an interesting bit of news i read in roadracing world magazine. that so called test mule they came up with is apparently for racing motogp in 07. heres the pertinant part of the article. "roadracing world has now been told by a well placed source that the motorcycle is actually a precursor to an official bmw factory motogp racing effort starting in 2007 with the introduction of an 800cc displacement limit. according to our source, the bike is powered by a three-cylinder engine, which will be bmw's motogp engine configuration. the chasis, however, is only a test bed for research and data gathering." now if all this is true & ilmor & ktm also show up next season it will be a very full grid indeed!
that's exciting. It would be great to see Bmw step up. I've heard rumors for the past few years about this happening.
The more teams the better!, though I wouldn't hold my breath for BMW coming to MotoGP, they don't seem to be definately interested.
Joined Mar 2005
7K Posts | 20+
Woody Creek
There have been all these mentions of BMW showing interest in joining, Porsche as well, Ilmor the same and KTM making a return. I have a hard time believing any of these companies barring KTM and possibly Ilmor having a go. I don't know too much about the BMW or Porsche projects but KTM have experience in building powerplants and I'm sure have been hard at work on a chassis for some time as well as a new 800cc model. And from what I understand Ilmor have enlisted the services of the company that helped Kawasaki develop their chassis so perhaps they have a real shot at making something happen in the next few years. But 2007 seems too close for any of them to throw their name into the hat.
They might have top secret area 51 style operations going on, Ooost. After all, the first 800cc race is less than a year away and us mere mortals still dont even know the cylinder count for the new Honda for sure.
My understanding was that BMW built the bike with motoGP in mind, but the Bavarians found out that going hard n' fast was a better test of their over-engineered parts and technology, and so the prototype took on a new role as a test platform. Then again, that was a rumour too.
I guess at this point, anything`s possible.
My understanding was that BMW built the bike with motoGP in mind, but the Bavarians found out that going hard n' fast was a better test of their over-engineered parts and technology, and so the prototype took on a new role as a test platform. Then again, that was a rumour too.
I guess at this point, anything`s possible.
I could see BMW going SBK racing before I'd see them in GP's. The only reason they want to go racing in the first place is to get rid of their 'never built a credible sportsbike' tag. They can build trailies, tourers better than anyone but a serious racing bike is something they havn't done. The boys in Bavaria know that if they went racing and it was even a reasonable success, they'd sell a lot of bikes. It's only a matter of time until they do go racing somewhere, maybe they will go to GP's I think SBK could be cheaper and better to avoid looking stupid.
In the last few years theyve tried to change their whole image. Less of the slow, heavy, reliable "old man's bike" and more of the trendy european sportsbike culture. Sorta like Ducati +100kg -100hp. Race wins would help that, but to go superbike racing they`d need a superbike. A, light, fast production 1000cc bike. Could cost them more than a motoGP project. I think BMW would have a very Rossi-like attitude to racing: "If you can't win it, don't bother." They'll wait until they have a bike thats good enough. And i think it will be an 800. Because they really dont have any all out sportsbikes. So a Superbike would have to be built from scratch. A GP Prototype is a better option if youre building a bike from scratch. And dont worry about them embarrasing themselves. Like I said, they wont race until they can win
Of course motogp would be cheaper. What was I thinking?, thanks Richo. I think though if Rossi thinks there's a chance he might lose, he rides better. I don't think BMW can afford the luxury of saying 'if we can't win, we won't bother' either.
Lets face it, as an unknown quantity, BMW would have to be offering an awful lot of money to get top personnel involved and I can't see that happening. Who could you imagine giving up a factory ride to jump on a beemer? Without the right pilot, it would be very difficult. As a newcommer they're going to have a couple of years 'honeymoon'. All the focus will be on what the Japan and Bologna factories are doing with 800cc anyway. Bottom line, they'll have to campaign a couple of seasons before they even start to get it right. If BMW really think they're going to win straight out of the box without serving their 'apprenticeship', they'd need a reality transplant. But I don't think that's the case.
Lets face it, as an unknown quantity, BMW would have to be offering an awful lot of money to get top personnel involved and I can't see that happening. Who could you imagine giving up a factory ride to jump on a beemer? Without the right pilot, it would be very difficult. As a newcommer they're going to have a couple of years 'honeymoon'. All the focus will be on what the Japan and Bologna factories are doing with 800cc anyway. Bottom line, they'll have to campaign a couple of seasons before they even start to get it right. If BMW really think they're going to win straight out of the box without serving their 'apprenticeship', they'd need a reality transplant. But I don't think that's the case.
i believe they'll do the engine & put it in someone elses chasis. wcm will be the factory beemer team... maybe
A WCM BMW? I guess its possible but...
Do Harris or Spondon or any of them brit firms still exist? Maybe they could make the frame, but I think BMW would try it themselves. They`d use their own engineers, but I dont know where they're going to get a competitive team from. As for riders, I got no Idea who they`d get. My Brain just yelled "GIBERNAU!" at me, but I can`t see how that`s logical.
Just a guess probably
They'd probably aim for a Ducati-style apprenticeship, but I still don`t think they'll have a stab unless their bike is competitive, maybe not a winner, but definately competitive. Like I said, they'll aim for a Ducati-style entrance (Barring 2004) and avoid an Aprillia style attempt.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (richo @ Apr 20 2006, 08:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>A WCM BMW? I guess its possible but...
Do Harris or Spondon or any of them brit firms still exist? Maybe they could make the frame, but I think BMW would try it themselves. They`d use their own engineers, but I dont know where they're going to get a competitive team from. As for riders, I got no Idea who they`d get. My Brain just yelled "GIBERNAU!" at me, but I can`t see how that`s logical.
