bro. He failed to use the sarcasm font, so I missed it initially too.

By the way, you really think there is no one better in the world than the guys who managed to get seats in GP? You, as all racers and people eventually have to accept, there is ALWAYS someone better. Oportunity is just pretty fuckin hard to come by, and I bet there have been lots of superbike riders who could have run well in MotoGP.

puddytat

5th August 2012, 12:28

Theres Leguna on the Telly at 3pm on TV1.....
http://www.bahistv.tk/p/watch-live-other-online.html will have the superbikes on no doubt....just checked it is. Starts about 9pmish I fink

Crasherfromwayback

5th August 2012, 14:00

The piss sprayers were meant to be us bro. He failed to use the sarcasm font, so I missed it initially too.

By the way, you really think there is no one better in the world than the guys who managed to get seats in GP? You, as all racers and people eventually have to accept, there is ALWAYS someone better. Oportunity is just pretty fuckin hard to come by, and I bet there have been lots of superbike riders who could have run well in MotoGP.

Name a few. Cream rises to the top every time mate. Take Ben Spies for example. The only guy good enough to beat Matt Mladin on a reg basis. Goes to world supers. First year (hates travelling), unknown tracks,very different to the ones he's so far raced on. Kicks serious ass.

Won how many GP races?...on what has to be THE best all round package out there. Melandri was fucking good. Won quite a few races. But once the Ducati spat him out he was fucked. And Max is past his best. Checa? You tell me? When you're THE best superbike racer in the world the doors of GP racing open 99% of the time. To win there you've gotta be the best in the world. World Superbike and GP is a total different playing field mate.

Drew

5th August 2012, 14:20

Name a few. Cream rises to the top every time mate. Take Ben Spies for example. The only guy good enough to beat Matt Mladin on a reg basis. Goes to world supers. First year (hates travelling), unknown tracks,very different to the ones he's so far raced on. Kicks serious ass.

Won how many GP races?...on what has to be THE best all round package out there. Melandri was fucking good. Won quite a few races. But once the Ducati spat him out he was fucked. And Max is past his best. Checa? You tell me? When you're THE best superbike racer in the world the doors of GP racing open 99% of the time. To win there you've gotta be the best in the world. World Superbike and GP is a total different playing field mate.

Yeah, nobody from superbikes has done it, but I think it will happen sooner or later. There's a different lifestyle in each, the cultures are not really interchangeable. GP riders usually follow the big show round for at least 3 or 4 years, and some for twice that. Superbike is right place right time a lot of the time.

Crasherfromwayback

5th August 2012, 14:48

Yeah, nobody from superbikes has done it, but I think it will happen sooner or later. There's a different lifestyle in each, the cultures are not really interchangeable. GP riders usually follow the big show round for at least 3 or 4 years, and some for twice that. Superbike is right place right time a lot of the time.

Yeah they have. But that wasn't my point. Mick Doohan, Wayne Rainey, Eddie Lawson and Revvin Kevin all came from superbikes. Not SBK as such...but Superbike backrounds. My point is though...they guys in world superbikes aren't at the same level as the top guys in Moto GP. They'd be there if they were.

Cleve

5th August 2012, 23:49

Yeah they have. But that wasn't my point. Mick Doohan, Wayne Rainey, Eddie Lawson and Revvin Kevin all came from superbikes. Not SBK as such...but Superbike backrounds. My point is though...they guys in world superbikes aren't at the same level as the top guys in Moto GP. They'd be there if they were.

Absolutely correct.

SS90

6th August 2012, 08:01

Both Stoner and Pedrosa have recently separately highlighted the fact that themselves and Lorenzo have pretty much grown up and matured together since 1996, when they where just teenagers.

So it would stand to reason that in the decade and a half since, there would have been an equal amount of suitable replacements born, and trained.

But logically for every pimple popping teen that has the chance to make it, the are thousands more that never got the chance, just by virtue of the fact that riders, unfortunately are chosen by
Not only skill but where they are from (Always having to have a Spanish rider in Repsol for example, or, Nicky Hayden in Ducati, as the USis their biggest market)

As we have started to see more German Money (Gerneralli Insurance sponsor not only Ducati, but successive German MotoGP rounds), and now with Audi "the real Lord of the rings" shoving their boat in the water so to speak, I am sure that we will see more German riders on the grid.

We already see it with KTM having a German rider, (for Moto3) when there are possibly better, cheaper riders to use, but their marketing is geared towards improving their dwindling domestic market (by domestic, I mean Austria and Germany), And they wont achieve that if they have a rider with
no appeal at all to this market (which is why Hayden is on the Ducati for at least one more year
, as the US market is so important to Ducati, and if you put Dani Pedrossa on a Ducati, along side, say Cal Cruthlow, you wont give the Yanks much to cheer about, which will effect sales. Simple.

Simply by virtue of place of birth, some riders with real ability never get the chance to access the experience they require to be able to make it in MotoGP.

New Zealand riders are in this category...... How would having a NZ MotoGP champion for Ducati help US sales? Sweet FA I would suggest, which is what makes it so hard for Kiwi riders to gain the experience needed to make that massive step.

Crasherfromwayback

6th August 2012, 08:56

New Zealand riders are in this category...... How would having a NZ MotoGP champion for Ducati help US sales? Sweet FA I would suggest, which is what makes it so hard for Kiwi riders to gain the experience needed to make that massive step.

The difference being..if a Kiwi stormed onto the world stage a-la Ben Spies, and wasted all and sundry, they'd have no choice but to sign you up. Then if you do the same in GP's (Stoner from Australia anyone?)...they once again have no choice if they actually want to win.

SS90

6th August 2012, 12:24

The difference being..if a Kiwi stormed onto the world stage a-la Ben Spies, and wasted all and sundry, they'd have no choice but to sign you up. Then if you do the same in GP's (Stoner from Australia anyone?)...they once again have no choice if they actually want to win.

Quite right, however, Spies has won sweet FA in MotoGP, and Stoner,Lorenzo and Pedrosa where "lucky" enough to be spoon fed high end experience from an early age.... When was the last time a New Zealand champion racer (any discipline) emerged from, say...Otara?
I am of the opinion that going by the level of high risk, Devil may care, win at all costs attitudes in this and many other places in Kiwiland, the concept of piloting a bike around Imola would be less risk and higher reward that many other options.

5150

6th August 2012, 13:33

I remember back in the early 2000's, Aaron Slight said (after his retirement) that chances of a Kiwi rider in SBK or Moto GP will be slim, in the sense that even tho we have shit loads of talent here, unless the rider brings in some serious sponsorship money, most teams would not be interested. And since the NZ motorcycle market is very small comparing to say Italy, Spain etc, the likelyhood of a NZ rider securing sponsorship from a major motorcycle related industry is very slim. They will more likely give their money to an Italian, Spanish or even American rider. His words, "It's a sad fact of sport where sponsorship money counts more then talent". If I remember correctly, Andrew Stroud was trying to break into American Superbikes in the USA and he had to come up with couple of hundred thousand just to get a seat in a half descent team.

Drew

6th August 2012, 14:52

If I remember correctly, Andrew Stroud was trying to brake into American Superbikes in the USA and he had to come up with couple of hundred thousand just to get a seat in a half descent team.

I'm pretty sure I recall a photo of him being lapped by Mick Doohan, or some other GP legend, so he did get a go on the international top level scene at least.

onearmedbandit

6th August 2012, 15:35

20 GP500 races apparently, according to the never-wrong site called wiki. I do remember him racing when I was watching 500's on TV but can't recall how many he did compete in.

5150

6th August 2012, 15:52

20 GP500 races apparently, according to the never-wrong site called wiki. I do remember him racing when I was watching 500's on TV but can't recall how many he did compete in.

Any idea what team(s) he was racing for in the GP500?

Only other person I know who had moderate success was Simon Crafar. He raced for Red Bull Yamaha in the GP500s

Crasherfromwayback

6th August 2012, 16:10

Quite right, however, Spies has won sweet FA in MotoGP, and Stoner,Lorenzo and Pedrosa where "lucky" enough to be spoon fed high end experience from an early age.... When was the last time a New Zealand champion racer (any discipline) emerged from, say...Otara?
I am of the opinion that going by the level of high risk, Devil may care, win at all costs attitudes in this and many other places in Kiwiland, the concept of piloting a bike around Imola would be less risk and higher reward that many other options.

My point exactly. What I was meaning...was Spies wasted all and sundry in SBK. Got to GP because of it. If he'd done same in GP he'd still be Lorenzo's team mate. And Stoner wasn't spoon feed anything after his mums tit. He raced dirt track until his parents sold every single fucking thing they owned to get him a ride in the UK. Rossi was born into GP racing and has never gone without anything in his life.

That's why I have more respect for Stoner than I do Rossi.

Simon Crafar was from a small town wannit e? If he'd continued his fine form he had with RedBull when they were on Dunlop tyres when they switched to Michelin, we would've been there for longer than he was.

Slighty kicked the door down in the Australian Superbike series. Got to World Supers. If he'd smashed them like Spies did he would've got a GP ride I bet.

So while I agree certain passports help...I still think if you're really that good...you'll get there regardless.

