Wsbk 2015

[sil3nt]

Guess we need an 'official' World Superbike thread.

Rule changes here: http://resources.worldsbk.com/newsdesk/2014/Decision_of_the_Superbike_Commission,_12_June.pdf
I am going to assume that nothing has changed since so the important bits are:


<ul>
<li>Camshafts are free</li>
<li>Cylinder head porting is free but no welding</li>
<li>Valves, pistons and most major engine components must remain standard</li>
<li>Con-rods may be replaced with similar material but equal weight parts for safety</li>
<li>Crankcases standard</li>
<li>One set of racing gearbox ratios allowed for the whole season</li>
<li>Balancing rules no longer use weight, it will be intake restriction only</li>

<li>Price limited Superbike Kit System available to all teams in World Superbike and other FIM
championships</li>
<li>Only approved ECU’s may be used in these kits – they will be race ECU’s</li>
<li>The software of the factory team will be available to all other teams at three points during the
racing season</li>
<li>The Superbike Kit System must include all of the electronic parts not fitted to the standard street machine and required for the system to be fully operational (except the wiring harness)</li>
<li>The selling price for the Superbike Kit System will be €8000</li>
<li>Alternatively the Superstock Kit EC</li>

<li>Ride by wire kits must be available to all teams in World Superbike and other FIM
championships</li>
<li>Only the machine manufacturer or one appointed supplier will be allowed to provide the kit (for
safety)</li>
<li>The price of the kits will be €2500</li>
<li>All non RBW machines currently utilise a solution and the control strategies are mature</li>
<li>Standard road bikes will adopt the use of this technology by 2017 meaning development
continuity</li>

</ul>

[sil3nt]

From testing and free practice at Phillip Island the bikes look to be pretty much on pace with last years times.

MV Agusta appear to have an updated model: http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/mv-agusta-reveals-f4-rc-at-wsbk-team-launch/26306.html

Troy Bayliss is back for this weekend although after two practice sessions he is a couple of seconds off the pace.

Suzuki looking good again like they did at the start of last year. Hope they can continue the good form throughout the season this time!

[mulletman]

Am i reading this right ( on the WSBK official site ) that the video pass is only for On Demand and Not live ?

[sil3nt]

Am i reading this right ( on the WSBK official site ) that the video pass is only for On Demand and Not live ?That is correct. Races only available a couple of days after for Aus/NZ. You can possibly run through a proxy to get live races but I don't know anyone that has tried.

[BMWST?]

on sky sport 6 from 10 10 am sunday

[Mental Trousers]

Landing on the grass on the inside of the corner?? That's a pretty special sort of crash.

Troy Bayliss

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152791514469032

[pritch]

Hope he didn't feel too much pain. The only Superbike rider ever to be voted "Number one" in the world by Motocourse. He could be said to have a certain credibility in one-off races having lead the only MotoGP race he entered in 2006 from start to finish. OK, 2006 is a while ago now, but I wish him well.

He did win a dirt track title in Oz last year, and he is scheduled to race AMA mile races this year. And you'd have to agree he knows his way around Phillip Island.
And I'm a sucker for stories with a happy ending. :whistle:

[carbonhed]

SP2 red flagged 4 mins from finish... what a bastard.

Haven't seen it yet but first impressions... Rea is quick, no surprise there... and the Aprilia is quick, no surprises there either.

Looking forward to downloading it.

[roogazza]

https://motomatters.com/press_release/2015/02/21/2015_phillip_island_wsbk_saturday_post_q.html

[sil3nt]

Sykes surprisingly slow, van der Mark surprisingly fast.

Two very good races today :yes:

[DamianW]

Rea was a class act last season so I'd expect him to be thereabouts this time around.

[Geeen]

Gotta say I'm super impressed by Haslam, totally different rider from the last two years. Seems his head in right and the bike is right. Looks to be a good year.

[DamianW]

Gotta say I'm super impressed by Haslam, totally different rider from the last two years. Seems his head in right and the bike is right. Looks to be a good year.

Agreed - should be a fantastic season if today is anything to go by :up:

[pritch]

Great racing but don't read too much into the results. As David Emmett said the Phillip Island track flows and a power deficit can be overcome by a little additional bravery. Take last year, Suzuki had a good day at PI but couldn't repeat that result all year.

The commentary team, said several times that Tom Sykes doesn't like the track, but I suspect the real reason for his poor performance is that he is in my MCN fantasy team. That seems to be the kiss of death for any rider.

Speaking of the commentary team, no Jonathon Green or Steve Martin? Seems we have a new combination. If so, I'm sorry to see Steve Martin go.

[roogazza]

Great racing but don't read too much into the results. As David Emmett said the Phillip Island track flows and a power deficit can be overcome by a little additional bravery. Take last year, Suzuki had a good day at PI but couldn't repeat that result all year.

The commentary team, said several times that Tom Sykes doesn't like the track, but I suspect the real reason for his poor performance is that he is in my MCN fantasy team. That seems to be the kiss of death for any rider.

Speaking of the commentary team, no Jonathon Green or Steve Martin? Seems we have a new combination. If so, I'm sorry to see Steve Martin go.

Kawasakis new No 1. Picked that one! Aprillia still got the legs.
Commentary,so glad to see the back of Green (the screaming head).
The Brit 'thing' is still present with the new guys,you know,Sykes doesn't like it here and Camier will get faster, pfft.and poor old Lowes,whatever the excuse was ?
Bayliss might have got tired by the looks ?
First race was a beaut tho. 2nd, we lost a couple including that young Dutch fella who opened some eyes before that.
That helped Sykes finishing position.

