MotoGP 2018

[Drew]

Hard to pick any other result for the win, after watching qualifying.

Rossi was a total unknown since he backed out of his only fast lap in Q2, but third was gift he wasn't expecting I dont think.

Marquez impressed me by not having a single moment. I was waiting for the front to tuck for the first five laps.

[Dadpole]

I will be a believer if lorenzo is in the mix at Assen. Sadly, I think the magic tank pad will lose it's juju there.

[EJK]

I will be a believer if lorenzo is in the mix at Assen. Sadly, I think the magic tank pad will lose it's juju there.

Yeah, about that. What's in that magic tank pad? Extra 40hp and -10kgs?

[Mental Trousers]

I will be a believer if lorenzo is in the mix at Assen. Sadly, I think the magic tank pad will lose it's juju there.

Yeah, about that. What's in that magic tank pad? Extra 40hp and -10kgs?

It doesn't have to be much, all it has to do is change the shape of the tank. Ergonomics is everything.

I've been doing something similar on my race bike for years now. On my CBR I add 25mm hard foam to the sides and back of the tank. Without it I'm stuck holding the tank between my knees and can't move off the side until after I finish braking. With the foam I'm off the side of the bike while braking. Makes all the difference.

[Autech]

It doesn't have to be much, all it has to do is change the shape of the tank. Ergonomics is everything.

I've been doing something similar on my race bike for years now. On my CBR I add 25mm hard foam to the sides and back of the tank. Without it I'm stuck holding the tank between my knees and can't move off the side until after I finish braking. With the foam I'm off the side of the bike while braking. Makes all the difference.Yup ergos can not be overlooked when body position determines so much on how a bike feels mid corner or on the brakes.
If I can feel the difference scretching around the final corner on a bucket at Ruapuna then imagine the difference in a pro like Jorge being able to make minor adjustments mid corner to keep that Ducati tamed?
Seemed to me he was doing a lot of that to maintain that brutal pace for the entire race as his tyres dropped off. Clinical.

Wonder if that's what Maverick needs to try? Adjust his body position etc for the heavy tank and slippery track rather than working endlessly on the bike but getting no where come Sunday afternoon.

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[Dadpole]

It is not the tank pad that I question as much as the story that Ducati, while spending millions on Lorenzo, would not give him an asked for 500Euro tank pad until halfway through his second year.

I think it is 10% body position and 90% in his head in this case. I recall the seat height saga in his first year. Up, down and around the houses it went. It ended up back in the original position in the end.

As an aside: Moto2 has been good this year. I can't wait for next year and the new engines and regulations. Perhaps it will finally become the path to MotoGP it was supposed to be.

[SaferRides]

I'm sure the tank pad helps but the real key is probably the new frame so that he can turn the bike. The engine also sounds different this year also as they get on the throttle - sounds cleaner..

But it's not working for Dovi. Not sure why he keeps crashing, nothing in the media yet.

[husaberg]

IF Jose keeps beating MM and Rossi keeps scoring points it would only take a crash or a DNF coupled with a poor finish of MM before Rossi might be able to sneak enough points for a Final Championship.
Although I don't like George I am impressed that he has been able to get the Ducati to work and vica versa to his style.
Great to have three different makes competitive and Suzuki on the rise as well.
Goes to show the control tires and the rule manipulation is working.

[pritch]

In case you were wondering about JL's miracle form improvement, here's a good explanation.


https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/why-lorenzo-winning

[Autech]

In case you were wondering about JL's miracle form improvement, here's a good explanation.


https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/why-lorenzo-winningFunny article when he meantioned the weightlessness felt by astronauts

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[onearmedbandit]

Funny article when he meantioned the weightlessness felt by astronauts

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Why is that?

[pritch]

Why is that?

Yeah I wondered about that. He was upside down, arse in the air, looking back at the number 1 on the front of the bike.

OK that doesn't happen on my bike, but it is heavier (so am I) and it doesn't have those carbon/carbon brakes.

[speights_bud]

Yeah I wondered about that. He was upside down, arse in the air, looking back at the number 1 on the front of the bike.

OK that doesn't happen on my bike, but it is heavier (so am I) and it doesn't have those carbon/carbon brakes.NSR250 unexpectedly threw me up onto the front screen once at taupo (T6). The end of my glove fingers caught the lever and slammed front brake on.

Happened during a warm up lap and I'd decided I didn't need to brake into the corner so was just going back to a regular throttle grip. Was not prepared for braking forces whatsoever, Nek minnut...

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[Autech]

Yeah I wondered about that. He was upside down, arse in the air, looking back at the number 1 on the front of the bike.

OK that doesn't happen on my bike, but it is heavier (so am I) and it doesn't have those carbon/carbon brakes.Love how he described himself as a mortal cobsidering his racing achievements. Good writer that Oxley.


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[SaferRides]

Love how he described himself as a mortal cobsidering his racing achievements. Good writer that Oxley.


Sent from my SM-A730F using TapatalkMatt Oxley is good, but the best analysis is probably Davd Emmett on the Motomatters website. You'd want to have a few coldies lined up before reading his longer articles though.

[Autech]

Matt Oxley is good, but the best analysis is probably Davd Emmett on the Motomatters website. You'd want to have a few coldies lined up before reading his longer articles though.

Yeah David Emmett is great reading. Gets all the low down without speculating too much on BS like the other news outlets trying to get clicks. Motomatters barely even has any ads on the site which is great. Does need a bit of a spruce in IMO if he wants to attract more readers

[pritch]

David Emmett and Neil Morrison produce the Paddock Pass podcast too. You can access it from the MotoMatters page or wherever you usually get podcasts. Handy to play while you're doing the dishes, washing the bike or whatever.

[husaberg]

Yeah I wondered about that. He was upside down, arse in the air, looking back at the number 1 on the front of the bike.

OK that doesn't happen on my bike, but it is heavier (so am I) and it doesn't have those carbon/carbon brakes.

You probably know anyway, but Carbon brakes have a braking curve that requires heat to perform. You grab the brake and get nothing until to heat is generated then according to everyone it comes on with a bang and it gets stronger as the heat brings the brake up to temp and gets hotter.
But all the bikes brakes are the same in MGP. Although I would suggest they have got much better at getting up to temp in the preceding years with improved tech.
You can set the bikes up to be better under brakes by trading off other areas like Kevin Schwantz used to by making the Cg lower and wheelbase longer but its a traction and handling trade off. The Ducati appears to have a speed advantage so maybe that's what they are doing now. by using that speed advantage and tailoring the bike to be upright for longer they are playing to their strength by making the straights effectively longer.

IF it was just a small issue of not being able to get into a position to brace himself, Its interesting that Ducati would not alter the bike in such a small way to tailor to suit Lorenzo earlier?
Maybe until then Lorenzo actually didn't know what he actually wanted or needed.
I do remember tales that Ducati like Ferrari F1 management only believes what is printed in the media over the feedback their riders give them.

But its interesting because I have always seen George as a classic wide arc 250 high corner speed racer.
So maybe he really has only just now learned it not the way to ride the Ducati fast?

Love how he described himself as a mortal cobsidering his racing achievements. Good writer that Oxley.
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I used to enjoy how everytime he rode one of Doohans bikes Mick used to brief him before and afterwards. As to how to ride it.
He used to report that Mick just used to say oh its only because you hadn't rode it as long as me, rather than the Mick having a bit of superhuman talent advantage.

[Grumph]

NSR250 unexpectedly threw me up onto the front screen once at taupo (T6). The end of my glove fingers caught the lever and slammed front brake on.

Happened during a warm up lap and I'd decided I didn't need to brake into the corner so was just going back to a regular throttle grip. Was not prepared for braking forces whatsoever, Nek minnut...

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Yeah, you don't need carbon brakes for that sort of thing....a mate of mine was sneaking around the outside of the field, turn 1 NZF2GP at Ruapuna, riding his 250TZ when Rodney O'Connor realised the outside line was free and pulled out on him. He rolled the TZ right over forwards avoiding Rodney. Painful....

[pritch]

You can set the bikes up to be better under brakes by trading off other areas like Kevin Schwantz used to by making the Cg lower and wheelbase longer but its a traction and handling trade off. The Ducati appears to have a speed advantage so maybe that's what they are doing now. by using that speed advantage and tailoring the bike to be upright for longer they are playing to their strength by making the straights effectively longer.


I do remember tales that Ducati like Ferrari F1 management only believes what is printed in the media over the feedback their riders give them.



That Jerry Burgess interview to which I posted a link about a while back discussed similar. Shortly after Rossi switched to Yamaha he pulled into the pits complaining that the front brakes were locking the wheel. Burgess told him that the front brakes were probably the only component on the Yamaha that was exactly the same as what he'd had on the Honda. IIRC he requested the factory to heighten the bike which solved the problem.

First thing Dall'Igna said he wanted to work on when he went to Ducati was a communication problem. I thought WTF? The bike is a dog and he's worrying about communication? It seems the problem was that the guys in the factory were engineers and didn't particularly feel the need to listen to mere mechanics. The engineers were informed that the guys in the team were driving the effort, and anyone who felt they couldn't take direction from the team mechanics had best leave before they were told to.

Who knows what took them so long to give George a tank he could use?

[BMWST?]

Yeah David Emmett is great reading. Gets all the low down without speculating too much on BS like the other news outlets trying to get clicks. Motomatters barely even has any ads on the site which is great. Does need a bit of a spruce in IMO if he wants to attract more readers
he also has a podcast paddock pass podcast

[carbonhed]

Ahhh Assen. Love the track... hate the weather. Hoping for a warm dry weekend!

[WALRUS]

Ahhh Assen. Love the track... hate the weather. Hoping for a warm dry weekend!

I loved it when it was longer. 7.7kms a lap was well good!

[pritch]

I loved it when it was longer. 7.7kms a lap was well good!

Yeah, Nick Harris used to bang on about "The cathedral of speed". That was long since, now it's just another chapel.

Aside from which, bring it on.

[roogazza]

Ahhh Assen. Love the track... hate the weather. Hoping for a warm dry weekend!
yeah , last I heard yesterday, it was for fine weather.. Fingers crossed !

[Autech]

27 degrees apparently! I'll believe it when I see it though.

Go Dani, go JL and GOOOO ROSSIIIII! Old fart needs to win a few more races before DP thrashes them all on the M1 next year with all the Petronas money sitting in his bank account :D

Why must we wait 2 weeks between races? Torture.

[pritch]

https://www.theweathernetwork.com/nl/weather/drenthe/assen

[WALRUS]

Oh damn.. I just remembered that since 2016, they changed Assen to be held on the Sunday like every other round, not on Saturday. I was looking forward to having a race on my birthday.. Looks like I just missed the boat by a casual 2 years..

[carbonhed]

Well that weather forecast looks really promising!

[mulletman]

Yup sunny and hot :cool: MM up to his usual front end slides/saves , FP2 was a good time to try tyre life out amongst
other things - (like a fast time) cause its the same time of day as race day on sunday.

[roogazza]

Qualifying from 10.30pm on Sky . (till 2am I believe?). :yawn::lol:

[AllanB]

Qualifying from 10.30pm on Sky . (till 2am I believe?). :yawn::lol:


Sky suck dogs shit. No way I'll every support them.

I'll diligently wait for the free summary next week.

Gooooo Rossi. Old bugger needs the career final.

[pritch]

OK but it's a tad late to watch tonight (I'm old). The forecast for tomorrow is bad, guess wot I'm doing tomorrow morning? :cool:

[Autech]

Sky suck dogs shit. No way I'll every support them.

I'll diligently wait for the free summary next week.

