MotoGP 2017

[speights_bud]

2017 season starting soon,

KTM entering MotoGP, Lorenzo to Ducati and Vinales to Yamaha. Should be another cracker season.

Provisional 2017 Entry list:
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2016/11/09/2017-motogp-provisional-entry-list/215493



Also, by participating in this thread you swear not to bitch about your shitty Sky coverage :motu:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Who owes me beer from last season??

[BMWST?]

not me,and i say MM will win another title this year and MV will be in the running

[Crasherfromwayback]

not me,and i say MM will win another title this year and MV will be in the running

Yep. MM for number 4 in Moto GP. As long as Honda deliver the goods so he doesn't have to over ride it to win.

Rossi 2nd for the 3rd season in a row,

MV 3rd.

Lorenzo 4th.

[Dadpole]

That is a brave call there Crasher. I agree about first place though.

[Crasherfromwayback]

That is a brave call there Crasher. I agree about first place though.

What bit of it don't you like?:Punk:

[pritch]

It'll be interesting to see how George adapts to the Ducati. He has a bigger adjustment to make than Iannone or Vinales.

While watching qualifying today the thought occurred that MM should be a good bet for next year - if Honda have been listening and their new engine is more manageable. If the new engine is still too brutal though, Rossi wouldn't be a silly bet for the championship.

Dunno why I'm worrying about next year, this season isn't over yet and it has been one of the most interesting in years.

[onearmedbandit]

Nabbed from Facebook.

[russd7]

Also, by participating in this thread you swear not to bitch about your shitty Sky coverage :motu:

who the hell would be silly enough to pay money to have a shitty sky connection :bleh:

[speights_bud]

Nabbed from Facebook.
If I were a betting man I'd be putting a few $$ on vinales. But I'm not, I'm too Scottish.

[Autech]

Here's an idea for us regular pundits of the Motogp thread.

How bout next year we have a wee wager challenge. It'd go something like this:

All participants add $50 to a TAB account, that $50 is all that can be put in for the entire season, lets see who ends the year with the most money? I've never bet on any form of racing (bar a few work do's) so it'd be a bit of a laugh for me.

Anyone keen?

[pritch]

That'd be similar to the fantasy league I used to enter, as soon as I put someone in my team their career took a nose dive. Main difference would be that this cost me $50.00 whereas the fantasy league was free, there was even a prize.

I wish y'all luck but I'll refrain.

[Dadpole]

That $50 thing sounds interesting. Is there an award for being the first to lose the lot? With my form, I am sure to be a contender.

[Drew]

I'm keen. Highest end of season account gets to keep everyone else's winnings.

[Autech]

Drew's idea has merit... Providing people actually have winnings at the end...


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[roogazza]

Drew's idea has merit... Providing people actually have winnings at the end...


I'm thinking Drew means a pool with the winner taking all , No ?

The only raffle I ever won was the national service ballot in 1969,three months in funny clothes in fucking Waiouru. (and a haircut ).

[Dadpole]

My betting history is one workplace horse racing sweep. The world owes me a dollar...

[BMWST?]

Yep. MM for number 4 in Moto GP. As long as Honda deliver the goods so he doesn't have to over ride it to win.

Rossi 2nd for the 3rd season in a row,

MV 3rd.

Lorenzo 4th.

I will have a crack at emptying your beer fridge Crasher..i wager that MV finishes higher than VR......prolly a year too soon but ........

[Autech]

I'm thinking Drew means a pool with the winner taking all , No ?

The only raffle I ever won was the national service ballot in 1969,three months in funny clothes in fucking Waiouru. (and a haircut ).

Ok just for props then? See who picks the best


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[Dadpole]

I am up for it. Now all I have to do is work out how the TAB thing works before the start of next season. I will be keeping my winnings (more likely losses) though.

[sugilite]

I'm going with....
MM
MV
VR
DP
AI
Dovi
JL

[Dadpole]

That is a daring selection. How could anyone leave multiple winner Crutchlow off their list?

[Drew]

I'm struggling to pick a top five in order. That's a very good thing in terms of entertainment, not great for TAB.

Marquez
Vinales
Iannone
Rossi
Dovi

I'm confident those are the correct riders come end of 2017, I have less faith in the order.

[pritch]

Brave picks so far, but I take it y'all have concluded that Dall'Igna won't be able to provide George with the edge grip he needs? I was concerned that Gigi admitted the bike still doesn't turn well, they have had enough time now.

The Honda engineers seem to have a thing about their "new" frame, the one that has been around since mid season. MM and DP tried it, didn't like it, didn't want it. Honda asked Crutchlow to use it, he didn't mind it, he used it, and he won on it. Now Honda has the other satelite bikes trying it, still not the Repsol bikes though.

A blast from the past, a short clip of Hailwood on the MV in Belgium. Runoff? What runoff?
https://twitter.com/Silodrome/status/799049927871512576

The clip seems to open with teh sound turned down by default. Hailwood is talking - about driving. Maybe that's why?

[Drew]

I think that if Ducati were going to make a bike that wad rideable, they'd have done it by now.

The wings made it competitive, and now they're gone. So they've just wasted two seasons development.

[pritch]

To assist with your picks? Or possibly to add to the confusion?

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2016/11/18/running_the_numbers_analyzing_the_test.html

[Dadpole]

Trying to pick a top 5 for '17 is doing my head in. Far too many what-ifs based on the two days of testing with new bikes for some.

I will have to stick with Marquez for the title though. :confused:

[speights_bud]

It pains me, but just to be different. I hope I am wrong...

MV
MM
VR
DP
CC
JL
AD
AI

I would really like to see Crutchlow higher up.

And MM to be on the top would be what I'd like to see, sooner he gets to 9 championships the sooner Harris can fuck off about his boyfriend....

[BMWST?]

Mm
mv
vr
jl
dp
ai
ad
cc

[sugilite]

That is a daring selection. How could anyone leave multiple winner Crutchlow off their list?
Because he crashes a lot.

[Dadpole]

Because he crashes a lot.

Granted, he may spend more time in the gravel than on the track. Good entertainment value though.

MM
VR
MV
AI
DP
JL
AD

PS:
Quote from speights_bud

"And MM to be on the top would be what I'd like to see, sooner he gets to 9 championships the sooner Harris can fuck off about his boyfriend.... "

Could anyone handle another four years of Nick Harris? :killingme

[pritch]

Listened to David Emmett speaking in a podcast last night. He was saying that the Yamaha is still probably the best bike on the grid when grip is good. If the temperature drops, or grip is reduced for any other reason, it loses its advantage. The coming season should be interesting, because unless something different comes to light over winter, the advantage will shift from make to make as conditions and tracks vary.

I note that the young Aussie Harry Lloyd, who briefly worked for Dorna but now does PR for Mahindra, is still doing commentary work on the side. He and Dakota Mamola cover the CIV races. Dorna are apparently training young commentary team talent.

MM
VR
MV
JL
CC

Or ?

A word of support for Crutchlow, his placing in the standings for '16 is misleading. Half way through the season he had scored very few points. His score in the second half of the season was verging on mammoth. If he carries on where he left off he will finish waaaay higher in the standings next season. If...

[roogazza]

Listened to David Emmett speaking in a podcast last night. He was saying that the Yamaha is still probably the best bike on the grid when grip is good. If the temperature drops, or grip is reduced for any other reason, it loses its advantage. The coming season should be interesting, because unless something different comes to light over winter, the advantage will shift from make to make as conditions and tracks vary.

I note that the young Aussie Harry Lloyd, who briefly worked for Dorna but now does PR for Mahindra, is still doing commentary work on the side. He and Dakota Mamola cover the CIV races. Dorna are apparently training young commentary team talent.

MM
VR
MV
JL
CC

Or ?

A word of support for Crutchlow, his placing in the standings for '16 is misleading. Half way through the season he had scored very few points. His score in the second half of the season was verging on mammoth. If he carries on where he left off he will finish waaaay higher in the standings next season. If...

Great news re the commentary training pritch(maybe the result of peoples frustrations ?)Whatever, the Death Nel of bloody Harris and his band?

I'm thinking the opposite of Crashalot, unless the weather next year is real shit again.Too much talent coming up for 2017. Can't see us having 47 different winners again in a hurry ? :rolleyes:

[pritch]

I'm thinking the opposite of Crashalot, unless the weather next year is real shit again. Too much talent coming up for 2017.

Perhaps. The new talent has to adapt to the big kids' bikes though. I can still remember Jorge launching himself skyward in spectacular fashion as he made the adjustment. The young dudes might be more of a threat in 2018?

Of course it is possible, if not exactly likely, that Aprilia or KTM might pull a rabbit out of a hat and stuff up all of our calculations.

Also the Phillip Island race was not run in shit weather. Practice was, but not the race.

[roogazza]

Perhaps. The new talent has to adapt to the big kids' bikes though. I can still remember Jorge launching himself skyward in spectacular fashion as he made the adjustment. The young dudes might be more of a threat in 2018?

Of course it is possible, if not exactly likely, that Aprilia or KTM might pull a rabbit out of a hat and stuff up all of our calculations.

Also the Phillip Island race was not run in shit weather. Practice was, but not the race.

Surely our gods won't give us a repeat of 2016 ?
I'll add tyre combos to the weather, for the strange winners this year ? One affecting the other.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I will have a crack at emptying your beer fridge Crasher..i wager that MV finishes higher than VR......prolly a year too soon but ........

I'm not one to shy away from bets...but right now, I'm not sure where I'm gonna live for the forseable future. We're one of the many that have been evacuated from our apartment, and finding short/med term accom in Wellington is pretty much impossible right now.

[Hemi Makutu]

I think that if Ducati were going to make a bike that wad rideable, they'd have done it by now.

The wings made it competitive, and now they're gone. So they've just wasted two seasons development.

If Ducati really need that aero-downforce, they'll put the necessary strakes within a bulged outer fairing skin..

[Dadpole]

You have my sympathy Crasher. It will be a bastard trying to find a place to live right now. I can offer you a shed, but the commute might be a bit far.

Pitch a tent outside the Council building until they pull finger.

[Drew]

If Ducati really need that aero-downforce, they'll put the necessary strakes within a bulged outer fairing skin..

I'm pretty sure that if you push air through a tunnel like that, any down force created by wings inside will be relative to the outer skin only. So it would cancel itself out entirely.

[Drew]

I'm not one to shy away from bets...but right now, I'm not sure where I'm gonna live for the forseable future. We're one of the many that have been evacuated from our apartment, and finding short/med term accom in Wellington is pretty much impossible right now.
Got a bed for you and your lady here in Tawa if ya need it champ. Sure you've had plenty of offers of the same already.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Got a bed for you and your lady here in Tawa if ya need it champ. Sure you've had plenty of offers of the same already.

Appreciate that. Without being an ungrateful cunt..I really need to be in town for a variety of reasons. I have Lisa's daughter to consider as well. Cheers though.

[Hemi Makutu]

I'm pretty sure that if you push air through a tunnel like that, any down force created by wings inside will be relative to the outer skin only. So it would cancel itself out entirely.

Somehow, I think the Audi DTM aerodynamics engineers might disagree with you there Drew..