[pritch]

The Brit 'thing' is still present with the new guys,you know,Sykes doesn't like it here and Camier will get faster, pfft.and poor old Lowes,whatever the excuse was ?

2nd, we lost a couple including that young Dutch fella who opened some eyes before that.


I think it was Paul Denning the Suzuki Manager offered a public apology to Alex Lowes - for faults with his machinery IIRC.

VDM is a great prospect for a future champion, perhaps the "little additional bravery" thing got him in trouble? Normally I'd have been worried about what he could do on the ageing 'Blade but I guess we'll have to see what effect the new rules have.

Next race should be interesting, nobody has been there. Another place where the first person to go into a room in the pits each day should check for snakes. I see there was a big one caught in PI. When I was wearing green I acquired an aversion to the fucking things.

[roogazza]

I think it was Paul Denning the Suzuki Manager offered a public apology to Alex Lowes - for faults with his machinery IIRC.

VDM is a great prospect for a future champion, perhaps the "little additional bravery" thing got him in trouble? Normally I'd have been worried about what he could do on the ageing 'Blade but I guess we'll have to see what effect the new rules have.

Next race should be interesting, nobody has been there. Another place where the first person to go into a room in the pits each day should check for snakes. I see there was a big one caught in PI. When I was wearing green I acquired an aversion to the fucking things.
Yes, next one should give us an idea.
You an ex soldier pritch ? I have a S/Sgt son doing some 'camping', as I call it, in Palmy N at the minute.
My kids soon learnt when playing in bush in Adelaide,to make plenty of noise and stomp around,snakes dissappear usually.
Can't do that as a soldier tho huh ?

[pritch]

You an ex soldier pritch ?



Loooong time ago, far far away. And no, it wasn't star wars. :no:
I did spend time at Linton, but it must have been much smaller then than now.


Re that "Brit" thing the commentators do, all commentators do that. Imagine how bad it would be if we took an Australian commentary. Still, watching an Englishman, an Irishman and a Welshman fight for the lead makes a change from a procession of Spaniards.

[Ntoxcated]

Bayliss might have got tired by the looks ?

I'm not surprised considering how much he had to muscle it around. Chaz' bike looked planted until the closing laps but Bayliss was squirming around all over the place from very early on. Maybe he cooked his tyres early trying to keep up. I think I recall the commentators mentioned that qualifying pace could use up a tyre in 4-5 laps.

Edit: I just read at crash.net (http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/214903/1/bayliss-rues-tyre-issues-on-emotional-weekend.html) that he had tyre wear problems

[Autech]

Kawasakis new No 1. Picked that one! Aprillia still got the legs.
Commentary,so glad to see the back of Green (the screaming head).
The Brit 'thing' is still present with the new guys,you know,Sykes doesn't like it here and Camier will get faster, pfft.and poor old Lowes,whatever the excuse was ?
Bayliss might have got tired by the looks ?
First race was a beaut tho. 2nd, we lost a couple including that young Dutch fella who opened some eyes before that.
That helped Sykes finishing position.

VDM sure looked comfortable up there, miles quicker than his team mate with all his pedigree. Shame he fell off race 2, but I'm picking he will learn it.


I'm not surprised considering how much he had to muscle it around. Chaz' bike looked planted until the closing laps but Bayliss was squirming around all over the place from very early on. Maybe he cooked his tyres early trying to keep up. I think I recall the commentators mentioned that qualifying pace could use up a tyre in 4-5 laps.

Edit: I just read at crash.net (http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/214903/1/bayliss-rues-tyre-issues-on-emotional-weekend.html) that he had tyre wear problems

His bike was bucking around like crazy, great riding.
Speaking of great riding, how was Haslam's excursion into the grass? Mental save!

[puddytat]

The WSS races were good too, the M.Vs dominating (Cluzel).....Sofogulu also had a major moment out in the grass.I heard one of the commentators saying that the 6hundies were only a second or so off the Superbikes around P.I...

[Autech]

The WSS races were good too, the M.Vs dominating (Cluzel).....Sofogulu also had a major moment out in the grass.I heard one of the commentators saying that the 6hundies were only a second or so off the Superbikes around P.I...

If that, most the race the 1000s were in the 32's, which is what I think the top 600s were running. Great to see the MV's up there too, fantastic bike would love one but the dealer I went to would not accept my left nut as payment...

That Smith chap on the Honda was loose as, very entertaining to watch him drift it into the corner. He helped Sofoglu find the grass I think, though the replays never showed exactly what happened. Definitely a talent to watch, don't recall noticing him in Moto2 when he was there, but he sure made his presence known in WSS!

[pritch]

I see that Jonathon Green is now an AMA commentator with Colin Edwards as his expert comments man. Not sad to see Mr Green go, but somewhat sad that Steve Martin seems to have missed out on a job. He was good value.

[Mike.Gayner]

Christ that RSV4 has legs, seriously.

[Reckless]

The WSS races were good too, the M.Vs dominating (Cluzel).....Sofogulu also had a major moment out in the grass.I heard one of the commentators saying that the 6hundies were only a second or so off the Superbikes around P.I...

MV now owned by Mercedes.
The word is they wanted to be in two wheels now that Audi etc are. MV certainly cleaned up the 6hundy class :)
The racing was top notch all classes :)

If WSBK got rid of the bloody ridiculous 2 day delay on the subscription, I'd join for them all, but downloading when/what I can get or WSBK atm?