Gooooo Rossi. Old bugger needs the career final.My parents support them so I use their skygo lol
OK but it's a tad late to watch tonight (I'm old). The forecast for tomorrow is bad, guess wot I'm doing tomorrow morning? :cool:$100 on Jack Miller?

Edit just reread what you said. The forecast where you live is bad, not Assen therefore you will be watching qualifying. I is dickhead

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[pritch]

The forecast for Assen is still good. Mine is still crap. Forecasts being what they are though, there is nothing to stop it being the other way around. Here's hoping they got it right, although Jack may disagree.

[pritch]

In case it’s raining when you are watching, or for any other reason the circumstances suit, there is the Assen drinking game. Acknowledgements to Admiral Phut

Down a pint at every mention of any of the following:
Cathedral
Circuit ruined
Still one of the best
Used to be on a Saturday
Maddest fans
Short hop for British fans

[EJK]

WTF Q2 was that?

[mulletman]

Didnt think the freight train had any of that speed when the cameras were on George and Iannone...

MM looks the man to beat tho, his 1.34s during FP4 on any tyre was telling.

[carbonhed]

WTF Q2 was that? :lol: I thought Marquez had really screwed his chance when he was stuck in that group but he still managed to put it on pole. Dragged a motley bunch of chancers along too though. Lorenzo and Zarco were the only ones to ride alone.

[Autech]

[emoji38] I thought Marquez had really screwed his chance when he was stuck in that group but he still managed to put it on pole. Dragged a motley bunch of chancers along too though. Lorenzo and Zarco were the only ones to ride alone.Zarco headed the train IIRC.

Mad qualifying session stayed up to watch it and it def kept me awake.
Meanwhile in F1 they are all crying about one guy not giving another one a tow. Pussys.

Anyone see the slow mo of Miller out of the final chicane? Commentators missed it but I think they (Dorna directors) were highlighting how much Miller was mashing the rear brake to keep the front wheel down. Cool to watch and shows that in this day of electronics the riders definitely have a say still.

I would go as far as saying Crafer is now better than Dylan Gray was, mainly on the technical input and the small details he is picking up on that doowwwnnnn in pit Laane Dylan Graaaay didn't seem to add. He may eff up the occasional rider name but so did He Who Must Not Be Named and he'd been doing it alot longer.

Excited for tonight should be another fist fight



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[eelracing]

Excited for tonight should be another fist fight.

An excellent 12 rounder before the knockout punch was delivered.
But oh what quality it was... Rins and the Suzook were awesome and Mav might have his mojo back.

[mulletman]

Like watching a Moto3 race :sweatdrop - and some :shit:

[carbonhed]

Fuck!. That was immense.

[Autech]

Fuck!. That was immense.I was just sat there in disbelief at how mental it was. Assen needs to be dry every year!

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[roogazza]

Fuck!. That was immense.

wasn't it ? the front group of eight were all in with a chance of a crack at some stage.:yes:

[ecko_nzed]

Fuck!. That was immense.Was torn between screaming at the screen and trying to be quiet coz the normal people were sleeping!

Rins eh, if he can be more consistent they better watch out.

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[pritch]

Brilliant. I had trouble getting to sleep after that.

[Autech]

Me too at 0230 I was still wide awake.

Lazy day today

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[carbonhed]

It was interesting listening to Marquez talk about why he couldn't break away earlier... he couldn't run his fast sweeping lines because every time he opened up the entry to the corner to get the optimum speed on the exit somebody block passed him and also the run back from turn 11 Duikersloot to the chicane was into a strong wind so the draft let people who had been gapped catch back up.

Once he got the message gap 0.2 he could run his own lines and go.

Just watched it again. Still mega. Amazing clash between Rossi and Lorenzo at 200kph... how they both stayed upright?

[Dadpole]

I was impressed with Lorenzo. First how he got off the line to the front and more by the way he stayed in the mix for so long. A glimpse of the Lorenzo we have barely seen for a few years.

[pritch]

Cal Crutchlow posted on Twitter that he really enjoyed the race but would like to have finished higher. All of the riders in that group except Marquez and maybe Rins probably shared the sentiment.

[carbonhed]

Cal Crutchlow posted on Twitter that he really enjoyed the race but would like to have finished higher. All of the riders in that group except Marquez and maybe Rins probably shared the sentiment.

Rossi and Dovi certainly could have if they hadnt gone defcon 9 into T1.

[Autech]

Rossi and Dovi certainly could have if they hadnt gone defcon 9 into T1.That was some n00b shit right there for sure.

Speed up and Quatararo, is the the bike or the rider? Cause thats two weeks in a row that he's been able to turn that bike which is supposedly shitier wayyy tighter than any of the others. KTM definitely encountering some understeer looking at Oli and Binder but he made the Kalexs look like VRODs on a track day. Awesome

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[russd7]

well, just watched gp, normally watch moto3 next to get the blood pumping again but don't think my blood pressure pills will keep up.
what a start from JL99, 10th to 1st.
Then all through the race paint being swapped as often as the lead, a few instances that could have ended a few riders race but they all stayed on and kept it pinned.
sad to see JL99 drop off but absolutely stoked to see Rins right up there. Only one really missing from that top 8 was Danii to make it 9

what a spectactular race

[BMWST?]

i predict a win for Rins and Maverick before the year is out.They both seem to have Lorenzo mid corner speed and be able to get the drive.
The only fly in that ointment is a certain other Spaniard they shared the Podium with today

[sugilite]

Apparently, Crashlow would of been on the podium is it were not for lamo CC excuse #938 " It was an epic battle etc etc, but to be in it on a Honda is a disaster, because our bike doesn’t work when we’re in groups."
Link to full article here (https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/900423/1/crutchlow-unable-pass-podium-slips-away).

[roogazza]

Apparently, Crashlow would of been on the podium is it were not for lamo CC excuse #938 " It was an epic battle etc etc, but to be in it on a Honda is a disaster, because our bike doesn’t work when we’re in groups."
Link to full article here (https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/900423/1/crutchlow-unable-pass-podium-slips-away).

337453xxxx

[merv]

Apparently, Crashlow would of been on the podium is it were not for lamo CC excuse #938 " It was an epic battle etc etc, but to be in it on a Honda is a disaster, because our bike doesn’t work when we’re in groups."
Link to full article here (https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/900423/1/crutchlow-unable-pass-podium-slips-away).

Jeepers, he has a lot to say about it :yawn:. If he was as good as Marc he'd just pass the other riders like Marc does :brick:.

[Autech]

Jeepers, he has a lot to say about it :yawn:. If he was as good as Marc he'd just pass the other riders like Marc does :brick:.Thats the thing we know how good he is as he keeps telling us how Marc and previously Dani are better riders than him and he just has to work at it harder to ride as good. CC banged his dick on the table and it wasn't as big as the others this time out. Credit to him singing Rins praises though, agree 100% that Rins rode a fohking good race considering he got lapped last year!

Zarco has some good insight into the other riders though on crash about how they kept their energy levels up. Seems he is learning every race only problem is the guys hes going against been at it a very long time and already know all the tricks. Smart guy.

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[pritch]

Apparently, Crashlow would of been on the podium is it were not for lamo CC excuse #938 " It was an epic battle etc etc, but to be in it on a Honda is a disaster, because our bike doesn’t work when we’re in groups."

A tad harsh perhaps, considering Marquez said the same thing. It was only when MM got to the front near the end that he could get the best from the bike. Previously if he used the wider cornering lines the Honda needs, someone would do a block pass on him.

[roogazza]

Maybe they need to nobble the doocati with a weight penalty to stop them catching up on the straights ?

Funnier things have happened ? :rolleyes: (maybe intake restrictors ?).

Michelin need to fix their rubber if following in a group overheats tyres,just seems crazy to me ?

Hard not to see #93 getting another Title,he's so good. Like to see Vale win tho.

[Dadpole]

I think Marquez will have to injure himself before Rossi or the others would have a chance. Right now, he has all the cards.

As an aside; I note the TAB has dropped Lorenzo as the season runner-up favourite. He is now in fifth place. Funny how quickly the MotoGP swings and roundabouts work. I expect to see him back near the top of the list after Austria

[roogazza]

I think Marquez will have to injure himself before Rossi or the others would have a chance. Right now, he has all the cards.

As an aside; I note the TAB has dropped Lorenzo as the season runner-up favourite. He is now in fifth place. Funny how quickly the MotoGP swings and roundabouts work. I expect to see him back near the top of the list after Austria

Yes it can very quickly turn to poo with an injury. But if anyone has any experience getting a bike around a track,they will appreciate, #93 is something special.

[Dadpole]

I note that Marquez did not crash this round. The question is why? Is he being sensible (Tui) or has the Law of Physics finally given up on him?

[WALRUS]

Hard not to see #93 getting another Title,he's so good. Like to see Vale win tho.


if anyone has any experience getting a bike around a track,they will appreciate, #93 is something special.

Unfortunately, I fear you're right. There's no denying that he's an incredibly talented rider/athlete. Infinitely fitter and more capable than I am. But fuck me has he made one of my favourite sports dull. The racing itself is alright but it's as repetitive as WSBK right now, IMHO..

Rea wins, Rea wins, Rea wins, Marquez wins, Marquez wins, Marquez wins..

I was at a local motorcycling event recently, just some fun and games in a field, and after every event they played the spanish national anthem for a laugh (known here as the MotoGP theme song). I know that Rossi was the same, back in the early 2000's in the premier class but currently I would love to see Marquez switch to Aprilia or KTM.. Nerf him to make the racing a bit more random. Actually, swapping the riders all over so the factory riders are all put on satellite bikes and the satellite riders onto the factory rides, and switch up the manufacturers... That'd show who the good, adaptable riders really are!

[carbonhed]

Unfortunately, I fear you're right. There's no denying that he's an incredibly talented rider/athlete. Infinitely fitter and more capable than I am. But fuck me has he made one of my favourite sports dull. The racing itself is alright but it's as repetitive as WSBK right now, IMHO..


Yeah... when I was watching Assen I was sitting there thinking to myself "you know what this is almost exactly like Laguna Seca last weekend... even the fucking weather is the same!" :angry:

Rins very nearly arsed it up going through the last chicane. Went into the chicane hot with five bike lengths on Vinales and ten on Dovi... wound up getting second by half a tenth and beat Dovi by 1.5 tenths. Did he make any other mistakes?

[merv]

Unfortunately, I fear you're right. There's no denying that he's an incredibly talented rider/athlete. Infinitely fitter and more capable than I am. But fuck me has he made one of my favourite sports dull. The racing itself is alright but it's as repetitive as WSBK right now, IMHO..

Rea wins, Rea wins, Rea wins, Marquez wins, Marquez wins, Marquez wins..



I reckon it has been great this year. It hasn't been like you say that much at all as he has only won half of the races. It actually is Dovi wins, Crutchlow wins, Marquez wins, Marquez wins, Marquez wins, Jorge wins, Jorge wins and Marquez wins. That is quite different to the year he won 10 on the trot.

I don't find the racing dull at all given the variability which seems to be mainly caused by the damn tyres.

[pritch]

But fuck me has he made one of my favourite sports dull. The racing itself is alright but it's as repetitive as WSBK right now, IMHO..



That must be a wind up? From the general reaction around the traps I'm assuming that was a GP fpr the ages. MM didn't get a clear run at the front until the last few laps. Funny though, I seemed to recall it was Lorenzo won the previous two races.

Anyhoo it was good enough that I might watch it again before I delete it. If I could figure out how, I'd even burn a DVD. There's a thought :whistle:

[BMWST?]

That must be a wind up? From the general reaction around the traps I'm assuming that was a GP fpr the ages. MM didn't get a clear run at the front until the last few laps. Funny though, I seemed to recall it was Lorenzo won the previous two races.