& here's a view of how its done by the top team in the - highly restricted - open-wheel F1 scene..

http://cdn-1.motorsport.com/images/mgl/YP4zWnGY/s8/f1-giorgio-piola-technical-analysis-2016-mercedes-bargeboards.jpg

[Autech]

A word of support for Crutchlow, his placing in the standings for '16 is misleading. Half way through the season he had scored very few points. His score in the second half of the season was verging on mammoth. If he carries on where he left off he will finish waaaay higher in the standings next season. If...

Which was about when Honda gave him the frame that Pedrosa and Marquez biffed. The very same frame which they gave Miller and Rabat in the Valencia test and they both went 1.5secs quicker on it and raved about how much of an improvement it was over what they had been using all year.
Makes ya wonder how fucking hard that Honda must be to ride. Manxkiwi once said to me that its easy to sit here going: "*insert rider here* is shit always biffing it down the road etc etc when for all we know sitting on our couch is the bike they have been given and set up is rubbish" (paraphrased).

[roogazza]

If Ducati really need that aero-downforce, they'll put the necessary strakes within a bulged outer fairing skin..

With their outright speed they could afford to drop a bit of it with fairing size,maybe you are right ?

I'm sure they're fluffing around with ideas,Ducati seem to believe in it?

[BMWST?]

I'm not one to shy away from bets...but right now, I'm not sure where I'm gonna live for the forseable future. We're one of the many that have been evacuated from our apartment, and finding short/med term accom in Wellington is pretty much impossible right now.
wow really sorry to hear that mate.Hope all works out asap!

[Cosmik de Bris]

If Ducati really need that aero-downforce, they'll put the necessary strakes within a bulged outer fairing skin..

I believe the new regulations control the fairing design which must be homologated with only one change permitted in the year.

[Crasherfromwayback]

You have my sympathy Crasher. It will be a bastard trying to find a place to live right now. I can offer you a shed, but the commute might be a bit far.

Pitch a tent outside the Council building until they pull finger.


wow really sorry to hear that mate.Hope all works out asap!

Cheers men! Cunt of situation really. I've been in constant contact with Justin Lester, and he got a Phil Becker of WCC to call me. The guy tells me, with 100% certainty, that there's no way under the health and safety act, that they can let me into my apartment, even for 5 mins to gather some personal possessions. I then see on Stuff, that Steve Tew and his Cronies were allowed access to a condemned building to retrieve some fucking trophies. I've asked for clarification of course.

[pritch]

News from Moto2 testing: Brad Binder has broken his arm. Jorge Navarro has dislocated a shoulder. One report said that Navarro dislocated the shoulder while trying to control the bike rather than when he hit the ground.

While neither of them will be very happy about their injuries, better now than mid season.

[Hemi Makutu]

I believe the new regulations control the fairing design which must be homologated with only one change permitted in the year.

In which case:

A, they'd better get it right 1st time.

&,

B, it shows how stupid FIM/Dorna are getting - by aping the tight-as F1 regs pattern...

[Dadpole]

Before F1 clamped down on the aero, the cars could not get close to each other. Slipstreaming was out as they lost all downforce and braking. Who would want to see MotoGP where the bikes have a 'bubble' that is a no-go zone for others.

The simplest way is to ban wings rather than have an entire rule book just for aero?

[Hemi Makutu]

Before F1 clamped down on the aero, the cars could not get close to each other. Slipstreaming was out as they lost all downforce and braking. Who would want to see MotoGP where the bikes have a 'bubble' that is a no-go zone for others.

The simplest way is to ban wings rather than have an entire rule book just for aero?

Too many bans already.. starting with 2Ts.. & moving on to anything else - except 4 cylinders/6 speed box..

IMO, the top race formula should not be such a contrived spec class..

[Autech]

Cheers men! Cunt of situation really. I've been in constant contact with Justin Lester, and he got a Phil Becker of WCC to call me. The guy tells me, with 100% certainty, that there's no way under the health and safety act, that they can let me into my apartment, even for 5 mins to gather some personal possessions. I then see on Stuff, that Steve Tew and his Cronies were allowed access to a condemned building to retrieve some fucking trophies. I've asked for clarification of course.

Ahh, but your peasant needs concern them not!


Too many bans already.. starting with 2Ts.. & moving on to anything else - except 4 cylinders/6 speed box..

IMO, the top race formula should not be such a contrived spec class..

Nah, I was against the wings from the outset, I'd hate to be out on track racing close only to get clipped by yet another sticky out bit on someones bike. Add the extra issues mentioned with the instability behind the bikes in the braking zone and you're going to effect the racing, which is what pays the bills and gets fans watching.
I'm sure the Ducati will be fine without the wings as what they lose on the exit of the corners they will gain in making the bike easier to ride going by the reports of the Andrea's on how hard it was to turn. There's got to be a more elegant was of creating the front downforce too, be interesting to see how they get around it. One thing is for sure is that every time they try and reduce costs the manufacturers spend more money on work arounds.

Was quite funny I was talking to a F1 nut :tugger: recently about racing and their DRS etc, he said it'll be on bikes soon enough.
I told him: mate, bikes invented DRS and the air brake well before cars and have been using it for years. He goes "Oh really, didn't know that" I said "Yeah, on the straights the rider tucks under the screen = DRS deployed. In the braking zones the rider sits up = Air brake deployed."

[Dadpole]

In the braking zones the rider sits up = Air brake deployed."

I think it is Mir in Moto3 who does that so well. The others straighten up while he pops up like a meth fueled jack-in-the-box. entertaining to watch indeed.

[jasonu]

I'm not one to shy away from bets...but right now, I'm not sure where I'm gonna live for the forseable future. We're one of the many that have been evacuated from our apartment, and finding short/med term accom in Wellington is pretty much impossible right now.

I notice you don't have any trouble finding a computer or wifi to use...

[jasonu]

Was quite funny I was talking to a F1 nut :tugger: recently about racing and their DRS etc, he said it'll be on bikes soon enough.
I told him: mate, bikes invented DRS and the air brake well before cars and have been using it for years. He goes "Oh really, didn't know that" I said "Yeah, on the straights the rider tucks under the screen = DRS deployed. In the braking zones the rider sits up = Air brake deployed."

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[Crasherfromwayback]

I notice you don't have any trouble finding a computer or wifi to use...

Aye. Staying at a friends apartment till Saturday. Fucked after that. Have access here at work obviously too.

[Hemi Makutu]

Nah, I was against the wings from the outset, I'd hate to be out on track racing close only to get clipped by yet another sticky out bit on someones bike. Add the extra issues mentioned with the instability behind the bikes in the braking zone and you're going to effect the racing, which is what pays the bills and gets fans watching.
I'm sure the Ducati will be fine without the wings as what they lose on the exit of the corners they will gain in making the bike easier to ride going by the reports of the Andrea's on how hard it was to turn. There's got to be a more elegant was of creating the front downforce too, be interesting to see how they get around it. One thing is for sure is that every time they try and reduce costs the manufacturers spend more money on work arounds.


What actual evidence was there shown to support the "instability behind bikes in the braking zone" - anyhow?

Ducati will have the parent company's racing aero-engineering input to assist, with Audi having GTE/GT3 & DTM racing
experience at getting non-downforce road vehicles to make some, for racing purposes..

[pritch]

Aye. Staying at a friends apartment till Saturday. Fucked after that. Have access here at work obviously too.

Tonight on the TV One news there was a guy interviewed, name of Pete. His circumstances are remarkably similar to those of our Pete. Can't be him though, he never mentioned the NZRFU trophies.:whistle:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Tonight on the TV One news there was a guy interviewed, name of Pete. His circumstances are remarkably similar to those of our Pete. Can't be him though, he never mentioned the NZRFU trophies.:whistle:

I sure did. But they always edit it to how they want it to be

[pritch]

What actual evidence was there shown to support the "instability behind bikes in the braking zone" - anyhow?


The riders complained about their bikes becoming unstable if they were in the slipstream of a winged bike. I don't know what you require as "actual evidence", nobody has suggested they were imagining the instability. Yet.

One rider, can't remember who, got whacked by the wing on another bike which made his leg numb. Following another incident there were wings left on the track. The riders have enough to concentrate on without unnecessary complications. Anyway the wings were fucking ugly, I will drink to their demise.:drinkup:

[Hemi Makutu]

The riders complained about their bikes becoming unstable if they were in the slipstream of a winged bike. I don't know what you require as "actual evidence", nobody has suggested they were imagining the instability. Yet.

One rider, can't remember who, got whacked by the wing on another bike which made his leg numb. Following another incident there were wings left on the track. The riders have enough to concentrate on without unnecessary complications. Anyway the wings were fucking ugly, I will drink to their demise.:drinkup:


Sounds a bit too much like hearsay to me.. & Dani didn't use them because he is.. ah, ok, face it.. he is a pygmy..

AFAIR, M.M. went closest to being collected by one, but didn't ever whinge about it..

& they flew about like paper plates at a windy Wellie beach barbie - whenever the bikes were thrown down the road..

[mulletman]

Interview with Mr Nakamoto .

http://www.sportrider.com/motogp-exit-interview-with-retiring-hrc-vp-shuhei-nakamoto-will-surprise-you

[jasonu]

. Anyway the wings were fucking ugly, :

Tru dat sista!!!!!

[Drew]

The riders complained about their bikes becoming unstable if they were in the slipstream of a winged bike. I don't know what you require as "actual evidence", nobody has suggested they were imagining the instability. YetNobody's bike got unstable while slipstreaming the Ducati for fuck sake. Nothing could keep up with the thing, even in the draft.

One rider, can't remember who, got whacked by the wing on another bike which made his leg numb. Following another incident there were wings left on the track. The riders have enough to concentrate on without unnecessary complications. Anyway the wings were fucking ugly, I will drink to their demise.:drinkup:
Tru dat sista!!!!!

I grew to quite like the look.

[pritch]

Nobody's bike got unstable while slipstreaming the Ducati for fuck sake. Nothing could keep up with the thing, even in the draft.


From a crash.net interview with Crutchlow talking about wings, “When you ride behind the Ducati... The turbulence off the things is unreal. If you see Pedrosa in Phillip Island, I was behind Pedrosa and he was behind Iannone, honestly I thought he was going to come off it in sixth gear. Because he got a shake on, but then he came out of the bubble.”

But hey! That might just be hearsay. :whistle:

That interview with Nakamoto is very interesting and possibly more forthright than it might otherwise have been because he is retiring. His special interest is chassis design which may go some way to explain why, after the Repsol riders had rejected the new frame, he got Crutchlow to persevere, and now Miller and Rabat are using it too.

[Badjelly]

Nabbed from Facebook.

Build the wall! Build the wall! Build the wall! :laugh:

[Badjelly]

I noticed this in the interview with Shuhei Nakamoto:


We tried several things and now I am very happy because our machine is faster than Yamaha in the cornering sections. You can check the data in all circuits. Especially in tight corners. Our machine is always faster. Overall lap times are very similar, but sometimes Marc (Marquez) has a few tenths advantage and this is always due to the effectiveness of our bike in the cornering areas.

