wsbk rd2 portimao

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 29 2010, 10:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>No doubt. Haga looks defeated. Fabrizio looks as inconsistent and mentally unstable as ever.

Who do they go hire if both need to be replaced for 2011.  ...  Other than Hayden, who do they go after?

I think/hope Haystack will earn another year in MotoGP.  Elias would make an interesting choice!  Possible retirees from MotoGP include Capi and Edwards, either of which would be a huge improvement over Fabi.  At the rate he's going, Simoncelli may be willing to swallow his ego and consider a superbike ride by year's end.  Would they dare give Hopper or Melandri a call?

Great races, I finally saw them at 3am this morning (it was a long weekend).

Congrats to Biaggi. I've alway been a fan, defended him against the unholy-sea of Rossi haters, and now he gets a bit of sunshine, well deserved. Personally, I was rooting for Haslam, as I became a fan of his last year. Crutch is the real deal, as Arrabbi had told us. Too bad for that crash, it would have been interesting when he undoubtedly would have caught the front runners.

Factory Ducati are in disarray.

Lex, and the Max Neucher comments, the dude is a title contender had it not been for two boneheaded torpedoes, one by Checa (for which I haven't forgiven because that was a .... move) and that melee at Monza. That devastated his promising up stride, possibly his career. Now he's been demoted a ride while still recovering. Also, Lexy, specifically, what is the "lack of preparation" & "lack of focus" in the TenKate & Yamaha camp you refer to?

Kropo, curious question, I'd like to know how you arrived at assessing the mental toughness between riders; "I suspect Guintoli is mentally tougher than Neukirchner". Not questioning it (as I realize your perspective is deeper than us mere spectators), just wondering how you might ascertain something like this, if even possible. I agree about his confidence, and wonder if physically he's even at 85%.

Also, and lastly (literally and figuratively), Kawasaki is a joke.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 29 2010, 12:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>No doubt. Haga looks defeated. Fabrizio looks as inconsistent and mentally unstable as ever.

Who do they go hire if both need to be replaced for 2011.

No doubt the factory would love to have Hayden ride an 1198 but I doubt he'll go no matter how much money they offer him. Other than Hayden, who do they go after?
At the very least, Ducati will need to make one change, if not an entire overhaul for 2011. I think they'll make a real play for Hayden. I know WSBK has never been on Hayden's radar, but if he has a year only marginally better than 2009, he isn't going to have many, if any, opportunities better than a works Ducati WSBK ride.

Past that, I think they look within the series. I'm not familiar with anyone's contract lengths in WSBK but I think you have to look at some of the younger guys coming up now like Haslam or Camier. Maybe even Checa gets a chance. Or they could take a flier on someone like Laverty or Lascorz.

Regardless, it should be a different look at Xerox Ducati in 2011.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Geonerd @ Mar 29 2010, 01:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Would they dare give Hopper or Melandri a call?
Hopkins could be a worthwhile signing if he can manage to turn it on and dominate the remainder of the AMA season. He hasn't looked up for it yet, and although it's still early, if that doesn't change then I don't see any respectable world championship team giving him a call. And Melandri, I couldn't imagine him going back to Ducati after the way their last stint together ended. Although I wouldn't be surprised to hear his name linked with a WSBK ride, just not with Ducati.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Mar 29 2010, 11:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Also, Lexy, specifically, what is the "lack of preparation" & "lack of focus" in the TenKate & Yamaha camp you refer to?

The Sterilgarda Yamaha is not up to snuff. They introduced the 2010 bike and boasted that it had gained 8 hp and that they had redesigned the fuel tank to avoid the Monza issues from last year. Clearly, they've done some chassis work as well (perhaps to adjust for new Pirellis), but the chassis work has been very poor. Both riders are complaining of chatter, and neither Toseland nor Crutchlow look entirely comfortable. Crutchlow misses a lot of apexes and he lost the front on in Race 1. Toseland continues to lose the rear spectacularly which is the cause of his destroyed hand (can't play Yamaha pianos with a busted hand )

Ten Kate aren't with it either. Rea had a mechanical DNF so he's still sitting behind both Xerox Ducatis in the championship. The bike looks a bit lacking as well. I thought Ten Kate were simply distracted with all of the Moto2 hubbub last year, but they still appear to be a bit out of it this season. Neukirchner has not made any improvement since testing started, and I doubt the team are helping anything. Max N has scored 7 pts in four races he scored 20 in the opening race last season!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 29 2010, 11:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>...