Anyhoo it was good enough that I might watch it again before I delete it. If I could figure out how, I'd even burn a DVD. There's a thought :whistle:

i recorded it on our dvd player.I can burn a dvd if you like.I am gonna watch it again.I have been following motogp since at least 1978(and have almost as many moto courses.I just sat there in astonishment for the first 10 laps.When rins and MV joined the fray too i couldnt beleive it!

[pritch]

i recorded it on our dvd player.I can burn a dvd if you like.I am gonna watch it again.

Thanks for the kind offer. I have the race recorded on the SKY box. There is a DVD recorder here that I've never really used. I could never set it up because I only had the dish and the first thing it wanted to do was tune in to the terrestrial channels and I didn't have any and couldn't get past that stage. Now though I do have an aerial - and a dish. I should get the manual out and learn how to use this thing. :innocent:

[sugilite]

A tad harsh perhaps, considering Marquez said the same thing. It was only when MM got to the front near the end that he could get the best from the bike. Previously if he used the wider cornering lines the Honda needs, someone would do a block pass on him.
Possibly a fair statement, but it seemed that way for all riders on all brands, not just honda - I may be wrong and often are :yes:

[carbonhed]

Possibly a fair statement, but it seemed that way for all riders on all brands, not just honda - I may be wrong and often are :yes:

Holy crap! A reasonable man on kiwibiker.

Sharpen your act up and get with the program or you'll make us all look bad. :weep:

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/motogp-assen-thrilling-scary-boring

[pritch]

Possibly a fair statement, but it seemed that way for all riders on all brands, not just honda

Both Crutchlow and Marquez mentioned the wide entry the Honda needs as being a problem in traffic. Seeing that they both thought it worthy of mention, and seeing that they both know a fucking lot more than me, I'll accept that their problem with the entry line must be more pronounced than what is normal.

A few weeks ago when reports about the problem of overheating front tyres on following bikes were raised, some here expressed doubts. Now that the problem has been confirmed by riders I take it we can accept that as a given?

Someone suggested Michelin needed to sort their act. My guess would be that if a rider approached Michelin they'd just suggest a harder option tyre. It was the soft front that was overheating in Assen IIRC. Those tyres have very restricted performance envelopes and it was similar for Bridgestones. They're amazing within their intended range but that range is exceedingly limited.

[Autech]

Both Crutchlow and Marquez mentioned the wide entry the Honda needs as being a problem in traffic. Seeing that they both thought it worthy of mention, and seeing that they both know a fucking lot more than me, I'll accept that their problem with the entry line must be more pronounced than what is normal.

A few weeks ago when reports about the problem of overheating front tyres on following bikes were raised, some here expressed doubts. Now that the problem has been confirmed by riders I take it we can accept that as a given?

Someone suggested Michelin needed to sort their act. My guess would be that if a rider approached Michelin they'd just suggest a harder option tyre. It was the soft front that was overheating in Assen IIRC. Those tyres have very restricted performance envelopes and it was similar for Bridgestones. They're amazing within their intended range but that range is exceedingly limited.Yup why should Mitchie "fix" a problem that only exists for one manufacturer and on a bike that has won more than half the races this year if you include CCs win?

Was thinking bout the wind and Dani. Apparently it was the windiest it had been all weekend during the race and from a different direction. Wonder how hard it would be to get a big bike to turn in the wind at his size?
Announcement on his future to be made at the next round, some press saying its the Yamaha deal others saying that if it was that they'd not do a special announcement so he's retiring. Time will tell.

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[carbonhed]

David Emmet finally got his shit together.

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2018/07/04/2018_assen_motogp_race_round_up_another.html


https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/1013505338425970689

[BMWST?]

Thanks for the kind offer. I have the race recorded on the SKY box. There is a DVD recorder here that I've never really used. I could never set it up because I only had the dish and the first thing it wanted to do was tune in to the terrestrial channels and I didn't have any and couldn't get past that stage. Now though I do have an aerial - and a dish. I should get the manual out and learn how to use this thing. :innocent:
i had the dvd recorder hooked up to my older sky decoder.All the decoders are now mysky compatible so when sky came to investigate a almost daily "rain fade" problem they replaced our old decoder ,and left my dvd player/recorder unplugged.You can however plug the dvd player /recorder into the mysky box via plain pld rca plugs(i think).I dont know you can get the recordings off the mysky box.Anyways i will leave this episode on the dvd recorder,and should you wish to take up my offer in the near future it stands.As it happens i may be in New Plymouth soon too

[Autech]

Can anyone explain to me what this DVD thing is everyone is going on about?

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[jasonu]

Unfortunately, I fear you're right. There's no denying that he's an incredibly talented rider/athlete. Infinitely fitter and more capable than I am. But fuck me has he made one of my favourite sports dull. The racing itself is alright but it's as repetitive as WSBK right now, IMHO..

Rea wins, Rea wins, Rea wins, Marquez wins, Marquez wins, Marquez wins, Doohan wins, Doohan wins , Doohan wins...

!


Some people are bloody hard to please...

[Mental Trousers]

Can anyone explain to me what this DVD thing is everyone is going on about?

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Kids these days.

[Cosmik de Bris]

Can anyone explain to me what this DVD thing is everyone is going on about?

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

DVD is an old technology and you probably haven't heard of it. Apparently in the old days you had to have a spinning disk of some sort to store things on.

Cheers

[Autech]

DVD is an old technology and you probably haven't heard of it. Apparently in the old days you had to have a spinning disk of some sort to store things on.

CheersCan I insert a DVD in to my cloud or do I need an ap for that?

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[roogazza]

haha no cloud,just insert it ! :msn-wink:

Just had a mild panic,the wife had HDVM2 on the big TV nothing else ???
Under cross examination she cracked and confessed to cleaning behind the TV ????
I said, you're lucky there's no GP on this weekend or I'd have to smash ya !!

I love technology ,when it works !!!!!!!

(I'm probably the one that would've been smashed ?). :confused:

[Drew]

haha no cloud,just insert it ! :msn-wink:

Just had a mild panic,the wife had HDVM2 on the big TV nothing else ???
Under cross examination she cracked and confessed to cleaning behind the TV ????
I said, you're lucky there's no GP on this weekend or I'd have to smash ya !!

I love technology ,when it works !!!!!!!

(I'm probably the one that would've been smashed ?). :confused:

I move a lot of tellies out the way in my job. I can tell you that in my experience yours is the 9nly one that's been cleaned behind since it was put there.

[speights_bud]

Cleaned behind ours last spring, first time in 6 years though...

Our PC is behind the TV and the dust was blocking up the cpu heat sink and it kept lagging when I streamed the gp. A good clean out and full speed ahead.


I move a lot of tellies out the way in my job. I can tell you that in my experience yours is the 9nly one that's been cleaned behind since it was put there.

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[pritch]

I move a lot of tellies out the way in my job. I can tell you that in my experience yours is the 9nly one that's been cleaned behind since it was put there.

Ah yes. When the guy came to fit my aerial I cleaned behind the TV because I knew his wife and I didn't want a bad report. It wouldn't have been perfect but at least it didn't make him sneeze.

[pritch]

There are currently reports being released of Aspar Ducati quitting the MotoGP grid at years end. It's reported that the most of the affected mechanics are headed to the SIC Nieto satellite Yamaha team.

OK the press releases are out now so it ain't just a rumour.

All of which might be stealing some of the thunder from Pedro's special press conference. Or not. Alex Marquez has been tipped for one of the seats.

[BMWST?]

seem to be reports that Dani is to announce his retirement but the rumour mill has been very wrong already this season

[pritch]

seem to be reports that Dani is to announce his retirement but the rumour mill has been very wrong already this season

We'll just have to wait unti Thursday night. The top pick for one seat is Morbidelli with Quateraro mentioned as a chance. Meantime our guesses are as good as anybody else's.

[Autech]

seem to be reports that Dani is to announce his retirement but the rumour mill has been very wrong already this seasonIt will come down to the spec of the bikes I think. If they aren't full factory bikes then Dani will call it a day

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[AllanB]

Just caught up on the Assen race. Why was there suddenly such good tight racing? Weird. Fantastic to watch, but very odd.

I have no real reason not to like MM, none I can justify of someone with such skill. But I dislike him anyway!

[husaberg]

seem to be reports that Dani is to announce his retirement but the rumour mill has been very wrong already this season
Wait and see.

Dear all,
Finally I have taken my decision concerning my future. I want to inform everyone personally and at the same time.
For this reason, in Sachsenring I will give a press conference for this matter.
I please ask everyone to respect my decision to wait until then to make my announcement.
Thanks very much in advance
Dani Pedrosa


Having lost his Repsol Honda seat to Jorge Lorenzo (https://www.crash.net/motogp/racer/1558/jorge-lorenzo), Pedrosa has been linked to the proposed new Petronas/SIC Yamaha team - but is also thought to have been considering retirement.
The fact Pedrosa is calling a press conference to announce his future arguably suggests he has decided on the latter. A move to another team would normally be signalled by a press release.

[BMWST?]

Just caught up on the Assen race. Why was there suddenly such good tight racing? Weird. Fantastic to watch, but very odd.

I have no real reason not to like MM, none I can justify of someone with such skill. But I dislike him anyway!

i reckon it was the wind...

[pritch]

Just caught up on the Assen race. Why was there suddenly such good tight racing? Weird. Fantastic to watch, but very odd.


The pundits credit the track, they say flowing tracks can produce great racing. Presumably as opposed to the glorified Go Kart tracks that we see too often these days.
Phillip Island is another track that can turn it on when the lads come out to play.

That and the fact that the Honda riders couldn't function properly in traffic so MM didn't clear off until near the end.

[pritch]

Dunno why they felt the need to use three riders for this but we can assume they know what they are doing. Apparently the 2019 Moto2 bikes will have more advanced electronics than the current crop.

Anyhoo Kalex have put this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR5y9XMQvd0&frags=pl%2Cwn

[onearmedbandit]

Dunno why they felt the need to use three riders for this but we can assume they know what they are doing. Apparently the 2019 Moto2 bikes will have more advanced electronics than the current crop.

Anyhoo Kalex have put this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR5y9XMQvd0&frags=pl%2Cwn

Ahhhh I'm going out on a limb here but maybe, just maybe, more feedback? And if you mean 'just for the video' then more exposure to the public.

[pritch]

Ahhhh I'm going out on a limb here but maybe, just maybe, more feedback? And if you mean 'just for the video' then more exposure to the public.

Welcome back :drinkup:

And yeah, I meant the vid. I must play that again with the 'phones on.

[AllanB]

I must play that again with the 'phones on.

It's a darn fine soundtrack.

[eelracing]

It's a darn fine soundtrack.

Shud sound like this...

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f410HRvyOjw" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[WALRUS]

There have been some amazing sounding Triple race bikes over the years... These are my faves..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu3tc-d4FYY


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOgzabv_6do&feature=youtu.be
(^ This is from a brilliant Doco, by the way. Foggy: Against All Odds)

I'll put that Kalex video through the hifi at home tonight, see what we're dealing with.. I suspect it's just going to sound like a loud Daytona/Stripple but, hey, nothing wrong with that!

[sugilite]

My prediction is Sachsenring is going to be an incredibly tight and competitive race for........ 2nd place - MM all the way! :yes:

[Dadpole]

My prediction is Sachsenring is going to be an incredibly tight and competitive race for........ 2nd place - MM all the way! :yes:

I predict that Monday will follow Sunday. Almost as safe a prediction as yours. :sunny:

[pritch]

I predict that Monday will follow Sunday. Almost as safe a prediction as yours. :sunny:

My sentiment is similar but may not have been as eloquently expressed.