Ah, excuse me, Nakamoto-San, but have you considered the possibility that this is due to the effectiveness of Marc Marquez?

[Moise]

So JL wants Stoner in his garage next year. http://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/lorenzo-interested-in-expanded-ducati-role-for-stoner-852460/

It will be interesting to see if Ducati can "persuade" him to do it.

Sent from somewhere using Tapatalk

[pritch]

Eugene Laverty was using his brother as a 'spotter/coach'. Rossi has one. Stoner would be a great choice but it might have to rain gold bars to get him move to Italy. Capirossi may not be quite such a good choice but he's probably a lot more accessible.

[onearmedbandit]

I think Capirossi is already a little busy.

[pritch]

The TAB odds here usually strike me as miserly, they certainly don't tempt me to take a punt.

These are reportedly Brit bookies odds on some of the riders:

mm 7/4
mv 3/1
vr 10/3
jl 4/1
ad 14/1
dp 14/1
ai 14/1
ar 66/1
cc 80/1

Interesting rankings, similar to some of ours at the top end. Twitter consensus seems to be that those odds are insulting to Crutchlow, inspiring a few to take a punt each way on him. That'd tempt me too.

[Autech]

Dangerous combo Stoner n JL


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[pritch]

Brad Binder's injury is nasty. A fracture of that type usually requires surgery and assorted ironmongery. If you are really curious Google Galeazzi fracture.

[Mental Trousers]

Brad Binders injury is nasty. A fracture of that type usually requires surgery and assorted ironmongery. If you are really curious Google Galeazzi fracture.

A fracture/break and a dislocation in one. That's gonna be a bitch.

[Hemi Makutu]

From a crash.net interview with Crutchlow talking about wings, “When you ride behind the Ducati... The turbulence off the things is unreal. If you see Pedrosa in Phillip Island, I was behind Pedrosa and he was behind Iannone, honestly I thought he was going to come off it in sixth gear. Because he got a shake on, but then he came out of the bubble.”

But hey! That might just be hearsay. :whistle:


Not likely what with Dr Cal being a fully fledged aeronautical engineer.. oh wait.. no, he aint..

& you might recall that at P.Is. in bygone days..

When they were also getting all 'flighty' down that chute - the much lighter Honda 2T G.P. bikes had multiple holes drilled in their fairings..

No one was ( or could be) blaming tiny winglets back then..

[BMWST?]

Not likely what with Dr Cal being a fully fledged aeronautical engineer.. oh wait.. no, he aint..

& you might recall that at P.Is. in bygone days..

When they were also getting all 'flighty' down that chute - the much lighter Honda 2T G.P. bikes had multiple holes drilled in their fairings..

No one was ( or could be) blaming tiny winglets back then..
you are no more qualified than the rest of us to comment on the aero qualities of winged motogp bikes

[Crasherfromwayback]

When they were also getting all 'flighty' down that chute - the much lighter Honda 2T G.P. bikes had multiple holes drilled in their fairings..

No one was ( or could be) blaming tiny winglets back then..

They drilled holes in the fairings on bikes of all sizes to combat the crosswinds. Years ago, I had to remove the belly pan on my 250 to let the wind go under the bike.

[pritch]

They drilled holes in the fairings on bikes of all sizes to combat the crosswinds. Years ago, I had to remove the belly pan on my 250 to let the wind go under the bike.

Yep. I'm sure I've seen the holes in the fairings of MotoGP bikes.

This from Mat Oxley: http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/one-motogp-season-more-thousand-crashes

The pic contains times from the private test at Jerez, a mixed test, some from both MotoGP and WSBK. The times are close but the point was made that Jerez is a tight circuit and the GP bikes couldn't use their extra power to advantage.

[Autech]

Yep. I'm sure I've seen the holes in the fairings of MotoGP bikes.

This from Mat Oxley: http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/one-motogp-season-more-thousand-crashes

The pic contains times from the private test at Jerez, a mixed test, some from both MotoGP and WSBK. The times are close but the point was made that Jerez is a tight circuit and the GP bikes couldn't use their extra power to advantage.

That and Rea is the WSBK version of an Alien :D

[pritch]

That and Rea is the WSBK version of an Alien :D

Yeah that is impressive. There were video clips on Twitter: Miller had the big bang engine, noticeably deeper tone (and Repsol wheels?), the KTM sounds mean, presumably not big bang?

Here a pic of Lorenzo with perforated fairing. The shot may be from Phillip Island because he has the optional extra seagull fitted?

[malcy25]

They drilled holes in the fairings on bikes of all sizes to combat the crosswinds. Years ago, I had to remove the belly pan on my 250 to let the wind go under the bike.

That was one of the first places that they drilled fairings IIRC. Can get pretty full on windy there and they were doing everything they can to keep them on track.

I've cacked myself a few times mostly at PI. Lukey Heights with side winds under the bike. Felt like it was going to wash the front right out on me - bloody horrible. Also at Stoner and down the chute at with the side wind pushing the bike around can get exciting. I parked the bike last year on the Sunday as I had to do some big avoidance tactics coming into the braking area to stay off the grass....

[BMWST?]

Yep. I'm sure I've seen the holes in the fairings of MotoGP bikes.

This from Mat Oxley: http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/one-motogp-season-more-thousand-crashes

The pic contains times from the private test at Jerez, a mixed test, some from both MotoGP and WSBK. The times are close but the point was made that Jerez is a tight circuit and the GP bikes couldn't use their extra power to advantage.


That and Rea is the WSBK version of an Alien :D

apparently its also quite cold.Michelins not working 100 percent

[speights_bud]

Here a pic of Lorenzo with perforated fairing. The shot may be from Phillip Island because he has the optional extra seagull fitted?

Sure was PI, I remember taking the pic because I saw they didn't even bother to de-burr the inside holes....

326466

[sugilite]

Wow, Rea beating up the motogp bikes - wtf! :crazy: So what if the track has no straights - the motogp bikes are lighter, better brakes and better electronics (maybe???)
Test times here (http://www.crash.net/motogp/results/235381/1/jerez-motogpworldsbk-test-times-thursday.html).

[pritch]

Yeah, even more mingled than yesterday.

http://gpxtra.com/2016/11/24/jonathan-rea-tops-combined-jerez-test-bautista-leads-gp-men/

[Autech]

Yeah, even more mingled than yesterday.

http://gpxtra.com/2016/11/24/jonathan-rea-tops-combined-jerez-test-bautista-leads-gp-men/

Fuck, good enough for pole position in the 16 motogp? GET IN!

How many world titles will he rack up on that kwaka I wonder?

[roogazza]

Wow, Rea beating up the motogp bikes - wtf! :crazy: So what if the track has no straights - the motogp bikes are lighter, better brakes and better electronics (maybe???)
Test times here (http://www.crash.net/motogp/results/235381/1/jerez-motogpworldsbk-test-times-thursday.html).

Rea is great huh ? But if you look at who was there only the slower half of the GP paddock.
Like the Q1 fellas ? Iannone was there for a little bit ,but went home.
There was talk of cooler temps affecting the Michelins too.Hope they get that shit sorted before next year or we'll have another year with, what was it 9 different winners ?
You have to know that if Crashalot and Millar get wins something untoward has occured ?
God forbid if we got Bwadley on the podium next year.(what was he 22nd in that test ?).:laugh::bleh:

[Cosmik de Bris]

Cheers men! Cunt of situation really. I've been in constant contact with Justin Lester, and he got a Phil Becker of WCC to call me. The guy tells me, with 100% certainty, that there's no way under the health and safety act, that they can let me into my apartment, even for 5 mins to gather some personal possessions. I then see on Stuff, that Steve Tew and his Cronies were allowed access to a condemned building to retrieve some fucking trophies. I've asked for clarification of course.

Yeah officious bastards. It was like that down here, you couldn't go into your own place to retrieve valuables etc while those with uniforms or arm-bands looted your stuff.

[pritch]

Early this morning I read something that I hadn't considered previously, it may have been Oxley but I couldn't find it when I checked.

In the past I've had a couple of high stress jobs and it's common for people operating in a high stress situation for a protracted period to have nightmares related to the experience.

The item this morning was saying that the racers have nightmares about high sides and other crashes. With the GP guys having racked up over a thousand disgraceful dismounts over the past season that's a lot of nightmare material. They find it embarrassing when they drop off to sleep on an airline flight then awake with an almighty start following another high side dream to find the other passengers staring at them in alarm.

I can see why. :yes:

[speights_bud]

Early this morning I read something that I hadn't considered previously, it may have been Oxley but I couldn't find it when I checked.

In the past I've had a couple of high stress jobs and it's common for people operating in a high stress situation for a protracted period to have nightmares related to the experience.

The item this morning was saying that the racers have nightmares about high sides and other crashes. With the GP guys having racked up over a thousand disgraceful dismounts over the past season that's a lot of nightmare material. They find it embarrassing when they drop off to sleep on an airline flight then awake with an almighty start following another high side dream to find the other passengers staring at them in alarm.

I can see why. :yes:
I have experienced this myself...

It was never an issue until talking to a close mate who had nightmares about several of his bad highsides racing.

Then about 3 weeks later I started reliving a some of my doozies. Bad enough to wake up the Mrs. Think of the 'falling nightmare' but worse.

Goddam overactive engineer brain that is hard enough to switch off at the best of times really doesn't help. Hasn't happened for a long time now, but if it does again I'm blaming you!

[pritch]

In case you were wondering how come a Superbike beat MotoGP bikes, Mr Rea's effort has had other people contemplating his performance too.


http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/superbikes/wsb-bike-faster-motogp-bike

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2016/11/28/jerez_test_analysis_would_jonathan_rea.html

[pritch]

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/how-motogp-traction-control-works


https://motomatters.com/news/2016/12/09/motogp_rule_tweaks_intermediate_tires_go.html

[Berries]

2017 Honda pictures released. (https://www.kiddimoto.co.uk/product/balance-bikes/marc-marquez/)

And the Yam. (https://www.kiddimoto.co.uk/product/balance-bikes/valentino-rossi/)

[roogazza]

327046

Roll on March 2017, (or is that April ?).
Whatever, Have a safe Christmas whatever you're doing !!!! :drinkup:

[Mental Trousers]

I'm wondering what I'll end up downloading to fill the gap while I wait for the 2017 MotoGP season. My off-season track record isn't good.

[pritch]

Nobody was posting so I thought nobody was interested in racing. Marquez won the Superprestigio Sunday morning our time, Tony Elias was second. Brad the Bullet didn't feature at the front in the final because of a wrong tyre choice.

Tony Elias was considered by most to be a dark horse but I had seen at least one report that said he would be very fast. So he was - once he sorted his setup.

The latest Paddock Pass podcast apparently discusses the event in detail. There is usually a link from the Motomatters site.

Sixty countries covered it live on TV or by streaming. NZ was not one of them. I really do need to polish my VPN skills.

[pritch]

A new rule change has been announced. It affects only riders who qualify for Q2 from Q1 - they will be permitted to access an additional soft tyre. The overall allocation does not increase, they will have to swap a hard tyre for the soft.

