WSB is about to get way more interesting

**imdying** · 19th December 2006, 14:26

Originally Posted by manyrevs

because they are governed by another set of rules than are the inline fours. In short, they are allowed to modify the sh*t out of their bikes while Hon, Yam, Kaw, Suz's are not allowed to do virtually anything.

Really? They're winning and still wanting a bigger advantage? WTF?

Can you cite some examples of differences in the rules between Dukes and everyone else? (or is it twins and fours?)

**onearmedbandit** · 19th December 2006, 15:12

Haven't read that particular article, but I do remember some honcho in Ducati saying the reason they want to up the cc limit is to make their road bikes more comparable (in hp) to the il4's.

**sAsLEX** · 19th December 2006, 15:18

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

Haven't read that particular article, but I do remember some honcho in Ducati saying the reason they want to up the cc limit is to make their road bikes more comparable (in hp) to the il4's.

I dont think the numbers play in to most peoples decision to purchase the Italian mark.

Who cares if steve has the latest greatest GSXRCBRRRZXR as they are common and lack what people look for in an Italian bike, the fact that the Japs have 15 more HP?? Who gives two tosses as HP don't matter much on the street.

**onearmedbandit** · 19th December 2006, 15:22

Wait a minute, I'll find the phone number for Ducati's marketing department and you can ring them and let them off the hook. It'll save them shit loads when they realise this. Oh my won't they feel the fool!

**imdying** · 19th December 2006, 15:32

Originally Posted by sAsLEX

I dont think the numbers play in to most peoples decision to purchase the Italian mark.

The Italian what?

Originally Posted by sAsLEX

Who cares if steve has the latest greatest GSXRCBRRRZXR as they are common and lack what people look for in an Italian bike, the fact that the Japs have 15 more HP?? Who gives two tosses as HP don't matter much on the street.

That is purely conjecture. You have no way of knowing what makes people buy them, much less what proportion of people buy them based on looks/specs/because they're Italian/etc. We do however know, that for a certain percentage of the bike buying population, the specs do matter.

**Paulus** · 19th December 2006, 15:45

I think the problem for Ducati is that they are having to run full works engines (which are very expensive to build and maintain) against not so heavily modified 4s (much cheaper). They are also getting their butts kicked in the litre bike shootouts in the magazines etc and want to be more competitive on HP with the 4s. Can't help wondering why they don't just release a 4 though. I can't see the WSB rules ever being changed to a point where the Ducati isn't most likely to win.

**imdying** · 19th December 2006, 15:59

I'm young and have never owned a Duke, but I'm guessing the whole build a four thing is a heritage thing? Having said that, I'd buy a four that looked like the 1098, no problem at all... it's not like they're going to build a crap one is it

**sAsLEX** · 19th December 2006, 16:59

Originally Posted by Paulus

I think the problem for Ducati is that they are having to run full works engines (which are very expensive to build and maintain) against not so heavily modified 4s (much cheaper). They are also getting their butts kicked in the litre bike shootouts in the magazines etc and want to be more competitive on HP with the 4s. Can't help wondering why they don't just release a 4 though. I can't see the WSB rules ever being changed to a point where the Ducati isn't most likely to win.

Aprilia FActory just won the Masterbike comp so theres fans of the twins out there.

"There's the V-4 thing: there's just something about it that inline 4s don't have, and V-twins have too much of."
– Murray Duncan

But oh well more V4s on this earth aint a bad thing

**gav** · 19th December 2006, 18:00

Why has this thread about Racing been moved to this forum?

The Ducatis are allowed to tune their engines to alot higher extent to race, its in the rules and no, Ducati didnt write them. Ducati would like to build a 1200cc bike that can run under the same rules a sthe four cylinder bikes. You noticed how few privateer teams are running Ducatis? The cost has gotten very high to keep the Ducatis up to speed.
Do you really want a format of all 4 cylinder 1000cc bikes? You'd buy a 4 cyl Ducati that looks like the 1098? Seen it beside a CBR1000RR, virtually identical profile (apart from the SSA, and chances are the 1198 wont have that either)
Do you think a twin and a four can compete evenly for the same size cc engine?
Nah, never happen.

**WINJA** · 19th December 2006, 18:06

I Didnt Read All That But I Hope That Stupid 1 Tyre Manufacturer Rule Has Changed

**Paulus** · 19th December 2006, 20:32

Originally Posted by gav

Why has this thread about Racing been moved to this forum?

The Ducatis are allowed to tune their engines to alot higher extent to race, its in the rules and no, Ducati didnt write them. Ducati would like to build a 1200cc bike that can run under the same rules a sthe four cylinder bikes. You noticed how few privateer teams are running Ducatis? The cost has gotten very high to keep the Ducatis up to speed.
Do you really want a format of all 4 cylinder 1000cc bikes? You'd buy a 4 cyl Ducati that looks like the 1098? Seen it beside a CBR1000RR, virtually identical profile (apart from the SSA, and chances are the 1198 wont have that either)
Do you think a twin and a four can compete evenly for the same size cc engine?
Nah, never happen.

For a large number of years the 4s weren't really competitive. Even Honda gave up and admitted under the rules a twin had too much advantage (hence the SP1). A few years back it was effectively World Super Ducati racing. Ducati may not write the rules but they seem to have a habit of favouring them.

With the same size engine the twin would be quicker on a tight technical circuit and the 4 would be faster on a more open flowing circuit. It might balance out (of course this could be complete rubbish).

**imdying** · 20th December 2006, 07:40

Originally Posted by gav

Ducati would like to build a 1200cc bike that can run under the same rules a sthe four cylinder bikes. You noticed how few privateer teams are running Ducatis? The cost has gotten very high to keep the Ducatis up to speed.

Now that makes a lot more sense. Still walking a fine line having one rule for one and one rule for another though.

**Cajun** · 20th December 2006, 07:51

Like others have said the rules fall to the side of ducati, why do you think everyone pretty much pulled out of superbikes a few years ago, i think it was 2003 or 2002, there where really no factory Japanese teams racing. Due to the rules. (also making them use one brand tyre rule) did not help. Since many brands are tied with tyre dealers for all there racing.

But more teams in the wsb is a good thing, i believe there should have some sorta semi budget on amount that can be done, eg ducati having to be rebuild every 1 or 2 races, where sp1, i think went thru two engines in a whole year.

**Jinx3d** · 23rd December 2006, 09:24

WsB without a ducati vee twin would be a great loss, like em or hate em.

WRC runs all sorts of cars, they just limit horsepower, why not do the same with bikes if you want them to race together. If you had a choice between the factories working on more horsepower or better handling - which would you choose?

The owners of WSB would have to be crazy to get rid of ducati, wsb has a massive fan base in italy. Who's gonna stop watching if honda doesnt turn up?

Nobody.