[denill]

Not sad to see Mr Green go, but somewhat sad that Steve Martin seems to have missed out on a job. He was good value.


Agree with that Pritch :yes:

[Autech]

I see that Jonathon Green is now an AMA commentator with Colin Edwards as his expert comments man. Not sad to see Mr Green go, but somewhat sad that Steve Martin seems to have missed out on a job. He was good value.

100% glad to see Jonathon Green gone, he was worse than Nick Harris on Motogp (who is shite), constantly bickering with Steve Martin. Shame to not have Steve Martin on the mic though, he was great value when talking about each track and the challenges they bring for the rider.

Those MV`s were mental quick, I hope Triumph is watching and seeing what some decent coin can result with a triple.

[pritch]

David Emmett reports that The Italian website GPOne is saying that Baylis will ride the Ducati in three more races.

[James Deuce]

David Emmett reports that The Italian website GPOne is saying that Baylis will ride the Ducati in three more races.

I'm sure they could have found someone with some useful recent MotoGP experience. Maybe they like seeing tyres tested to destruction?

[denill]

<a href=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2015/Mar/150304a.htm>He will be at Thailand:</A>

[roogazza]

<a href=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2015/Mar/150304a.htm>He will be at Thailand:</A>
What a birthday present that would be (46 great number !)
This could be his biggest chance of an upset too. Thailand,no data,everyone in the same boat,

[James Deuce]

The only upset likely would be a top 10 finish in both races.

[roogazza]

The only upset likely would be a top 10 finish in both races.

Oh ye of little faith ! :lol:

'Ol nine fingers' has been training.......

[Shaun Harris]

Top 5 in one of his next races I am betting

[pritch]

Oh ye of little faith ! :lol:



That was my respnse to James post exactly, and I usually agree with him. I was listening to a podcast and the younger participant was unimpressed by Baylis' efforts.

Baylis' GP career was damaged because someone in the Ducati factory team didn't like him, it may have been Suppo? In 2006 Baylis rode just one GP and led it from start to finish. Motocourse, the bible of GP racing publish their list of the top 10 riders of the season. Baylis was (and may be still?) the only SBK rider ever to make the list.

If he actually does four races we should get to see what effect eight years has had.

James, it wasn't only Baylis who had tyre problems a number of the WSS riders had problems too. The Phillip Island track surface is difficult for the tyre manufacturers.

[James Deuce]

Stop making excuses for the old guy thieving a chance to impress from a young guy.

All he stands to gain is permanently denting his reputation, a la Michael Schumacher.

[denill]

Stop making excuses for the old guy thieving a chance to impress from a young guy.

All he stands to gain is permanently denting his reputation, a la Michael Schumacher.

Got a point there, re MS.

A plus factor for Ducati is the mileage they are getting that they wouldn't get from a young hopeful.

[roogazza]

Stop making excuses for the old guy thieving a chance to impress from a young guy.

All he stands to gain is permanently denting his reputation, a la Michael Schumacher.

A bit like what Marco Melandri seems to be doing at the mo ? :weep:

But hey,M.S.Hailwood made good,coming back.
(different style of racing of course!Time trials.)But he did some good short circuit stuff as well.

[James Deuce]

Got a point there, re MS.

A plus factor for Ducati is the mileage they are getting that they wouldn't get from a young hopeful.

They'll get better verbal feedback from Bayliss but they will get better data from a young headcase riding over the limit.

[Shaun Harris]

Stop making excuses for the old guy thieving a chance to impress from a young guy.

All he stands to gain is permanently denting his reputation, a la Michael Schumacher.



Only to arm chair experts that have never done it seriously

[denill]

They'll get better verbal feedback from Bayliss but they will get better data from a young headcase riding over the limit.

My point, which I didn't state clearly - is the publicity Bayliss, being iconic, brings to the public.

[James Deuce]

Only to arm chair experts that have never done it seriously

Those are the people that keep racing viable, but I keep forgetting the contempt racers hold fans in, even the cheating ones.

[James Deuce]

My point, which I didn't state clearly - is the publicity Bayliss, being iconic, brings to the public.

Ducati need decent input from a racer at the top of his or her racing game. Ducati already has a massive fan base. They need wins now. They are achingly close at present.

[Shaun Harris]

Those are the people that keep racing viable, but I keep forgetting the contempt racers hold fans in, even the cheating ones.



My point being, SO WHAT if does not perform like the past, he is NOT expected too! Shame you had to take it and be a nasty wanker

[pritch]

OK it has been eight long years and time is not on his side, but he hasn't been spending his days in a recliner with his pipe, slippers, and a glass of vinho tinto.. I seem to recall Baylis won a dirt track title in Australia in 2014, and he has signed to ride AMA mile races in 2015?

Anyhoo, I love a story with a happy ending

[GD66]

Extra training, hopefully a full weekend on the bike, no circuit knowledge advantage for anyone, and ideally no tyre disintegration : top 5 realistic, and a chance of a win in the wet.

[Autech]

Anyhoo, I love a story with a happy ending

I hear there are massages that come like that. Pun intended :shutup:

[roogazza]

Chang International Circuit. 22.3.15 WSB

Looking forward to seeing this track and the racing.
Ducati and the Aussie Bayliss at the ripe old age of 46 ! :rolleyes:
Yes GD his stars might just align here for a top five.

[pritch]

Be interesting to see how Bayliss goes, especially since I'm currently halfway through his book "A Faster Way".

Apparently his bikes were/are set up more comfortably than most others. Softer suspension, higher, wider bars. His team mates couldn't ride his bikes, nor he theirs, but journos who got to ride his bikes were surprised at the comfort level.

