japenese champions

why has there never been a japanese 500/motogp champ ? they've won 125 & 250. why not the big class ? it's not for lack of trying thats for sure.

They've never seemed to be able to make the jump to the 500cc/MotoGP machines. They seem to have loads of success in the smaller classes but once put on the big machines they don't have the same ability. My only guess is that MotoGP machines and even 500s require a different technique than riding 250s, 125s, 80s and 50s. But that doesn't make much sense as most Spanish and Italian riders follow the same path to the premier class. I really am stumped as to why they have't had a champion.

I read somwhere that Daijiro was Honda's real hope for a first Japanese champion. I think Nakano could be a contender if he had more competitive machinery. Being a Kawa fan, I wouldn't want him to leave Kawasaki. Hopefully Kawa will pull of a miracle and build a competitive 800. Unlikely, though.

This is a bit of a dud theory but I think theres trends in the nationality of motoGP riders. In the beginning there was Dinosaurs, then the great Agonisti, then in the late 70's, 80's and through to the 90's, there was guys like Sheene, Roberts, Spencer, Gardner, Lawson, Rainey, Schwantz and Doohan. All Brits, Aussies and Americans.
Then at the turn of the century came Criville, Rossi, Rossi and Rossi. And most of the serious contenders in GP at the moment are European, so I think we're in a European era right now. Maybe a Japanese/Asian era will come next.
I told you it was a dud theory, but I was drunk, and it made sense when I thought of it.

Not a bad theory at all Richo. The development and characteristics of the bikes and tires evolve and as they evolve they suit different riding styles. In the 80's and 90's it would appear that the bikes and tires suited a more sideways style as we saw many champions come from a dirt background. As we got to the turn of the century as you said Richo, we are seeing loads of Europeans champions so perhaps it has something to do with the direction of development and characteristics of modern bikes and tires. Or perhaps the Europeans just take it more seriously and thus have more talented riders to have an impact in the series. There are many possibilities out there.

You could be right, Ooost, I mean, we don't got no "motoGP Academy" down under, I had to go to a normal school instead

Look at the abundance of tracks and promotion the riders get in countries like Italy and Spain. It is huge compared to the publicity they get here in the USA. They race on the same tracks or are exposed to the ones they race in MotoGP ever since they are little.

Richo I had a theory like that also. Mine was along the lines of tire technology. Back in the day of the American greats the tires were easily spun up and you could go around the track very quickly sideways. Americans are notoriously known for sliding the rear so there goes our rep working for us and letting our style of riding win races.

Now, I think the bikes are very much capable of sliding the rear as well but the style has been asking for more consistent and smooth riding not balls-out riding sideways. That is why smooth riders like Rossi and Biaggi, Melandri are going very fast. Italians and Spanish reputation is to be smooth. Hayden slides the rear around like a mofo and has had to change his style a bit to be more smooth.

Your theory is not bad at all, it makes perfect sense.

All of this however, does not support why there hasn't been a Japanese world champion. If anything I believe that they should produce the most champions of anyone. They are home to 4 of the 5 major factories and both 2 strokes and 4 strokes are major classes of competition so no matter which way bikes develop Japan should have a rider who is brilliant in one way. It just doesn't make sense to me, road racers in Japan are groomed on 50s and 80s just as riders in Spain and Italy are but the European riders seem to be much more successful.

Well in japan, motorcycling is seen as more of a style thing, like "You ride a motorbike, that makes you cool" It's not really focused on motorsport or recreational riding, like Europe.
Also, again they don't have that early stage support the Europeans have so much of.
It could also be due to the cost of running any sort of vehicle in Japan, especially two strokes. Becuse Japan's trying to be eco freindly, the price of all things two stroke in Japan is rising severely, but that's probably the same in europe.
I'm stumped. I don't know what it is. The only reason I can think of is the lack of intrest in recreational motorcycling in Japan.

You've asked a bloody good question frosty

A real good question.

This is the one thing that puzzles me about the motogp world. And also the thing i think is lacking from the sport (obvioulsy apart from a good british rider too!)

I would love to see a japanese champion and i am also confused as to why there is not a real good rider up there. The more i think about it the more i think about Kato and how he was highly rated, a real shame because i never watched him at all really and it would have been fantastic if he could have become japans first.

I am always open to wild theorys and at the moment all i can think about is that era one. Lets just hope we do see an asian era once the chinese bike market really takes off, unfortunately it'll prob be in about 10-15yrs i think.

I wonder if japan are actually trying to bring up a japanese champion at all? Ive got a feeling they would be so proud to have a national champ and if we know nothing about some sort of japanese motogp academy then maybe its all a big secret....

Does anyone think Kiyonari will go to motogp in 2007 regardless of wether he takes the BSB 2006 crown or not?

Does Japan Honda have him lined up?

Kato was Honda's main hope. It's a real shame that he passed away. I really think he could have done it. He'd certainly have given Rossi a hard time.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RallyeRon @ Dec 19 2005, 01:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Does anyone think Kiyonari will go to motogp in 2007 regardless of wether he takes the BSB 2006 crown or not?

Does Japan Honda have him lined up?
Kiyo is a prodigy of HRC,and is still in the grooming phase,i know the HM plant fireblades,are a different ride,but recent lap times taken at Sepang are not far away from the gp boys,kiyo has already tasted the RC211v,so if he does lift the BSB title in 2006,i think when the new 800cc class starts in 2007,we could deffinatly be seeing kiyo on a spanking new HRC rocket.

I think we will see Kiyo soon no matter what he does in BSB in 2006. He should make his debut season in MotoGP in 2007 aboard a satellite Honda.

Hes gotta be being groomed hasnt he? From what i can see he is the only thing that Japan is grooming at the mo. I doubt their grooming anyone back in Japan as i think the Japanese would want them over in europe getting used to the rest of the world and their tracks and culture and stuff.

Honestly if i could have 2 wishes in motogp it would be to have more top class british contenders and a Japanese world champ.

Just out of curiosity, Ron, why a Japanese champ? Any reason in particular?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ooost @ Dec 19 2005, 01:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I think we will see Kiyo soon no matter what he does in BSB in 2006. He should make his debut season in MotoGP in 2007 aboard a satellite Honda.
Ooost kiyo already debuted in the big class. 2003 season.

i don't think there will ever be a good explination to this ? i'v thought of almost every theory. but no of em really hold water. i just can't figure it.

Correction, full debut season. Kiyo started at Le Mans if I'm not mistaken.