Just a guess probably
They'd probably aim for a Ducati-style apprenticeship, but I still don`t think they'll have a stab unless their bike is competitive, maybe not a winner, but definately competitive. Like I said, they'll aim for a Ducati-style entrance (Barring 2004) and avoid an Aprillia style attempt.
this engine has been in testing for about two years, so should be near 'ripe'
I was talking to the guy who tested it, but he told me to say nowt. sorry
It makes a lot of noise and goes bloody fast, TC is an option, but are looking to make a better engine power map so to do away with the need for TC
Oh yeah, It's blue and white so far
this engine has been in testing for about two years, so should be near 'ripe'
I was talking to the guy who tested it, but he told me to say nowt. sorry
It makes a lot of noise and goes bloody fast, TC is an option, but are looking to make a better engine power map so to do away with the need for TC
Oh yeah, It's blue and white so far
Joined Sep 2005
4K Posts | 3+
Lancashire UK
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (gary @ Apr 22 2006, 10:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>
mcwilliams as been snapped by a m c n reporter testing a 800cc bmw in hope of gaining entry into the 07 gp..
Man silly season starting already
I also read that article, quite lked the look of the beemer(although the new KTM sports bike looks fecking sweet, remember seeing the prototype in mcn 2003 or something-nice).
Ooost, maye timeto start your Silly season thread again
One thing for sure, it can only be positive having another team or two in GP's..........07 is sure gonna be an unknown season.
Man silly season starting already
Ooost, maye timeto start your Silly season thread again
One thing for sure, it can only be positive having another team or two in GP's..........07 is sure gonna be an unknown season.
KTM is just finishing off their new SBK so I doubt they're working at the same time on a MotoGP bike.
of course its gonna be blue and white? What did you think it would be? Purple?
And Mcwilliams acing for BMW? Makes sense, I guess. I mean, its not like theyve made a bike thats as fast as a real motoGP bike, (this is BMW motorrad after all) So OLD Jezza shouldnt have a heart attack when he rides it. Mind you, if it is a BMW, the reliability of it should impress him after his Daytona fang on that XB-RR.
And I agree with Teo about KTM not debuting MotoGP and SBK at the same time, last year they showed pretty clearly they cant do two things at once.
And Mcwilliams acing for BMW? Makes sense, I guess. I mean, its not like theyve made a bike thats as fast as a real motoGP bike, (this is BMW motorrad after all) So OLD Jezza shouldnt have a heart attack when he rides it. Mind you, if it is a BMW, the reliability of it should impress him after his Daytona fang on that XB-RR.
And I agree with Teo about KTM not debuting MotoGP and SBK at the same time, last year they showed pretty clearly they cant do two things at once.
Joined Sep 2005
4K Posts | 3+
Lancashire UK
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ooost @ Apr 22 2006, 02:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I just attempted to search around MCN's website but couldn't find the Beemer pics. Anyone want to link me?
It was in the paper mate....not sure how quick they convert paper2web?
Just had a scout and couldnt see it.....its funny how every other bike sport news story started with babe!!....i.e. Babe feeling blue..............and its just a pcture of a brolly dolly with blue hair
It was in the paper mate....not sure how quick they convert paper2web?
Just had a scout and couldnt see it.....its funny how every other bike sport news story started with babe!!....i.e. Babe feeling blue..............and its just a pcture of a brolly dolly with blue hair
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (richo @ Apr 23 2006, 07:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>of course its gonna be blue and white? What did you think it would be? Purple?
And Mcwilliams acing for BMW? Makes sense, I guess. I mean, its not like theyve made a bike thats as fast as a real motoGP bike, (this is BMW motorrad after all) So OLD Jezza shouldnt have a heart attack when he rides it. Mind you, if it is a BMW, the reliability of it should impress him after his Daytona fang on that XB-RR.
And I agree with Teo about KTM not debuting MotoGP and SBK at the same time, last year they showed pretty clearly they cant do two things at once.
Jezza was the original ride BMW had inspect their engine when it was only attached to a bench,....
interesting line of development here,...
And Mcwilliams acing for BMW? Makes sense, I guess. I mean, its not like theyve made a bike thats as fast as a real motoGP bike, (this is BMW motorrad after all) So OLD Jezza shouldnt have a heart attack when he rides it. Mind you, if it is a BMW, the reliability of it should impress him after his Daytona fang on that XB-RR.
And I agree with Teo about KTM not debuting MotoGP and SBK at the same time, last year they showed pretty clearly they cant do two things at once.
Jezza was the original ride BMW had inspect their engine when it was only attached to a bench,....
interesting line of development here,...
Is the old fart any good at developing? Because That would be the main thing BMW would be looking for. I guess they dont want hotshot rookies who only know the track and the gym.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (richo @ Apr 25 2006, 04:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Is the old fart any good at developing? Because That would be the main thing BMW would be looking for. I guess they dont want hotshot rookies who only know the track and the gym.
yeah, well that's the word, thats why KR, KTM etc used him, cuz he had good development record,..
BMW have obviously done some home work on him,. as he was the original rider they consulted when they only had the engine bolted to an old wooden bench
They would need to be in the final stages of development at this point, so expect a lot more track time soon [ & prob pics ]
yeah, well that's the word, thats why KR, KTM etc used him, cuz he had good development record,..
BMW have obviously done some home work on him,. as he was the original rider they consulted when they only had the engine bolted to an old wooden bench
They would need to be in the final stages of development at this point, so expect a lot more track time soon [ & prob pics ]