This situation faced by these riders was mentioned frequently in the commentaries since the adoption of the current format. So if there is a surprise, it is only that it took so long to fix.

Michelin have arranged that tyre choices will be transmitted wirelessly from each ECU to the pits, to Race Direction, and thence to the commentary teams. The painted markings were considered difficult to see.

[BMWST?]

A new rule change has been announced. It affects only riders who qualify for Q2 from Q1 - they will be permitted to access an additional soft tyre. The overall allocation does not increase, they will have to swap a hard tyre for the soft.

This situation was mentioned frequently in the commentary, so if there is a surprise it is only that it took so long.

Michelin have arranged that tyre choices will be transmitted wirelessly from each ECU to the pits and to Race Direction and thence to the commentary teams. The painted markings were considered difficult to read.

yep latest paddock pass podcast discuss the barcelona event,and they have a guest who covers the american flatrack scene.THe tyre information is also supposed to make it onto tv screens and maybe the live timing screens.
BT sport podcast have had an interview with Marques and Zarco there is now a interview with Binder available

[pritch]

The EU upsets people with their constant stream of regulations that delve into all facets of life, intentionally or otherwise. Currently they have motorsport authorities concerned.

A Slovenian (from memory) name of Mr Vnuk was working up a ladder in a farm courtyard. A trailer connected to a tractor hit the ladder resulting in injury to Mr Vnuk.
Due to a technicality, feel free to look it up if you are interested, the insurance company would not pay out.

A European court has considered this and as a result the European parliament is introducing a law requiring all motor vehicles to be fully covered for third party damage at all times. The Insurance Council of Britain has advised motor sport representatives that a risk of that nature is too high to insure. The logical conclusion is no motor sport could take place in Britain should the new law be passed. (While Britain remains in the EU anyway.)

Motorsport people in Ireland though are also concerned and have contacted at least one of their MEPs to in an effort to ascertain exactly what is proposed. Other countries will no doubt be expressing concern but we don't read that because the details are not in English - yet.

Hopefully this can be sorted before it becomes a problem but it does have the potential to be very serious.

[Mental Trousers]

The worst case is there's no more motorsport in England and Europe. No more MotoGP, WorldSBK, WRC, F1 (although maybe Bernie will insure them ....), DTM, British Touring Cars etc. The list is huge.

Can't see it happening though.

[roogazza]

We're fucked ! give me the 1970s' any day !:scooter::yes::woohoo::innocent::Punk::yawn:

[BMWST?]

i can see indemnity forms becoming mandatory for everyone

[Drew]

i can see indemnity forms becoming mandatory for everyone

Ummm. Like we do already?

[onearmedbandit]

i can see indemnity forms becoming mandatory for everyone

I'm guessing it would be considered something that you couldn't contract out of, like for example the Consumers Guarantees Act here. Sign all the forms you want exonerating you or your business from liability, it wouldn't make a lick of difference in court.

[pritch]

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2017/01/01/10_things_to_look_forward_to_in_2017.html

[pritch]

If it comes off...

http://www.bikesportnews.com/news/news-detail/triumph-set-to-sign-engine-supply-deal-for-moto2

[Dadpole]

750 triple... I think that would fit the bill nicely.

Will it match the Honda reliability level though? That question should start a fight. :banana: Let the stories of the exploding Triumph begin.

My task is to throw petrol on the flames and sell tickets.

[pritch]

Will it match the Honda reliability level though?

That is the $64,000 dollar question. Dorna wanted more power from the Honda engines, but Honda wouldn't do it because it would compromise reliability. I hope Triumph are staunch enough to resist Dorna's demands too.

The Honda engines dont go to Moto2 direct, there is a facility in Europe where they are all stripped and rebuilt to be as near as possible identical in power output.
Presumably the Triumph engines will also undergo this process. If they start going bang though we can assume perhaps not?

The Honda engines have been amazingly reliable.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Great stuff. The triples sound much better too!

[roogazza]

327763 Not long now !!!!!!

[Badjelly]

I've never really shared the contempt that many people have expressed for the Moto2 engines. OK, so they're not 250 2-strokes, but they're served the purpose well, I think, namely delivering reasonable power to everyone at a cheap price. However I think everyone agrees that they would be better if they were a bit narrower, a bit more powerful and sounded nicer. A 750 triple could address all 3 areas.

The Honda engines have been astonishingly reliable, but also astonishingly consistent. I understand there's a complicated process to follow if a team thinks they have a dud one. Has any team ever done that? Has any team ever been successful in proving the engine was a dud?

[pritch]

I understand there's a complicated process to follow if a team thinks they have a dud one. Has any team ever done that? Has any team ever been successful in proving the engine was a dud?

Dunno. I can see that a lot of riders would like to say they had a dud engine if their lap times were a bit down, but from the look of the following item the engine guys would know if they were bullshitting. The two hour dyno test run, the subsequent checks, and the data from each session or race would tell the story?
http://www.mcnews.com.au/moto2-engine-preparation-behind-scenes/

[Mental Trousers]

I've never really shared the contempt that many people have expressed for the Moto2 engines. OK, so they're not 250 2-strokes, but they're served the purpose well, I think, namely delivering reasonable power to everyone at a cheap price. However I think everyone agrees that they would be better if they were a bit narrower, a bit more powerful and sounded nicer. A 750 triple could address all 3 areas.

The physical size, weight and layout of the CBR engine has meant they've ended up with bikes similar to SuperSports but with less power and a stiffer frame. They have a lot more in common with production bikes than they do with GP bikes.

There's nothing wrong with the amount of power the CBR engines were putting out, but that amount of power should be coming from a much more compact, lighter engine that's much easier to create a bike around.

However, I'll be very interested to see how the Triumph triples go. I do think it's a step forward.

[Autech]

However, I'll be very interested to see how the Triumph triples go. I do think it's a step forward.

It's what the class needs for a shake up, it went from being my fav class to watch to the one that I skip. I never really watched the 250GP bikes so I have no idea if the racing was as good, but to begin with there was some fantastic battles.

Triumph will have to work hard to compete with the reliability of the Honda donks though, they've been top notch I don't ever recall one failing in a race.

Not long to go now, when's the next testing?

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'll just leave this here for Old Oscar...

http://superbikeplanet.com/2017/Jan/sp4/20170108-1702.htm

G.O.A.T be fucked.

[merv]

Wow, Surtees record is more incredible than I imagined.

[pritch]

Wow, Surtees record is more incredible than I imagined.

That's where a list like that can be misleading. Surtees was an ace, but for years he and his team mate John Hartle had the only factory bikes in the top two classes: 350 & 500. Factory MV fours against privateer Brit singles.

I'm not sure if team orders were a thing in those days, but I don't recall ever reading about Hartle scrapping with Surtees during a race.

Like the guy who compiled the list intended though, it's OK to argue about over a beer, real or virtual. :drinkup:

[Crasherfromwayback]

That's where a list like that can be misleading. Surtees was an ace, but for years he and his team mate John Hartle had the only factory bikes in the top two classes: 350 & 500. Factory MV fours against privateer Brit singles.

:

And like how Rossi only ever raced full factory bikes vs Stoners first season on a sat bike and tyres...be even worse for old mate then! :baby:

[KawasakiKid]

I'll just leave this here for Old Oscar...

http://superbikeplanet.com/2017/Jan/sp4/20170108-1702.htm

G.O.A.T be fucked.


Interesting stats. For me, Hailwood is the GOAT. Very closely followed by Ago. Third and again close is Rossi. Then is much more difficult, I could name my top 20 but after these 3 the order is not so clear

[Crasherfromwayback]

Interesting stats. For me, Hailwood is the GOAT.

I'd have to agree with that. Then for me, Doohan. Stoner and MM for the most exciting to watch on the bike, along with KS.

[KawasakiKid]

I'd have to agree with that. Then for me, Doohan. Stoner and MM for the most exciting to watch on the bike, along with KS.

You should have seen King Kenny

[Crasherfromwayback]

You should have seen King Kenny

I would have loved to. Def one of my racing favs.

[pritch]

And like how Rossi only ever raced full factory bikes vs Stoners first season on a sat bike and tyres...be even worse for old mate then! :baby:

Wouldn't have made any difference if Stoner had a factory bike in his first year, he couldn't keep the bloody thing shiny side up anyway.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Wouldn't have made any difference if Stoner had a factory bike in his first year, he couldn't keep the bloody thing shiny side up anyway.

Yeah. Started out well then kinda lost his way eh. Wonder if the tyres he was being supplied went down in quality? Tin foil hat at the ready!

[pritch]

Interesting stats. For me, Hailwood is the GOAT. Very closely followed by Ago. Third and again close is Rossi. Then is much more difficult, I could name my top 20 but after these 3 the order is not so clear

Nah. Ago was another who had the advantage at times of having the only factory bike, lapping the entire field, winning by minutes.

Hailwood though rode anything and everything. Although he did have a golden start. Back when the Honda 250 fours were new his dad paid huge money to buy him one. He then the only one in private hands, big step up from his NSU 250, but had the talent to carry it on.

Rossi too had advantages, tyres for one. All three of those guys made the most of their opportunities. I wouldn't rank them.

The competition now is probably tougher than it has ever been and if Suzuki can get their ducks in a row, it's could get tougher. Whoever wins these days deserves it.
We don't know how lucky we are...:whistle:


I note that Capirossi has been appointed Dorna rep in Race Direction.

[KawasakiKid]

Nah. Ago was another who had the advantage at times of having the only factory bike, lapping the entire field, winning by minutes.

Hailwood though rode anything and everything. Although he did have a golden start. Back when the Honda 250 fours were new his dad paid huge money to buy him one. He then the only one in private hands, big step up from his NSU 250, but had the talent to carry it on.

Rossi too had advantages, tyres for one. All three of those guys made the most of their opportunities. I wouldn't rank them.




So Hailwood, Ago and Rossi you would not rank?? I would say you are probably unique in the world of motorcycle racing.

So let's have your top 3 of all time, and maybe some reasons why they are the best.

[KawasakiKid]

Nah.
Hailwood ...but had the talent to carry it on.

.

Saying Mike the Bike had a bit of talent is like saying winning the lottery would be ok

[Crasherfromwayback]

Whoever wins these days deserves it.
We don't know how lucky we are...:whistle:


I note that Capirossi has been appointed Dorna rep in Race Direction.

MM for his 4th title out of 5 seasons. The irony of Capirossi being a rep of any sort. Was quite the dirty rider back in the day...

[pritch]

So Hailwood, Ago and Rossi you would not rank?? I would say you are probably unique in the world of motorcycle racing.

So let's have your top 3 of all time, and maybe some reasons why they are the best.

No. I may have expressed that badly. They are 1,2 and 3. I wouldn't try and rank them within that.

[KawasakiKid]

MM for his 4th title out of 5 seasons. The irony of Capirossi being a rep of any sort. Was quite the dirty rider back in the day...

I like to think Rossi can get #10, a big ask but possible. MM is also for sure a good chance, but maybe Lorenzo will bring Ducati home #1

I think Ducati is ready for another win, Lorenzo is not a favourite for me but his skill is not in question. Even Vinales if he is more consistent.