Mental Trousers

6th August 2012, 16:32

My point exactly. What I was meaning...was Spies wasted all and sundry in SBK. Got to GP because of it. If he'd done same in GP he'd still be Lorenzo's team mate. And Stoner wasn't spoon feed anything after his mums tit. He raced dirt track until his parents sold every single fucking thing they owned to get him a ride in the UK. Rossi was born into GP racing and has never gone without anything in his life.

Him and Chaz Davies lived in a converted trailer when he was racing in the UK for those first 2 years (or was it 3 years??). That's what you call dedication.

Simon Crafar was from a small town wannit e? If he'd continued his fine form he had with RedBull when they were on Dunlop tyres when they switched to Michelin, we would've been there for longer than he was.

Simon did the things he wanted to do and suddenly he didn't want to take part in the circus anymore. He said the Yam was good enough to win against the Honda's and he set out to prove it. When he did, he no longer wanted to put up with all the bullshit that goes on at that level (basically the same as Spies) so he got out.

The dude is loving life now. Follow him on Twitter and you'll see he's having a great time riding bikes, building his kids bathroom, beer o'clock with Chopper the Dog, cooking on the bbq etc. He's living the dream.

So while I agree certain passports help...I still think if you're really that good...you'll get there regardless.

Passport, talent, luck and money. Got all 4 and you're in. Missing one and you've got to work very, very hard for it. Missing two and you're push shit up hill.

Crasherfromwayback

6th August 2012, 17:17

Simon did the things he wanted to do and suddenly he didn't want to take part in the circus anymore.

Passport, talent, luck and money. Got all 4 and you're in. Missing one and you've got to work very, very hard for it. Missing two and you're push shit up hill.

I don't believe that sorry. He got his head done in with the Michelin switch...as did Haga.

Stoner only had one. Makes his success all the better then eh.

slowpoke

6th August 2012, 18:24

Ummmm...no. The best riders in the world race GP bikes. The ones that can't hack it there end up racing other also rans in Superbikes. Very talanted also rans. But also rans none the less.

Yet Bayliss smashed 'em all in a one off ride. Melandri was a genuine MotoGP contender on a PRIVATEER Honda, and if Biaggi had the same M1 that Rossi had he'd have been blardy close for the title, yet a lowly superbike pilot like Tom Sykes out qualifies 'em both. Now we have a Crutchlow who did nothing much at all in Superbikes doing well in MotoGP.

And best I don't bring up the last of the REAL (2 stroke) grand prix champions, Aoyama eh?

There is no better or worse, just different. Riding a Superbike is different to riding a MotoGP bike. Pedrosa on Superbike? Lorenzo? I reckon they'd get smoked. Stoner would go well but he'd winge like a bitch at the push and shove racing (despite doing a bit himself recently).

Crasherfromwayback

6th August 2012, 18:39

Yet Bayliss smashed 'em all in a one off ride. Melandri was a genuine MotoGP contender on a PRIVATEER Honda, and if Biaggi had the same M1 that Rossi had he'd have been blardy close for the title, yet a lowly superbike pilot like Tom Sykes out qualifies 'em both. Now we have a Crutchlow who did nothing much at all in Superbikes doing well in MotoGP.

And best I don't bring up the last of the REAL (2 stroke) grand prix champions, Aoyama eh?

There is no better or worse, just different. Riding a Superbike is different to riding a MotoGP bike. Pedrosa on Superbike? Lorenzo? I reckon they'd get smoked. Stoner would go well but he'd winge like a bitch at the push and shove racing (despite doing a bit himself recently).

And Bayliss went how well whilst in Moto GP mate? And Biaggi won how many Moto GP titles? And Checa? He's a World Superbike Champ after all. And Crutchlow has won what so far? And Aoyama? Awesome 250 rider. But just another Jap that didn't make the jump to the big boys class eh.
The best Superbike racers get a go in GP's. How long they stay there is a different thing all together.

If you think the top boys in SBK are at the same level as the top boys in Moto GP. You're fucking blind!

BIG DOUG

6th August 2012, 21:32

Crasherfromwayback

6th August 2012, 21:58

I don't give a fuck pete,I want to see fucking racing and I ain't seeing it in motogp I don't care how freaking good they are, its just not fun to watch at the moment,you wouldn't have lowered yourself to watch the superbikes but shit that was good racing in the conditions they had to deal with. motogp boys would have throwin in the towel about 10 laps in.

Fuck off you fucking numbnuts blind cunt. Did you see Stoner throw the towel in at the same track in 2011 when he fucking wasted every other cunt?

You're biased towards Superbikes because you refuse to believe/see the difference. That's not my problem BIG DOUG.

BIG DOUG

6th August 2012, 22:10

No I just like close motorcycle racing and in motogp AT THE MOMENT it isn't, as for being biased best you take a look in the mirror.

jellywrestler

6th August 2012, 22:20

Simon did the things he wanted to do and suddenly he didn't want to take part in the circus anymore. He said the Yam was good enough to win against the Honda's and he set out to prove it. When he did, he no longer wanted to put up with all the bullshit that goes on at that level (basically the same as Spies) so he got out.

you're full of shit, he never managed to get his head around the tyre change,he gave it his best though but the manufacturers are paying for results and he couldn't quite make them.

jellywrestler

6th August 2012, 22:23

Any idea what team(s) he was racing for in the GP500?

Only other person I know who had moderate success was Simon Crafar. He raced for Red Bull Yamaha in the GP500s

apart from the three other 'kiwis' who've all been season runner up in the premier 500cc world championship class, Keith Turner, Ginger Molloy and Graeme Crosby.

jellywrestler

6th August 2012, 22:25

Slighty kicked the door down in the Australian Superbike series. Got to World Supers. If he'd smashed them like Spies did he would've got a GP ride I bet.

he did get a good test ride on one and came away in awe of those riders admitting they were from a different planet

eelracing

7th August 2012, 00:39

Any idea what team(s) he was racing for in the GP500?

A severely cash strapped Team Max led by Marco Papa.Things were so tight Stroudy turned up at the 95 Japan GP with just himself and a Roc Yamaha and enlisted the help of a couple of Japanese friends as pit crew.Finishing 12th and on the same lap as winner Doohan I might add.

You're biased towards Superbikes because you refuse to believe/see the difference. That's not my problem BIG DOUG.

Go my son...you tell em.
But...racing for entertainment in GP's is dying and has been since computer controlled technology was needed(?) to control these bikes.
This suits inch perfect riders like Lorenzo...for some boring as fuck to watch,for others a masterclass in control.
But ultimately racing will be the loser and Big Doug and a feckless Dorna will have their day when MotoGP eventually becomes just another quasi-production class.

5150

7th August 2012, 06:17

apart from the three other 'kiwis' who've all been season runner up in the premier 500cc world championship class, Keith Turner, Ginger Molloy and Graeme Crosby.

My original post was referring to the time AFTER Slight retired (at the end of 2000 or 2001) Yes, before that there were few NZ riders on world stage, but by the time Slight retired, Crafar was finished with 500s, and for memory Stroud was too. I haven't seen anyone since that time from NZ. Only in MX/SX and FMX but not road racing. Unless you want to cound selected couple doing the occasional IOM, but that does not compete with SBK or Moto GP

Crasherfromwayback

7th August 2012, 09:01

Lorenzo brakes earlier not later than the others as well.

Told ya he was a hard man on the picks!

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Aug/120806a.htm

Mental Trousers

7th August 2012, 09:03

you're full of shit, he never managed to get his head around the tyre change,he gave it his best though but the manufacturers are paying for results and he couldn't quite make them.

I don't believe that sorry. He got his head done in with the Michelin switch...as did Haga.

That's what the man himself has written so that's what I'll believe. Whether it's true or not I don't know but the day I believe two of KB's experts instead of the actual person is the day I'll need a fucking good hard kick in the nuts.

Crasherfromwayback

7th August 2012, 09:07

That's what the man himself has written so that's what I'll believe. Whether it's true or not I don't know but the day I believe two of KB's experts instead of the actual person is the day I'll need a fucking good hard kick in the nuts.

You like it rough eh? I haven't read Simons book. But I've got a pretty good memory of what went down when, when it comes to GP racing. And I think Simon may've changed his tune. Because at the time...he always said he couldn't get to grips (geddit?) with Michelin tyres.

Mental Trousers

7th August 2012, 09:29

You like it rough eh? I haven't read Simons book. But I've got a pretty good memory of what went down when, when it comes to GP racing. And I think Simon may've changed his tune. Because at the time...he always said he couldn't get to grips (geddit?) with Michelin tyres.

I'm sure that at the time he couldn't figure out the Michelin's, but that wasn't the sole reason (or even the main reason) for him quitting GP. The way I understood it he was sick of all the political and off-the-track shit that goes on at that level and not being able to ride the bike properly was another of many reasons to pack it in.

DidJit

7th August 2012, 09:41

... all the political and off-the-track shit that goes on...

Doesn't that go on in any form and level of racing/sport? ;)

jellywrestler

7th August 2012, 09:48

Unless you want to cound selected couple doing the occasional IOM, but that does not compete with SBK or Moto GP Selected couple doing the occasional, don't belittle the NZ input into the place; there's over 120 Kiwis who've turned a wheel at the Isle of Man TT races and since they first went there, in 1910, there's only been a very few years where we haven't had someone compete.