The track is currently receiving more attention than the riders. Apparently the Sachsenring qualifies as a "glorified go-kart track" but it still has the most dangerous corner in the calendar.
It is the financial viability of the track that is receiving all the attention though. Mat Oxley's take on that is here:

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/end-m-rquezs-happiest-hunting-ground

[actungbaby]

seem to be reports that Dani is to announce his retirement but the rumour mill has been very wrong already this season

Yes i seem to think he will just press realease he put seemed odd wording.if he was going to join another team.

You whould think they whould release a press statement on his behalf. normally how these things handled gives the new team max publicity.
He be in new team colours etc .

. i think with how he gone since it was said he be leaving hrc shows his dispointment .be big deal change bikes know in twlight of his racing.
most problerly after his crew chief change and still getting same results he thought i had it good all these years . go as A repsol Honda man .
If goes to new team unknow he has all to work up again. dont think be there just make up numbers.he been great Rider for Honda.
Just bit luck and he chould been world champ . but his record speaks for its self he on all time record books anyways.
he overcome alot esp that wrist injury whould put most riders out along time ago.

[roogazza]

My sentiment is similar but may not have been as eloquently expressed.

I've got a couple of German friends I see at other GPs . They're always saying,you must come to Sachsenring and see our GP ?
They provide great passes for me and are involved with M.A.N. Trucks.

[pritch]

They provide great passes for me and are involved with M.A.N. Trucks.

I must have done something evil in a former life because I was punished by having to drive a bus for part of this life. The newest part of the fleet came from Machinenwerke Augsburg Nurnberg so I’m familiar with their fine products.

Oxley’s comments might suggest you don’t leave it too long to visit the Sachsenring.

[roogazza]

I must have done something evil in a former life because I was punished by having to drive a bus for part of this life. The newest part of the fleet came from Machinenwerke Augsburg Nurnberg so I’m familiar with their fine products.

Oxley’s comments might suggest you don’t leave it too long to visit the Sachsenring.

A little bit like Italy and the Mugello GP in that its booked out every year for Accom nearby. Its the sort of place that suits the Yamahas so lets see if they can break the #93 strangle hold.

Go Vale, Go Yamaha !!!!!!! :lol: :rolleyes:

[Cosmik de Bris]

I've got a couple of German friends I see at other GPs . They're always saying,you must come to Sachsenring and see our GP ?
They provide great passes for me and are involved with M.A.N. Trucks.

It seems as though Sachsenring have some viability issues with their business model, it's a shame really as I think the circuit is liked by the riders and spectators alike.

Cheers

[carbonhed]

Its the sort of place that suits the Yamahas so lets see if they can break the #93 strangle hold.

Go Vale, Go Yamaha !!!!!!! :lol: :rolleyes:

Well Lorenzo won in 2010 on a Yamaha... and they've had a few minor placings since.... other than that Honda Honda Honda Honda Honda Honda Honda.

I admire your optimism!

[roogazza]

Well Lorenzo won in 2010 on a Yamaha... and they've had a few minor placings since.... other than that Honda Honda Honda Honda Honda Honda Honda.


or 93 93 93 93 93 93 ! He's due an injury, he isn't human ! :shifty: :confused:

[pritch]

The work here was done by OnTrackOffroad but this is in the Telegraph which is a main stream, Tory leaning, British newspaper. There may be a limit to how many times you can view it though as the Telegraph is generally behind a paywall and you only get a few freebies per month.

It's well worth a look.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/features/motogp-cal-crutchlow-gives-riders-eye-view-controls/

[SaferRides]

I watched Assen again. JLo was certainly quick at the start of the race, although I get the feeling that MM could have pissed off and left them to it after about 7 laps but he was having too much fun.

No disrespect to Rins but Suzuki just need a decent rider. Can't see much wrong with the bike now.

[BMWST?]

I watched Assen again. JLo was certainly quick at the start of the race, although I get the feeling that MM could have pissed off and left them to it after about 7 laps but he was having too much fun.

No disrespect to Rins but Suzuki just need a decent rider. Can't see much wrong with the bike now.

wha.......whats wrong with second?????

[pritch]

So it would seem that Pedrosa has announced retirement from the end of the year. I wish him well with whatever he chooses to do next.

[roogazza]

So it would seem that Pedrosa has announced retirement from the end of the year. I wish him well with whatever he chooses to do next.

Yeah good on him pritch. He can count his money and be involved in some other way if he chooses ?
Retirement is not such a bad thing,am sitting here with my morning pot O coffee and thinking I've been retired since age 56 (13 years) . I'm bascally lazy so that suits me.....:rolleyes:

[SaferRides]

wha.......whats wrong with second?????He was lucky to get 2nd. Don't get me wrong, he's a good rider, but that Suzuki looked very strong at Assen.

But what has happened to Iannone? Fast in qualifying but no race pace?

[SaferRides]

So it would seem that Pedrosa has announced retirement from the end of the year. I wish him well with whatever he chooses to do next.Agreed. He said that he had decided earlier in the season to retire, but did consider the satellite Yamaha deal.

[carbonhed]

Sad to lose Dani. He's still fast and seems like a decent guy. Enjoy your retirement!

[Autech]

Sad day for fan bois like me.
Glad to see him not settle for 2nd best though... Interesting to see where he goes from here

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[Drew]

I'd like to see Pedrosa have a crack at superbikes. But the Honda there needs more of a mongrel than even Marquez I reckon.

[BMWST?]

dunno why but that makes me a little bit sad to see Dani depart the motogp scene...:(

[Dadpole]

dunno why but that makes me a little bit sad to see Dani depart the motogp scene...:(

I too am sad. I admit to becoming a bit of a fanboy over the last five or so years. :niceone:

[AllanB]

dunno why but that makes me a little bit sad to see Dani depart the motogp scene...:(


Agree with you here. I think it's a bridesmaid thing. Looking attractive and all but just not her day.

[husaberg]

"It's a great shame, I think, for MotoGP because our sport loses one of the best riders in the last years, in the last period," seven-time MotoGP champion Rossi said of Pedrosa's decision.
"It's also a great shame that Dani never won a world championship in MotoGP, I think he deserved minimum one.

I am not sure if that is a back handed compliment or not.

[Autech]

I am not sure if that is a back handed compliment or not.Pretty sure all the riders on the grid respect Dani and fear him when he gets the bike n tyres dialled in without injury. Been some great battles with him and Rossi over the years.

I am glad he has chucked it in, he's proven everything bar a GP title, no satellite bike will give him that I don't think so time to move on. Going to be sad to not see him on the grid though after so many years of cheering him on.

Tonight's race going to be interesting, all riders talking tyre drop so MM might not be able to dominate like his race pace suggests, think JL will give him his greatest challenge though.
Petrux will be the deciding factor on the poduim as he will drop pace big time (due to his weight and wrist) and any riders stuck behind him when that happens may have a few tough laps to get by him. Vinales n Dani always have late race pace so will be interesting to see where they end up.
Bring it on.

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[BMWST?]

Pretty sure all the riders on the grid respect Dani and fear him when he gets the bike n tyres dialled in without injury. Been some great battles with him and Rossi over the years.

I am glad he has chucked it in, he's proven everything bar a GP title, no satellite bike will give him that I don't think so time to move on. Going to be sad to not see him on the grid though after so many years of cheering him on.

Tonight's race going to be interesting, all riders talking tyre drop so MM might not be able to dominate like his race pace suggests, think JL will give him his greatest challenge though.
Petrux will be the deciding factor on the poduim as he will drop pace big time (due to his weight and wrist) and any riders stuck behind him when that happens may have a few tough laps to get by him. Vinales n Dani always have late race pace so will be interesting to see where they end up.
Bring it on.

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mm has great pace for a lot of laps,but even with the way he rides practise and the race are two different things.So it could be like Assen with no one able to make a break cos they will be passed by someone other than the guy they just passed

[carbonhed]

Damn these qualifying sessions are intense. Petrucci taking the piss a bit getting a tow off Lorenzo. You're getting a factory ride next year try acting like one of the big dogs. No doubt JLo would have been pretty pissed if he'd been demoted to the second row. MM still the favourite but closer than anticipated.

[pritch]

Damn these qualifying sessions are intense. Petrucci taking the piss a bit getting a tow off Lorenzo. You're getting a factory ride next year try acting like one of the big dogs. No doubt JLo would have been pretty pissed if he'd been demoted to the second row. MM still the favourite but closer than anticipated.

Petrucci didn't hang around to get that tow it just worked out for him so fair enough. Stoner used to whinge and moan about "caravans", but Marquez said he doesn't mind because that puts the towed riders between him and his championship rivals on the grid. Which is a more intelligent way of looking at it. Although there was one recent incident when his pit sent him a message and he threw the lap, and the session, away.

Zarco seems lost. Apparently he's losing faith in his crew. He does have the same grip problem as the factory guys, but I think it was David Emmett attributed his problems to some upheaval in his private life.
I hope he can get it sorted.

Along with Pedro there's quite a crop of guys losing rides at the end of this year: Smith, Redding, Luthi, Bautista, Abraham.Three former world champions there, it's a hard row to hoe is the GP paddock. Bautista is headed to SBK and Pedro to be a Honda brand ambassador apparently. The commentators mentioned that Kalio is hurt and there may be an opening to replace him as test rider.

[pritch]

A little look back at some action between Joan Olive and Jorge Lorenzo. I had been looking for this a while back and couldn't find it, had a look today and there it was. So for those who haven't seen it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzVu5sVQ0ZE&frags=pl%2Cwn

And the ladies are quite tasty too.

[carbonhed]

Petrucci didn't hang around to get that tow it just worked out for him so fair enough. Stoner used to whinge and moan about "caravans", but Marquez said he doesn't mind because that puts the towed riders between him and his championship rivals on the grid. Which is a more intelligent way of looking at it. Although there was one recent incident when his pit sent him a message and he threw the lap, and the session, away.

Zarco seems lost. Apparently he's losing faith in his crew. He does have the same grip problem as the factory guys, but I think it was David Emmett attributed his problems to some upheaval in his private life.
I hope he can get it sorted.

Along with Pedro there's quite a crop of guys losing rides at the end of this year: Smith, Redding, Luthi, Bautista, Abraham.Three former world champions there, it's a hard row to hoe is the GP paddock. Bautista is headed to SBK and Pedro to be a Honda brand ambassador apparently. The commentators mentioned that Kalio is hurt and there may be an opening to replace him as test rider.

Well it puts the towed riders between you and your rivals if they don't beat you :-)

Who the fock is Joan Olive? A hell of a name for a young lad to live down.

[husaberg]

Petrucci didn't hang around to get that tow it just worked out for him so fair enough. Stoner used to whinge and moan about "caravans", but Marquez said he doesn't mind because that puts the towed riders between him and his championship rivals on the grid. Which is a more intelligent way of looking at it. Although there was one recent incident when his pit sent him a message and he threw the lap, and the session, away.

Zarco seems lost. Apparently he's losing faith in his crew. He does have the same grip problem as the factory guys, but I think it was David Emmett attributed his problems to some upheaval in his private life.
I hope he can get it sorted.

Along with Pedro there's quite a crop of guys losing rides at the end of this year: Smith, Redding, Luthi, Bautista, Abraham.Three former world champions there, it's a hard row to hoe is the GP paddock. Bautista is headed to SBK and Pedro to be a Honda brand ambassador apparently. The commentators mentioned that Kalio is hurt and there may be an opening to replace him as test rider.
I think 2013/2014 saw the introduction of the 107% rule for qualifying.

[pritch]

Who the fock is Joan Olive? A hell of a name for a young lad to live down.

Assuming the question is serious? He mostly rode 125 and Moto3, last I saw he was KTM factory test rider. In English his name definitely looks bad, sounds OK in Spanish.