[roogazza]

Be interesting to see how Bayliss goes, especially since I'm currently halfway through his book "A Faster Way".

Apparently his bikes were/are set up more comfortably than most others. Softer suspension, higher, wider bars. His team mates couldn't ride his bikes, nor he theirs, but journos who got to ride his bikes were surprised at the comfort level.
Yes pritch,nothing like a comparison,but I never much liked clipon type handle bars.Probably from what I learnt on ?
Give me soft and a bit loose and big bars any day. :yes::lol:

[Shaun Harris]

Be interesting to see how Bayliss goes, especially since I'm currently halfway through his book "A Faster Way".

Apparently his bikes were/are set up more comfortably than most others. Softer suspension, higher, wider bars. His team mates couldn't ride his bikes, nor he theirs, but journos who got to ride his bikes were surprised at the comfort level.



search some old photo,s of him man, his bars are incrediblly wide

[steveyb]

Be interesting to see how Bayliss goes, especially since I'm currently halfway through his book "A Faster Way".

Apparently his bikes were/are set up more comfortably than most others. Softer suspension, higher, wider bars. His team mates couldn't ride his bikes, nor he theirs, but journos who got to ride his bikes were surprised at the comfort level.

I recall watching a video on MotoGP.com regarding the 2005 or 2006 Ducatis (or whenever it was that Bayliss and Capirex were in the team together) and the discrepancy between the top speeds of the two at Barcelona.
They suggested that all of the data were the same for each rider until they reached the fastest part of the straight, then Capirex would go some km/h faster and Bayliss would not.
They tried all sorts to understand/change it, with no success, until someone watched the video of the riders, closely.
It turned out that Capirossi was riding GP styles with everything tucked in, and hence clean. Bayliss on the other hand had his arms and elbows haning out in the wind, Superbike styles. That made all the difference, at 300 km/h.

Have to say, I bought his book too, on a whim. Looking at the pictures and reading bits of the text, it will become a dust gatherer. Out of date and just repeats what is said in any number of other books. Only interesting for the pictures, really.
Was plain to see at Philip Island too.

[DidJit]

If you want a preview of the Chang circuit ahead of this weekend’s WSBK races, there’s a Dec. 2014 Asia Road Racing Supersport race here (https://youtu.be/5GUWKq9Tf7U).

[pritch]

The riders reportedly like the new track and say they will like it even more as rubber gets laid down. Baylis has now found a setting he likes and is feeling at home on the bike, he finished 7th fastest.

The track is said to flow and provides overtaking oportunities at the last corner so there would seem to be no impediment to good racing. Like Phillip Island it seems to minimise any power advantage as the top qualifier on day 1 was Alex Lowes on the Suzuki.

If there is a potential problem it could be the 40c temperatures. The WSBK website says that won't be a problem, but whoever wrote that won't be riding a bike in the race. Some riders commented that they got there a few days early so they could get used to the heat. Ida thunk it'd take a bit longer than that.

[pritch]

So far it would seem Bayliss is consistent, he qualified seventh heading the third row of the grid. That might not sound overly impressive to some, but beside him on the grid is Van der Mark who is considered by most to be a future champion, and to VdM's right is Guintoli the current champion.

There's life in the old dog yet?

[carbonhed]

So far it would seem Bayliss is consistent, he qualified seventh heading the third row of the grid. That might not sound overly impressive to some, but beside him on the grid is Van der Mark who is considered by most to be a future champion, and to VdM's right is Guintoli the current champion.

There's life in the old dog yet?

0.25 off his teammate too. Not shabby at all. Honda must be looking at Haslam and Rea and and rolling their eyes :-)

[Mental Trousers]

So far it would seem Bayliss is consistent, he qualified seventh heading the third row of the grid. That might not sound overly impressive to some, but beside him on the grid is Van der Mark who is considered by most to be a future champion, and to VdM's right is Guintoli the current champion.

There's life in the old dog yet?

0.25 off his teammate too. Not shabby at all. Honda must be looking at Haslam and Rea and and rolling their eyes :-)

Honda should've been looking at their bike a couple of years ago and rolling their eyes.

[Mental Trousers]

Oh ffs. Has anyone else just had their racingfor.me account disabled??

[carbonhed]

Oh ffs. Has anyone else just had their racingfor.me account disabled??

Nope. You must be special.

Aaaand OK. Honda should be looking at Rea and Haslam and hanging their heads in shame. Better?

[roogazza]

Go Johnny Rea ! :yes::yes::yes::yes::yes::yes::yes:

[pritch]

For the first time the event was held I thought the crowd was great for an Asian country. Thinking back on how the Malaysian crowds grew and interest in the country snowballed after a couple of the local riders performed well at the sharp end of the field, Dorna and anyone else associated with the event will be over the moon about the result of the SS race.

Sorry about the run-on sentence.

[Mike.Gayner]

Just watched the first race....very boring course, boring racing. Hope the second race is better.

[carbonhed]

Well Rea's certainly laying down the challenge! How much easier it must be when you've got a bike that's a front runner instead of constantly having to extract more from the Honda than it was willing to give. The Eurosport guys couldn't recall a mistake all weekend long.

[Autech]

Well Rea's certainly laying down the challenge! How much easier it must be when you've got a bike that's a front runner instead of constantly having to extract more from the Honda than it was willing to give. The Eurosport guys couldn't recall a mistake all weekend long.