Crafar may not have enjoyed the politics of the GP's but that's not what saw him leave the scene, he lost his ride as he wasn't performing, You actually need to have a bike to ride in the class BTW

Oscar

7th August 2012, 09:59

Selected couple doing the occasional, don't belittle the NZ input into the place; there's over 120 Kiwis who've turned a wheel at the Isle of Man TT races and since they first went there, in 1910, there's only been a very few years where we haven't had someone compete.

Crafar may not have enjoyed the politics of the GP's but that's not what saw him leave the scene, he lost his ride as he wasn't performing, You actually need to have a bike to ride in the class BTW

He's not belittling anyone - he was referring to the current state of affairs.

Notwithstanding that, and its history, the IOMTT is now an sporting backwater, a glorious anachronism but almost irrelevant to this discussion.

Fast Eddie

7th August 2012, 10:36

pfft

Isle of Man TT is the best event in motorbike racing. end of it.

Oscar

7th August 2012, 10:44

pfft

Isle of Man TT is the best event in motorbike racing. end of it.

I respect your right to express your opinion (however deluded), but you should probably review the thread title. Perhaps if you want talk about dinosaurs of the motorsport world you could start your own thread, maybe summat like “Old Farts remember when British Iron ruled the world..”

Crasherfromwayback

7th August 2012, 10:53

I respect your right to express your opinion (however deluded), but you should probably review the thread title. Perhaps if you want talk about dinosaurs of the motorsport world you could start your own thread, maybe summat like “Old Farts remember when British Iron ruled the world..”

I've never been into the TT that much. Huge respect to anyone that races there...but to me, it's more about disengaging brain than it is pure skill. Don't get me wrong..they're awesomely talented and skilled racers obviously. But not many of them would/could cut it at the higest level on closed circuits now days. Kudos to them though. Their nuts are 100 times larger than mine that's for sure.

Fast Eddie

7th August 2012, 11:11

I respect your right to express your opinion (however deluded), but you should probably review the thread title. Perhaps if you want talk about dinosaurs of the motorsport world you could start your own thread, maybe summat like “Old Farts remember when British Iron ruled the world..”

haha.. im barely a quarter century old i'll change the old farts bits but can do the rest :)

its not a dinosaur.. number of competitors and spectators was highest this year than ever and growing..

I think motoGP is dying..

I stopped watching when the 2 strokes were booted out

Fast Eddie

7th August 2012, 11:13

I've never been into the TT that much. Huge respect to anyone that races there...but to me, it's more about disengaging brain than it is pure skill. Don't get me wrong..they're awesomely talented and skilled racers obviously. But not many of them would/could cut it at the higest level on closed circuits now days. Kudos to them though. Their nuts are 100 times larger than mine that's for sure.

yea doesn't sound too far off really.

I follow the TT riders during the year and some do pretty well in the UK and european short circuit series etc.. the top guys can cut it on the short circuit too.

but yea, don't see any of them in superbikes or gp... or vice versa.. I don't know of any current sbk or motogp riders that are keen to give the TT a go..

I guess near certain death is a put off when ur a millionaire with umbrella babes

Fast Eddie

7th August 2012, 11:14

anyway. back to talking about motogp for you lads.

Oscar

7th August 2012, 11:15

haha.. im barely a quarter century old i'll change the old farts bits but can do the rest :)

its not a dinosaur.. number of competitors and spectators was highest this year than ever and growing..

I think motoGP is dying..

I stopped watching when the 2 strokes were booted out

They get a quarter of a million to throw tomatoes at each other in Spain every year, but that's not relevant either.

If MotoGP is dying, why are they struggling to fit 20 races into the schedule? Why are Suzuki and BMW developing new bikes as we speak?

DidJit

7th August 2012, 11:18

Those TT fellas are just wired up a lil' differently I reckon. A lot of respect their way from the SBK and GP riders that visit. BSB rider, Josh Brookes, tweeted this year that he was keen to give the TT a go after doing the parade lap at somewhat more of a clip than one would deem parade pace.

Anyhoo, not sure if anyone else posted this after Laguna Seca, but it seems CEII found a modification that allowed him to ride his POS somewhat faster in qualifying — he took his seat off (http://mag.gpweek.com/#folio=12).

Fast Eddie

7th August 2012, 11:22

They get a quarter of a million to throw tomatoes at each other in Spain every year, but that's not relevant either.

If MotoGP is dying, why are they struggling to fit 20 races into the schedule? Why are Suzuki and BMW developing new bikes as we speak?

prob cause trucking the whole circus around to 20 different places is a logistics nightmare? I wouldn't know.. why are they?

what else do motorcycle factories have to do apart from develop new bikes?

But.. BMW are making a motoGP bike? could be keen to watch that.. I love em.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0CiqS38Q3nY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

5150

7th August 2012, 11:26

but yea, don't see any of them in superbikes or gp... or vice versa.. I don't know of any current sbk or motogp riders that are keen to give the TT a go..

I guess near certain death is a put off when ur a millionaire with umbrella babes

One Carl Fogarty gave the TT a go couple of times in the past. He even held the lap record at the TT for several years. Oh, and He won few SBK championships in his time, AND he even raced GP500's :yes:

Fast Eddie

7th August 2012, 11:27

One Carl Fogarty gave the TT a go couple of times in the past. He even held the lap record at the TT for several years. Oh, and He won few SBK championships in his time, AND he even raced GP500's :yes:

legend.

10char

Crasherfromwayback

7th August 2012, 11:29

5150

7th August 2012, 11:36

He's also the ugliest cunt to have ever raced a motorcycle. A record that could stand forever.

HAHA, :lol: not wrong there, but his eyes could cut you down with his evil stare.

Crasherfromwayback

7th August 2012, 11:39

HAHA, :lol: not wrong there, but his eyes could cut you down with his evil stare.

Far too close together and beady to be trusted!

5150

7th August 2012, 11:49

Far too close together and beady to be trusted!

You think so?

<img src="http://www.influx.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Fogarty.jpg" width="640px" />

Crasherfromwayback

7th August 2012, 11:56

You think so?

Without doubt.

Oscar

7th August 2012, 13:10

One Carl Fogarty ... AND he even raced GP500's :yes:

At the risk of being argumentative, to very little effect – just another SBK rider who failed to make the step up…

george formby

7th August 2012, 13:14

Every time I see Carl Fogarty I can't help thinking he eats 4 steelo's with warm milk & a bit of vim for breakfast.

Crasherfromwayback

7th August 2012, 13:14

At the risk of being argumentative, to very little effect – just another SBK rider who failed to make the step up…

Most have. But the real cream can race anything well.

5150

7th August 2012, 13:18

At the risk of being argumentative, to very little effect – just another SBK rider who failed to make the step up…

True that. He was far more successful in SBK then he could ever be in GP's, however, at least he got to try

5150

7th August 2012, 13:20

Most have. But the real cream can race anything well.

I honestly don't think there are many that made a switch from the top level of one to another and carried on with the success. At least there hasn't been anyone who won both SBK and Moto GP/GP500 championships. (To my limited knowledge) And I am talking in the last 20 years from Doohan, Spencer, even Mamola years till now

Crasherfromwayback

7th August 2012, 13:29

. At least there hasn't been anyone who won both SBK and Moto GP/GP500 championships. (To my limited knowledge) And I am talking in the last 20 years from Doohan, Spencer, even Mamola years till now

When Rainey, Schwantz, Lawson Gardner etc arrived on the scene, there was no real world superbike series as such. Doohan yes. But he only really rode as a wild card a couple of times if my memory serves me correctly. But those guys certainly went from production based superbike racing to the very top of the gP world. But they're all freaks for sure. There's one common thread with nearly all top road racers though, well before superbikes. Dirt as a kid.

5150

7th August 2012, 13:34

There's one common thread with nearly all top road racers though, well before superbikes. Dirt as a kid.

You certainly can tell who has a dirt racing back ground in the current crop of MotoGP. And it definately shows in their cornering techinques. Bikes sideways into corners and all that. Just general bike control. Unreal to watch. Especially when they slow the frames right down

Oscar

7th August 2012, 13:35

I honestly don't think there are many that made a switch from the top level of one to another and carried on with the success. At least there hasn't been anyone who won both SBK and Moto GP/GP500 championships. (To my limited knowledge) And I am talking in the last 20 years from Doohan, Spencer, even Mamola years till now

Simon Crafar.

5150

7th August 2012, 13:41

Simon Crafar.

I was thinking winning SBK championship and Moto GP championship. Otherwise there are few. Colin Edwards would be another.

Crasherfromwayback

7th August 2012, 13:51

Colin Edwards would be another.

And after all the years the poor bastard hasn't won a single GP race.

Oscar

7th August 2012, 13:59

I was thinking winning SBK championship and Moto GP championship. Otherwise there are few. Colin Edwards would be another.

Simon had eight or nine podium finishes in SBK and three or four in The Big Show including one win. Not a record to be sniffed at.

5150

7th August 2012, 14:06

Simon had eight or nine podium finishes in SBK and three or four in The Big Show including one win. Not a record to be sniffed at.

Fair nuff. Was not aware of all his stats. :niceone:

Crasherfromwayback

7th August 2012, 14:36

Simon had eight or nine podium finishes in SBK and three or four in The Big Show including one win. Not a record to be sniffed at.

Beating Mick Doohan by around 11 seconds waanit? at Donington is a fucking AWESOME feat!

5150

7th August 2012, 14:40

Beating Mick Doohan by around 11 seconds waanit? at Donington is a fucking AWESOME feat!