It will be a great year

[KawasakiKid]

No. I may have expressed that badly. They are 1,2 and 3. I wouldn't try and rank them within that.

I misunderstood, sorry

[Crasherfromwayback]

I like to think Rossi can get #10, a big ask but possible. MM is also for sure a good chance, but maybe Lorenzo will bring Ducati home #1


It will be a great year

Even though I'm not a Rossi fan, I'd still kinda like to see the Old Boy win his tenth. Like to see Lorenzo win it too to give Yamaha the finger, even though I'm no real fan. Seeing as I'm a huge MM fan I'd like to see him do it and rewrite the record books as he goes. And I'd also like tom see MV win it!

So many choice outcomes!

And as you say...

[KawasakiKid]

Even though I'm not a Rossi fan, I'd still kinda like to see the Old Boy win his tenth. Like to see Lorenzo win it too to give Yamaha the finger, even though I'm no real fan. Seeing as I'm a huge MM fan I'd like to see him do it and rewrite the record books as he goes. And I'd also like tom see MV win it!

So many choice outcomes!

And as you say...

Happy New Year Pete, sorry don't know how to use the rep function and reply.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Happy New Year Pete, sorry don't know how to use the rep function and reply.

Haha. No sweat. My year can only get better. Cheers.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Stoner's doing it tough I see...

https://www.facebook.com/officialcaseystoner/photos/a.715633741821083.1073741838.701651623219295/1369040713147046/?type=3&theater

[pritch]

Stoner's doing it tough I see...

Yeah I saw that on Twitter. It's a hard llife. Shit, it's only a few weeks since they were stooging round Italy in a Lambo or Ferrari or whatever. Now the Maldives.
Good on him.

[Dadpole]

Stoner will earn it. Imagine having to be Lorenzo's best buddy for a season..

[husaberg]

Nah. Ago was another who had the advantage at times of having the only factory bike, lapping the entire field, winning by minutes.

Hailwood though rode anything and everything. Although he did have a golden start. Back when the Honda 250 fours were new his dad paid huge money to buy him one. He then the only one in private hands, big step up from his NSU 250, but had the talent to carry it on.

Rossi too had advantages, tyres for one. All three of those guys made the most of their opportunities. I wouldn't rank them.

The competition now is probably tougher than it has ever been and if Suzuki can get their ducks in a row, it's could get tougher. Whoever wins these days deserves it.
We don't know how lucky we are...:whistle:


I note that Capirossi has been appointed Dorna rep in Race Direction.

Pitch as far as I am aware the 125 and 250 Hondas that Hailwood rode in 1961 were only loaned from Honda they, were well worn practice mounts.
Honda loaned them, as they could recognise talent, no doubt WS was also a pushy B-stard. But that was likely as much of a hinderence as a positive to Mike career
As far as i am aware WS (Stan) only provided Mike Hailwoods start up capitial and early financial support , Ecurie Sportive was actually in the black after only 18 months.
Prior to his he had already won a 125 GP (1959) He also won all 4 ACU championships in 1959
The high esteem that Hailwood is held in, is i believe totally deserved, all of his contemporaries tend to rate him as being the greatest talent they ever seen.
Honda held him in such high esteeme that they allowed him to keep his later works bikes
They also later did the same for Doohan.
Hailwood won three tts in a week twice he was actually leading in the forth until the 7R gudgeon pin broke.
By the time he had became a work MV rider at the end of 1961 he had won 250 races 220 at lap records 6 British championship and placed in 32 GP's

[pritch]

Pitch as far as I am aware the 125 and 250 Hondas that Hailwood rode in 1961 were only loaned from Honda they, were well worn practice mounts.
Honda loaned them, as they could recognise talent, no doubt WS was also a pushy B-stard. But that was likely as much of a hinderence as a positive to Mike career
As far as i am aware WS (Stan) only provided Mike Hailwoods start up capitial and early financial support , Ecurie Sportive was actually in the black after only 18 months.
Prior to his he had already won a 125 GP (1959) He also won all 4 ACU championships in 1959
The high esteem that Hailwood is held in, is i believe totally deserved, all of his contemporaries tend to rate him as being the greatest talent they ever seen.
Honda held him in such high esteeme that they allowed him to keep his later works bikes
They also later did the same for Doohan.
Hailwood won three tts in a week twice he was actually leading in the forth until the 7R gudgeon pin broke.
By the time he had became a work MV rider at the end of 1961 he had won 250 races 220 at lap records 6 British championship and placed in 32 GP's

At the time it was reported that Stan had bought the 250, the price was quoted but the memory is a bit vague that far back. It was a big deal then. I don't recall mention of a 125 at that point. I think all my 'Motorcycle' magazines from that period are long gone so i can't go back through the way back stack.

I've just checked the 1960 results that I have here, they give British and international results all the way down to the Taranaki Grand Prix. Hailwood was mainly riding a pair of Ducatis in the small classes and a pair of Nortons. Later in the season a 250 Mondial and an AJS 350 also appear. He won both of the smaller classes virtually every time out. Also won a share of the bigger classes. Only appears to have made one appearance on the continent that year that I can see.

One thing that does stand out reading the European results is the scarcity of Brit riders. They do make a few appearances, Dickie Dale (later killed at the Nurburgring) is a regular, but it's the Rhodesian, South African, Australian riders and the Kiwis, notably Pawson and Hempleman who are the regular 'foreigners'.

[husaberg]

At the time it was reported that Stan had bought the 250, the price was quoted but the memory is a bit vague that far back. It was a big deal then. There was no mention of a 125 at that point. I think all my 'Motorcycle' magazines from that period are long gone so i can't go back through the way back stack.

Stan was a showman, thats for sure, but a lot of that was just that a show, thats why they had to have the biggest van, all painted up, in the brightest colour, even if was a cheap old van. (cheaper than most others vans)
I have a write up here from Charlie Rouse that says they were loaners.
To be fair you covered the NSU that was ex Sutress, but missed the multiple Ducatis though.
Pretty sure they had a full set of desmo of ex works 125 250 and 350 twins.
I missed mentioning that those 1961 125 and 250 honda wins were actually the first wins for Honda at he TT.
Against 2 other WORKS Honda enteries as well.
this site which i just found has neat pics
http://www.mikethebike.com/mikes_mechanic.htm

[merv]

Stoner's doing it tough I see...

https://www.facebook.com/officialcaseystoner/photos/a.715633741821083.1073741838.701651623219295/1369040713147046/?type=3&theater

Nice abs on his Missus,and other things :cool:

[BMWST?]

Haha. No sweat. My year can only get better. Cheers.
you still outa your apartment?

[Crasherfromwayback]

you still outa your apartment?

Fuck yeah. Gonna be end of March at best before I get back home mate. So mortgage, rent for my temp place, two lots of power etc etc etc...= broken balls. And that's before we had to buy every single thing you need for day to day life when we were first outed. Bit of a cunt really. Still...Moto GP is on at about the time I'm hoping to go home!

[roogazza]

Fuck yeah. Gonna be end of March at best before I get back home mate. So mortgage, rent for my temp place, two lots of power etc etc etc...= broken balls. And that's before we had to buy every single thing you need for day to day life when we were first outed. Bit of a cunt really. Still...Moto GP is on at about the time I'm hoping to go home!

Was gunna ask that question myself. What a bastard,feel for ya bud. :crazy:

[Dave-]

Cunts have gone and changed the date of the ItalianGP.

Fucks my travel plans.

[EJK]

Yeah I saw that on Twitter. It's a hard llife. Shit, it's only a few weeks since they were stooging round Italy in a Lambo or Ferrari or whatever. Now the Maldives.
Good on him.

Speaking of Casey, I was away on holiday to Hamilton Island past couple of weeks and saw this lap board on their go-kart track.

Obviously he knows how to take his vacation and knows how to drive/ ride!

Doohan was there too!

[merv]

Crikey, he was almost a second faster than next best.

[EJK]

Crikey, he was almost a second faster than next best.

Exactly. He's wipe the floor with everyone else!

[Crasherfromwayback]

Bet wee Pedro would be fast in a cart. All 45kgs of him.

[Mental Trousers]

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/spa-circuit-motogp-msv-donington-park/

The bit that got my attention is


The modifications are all part of a wider upgrading of the circuit. The most important for the fans is to have free publicly accessible WiFi throughout the circuit. Maillet said that she wants to have fiber optic cable throughout the circuit, to ensure better connectivity everywhere.

WTF? People go to watch a MotoGP race and the most important thing is free Wifi??

[pritch]

WTF? People go to watch a MotoGP race and the most important thing is free Wifi??

Dunno about the spectators, but the journos do whinge about the outragious charges for the totally crap Net connection at some of the circuits. France is one such IIRC and some, who have the option, boycott it for that reason.

[Mental Trousers]

Dunno about the spectators, but the journos do whinge about the outragious charges for the totally crap Net connection at some of the circuits. France is one such IIRC and some, who have the option, boycott it for that reason.

They're journos though. Their job is to get the news out and they need some sort of connection out (which they should be sorting themselves if they know it's shit at the track). The public is there to fill up seats, pay outrageous amounts for hot dogs + tee shirts and make Rossi/Marquez/Lorenzo/etc feel special so they do their job. A guaranteed great connection to Facebook/Twitter/Instagram etc isn't part of the ticket price.

[pritch]

A guaranteed great connection to Facebook/Twitter/Instagram etc isn't part of the ticket price.

Aaaah but they need to be able to get their selfies out to a waiting world. :whistle: Like that daft cow that Rossi hit with his scooter.

[Badjelly]

Nice abs on his Missus,and other things :cool:

I hate to say it, but I think she looks quite hideous. The anorexic body builder with artificial tits look has never appealed to me. What a waste! But, hey it's her body and her life.

[Mental Trousers]

Aaaah but they need to be able to get their selfies out to a waiting world. :whistle: Like that daft cow that Rossi hit with his scooter.

It's a good thing that the public are kept well back from the track. Imagine how many fuckwits would affect the result of a race cos they were trying to get a selfie with a 200kph motorbike.

[Crasherfromwayback]

It's a good thing that the public are kept well back from the track. Imagine how many fuckwits would affect the result of a race cos they were trying to get a selfie with a 200kph motorbike.

Like when the Spaniards invaded the track when Creville may've beaten Doohan.

[pritch]

It's a poor substitute for racing, but the GP teams are about to kick off their 2017 launches. They will be followed a couple of weeks later by the WSBK team launches.

Update: Yamaha have had their launch and I think Ducati was last night. Don't get excited about the pictures of the bikes, both Yamaha and Ducati have used 2016 bikes with their new paint jobs. Sure, it makes financial sense but it's all rather ho hum.

[pritch]

This interview was being mentioned on Twitter this morning. It dates from November '16 so why the current interest I don't know. It does make me wonder who left?
http://www.cycleworld.com/american-mark-elder-leaves-ducati-motogp-team-for-yamaha

[pritch]

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/238996/1/ducati-debuts-salad-box-as-private-test-starts.html

[pritch]

There is much speculation as to what this is. On the new Ducati, Pirro says it's to carry his lunch. Referred to as "the salad box", nobody outside Ducati knows what it does. The fact that the exhaust has been rerouted around it tends to suggest it's permanent. Photo courtesy of Superbike Planet.