Agree with most of your points, except, that Yamaha were not as great as most think they were last year; except that Spies mad them look like Stoner made Ducati look--that is to say the machine itself was not up to snuff but was look to be good with an extraordinary rider. Sykes for example is were I think Yamaha really were in regards to development, and I consider Sykes a good rider. Look at where he is now, still a good rider on a even shittier machine. So yes, I agree that Yamaha had touted progress, and I think they may have had some, yet its lead to a few other issues not coming together, but this improvement reflected on their results so far should be a indication that they were not exactly the best package last year.

As far a Max N., the dude is hurt now riding an inferior bike to his previous run with Suzuki. Give him some time.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Mar 29 2010, 07:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Crutch is the real deal, as Arrabbi had told us.
Cal's a great lad. He's ultra competitive, very focussed, blindingly fast and very, very brave. I remember watching his lines at Cadwell in the BSB R6 Cup and becoming an instant devotee. But my favourite Crutchlow move was on 'superglue' last season - who really isn't a rider who likes a battle - when he went under him at the last corner at Losail, lost the front, saved it on his knee - and beat him over the line to second. (Actually he may have even won the race - can't remember if it was him or Laverty). From that moment on - 'Soft'loglu was eliminated as a contender. I really admired the way he took a measured approach to his career in taking a backward step from a Superbike to ride a Supersport bike, despite a chance to compete last year in World Superbike. Being so confident in himself, he knew that he could win the World Championship and that would command him a better seat in Superbikes for the following year.

My main concern is his all consuming desire to win at all costs. Witness race one, where as opposed to relinquishing third to Rea, and in the knowledge that his front tyre was rapidly going off, he refused to give up his rostrum position, or probably even the belief in his head that he could overhaul Max and Leon to win the race. Many times, in the absence of a set up, or when his tyres are going away from him we've seen him stubbornly continue to push for a win in an almost Schwantz-esque manner. During race one, he lost the front under trail braking from probably braking too deep and upping the pace - I'm not too sure of the latter having not seen the lap times. His propensity to push the front to hard can be worrying, and he needs to learn to ride for a result and bring it home - even if it does cost him his place on the block. Problem with Cal is he wants that top step everytime even when it's not necessarily possible.

I'm concerned that by seasons end, we're going to have christened him Crutch'low-side'

Where not yet a title proponent, I can however forsee some mouthwatering battles with Rea on the horizon...and that really is something to relish

Wow, can't believe people here are completely writing of Haga already. He did a 3th and a 5th with an injured arm and has a shoddy weekend on a track he's always been shoddy at.
Have people already forgotten last season? If it wasn't for Spies he would've completely dominated.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (heyhuub @ Mar 30 2010, 03:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Wow, can't believe people here are completely writing of Haga already. He did a 3th and a 5th with an injured arm and has a shoddy weekend on a track he's always been shoddy at.
Have people already forgotten last season? If it wasn't for Spies he would've completely dominated.

Haga should have won the championship in 2008/2009. Nitro Haga will have his last chance next year.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (heyhuub @ Mar 29 2010, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Wow, can't believe people here are completely writing of Haga already. He did a 3th and a 5th with an injured arm and has a shoddy weekend on a track he's always been shoddy at.
Have people already forgotten last season? If it wasn't for Spies he would've completely dominated.

sandbagging around in the midpack is not Haga. Nitro Nori Haga. Does that sound like a guy who qualifies 18th and then sandbags in the middle pack b/c he's uncomfortable?

Plenty of riders have transitioned from youthful exuberance to restrained exuberance and been very successful. I'm sure Haga will win races this season, but he does look a bit dispassionate about his racing.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 29 2010, 08:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>sandbagging around in the midpack is not Haga. Nitro Nori Haga. Does that sound like a guy who qualifies 18th and then sandbags in the middle pack b/c he's uncomfortable?

Plenty of riders have transitioned from youthful exuberance to restrained exuberance and been very successful. I'm sure Haga will win races this season, but he does look a bit dispassionate about his racing.
I'd love to see him back on a four. Didn't like it when he went to Aprilia, hated it when he signed for Renegade, and despise the fact that he's on the 1198.