Sad that he never got further. Given a top seat and I think he would have had a chance to grow on his success further.

Crasherfromwayback

7th August 2012, 14:50

Sad that he never got further. Given a top seat and I think he would have had a chance to grow on his success further.

He had one. But yes...was sad he didn't stick with it. But as MT has said...if your heart ain't in it, you're best out of there.

Crasherfromwayback

7th August 2012, 15:06

Simon Crafar.

How Crafar dealt with backmarkers. Makes Stoners 'T Bone' of Bautista look ok dunnit?

Ps: I'm all for it.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7GB5nlAEQyg?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Maido

7th August 2012, 15:57

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/motorsport/news/article/-/14481625/casey-stoner-denies-plan-to-race-v8s/

he also denied that he was retiring from the motogp too at the start. This is interesting seeing as how one of stoners major sponsors, Red Bull, has just signed on as major sponsor for the 888 race team as well.....

Oscar

7th August 2012, 16:31

How Crafar dealt with backmarkers. Makes Stoners 'T Bone' of Bautista look ok dunnit?

Ps: I'm all for it.

I have a busted up muffler off of that Kawasaki kicking around somewheres...

Crasherfromwayback

7th August 2012, 16:37

I have a busted up muffler off of that Kawasaki kicking around somewheres...

Frame it!!!!

denill

7th August 2012, 16:48

How Crafar dealt with backmarkers. Makes Stoners 'T Bone' of Bautista look ok dunnit?

Ps: I'm all for it.

Luv that interview....................

And Simon's response was a choice bit of understatement.

Have had association with members of Simon's whanau - and yeah, dryness runs in the family...............

Crasherfromwayback

7th August 2012, 16:55

Have had association with members of Simon's whanau - and yeah, dryness runs in the family...............

Simon hismelf is fun too. Had an awesome egg fight with him years ago when doing the nationals. Went through fuck knows how many trays of eggs!

merv

7th August 2012, 17:29

apart from the three other 'kiwis' who've all been season runner up in the premier 500cc world championship class, Keith Turner, Ginger Molloy and Graeme Crosby.

Don't forget Kim Newcombe.

slowpoke

7th August 2012, 20:43

If MotoGP is dying, why are they struggling to fit 20 races into the schedule? Why are Suzuki and BMW developing new bikes as we speak?

Schedule 30 races a year, or 50, it doesn't change the fact that if one sponsor like Repsol pulls out or 1 manufacturer pulls out it's pretty much lights out.

Mental Trousers

7th August 2012, 21:22

8:09:00 p.m.: RT @akyranishimura Although only 3hrs stay in Kyoto, did fruitful and interesting interview with Furusawa-san. Now taking shinkansen again and back to Tokyo.
8:09:16 p.m.: RT @akyranishimura Furusawa admitted his trip to Italy was the invitation from D and he was asked to help them as @solomoto_es had reported last week.
8:09:27 p.m.: RT @akyranishimura: And because of the reason that I had tweeted a week before, he had to decline to help them.
8:20:44 p.m.: RT @akyranishimura Furusawa:Preziosi said to me "I just want to make our bike better. It doesn't matter if I lose my position." He has real Samurai spirit!
8:31:59 p.m.: RT @akyranishimura: Furusawa won't be back to the paddock. "I prefer quiet life. That's why I moved to Kyoto from Iwata"

Interesting. I was really hoping he would go to Ducati because that would've pretty much guaranteed Rossi would stay at Ducati.

Not official news but Julian Ryder is a pretty safe bet.

5150

8th August 2012, 08:58

http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/2012/rossi-back-to-yamaha-motogp-then-world-sbk

That is if the rumours turn out to be true :banana:

Mental Trousers

8th August 2012, 09:02

http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/2012/rossi-back-to-yamaha-motogp-then-world-sbk

That is if the rumours turn out to be true :banana:

Last weeks rumours mate :Pokey:

5150

8th August 2012, 09:07

Last weeks rumours mate :Pokey:

Picky picky. :bleh:

I looked at the date and it was todays news lol

ktm84mxc

8th August 2012, 10:08

I'll up your Foggy with Giancarlo Fallappa as the ugliest racer as a commentator once said a "face only his mother could love" he rode SBK on a factory Ducati in the 90's.
The idea if a major sponsor pulled the pin from eg Repsol would Moto GP retain it's current format ? it doesn't bare thinking about, what if they banned sports drink sponsorship even worse.

Crasherfromwayback

8th August 2012, 10:09

I'll up your Foggy with Giancarlo Fallappa as the ugliest racer as a commentator once said a "face only his mother could love" he rode SBK on a factory Ducati in the 90's.
.

He was a wild man to boot.

ktm84mxc

8th August 2012, 10:17

Yes Crasher he was a wildman looked a spaghetti western outlaw , wasn't around for long but a real character and had the motto go as fast and hard as you can !st or last.

DidJit

8th August 2012, 10:22

Be interesting to see what strategy Ducati now take. They know they have to improve their bike (and not just stumble upon someone able ride around its limitations). Conversely, this could be a great opportunity for those young riders Ducati have noted (Iannone, Redding, Petrucci) to grow with the bike's development. Hopefully, Audi stamp their authority on the R&D process and provide some guidance to the organisational and project management.

Interesting times ahead at Yamaha too. Rossi might be coming in as the "#2 rider", but he'll more than likely be bringing a major sponsor — which may muddy the waters a bit as to who's #1/#2 in the order of new go-faster bits. 2013: Lorenzo vs. Rossi on (more or less) equal machinery; Pedrosa vs. Marquez... Some great races ahead methinks.

Shaun

8th August 2012, 11:11

How Crafar dealt with backmarkers. Makes Stoners 'T Bone' of Bautista look ok dunnit?

Ps: I'm all for it.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7GB5nlAEQyg?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Donington, haha that was funny to see

Crasherfromwayback

8th August 2012, 11:15

Donington, haha that was funny to see

I reckon. Nothing you or any other top racer wouldn't have done either eh! Move aside MoFo!

george formby

8th August 2012, 11:17

roogazza

8th August 2012, 11:18

http://motomatters.com/analysis/2012/08/07/this_time_for_real_yamaha_to_announce_ro.html

Shaun

8th August 2012, 11:24

I reckon. Nothing you or any other top racer wouldn't have done either eh! Move aside MoFo!

Some times it takes shit happening to get there eh

Brett

8th August 2012, 12:15

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=10824330

Might be a re-post...couldn't find it on here with a quick search. If the quotes are to be believed, Rossi is eating some humble pie about his proposed return to Yamaha. I think it will be awesome.

tigertim20

8th August 2012, 19:00

fuckin hell. everyday I open 30 thousand fuckin threads about rossi making his decision, thinking, FINALLY he has chosen, so I open them to read what he has decided, only to see they are reposts of already old bullshit. I dont give a fuck about rumours, just let me know when the cunt has made a decision one way or the other!

denill

8th August 2012, 19:14

5150

8th August 2012, 19:14

slowpoke

8th August 2012, 19:16

I reckon. Nothing you or any other top racer wouldn't have done either eh! Move aside MoFo!

Crafar should be fined big time......

........for those fuckin' green and purple leathers! Fuck me, the Nineties were baaaaaaaaaad!

yod

8th August 2012, 19:30

Crafar should be fined big time......

........for those fuckin' green and purple leathers! Fuck me, the Nineties were baaaaaaaaaad!

the eighties were worse!!

http://gynomite.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/80sfashion1.jpg

pritch

9th August 2012, 13:31

he was a wildman looked a spaghetti western outlaw , wasn't around for long but a real character and had the motto go as fast and hard as you can !st or last.

In his book Jamie Whitham says that he could see what most the other riders were doing, the top guys were doing the same things as him but were more consistent. There were two riders though that were doing things he couldn't figure out: Giancarlo Felappa and Rossi.

Felappa's career was cut short by head injuries.

In the Motovudu video Crafar says he was dropped from the team because he couldn't get on with the new tyres. The Team manager told him
it was easier to change riders than to change the brand of tyre.

codgyoleracer

9th August 2012, 15:15

Ummm, I gather that you're not interested in rumours? :lol:

Ianone on a Duke................

denill

9th August 2012, 15:49

Ianone on a Duke................

Yeah, that could just work.

codgyoleracer

9th August 2012, 16:46

Yeah, that could just work.

I would even pay to see that :2thumbsup

DidJit

9th August 2012, 16:52

Just fly on over to Mugello — Iannone, Redding and Petrucci have been testing the Desmosedici there.

Geeen

9th August 2012, 16:53

Ummm, I gather that you're not interested in rumours? :lol:

Dovi in SBK:whistle:

tail_end_charlie

9th August 2012, 17:03

Soooo..........MotoGP 2013

Yamaha factory:
-Jorge Lorenzo
-Valintino Rossi (pending confirmation Aug 15?)

Tech 3:
-Bradley Smith (sounds like Tech 3 will honour the contract
-Andrea Dovizioso??? (maybe moving to WSB??)

Honda factory:
-Dani Pedrosa
-Marc Marquez

San Carlo Honda:
-Alvaro Bautista (anybody know if he had a 1 or 2 year contract??)

LCR Honda:
-Stefan Bradl (contract through 2013)

Ducati Factory:
-Nicky Hayden (contract through 2013)
-Cal Crutchlow????

