Which path is better? Superbike or 125/250 GP?

Hmmm... interesting. For an American, it would be Superbike. But in Europe it would be the 125's/250's. But that is with the current 125/250 situation. If the two series swich to 4 strokes(haven't been paying attention to that, so it might be done already), and you have 450's and 600's, then I think it would be a very viable possiblity for Americans.

IMO, Superbikes is the way to go. You learn on a big bike. And with factory support in most national and world superbikes series, your chances of moving to MotoGP are much better than 125/250's. With only a hand full of Honda seats, not all 125/250 riders for Honda get a shot at those seats. And saying that, the other two facotry efforts in the lower classes do not have MotoGP efforts anymore, so them moving up with their respective company would be impossible.

IMO any American wanting to get a MotoGP ride needs to do WSBK first. I don't think you will see Americans getting very good 125/250 rides and the results would send them packing in quick fashion. Would love to hear opinions on this.

I'm thinking we may see first hand how coming from AMA Superbike to MotoGP pans out with Ben Spies. I wish him luck but I believe the cards will be stacked against him because he's a big guy riding a smaller bike. I hope I'm wrong, but do wish him all the luck in the world.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(L8Braker @ Aug 21 2007, 04:49 PM) [snapback]86297[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
IMO any American wanting to get a MotoGP ride needs to do WSBK first. I don't think you will see Americans getting very good 125/250 rides and the results would send them packing in quick fashion. Would love to hear opinions on this.

I'm thinking we may see first hand how coming from AMA Superbike to MotoGP pans out with Ben Spies. I wish him luck but I believe the cards will be stacked against him because he's a big guy riding a smaller bike. I hope I'm wrong, but do wish him all the luck in the world.


Yeah, I'm worried Ben will have it pretty tough because of his size. However, I think it is only Honda who are dedicated to building a bike that gets smaller and smaller for mass centralization purposes.

Personally, I think it's somewhat dim b/c the optimal center of mass is always changing. Moving all the parts to the interior seems smart but altering the structure? The cockpit should be more spacious to allow more aggressive weighting, not less spacious, right?. I guess that's Honda for you.

125/250 is by far the better path for breaking into MotoGP especially in the 800 era. MGP teams have connections with the baby GP classes and all you have to do is win races (sometimes not even that) to get a boost. Coming from WSBK its almost mandatory you have won a championship.

However, I will say if you want to take the safe route WSBK is the better selection. If you start to lose your will or you find you're not as fast as you thought, you can grind out a much nicer existence in WSBK than in 125/250.

Once the baby GP classes change to four strokes and hopefully get better rubber, Americans might start competing. As it is, Europe is too far away, to find out your too big to ride with the little European children.

Make the bikes moderately more powerful and get some rubber that can support the mass of a full grown young man, and we will probably show up to play.

If you want to make it in MotoGP, I think the best way is to get a European passport and start with the feeder minor league series that is 125 and 250s.

The other way is to be extraordinarly good and be an outstanding champion in AMA or WSBK.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Racejumkie @ Aug 22 2007, 06:44 AM) [snapback]86336[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
If you want to make it in MotoGP, I think the best way is to get a European passport and start with the feeder minor league series that is 125 and 250s.

The other way is to be extraordinarly good and be an outstanding champion in AMA or WSBK.


Let be more specific 125 and 250 and have an Italian or Spanish Passport. The AMA WSBK or even BSB route is the most difficult path to take to MotoGP

Perhaps the question should be What is the best path to success and a chance at a wininng team and bike in MotoGP.

Not to mention the 125-250GP boys race the same tracks as the MotoGp riders.
That background is a bit of an advantage.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(The Doctor @ Aug 23 2007, 02:56 AM) [snapback]86402[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
Not to mention the 125-250GP boys race the same tracks as the MotoGp riders.
That background is a bit of an advantage.

Thats a good point, a rider jumping over from superbikes has to first learn the track,
set the bike up, qualify then race. I think thats a big obstacle considering how competitive Motogp is.

Because of the close relations between bosses of 125s and 250s teams and motogp teams.. probably that. Winning a superbike championship is probably the most likely way to get you in if you are doing superbikes.. eg Colin Edwards (who, for some strange reason, you missed out )

The easiest path is to have a truckload of cash! Doesn't matter what background you come from. ...., if Tiger Woods decided he wanted to ride motoGP and could get the license to do so then he'd be a shoe-in!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Son of Doohan @ Aug 24 2007, 03:09 AM) [snapback]86640[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
The easiest path is to have a truckload of cash! Doesn't matter what background you come from. ...., if Tiger Woods decided he wanted to ride motoGP and could get the license to do so then he'd be a shoe-in!


............................................

You've actually stumbled upon something. There is that type of star power in motorcylcing today. His name is Michale Jordan, and he's hellbent on coming to the premier class. He's bringing Nike and Gatorade with him.