How average is Rea making Sykes look? Certainly showing what he can do on a decent bike. I remember he did bloody well on Stoners bike a few years back when he jumped on it. Great to see, I think this season will be a duel between Haslam and Rea with appearances on the podium by their respective team mates.

I was watching Sykes line into the right hand hairpin in Race 1 when Haslam was trying to get past him and thinking, "My, that's a big gap to be leaving when someone is up your chuff". Haslam clearly couldn't get Sykes under brakes (That guy sure knows how to slow a bike down!) so he pounced, hard but clean move, bout the most interesting thing to watch in both races to be honest.

Track seems very wide but not well set out for a good bike duel. Hopefully in years to come the racing is a bit closer, I haven't seen the WSS race yet so hoping for some more action there.

[p.dath]

Thanks to the demise of Sommet sports I've changed religions, separated with 25 euros, and bought a Video pass. Watched the first three races so far.

Talk about close. Definitely different from MotoGP, but you certainly couldn't call worldsbk boring.

[Reckless]

Dont wanna scroll up to see the result but Slick nick has posted the second round torrent https://thepiratebay.se/user/slicknick0610/ only 1.75 gig

[Mental Trousers]

Thanks to the demise of Sommet sports I've changed religions, separated with 25 euros, and bought a Video pass. Watched the first three races so far.

Talk about close. Definitely different from MotoGP, but you certainly couldn't call worldsbk boring.

From the bottom of the WSBK page


More info: SBK OnDemand package is available in Asia (except from Japan) and Oceania. No Live coverage is offered in these territories. If your main viewing area is located outside of these territories please visit this page again from there.

New Zealand is part of Oceania.

[p.dath]

From the bottom of the WSBK page



New Zealand is part of Oceania.

That's ok. I can give up watching live for the money saving. It is still exciting to watch.

[Mental Trousers]

I wonder how that's going to impact on the WSBK effort

http://www.jsonline.com/business/erik-buell-racing-closes-files-for-receivership-b99481936z1-299863281.html

[p.dath]

I wonder how that's going to impact on the WSBK effort

http://www.jsonline.com/business/erik-buell-racing-closes-files-for-receivership-b99481936z1-299863281.html

Terminally, I would guess.

[denill]

<a href=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2015/Apr/150416worm.htm>EBR:</A> :no:

[Shaun Harris]

It should not effect there WSB effort, as HERO owns the race team equiptment, or so I am told by some one who should know, Eric himself.

[roogazza]

Johnny Rea, what can you say.

Doing the business,smooth and clever. :shifty:

I picked Quintoli last year,good bet !
This year Rea, put your money on it . :yes:

'So fog loo' wanted the SS race bad,and got it.:eek5:

[Autech]

Johnny Rea, what can you say.

Doing the business,smooth and clever. :shifty:

I picked Quintoli last year,good bet !
This year Rea, put your money on it . :yes:

'So fog loo' wanted the SS race bad,and got it.:eek5:

Rea is showing us what he could have done years ago if he were on a decent bike, Sykes is a good rider but Rea is making his look rather average. VDM is fast as fark too, lets hope he gets scooped up by Aprilia or Kawasaki soon as I think on a faster bike he wouldn't have to ruin the thing just to stay with the others, considering his team mate is world champ and 4 places behind, excellent rider.

So fog loo is a dirty prick, that was bloody rough of him to lean that hard on another bikes front end, Cluzel did well to stay on the bike, I wonder if things would have been different if he had taken him out? That said I see why Kennan "one trick pony" Sofoglu went for it, there was almost a gap...

[Shaun Harris]

Rea is showing us what he could have done years ago if he were on a decent bike, Sykes is a good rider but Rea is making his look rather average. VDM is fast as fark too, lets hope he gets scooped up by Aprilia or Kawasaki soon as I think on a faster bike he wouldn't have to ruin the thing just to stay with the others, considering his team mate is world champ and 4 places behind, excellent rider.

So fog loo is a dirty prick, that was bloody rough of him to lean that hard on another bikes front end, Cluzel did well to stay on the bike, I wonder if things would have been different if he had taken him out? That said I see why Kennan "one trick pony" Sofoglu went for it, there was almost a gap...


i RE WATCHED THE fOG lOO EVENT A FEW TIMES, AND yes IT WAS A DAM HARD MOVE, BUT i SEE IT AS A FAIR hard ONE THOUGH. iF THEY HAD CRASHED, THERE WOULD DEFF HAVE BEEN AN INVESTIGATION THOUGH, IT WAS THAT HARD.


Sorry for the caps

[Autech]

i RE WATCHED THE fOG lOO EVENT A FEW TIMES, AND yes IT WAS A DAM HARD MOVE, BUT i SEE IT AS A FAIR hard ONE THOUGH. iF THEY HAD CRASHED, THERE WOULD DEFF HAVE BEEN AN INVESTIGATION THOUGH, IT WAS THAT HARD.


Sorry for the caps

Haha, yes I agree, VERY HARD but also "fair". It all comes down to who falls off at the end of the day...

[roogazza]

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2015/04/27/the_2015_world_superbike_season_so_far_c.html

[p.dath]

Anyone else using the worldsbk video pass? I have it, and it worked great for the first two rounds.

But it is completely unusable this week (issue only just started this week). Pretty much no video is watchable. You start it, and it runs for a short while, and then stops.

I've contacted them a couple of times but had no response.

[pritch]

Sunday 10 May Superbikes from Imola on SKY Sport 2 at 8.00PM and 10.40PM

[Mental Trousers]

http://www.worldsbk.com/en/videos
Today, 6:45pm to 3:20am
Tomorrow, 7:00pm to 4:30??
Sunday, 6:40pm to 3:00am??