[Autech]

There is much speculation as to what this is. On the new Ducati, Pirro says it's to carry his lunch. Referred to as "the salad box", nobody outside Ducati knows what it does. The fact that the exhaust has been rerouted around it tends to suggest it's permanent. Photo courtesy of Superbike Planet.

I think it's to blank off some trick aero thing ma bob which they won't let anyone see until it's too late.

OR they've had to put something there that used to be somewhere else and they've filled that spot with some sort of thingy. The fact that they were testing one bike with wings on indicates they have something up their sleeve. Much excite!

[Brett]

I hate to say it, but I think she looks quite hideous. The anorexic body builder with artificial tits look has never appealed to me. What a waste! But, hey it's her body and her life.

You and I are on different wave lengths then...I think that she is quite a hottie. I am fortunate to have a wife with a mid-line not too dissimilar and I can say there is very little body building or extreme diet control that goes into it....for her at least. A girl that knows how to keep herself in good physical condition and able to be functionally strong is a big attraction to me!

Another attraction would be for Stoner to get his ass back on a bike and race.... WAKE UP STONER...LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE!!

[EJK]

Another attraction would be for Stoner to get his ass back on a bike and race.... WAKE UP STONER...LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE!!

Hoping to see him race even as a substitute rider. Oh, how about this. Lorenzo does piss poor race half into season, so Gigi goes "Fuck this!" and chucks Stoner in the saddle.


There is much speculation as to what this is. On the new Ducati, Pirro says it's to carry his lunch. Referred to as "the salad box", nobody outside Ducati knows what it does. The fact that the exhaust has been rerouted around it tends to suggest it's permanent. Photo courtesy of Superbike Planet.

Oooooh any guesses? If it's shielded with carbon then it must be something serious.

I say it's oil spray like James Bond's DB5.

[Tazz]

Oooooh any guesses? If it's shielded with carbon then it must be something serious.

I say it's oil spray like James Bond's DB5.

My money is on some sort of Beretta.

[ecko_nzed]

Hoping to see him race even as a substitute rider. Oh, how about this. Lorenzo does piss poor race half into season, so Gigi goes "Fuck this!" and chucks Stoner in the saddle.



Oooooh any guesses? If it's shielded with carbon then it must be something serious.

I say it's oil spray like James Bond's DB5.
I read Stoner's book over Xmas. I think it gives you a good insight into his character. Unless he runs out of money, can't see him wanting be a regular participant of the MotoGP circus.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[pritch]

Pardon that smiley, it's not supposed to be there.

I haven't seen any comment from yesterday but so far the Sepang test has been something of a washout. There has been quite a bit of rain and the new track surface takes forever to dry out. Odd considering the Malayan temperatures?

There was some discussion though as Stoner has been riding, or trying to, during the private testing and people are wondering if he will continue now that Dovi and JL have arrived. There is again the potential for embarrassment. I'd have thought that if he was faster than the team riders though, that should put a rocket up their arse.

[Crasherfromwayback]

There was some discussion though as Stoner has been riding, or trying to, during the private testing and people are wondering if he will continue now that Dovi and JL have arrived. There is again the potential for embarrassment. I'd have thought that if he was faster than the team riders though, that should put a rocket up their arse.

Like this? End of day one's testing...

Stoner on top.

Me screen grab ain't playing the game. Never mind.

[onearmedbandit]

Like this? End of day one's testing...

Stoner on top.

Me screen grab ain't playing the game. Never mind.


This one cfwb?

[Crasherfromwayback]

This one cfwb?

Yep. He was always a good fit with the Ducati. And the Honda... :innocent:

[EJK]

Wow. So he goes on holidays, fishing etc then jumps on a Ducati and still got the edge. What the heck? Lorenzo's not even made the list.

[pritch]

Stoner done good, so too did Folger. The rest of the order though is seriously strange, then again it is testing not racing.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Wow. So he goes on holidays, fishing etc then jumps on a Ducati and still got the edge. t.


Stoner done good,

We can only hope Ducati let him do PI this year.

[jasonu]

We can only hope he does Ducati (and the rest of us too) a favor and rides PI this year and fucking smashes the lot of 'em

Fixed for accuracy.

[roogazza]

Rossi had one final word for Ducati test rider Stoner, who completed a phenomenal feat in topping the time sheets on day one. “He's very fast, yes,” noted Rossi. “It's very good that he don't race!”
Read more at http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/239041/1/rossi-new-yamaha-a-lot-better.html#yuFgbr6wUE2Bbi3W.99

haha , very good that he don't race !!!!!! <_<

[onearmedbandit]

Wow. So he goes on holidays, fishing etc then jumps on a Ducati and still got the edge. What the heck? Lorenzo's not even made the list.

Finished P17. Big changes required to ride the Ducati he noted, especially in braking. He'll get there, no doubt about that.

[Mental Trousers]

There was some discussion though as Stoner has been riding, or trying to, during the private testing and people are wondering if he will continue now that Dovi and JL have arrived. There is again the potential for embarrassment. I'd have thought that if he was faster than the team riders though, that should put a rocket up their arse.

Like this? End of day one's testing...

Stoner on top.

Unlucky for everybody else that it rained 2 hours before the end of the day. None of the usual mad dash for a laptime in the last 15-20 minutes. It's pretty embarassing having a test rider ahead of every factory rider.

[sugilite]

JL seemingly not interested in hearing how large Stoners nut sack is, and Gigi looking stoked over Ducatis new signing!


http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2017/Sepang-Test-1/thenewnormal/1.jpg

[Autech]

Finished P17. Big changes required to ride the Ducati he noted, especially in braking. He'll get there, no doubt about that.

Sounds like it needs the front loaded a bit more for turn in where on the Yam he could let go of the stoppers and drop the bike.

Not a massive change be interesting to see how much faster he goes today


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pritch]

The track was damp at the start of play so most are sitting it waiting for a dry track. Lorenzo though is circulating alone. David Emmett thinks he's enthusiastic. Desperate might be a better word? So much to do, so little time.

[Autech]

The track was damp at the start of play so most are sitting it waiting for a dry track. Lorenzo though is circulating alone. David Emmett thinks he's enthusiastic. Desperate might be a better word? So much to do, so little time.

I'd be out getting to know the bike in the wet n playing with set ups. Track time is track time


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ecko_nzed]

https://youtu.be/__h3p8XrBC8

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[Crasherfromwayback]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye5cS_F1T7Q

[Reckless]

Looks like Iannone's got that Suzi Flyin as well

Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar) made the timesheets fantastic reading for his new home Suzuki on Day 2 of the Sepang test, as he smashed Ducati test rider Casey Stoner’s Day 1 pace to set the fastest lap of the test so far. A 1:59.452 saw the Italian an incredible four tenths clear of the man in P2, Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP). Impressing once again, Alvaro Bautista (Pull&Bear Aspar Team) was third.

Cant bloody wait for the season to start :)

[HenryDorsetCase]

Interesting as that stuff is, I always think the big guns hide their lights under a bushel - its such early days yet. Gorgeous Jorge slower than Casey must be galling.

[Autech]

Looks like Iannone's got that Suzi Flyin as well

Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar) made the timesheets fantastic reading for his new home Suzuki on Day 2 of the Sepang test, as he smashed Ducati test rider Casey Stoner’s Day 1 pace to set the fastest lap of the test so far. A 1:59.452 saw the Italian an incredible four tenths clear of the man in P2, Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP). Impressing once again, Alvaro Bautista (Pull&Bear Aspar Team) was third.

Cant bloody wait for the season to start :)

Yeah I love Mavericks response to that "Well I gave them a good set up from last year"

Lol

Legend, I have high hopes for that lad!

Edit:
The headline times do not tell the full story, however. Iannone's time was a single fast lap, set pushing on a soft tire. Maverick Viñales did his best lap as part of a string of three laps in the 1'59s, the only rider other than Iannone to get under the two-minute mark. Iannone managed it only once, however, not three times in a row.
motomatters.com

[roogazza]

328258
At least to me it looks better than those great big wings. Clever stuff and pretty ?

[manxkiwi]

https://youtu.be/__h3p8XrBC8

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Ha ha, very good. That's actually been re-hashed from a TT based sub title skit. The original was about MD defecting from BMW and Guy coming in on the TAS BMW. It's effing hilarious! Along the lines of 'we're losing Michael for a truck mechanic that no one can understand'. You owe it to yourself to search that one out. You won't regret it.

[manxkiwi]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os6mUa3FdOM

[pritch]

There was some discussion at practice about accelerating the drying of the track. Mat Oxley said they used to get pit crews to drive rental cars around a track to assist the drying process but predictably that ended badly. "Carnage" was the word he used. :lol:

[Dave-]

Ha ha, very good. That's actually been re-hashed from a TT based sub title skit. The original was about MD defecting from BMW and Guy coming in on the TAS BMW. It's effing hilarious! Along the lines of 'we're losing Michael for a truck mechanic that no one can understand'. You owe it to yourself to search that one out. You won't regret it.

Actually the whole downfall meme has been around for ages (http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/downfall-hitler-reacts)

[pritch]

Actually the whole downfall meme has been around for ages

That is true, and I don't even look at most of them now, but that Guy Martin effort was funny.

[manxkiwi]

Actually the whole downfall meme has been around for ages (http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/downfall-hitler-reacts)

Fair call. I did suspect that it's probably been re-done at least a few times. Still, I love that line: 'They'll be on the Guinness every night'. Gold.

[ecko_nzed]

There was some discussion at practice about accelerating the drying of the track. Mat Oxley said they used to get pit crews to drive rental cars around a track to assist the drying process but predictably that ended badly. "Carnage" was the word he used. [emoji38]
World's fastest production car = rental car.

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[Autech]

World's fastest production car = rental car.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

I drive a fair few of them personally and for work, my current "thing" is to see how soon I can get them on the redline, generally it's within 400m of the rental lot. Poor cars...

[EJK]

I drive a fair few of them personally and for work, my current "thing" is to see how soon I can get them on the redline, generally it's within 400m of the rental lot. Poor cars...

I also do fair bit of car delivery, mostly between CHC to ZQN and vice versa and every now and then I take photos for them. Vehicles I've relocated range from small Mazda 2 hatchbacks, Porsche/ BMW sports cars to behemoth 6 berth motorhomes. I personally call them hotel on wheels because that's what they are.

Anyhoo, yes. I can verify they also have the loudest stereo in the world. And "motorhomes are slow" myth is a total utter bullshit :)

[speights_bud]

There has been quite a bit of rain and the new track surface takes forever to dry out. Odd considering the Malayan temperatures?


From my limited experience in Thailand we found it was near impossible to dry towels etc outside. I guess the air just had too much humidity in it already. Even though it was 36-39deg.

[speights_bud]

Rossi gets a blister and the Honda has a new pipe, presumably on the new engine.

328271
328270

[pritch]

<snip> Honda has a new pipe, presumably on the new engine.
328270

It was reported that Honda were testing both long and short exhausts. Presumably that's the long version.