[roogazza]

I didn't wait up for the race,but result was ok . The 40 yr old must have found something ?(as he normally does.)
Crashalot ,well ........ ? lol. :woohoo:
Watched the moto2 and 3 races live. Martin is a serious operator.
Rossi's half brother had his best result as well .

[carbonhed]

I thought it was a great ride by Rossi. Fast, clean and no mistakes. Vinales too made a good race, saving the tire and coming strong at the end.

Lorenzo's setting just turned to shit from half distance.

MM? Faster, clean and no mistakes. Unearthly.

Goober of the weekend? Pol Espargaro. Screwed Rins, Miller and Iannone and fell off to boot two corners in. :facepalm:

[Autech]

Interesting race, JL fucked up big time with the soft front. Still came in ahead of Dovi though so good work. Did bloody well to stay on board I reckon.

Bautista should have ridden like that more often if he wanted a ride, he was brilliant, only Petrux saved the so called better GP18 from being embarrassed by a low rated rider on one of the worst Dukes when it comes to factory support. 10/10.
Rossi was good just not good enough it seems, MM looking scary this year. Could be another 14 where the only rider capable of beating him consistently is in the same garage but for whatever reason isn't firing on all cylinders. Speaking of which DP was coming good right at the end he was closing up on the front boys but was too little too late, frustrating time to be his fan boi.

CC... Mate...

KTM, with Pol topping warmup I wondered if they had given him the keys to Kalios upgraded bike, would explain his extra pace as well as his aggressive riding trying to get it in a good place to show em what's what.

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[pritch]

The Yamahas still seem to have significant problems. Rossi must have been impressed with Folger's effort last year because he said he got hold of Folger's data and went through it to see how Folger had done it. Then Rossi modified his style to suit.

[speights_bud]

The Yamahas still seem to have significant problems. Rossi must have been impressed with Folger's effort last year because he said he got hold of Folger's data and went through it to see how Folger had done it. Then Rossi modified his style to suit.Commentators profusely apologising for Rossi's F-bomb. No one cares. Shows these guys are still human.

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[pritch]

Commentators profusely apologising for Rossi's F-bomb. No one cares. Shows these guys are still human.

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Yeah one of the others said "shit" in an interview and that set them off on a series of apologies. Be better if they ignored it.

[sugilite]

Yeah one of the others said "shit" in an interview and that set them off on a series of apologies. Be better if they ignored it.
Yeah, Rossi said it so fast, I had to rewind to even hear what the commentators were going on about.

[Dadpole]

Rossi has dropped the "fuck" word many times. Often followed by him laughing and apologising.
I bet the word was said loudly when Marquez pulled his finger out and buggered off at lap 21.

[Autech]

Rossi has dropped the "fuck" word many times. Often followed by him laughing and apologising.
I bet the word was said loudly when Marquez pulled his finger out and buggered off at lap 21.I was deeply offended and thankful the commentators apologised for him

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[Dadpole]

I was deeply offended and thankful the commentators apologised for him

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I too was deeply offended and considered writing a strongly worded protest letter to my MP - until I remembered he only surfaces just before an election.

[Autech]

I too was deeply offended and considered writing a strongly worded protest letter to my MP - until I remembered he only surfaces just before an election.I was going to write a letter demanding a one race ban for Rossi and an all expenses paid trip to Mecca so I could cleanse my damaged soul.

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[Dadpole]

I was going to write a letter demanding a one race ban for Rossi and an all expenses paid trip to Mecca so I could cleanse my damaged soul.

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You should hold out for a trip to a track of your choice. :niceone:

[BMWST?]

Interesting race, JL fucked up big time with the soft front. Still came in ahead of Dovi though so good work. Did bloody well to stay on board I reckon.

Bautista should have ridden like that more often if he wanted a ride, he was brilliant, only Petrux saved the so called better GP18 from being embarrassed by a low rated rider on one of the worst Dukes when it comes to factory support. 10/10.
Rossi was good just not good enough it seems, MM looking scary this year. Could be another 14 where the only rider capable of beating him consistently is in the same garage but for whatever reason isn't firing on all cylinders. Speaking of which DP was coming good right at the end he was closing up on the front boys but was too little too late, frustrating time to be his fan boi.

CC... Mate...

KTM, with Pol topping warmup I wondered if they had given him the keys to Kalios upgraded bike, would explain his extra pace as well as his aggressive riding trying to get it in a good place to show em what's what.

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You have a strange view of things..JL was fast enough to be front Of MM for longer than ayone else.He chose the wrong tyre to last the distance,buy=t again demonstrates he has the outright spped to beat MM.Not many others have.
Bautista has shown very good form this year he had some very good test results in the off season.He roda the LCR honda ?? for a couple of years but was the only rider on Showa suspension.He had a couple of good results on the suzuki before they made their re appearance.IMHO he is a very good rider,just has never had a really good bike.

[Autech]

Yeah according to his race report the soft front was fine for JL it was the rear that cost him. He is the rider most likely to take it to MM for the rest of the year for sure, can't wait to see them both on the Honda.

Bautista apparently was put wrong by the Ducati engineers on which direction to go, they turned the bike upside down and boom he's got the feel to ride it. Goes to show how silly the early silly season can be. TBH I don't remember any stand out performances by him in the time I have been watching, doesn't mean they weren't there he's just not stood out in the pack. That said having Karel Abrahim keep his seat ahead of arguably more talented riders (including Bautista) due to his funding looks a bit shit for the sport with the grid shrinking next year.

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[Dadpole]

Not that young Karel is a roadblock though. He has put in a few good performances finishing ahead of what you could call 'paid' riders. I really rate Bautista though and would love to see him on a more competitive bike. He would be goos in WSBK but I would rather see him beside Morbidelli in the real series.

[Autech]

Not that young Karel is a roadblock though. He has put in a few good performances finishing ahead of what you could call 'paid' riders. I really rate Bautista though and would love to see him on a more competitive bike. He would be goos in WSBK but I would rather see him beside Morbidelli in the real series.What it comes down to is too many good riders and too few bikes to field them.
One of em needs to go give Rea a run for his money.

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[BMWST?]

What it comes down to is too many good riders and too few bikes to field them.
One of em needs to go give Rea a run for his money.

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The kawasaki is a very good bike And rea is a very good rider.No one can challenge him though it seems like the Yamaha is coming good.The Ducati seems like a real handful this year.The past few years Davies has had the speed to challenge Rea on occasions but seems on the absolute limit to do so.This year no one can get near JR...Its a little bit boring

[SaferRides]

Yeah according to his race report the soft front was fine for JL it was the rear that cost him. He is the rider most likely to take it to MM for the rest of the year for sure, can't wait to see them both on the Honda.

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According to my understanding of what MM was saying, the left side of the soft lasted better than the medium. Of course, he takes the time in practice to find out this shit.

If you have VideoPass or the race recorded somewhere, have a look at his rear tyre in parc ferme. The shot is of the right side, but it looks in great condition.

[Autech]

According to my understanding of what MM was saying, the left side of the soft lasted better than the medium. Of course, he takes the time in practice to find out this shit.

If you have VideoPass or the race recorded somewhere, have a look at his rear tyre in parc ferme. The shot is of the right side, but it looks in great condition.

The problem for everyone else was MM was in the 21s on his 3rd lap of FP1 or some crazy shit. So basically while everyone was chasing set up and laptimes, he spent the whole 2 days perfecting his riding and bike to go the distance. His base set up on the Honda this year is brilliant so he's not trying to turn the bike inside out to make it competitive every FP.

[WALRUS]

The kawasaki is a very good bike And rea is a very good rider.No one can challenge him though it seems like the Yamaha is coming good.The Ducati seems like a real handful this year.The past few years Davies has had the speed to challenge Rea on occasions but seems on the absolute limit to do so.This year no one can get near JR...Its a little bit boring

I'm looking forward to see what Bologna can offer in the Panigale V4-R which I think is supposed to be released to race next year? They've had to lop 100cc off the engine to get it homologated for WSBK so yeah, that could be interesting. I hope it delivers what the factory and series need to get rid of all that green everywhere!

Anywho, back to MotoGP chat!

[pritch]

Bautista apparently was put wrong by the Ducati engineers on which direction to go, they turned the bike upside down and boom he's got the feel to ride it. Goes to show how silly the early silly season can be. TBH I don't remember any stand out performances by him in the time I have been watching, doesn't mean they weren't there he's just not stood out in the pack.



That said having Karel Abrahim keep his seat ahead of arguably more talented riders (including Bautista) due to his funding looks a bit shit for the sport with the grid shrinking next year.



Back in his days on the wee bikes Bautista was exciting, sometimes too much so - like when he looped a bike while celebrating his finishing place. The guy was very quick but he has never had a top package since. Like Shaun Harris said, you need the complete package. And very few get that.

Given the right kit, and the perception of a real chance, he could give the SBK tree a bloody good shake.

Abraham is a special case. A very special case. He can race until his dad gets pissed off paying.

[SaferRides]

No one mentioned Bradley Smith finishing 10th? That was a pretty solid effort, although his teammate had a major brain explosion.

[carbonhed]

No one mentioned Bradley Smith finishing 10th? That was a pretty solid effort, although his teammate had a major brain explosion.

I thought about it and then I thought about Pol, Rins, Iannone and Millar all disappearing... and then I thought.... nah.

[pritch]

https://www.crash.net/motogp/feature/901840/1/everybody-laughed-crt-started-motogp-rules-revolution

[Mental Trousers]

https://www.crash.net/motogp/feature/901840/1/everybody-laughed-crt-started-motogp-rules-revolution

Some clever bastards were involved in that. Get more bikes on the grid, then fiddle things under the guise of making the slow bikes competitive and eventually pushing out rules for a single class where the entire field qualifies within 2 seconds and last place in the race is only 1/2 a lap behind. And, they're still breaking track records. I'm sure the factories are a quietly annoyed they got manipulated, but it was to the benefit of everyone including them.

[pritch]

So while we wait for the GP riders to finish their holidays there is the Suzuka Eight Hour this weekend. Mr Rea has set the paddock abuzz with an unofficial lap record nine tenths under Pol Espagero's existing record in the second practice session. He was not on qualifying tyres. Suzuka has a true "Superpole" qualifying - one bike on the track at a time. Be interesting to see what Mr Rea can do with that.

Three of the Japanese manufacturers have a full factory team entered this year, as well as the normal factory supported teams. I don't know where we can get TV coverage but Asphalt and Rubber have people on the ground in Suzuka and are promising frequent updates.

https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/2018-suzuka-8-hours-endurance-race-preview/#more-154527

[pritch]

So much for the Super Pole! There is a typhoon creating some problems for the organisers, so they have reportedly switched to a forty minute qualifying session. Here's hoping the typhoon doesn't get too close.

[SaferRides]

Thanks for the reminder.

[BMWST?]

some pics from Suzuka

https://motomatters.com/news/2018/07/28/suzuka_8_hours_gallery_steve_english_on.html

[pritch]

Asphalt and Rubber's "exhaustive coverage" was a bust. I'm jealous of the poms and others who got live TV coverage and commentary from Julian Ryder.

The Yamaha Factory Team looks like they set a record fourth win. (That's team, not manufacturer.)

Results: https://www.fimewc.com/results/#

[WALRUS]

Oh FFS.. I was going to sit down and watch the full Eurosport broadcast, start to finish this weekend but now I know a Yammie has won it?

Just when you think it's safe to jump into a MotoGP thread :facepalm:

[pritch]

Just when you think it's safe to jump into a MotoGP thread :facepalm:

If I haven't watched a race I stay away from KB entirely 'cause ya never know...

