| Author | Message | ||
     Eboos |
Why would a rider want to be on a mechanical bull for a bike when current technology is able to make the bike more ridable? That's what MotoGP is all about. Prototype technology with the world's best riders. The boredom comes from the fact that there are very few that stack up to the best, everyone else is just filling up the grid. There, at least, are 3 manufacturers that are able to build the best and hire the best, so that adds some interest (unlike AMA Superbike in the past few years). | ||
| Jaimec |
BTW, I'd think Jamie Toseland would argue about how boring it all is... since he just had a high-side at 125 mph in Malaysia. Traction control didn't help him there, did it? | ||
| Spatten1 |
That's what really sucks. Traction, traction, traction, spit over the top! Why didn't the computer work right? This is bull. The GPS and bank angle sensor are supposed to keep the engine from laying down too much power in this turn. Holding the throttle WFO in an turn and hoping the computer works properly is probably not boring at all...for the rider. In fact, I wouldn't be too happy about it at all if I was the rider on a suzuki or kawasaki where it seems to not be worked out so well. At least the Kawi guys don't have to worry about it this year. Here is an article this morning about all of the MotoGP injuries, I guess the nanny factory is not having the desired effect: http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Feb/090207upda te.htm | ||
| Fresnobuell |
If it doesn't take much skill to ride one of these Of course the riders of today have huge skill sets. We are all talking about comparitive skills of current riders vs. riders of yester year--not versus joe public. | ||
| Eboos |
Rossi won titles in every GP class. 125cc, 250cc, 500cc, 990cc, and 800cc. The only rider that compares to that level of success across the board is Jeff Ward, and he is in a completely different riding discipline. | ||
| Macbuell |
The bikes have plenty of power. They just need less computer interference. Eliminate traction control and launch control and you would have great racing, IMO. | ||
| Skinstains |
The powers that be are neutering the sport. It all started with that momma's boy Phil Reade in the early seventies. He lost his edge but didn't want to hang up his leathers just yet. He didn't lose his riding skills he just lost his balls and figured out a way to level the field for the sackless. Balls should definately be a huge factor in winning championships. There is so much dawg gone run-off now that you need a telescope to watch the races. I have raced a bit (backmarker in CCS amatuer) I don't have the balls or skills to do it any better than that and that's why I have a sh*tty construction job and not a factory backed racer's job. Does anyone remember what a rider used to have to do to get a #1 plate in the AMA ? It's just like everything else, it has progressed past it's peak in entertainment value. I for one say grass roots is much more entertaining and accessable to the regular joe and prefer it that way. Have you any idea what the purses are over at the road racing Mecca IOM ? | ||
| Hexangler |
If you think MotoGP is boring, don't be a fan. I stopped following it when they changed the 250cc and 500cc program. Then I discovered SPEEDWAY!!! I have raced or witnessed most of the NorCal events since 2000. Entry fee for a racer is $20 an evening! Bikes can be had from $500-$6,000. And the entire race unfolds before the spectators eyes. Bonus smell of burnt methanol and synthetic castor oil (aka model airplane fuel smell). Only one death since 1920's. The pros make it look so easy. | ||
| Spatten1 |
That speedway clip is awesome! | ||
| Rocketsprink |
Fresno, point being that some here think the electronics do all the work. They don't. If they did anyone could race one. Including you. I'd bet dollars to cents that you'd crash on the first lap. Not because you can't ride a motorcycle. Not because you're not skilled. You're just not skilled enough to ride a 800cc GP bike. I'll bet none of us here are. Or we wouldn't be here. If it's boring. Don't watch. Not much more you can do about it. | ||
| Rocketsprink |
Why compare old to new anyway? Two completely different things. Whatever makes it safer for the rider will always win out. And it should. | ||
| Hexangler |
This page has our local Auburn, CA Fast Fridays info. http://www.fastfridays.com/homepage.htm Lodging is available event Friday Nights for BadWeB out-of-towners, at my house RSVP May-September 2009. There are other USA tracks out there as well. | ||
| Skinstains |