You can keep your massively over priced Sky.

[carbonhed]

Well Jonny Rea won both races at Imola last year on the Honda... OTOH Giuliani is back on the Ducati... so anything could happen.

[roogazza]

Sunday 10 May Superbikes from Imola on SKY Sport 2 at 8.00PM and 10.40PM
Cheers pritch, was chatting via e mail yesterday with a friend who has the best job in the world with 'Elf'.Was just heading off to Imola.
Said he hasn't had a day off since Qatar !! Tuff huh .Told him I was a Rea fan.
Often see him around the Kawa pits.

#65 for the double !!!!!!

[pritch]

#65 for the double !!!!!!

In my MCN fantasy team Sykes is the man. When I put them in my team it's the kiss of death for their career. The guilt factor is getting up there, I'd better not have a team next year.

[pritch]

http://www.kawasaki.eu/en/racing/road_race/news/kenan_sofuoglu_racing_on_despite_personal_issues?U id=08F9UAkKCl4NXg5RWVwOXAsNDgldDlpaX1EMXVxfWA1aW1k

[Badjelly]

http://www.kawasaki.eu/en/racing/road_race/news/kenan_sofuoglu_racing_on_despite_personal_issues?U id=08F9UAkKCl4NXg5RWVwOXAsNDgldDlpaX1EMXVxfWA1aW1k

Poor bugger! On top of everything else he's had to deal with over the years.

[roogazza]

In my MCN fantasy team Sykes is the man. When I put them in my team it's the kiss of death for their career. The guilt factor is getting up there, I'd better not have a team next year.

It worked, still got the bandy swagger but Rea is showing who's boss.
Wonder how long before there's no speakies ???

Nice to see Rea doing the business and being so humble.:cool:

[Dadpole]

I admit that I mentally will other riders to carve up Sykes and provoke another hissy fit. Who is he not speaking to so far (other than VDM?)

As an aside - that Razgatlioglu lad in the 600 class is quite something...

[carbonhed]

It worked, still got the bandy swagger but Rea is showing who's boss.
Wonder how long before there's no speakies ???

Nice to see Rea doing the business and being so humble.:cool:

It would be unbearable but that he's such a nice bugger. Do you think his style would transfer to MotoGP? Very upright, smooth, classic... I have my doubts but he's very cool.

[roogazza]

It would be unbearable but that he's such a nice bugger. Do you think his style would transfer to MotoGP? Very upright, smooth, classic... I have my doubts but he's very cool.

I've heard him mention how surprised he is at whats happening.
I'd like to see him stay and make a good living in WSB. Baby No.2 on the way. :yes:

Unless it was to see another Irish/Eng guy kick CC in the nuts !! :corn:

[Autech]

It would be unbearable but that he's such a nice bugger. Do you think his style would transfer to MotoGP? Very upright, smooth, classic... I have my doubts but he's very cool.

He looked pretty good when he filled in for Stoner? for that period. Fantastic rider!

[Shaun Harris]

When is RDP gunna get axed? 2 seconds slower than your team mate on the same dam equipment is Just NOT accepetable

[Shaun Harris]

Jonny Ray in discussions with Honda again for next year in MotoGP! They want him back.

[Autech]

Jonny Ray in discussions with Honda again for next year in MotoGP! They want him back.

Cal Crutchless better button up his socks!

Fucking awesome race 1. Jonny clearly decided after they touched that the battle was no longer worth it and let him go for it. Race 2 was a bit different but still looking good for Rea for the Championship.

WSS was cool with those wildcards in the mix, that Ryde chap sure can get that Yamaha round the track. Cluzel needs to pull his socks up otherwise the one trick pony is going to get another championship I think.

[pritch]

that Ryde chap sure can get that Yamaha round the track.

Second on the grid, third in the race, dicing with Sofuoglu for the lead early on, and he's seventeen. It's fair to say he made the most of his wildcard oportunity. He was hard not to notice. Be interesting to see how he goes at another track.

[roogazza]

Second on the grid, third in the race, dicing with Sofuoglu for the lead early on, and he's seventeen. It's fair to say he made the most of his wildcard oportunity. He was hard not to notice. Be interesting to see how he goes at another track.
Yeah pritch,when wild cards do that they're very shortly given a ride.
Brings to mind a couple of aussies that performed as wild cards.
Doohan on the Marlboro Yamaha superbike and 'Wild Child' on the 750 Kawa a bit later. Smoked them !
Like you say,another track might be different?

[Autech]

Second on the grid, third in the race, dicing with Sofuoglu for the lead early on, and he's seventeen. It's fair to say he made the most of his wildcard oportunity. He was hard not to notice. Be interesting to see how he goes at another track.


Yeah pritch,when wild cards do that they're very shortly given a ride.
Brings to mind a couple of aussies that performed as wild cards.
Doohan on the Marlboro Yamaha superbike and 'Wild Child' on the 750 Kawa a bit later. Smoked them !
Like you say,another track might be different?

That's the truth, they mentioned he is 1 point behind in the British WSS so he's doing alright there. They also mentioned he lives 20miles from Donnington so if anyone would know the track it would be him. That said talent is talent and that looks like a farking tricky track to ride!

[pritch]

Britain has a long history of having local track specialists. This also applies in the "roads" series. Some years ago BIKE named Bruce Anstey as rider of the year or decade or some such. The reason they gave was most of the British riders try really hard to win at their local track but away from home they tend to circulate safely down the field a bit, content to collect the start money. Anstey, they said, came to race - everywhere.