How sweet was this:

9264:Germany_...waSlight.jpg]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Geonerd @ Mar 29 2010, 11:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I think/hope Haystack will earn another year in MotoGP.  Elias would make an interesting choice!  Possible retirees from MotoGP include Capi and Edwards, either of which would be a huge improvement over Fabi.  At the rate he's going, Simoncelli may be willing to swallow his ego and consider a superbike ride by year's end.  Would they dare give Hopper or Melandri a call?

That's exactly what I was thinking--Moto 2 is really the only place you can source someone under the radar.

Elias is interesting b/c he certainly has the ability to late-apex, but I wonder about his size. DeAngelis has talent but he left as GP as something of a pariah and he's an inconsistent performer. Westy has GP experience but I wonder about his motivation. Canepa won SSTK on a Ducati, but he's been underachieving since.

I can't see any great fits from within the WSBK paddock. Toseland is a basketcase though he did has success on a 999R. Checa is maybe a bit over the hill for attempting to set up a new dynasty (I hope he goes to Aprilia with Biaggi to do more development). Don't think Rea or Crutchlow would work at Ducati and Yamaha and Honda seem keen to keep them. The only interesting prospects in WSBK, imo, are Camier or Guintoli.

Overall, I think the best pick is actually Canepa. He's got experience on the 1200cc Ducati. Ducati claimed that Canepa was hampered in GPs b/c he's too big and he can't ride cornerspeed style (he prefers instead to late-apex). I'm sure he got some offers from WSBK last season, but he chose to stay in GPs. I think a mediocre Moto2 season and a chance to ride for Xerox will be too good an offer to refuse. I think Canepa has got a good head on his shoulders, he works hard, and he seems to be malleable or adaptable to team wishes.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Mar 29 2010, 12:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Agree with most of your points, except, that Yamaha were not as great as most think they were last year; except that Spies mad them look like Stoner made Ducati look--that is to say the machine itself was not up to snuff but was look to be good with an extraordinary rider. Sykes for example is were I think Yamaha really were in regards to development, and I consider Sykes a good rider. Look at where he is now, still a good rider on a even shittier machine. So yes, I agree that Yamaha had touted progress, and I think they may have had some, yet its lead to a few other issues not coming together, but this improvement reflected on their results so far should be a indication that they were not exactly the best package last year.

As far a Max N., the dude is hurt now riding an inferior bike to his previous run with Suzuki. Give him some time.

Yeah, this season definitely makes Spies achievements look more impressive. As for Max N, I don't necessarily rate him poorly, he's demonstrated pace over the last two seasons and only a series of unfortunate events has stopped him from achieving greater success. His situation is more along the lines of "what the hell?". He's not happy on the bike, and Ten Kate don't appear to be improving the situation.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Arrabbiata1 @ Mar 29 2010, 12:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I'm concerned that by seasons end, we're going to have christened him Crutch'low-side'

I recall last season, a few races where Crutch could have wrapped up the title, watching him crash out of a 5-10 second lead. I think that he has one speed no matter where he is on the grid, and that's flat out. He said in his interview that his tires were going off, which makes his mental mistake that much worse. (He also noted that he was able to remount and still beat Sykes ). He may have gotten away with some of his mental mistakes in SS but this is a different ball game up here. These boys are too close in speed to be making mistakes and hope to recover from them. Rea pisses me off this way too. He makes life way too hard for himself almost every race. Crutch is fast as hell and a quick learner. We saw in race two, no crazy move and it felt as if he might have settled for 3rd. No shame in that really, if that's all he could manage. Better 3rd than a DNF or worse.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Arrabbiata1 @ Mar 29 2010, 01:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Right, that would explain a great deal. I see, so it is their intention to run the gear driven cam train if approved. Thanks for that Pov. I was under the misapprehension that they were running the race kit at PI and last weekend, which would be hard to redress if the ruling goes against them.

Jeez, that bikes already blowing away its competition in a straight line. Perhaps it's the Alitalia paint job that makes it fly.
It appears that way and is no doubt fast, but in race 1, Guintoli's Suzuki posted top trap speed, and in race 2, it was an Aprilia, but not Biaggi. On some tracks last year towards the end of the year,Spies was registering higher top speeds than the Aprilia. In race 2 yesterday, the Aprilia had far less drop off in top speed than the other bikes as the track heated up. That leads me to believe that the suspension is working just fine on the Aprilia, as well as the engine. It is a well sorted bike, at least it was yesterday.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (povol @ Mar 29 2010, 02:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>It appears that way and is no doubt fast, but in race 1, Guintoli's Suzuki posted top trap speed, and in race 2, it was an Aprilia, but not Biaggi. On some tracks last year towards the end of the year,Spies was registering higher top speeds than the Aprilia. In race 2 yesterday, the Aprilia had far less drop off in top speed than the other bikes as the track heated up. That leads me to believe that the suspension is working just fine on the Aprilia, as well as the engine. It is a well sorted bike, at least it was yesterday.