Pretty soon being a fast American who knows MJ will be the best ticket in. Get ready for the raging bulls and the big green M to be replaced by "the lightning bolt". Get ready for Alpinstars, Dianese, Sidi etc. to be replaced by Swooshes.

Uh oh..............America's about to get some political clout

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mylexicon @ Aug 24 2007, 10:13 AM) [snapback]86709[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
............................................

You've actually stumbled upon something. There is that type of star power in motorcylcing today. His name is Michale Jordan, and he's hellbent on coming to the premier class. He's bringing Nike and Gatorade with him.

Pretty soon being a fast American who knows MJ will be the best ticket in. Get ready for the raging bulls and the big green M to be replaced by "the lightning bolt". Get ready for Alpinstars, Dianese, Sidi etc. to be replaced by Swooshes.

Uh oh..............America's about to get some political clout

Yeah, but the AMA is hell bunt on beating this enthusiasm out of him. I doubt it will happen. If he thinks the AMA is rant with politics, just wait until he sees what the GP classes are like.

Nah man, sure the guy is made of money, but it takes much more than money. If you read the same article I read (Roadracing Mag latest edition) then you also know that he couldn't even buy/convince factory Suzuki to use year old parts, much less the current parts. You think the Europeans would open their doors to him, even with all his cash and sponsors, if they won't even do it here in America, where clearly the Jordan name is synonymous with the Lord and Savior; why would the Euros do it?

My opinion is the 125/250 route because you get to know the tracks. In the future when the smaller classes are 4 stroke then it will be even more important.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Racejumkie @ Aug 24 2007, 10:34 AM) [snapback]86714[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
Yeah, but the AMA is hell bunt on beating this enthusiasm out of him. I doubt it will happen. If he thinks the AMA is rant with politics, just wait until he sees what the GP classes are like.

Nah man, sure the guy is made of money, but it takes much more than money. If you read the same article I read (Roadracing Mag latest edition) then you also know that he couldn't even buy/convince factory Suzuki to use year old parts, much less the current parts. You think the Europeans would open their doors to him, even with all his cash and sponsors, if they won't even do it here in America, where clearly the Jordan name is synonymous with the Lord and Savior; why would the Euros do it?


I dunno.............KR is getting pretty desperate for cash. If Jordan brings Nike and Gatorade to the table and an interested engine manufacturer is looking for a place to showcase.......it could get really interesting.

It seems like companies like BMW, KTM, or even Piaggio under one of it's many marques might take a whack at it. Maybe that type of cash might be able to influence an unconventional operation like Rotax who may be looking for ways to improve the future competitiveness of their company by developing 4 cyclinder engines.

Never say never. Beside it seems the general consensus is that the AMA are dedicated to keeping it bush league. MotoGP is the exact opposite.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mylexicon @ Aug 24 2007, 12:05 PM) [snapback]86727[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>

Never say never.

Yeah, yeah. I hope Jordan does continue to make an impact in the sport. In fact, I'm paying him honor in painting a replica bike of his. At this very moment I'm painting a Jordan replica for a friend that is riding in the Toyota 200 at Willow Springs. The only difference will be instead of saying Jordan it will have the racer's last name. When I get done, if you remind me, I'll post some pics. Did you see my Marco Melandri replica?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Racejumkie @ Aug 24 2007, 03:49 PM) [snapback]86753[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
Yeah, yeah. I hope Jordan does continue to make an impact in the sport. In fact, I'm paying him honor in painting a replica bike of his. At this very moment I'm painting a Jordan replica for a friend that is riding in the Toyota 200 at Willow Springs. The only difference will be instead of saying Jordan it will have the racer's last name. When I get done, if you remind me, I'll post some pics. Did you see my Marco Melandri replica?


No. Post em both when you get done with this one, would you?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mylexicon @ Aug 24 2007, 05:55 PM) [snapback]86771[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
No. Post em both when you get done with this one, would you?

Here is the Marco Melandri replica. Clicky

Don't 800 have a higher corner speed over the 990cc bikes? I guess this would help the 125/250cc over the much bulkier Superbikes.

The smaller classes also run a ceramic type brake pad over what the superbikes run, more a road going compound. Tyres on the superbike are a control item, where the 250/125 still use slicks.

I remember several Superbike riders commented it took a while to get used to the different feel in the brakes, weight, suspension and also the tyres.

I would assume it would be an easier jump from the lower classes over moving across from WSBK, AMA, etc.


Just my views.

Cheers
Mark

i think 250's is the better route if motogp is your goal. you more likely to be noticed by the motogp employers there and so far riders who have come up through this route tend to get offered the better rides. just look at all the ..... rides wsb riders have landed in the past, jt on a tech3 is a ....... joke really.