Back in the sixties many of the factory GP riders were from the commonwealth. Each of the British tracks had local specialists with really intense competition and it was a very difficult scene to break into. The commonwealth riders tended to side step this and race the second tier events on the classic European tracks. So when a vacancy arose in a factory team, the choice was between a British star e.g. a Brands Hatch specialist, or a commonwealth rider who already knew all the GP tracks; the choice was easy. Thus world champions Jim Redman and Gary Hocking from Rhodesia, and Hugh Anderson from NZ. Also prominent were Tom Phillis and Jack Findlay from Australia; Paddy Driver, South Africa and Mike Duff, Canada.

Anyhoo I hope young Ryde can produce the goods somewhere other than Donington. Leon Haslam has done more laps of Donington than most, his dad runs a track school there. Didn't help him that much last weekend.

[ElCoyote]

Jonny Ray in discussions with Honda again for next year in MotoGP! They want him back.

That's funny they want Johny Rea also

[steveyb]

"Poor Old Johnnie Ray"

[pritch]

Most of you guys are too young. But there was a famous Johnnie Ray previously.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCjTWYoRTzM

That's not an early earphone he's wearing, it's a hearing aid. He was partially deaf.

Meantime back to the Superbikes...

[Shaun Harris]

P J Jacobsen from the wss grid has jumped ship from his Kawasaki team to a Honda team

[Shaun Harris]

WSS Team manager goes missing????

Josef Kubicek, the owner of the Intermoto Pony Expres World Supersport team, has been listed as missing by Czech Police and the squad will not travel to Portimao this weekend.

Rider PJ Jacobsen jumped ship from the team yesterday and it would appear that both Lucas Mathias and Aiden Wagner have followed suit, but to where is not clear at the moment.

Kubicek has reportedly been missing since last Thursday. The disappearance was reported by his wife, who fears for his safety.

As all the trucks, bikes and equipment are in Kubicek’s name, police have said they cannot be moved or tampered with in any wa

- See more at: http://www.bikesportnews.com/news/news-detail/intermoto-pony-express-boss-josef-kubicek-missing#sthash.93DXy49G.dpuf


European teams and money going missing again. My guess is the team owes some bad boys a shit load of money, and this man is running for his life.

[roogazza]

Go Johnny Rea.

Another double to stick the boot in . :yes:<_<

[Shaun Harris]

Go PJ Jacobsen, first day on a new Honda, and in 2nd position so far, WOW extremelly talanted- He is the future USA hero I reckon for a while.

[roogazza]

Johnny Rea ! wow.

Way back on the grid too. What'd he do , put his head down ! :cool:

[Shaun Harris]

Johnny Rea ! wow.

Way back on the grid too. What'd he do , put his head down ! :cool:


He will be RELEASED from his contract with Kawasaki before dec this year when he wins the WSB champs and be on a MOTO GP bike for the last couple of rounds. You READ IT HERE FIRST!

[Doppleganger]

Life in the old dog yet eh!

June 19, 2015
Pos. Rider Team Bike Time
1 Max Biaggi Aprilia Factory Aprilia RSV4 RF 1:35.380
2 Davide Giugliano Aruba Ducati Ducati Panigale R 1:35.631
3 Chaz Davies Aruba Ducati Ducati Panigale R 1:35.637
4 Leon Haslam Red Devils Aprilia RSV4 RF 1:35.652
5 Jon Rea KRT Kawasaki ZX10R 1:35.672
6 Tom Sykes KRT Kawasaki ZX10R 1:35.735
7 Jordi Torres Red Devils Aprilia RSV4 RF 1:35.966
8 Leandro Mercando BARNI Ducati Panigale R 1:36.015
9 Alex Lowes VOLTCOM Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:36.052
10 Matteo Baiocco Althea Ducati Panigale R 1:36.096
11 Sylvan Guintoli PATA Honda CBR1000RRSP 1:36.116
12 M. Reiterberger Vazon BMW S1000RR 1:36.186
13 Ayrton Badovini JR Racing BMW S1000RR 1:36.510
14 David Salom Pedercini Kawasaki ZX10R 1:36.557
15 Leon Camier MV Reparto Corse MV 1000 F4 1:36.657


Max Biaggi is 43 years old and has not raced since the final round of the 2012 WSBK season.

[GD66]

What the hell ! Top effort.

[carbonhed]

Amazing alright. Still... the cunning old dog has been doing a lot of testing there so the setup should be pretty much spot on. Will give Haslam a much needed boot up the arse. It's still a competitive bike.

[Autech]

Wonder why Biaggi decided to come back? He did alright considering. Jonny Rea though, shame he was on the wrong tyre in race 1. Looking solid every race, can't see anyone pulling back his advantage now.

[pritch]

There is a tweet purporting to be from Marco Melandri which contains the following attachment:

[pritch]

Kenan Sofuoglu's baby boy has died. We watch these guys dicing on the track but off-track they have real lives which may sometimes be tragic.

[roogazza]

Kenan Sofuoglu's baby boy has died. We watch these guys dicing on the track but off-track they have real lives which may sometimes be tragic.

Yeah read that yesterday.He's had more than his share of bad luck that boy with one or two brothers dying as well.

[roogazza]

Sepang this weekend, set your recorders !
Haven't looked yet but I did see 5pm mentioned the other day.
After the last round Johnny Rea will be keen to stick it to Sykes I'm picking and its one of his go good tracks.
Certainly once the Title is locked up ?