The bike is tiny and it has a diminutive rider, though, Camier did post the fastest top speed in Race 2.

Anyway, all of this fuels my rev-limit theory b/c bikes like the BMW and Aprilia should be capable of putting the Suzuki's to shame. Instead, all of the factory bikes are about 10 clicks away which is down to drive, gearing, and aerodynamics.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 29 2010, 05:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>The bike is tiny and it has a diminutive rider, though, Camier did post the fastest top speed in Race 2.

Anyway, all of this fuels my rev-limit theory b/c bikes like the BMW and Aprilia should be capable of putting the Suzuki's to shame. Instead, all of the factory bikes are about 10 clicks away which is down to drive, gearing, and aerodynamics.
Why, the Aprilia does not make claims of outrageous stock HP.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (povol @ Mar 29 2010, 07:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Why, the Aprilia does not make claims of outrageous stock HP.

I'm not worried about the stock horsepower numbers b/c the bikes have various compression ratios and they set the production rev limiter to make the bike reliable.

I'm interested in the theoretical differences the bikes should have when they are all decked out. All of the manufacturers are capable of getting compression ratios near 14bar, so hp is mainly determined by revs. Revs are loosely determined by stroke. As I was saying before, the BMW should have about a 30 hp advantage over Suzuki and Ducati. While Yamaha and Aprilia should have about 20 horsepower more than the slower bikes. I know, horsepower doesn't equal wins, but you'd certainly be able to see it in the trap speeds, and at tracks with long straights, the horsepower differences should be painfully obvious to the casual fan. The theoretical horsepower advantages are not represented by the trap speeds or lack of passing on the straightaways.

The Aprilia is fast b/c it is small. Why else would Aprilia build a useless pocket bike unless they were trying to maximize straightline speed at a given horsepower rating?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Arrabbiata1 @ Mar 29 2010, 08:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I'd love to see him back on a four. Didn't like it when he went to Aprilia, hated it when he signed for Renegade, and despise the fact that he's on the 1198.

How sweet was this:

9264:Germany_...waSlight.jpg]

Absolutely sweeeet Mark,brings a lump to my throat that Nagai (RIP) could have been the one to follow in Haga`s tyretracks though on the same bike.We were robbed of a good talent that day in Assen.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 30 2010, 02:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I'm not worried about the stock horsepower numbers b/c the bikes have various compression ratios and they set the production rev limiter to make the bike reliable.

I'm interested in the theoretical differences the bikes should have when they are all decked out. All of the manufacturers are capable of getting compression ratios near 14bar, so hp is mainly determined by revs. Revs are loosely determined by stroke. As I was saying before, the BMW should have about a 30 hp advantage over Suzuki and Ducati. While Yamaha and Aprilia should have about 20 horsepower more than the slower bikes. I know, horsepower doesn't equal wins, but you'd certainly be able to see it in the trap speeds, and at tracks with long straights, the horsepower differences should be painfully obvious to the casual fan. The theoretical horsepower advantages are not represented by the trap speeds or lack of passing on the straightaways.

The Aprilia is fast b/c it is small. Why else would Aprilia build a useless pocket bike unless they were trying to maximize straightline speed at a given horsepower rating?


Is the RSV4 really that small. It has an adjustable seat height that at it lowest setting is close to 1 inch lower than the R1. Thats significant. But then you look at height the RSV4 is close to 1 1/2 inches taller, has a longer wheel base, but shorter overall length by a hair and the same identical width. At my size,they all look tiny to me so i cant really see that the RSV4 is a tiny bike compared to some of the other 1000's. In the specs below,the one telling dimension on the BMW is that it is 4 inches wider than the other 2. Is that clip on placement, longer turn signal stalks.


