Jerez Tests - 27th 29th November

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mylexicon @ Dec 2 2007, 12:02 AM) [snapback]103031[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
why not give each rider exactly what he wants in terms of setup parts (frame, suspension, swingarm, fairings) and then turn them loose?


Because it would either require them to nearly double their man power and resources just to keep up, or half the effort going into each bike.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom @ Dec 1 2007, 07:26 PM) [snapback]103005[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
You are all kidding yourselfes if you think Dani and Nicky will develop totally different bikes to ride next year. The 08 bike will clearly be far better than the 07 by the time next season starts.


You are right about Dani and Nicky will be on (basically) the same bike at the start of 2008 but I suspect it will be quite close to the 2007 bike of today, except for the engine and more cosmetic changes. That development is allways about evolution.

I find it strange that most here seems to think that two different riders must have different bikes.
Blind test anyone on Hagas and Corsers R1s and none would belive it is the same bike. Bit it is, except for pure set up changes.

A basically good chassi can be adjusted and work for anyone. That's what HRC are aiming at. Even the Yamaha turned out to be very managable in 2004 when they got the right people to ride and adjust it. It took new ride heigt adjuster and an extended swingarm to do it but that was basically all.

My guess on the 2007 - 2008 swaping were more about the need to put them selves on the lists. Both Hayden and Pedrosa knew that the 2008 is far from ready, lacking in power delivery and other points. To get a reference and a good time on the sheets they both jump on the 2007 to set a few quick laps, what's so strange about that?


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom @ Dec 2 2007, 01:12 AM) [snapback]103033[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
Because it would either require them to nearly double their man power and resources just to keep up, or half the effort going into each bike.


Both yes and no. Frame will be the same, '06 was en exception. Suspension are allways buildt for each rider on each track, totaly spesific for each and everyone. Swingarms may or may not be the same, I'd guess that if one of them frequently run out of adjustability they would make a new longer or shorter accordingly. Links ans such are allready part of the suspension kit fitted for each rider and track. Finally, I guess the larger '08 fairing is the answere to Haydens prayers to get a larger one. Pedrosa should have no issues with a slightly larger one and probably won't complain.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom @ Dec 1 2007, 04:12 PM) [snapback]103033[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
Because it would either require them to nearly double their man power and resources just to keep up, or half the effort going into each bike.


Then it makes perfect sense that they are pulling all their technicians and engineers away from fulfilling orders for the sattellite teams, doesn't it?

We already know Honda was building 2 different machines during the second half of 2007. Why is it heresy to say they will continue for 2008 especially considering they've offed the satellite teams? It's not like Hayden can do worse or spend more money than he did in 2007 so Honda have nothing to lose.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mylexicon @ Dec 3 2007, 05:50 PM) [snapback]103220[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>

We already know Honda was building 2 different machines during the second half of 2007.


By different machines, you mean the relatively minor differences between Nicky and Dani's bikes. Building two completely different bikes from scratch would be another level.