[SaferRides]

Trying to avoid F1 results is a whole other level. Forgot to switch the car radio to a music station this morning ...

Best F1 season for a while. MotoGP is more predictable for once!

[WALRUS]

If I haven't watched a race I stay away from KB entirely 'cause ya never know...

Yeah, fair play!

I don't care too much with MotoGP spoilers (or WSBK spoilers, if they're even possible anymore..: Rea, Rea, Rea, Rea) but I thought the MotoGP thread would be clear of EWC spoilers.. Ah well, you live you learn :P

[BMWST?]

sorry mate i was tempted t call for a seperate suzaka thread too....

[pritch]

I just mentioned Suzuka here because the GP guys are on their summer break. Last night though Alex Briggs posted that he is headed for Brno so things are on the improve.

[pritch]

Mat Oxley mentioned overnight that Simon Crafar copped criticism when he started, but he is now asking questions that only a rider of his experience has the knowledge to ask.

There was critiicism of some of the pit crews in Moto3. After that qualifying debacle though that criticism should equally apply to some of the riders.

The MotoGP website sent me an ad a bout free coverage of Q2 which they described as exciting. I didn't fall for that, I hadn't watched my SKY recording, but they weren't wrong about
it being exciting.

[Dadpole]

The Moto3 qual was hilarious, It is often a comedy, but this time it descended into a farce.
"Carry On Qualifying" in cinemas soon...

[pritch]

Mat Oxley made reference to Ramon Forcada overnight but I didn't get the gist.

"Sad to see all the hooha in MV's pit. Forcada has been around forever. To give you an idea of just how long, his first job was working at Ossa, with legendary 2-stroke designer Eduardo Giro. Got his first GP job in 1989, doing dyno runs on Alex Crivillé’s Cobas Rotax 125."

It seems that Forcada has been advised by Yamaha that his contract will not be renewed. Maverick Vinales has not so far raised the topic with him though. Nice. Sometimes a new crew chief can work, but the rider needs to understand he too is subject to change.

[mulletman]

Mat Oxley mentioned overnight that Simon Crafar copped criticism when he started, but he is now asking questions that only a rider of his experience has the knowledge to ask.




Simon had noticed Rossi's bike had more length on the swingarm and angle on the forks during one of
the free practices, no other commentator has ever noticed that sort of thing on a race bike. :niceone:

[mulletman]

The Moto3 qual was hilarious, It is often a comedy, but this time it descended into a farce.
"Carry On Qualifying" in cinemas soon...

I laughed my head off at that session, bloody fools, i wonder what sort of punishments gonna be dished
out for cruising on the race line.

[Dadpole]

If only Crafar could join the BT Sport team instead of being paired up with the MotoGP lot. :yes:

[pritch]

https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/motogp/saturday-brno-czech-gp-motogp-summary-2018/

[Autech]

Anyone know what channel motogp is on?

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[speights_bud]

Anyone know what channel motogp is on?

Sent from my SM-A730F using TapatalkYea, the online one [emoji6]

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[Autech]

Yea, the online one [emoji6]

Sent from my SM-G900I using TapatalkUseless cunts haven't added the channel to their isky feed

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[speights_bud]

Useless cunts haven't added the channel to their isky feed

Sent from my SM-A730F using TapatalkDon't be a tight arse, buy the videopass! It's working there.

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[mulletman]

Don't be a tight arse, buy the videopass! It's working there.

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Yup , typical moto3 race :Punk:

[roogazza]

Pretty good Moto2 race as well.
Motogp on the other hand :rolleyes: everyone just pacing till the last 3 laps .
Still think its time Michelin fixed its tyres ? :(

Glad I don't wait up for the big boys these days. I can fast forward next morning if the race sucks.

[WALRUS]

Looks like Casey is done with Duc' again!

http://amcn.com.au/editorial/casey-stoner-done-with-ducati-test-role/

I wonder if he's headed elsewhere or if he's just going to actually properly retire this time?

[WALRUS]

Anyone know what channel motogp is on?

Yeah, as others have said, just get the video pass.

Alternatively, if you're that much of a tight arse, it's usually broadcast on CricFree. Along with WSBK, BSB, ASBK, EWC, heaps of stuff.. But don't be a tight arse, pay that little bit of money to support the series you enjoy to follow :)

[Autech]

Yeah, as others have said, just get the video pass.

Alternatively, if you're that much of a tight arse, it's usually broadcast on CricFree. Along with WSBK, BSB, ASBK, EWC, heaps of stuff.. But don't be a tight arse, pay that little bit of money to support the series you enjoy to follow :)Usually fine with the Sky feed just they made a fuck up as they tend to do once a year. Got my mother to record it so ducked round there this morning to watch so no harm done.

Glad I did too as it was epic!

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

[pritch]

And they're doing it all again next week IIRC.

[Autech]

And they're doing it all again next week IIRC.

Yup Red Bull ring beckons! Here's hoping for an interesting race, not a great fan of the track lay out but the races there have been pretty good I guess.

[EJK]

Ducati all the way next weekend!!!

[Drew]

KTM should have a million laps more than anyone else there.

[Autech]

https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/insight-yamaha-vinales-rider-power-forcada/3154941/amp/

Anyone else think Vinales is being a bit of a flower at the mo?
This is the guy that once bailed on a contract in moto3 when things weren't to his liking, I dont see how ditching the guy who brought JL 3 titles will help his cause on a bike that he rides too aggressively according to his own admissions. Huge fan of his talent and riding ability just wondering if he has the correct work ethic to lock it down when things aren't going his way?

Zarco had the right idea I reckon, sit there and study the fuck out of JLs riding style and data and try to replicate it out on track.

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[Dadpole]

I see Vinales as drowning in a sea of confusion and willing to try anything he thinks would work. Give him a crew chief who says "No. We do it this way" and you have a problem. If Vinales has lost faith then you have to get rid of either him or Forcada. Nothing else would work now.

I agree that he is 'being a bit of a flower at the mo' too. However. he is not a Lorenzo - almost the opposite right now - so applying the 'Lorenzo solution' probably makes things worse.

I think it was Rossi who observed that Vinales expected to win races and championships straight away. To have that dream start of race wins and dominance then have it all go so pear-shaped would cause most riders to question everything (except their own abilities)

[mulletman]

KTM should have a million laps more than anyone else there.

https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/motogp/ktm-engine-debuts-brno-crank/

[WALRUS]

Interesting point on the topic of Lorenzo's technique..

http://amcn.com.au/editorial/jorges-new-honda/

How much will Honda need to change their machine to suit his style? Will they, or will they expect him to adapt and develop with setups of existing tech and gear?

I reckon it'll be a blend of the two.. The partnership, I feel, will either be amazing for him or a nightmare. I'm curious to see how it plays out. Although, that being said, I am worried that if it all works a little too well, the series will be a permanent Repsol Honda lockout :/

[Mental Trousers]

Mat Oxley mentioned overnight that Simon Crafar copped criticism when he started, but he is now asking questions that only a rider of his experience has the knowledge to ask.

Simon definitely got thrown in the deep end. The early criticism was deserved as it made the whole show look amateur, but I'm very pleased and impressed at how hard he's worked on sorting the problems out. He's still got areas to work on, but as Matt Oxley said, the questions and observations he makes are really interesting and it's all stuff nobody else has picked up on. Even Dylan Gray and Neil Spalding weren't picking up the things he is and those two were bloody good.

[Mental Trousers]

Interesting point on the topic of Lorenzo's technique..

http://amcn.com.au/editorial/jorges-new-honda/

How much will Honda need to change their machine to suit his style? Will they, or will they expect him to adapt and develop with setups of existing tech and gear?

I reckon it'll be a blend of the two.. The partnership, I feel, will either be amazing for him or a nightmare. I'm curious to see how it plays out. Although, that being said, I am worried that if it all works a little too well, the series will be a permanent Repsol Honda lockout :/

I think it'll be closer to what he needs than most think. The Honda needs big sweeping lines at many tracks and that means corner speed, which is definitely the strength of Lorenzo's riding. However, it's a wild ride so it could be interesting.

[Autech]

I think it'll be closer to what he needs than most think. The Honda needs big sweeping lines at many tracks and that means corner speed, which is definitely the strength of Lorenzo's riding. However, it's a wild ride so it could be interesting.DP is a striaght line breaker and very precise in his lines.

Sounds a bit like JLs cup of tea to me. I think he's going to make CC his bitch and give MM a good run for his money

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[pritch]

I think most of us have the general gist with respect to the Michelin tyre situation. Here Mat Oxley talks to some of the riders and engineers thus providing some detail.


https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/magic-michelin-mystery

[SaferRides]

Usually fine with the Sky feed just they made a fuck up as they tend to do once a year. Got my mother to record it so ducked round there this morning to watch so no harm done.

Glad I did too as it was epic!

Sent from my SM-A730F using TapatalkIt's usually on Sky Sport 4 but sometimes they put it on one of the pop up channels. If you have MySky with series link set it should sort it out for you.

[SaferRides]

Simon definitely got thrown in the deep end. The early criticism was deserved as it made the whole show look amateur, but I'm very pleased and impressed at how hard he's worked on sorting the problems out. He's still got areas to work on, but as Matt Oxley said, the questions and observations he makes are really interesting and it's all stuff nobody else has picked up on. Even Dylan Gray and Neil Spalding weren't picking up the things he is and those two were bloody good.He even got an interview with Marquez on the grid!

I think he's doing well now, but the first couple of races were bumpy.

[WALRUS]

https://image.ibb.co/gYF3vp/Capture.png

[SaferRides]

LOL.

It looked like JLo really enjoyed himself at Brno. He was obviously pissed off to come 2nd , but he did more overtakes in one race than he used to manage in a whole season.

[Dadpole]

LOL.

It looked like JLo really enjoyed himself at Brno.

I really enjoyed JLo at Brno too. :woohoo:

[BMWST?]

and how many times can you sat that mm got passed with the same ruthlessness that he ussually uses. i think 0 If it were not for those couple of passes i think either mm or jl would have won that race
Now this weekend could be epic squared. AD will want to win.JL will want to win.If vr is a wee bit back i think mm will risk a win or bin

[sugilite]

I really enjoyed JLo at Brno too. :woohoo:
How did you get his room number? :innocent:

[Dadpole]

How did you get his room number? :innocent:

He always texts it to me. I make him my bitch and he has a good weekend on and off the track. :msn-wink:

[husaberg]

I never realised Honda went big bang firing order again due to the electronics limitations. Explains why they are easier to ride compared to a few years ago.

[pritch]

Big bang is the new normal. KTM tested big bang engines at Brno but they haven't used them in a race yet. Dunno about Suzuki and Aprilia.

[speights_bud]

Fp1 mechanical issue for Rossi.

Looks like the rear sprocket flew to pieces https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180810/3e3a30c7355316b55324059f606e408f.jpg

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[mulletman]

Fp1 mechanical issue for Rossi.

Looks like the rear sprocket flew to pieces https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180810/3e3a30c7355316b55324059f606e408f.jpg

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Sounded like a Ducati clutch when it went.

[Drew]

I never realised Honda went big bang firing order again due to the electronics limitations. Explains why they are easier to ride compared to a few years ago.

How does that explain why they're easier to ride?

I cant ride a twin to save myself, which is what big bang essentially is.