[Shaun Harris]

Canepa to court for a total wankers action IF it is him?
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2015/Jul/150731c.htm

[pritch]

Interesting. He didn't punch the other rider, he punched a bike, but they are still charging him with assault. That may be why it has taken so long to get to court?

[Shaun Harris]

Interesting. He didn't punch the other rider, he punched a bike, but they are still charging him with assault. That may be why it has taken so long to get to court?


Maybe John Hopkins will get his ride. Hoppers is in 2nd position after first day of the BSB at Thruxton on the Ducati. If he gets prosecuted for his pathetic actions, he will also recieve a racing ban also for sure!

[roogazza]

http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/223066/1/rea-poised-to-wrap-up-first-wsbk-title.html

Jerez 20th Sept Sunday. Go Johnny Rea !!

BSB too I think ?

[pritch]

http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/223066/1/rea-poised-to-wrap-up-first-wsbk-title.html

Jerez 20th Sept Sunday. Go Johnny Rea !!

BSB too I think ?


SBKs and BSB will keep me going until the GP next weekend.

[roogazza]

SBKs and BSB will keep me going until the GP next weekend.

Me too. Rea needs about 6 points to complete a great year.
Do that in the first race and then let loose huh ? Nice to see the Suzuki in the fight.

https://motomatters.com/results/2015/09/18/2015_jerez_world_superbike_fp2_results_l.html

[husaberg]

Life in the old dog yet eh!

June 19, 2015
Pos. Rider Team Bike Time
1 Max Biaggi Aprilia Factory Aprilia RSV4 RF 1:35.380



Max Biaggi is 43 years old and has not raced since the final round of the 2012 WSBK season.


Amazing alright. Still... the cunning old dog has been doing a lot of testing there so the setup should be pretty much spot on. Will give Haslam a much needed boot up the arse. It's still a competitive bike.

Anyone remember Marcellino Lucchi
He was the Aprilia Part time test rider fulltime dustman
He won the Italian GP in 1998 at 42 or 43
He carried on with Aprilia until 2004
Runner up that day was Rossi
Aprilia used to give him a wild card for the Italian GP every year. the only race he generally used to do.
As a test rider for that track he often was pole anyway.
Not bad considering his first GP was 1982

[J.A.W.]

Which class are you claiming as a GP win for Lucchi in `98?

AFAIR, V.R. was a junior class rider then..

[malcy25]

Anyone remember Marcellino Lucchi
He was the Aprilia Part time test rider fulltime dustman
He won the Italian GP in 1998 at 42 or 43
He carried on with Aprilia until 2004
Runner up that day was Rossi
Aprilia used to give him a wild card for the Italian GP every year. the only race he generally used to do.
As a test rider for that track he often was pole anyway.
Not bad considering his first GP was 1982

Yeah, his full time profession was actually a rubbish collector!

[malcy25]

Which class are you claiming as a GP win for Lucchi in `98?

AFAIR, V.R. was a junior class rider then..

Rossi
1996 125
1997 125 w/champion
1998 250
1999 250 w/champion
2000 500
2001 500 w/champion
2002 onwards motogp 4 stroke

And Lucchi did beat Rossi for the win at the 98 Italian GP

[husaberg]

Yeah, his full time profession was actually a rubbish collector!

Yeah he used to take days off to test the 250's. Frits said he was a bloody nice guy well liked and respected by everyone.
Rolf Biland would have been 45 when he won his last sidecar gp championship and 47 when he won his last GP race and 49 when he actually finally retiried from Riding/driving in GP's

Jeremy McWilliams would have been 41 when he finally won his first and only GP
He was still going in moto 2, last year at 50

[Mental Trousers]

Jeremy McWilliams would have been 41 when he finally won his first and only GP
He was still going in moto 2, last year at 50

That was a one off ride he did to help out the team. Certainly highlighted how much more work they need to put into the bike in an environment where it isn't winning.

[Shaun Harris]

That was a one off ride he did to help out the team. Certainly highlighted how much more work they need to put into the bike in an environment where it isn't winning.



Sure did. JM is a really cool relaxed guy, Hard as nails but relaxed. WE destroyed a rental Van in Malaysia one year together haha, By Mistake of course!

[roogazza]

Johnny Rea World Champion 2015.

You could be forgiven for not knowing that in NZ.

[denill]

Johnny Rea World Champion 2015.

You could be forgiven for not knowing that in NZ.

And even less Kiwis know Avalon Biddle is now the 2015 European Woman's Cup Champion.........

[pritch]

Yeah I followed Avalon Biddle on Twitter in case she was updating her progress because I didn't expect to read much in the news.

Beacause I follwed Avalon, Twitter thought I might also like to follow Anastassia Kovalenko of Estonia who also races in the European Junior Cup.
She is a bright young lady, has a BA and a Master of Law, is a gifted pianist and an accomplished ballroom dancer as well as racing motor bikes.
No, I'm not rushing to follow her on Twitter
A) because I'm old and
B) because she doesn't post much. She is a busy girl after all.

Oh and a pic?

[pritch]

Happy birthday Avalon. Nice present.

[pritch]

Yamaha announce return to WSBK, Alex Lowes and Guintoli on board.

[denill]

<a Href=http://m.crash.net/wsbk/news/223325/1/yamaha-confirms-crescent-lowes-guintoli-for-wsbk.html>Will be interesting!</a>

[roogazza]

Qatar WSB
https://motomatters.com/results/2015/10/16/2015_qatar_world_superbike_fp2_results_r.html