Ducati satellite:
-Andrea Iannone???
-Scott Redding???

Last I read sounded like both Cardion AB and Pramac are not running Ducati next year (Pramac may be out of it completely) so Ducati will have to convince someone to set up a team to race MotoGP next year equiped with a non-competitive bike. Scott Redding's team (Marc VDS) may be interested in stepping up to MotoGP, but I can't remember where I read that now.

Also:
-If the Ducs don't become competitive next year (2013), might as well drop out and concentrate on WSBK
-That would mean that only Honda and Yamaha (4 bikes), followed by the satellite Honda and Yamaha (4 bikes), followed by CRT a significant distance back.

Taking the above into consideration, Dorna would really need to make a big-ass change to things to keep it interesting. So they could either:
-Ask nicely for the factorys (Honda and Yamaha) to come out with a production racer...........to most likely compete with the CRTs.
-Force the factories to make some concessions on performance (spec ecu, rev limits, ect.) to get the CRTs closer to the factories (but still a suitable amount behind)
-Play nice with Suzuki, BMW and Kawasaki (doubtful to happen) to encourage them to come into into the series (and most likely run an acceptable amount behind Honda and Yamaha)

I halfway feel that Dorna needs to have a big shakeup in MotoGP to try and get everyone to a clean slate. That would piss off Honda and Yamaha to no end, but if it encourages Ducati to stay, and maybe for Suzuki, Kawasaki and BMW to join, then it would probably be a win overall............right? :scratch:

onearmedbandit

9th August 2012, 19:05

Twitter from Cal yesterday, 'passports are getting guys jobs! It's very political. 6 or 7 factory bikes and I'm 5th in championship. Trying my best but we will see...'.

5150

9th August 2012, 19:22

Also:
-If the Ducs don't become competitive next year (2013), might as well drop out and concentrate on WSBK
-That would mean that only Honda and Yamaha (4 bikes), followed by the satellite Honda and Yamaha (4 bikes), followed by CRT a significant distance back.

Arent Suzuki joining next year? Also I hear BMW are developing a bike for MotoGP

rachprice

9th August 2012, 19:47

Twitter from Cal yesterday, 'passports are getting guys jobs! It's very political. 6 or 7 factory bikes and I'm 5th in championship. Trying my best but we will see...'.

Maybe it's cos people don't rate him as highly as he rates himself

Crasherfromwayback

9th August 2012, 19:49

Maybe it's cos people don't rate him as highly as he rates himself

And maybe he should've kept his mouth shut until he'd signed on the dotted!

tigertim20

9th August 2012, 20:25

Arent Suzuki joining next year? Also I hear BMW are developing a bike for MotoGP

suzuki have been testing what is allegedly a crossplane moto gp bike, but the last thing I read was that Suzuki were aiming to return in 2014.

Drew

9th August 2012, 20:33

suzuki have been testing what is allegedly a crossplane moto gp bike, but the last thing I read was that Suzuki were aiming to return in 2014.I heard the same as to when.

It's good they are playing it close to the chest, maybe they are working on something good at last. I wonder if it's an inline or a V though?

BMWST?

9th August 2012, 21:11

Soooo..........MotoGP 2013

I halfway feel that Dorna needs to have a big shakeup in MotoGP to try and get everyone to a clean slate. That would piss off Honda and Yamaha to no end, but if it encourages Ducati to stay, and maybe for Suzuki, Kawasaki and BMW to join, then it would probably be a win overall............right? :scratch:

if dorna shakes thing up again i think Honda may leave

tigertim20

9th August 2012, 21:19

I heard the same as to when.

It's good they are playing it close to the chest, maybe they are working on something good at last. I wonder if it's an inline or a V though?

I saw a hoto that suzuki leaked themselves as a teaser a while back. you cant really see fuckall though, but it appears to be an inline crossplane, but as i said, not much can be seen from the pic.

It would be good to see something else out there. its a three make race now isnt it? (im not counting CRT as they have zero chance currently of really contesting the class )

Drew

10th August 2012, 07:32

I think space and weight are saved with and inline, and crossplane is good for mechanical traction retention, it's certainly interesting to consider the pros and cons. V4 are strong as a big bang, but run funny as a cross plane.

denill

10th August 2012, 08:31

It would be good to see something else out there. its a three make race now isnt it?

Currently it's a two make, 3 rider contest. :(

Crasherfromwayback

10th August 2012, 08:50

V4 are strong as a big bang, but run funny as a cross plane.

Big bangs or screamers rather than crossplane.

Crasherfromwayback

10th August 2012, 08:51

suzuki have been testing what is allegedly a crossplane moto gp bike, but the last thing I read was that Suzuki were aiming to return in 2014.

Think we may wee it at Misano this year.

DidJit

10th August 2012, 10:53

Think we may wee it at Misano this year.

You're gonna piss on it already?!? :eek:

More Silly Season Speculation here (http://motomatters.com/analysis/2012/08/09/after_rossi_moves_who_goes_where_more_si.html).

Crasherfromwayback

10th August 2012, 11:06

You're gonna piss on it already?!? :eek:

.

Yeah wrong button! Everyone else may wee on it though...if it's anything like their last GP bike!

Mental Trousers

10th August 2012, 11:27

Yeah wrong button! Everyone else may wee on it though...if it's anything like their last GP bike!

The last version of the GSVR was a pearler. It was a bike any of the the MotoGP riders would've liked a go on. It's a shame Suzuki had already decided to quit cos they'd finally built themselves a bike that could compete.

I look forward to them going GP racing again. I'd dearly love to see Kawasaki back in MotoGP too. The rumours that BMW might be going GP racing are exciting too.

The more manufacturers there are in the championship the better.

Crasherfromwayback

10th August 2012, 11:35

The last version of the GSVR was a pearler. It was a bike any of the the MotoGP riders would've liked a go on. It's a shame Suzuki had already decided to quit cos they'd finally built themselves a bike that could compete.

.

I think the only thing letting the old one down badly was probably the electronics package compared to the rest.

DidJit

10th August 2012, 11:40

See what Alvaro thinks (http://mag.gpweek.com/?iid=65670#folio=17) of the last one.

The photos (http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/05/22/spied-2014-suzuki-motogp-prototype/) of the new one do look good, though. :)

5150

10th August 2012, 19:19

I guess it is "Almost" official. Rossi is leaving Ducati

http://www.bikesportnews.com/news-detail.cfm?newstitle=Ducati-confirm-Rossi-will-leave-MotoGP-team&newsid=7719

Brian d marge

10th August 2012, 19:47

Thats a shame ,Rossi was leaving Ducati , 2 thoughts I have , one; the bike was incapable of being made to work with the tyres. two; Fuji didnt materialise ,
And this isnt about loyalty ( unfortuantly an important fact with the Japanese aka Fujisawa) its about being in a factory that can win ,

a yamaha satilite team , with basically a factory bike?

either way this ISNT helping Ducati !

Stephen

5150

10th August 2012, 20:22

And heads for Yamaha

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2012/Rossi+back+to+Yamaha

Drew

10th August 2012, 20:46

God I hope he's still got the mongrel in him!

tigertim20

10th August 2012, 20:47

I guess next year we get to see, once and for all if Rossi has lost it, or he is as hungry, skilled, and fast as ever when he gets a decent bike again.

onearmedbandit

10th August 2012, 21:01

Great news.

Shaun

10th August 2012, 21:06

God I hope he's still got the mongrel in him!

just send the one that normally is in you

tigertim20

10th August 2012, 21:07

God I hope he's still got the mongrel in him!

would be great to see him and lorenzo bashing fairings all season long. fuckkkk, I cant wait! can he just take spies' bike NOW please?

Matt Bleck

10th August 2012, 21:24

Wow I never thought Vale was a quitter.....

tigertim20

10th August 2012, 21:35

Wow I never thought Vale was a quitter.....

LMAO, and so it begins. this time next year we will know the truth, and all the BS and shit talking will be done.

onearmedbandit

10th August 2012, 21:48

Wow I never thought Vale was a quitter.....

Everyone is eventually.

slowpoke

10th August 2012, 22:03

The last version of the GSVR was a pearler. It was a bike any of the the MotoGP riders would've liked a go on. It's a shame Suzuki had already decided to quit cos they'd finally built themselves a bike that could compete.

Dunno 'bout "pearler", but it didn't seem too far from the mark did it? I thought Bautista would have been a lot closer to the front on a Honda, yet he's been overshadowed by the Tech 3 boys and rookie Bradl in 2012, basically circulating where he was on the Suzuki. Hopper never really had "it", Bautista much the same, and Capirossi was past it.......makes you wonder how the good/bad the GSVR really was.

Shaun

10th August 2012, 22:09

Wow I never thought Vale was a quitter.....

Not a Quitter, Just Not a LOOSER

BMWST?