Final times from testing, pick your own surprises, but Bautista suprised a lot of people.

1 25 Maverick Viñales Yamaha M1 1:59.368
2 93 Marc Marquez Honda RC213V 1:59.506 0.138 0.138
3 4 Andrea Dovizioso Ducati GP17 1:59.553 0.185 0.047
4 26 Dani Pedrosa Honda RC213V 1:59.578 0.210 0.025
5 46 Valentino Rossi Yamaha M1 1:59.589 0.221 0.011
6 19 Alvaro Bautista Ducati GP16 1:59.628 0.260 0.039
7 27 Casey Stoner Ducati GP17 1:59.639 0.271 0.011
8 35 Cal Crutchlow Honda RC213V 1:59.728 0.360 0.089
9 99 Jorge Lorenzo Ducati GP17 1:59.766 0.398 0.038
10 5 Johann Zarco Yamaha M1 1:59.772 0.404 0.006
11 29 Andrea Iannone Suzuki GSX-RR 2:00.045 0.677 0.273
12 42 Alex Rins Suzuki GSX-RR 2:00.057 0.689 0.012
13 41 Aleix Espargaro Aprilia RS-GP 2:00.108 0.740 0.051
14 9 Danilo Petrucci Ducati GP17 2:00.310 0.942 0.202
15 94 Jonas Folger Yamaha M1 2:00.312 0.944 0.002
16 43 Jack Miller Honda RC213V 2:00.439 1.071 0.127
17 17 Karel Abraham Ducati GP15 2:00.445 1.077 0.006
18 8 Hector Barbera Ducati GP16 2:00.537 1.169 0.092
19 45 Scott Redding Ducati GP16 2:00.645 1.277 0.108
20 76 Loris Baz Ducati GP15 2:00.873 1.505 0.228
21 38 Bradley Smith KTM RC16 2:01.338 1.970 0.465
22 22 Sam Lowes Aprilia RS-GP 2:01.341 1.973 0.003
23 44 Pol Espargaro KTM RC16 2:01.506 2.138 0.165
24 21 Katsuyuki Nakasuga Yamaha M1 2:01.658 2.290 0.152
25 12 Takuya Tsuda Suzuki GSX-RR 2:02.769 3.401 1.111

[EJK]

Nice to see Zarco up with the big boys. Looking forward to see some back flips this season!

[Reckless]

Top 10 within 1/2 a second, pretty much 4 manufacturers, looks good for the season :)

[george formby]

Top 10 within 1/2 a second, pretty much 4 manufacturers, looks good for the season :)

Yup, it looks very exciting. Fingers crossed nobody does a runner through the season.

[pritch]

From my limited experience in Thailand we found it was near impossible to dry towels etc outside. I guess the air just had too much humidity in it already. Even though it was 36-39deg.

Nothing so technical, it's thought to be the new seal. Sandblasting or such will hopefully cure the problem? Or so I read...

[husaberg]

Anyone posted this
The Ducati lunch box
http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/it-s-vinales-versus-marquez

[Dave-]

Anyone posted this
The Ducati lunch box
http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/it-s-vinales-versus-marquez

Fuck I hope it's an exhaust driven gyro, that'd be way too cool for school.

[pritch]

He's had another go at it since then.
http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/anti-chatter-jounce-box

[husaberg]

Fuck I hope it's an exhaust driven gyro, that'd be way too cool for school.


He's had another go at it since then.
http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/anti-chatter-jounce-box

Great stuff.
It would be funny if it was just an oversize telemetry device.
As i recall all the intial equipemnt Team Roberts and others used in the 90's did not actually work fast enough to actually measure the chatter.
Others have aleivied it with bits of lead straped in unusual places.
Historically Michelin tires suffered more from chatter due to their stiffer construction.
but this might also allow the lighter riders more oportuntities to keep their tires up to temp as i guess they should have a greater air pressure window.

[pritch]

This is a good article. I might have to bookmark the site.

There is an interesting comment below, that only the riders at the sharp end can afford a spotter/coach because the team doesn't cover the cost. All of the expenses are met by the rider. Eugene laverty was fortunate in having a brother qualified and available. Of course if a rider wins the championship and attributes his success to a spotter, however unlikely that is, then every team would want one.

http://pecinogp.com/trackside-what-telemetry-and-television-doesnt-show/

[Crasherfromwayback]

This is a good article. I might have to bookmark the site.

There is an interesting comment below, that only the riders at the sharp end can afford a spotter/coach because the team doesn't cover the cost. All of the expenses are met by the rider. Eugene laverty was fortunate in having a brother qualified and available. Of course if a rider wins the championship and attributes his success to a spotter, however unlikely that is, then every team would want one.

http://pecinogp.com/trackside-what-telemetry-and-television-doesnt-show/

Good read cheers. Can't wait for the action to start!

[pritch]

Good read cheers. Can't wait for the action to start!

Testing at Phillip Island later this week. It's not the real thing but...

[Drew]

So Whitetrash and Choppa met the Suzuki GP riders this weekend been. Rins is a good cunt they reckon...Iannone however, was just a cunt.

That pissed me off a bit, now I'm back to supporting Rossi again.

[Crasherfromwayback]

So Whitetrash and Choppa met the Suzuki GP riders this weekend been. Rins is a good cunt they reckon...Iannone however, was just a cunt.

That pissed me off a bit, now I'm back to supporting Rossi again.

Yeah cool, and a well deserved trip for them both. And yeah...Iannone does seem pretty full of himself.

[speights_bud]

...Iannone however, was just a cunt.



No surprises there. Have a look at Iannone's website, someone linked it last year. I'll try find the poem he wrote about himself....

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Tapatalk

[speights_bud]

Yeah cool, and a well deserved trip for them both. And yeah...Iannone does seem pretty full of himself.
It's been updated to reflect the Change to Suzuki.

If I recall correctly one of the paragraphs originally finished with "I like to fuck"

BIOGRAPHY
Gather round.
My name is Andrea Iannone.
Motorcycle racer, in MotoGP.
I'm from Vasto, born in 1989.
August ninth.
I've got tattoos, rings. People think I'm a show-off.
But I've been giving them hell for years. To get here.
I started racing because Angelo was doing it. My brother.
Blood runs thick.
When we used to argue, my father would give us boxing gloves and lock us inside a room.
When the room grew silent he would open the door and put us in bed, exhausted.
My father believed in me.
I owe him everything. Do you understand everything? Everything.
On my first day of elementary school he said: “If you come home with bruises, then you'll get even more.
And remember that whoever starts it gets it twice as hard.�
So if someone got on my nerves, I'd have a go.
And I'd go nuts.
At a certain point he told me: what do you want to do, hang out with friends or be serious?
He sold everything to support me.
At 15, 2004, I was racing in both the Italian and Spanish championship.
I had a rough start, picked myself up, and with a few laps to go I fell. Because I didn't know how to control myself. I wanted to overdo it.
It's just who I am. I know no limits.
If I play cards I want to win even if I don't know the rules.
And if I lose I cry.
If you don't believe me, come experience it with me.
Feel for my ways, and everything will go...

They expelled me from private school.
I would open my friends' rooms with calling cards.
If they didn't let me go out, I would escape.
It's always better to apologize than ask permission.
I'll explain why later.
In the following season I made it to the 125 cc World Championships.
The first race I won was on 4 May 2008, in Shanghai. It was the greatest day of my life.
For now, of course.
The bike from that race is in my shed, in my headquarters, in Vasto.
My life lies in there.
I listen to Vasco. I listen to Club Dogo.
My favorite line is: “I break crystal glasses because I'm the best at doing it.�
Do you understand it?
You have to find your talent, whatever it is.
From 2010 to 2012 I raced in Moto2.
Then in MotoGP, Ducati Pramac Racing, two years, two years and after in the Ducati Team.
In 2017 i’m start a new experience.
I learned hear how to roll with the punches, be patient, work towards a goal.
I like my life.
I like how I dress.
I like my house in Vasto Marina.
In my shower I've got a mosaic portraying a dream girl.
In my living room a powerful stereo system.
I like my motorhome, the Audi RS6 Biturbo which I drive, it's a powerful one.
I like the sound it makes when I down-shift: it seems like firecrackers.
I like going out with my friends, small in numbers, trustworthy.
I like keeping my word.
I'll goof off one hundred times over, but if the one hundred and first time I give you my word, you better believe I'll keep it.
I like adrenaline, speed, when I pull ahead when I overtake.
I hate being touched.
I get up late.
I eat late.
I go to bed late.
Then I train.
My motto is: dare. Always dare.
I've learned to dare so that when the right moment comes I'll be ready,
it'll be a joke. And because of this it's better to apologize than to ask permission.
I've learned to speak my mind, even if it hurts.
I've learned to divide up the beast of Andre. The beast comes out when there aren't races and I can allow myself to do it. Otherwise I'm professional, concentrated.
A machine.
If you don't believe me come experience it with me
feel for my ways
and everything will go...
PISS OFF!

My name is Andrea Iannone
Motorcycle racer.

From www.andreaianonne.com

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[pritch]

So Whitetrash and Choppa met the Suzuki GP riders this weekend been. Rins is a good cunt they reckon...Iannone however, was just a cunt.

That pissed me off a bit, now I'm back to supporting Rossi again.



There are exceptions but most of the riders reportedly think they're God's gift. Well, after all, they have probably been told that ever since they can remember.

Ianone is apparently trying to project himself as a bad boy - possible over compensation? Some of the stuff he was posting on social media looked a bit odd by Kiwi standards. Very arty but...

Having said that, even the ones regarded as stuck up can surprise and be pleasant on occasion. The Motopod podcast guys are basically amateurs, like us they are fans, normally they only get to interview the Manager of a satelite team if they are very lucky. When one of them suddenly got the chance to interview Lorenzo in the Yamaha hospitality, JL was civil and gave a good interview.

[Moise]

First day of testing at PI and no posts???

Marquez and Rossi fastest. What a surprise.

Sent from somewhere using Tapatalk

[ecko_nzed]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170215/3ac3953e276d327e613c3201f0e90168.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170215/90f21df16ce5cf16350c4245681b7b03.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170215/0a9d6c504b55d23a8882e0b03a5abce1.jpg

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[pritch]

Pos #
1
25
m. Viñales
1:28.847
2
93
m. Marquez
+0.462
3
35
c. Crutchlow
+0.478
4
19
a. Bautista
+0.564
5
4
a. Dovizioso
+0.636
6
41
a. Espargaro
+0.654
7
94
j. Folger
+0.817
8
46
v. Rossi
+0.827
9
42
a. Rins
+0.955
10
43
j. Miller
+0.991
11
5
j. Zarco
+1.033
12
29
a. Iannone
+1.100
13
17
k. Abraham
+1.295
14
9
d. Petrucci
+1.303
15
99
j. Lorenzo
+1.350
16
26
d. Pedrosa
+1.398
17
8
h. Barbera
+1.505
18
45
s. Redding
+1.588
19
44
p. Espargaro
+1.798
20
76
l. Baz
+2.005
21
22
s. Lowes
+2.048
22
38
b. Smith
+2.857

[mulletman]

I see the Dukes are hitting 340 plus this morn.