RSV4

998.20 ccm (60.91 cubic inches)
Engine type: V4
Stroke: 4
Power: 180.00 HP (131.4 kW)) @ 12500 RPM
Torque: 115.00 Nm (11.7 kgf-m or 84.8 ft.lbs) @ 10000 RPM
Compression: 12.8:1
Bore x stroke: 78.0 x 52.3 mm (3.1 x 2.1 inches)
Fuel system: Injection. Integrated electronic engine management system. Indirect multipoint electronic injection. 4 throttle bodies, 8 injectors. Airbox.
Valves per cylinder: 4
Fuel control: DOHC
Ignition: Electronic digital ignition integrated in fuel management system.
Starter: Electric
Lubrication system: Wet sump. Double trochoid pump with oil cooler.
Cooling system: Oil & air
Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type
final drive: Chain
Clutch: Multi-plate clutch in oil bath.
Physical measures
Dry weight: 179.0 kg (394.6 pounds)
Seat height: 810 mm (31.9 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall height: 1,165 mm (45.9 inches)
Overall length: 2,050 mm (80.7 inches)
Overall width: 715 mm (28.1 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,424 mm (56.1 inches)


R1

Length 81.1 in
Width 28.1 in
Height 44.5 in
Seat Height 32.8 in
Wheelbase 55.7 in
Rake (Caster Angle) 24.0°
Trail 4.0 in
Fuel Capacity 4.8 gal
Fuel Economy 33 mpg
Wet Weight 454 lb

Type 998cc, liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 16 valves (titanium intake valves)
Bore x Stroke 78.0mm X 52.2mm
Compression Ratio 12.7:1
Fuel Delivery Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
Ignition TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
Transmission 6-speed w/multiplate slipper clutch
Final Drive #530 O-ring chain





BMW 1000RR


BMW S Weight

Dry Weight (lbs) : 403

Payload Capacity (lbs) : 412.3
BMW S Dimensions

Wheelbase (in) : 56.4

Rake (degrees) : 29.6

Height (in) : 44.8

Width (in) : 32.5

Length (in) : 80.9
BMW S Transmission

Reverse : No

Primary Drive (Rear Wheel) : Chain

Number Of Speeds : 6

Transmission Type : Manual
BMW S Capacities

Fuel Capacity (gal) : 4.6
BMW S Front Suspension

Front Suspension Type : Inverted Fork

Front Travel (in) : 4.7

Front Suspension Size (in) : 1.8
BMW S Seat Specifications

Seat Height (in) : 32.3

Number Of Seats : 2
BMW S Brakes

Rear Brake Type : Hydraulic Disc

Front Brake Type : Dual Hydraulic Disc
BMW S Tires

Rear Tire (Full Spec) : 190/55 ZR17

Front Tire (Full Spec) : 120/70 ZR17
BMW S Rear Suspension

Rear Travel (in) : 5.1

Rear Suspension Type : Twin Sided Swing Arm
BMW S Engine

Starter : Electric

Compression Ratio : 13.0:1

Displacement (cc) : 999

Horsepower (bhp) : 193

Engine Stroke : 4-Stroke

Cylinders : 4

Engine Type : Horizontal In-line

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 30 2010, 02:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I'm not worried about the stock horsepower numbers b/c the bikes have various compression ratios and they set the production rev limiter to make the bike reliable.

I'm interested in the theoretical differences the bikes should have when they are all decked out. All of the manufacturers are capable of getting compression ratios near 14bar, so hp is mainly determined by revs. Revs are loosely determined by stroke. As I was saying before, the BMW should have about a 30 hp advantage over Suzuki and Ducati. While Yamaha and Aprilia should have about 20 horsepower more than the slower bikes. I know, horsepower doesn't equal wins, but you'd certainly be able to see it in the trap speeds, and at tracks with long straights, the horsepower differences should be painfully obvious to the casual fan. The theoretical horsepower advantages are not represented by the trap speeds or lack of passing on the straightaways.

The Aprilia is fast b/c it is small. Why else would Aprilia build a useless pocket bike unless they were trying to maximize straightline speed at a given horsepower rating?
Not always true,these guys are not racing at Bonneville, and even the casual fan knows that your top speed on a road course depends on the gearing for that specific track and how you get out of the turn before the straight. Very few,if any tracks allow these bikes to hit their potential top speed, and in the road racing world,it is near the bottom of meaningful stats.In essence, you could easily say that BMW's platform for WSBK is all wrong and will never be a winner because they built a bike that was for internet racers, and not the real world of racing.