10th August 2012, 22:49

Stoner’s records that can’t be broken:
2007/Catalunya/Barcelona: With a win in Catalunya, Stoner becomes the first rider to win four times in one season on a Ducati.
2007/USA/Laguna Seca: Wins from pole and tops all four practice sessions to become the first non-American rider to win at Laguna Seca in the MotoGP era.
2007/Japan/Motegi: Stoner becomes the first rider to win the MotoGP title on a Ducati.
2008/Qatar/Losail: Wins the first ever MotoGP race to take place at night under floodlights.
2009/Italy/Mugello: Gives Ducati their first ever premier-class win at the Italian Grand Prix.
2010/Spain/Aragón: Wins the first MotoGP race to be held at the new Aragón circuit.
2011/USA/Laguna Seca: Wins for the 5th time in 2011 – the highest number of wins by a Honda rider during the 800cc era of MotoGP. He went on to record 10 victories in total that season.
Stoner’s records that can be broken:
2006/Turkey/Istanbul: Finishes on the podium in his third MotoGP start to become the youngest Australian rider to finish on the podium in the premier-class.
2007/Qatar/Losail: Wins in his first race for Ducati to become the youngest Australian to win in the premier-class and also the first Australian rider to win in 125cc, 250cc and premier-class.
2008/San Marino/Misano: Qualifies on pole for the seventh successive race – the longest sequence of successive poles in the MotoGP era to date.
2011/Japan/Motegi: Starts on pole for the tenth time in 2011 – a new record for most pole positions in a season during the MotoGP era.

rachprice

10th August 2012, 23:13

Makes you wonder eh? What are Ducati thinking??? They just won't ease up in terms of their bike

After having one of the best racers ever ride their bike for 2 years and lets face it fail rather miserably (when he left Yamaha he was doing well) and they still don't listen!!! They are so stubborn they still won't change!

5150

10th August 2012, 23:22

Stoner’s records that can’t be broken:

You forgot the one most important one. Biggest moaner :whistle:

Matt Bleck

11th August 2012, 08:11

LMAO, and so it begins. this time next year we will know the truth, and all the BS and shit talking will be done.

Everyone is eventually.

Not a Quitter, Just Not a LOOSER

:laugh: :Pokey: :rolleyes:

Drew

11th August 2012, 08:28

just send the one that normally is in you

It's always in there!

Maido

11th August 2012, 08:39

well he always said he wanted to end his career with yamaha........ looks like he wasn't lying

DidJit

11th August 2012, 10:15

Makes you wonder eh? What are Ducati thinking??? They just won't ease up in terms of their bike...

Japanese journalist, Akira Nishimura, (‏@akyranishimura) tweeted about his interview with Masao Furusawa regarding his recent talks with Ducati and Filippo Preziosi...

Furusawa admitted his trip to Italy was the invitation from D [Ducati] and he was asked to help them as @solomoto_es had reported last week.

And because of the reason that I had tweeted a week before [loyalty to Yamaha], he had to decline to help them.

The reason he didn't reveal his purpose at the beginning was "I didn't want the rumors to be circulated". But it circulated, consequently.

Furusawa:Preziosi said to me "I just want to make our bike better. It doesn't matter if I lose my position." He has real Samurai spirit!

Furusawa won't be back to the paddock. "I prefer quiet life. That's why I moved to Kyoto from Iwata".

I think they're beginning to see what everyone else does now. ;)

pritch

11th August 2012, 10:49

When I first became interested in motorbikes the guys in the “Continental Circus” used to travel by van and sleep in a tent. Or they slept in the van and the bikes went in the tent. I seem to recall there was a guy had a MkVII Jag modified to hold his bike in the boot and he slept in the back seat. The factory riders stayed in hotels and only the most successful aspired to join the “Jaguar Owners Club”.

Things have changed.

In the September issue of BIKE Matt Oxley writes about the current situation.
“About 80% of the MotoGP paddock- that's Moto3, Moto2, and the class of kings – don't get paid to race which means no salary and no prize money. Worse than that, most are actually paying for the privilege.”

“It's worst in Moto2 where only six or seven riders don't pay to ride. The rest have to find between 300,000 and 700,000 Euros to buy a ride with a team.”

“Even most satellite MotoGP riders are riding for nothing, or next to nothing. And some of them have to buy their parts of they want the latest upgrades for their bikes.”

These quotes are exerpts from a full page article.

MotoGP has a turnover approaching half a billion of our Pacific Pesos, and a TV audience of some 300 million every other week during the season. One gets the impression that there is something seriously wrong. Other series have similar problems but apparently MotoGP is worst effected.

WSBK may also be struggling but during a race there can be bikes from five different manufacturers in the first five places. In MotoGP there are currently just two manufacturers with competitive bikes. One hopes that the situation can improve, but right now there needs to be a major uplifting in the world economic situation and there's no indication of that happening anytime soon.

It's all vaguely depressing but at least I'm not having to sleep on someone else's sofa and eat with plastic knives and forks. The GP riders support the charity Riders for Health, perhaps someone should start a charity for penniless GP riders?

rachprice

11th August 2012, 12:33

Japanese journalist, Akira Nishimura, (‏@akyranishimura) tweeted about his interview with Masao Furusawa regarding his recent talks with Ducati and Filippo Preziosi...

I think they're beginning to see what everyone else does now. ;)

Yeah hopefully they are finally taking heed, I was talking for all the time stoner was with them and even rossi

They kept telling stoner the bike is winning races Casey, too proud to admit there bike wasn't as good as it could be!

george formby

11th August 2012, 12:38

. I seem to recall there was a guy had a MkVII Jag modified to hold his bike in the boot and he slept in the back seat. The factory riders stayed in hotels and only the most successful aspired to join the “Jaguar Owners Club”.

Dave Croxford, Manx Norton with a Bonnie engine?...

DidJit

12th August 2012, 06:20

Yeah hopefully they are finally taking heed, I was talking for all the time stoner was with them and even rossi

They kept telling stoner the bike is winning races Casey, too proud to admit there bike wasn't as good as it could be!

It only took 'em 5 years & how many riders... ;)

But, yeah, I think they'll be determined to get it right now, for the same reason — a bit of pride.

Cleve

12th August 2012, 14:36

Told ya he was a hard man on the picks!

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Aug/120806a.htm

One corner at one track - however in general Lorenzo is a fast corner entry rider - usually those riders are earlier on brakes. However this once again may just explain how amazingly good Lorenzo is.

Crasherfromwayback

12th August 2012, 14:51

One corner at one track - however in general Lorenzo is a fast corner entry rider - usually those riders are earlier on brakes. However this once again may just explain how amazingly good Lorenzo is.

I'm certainly not arguing your Lorenzo assesment mate...think it's spot on! But he's also fucking hard on the picks. I have real trouble remembering anyone going past him that way. He's just the all round total fuck right off package really innit e!

I can't see him being too happy about taking Rossi back mind you. Great for us but!

Dave-

12th August 2012, 15:44

imagine the shitstorm if rossi fails to perform on the yamaha!

Oscar

12th August 2012, 15:58

I can't see him being too happy about taking Rossi back mind you. Great for us but!

Mr. Race Director just called by - he's a very happy man...

Crasherfromwayback

12th August 2012, 16:01

Mr. Race Director just called by - he's a very happy man...

Yeah I bet he is. Great for the sport...and let's face it...it needs it/him to do well!

slowpoke

12th August 2012, 18:16

"Fuck it!!!!!!!"

Life in 2013 just got a whole lot harder for the fastest midget on Earth.

Crasherfromwayback

12th August 2012, 18:30

"Fuck it!!!!!!!"

Life in 2013 just got a whole lot harder for the fastest midget on Earth.

He'll pack a right tanty if his new team mate gives him a hiding like his last new team mate did too!

steveyb

12th August 2012, 18:42

I'm certainly not arguing your Lorenzo assesment mate...think it's spot on! But he's also fucking hard on the picks. I have real trouble remembering anyone going past him that way. He's just the all round total fuck right off package really innit e!

I can't see him being too happy about taking Rossi back mind you. Great for us but!

Careful, Taylor will be signing you up to the George Lawrence appreciation society.

Crasherfromwayback

12th August 2012, 18:53

Careful, Taylor will be signing you up to the George Lawrence appreciation society.

lol. I'm only too happy to say it how I see it no matter the rider!

GD66

12th August 2012, 22:37

Dave Croxford, Manx Norton with a Bonnie engine?...

Paddy Driver also.

merv

12th August 2012, 22:51

Rossi needs to kick some arse if he wants to top Ago's record of GP wins.

BMWST?

12th August 2012, 22:57

those two yamaha men better not fight too hard or they might fing pedrosa will benefit

Crasherfromwayback

12th August 2012, 22:58

Rossi needs to kick some arse if he wants to top Ago's record of GP wins.

It's not gonna happen.

gsxr&crf450

12th August 2012, 23:33

Rossi needs to kick some arse if he wants to top Ago's record of GP wins.

Agostini was a great rider for sure, however there were only a handfull of Factory bikes with maybe Phil Reed and a few others on competitive bikes. If you look back through the old books and history you will see the evidence. The modern riders have incredible odds to compete with. Agostini had it comparitively easy.

Oscar

13th August 2012, 08:41

Agostini was a great rider for sure, however there were only a handfull of Factory bikes with maybe Phil Reed and a few others on competitive bikes. If you look back through the old books and history you will see the evidence. The modern riders have incredible odds to compete with. Agostini had it comparitively easy.

Too true.
He was also able to compete in multiple categories which Vale has never been able to do.

Crasherfromwayback

13th August 2012, 09:00

Too true.
He was also able to compete in multiple categories which Vale has never been able to do.

I agree with the Ago thing too. But who says Rossi wasn't allowed to do the 250/500 double a-la Freddie Spencer!

