Japanese Big Four Gearing up for next year?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Keshav @ Oct 8 2007, 10:15 PM) [snapback]94339[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
A interesting note that during post-race testing at Brno - Stoner went out (on race tires) and broke the 990cc record on his 800cc Duc. Burgess said later " I hope Ducati set their benchmark very high at the beginning and left no room to improve, because they tried to build the perfect bike and hit all the targets first time out."

Nothing better for keeping up the team spirits at the Yamaha garage like a little wishful thinking.

this is what i think, but i guess only time will tell, i dont think lack of money will help them keep the standard they showed us this year but good luck to them anyway.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Keshav @ Oct 9 2007, 11:17 PM) [snapback]94521[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
If a string of Moto GP victories in 2007 translates into much increased sales for Ducati, and they likely will, they will only be that much more motivated to maintain or increase their R&D budget in hopes of more victories and more sales in 2009. Chances are their sucesses in 2007 didn't come cheap. Now when they're on top, would not be the time to shrink their budget or slough off on R&D. Whatever they spent to make the Ducs go fast this year, it probably isn't half of what the Honda spent and Ducati didn't let that stop them. I'm guesssing the Big Four would love to find a way to "borrow" some of the Ducati magic, but doubt there are any little Japanse guys working in the Ducati research garages.

As far as the big four borrowing the Ducati Mantra - i heard speculation on one of the podcasts that Honda may consider moving to Pneumatic valve or even try their hand at desmodromonic valves... that would be interesting.... just like world superbike all over again....

Anyway I doubt that Honda would do that but I am sure that they will come with the goods for next season. Next year should be a hoot. Single tyre supplier and all..

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Duc999 @ Oct 10 2007, 01:00 PM) [snapback]94532[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
Single tyre supplier and all..


Is this really going to happen?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Corr @ Oct 10 2007, 04:36 AM) [snapback]94534[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
Is this really going to happen?


90%

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(an4rew @ Oct 10 2007, 06:07 AM) [snapback]94540[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
90%

90% my arse. that wont happen for at least a couple of seasons if at all.

ducati had a rev advantage because of the desmo system at the start of the season but towards the end when the japs bought out the pneumatics they caught up. it will cost ducati far more in r&d to stay ahead now. they showed there hand to soon imo.
wonder if any of them will look at radial valve system. think it was norton who last used it.
if you want revs than you need to get rid if reciprocating parts in favor of radial .even the demo has its limits and pneumatics will only give an extra 1000rpm