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Captpete
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 04:59 am: | 
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Well, Pete, you just couldn’t help it, could you? You just had to jump in and say a little sumpthin’.
Modest individual that he is, Rocket probably won’t come to his own defense, so I guess I’d better do it for him.
You may not remember this, being such a younger man than I, but I can recall back when I was just a kid, just a little after the middle of the last century. That was about the time that Sean’s first big engineering feat came onto the scene, and boy, did it hit big time.
Yeah, you’re probably counting on your fingers right now, ‘cause you’ve seen Sean and me standing side by side, and the age numbers aren’t quite adding up for you since the two of you are of a similar era. But remember, I’m talking about his first major engineering feat, and as a prodigy engineer, it occurred about the time he (or more likely his mum) was wrestling with the onset of the terrible twos.
Anyway, like I said, it was not only the rage for us young kids playing our make believe games of fantasy, but was also a common household word with parents as well. It was even the subject of movies, back when the Saturday afternoon matinee cost $.14 a head, and a coke was a nickel.
I bet if I mentioned his engineering marvel, it would still ring a bell for you today, in spite of being raised out there in the boonie-sticks.
You ain’t never heard of a Rocket Ship? |
Peter
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 05:25 am: |
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Oooops... my bad.
I always thought that this was the original Rocketship engineering masterpiece!
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Captpete
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 05:33 am: |
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Didn't take long for ya to dig that one out of the archives, did it? |
Court
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 06:20 am: |
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>>>It seems the only time they talked about Buell was when they had problems.
That's inaccurate.
Buell, at least by the announcer in the stadium, was mentioned so much it was almost embarrassing.
The pre-race coverage was ALL Buell. All the Honda coverage was "Honda does this because Buell did that . . .". Then we had "AMA makes changes, Buell is behind them" coverage. During the past month an amazing of coverage was stuff like "the tried and proven Yamaha should be able to hold off the new Buells". Everybody told us how good they were by comparing their prodcut/rider/program to Buell's "never been on a track". Frankly, I found it quite hilarious.
Part of what Buell wanted to do was return the excitement to Daytona.....man, I'd say it's back.
Even after the 4th Buell was retired from the race on Saturday the announcer kept on with about what a presence the Buells had mad on their first outing.
I don't think we could have wished for better coverage.
QUIZ: Guess what the magazine articles are going to be about in the coming weeks? "Honda wins again" is going to get 2nd paged for "Buells gaining ground until $25 part derails the effort".
I love it. |
Peter
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 06:44 am: |
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Took me 25mins to find that 
I knew it was at Croix, but I couldn't remember what year. I'm gettin' old. |
Scott_in_nh
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 08:42 am: |
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That's inaccurate.
Buell, at least by the announcer in the stadium, was mentioned so much it was almost embarrassing.
Wish I could have been there Court, but on tv it was mostly the "Miguel Duhamel Daytona 200 presented by H*nda"..... |
Captpete
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 08:43 am: |
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Five stars for that one, Court!
But that last line, just before the I love it...
The $25 part line...
I'm tryin' real hard to not come up with a $50 wisecrack. |
Court
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 08:55 am: |
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>>>but on tv it was mostly the "Miguel Duhamel Daytona 200 presented by H*nda".....
Cool. Miguel is a legendary rider and I don't think anybody can or would take anything away from that.
By the way, you do know he rides snowmobiles with people from WI, right?
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Scott_in_nh
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 09:08 am: |
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No I didn't know that and he did put on an impressive show! The way a fairly old rider like him jumped up and ran to his crashed bike was nothing short of amazing, he is an animal!
That said, it is a shame when any racing shown on tv limits itself to those running at the front of the pack, as you know, that is not always (or even usually) where the best racing is happening..... |
Bigdaddy
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 09:18 am: |
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We were as close as anyone, other than track workers, when Miguel had the get-off. Scott_in_nh called "he is an animal."
A big-time tank slap/highsider, spit off and over the top, and he landed very hard and awkward -- amazing show.
G2 |
Captpete
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 09:27 am: |
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I'm gettin' old.
Oh, boy!
If you only knew. |
Sflabuell
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 09:33 am: |
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There was chatter about the Buells, and a large amount about Duhamel. All in all, there was way too much chatter at the track. But that's racing, right? It was my first time to watch Daytona, and man, they fly. The post-pace car midrace start was confusing, to us uninitiated souls. |
Mikej
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 09:38 am: |
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So I"m wondering how much air pressure it will take to punch out an XB frame to hold 5 gallons of fuel. 