Oscar

13th August 2012, 09:03

I agree with the Ago thing too. But who says Rossi wasn't allowed to do the 250/500 double a-la Freddie Spencer!

They changed the rules, just after Freddie's double, IIRC.

Crasherfromwayback

13th August 2012, 09:08

They changed the rules, just after Freddie's double, IIRC.

Pussies! I reckon Rossi would've been good enough to have pulled it off too.

Oscar

13th August 2012, 09:13

Pussies! I reckon Rossi would've been good enough to have pulled it off too.

I've never quite figured out why they did it.
It may have summat to do with the age limit in 125/Moto3 and the "Spies Rule".

DidJit

13th August 2012, 11:16

yod

13th August 2012, 11:20

Drew

13th August 2012, 11:23

Go Dovi, hope he does well. Rossi will be a bit gutted if they finally get the bike sorted after he leaves!

I doubt it. Reckon he'd say it was too much of a gamble to expect miracles within the next two seasons just because of new management.

yod

13th August 2012, 11:25

I doubt it. Reckon he'd say it was too much of a gamble to expect miracles within the next two seasons just because of new management.

Yeah, it's more about the R&D commitment Dovi has asked for as part of his contract, whether he actually gets it remains to be seen. Maybe they could buy Suzuki's old bike and start from there :lol:

Mental Trousers

13th August 2012, 17:26

Dovi’s off to Ducati (http://motomatters.com/news/2012/08/12/andrea_dovizioso_a_two_year_deal_with_du.html).

Win-win for him really. If he isn't able to put the bike on the podium, he just points at Vale and shrugs; if (Audi make) Ducati make the bike competitive, he gets kudos.

I'll be so happy if Dovi or Nicky take a win next year.

Be interesting to see how Dovi gets along with the Ducati. It's a significantly different beast to the Yamaha which seemed to suit him so well.

I doubt it. Reckon he'd say it was too much of a gamble to expect miracles within the next two seasons just because of new management.

Management is exactly the thing that has to change. They've proven that since Stoner won on the Ducati they've been unable to produce a competitive, rideable bike. They've literally thrown away complete designs and started from scratch a couple of times and still it's only good for 5th or a crash.

tail_end_charlie

13th August 2012, 17:50

denill

13th August 2012, 17:53

I'll be so happy if Dovi or Nicky take a win next year. Be interesting to see how Dovi gets along with the Ducati. It's a significantly different beast to the Yamaha which seemed to suit him so well.

Stoner has etched himself into history - as the only man to tame the untameable Ducati. :woohoo: :woohoo:

I don't think that Dovi's style will suit the Ducati, as would Jorges' not suit the Ducati and we know VERY well the VR46 could not make it happen............

They are precise riders. Not the 'chuck it in and see what happens' like Stoner and Crutchlow can do with what ever they may be riding. They are 'seat of the pants' riders. Rossi et al are not.

The next shoe to drop will be, who takes the Monster Yamaha vacancy? Presuming Crutchlow takes one of them.

tail_end_charlie

13th August 2012, 18:01

The next shoe to drop will be, who takes the Monster Yamaha vacancy? Presuming Crutchlow takes one of them.

Bradley Smith has a contract to race in the other seat of the Tech 3 MotoGP team next year. Last thing I read seemed to be that 'ol Herve will honour the contract. Hopefully they keep Cal.............

merv

13th August 2012, 18:09

tail_end_charlie I think if you check you will find Ducati introduced the CF frame in 2009 and Stoner won the 2007 title on the trellis frame bike.

BIG DOUG

13th August 2012, 18:12

I have no idea why (apart from cash) you would chuck bradley smith on a moto gp bike,hell if he was moto 2 champ or was always towards the front of moto 2 fair enough but really he's done fuck all.

denill

13th August 2012, 18:13

Bradley Smith has a contract to race in the other seat of the Tech 3 MotoGP team next year. Last thing I read seemed to be that 'ol Herve will honour the contract. Hopefully they keep Cal.............

Yeah, I forgot and of course you're right.

What a fkn waste of a good ride................

Crasherfromwayback

13th August 2012, 18:19

Stoner has etched himself into history - as the only man to tame the untameable Ducati. :woohoo: :woohoo:

.

Also as the winningest rider of the 800cc era, one of a select few to have won titles on two diff makes. Has beaten the so called GOAT more times than he's been beaten by him. More race wins than Lawson, Rainey or Schwantz, most poles in a season.

Not too shabby for a moaning wee poofta.

Drew

13th August 2012, 18:24

Isn't there a bit of the age old argument asking if your are being persistant and trying to refine a design, or that your just flogging a dead horse and need to start new. Ducati has gone for three totally different chassy designs since they got into MotoGP (steel trellis, CF, and now Al beam) where as everyone else has more or less just stuck with the Al beam frame (other then a couple of the privateers doing steel trellis).

So Ducati started MotoGP in 2003 (correct me if I'm wrong) and have had 3 frame types, going from steel trellis ('03-'06), CF ('07-'11) and now Al beam. Seems a bit like they are good at coming up with new ideas, and engineering them, but then put them out there and are a bit lackadasical about trying to refine those designs. If you look back at Honda and Yamaha especially, ther have had more or less the same overall design for both chassi and engine through each iteration of the Moto GP class (990, 800 and 1000), but have been introducing new parts and tweaking things as the season goes to try and find what works.

Seems like Ducati just throw out a design, lazily change a couple of things in a season or two, then wad up that design and throw and completely new design at the problem. Do they not understand the concept of the scientific method? You know, change one thing at a time so that you can tell what actually made a differance in performance.

Disclaimer: I don't actually know what I'm talking about and everything I say should be taken as words of wisdom from a armchair general/mechanic/engineer/racer.There is a school of thought, that thinks the engine layout is the problem. The run an L 4 configuration, and it makes the bike very long. If they tilted the L either way they can bring the headstock closer to the swingarm pivot, thus creating more noticeable feedback from the front contact patch.

I struggle with that because it is very counter intuitive. Longer means everything happens slower, if it happens slower then you've got more time to react. Input required is greater to acheive the same geometry changes to effect the same direction changes, so it should be harder to fuck it up.

Some folk round here might remember when Rossi climbed on the M1 for the first time. He did a couple sessions at the most, rode the thing into the pit and told them to chop 20mm out of the swing arm, they did and welded it up there and then. He went so much faster in the very next session out that bookies would have been altering odds and shitting their pants at possible money losses for the following season.

So this all adds up to what? Not a fuckin thing I'm afraid, just some interesting things that don't seem to add up at all really, draw from it what you will.

Crasherfromwayback

13th August 2012, 18:30

Some folk round here might remember when Rossi climbed on the M1 for the first time. He did a couple sessions at the most, rode the thing into the pit and told them to chop 20mm out of the swing arm, they did and welded it up there and then. He went so much faster in the very next session out that bookies would have been altering odds and shitting their pants at possible money losses for the following season.

.

Don't quite believe that sorry. Unless Dukie was in their pit box.

Drew

13th August 2012, 18:33

tail_end_charlie I think if you check you will find Ducati introduced the CF frame in 2009 and Stoner won the 2007 title on the trellis frame bike.

Which says more about Stoner than the trellis frame I think. I think it's funny as fuck that Ducati road bikes have gone away from the trellis, and moved onto another failed frame from their GP bikes, that every other manufacturer has already toyed with and moved on from.

merv

13th August 2012, 18:35

Hey Drew is that why you crashed so much, that stinking trellis frame? Maybe you coulda crashed even better with carbon fibre :shit:.

Drew

13th August 2012, 18:37

Don't quite believe that sorry. Unless Dukie was in their pit box.

Was well publicised, with pictures of the very obvious fresh welds on the swingarm. Jimmy is good with shit like that, he will likely remember the source of the article.

denill

13th August 2012, 18:38

We will never, ever know - but would Stoner have continued to notch up wins on what ever Ducati put under him?

I think he would have.................. :yes: :yes:

Drew

13th August 2012, 18:38

Hey Drew is that why you crashed so much, that stinking trellis frame? Maybe you coulda crashed even better with carbon fibre :shit:.

LOL, you have no idea.:facepalm:

Drew

13th August 2012, 18:41

We will never, ever know - but would Stoner have continued to notch up wins on what ever Ducati put under him?

I think he would have.................. :yes: :yes:

I doubt it very much. The Honda LEAPT ahead last season, not only under him but Pedrosa and Dovi too. Then this season the Yamaha and the Honda are side by side.

He's great, but the bike is not getting better, and everything else is at an astonishing rate.

Crasherfromwayback

13th August 2012, 18:45

Was well publicised, with pictures of the very obvious fresh welds on the swingarm. Jimmy is good with shit like that, he will likely remember the source of the article.

Have you seen the shape of the swingarms dude? You can't simply cut two inches out of them...the bits won't match up. And to be precise the thing would have to be in a jig etc. They don't tend to do much in the way of fabrication at the track now days. Think you'll find they lifted the engine in the frame a tad, and actually made the swing arm longer. They hooked it up between two other bikes and stretched it there and then.

Or....not.

Crasherfromwayback

13th August 2012, 18:47

We will never, ever know - but would Stoner have continued to notch up wins on what ever Ducati put under him?

I think he would have.................. :yes: :yes:

No way. As good as he was on it...he was winning less and less each year on the pig. Plus sooner or later he would've either got hurt throwing it down the road trying...or got sick of doing so.