I knew Speedway was big in South America and present in Europe as well but didn't know where to find it here in the good ol'e US of A. I like the speedway as well as the flat track racing but I don't think I can get over the only turning left thing. It's too much like NASCAR. I went and saw the Indy Mile in Sept and it was way cool, my son even wants me to build him a tracker now. One of my biggest problems is living it Northern New Jersey. There aint much around here as this is the land of the lawsuit. I think I'm gonna start a thread where we can post all of the grass-roots racing events in our respective areas. I know I have three dragstrips within 90 minutes of home and I would really like to see some ice racing in person too. (Message edited by skinstains on February 09, 2009) | ||
| Hexangler |
Just your luck, Champion Speedway is open for the 2009 season--200 mi. from you in Owego NY! (I've raced that track as well.) http://www.speedwaybikes.com/tracks/owego_ny.htm | ||
| Skinstains |
Cool, I'm starting a thread for this. | ||
| Jaimec |
I'm sure anyone of us on this board could ride a MotoGP bike. Getting it anywhere remotely near a competitive laptime is another matter entirely!! | ||
| Akbuell |
Not having read all of the posts, my bad if I repeat something: Electronic controls are just that, controls. The best riders can use them better, and to greater effect, than riders with less skill. I thought the MotoGP at Laguna was very exciting. Highly skilled riders on the same track with machines built to the same rules. It was very much a display of the abilities of two individuals. If exciting racing is for you, start going to flattrack races, as others have mentioned. Yeah, it is go fast, turn left, repeat, but get to know the riders, and watch the individual efforts. Arguably the simplest of motorcycles, and it is not uncommon for a rider to go from 5th to 1st to 10th in one lap. | ||
| Hexangler |
I'm sure NOT everyone of us could ride one lap in a speedway bike race. I crashed on the first lap of my first race!  They are the anti-motorcycle! No breaks, give it throttle to slow down (pitch and slide), let off throttle to speed up (stand up traction), rigid frame, ultra short wheelbase, no left foot peg, right foot peg hits the surface when bike is just past vertical, no transmission--one speed "GO" up to 70 mph, and finally NO PRACTICE TRACKS, just sign up, complete two slow laps in front of the audience, and start your speedway career! I never got out of third division (beginners class) but I did take a season points championship, and won several races. Except for dislocating my shoulder twice (high sides suck), it was a very satisfying racing experience. The first division riders make it look so easy. | ||
| Hexangler |
Cool, I'm starting a thread for this. Where? Post the link please. | ||
| Strokizator |
Hey Hex, I used to watch speedway racing in Bakersfield in the late 70's / early 80's. One of the riders was Billy Gray (Bud from the Father Knows Best show)braided pony-tail and all. Cheap entertainment and you can't beat the aroma. Been some time since I've seen or heard of it in CenCal | ||
| Jaimec |
The one competition I watched where I KNEW I'd NEVER make even a single leg was the World's Observed Trials Competition. DAMN but that was impressive!! I don't think I could've even WALKED the course, let alone ridden it! | ||
| Hexangler |
www.speedwaybikes.com is the North American Speedway portal. SoCal-Costa Mesa CA is running 2009. My point to all this is that motorcycle competition is much, much more than just MotoGP. Someone else mentioned in another thread: i'd rather DO something than watch someone ELSE do something. While none of us here will probably ever touch, own, or ride a contemporary GP bike, there are accessible opportunities to compete in a variety of challenging two wheel events. See you at the races! | ||
| Diablobrian |
I'm with you Jaimec. I saw a demo by Jeff Aaron (at least i think that was the name) at a couple of events a few years back and the guy's skills blew me away. Trials riders are absolutely insane.....and they do things against the laws of physics on the back of a motorcycle. If you've never seen them do their thing, do yourself a favor and check it out. | ||
| Spatten1 |
I don't know what looks more impossible, Hayden backing it in at 100mph or the trials guys hopping on the front tire. | ||
| Brumbear |
Trials is some serious concentrating and outstanding balance the only thing I can do concerning trials is watch it slack jawed mind you that stuff defies gravity in so many ways | ||
| Bads1 |
Check out this six year old. | ||
| Spatten1 |
OMG, that is unreal. That kid has a serious future! | ||
| Skinstains |
I am going to start a thread in the RACING section for spectating all disciplines. | ||
| Diablobrian |
It's too bad that those bikes the kid is riding on contain lead.....so much for his chances of excelling at his favored sport same for others like him. SAD. | ||
| Danger_dave |
Just keep that little **** off my garden!!! |