I managed to catch the last 30 minutes of the race on some big screen tv's set up at a local Ducati shop. Kind of funny how I didn't hear anyone complaining about a Ducati not placing well. Went to a 2-year-old's birthday party on Sunday and got to watch a recorded first 10 minutes of the race and some of the pre-race interviews. Even got to see one of the get-offs and the guy running to get back on. What's interesting with the interviews and commentaries is not what was said, but what wasn't said instead.
It's going to be an interesting season. |
Court
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 10:19 am: |
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>>>how much air pressure it will take to punch out an XB frame to hold 5 gallons of fuel
You're late. . . already done.
Racing is learning. That was an easy lesson. |
Sarodude
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 11:25 am: |
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It almost seems that what was being announced at the track vs what was announced by Speed on the air were about two different races!
It's nice that there was more attention being given to the Boys on Buells in person. It's just unfortunate that there was SO little mention of it on the air.
Ya know, a lot of us have expressed disappointment. Some have explicitly shot that feeling at the guys responsible for making any of this happen. All I can say is that for me, I'm not disappointed at the effort AT ALL. As an ex-racer, I understand the bug workoutage issues. I am, however, disappointed at the outcome. All four bikes dropping out - three with a common failure.
Things are only gonna get better. Doesn't mean that we didn't all wish / hope / dream of a better debut. It IS good to hear that those in attendance had an AWESOME time, though!
Keep up the FANTASTIC work!
-Saro |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 12:50 pm: |
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Thanks again to all the elves for all the great hard work. I have never been a racing fan, but had a great time looking forward to Daytona and watching a bit of the race on Speed channel.
Thanks to the annony(s) for the inside scoop as well, it makes me feel much more connected with the whole race effort, and makes at a LOT more fun. |
Tbs_stunta
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 01:30 pm: |
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You know, I don't have a Buell but I do love them and am a fan. To avoid any "you're just a hater" comments any of the 3%s will vouch for me.
I'm seeing a lot of backlash against anyone who posts critically against Buell, esp concerning the race, and while some of it is warranted it is also perfectly acceptable to ask critical questions about something you really like and demand better from your manufacturer.
That being said I am disappointed that the the RRs didn't so better, but I understand that racing is a whole different test bed and sometimes things happen. I just wish that the subcontractors got their shit together better. |
Kim
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 01:48 pm: |
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On the cost of FX bikes. Anybody have everything on tape? I believe I heard it mentioned by a racer who was not in FX. But was being interviewed during FX qualifing that the top bikes cost 350K. |
Diablobrian
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 01:54 pm: |
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Ben Spies of Yoshimura Suzuki is the rider that said that. |
Moxnix
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 02:38 pm: |
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Bench racing: It is my opinion, based on my observations, that the last factory American road racer, the VR1000, suffered because H-D went with NASCAR technology for the heads rather than 5 valves per cylinder. Shoulda', coulda', woulda'.
I am glad to see the XBRR. It is significant that Buell is in road racing with a purpose built machine. For that matter, it is significant in the history of motorcycling that Buell exists.
Optimism (glass half full) is a triumph of hope over experience. Win or lose, it's entertaining to have the XBRR out there. I expect decent things out of it over the next few years. Clearly, it has the power to bother people and make them angry. There is a quantum of success in that alone. |
Lowflyer
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 02:48 pm: |
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"Anybody have everything on tape?"
I DVRed all the m/c races on Speed on Saturday. What a day! |
Henrik
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 04:06 pm: |
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Rocket; don't want to add fuel to the fire or make assumptions on anyone's behalf, but if you check the time stamp for your apology and the anony post:
Rocketman
Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 08:49 pm
Anonymous
Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 09:06 pm:
it's not entirely out of the question that we're talking a simple cross-posting issue here. Don't know, but it's possible.
Aside from that, I'm excited about the RR - sure, finishing would have been way cool, and really was what I'd hoped for. But just having Buells out there to root for was great! A big Thank You to everyone at Buell and at all the participating dealers. Great stuff.
Good building analogy. I'd been thinking of interactive programming and book publishing; collecting material from all contributers, getting rewrites from contributers, getting all the scripting right, proof reading, last minute changes, pictures upside-down, user interface testing etc. etc. At some point deadline looms and you go with the best you've got. And 1st edition ain't never going to be perfect
Great job guys. Looking forward to seeing many more Buells racing out there.
oh, and there is only one thing worse than bad press ... and that's no press at all 
Henrik |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 07:24 pm: |
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It matters not Henrik. I'm known as Mr Know it all at Buell HQ.