Crasherfromwayback

13th August 2012, 18:50

Was well publicised, with pictures of the very obvious fresh welds on the swingarm. Jimmy is good with shit like that, he will likely remember the source of the article.

You fancy trying to cut two inches out of this at a track and put it all back together nice mate?268116

Drew

13th August 2012, 18:50

Have you seen the shape of the swingarms dude? You can't simply cut two inches out of them...the bits won't match up. And to be precise the thing would have to be in a jig etc. They don't tend to do much in the way of fabrication at the track now days. Think you'll find they lifted the engine in the frame a tad, and actually made the swing arm longer. They hooked it up between two other bikes and stretched it there and then.

Or....not.

I have seen the swing arm. There are two extruded beams, with a billet chunk welded to each where the axle goes through. The billet chunk is kind of L shaped, and can be moved up the beam quite simply by scribing the same shape in.

I'm not making this shit up you crusty old prick, so you can stop being quite so condescending. Jimmy was the one who pointed the article out to me, pester him for the details.

Crasherfromwayback

13th August 2012, 18:53

I have seen the swing arm. There are two extruded beams, with a billet chunk welded to each where the axle goes through. The billet chunk is kind of L shaped, and can be moved up the beam quite simply by scribing the same shape in.

I'm not making this shit up you crusty old prick, so you can stop being quite so condescending. Jimmy was the one who pointed the article out to me, pester him for the details.

Sounds like a quick/cheap way to do it. But I bet it wasn't done at the track is all!

Nothing condescending about telling someone you think they're talking plop!:innocent:

Drew

13th August 2012, 19:01

Sounds like a quick/cheap way to do it. But I bet it wasn't done at the track is all!I have mucho simplified it. Might have happened at an engineering workshop away from teh track, I might be overstating when I say there and then.

Nothing condescending about telling someone you think they're talking plop!:innocent:And you can go eat said plop.:motu:

Crasherfromwayback

13th August 2012, 19:12

I have mucho simplified it. Might have happened at an engineering workshop away from teh track, I might be overstating when I say there and then.

And you can go eat said plop.:motu:

The back of Dukies truck!

Pussy yes. Poopy no.

Shaun

13th August 2012, 21:29

Reckless

13th August 2012, 22:55

No way. As good as he was on it...he was winning less and less each year on the pig. Plus sooner or later he would've either got hurt throwing it down the road trying...or got sick of doing so.

In the end Stoner and Rossi gave up on the Ducati for the same reason. Ducati Management :brick: Lets see if Audi can make a difference??

Rossi's decision was that even if Audi does?? it probably wont happen over one season and he ain't got that much time left.
2 years on one of the best bikes in Moto GP and then 2 years on one of the best bikes in SBK seems like a fitting end to his career if the rumors are true.
If he still has the goods he has a better chance of a bonus year or so in Moto Gp even if its just so Yamaha keep him from riding for the opposition.
But time will tell next season will show if he should have retired or not??

He's gotta love what he does to turn down the sort of money Ducati where offering.
You can't fault the man for his continuing passion for the sport and desire to win.

I really loved Stoners style!! But IMHO over the entire length (now Stoner has gone) of their careers there is still only one true champion of the modern era. Rossi was winning before he came along and hopefully he can win again in the twilight of his time. If I sound like a Rossi fan I am! but I'm a Stoner fan as well.

Didnt I say in an earlier post time will tell?? Well Stoner has written himself out after a few chapters but the Rossi story still ain't finished yet.

Crasherfromwayback

13th August 2012, 23:20

I really loved Stoners style!! But IMHO over the entire length (now Stoner has gone) of their careers there is still only one true champion of the modern era. .

Jesus Christ mate. Rossi's jizz has blinded your eyes. Stoner has beaten Rossi more that Rossi has him. How difficult is that to grasp?

tail_end_charlie

14th August 2012, 09:26

I think if you check you will find Ducati introduced the CF frame in 2009 and Stoner won the 2007 title on the trellis frame bike.

Yep, right you are, teach me to post facts without checking'em first. I knew they had switched something to CF, but it was just the rear subframe. In 2009 they went to the CF front frame/headstock, load bearing engine, and CF swingarm.

Oscar

14th August 2012, 09:27

Jesus Christ mate. Rossi's jizz has blinded your eyes. Stoner has beaten Rossi more that Rossi has him. How difficult is that to grasp?

He's still seven titles short.

Crasherfromwayback

14th August 2012, 10:05

He's still seven titles short.

Bet he cares about that as much as I do. He's done something Rossi can't and never will though.

Oscar

14th August 2012, 10:24

He's done something Rossi can't and never will though.

You're kidding, surely?

Rossi has 125, 250, 500 and MotoGP World Titles - a feat that can never be repeated.
How does Stoner match that?

5150

14th August 2012, 10:26

He's done something Rossi can't and never will though.

Yup. Moaned like a biatch

Crasherfromwayback

14th August 2012, 10:26

You're kidding, surely?

Rossi has 125, 250, 500 and MotoGP World Titles - a feat that can never be repeated.
How does Stoner match that?

Didn't say he could Oscar. What I said was..."He's done something Rossi hasn't and never will"

Win races on the Ducati.:sunny:

Crasherfromwayback

14th August 2012, 10:29

Yup. Moaned like a biatch

You haven't been round long then obviously. "It's him or me" " I want Bridgestones else I'll leave Moto GP" "I can't win on this bike" Sound familiar?

Oscar

14th August 2012, 10:39

Didn't say he could Oscar. What I said was..."He's done something Rossi hasn't and never will"

Win races on the Ducati.:sunny:

So did Capirossi.
And winning a championship on the Duc is a fantastic achievement for Stoner, but it don't make him a GOAT, do it?

Crasherfromwayback

14th August 2012, 10:44

So did Capirossi.
And winning a championship on the Duc is a fantastic achievement for Stoner, but it don't make him a GOAT, do it?

Not many though. And that makes Rossi look better how? And by the way...Rossi ain't the GOAT. Sure bugs you Stoner winning more races head to head than your boy dunnit?

5150

14th August 2012, 10:50

You haven't been round long then obviously. "It's him or me" " I want Bridgestones else I'll leave Moto GP" "I can't win on this bike" Sound familiar?

As far as a Ducati in it's current state goes. Any racer of Rossi caliber would only try so much. But if you and the factory are throwing everything at the damn thing and not seeing any reasonable results, then one can't blame the guy for wanting to move on to a team with a better bike.

Crasherfromwayback

14th August 2012, 10:52

one can't blame the guy for wanting to move on to a team with a better bike.

Don't blame him at all. Pointless trying to race that pile of shit! But he's bitched and moaned more about the Ducati more than Stoner ever did!

Oscar

14th August 2012, 11:01

Not many though. And that makes Rossi look better how? And by the way...Rossi ain't the GOAT. Sure bugs you Stoner winning more races head to head than your boy dunnit?

He ain't "my boy".

He is, however, the best thing to happen to Motorcycle Racing for many a year.
And if Rossi isn't the GOAT, who is? He is certainly one of the greatest of all time.

BTW - It doesn't bug me that Stoner has beaten Rossi on a head to head basis any more than the fact that Sheene won more races than Ago head to head. In hindsight, the better rider is obvious, no?

SimJen

14th August 2012, 11:02

Didn't say he could Oscar. What I said was..."He's done something Rossi hasn't and never will"

Win races on the Ducati.:sunny:

On a Ducati! not the same bike though was it!
History will remember Stoner for sure, in his prime he beat an older slower Rossi.
But Rossi is still the greater talent, having endured a longer more decorated career on all sizes/types of machinery!

Oscar

14th August 2012, 11:02

Don't blame him at all. Pointless trying to race that pile of shit! But he's bitched and moaned more about the Ducati more than Stoner ever did!

Yeah, about as much as Stoner moaning about his tyres...

Crasherfromwayback

14th August 2012, 11:11

Yeah, about as much as Stoner moaning about his tyres...

My point exactly. They all do it.

SimJen

14th August 2012, 11:16

Don't blame him at all. Pointless trying to race that pile of shit! But he's bitched and moaned more about the Ducati more than Stoner ever did!

I think you'll find Stoner did plenty of moaning, but being the whiner he is, nobody including Ducati or the media cared enough to make it public ;)

Oscar

14th August 2012, 11:20

I think you'll find Stoner did plenty of moaning, but being the whiner he is, nobody including Ducati or the media cared enough to make it public ;)

Plus, earlier this year Stoner was blaming Dorna for changes to MotoGP rules that his own employers (Honda) forced through on the threat of taking their toys and going home.

Crasherfromwayback

14th August 2012, 11:21

And if Rossi isn't the GOAT, who is? He is certainly one of the greatest of all time.

BTW - It doesn't bug me that Stoner has beaten Rossi on a head to head basis any more than the fact that Sheene won more races than Ago head to head. In hindsight, the better rider is obvious, no?

Seeing as you like stats so much, Ago is in road racing. Ricky Carmichael is the REAL GOAT.

And it obviously does...else you wouldn't keep mentioning Rossi's nine titles, which has nothing at all to do with Stoner handing his arse to him on a plate does it now?

I understand now why the Rossi fans are generally Stoner haters. The Stoner haters also moan about Stoner as much as Stoner himself moans. Funny really.