Ok, firstly, can we slow down with the Dani bashing and subsequent agro moods? We don`t wanna start this all over again, so let`s stop it before it happens. You don`t have to like Dani, but in the intrests of his fans on this website (who are visibly starting to get very sick of all the negative attention he`s been getting lately) let`s just leave it at "I don`t like dani because he`s not charismatic." Yamahamer, I know you`re only new to the site, but if you look up a few recent threads you`ll find Dani has been copping a lot, which has turned more than one healthy debate ugly. Really ugly. Not that I`m singling you out here. Just in the intrests of keeping the peace, everybody, remember the Respect word..
Anyway back to the Honda conspiracy theory. I agree they`ve influenced the MSMA to come out giving them an advantage, but I don`t think it`s a financial one, so they can just modify the RCV engine. Honda don`t need that. Unlike other Bridgestone-shod Japanese factories (Not mentioning any names
) Honda are very generous to their racing division, which translates directly into results. The reason they`re doing this is to build a V3. Of course nothing`s been confrimed about their engine yet, but it`s one of the worst kept secrets in the GP world. While their main rivals Yamaha and Ducati will stick to 4 cylinders (Ducati have confirmed a V4 and Yamaha don`t have enough imagination to do anything other than a L4) which will weigh in at exactly the same amount as a 4-cyl 990 according to what I`ve read, Honda will build a V3, knowing full well that they`re the only factory involved in the MotoGP with the recourses, experience and innovation to build a competitive 3 cylinder engine (which don`t have a sterling record in 4 stroke racing, eg. Foggy Petronas)
Building this engine will make them the only factory on the grid able to build a lighter bike under the new rules, which when combined with Pedrosa weight will give them a big advantage, and having a few less kilos won`t hinder other Honda riders either. Any power defecit (If one even exists, which it might not knowing HRC) will be made up for by higher corner speeds, acceleration, quicker braking, better handling and all the advantages of light weight. The smaller fuel restriction will also work in favour of a 3 cylinder as they wont have to run as lean as the 4 cylinders. This is the root of the conspiracy theory. Combne this with their hot rookie, who is arguably hotter than Rossi in his rookie season, the strongest presence on the grid, and a swag of talented riders, and Honda might just get back on top. Then again Rossi might prance around on his 800 and regardless of all Honda's efforts, and win another title for Yamaha. But you gotta admit, HRC are smart, sly, ruthless and resourceful, and they won`t be making his job any easier.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Traverser @ Jul 16 2006, 09:49 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I know we are bouncing around here abit, with engine configs, rider bashing (leave 26 alone), but in the area of weight is what has cought my eye and 'Kentucky Kid' brought up one of my fave Ducs. The 851-888.
In the early 90's the Ferrachi(sp?) ducati's were blowing everyone away, so AMA incressed the weight limits of the twins. So they installed a iron bar to the frame between the cylinder jugs and guess what?!!! Ama's plan back fired, couse Duc's lap times fell even more!
Long live the 851-888's
That is a great story, bud. I read a little article about a restored 851 a few months back. The guy said he wanted to preserve it, but build somthing special. So naturally he comes up with an immaculate, and slightly modified 851. I remember looking at the spec sheet for this particular bike and it blew me away. 135 hp and somewhere in the vicinity of 140 kg. I know he`d done a few modifications, and a bit of weight saving through a full rebuild, but those are still some impressive numbers, especially for an 850cc 15 year old V twin. Then you consider how advanced it was for a V twin in it`s time; fuel injection, 8 valves, liquid cooled. Very impressive motorcycle if you ask me.