Personally I'm sick of listening to Buell harp on about how spectacular they are going to be.
I for one am not in the least interested in their racing effort when it is nothing more than smoke and mirrors, its real meaning, US club racing.
Often on this board I read the Buell gentry, including Mr Buell, pulling down or excusing the efforts of ALL other brands of motorcycle as nowhere near as good, gifted or important as Buells.
The KTM's took a ribbing for their 'failures' in racing, and not bringing all of their prototypes to market YET.
MV it's being claimed were a stone throw from bankrupt.
BMW's celebrity race series slated too.
Ducati, always at the forefront of any shite flying. Hell, Mr Buell doesn't like their retro range, which I find childish coming from him.
Let's not even go Japanese, seeing as how Mr Buell feathers his cap from time to time plying his trade with them.
Frankly, when it comes to two wheels I've come to realize that Buell means bigot these days.
I've a solution to the problem where I'm concerned. It will be in paint soon.
As for Buell, a $25 casting is a poor excuse when billet is cheap as chips these days.
Rocket |
Epierce
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 07:54 pm: |
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I have never been so excited about a race. I have never seen so many people wearing Buell shirts. All the P.A. announcer talked about were the Buells. I couldn't wipe the grin off my face. It was a great weekend. I can't wait for Barber, a true race circuit. Keep up the good work guys, and I will see you at Barber....
Eddie |
Chellem
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 08:19 pm: |
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You're tired of hearing Erik talk about how great they're going to be? You'd rather hear, what, we're gonna suck this year? It's called promotion. It's called optimism? It's what people do when they're excited to do what they do for a living.
You think, instead, he should be raving about competitive brands? That seems a bit odd to me. I'm sorry you're so bitter about this. It really is a shame.
I assume your "solution" is some sort of competitive bike? Good for you - put your money where your mouth is. And I hope you have good results with it.
Maybe afterward you'll be in a better mood. |
Court
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 08:28 pm: |
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>>>>I'm known as Mr Know it all at Buell HQ.
That's an inaccurate statement. There are not 3 people in the plant who'd have the foggiest idea who you are.
This my friend is the internet. Negativity gets eclipsed by a weekend like the one we just had so quickly.
This past weekend was the pinnacle of Buell excitement and enthusiasm to date. Even the folks who were not Buell fans were talking about ...guess what....before, during and after the race. Buell set out to make an impression and they damn sure did.
People honesty just don't care. That's not an "in your face" sort of not caring, it's just that after a number of years folks learn that there are some people, no matter what happens, are going to bitch and whine.
Let me get this right. . . you are free to express you opinion about what Buell should have done, but someone else can't say they don't care for the retro line?
Yeah right. . . now I remember why we left England.
You are cute as a bug when you get riled up.
Go ride your Ducati. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 09:45 pm: |
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Chellem, I've been reading the Buell shite on this board for 7 years. Put it another way, in that time KTM have gone from small off-road manufacturer to 125cc GP winner and have engines running in Moto GP. HD are what, the wealthiest motorcycle manufacturer on the planet, and they're fully behind Buells racing effort? Don't make me laugh. Daytona was an elaborate publicity stunt and 97% of you have been brainwashed once again.
Yep Court, you're correct about the internet, and thank god you are, seeing as you're always taxing it with your over inflated ego.
Great advice on the Ducati.
Mr Know it all. |
Lowflyer
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 09:55 pm: |
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I think I am officially a race fan now. I just watched the race again (for the third time) and noticed that the splash screen before they interviewed Jeremy said, "Jason McWilliams" What a bunch of jackasses those NASCAR Channel jackasses are.
BTW, I just got this month's Fuell Magazine today and it is shit hot! It features my three now favorite motorcycle things; Buell racing, Ulysses, and the Buell Quest Navigation System. |
Solarbri
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 10:11 pm: |
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"Mr. Know it all"
JACKA$$! |
Court
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 10:12 pm: |
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>>>>>your over inflated ego.
There. You've said something dead accurate. I have a HUGE ego. Come to a motorcycle race sometime, the place is jam packed with them.
Now . . . clackity, clackity, clackity. . . . off on that Duc!
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