[husaberg]

How does that explain why they're easier to ride?
I cant ride a twin to save myself, which is what big bang essentially is.
In some ways its like a V twin but its also give a four stroke feel on a two stroke as well.
It doesn't show up on a dyno curve, but in real life situations it seem to work until traction control or tyre technology catches up with engine performance.
No one really knows for sure why, but most say it s tyre recovery as it has more time between bang to grip effectively.
Although some totallly disagree with that as well.
The way i look at it Look at how well a single hooks up in the dirt compared to a twin or a four.
But in the two stroke era it certainly worked rather dramatically.
With Doohan back in 91 or 92 the lap times were the same but the tyres lasted longer. So he could use a softer tyre or ran faster for longer on the same tyres.
if you ride a CBR400 and a VFR400 back to back the vfr has a very different feel in its delivery, yet has pretty much the same spec as the CBR400


HRC’s Shigeru Hattori took over as NSR500 project leader at the dawn of the Big Bang era and has held that position ever since. According to Hattori, the Big Bang configuration didn’t significantly change the power curve, midrange power output or even the peak power as seen on a dyno. What it changed was the way in which that power was delivered to the pavement—in this case, four pulses in rapid succession followed by a long pause.


Developments of the 91 NSR 500 focused around Doohan testing a number of designs as HRC shifted their main push behind the new up and comer... For some while Doohan had been asking engineers to replicate the wide power band characteristic of the RVF750 4 stroke endurance bike, which he and Gardner had used to lead the previous summer's Suzuka 8 Hours... HRC answer was the 2 stroke equivalent of the the 4 stroke Big Bang... technically speaking all four cylinders fried within 70 degrees to afford the tire more time to hook up..."

"Consider and instant success by Gardner "Jesus, this is amazing" but Doohan was a doubter... the 92 NSR droning big bang had a very flat exhaust note which made it sound slow to riders... It was only
during HRC's final preseason phase that Doohan began to believe in theBig Bang... He found little difference in lap times but the close firing order was easier on tires and set up..."

Rainey and company were in for the shock as the season kicked off...Utilizing the Big Bangs ability to find traction where others could not... Doohan ran away with the first four races... winning by
anything up to 28 seconds wet or dry... The Big Bang proved such a giant leap forward that rival factories Cagiva, Suzuki, Yamaha rushedto build copies... having learned the NRS's secret by playing
track side audio recording against an oscilloscope..."



HRC built several different motors in their search for that user-friendly power delivery. Finally, they settled on the Big Bang, that fired all four cylinders within 70 degrees, giving the rear tire time to regain traction between each salvo.
But it took Doohan a while to fall in love with the droning motor. HRC man Shoji Tachikawa remembers: "The engine note made it sound slow, so riders thought they were going slow. Mick was very surprised when he came into pits and saw his times."
In fact lap times weren't faster but they weren't slower either and the reduced wheelspin improved tire life, so race times were faster.



Changing the combustion timing didn’t merely change power delivery, it transformed the way the motorcycle handled, steered and everything else.
“HRC realised that handling isn’t just a chassis deal,” said ace tuner Erv Kanemoto at the time. “The change to a 180-degree motor made the traction better and changed the steering. The next step was the big bang. Honda improved the handling immensely, just by changing the engine character.”
Now, a neat quarter of a century later, HRC has gone big bang once again. Back in 1992 HRC engineers needed to tame the NSR’s two-stroke power delivery. Now they need something different because their experience of Dorna’s same-for-all software last year told them it isn’t clever enough to tame a screamer RC213V engine.
So far it seems to be working. At Phillip Island last week, Repsol Honda riders Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa and LCR Honda’s Cal Crutchlow made it three RCVs in the top five, with Jack Miller ninth, ahead of Valentino Rossi and Andrea Iannone.
Miller was a bit more direct than Kanemoto in his assessment of how a big-bang engine changes the dynamics of a motorcycle.
“I notice it here, really a lot,” said the Australian at Phillip Island. “Especially turn 10 to turn 11 [the MG right-hander to the next left], where you’ve got two gear shifts and a change of direction at the same time. It definitely feels a lot better there. It’s just a smoother engine and seems a lot more user-friendly. It’s more calm for the rider and you can focus more on hitting the lines, rather than battling to keep the bike in a straight fucking position!”
Factory HRC men Marquez and Pedrosa used a newer-spec engine at Phillip Island, with Marquez still adjusting to the big-bang concept, just like Mick Doohan had to in 1992.
“At the first few tests I was quicker with the 1991 NSR,” said Doohan. “It wasn’t until our last test that the new bike was faster. Wayne [Gardner] liked it more than I did because it suited his style. He didn’t carry any corner speed and the big-bang motor let him do what he wanted – park the bike in a turn, pick it up and give it a handful. The old motor wouldn’t accept that.”
An RC213V is very different from an NSR500, but the big-bang concept is essentially the same with both bikes. It bunches the explosions closer together to create a lazier vee-twin kind of power which creates less wheelspin because the bigger power pulses increase load on the rear tyre to improve grip, then the pause before the next salvo allows the tyre to settle down and get ready for the next push. Big-bang engines also cause fewer wheelies, save the tyre and generally make a motorcycle less demanding to ride, especially over race distance.
So a big bang must be a win, win, win, win, right? Yes, but in racing there is good and bad in everything; it’s all about compromise. More evenly spaced firing-order engines do have their advantages: most importantly more peak power and lower fuel consumption, a vital factor a few years ago when MotoGP bikes raced with 20 per cent less fuel than they have now. Also, most of their downsides could be mollified with clever electronics programmes, but no longer, due to unified software.
Yamaha (http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/teams/6687-yamaha-motogp) went big bang in 2004, transforming its inline-four YZR-M1 into a pretend V4. Chief engineer Masao Furusawa had his own theory about the technology; that a big-bang configuration cancels out inertia torque, the effect of the crankshaft decelerating and accelerating during each stroke, which spoils the rider’s feel for what’s going on at the rear tyre.
Now there is only one factory running a screamer engine in MotoGP – rookie brand KTM. The Austrian company’s engineers say they are delighted with the engine character of the RC16 engine, but for how long? Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro (http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/drivers/15587-pol-espargaro), both accustomed to the rider-friendly ways of Yamaha’s M1, are a bit wide-eyed about the KTM engine, the Spaniard talking about having to “tame the beast”. Time will tell if KTM makes the engine succeed with Dorna’s electronics.

Here is what kevin cameron has said.
338391338392

[pritch]

There was talk of rain being possible at some time during the weekend but currently the forecast is for partly cloudy Saturday and Sunday with no rain until Tuesday. That'd be better.

[Mental Trousers]

In some ways its like a V twin but its also give a four stroke feel on a two stroke as well.
It doesn't show up on a dyno curve, but in real life situations it seem to work until traction control or tyre technology catches up with engine performance.
No one really knows for sure why, but most say it s tyre recovery as it has more time between bang to grip effectively.
Although some totallly disagree with that as well.
The way i look at it Look at how well a single hooks up in the dirt compared to a twin or a four.
But in the two stroke era it certainly worked rather dramatically.
With Doohan back in 91 or 92 the lap times were the same but the tyres lasted longer. So he could use a softer tyre or ran faster for longer on the same tyres.
if you ride a CBR400 and a VFR400 back to back the vfr has a very different feel in its delivery, yet has pretty much the same spec as the CBR400








Here is what kevin cameron has said.
338391338392

I seem to remember that Frits did some work with big bang engines and the conclusion wasn't quite what everyone thought it would be. Best to dig through the ESE thread for it.

[husaberg]

I seem to remember that Frits did some work with big bang engines and the conclusion wasn't quite what everyone thought it would be. Best to dig through the ESE thread for it.
I have read Frits take I cant argue with his maths. Not just because hes a physicist either
But the riders feel is what wins races.
Frits certainly doesn't subscribe to the tyre rest theory. That Burgess and Willings and Cameron spoke of
But when tyres and electronic control were the limiting factor, each time the firing intervals on the NSR were further condensed it was easier to ride and easier on tires.

When Doohan went back to the screamer the tryes had got dramatically better fuel had changed as well as the ignition Even Doohan said the unleaded fuel had turned what was race motors into pussycats.
Put it this way all the successful engines now in Motogp are suddenly big bang again.....

[Mental Trousers]

I have read Frits take I cant argue with his maths. Not just because hes a physicist either
But the riders feel is what wins races.
Frits certainly doesn't subscribe to the tyre rest theory. That Burgess and Willings and Cameron spoke of
But when tyres and electronic control were the limiting factor, each time the firing intervals on the NSR were further condensed it was easier to ride and easier on tires.

When Doohan went back to the screamer the tryes had got dramitaclly better fuel had changed as well as the ignition Even Doohan said the unleaded fuel had turned what was race motors into pussycats.
Put it this way all the sucessfull engines now in Motogp are suddenly big bang again.....

You got a link to what Frits says? I want to read it.

[husaberg]

You got a link to what Frits says? I want to read it.

i think it was originally posted on Pitlane in a separate thread.
Either i or Jaw posted some of it on (i think) the oddballs and prototypes thread.
It was in response to JAW attempting to start an argument with Malcey over a TZ750 which is a two up set up.
Which was done this way by the designer to lessen rocking couple.
Okay i found that faster than expected
http://www.pit-lane.biz/t1461p32-technique-moteurs-motogp
you need to have a log in to see the pictures :yes:

[pritch]

Further to my weather forecast which, if you recall, was for partly cloudy. Herewith the Rookie Cup at the Red Bull Ring today.

[roogazza]

Year and a half now and Yamaha still behind the Eight ball.
For the good of racing I hope like everyone else, things can be fixed? (whatever the problem is ?).

We've had what, a year and a half of pondering ? :( :rolleyes:

[pritch]

Year and a half now and Yamaha still behind the Eight ball.
For the good of racing I hope like everyone else, things can be fixed? (whatever the problem is ?).

We've had what, a year and a half of pondering ? :( :rolleyes:



The pundits seem more or less unanimous and the commentators referred to it during Q1; it's their electronics.

When the rules stipulated Magneti Marelli as the control electronic system, Ducati and Honda poached Magneti Marelli engineers. Yamaha, for whatever reason, decided to rely on their own engineers. Experience would suggest that was the wrong decision. During practice Rossi was reported as making a similar comment to yours, to the effect that a year has passed since the last Austrian GP but there has been no progress, the same problems persist.


Such a lovely weekend weather wise, got the bike out yesterday and went on a group ride. :ride:

[pritch]

From the Ulster GP. A member of the crowd was taking photos with a selfie stick but he got a bit too close to the action. He was taken to hospital with a dislocated shoulder but is getting no sympathy. At the very least people on social media seem to think he owes the rider a set of leathers.

[BMWST?]

The pundits seem more or less unanimous and the commentators referred to it during Q1; it's their electronics.

When the rules stipulated Magneti Marelli as the control electronic system, Ducati and Honda poached Magneti Marelli engineers. Yamaha, for whatever reason, decided to rely on their own engineers. Experience would suggest that was the wrong decision. During practice Rossi was reported as making a similar comment to yours, to the effect that a year has passed since the last Austrian GP but there has been no progress, the same problems persist.


Such a lovely weekend weather wise, got the bike out yesterday and went on a group ride. :ride:
its more than electronics some say its the crank weight.....too light ,wont be solved properly till next year.

[pritch]

its more than electronics some say its the crank weight.....too light ,wont be solved properly till next year.

Well they've had over a year already. If the electronics worked they could at least minimise a crank weight problem. It would seem that now they are becoming aware that there is a problem; Yamaha have issued an apology to the riders.


http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2018/08/11/rossi-if-yamaha-want-they-have-the-potential-to-fix-it/268133

[BMWST?]