Gimmee live video :2guns:

[pritch]

I see the Dukes are hitting 340 plus this morn.

Gimmee live video :2guns:

I seem to recall reading that there are no cameras at Phillip Island currently. That does seem a bit odd in the circumstances but...

[mulletman]

I seem to recall reading that there are no cameras at Phillip Island currently. That does seem a bit odd in the circumstances but...

'There will be video updates midway thru the day and another in the afternoon' and a 'comprehensive highlights package at the end of the day'
So they're there...<_<

[pritch]

Vinales will be happy, Crutchlow too, Folger will be ecstatic, Ducati are not happy, Rossi is unhappy.

https://motomatters.com/results/2017/02/17/2017_phillip_island_motogp_test_friday.html

[Autech]

Folger is doing bloody well. Never stood in moto2 really but has shown he deserves that bike already. Yamaha must be such a strong package that rookie riders can jump aboard n smash out competitive times. Compare that to the riders that jump on the Honda n its a stark contrast.


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[Reckless]

The young fellas are showing the old Guard their tails during these rounds of testing :)
MM and Vin are riding the wheels off their bikes.
This could well be the year we see a changing of the guard aye?

Secondly no reports through 3 rounds of test that the tyres are causing any Issues.
Looks like Michelin have stepped up which is positive for the season.

From the testing we MIGHT see MM and Vinales a few tenths quicker the young blood coming through and some very frustrated old guys chasing their tales.
Mind you everything can change race day how many times last year did Rossi "find something" on the morning of the race?

[pritch]

I've been waiting for some enlightened comment from the pundits but so far there is very little.

Apparently the Ducati riders are having trouble getting the bike to turn (still?). They are missing their wings?

A couple of the other factories tried the new "concealed wing" fairings, from memory Suzuki and Aprilia have joined Yamaha in this.

Both Yamaha riders were testing two different frames back to back, and all the teams had extra tyres to test for Michelin.

A lot of theYamaha testing was on worn tyres because that's what was giving them problems toward the end of the race last year.

David Emmett said that Crutchlow has a very fast race pace.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Apparently the Ducati riders are having trouble getting the bike to turn (still?). They are missing their wings?

.

Can't see the lack of wings having anything to do with that.

[Autech]

Can't see the lack of wings having anything to do with that.

In theory it would make it easier to turn without from what I have read.


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[Crasherfromwayback]

In theory it would make it easier to turn without from what I have read.
k

Aye. They create down force, and that ain't gonna help a bike turn.

[pritch]

Can't see the lack of wings having anything to do with that.

If there's less downforce on the front wheel they might have a grip problem? They've had a problem turning for years, the wings were credited with easing it.

Anyhoo the professional pundits are now coming online. Vinales was pissed off with Marquez. During MV's race distance run he was tipped off that MM was stalking him so he cut the session short. A bit of needle between those two is not a bad thing.

[pritch]

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2017/02/18/2017_phillip_island_motogp_test_friday.html

[Crasherfromwayback]

If there's less downforce on the front wheel they might have a grip problem? They've had a problem turning for years, the wings were credited with easing it.

Vinales was pissed off with Marquez. During MV's race distance run he was tipped off that MM was stalking him so he cut the session short. A bit of needle between those two is not a bad thing.

Downforce and grip are prob two different/separate issues with the Ducati I imagine.

And fuck him. Harden up Sonny! Bring it on.

[husaberg]

In theory it would make it easier to turn without from what I have read.


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I think the turning thing is a red herring.
If you look behind the areas where most of the wings are located on all the different variations on the Ducati wings esp the early ones you will notice there is a airflow outlet.
328703328704328705328706
I believe the main purpose of the wings is to create a low pressure area to aid the removial of hot radiator air.
Just like John Britten did on the later V1000 wih the radiator under the seat in a low pressure area using differential air pressure for better cooling and less frontal area
Funny enough he also earlier tried wings mounted up high where they wouild be the most usefull but they encountered stabilty problems esp in cross winds.
328702

[Crasherfromwayback]

Just like John Britten did on the later V1000 wih the radiator under the seat in a low pressure area using differential air pressure for better cooling and less frontal area
]

Pity he was too stubborn to put forks in the fucking thing.

[husaberg]

Pity he was too stubborn to put forks in the fucking thing.
I think it came down to $2G+ for the WP forks he previously used vs a chance to do something different, plus as it was predominantly designed for the Daytona banking.
Which places weird conflicting demands of on suspension.
The girder was also more tuneable plus better aero.
Ultimately of course ,conventional forks may have been better, but he did it his way.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Ultimately of course ,conventional forks are still better, but he did it his way.

Fixed that for ya. Many people have tried to better them...all have failed so far.

[speights_bud]

Is anyone following the "Dear George" Facebook feeds? There's some pretty good stuff in there....

[speights_bud]

It's all based around communications between Jorge and others (mostly Gigi)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170220/679e7f3f8cf6963f2550139ef28a8636.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170220/b5b0e985b376b0b3cf5aa50177d9b499.jpg

[pritch]

Thanks I!ll.check that out.

The KTM CEO has reportedly announced, "Honda is our greatest enemy, they always cheat and they don't need to."

Another graduate of the Trump school of diplomacy?

[roogazza]

haha Rossi whores !!!!!

[Mental Trousers]

Can't see the lack of wings having anything to do with that.

In theory it would make it easier to turn without from what I have read.

The Ducati's need to be held down to turn. That's the biggest difference Lorenzo has found. On the Yamaha he would brake, release then turn but on the Ducati he's had to learn to brake all the way into the apex. So the wings probably helped them in this area.

[Mental Trousers]

Ultimately of course ,conventional forks are still better, but he did it his way.

Fixed that for ya. Many people have tried to better them...all have failed so far.

No racers are willing to put in the time and take the hit in their reslts to develop them properly. Same for those with the money to develop them. Same for the manufacturers.

Motorcyclists are not mainstream types but they're incredibly conservative, preferring to go with what's winning now instead of what would be winning in the future.

Forks have had bllions and billions of hours poured into them, both on the track and road. Other front ends barely get out of the hundreds of hours.

[pritch]

The plan was that Moto2 would produce all sorts of wonderful frame and suspension solutions but the team managers didn't want to scare the sponsors away with radical concepts. So now we have almost everybody using the same frame and suspension. Great for Kalex and Ohlins if disappointing for everybody else.

Have now read the background to the KTM outburst. This originated in Moto 3 which Honda were treating as a Honda Cup. When KTM got competitive they accused Honda of exceeding the stipulated rev limit, this was investigated but no action was taken. The following year Honda entered a full factory team. There is definite bad blood.

[Crasherfromwayback]

No racers are willing to put in the time and take the hit in their reslts to develop them properly. Same for those with the money to develop them. Same for the manufacturers.

Motorcyclists are not mainstream types but they're incredibly conservative, preferring to go with what's winning now instead of what would be winning in the future.

Forks have had bllions and billions of hours poured into them, both on the track and road. Other front ends barely get out of the hundreds of hours.

To be honest mate...I think you're kidding yourself. If the factories thought there was 1/4 sec a lap improvement with something no one else had...they'd be testing the fuck out of them.

[roogazza]

To be honest mate...I think you're kidding yourself. If the factories thought there was 1/4 sec a lap improvement with something no one else had...they'd be testing the fuck out of them.
yeah, I'm sure they'd be all over anything that gave 1\4 sec ! :yes:

[Mental Trousers]

To be honest mate...I think you're kidding yourself. If the factories thought there was 1/4 sec a lap improvement with something no one else had...they'd be testing the fuck out of them.

End of the day the bike manufacturers are about making money. They go racing because it contributes to making them money. The vast majority of motorbike riders think forks are the shizz and refuse to believe that there's something a lot better so there's no profit in a 5+ year development program that costs billions.

Look at how long it's taken Suzuki to get back to near the front of MotoGP using well known beam frames with forks. Now try doing the same thing with something nobody has any research on. There's not a single rider in World Championships that's willing to struggle for years while a new front end/frame is sorted out.

Look at what happened at Ducati. They developed a far superior bike that didn't have a frame. They won a championship with it. But they had to give up on it instead of developing it to the same degree as twin beam/forks. There was a lot left in that design but it was taking way too long to understand and there was a huge amount of arrogance, lack of communication and ego that was getting in the way of developing it properly. In the end the damage to the reputation and the amount of money being poured into it made them change to the same as everyone else.

If it was easy forks would've been replaced a long time ago. But so far the accountants have had the last say.

[Crasherfromwayback]

If it was easy forks would've been replaced a long time ago. But so far the accountants have had the last say.

Can't agree with that sorry. How many millions was spend on the ELF Hondas? How did that work out for them?

[Autech]

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/240363/1/moto2-entry-closes-horrible-gap-for-ktm.html

Fark me that's a strong team. Binder, Olivera on a KTM being run by Aki Ajo... Moto2 might just be worth watching this year with KTM in the mix.

[Mental Trousers]

Can't agree with that sorry. How many millions was spend on the ELF Hondas? How did that work out for them?

Not enough. As I said, it will take many years and billions of dollars to tweak any alternative design to the same level as forks.

However the big problem with the Elf bikes was the designer was a car guy (Andre De Cortanze) who was trying to approach designing bikes the same way as designing cars, which was to minimize weight transfer. He failed to understand that bikes are fundamentally different to cars and require weight transfer to work correctly. Another big problem was they kept trying many different technologies instead of just developing a new chassis + front end. They tried carbon fibre chassis, a crazy steering system and other way out stuff. But in the end reliability was the biggest problem with Ron Haslam only getting a very months of reliable running at the end of the 3 years, nowhere near enough time to make something a winner.

[EJK]

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/240363/1/moto2-entry-closes-horrible-gap-for-ktm.html

Fark me that's a strong team. Binder, Olivera on a KTM being run by Aki Ajo... Moto2 might just be worth watching this year with KTM in the mix.

KTM must be swimming in a pool full of money.

[Mental Trousers]

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/240363/1/moto2-entry-closes-horrible-gap-for-ktm.html

Fark me that's a strong team. Binder, Olivera on a KTM being run by Aki Ajo... Moto2 might just be worth watching this year with KTM in the mix.

KTM must be swimming in a pool full of money.

Looks like a recipe for winning to me. Hopefully they'll figure out a way to make the trellis frames give consistent feel and behaviour in MotoGP and carry success right through to the top.

[Autech]

KTM must be swimming in a pool full of money.

Keep
Talking
Money.

They've had great success in Moto3 so why not have a crack at the big leagues?
I think they may hope that if they can stick it to the Jap brands in road racing their slice in the road bike sales market may increase.

I mean when you think about it if I said I was about to buy myself a new sports bike, your brain would most likely go:
Jap brands in various order
Ducati
Aprilia
Triumph
BMW (S1000r has sure had a big impact)
Then KTM somewhere down the bottom.

They're not exactly a big player in riders minds so investment in racing may just boost that side of their business somewhat.

Either that or I'm full of shit and they just want to go out racing! :third: