MotoGP 2012

**Mental Trousers** · 11th October 2012, 11:00

Originally Posted by Oscar

I'm interested in some of the comments about prototypes - as if they are the be all of racing past and future.
We seem to forget that some of the golden ages in Grand Prix racing were on the back of production racers like RGB Suzuki's and Yamaha TZ's (and even things like Newcombes Konieg). Sure, some of the great days were when rip snorting two stroke factory missiles ruled the roost, but these things were waaay cheaper than the factory bikes of today.

It would appear that the future of MotoGP may again be production racers (which Honda, Suzuki and BMW are rumoured to be developing). CRT's may be the first (and not so successful) iteration of this.

The thing is that until the 500 2 strokes era there was only a single top level class for bikes over 500cc. When the FIM defined the rules for the 500s they split things into prototypes and production based, establishing the 2 different series we have now. Since then the top class has always been prototypes.

**Oscar** · 11th October 2012, 11:39

Originally Posted by Mental Trousers

The thing is that until the 500 2 strokes era there was only a single top level class for bikes over 500cc. When the FIM defined the rules for the 500s they split things into prototypes and production based, establishing the 2 different series we have now. Since then the top class has always been prototypes.

Yup, and that's when costs went mental.

IMHO there must be room for production race bikes (as opposed to homologated streetbikes like SBK) in the top flight. Making SBK go back to its roots will help with that.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 11th October 2012, 11:39

Originally Posted by Oscar

Yup, and that's when costs went mental.

IMHO there must be room for production race bikes (as opposed to homologated streetbikes like SBK) in the top flight. Making SBK go back to its roots will help with that.

I agree with that.

**Mental Trousers** · 11th October 2012, 12:36

Back to:

WSBK = production bikes modified a bit for racing
MotoGP = prototypes (probably limited production racers rather than pure, one off prototypes which is what we have at the moment)

With Dorna in charge of both the distinction between the 2 should become crystal clear in 2014.

**denill** · 11th October 2012, 12:37

Originally Posted by Oscar

Yup, and that's when costs went mental.

IMHO there must be room for production race bikes (as opposed to homologated streetbikes like SBK) in the top flight. Making SBK go back to its roots will help with that.

Yes, I agree. And ideally we would have SBK closer to production bikes (the bonus will be cost savings), production GP bikes (if the manufacturers would play ball), prototypes where the manufacturers can develop for the future with well thought limits on expenditure.

**slowpoke** · 11th October 2012, 13:13

Originally Posted by eelracing

Is that you Slowpoke???

If at any time during this millenium you could make up your mind then please give Dorna some fucken clues.

Here's some.It used to be about prototype racebikes and the mad bastards who race them...you know,the riders.
Not one tyre rules,not fuel limits,not GPS settings,not limpwristed TC,not even goddamn fuckwits in suits making a mockerey of what was once pure and downright nasty fucking war on evil sonsofbitch bikes that did'nt accept posuers and european playboys taking liberties with out consequences.

Now it's all F1 like corporate bullshit and Lorenzo and Pedrosa it's current cardboard cutouts.Both seem as excited about racing GP's as John Key would be in seeing Kim.com slipping Mrs Key a megaupload.

Shit,don't be surprised if Dorna start proceedings to hold a race around Monaco in the not to distant future just to liven up the show.

Simplify the rules Dorna,open up the competition to all and kick Honda the fuck outta there if they don't play ball.

Not me bro!

I'm over it to tell the truth. NZSBK, ASBK, AMA, WSB, MotoGP are all pretty much rooted in one way or another.

**denill** · 11th October 2012, 14:21

Originally Posted by slowpoke

Not me bro!

I'm over it to tell the truth. NZSBK, ASBK, AMA, WSB, MotoGP are all pretty much rooted in one way or another.

OK, just shut the door (quietly) on your way out.

**slowpoke** · 11th October 2012, 18:36

Originally Posted by denill

OK, just shut the door (quietly) on your way out.

Awww c'mon man, everyone's allowed a door slammin' dummy spittin' bike in the bushes teenage tanty once in a while......but I think I'll wait for something a lil' more important.

Nah, no biggie, I'm just in a a bit of a holding pattern until they get their shit together. I honestly thought CRT was gonna be the start of a move away from the megadollar prototypes, but Dorna either haven't followed through on their plan or (more likely) have no plan what so ever. So a lil' boy waits........

**gixerracer** · 11th October 2012, 19:00

Originally Posted by slowpoke

Awww c'mon man, everyone's allowed a door slammin' dummy spittin' bike in the bushes teenage tanty once in a while......but I think I'll wait for something a lil' more important.

Nah, no biggie, I'm just in a a bit of a holding pattern until they get their shit together. I honestly thought CRT was gonna be the start of a move away from the megadollar prototypes, but Dorna either haven't followed through on their plan or (more likely) have no plan what so ever. So a lil' boy waits........

CRT sux balls

**Brian d marge** · 11th October 2012, 19:34

I think they are doing ok ..yes its gone a bit corperate..but with a few small tweaks wieght in moto2 and reducing the gap in motogp...and it should be bang on
if through weather or engines a crt has a realistic chance at a podium .all good i reckon
stephen