Well they've had over a year already. If the electronics worked they could at least minimise a crank weight problem. It would seem that now they are becoming aware that there is a problem; Yamaha have issued an apology to the riders.


http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2018/08/11/rossi-if-yamaha-want-they-have-the-potential-to-fix-it/268133

its more this years bike i think Zarco hasother issues but he has qualified better than the factory boys again

[husaberg]

You got a link to what Frits says? I want to read it.
Some further reading
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/julian-ryder-explains-big-bang-by-the-numbers-cross-plane-crankshaft-engine/
https://motomatters.com/news/2008/02/24/guest_column_why_big_bang_engines_work.html
https://www.crash.net/motogp/feature/162509/1/masao-furusawa-godfather-of-the-m1
https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/bigger-bangs-bigger-bucks
https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/80146/1/yamaha-screamer-will-never-return
https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/178079-Big-Bang-explained
note from what i now know the Honda NSR500 big bang was actually firing twice 0 and at 90 degrees.
Honda always said it was 68 degrees but what they were referring to is the crankpin offset that the 112 degree v angle needs for 90 degree firing.
So it has two cylinder firing at 0 degrees and another two at 90 degrees then a 270 degree rest period.
the screamer has 0 degree for two cylinders and the other two 180 degrees later.
the First few years were 0-90-180-270 firing.

NSR500 1984-1990-1991
000----090----180----270----360
-1-------3--------2-------4-------1-

Screamer - V4 2-Stroke (180 degree motor) ie the two up NSR500 90-91 and then 1997- onwards
000----090----180----270----360
1&3------------2&4------------1&3

Big Bang - V4 2-Stroke NSR500 1992-1997
000----090----180----270----360---090
1&4----2&3--------------------1&4---2&3


the Big bang effectively replicates a rc30 or two ducatis miror imaged side by side. but firing twice a often aand without the silly valves etc.
here is a big bang and a screamer noise comparison first one going past is a screamer second is a big bang
here (http://jfrmc.ganriki.net/sound/nsr500-92.wav)

[WALRUS]

Surfing around Austria

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MotoRidersUniverse/permalink/2223447881302101/

[roogazza]

1st and 2nd earned their money in the Motogp race.
Yamaha will be thankful they have Rossi who is a Sunday man.

Nice to have plenty of engine noise in Austria, went a long way to drown out the commentators. lol.

Great fighting in Moto2.

[pritch]

George used to prefer to win by disappearing into the distance if he could. He may still prefer to do it that way, but now he can do it the other way if he has to. Taking Marquez on and coming out on top ain't easy.

I had been nodding off but the last few laps woke me up.

[Autech]

George used to prefer to win by disappearing into the distance if he could. He may still prefer to do it that way, but now he can do it the other way if he has to. Taking Marquez on and coming out on top ain't easy.

I had been nodding off but the last few laps woke me up.Better than me I fell asleep during moto2 and only woke up at 1:30 lol!
Was like fuck! Sounds like I didnt miss the most exiting race though so not too gutted.

Just watched the press conference and Jorge alluded to the Mitchies being the reason he no longer can go off like a scolded cat.
Next year is going to be epic I think

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[pritch]

Better than me I fell asleep during moto2 and only woke up at 1:30 lol!
Was like fuck! Sounds like I didnt miss the most exiting race though so not too gutted.



The MotoGP website is kindly offering the last lap for free:

http://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2018/08/12/watch-for-free-lorenzo-vs-marquez-the-last-lap-battle/268346

[WALRUS]

This is probably just my massive, long-term Rossi fan bias talking.. But there's just something about Lorenzo and something about Marquez which just stops me from liking them.

As usual, I have to say that they are incredibly talented riders, far more capable than I am, etc etc, but fuck me, I like Biaggi and Gibernau more than those two, and I couldn't stand them "back in the day".. I can't put my finger on what it is but there's just something about them which rubs me up the wrong way.

And it isn't purely because they consistently beat Vale, there are heaps of guys out there who can do that which don't shit me up the wall as much as these two lads.

[roogazza]

George used to prefer to win by disappearing into the distance if he could. He may still prefer to do it that way, but now he can do it the other way if he has to. Taking Marquez on and coming out on top ain't easy.
I had been nodding off but the last few laps woke me up.

I used to enjoy Horhay in 250, he can fight no doubt.
Not surprised he is bettering Dovi this year.
(Dovi had his reasons and a long face in Ferme,see that ?). :shifty:

[WALRUS]

I used to enjoy Horhay in 250, he can fight no doubt.

250's were an awesome class!

I still remember him fucking off the front and just disappearing though. When I was at PI in 2007, that's pretty much all he did all weekend.. The talented twat!

[Autech]

This is probably just my massive, long-term Rossi fan bias talking.. But there's just something about Lorenzo and something about Marquez which just stops me from liking them.

As usual, I have to say that they are incredibly talented riders, far more capable than I am, etc etc, but fuck me, I like Biaggi and Gibernau more than those two, and I couldn't stand them "back in the day".. I can't put my finger on what it is but there's just something about them which rubs me up the wrong way.

And it isn't purely because they consistently beat Vale, there are heaps of guys out there who can do that which don't shit me up the wall as much as these two lads.Its funny as when I first came into watching Motogp ('08ish) it was Rossi who I disliked: how when he came into Parc Ferme after coming 3rd or 2nd how he never looked happy and would go straight to his engineers to give them a debrief rather than enjoying the moment. It was JL I cheered on as he was beating the established hero. The last few years at Ducati have shown what a class act he is, to re invent his riding style to beat a guy that has been on that bike for wayyyy longer than him was no small feat. Character wise you need to remember the upbringing these guys have had its hardly normal; to have a career starting when you are 4 years old... So you can't measure them with the same yard stick as anyone else I think. I wouldn't be surprised to find he is on the autism spectrum either.

MM is a racer personified, he loves to be out on track, loves winning but loves a good battle more. The sparkle in his eye hasn't dulled from when we first saw him cleaning up in 125s. Hope he remains fit and healthy like Rossi till he's 40 as he sets one hell of a high bench mark for anyone with plans to win a title. So long as at some stage he leaves Honda to another bike to prove the doubters (myself included) that he could adapt his riding style to suit a bike that won't bend to his will.

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[Autech]

I used to enjoy Horhay in 250, he can fight no doubt.
Not surprised he is bettering Dovi this year.
(Dovi had his reasons and a long face in Ferme,see that ?). :shifty:Yeah he didn't look cheerful in the press debrief either.

JL is one hard fucker to pass on the Ducati and until he can find a way to do that he's going to struggle. If you look at the crashes at Jerez and Le Mans for Dovi you could argue both were caused by his frustration at getting through on JL.

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[sugilite]

Dovi needs to put a hard and uncompromising pass on JL right at the start. This getting stuck behind and burn the tyres out is getting to be a theme.
I too have trouble liking JL and for a while MM too, but JL has really grown some nads of late and totally deserved his win. Well done JL - but your still a prick :devil2:
How MM stayed on that bike through the last handful of laps I will never know - A riding God walking the earth!
Rossi still going pretty bloody well on a less than optimum bike. Vinales - what a soft cock sook he has turned out to be.

[Dadpole]

I think Vinales has given up and is doing a Pedrosa (Finishing the season without injury).

[Black Knight]

JL reminds me so much of Biaggi-its the arrogance I reckon-and the fancy white scarves (he has several)and the way he never says thanks to the lackey who delivers said scarves, does he ever thank anyone.I did not see any hand shake or pat on the back with Dovi in Ferme either.He sure can ride though.

[Autech]

JL reminds me so much of Biaggi-its the arrogance I reckon-and the fancy white scarves (he has several)and the way he never says thanks to the lackey who delivers said scarves, does he ever thank anyone.I did not see any hand shake or pat on the back with Dovi in Ferme either.He sure can ride though.That's cause Dovi is his bitch. You don't shake hands with your bitch you slap 'em down where they belong :D

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[carbonhed]

JL reminds me so much of Biaggi-its the arrogance I reckon-and the fancy white scarves (he has several)and the way he never says thanks to the lackey who delivers said scarves, does he ever thank anyone.I did not see any hand shake or pat on the back with Dovi in Ferme either.He sure can ride though.

I guess there's not much for the yellow streak crew to do apart from this. Heroic ride though from... what was it.... somewhere in the low teens to somewhere in the top ten? :clap:

Great battle between MM and JL. The rest of it was a bit of a snoozefest. Wouldn't bet against JL for runner up spot in the championship. MM a shoo in apart from catastrophic injury.

Yamaha... WTF?

[BMWST?]

This is probably just my massive, long-term Rossi fan bias talking.. But there's just something about Lorenzo and something about Marquez which just stops me from liking them.

As usual, I have to say that they are incredibly talented riders, far more capable than I am, etc etc, but fuck me, I like Biaggi and Gibernau more than those two, and I couldn't stand them "back in the day".. I can't put my finger on what it is but there's just something about them which rubs me up the wrong way.

And it isn't purely because they consistently beat Vale, there are heaps of guys out there who can do that which don't shit me up the wall as much as these two lads.
Well to balance that out i cant stand Rossi.I cant say why .I can see that he has the most determination in the paddock...he is till there after 22 years.i just dont get it.

[SaferRides]

its more than electronics some say its the crank weight.....too light ,wont be solved properly till next year.Same cock up as Suzuki made last year. They can't change the engine until the end of the season.

[pritch]

Same cock up as Suzuki made last year. They can't change the engine until the end of the season.

Apparently the rules ban any changes inside the engine cases so options such as a heavier clutch have been suggested. Adding weight anywhere may affect reliability though. If Yamaha had poached one or more Magnati Marelli engineers like Honda and Ducati did the crank weight would probably have been less of a problem. Rossi certainly seems to think so.

[roogazza]

Maybe yamaha should get concessions like Ducati ?

Goose and gander ! :rolleyes:

[SaferRides]

Matt Oxley wrote about the electronics issues recently. Apparently Honda, Ducati and maybe others (not Yamaha obviously) have been "customising" the IMU to get around the spec ECU limitations.

Dorna want a spec IMU next year, so stay tuned.

[pritch]

Matt Oxley wrote about the electronics issues recently. Apparently Honda, Ducati and maybe others (not Yamaha obviously) have been "customising" the IMU to get around the spec ECU limitations.

Dorna want a spec IMU next year, so stay tuned.

'S funny. I thought they already had one. That's why Ducati and Honda poached Magneti Marelli engineers.

[Autech]

'S funny. I thought they already had one. That's why Ducati and Honda poached Magneti Marelli engineers.Yup n look who has been winning all the races...

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[jellywrestler]

the movie Wayne about Wayne Gardner is coming to NZ over the weekend, there's various showings with Wayne himself present in the major cities. Wellingtons one is at the lighthouse in petone 5.30 sunday 19th, i have a handful of tickets available if anyone is keen , first in first served $17.50 each have a block of 3 and a block of four still at the moment plus a couple of individual ones.
there will be a a Question and Answer session afterwards for you to ask Gardner things.
pm me for tickets

[Grumph]

there will be a a Question and Answer session afterwards for you to ask Gardner things.

I've passed this on to a mate who owns a Spondon Yamaha - first owner Mr W Gardner...
Good chance to find out a bit of the bike's history.

[jellywrestler]

I've passed this on to a mate who owns a Spondon Yamaha - first owner Mr W Gardner...
Good chance to find out a bit of the bike's history.

what part of the country/world?

[Grumph]

what part of the country/world?

ChCh - it's ex Auckland but until he contacted Spondon the Gardner connection was just rumour. They confirmed that frame was ordered by WG.

[Dadpole]

there will be a a Question and Answer session afterwards for you to ask Gardner things.


Would it be worth $17.50 to ask if he is returning to Motegi this year? :innocent:

[roogazza]

Would it be worth $17.50 to ask if he is returning to Motegi this year? :innocent:

One of my sons rang just this morning to say he'd won a trip to Twin Ring Motegi !!!!
He's involved with local car club stuff and not really a bike fan.

Maybe he might pass it on to his old man ??? :yes: