Ducati Monster Forum

Thought I would start a generic WSBK, MotoGP, AMA (?) late season thread for comments and complaints.

Don't miss this weekends WSBK in Vallelunga, Italy! There's a real good chance Bayliss could wrap up his third and final WSBK title this weekend. Only three more rounds after this one and he already has a 101 point advantage over Corser. With only a 150 points max available after this race it would be tough for him not to win. [thumbsup]

Also, four more races in MotoGP for Rossi to show why he's the greatest ever. As if we need proof. Here comes #8. [beer]

AMA, the season's dead. Big deal Spies wins his third and AMA puts the final nail in Mladin's coffin. Don't think he had the points anyway. I think I read that if won all the points available, even for poles and laps lead, he would have still lost to Spies by a point. Glad to see Zemke win a Formula Xtreme title. He's a good rider and seems like a nice guy. 

Dont forget to salute Larry Pegram and his efforts on the 848 in Formula Extreme.  [thumbsup]

Good point. He's in fourth behind Steve Rapp. Still only nine points behind with one final race to go at Laguna next weekend. Hope he ends up third! It will certainly help those sagging 848 sales!!! [laugh] [moto]

Is the 848 that's running in Formula Extreme still running stock internals?  I remember that at Daytona when it finished 4th (but got a podium due to a DQ) it was basically stock.

Not sure, but he's done fairly well against the mini Jap Superbikes. A lot better than he did on the 749R.

And then there's that nagging question of where Biaggi will be next year...  Or am I the only one who finds silly season entertaining [popcorn]?

No, but you may be the only one who cares (about Biaggi).  J/K  ;D

How ya doin' Andre?  Getting cold out there yet?

Send pictures of your travels.

cdc

Put him on the 3rd Ducati team in GP w/ Gibernau

They'd kill each other!!

But it'd be hilarious ;D

I forgot to put a laughing face on the previous post [laugh]

Ouch!!!  [cheeky]

Yeah, it's getting cold here already...  But that's ok, because at least this week we're getting some sun!

I just put a photoblog thingy online this week, it's at www.avillez.com/fotolog/

There's nothing but some pictures of brussels in there, but that could change.  Or not... classes start next week, and my thesis research unofficially started yesterday!  Goodbye, fun life.  Hello, needlessly difficult to read books!

Back to Biaggi, I think that if they have the money to do it, Sterilgarda will retain him.  They're already losing Xaus to BMW... maybe they'll lose Biaggi to Aprillia????  That would come out of nowhere, wouldn't it?

for me it's simple. i just wanna know who's taking bayliss' ride? i have had my people call their people to let them know i am available for a CONSISTENT 30th out of 30. waitin to hear back! i am very interested to see how "elbowz" will do. i really like to watch him plus he's a texas kid so i will be rooting for him. i also want to see if stoner can regain the hunger for a title he had a year ago. is it just me or has he seemed to be slipping since the leguna race. it's a shame AMA will go to crap because i think their were some good riders there. i don't know if they are world class but better than me i know that. plus i would like to see a good competitive series here in the states. not one dominated by one team. hopefully some day they can get a track somewhere here in tx. that can host an event like an AMA weekend. maybe just west of austin.

hey andre you completely done with rehab, right? how you feel? knee only hurts if it's cold, raining or i sleep wrong and twist it.

back on topic now.

Heck, you are on topic. For once someone actually stayed on topic. I must be dreaming! [laugh]

Spies will have a tough time finding a decent MotoGP ride this late in the crazy season. I think most of all the important seats have been taken. He may be stuck, unjustifiably, in the US again for another season of boring, no challange, Spies wins all SBK racing. He will not improve over here. He is a wasted talent in this God forsaken AMA/DMG/MIC dueling race series wasteland. I'm sure his over controling mommy is throwing a fit! "You hire my baby or else I'll tear your liver out" kind of mommy. He needs to go to Europe and leave her ass at home. Then he can become the rider he is destined to be. Not that he is the next Rossi, but he could really grow and improve away from the US and the SBK debacle next year. And mommy. :P

Yeah, rehab is done.  Well, I still do some finger exercises, but that's all, nothing major. 

I woke up today to a beautiful 48 degrees day.  My knees let me know the temperature before I looked at the thermometer :)

I think Haga is pretty much confirmed to take Bayllis' seat, and Tom Sykes has been hired to replace Haga or Corser (who's retired).  So there's a chance that Spies can go to Yamaha WSBK.  He's also rumored to be in line for a 3rd kawasaki ride, if only he would stop asking for millions of dollars.  I mean, really; Stoner get's 2 millions, but he's CHAMPION!  You can't expect to move overseas and get paid what Suzuki pays in the U.S. ($6,000,000 I've heard).

Apparently Gresini and other MotoGP teams have told the press that they would hire Spies, but he's asking for way too much and won't budge.

Anyway, as far as available rides go, we have the 3rd kawi , 1 Ducati Alice (Elias is going to Gresini, Guintoli is out, Mika Kallio is in), 1 Repsol Honda seat (looks like Dovisioso), 1 JiR seat and 1 Team Scott seat (they've split, and if Scott can get a bike they'll put Takahashi on it) and that 5th ducati (which looks to be Gibernau).

So, if Spies will take a $100,000 salary for ONE year, he can ride the JiR bike, impress some folks, and move on from there.  Alternatively, he can go ride WSBK for factory Yamaha, Suzuki, of PSG-1 Kawasaki, but none can or want to pay millions for him.  If he wants money, he should stay at Yoshimurafest, if he wants to ride with the big boys he should take whatever he can get at the beginning.

That's my 2c.  But they're in Euros, so it's more like 3c.

let the sillyness resume:

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wsbk/news/169217-0/biaggi_set_for_aprilia_move.html

Corser retired? He didn't tell me that last time we talked. >:(

The value of my Shark Corser replica just went down a nickel  :-[

Well, that settles it. We now know where Mad Max is going... back home to where he started.

http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13000 

this silly season is turning out to be kinda wheels off with BMW and aprilla joining the party. i mean not abunch of WOW! but there is quite a few seats on some good bikes still open.

Yeah, and with the AMA/DMG problems, I expect a few americans to come to this side of the pond next year.

Corser/Xaus  BMW

Spies Yamaha Italy

Giannis is right.  Corser has signed a 2 year deal with BMW.  Hopefully Spies will get a top ride somewhere (yamaha italy would be good).

By the way, Takahashi seems to be going to MotoGP with team Scott next year.  With Kallio also moving up, it will be a good year!

Guitoli moves to WSBK (i heard)

Say bye bye to the 250ccGP bikes. This is truly a bummer. I love those races... big deal, another 600cc in-line four stroke class. Whoppeee... :P >:(

http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13030

That is a damn shame.

Slag, hey did you get the backpack?

"Future of the 250cc class

MSMA decided unanimously to propose to the Grand Prix Commission the following as from 2011: 4-stroke, 4-cylinder maximum, 600cc maximum engines, free chassis. A detailed proposal will be studied by the other members of the Commission. "

That is a bummer.  The 250 class has had some of the more truly exciting races this year ( as usual ).  Also, the new rules seem to prohibit the 7-cyclinder 2-stroke 900cc engines I was hoping to see developed...

-P

 :o  7 cylinder?!?  Now THAT would have been cool...

Damn shame about the 250s.

Sounds like the old 125cc GP days when they had multi cylinders and more gears in the box than their wheels had spokes!! Took all the fun out of it when they said one piston and six speeds. :'(

This is funny.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Sep/080927l4.htm

i dont see the point on keeping 250cc two strokes  and develop them ( Just Aprilia and KTM anymore) when they dont  sell similar bikes for the street.

I also thing 600cc bikes  is a bd idea, 600cc have already a developing filed called World Supersport, do we need two similar  world classes? how about 400cc 4 cylinders  halfway of what the MotoGP bikes are..

125 can be 250 4T up to 2 cylinders

that would bring more new bikes and  technology in production bikes... and maybe some new bikes , No body sells a lightweight sportbikes anymore...

I second the 400cc idea.  Hell, if they're afraid they'll be slow, make them 500cc!

OK, this is fast!

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=34500

Not road racing but still damn fast!!

by the way, Brian:

I watched motogp's 2nd free practice today, and Chris Vermullen almost pulled a "fastwin"...  He almost took out a seagull with his helmet!  There's some good onboard footage of him ducking and the bird whizzing past him; maybe someone will put it on youtube.

Lousy Aussie copycat!! [laugh] Seagulls are lame. I'll start paying attention when he moves up to California condors. [thumbsup]

Lot's of good racing this weekend on Speed. Bayliss could once again lock up his 3rd WSBK title this weekend at Magny Cour and Stoner needs to ride for pride in his home country's MotoGP at Phillip Island. All good stuff. [moto]

Yeah, I already have the DVR set for superpole tomorrow!!!  [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

RACE SPOILER WARNING!! STOP READING IF YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE MAGNY-COURS RACE RESULTS!!!!


This is a nice read. I already saw it but just had to read it again. Just gives me a warm IZ_ feeling when I think about the history being made when Troy wrapped it up in race one. Just awesome. To win on three different models of the Ducati superbikes in an incredible feat. And for Ducati to have won the Manufacturers Cup 15 out of 18 years is amazing!!! Think of the cubic tons of money the Jap and other manufacturers have thrown at this series to be in Ducati's position??? Yet, the little factory just keeps on putting them on the trailer year after year. How cool is that? I will dearly miss Troy's presence on the grid next year. But with his friend Nitro Nori on his bike for 2009 I am sure the incredible level of excitement is far from over!! Long live Ducati and long live Bayliss! Nice to go out on top. [thumbsup]

http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13077 (http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13077)

agreed.   Troy will be sorely missed.  He's humble, but he hates to lose.  I love that Tardozzi has to constantly tell him to calm down, even at the "end" of his career...

And next year we'll see if Tardozzi can make Nitro Nori consistent.  I hope so, Haga is awesome, and I'd love to see him consistently on the podium...  he's on fire right now, that's for damn sure...

he has to learn the bike too. Took him forever to  get along with the R1... He has short Ducati expirience but 999RS for 1098RS are two different worlds...

Interesting Nicky vs Dani read.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/081010ajl.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/081010ajl.htm)

I want this picture framed in my garage!! This is a great pic!!

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2008/wsbk/magnycours/1/6.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2008/wsbk/magnycours/1/6.htm)

Just saw the last BSB races of the season yesterday. Awesome!

What are we going to do when the MotoGP and WSBK seasons wrap up?  Yeah, Isle of Man DVD... but after that?

just watched magny cours yesterday.... WTG bayliss!  and 50 wins...how sweet is that....

Again, he will be sorely missed next year and beyond. But hey, how awesome to go out on top as World Champ for the third time all on Ducatis and a championship each on the Tamburini, the 999 and the 1098! How cool is that? [thumbsup] By the way, read an interview this year with him and he said the 999 was by far his favorite! One more thing that Troy and I have in common! [laugh] [cheeky]

This will help with departure of Troy. Can't wait for the next season to begin!!!

http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13097 (http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13097)

Look, the Germans made a Jap bike!! Reminds me of the Japs making an Italian bike (ie. RC51, TL1000R) a few years back.


http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=919 (http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=919)

Nice interview with Bayliss. Pretty cool that people got to ask him their own questions. [thumbsup]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/081015-21.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/081015-21.htm)

I'm completely underwhelmed... :P

I think I like the K1300R better !  They don't say what the 1000RR costs but I guess " if you have to ask ... ".  I bet the sticker price does not look even FAINTLY Japanese!!  :P 

Beemer's with chain drive just seem wrong somehow - I wonder who their target market is with that wildly red/white/blue paint job  ??

I'd buy one!  Just like I'd buy one of those boxer cup paint schemes they had a few years ago... I think that's much tamer than a xerox or part's unlimited paint scheme on the 999s for instance (I like those too, by the way).  To each their own, I guess.

By the way, did ya'll read that Biaggi has started testing the Aprillia (or will start next week, I'm not sure).  He can't talk about it until the end of the season, but I hope that Aprillia will release something (other than the normal PR crap)...

The Aprilia is a bike that I am interested in. If my R6 sells then I am going to pick up one of their rs125's. Would love to get their new sbk next year  [moto]

Bummer, no more factory KTM team in 250GP for 2009. >:( Looks like the call for 600cc four strokes in 2011 has already claimed a victim from next years 250GP grid. Seems a little soon to be pulling out. OK, maybe 2010 and certainly 2011 for sure. But I guess they are putting all their marbles in the 125GP class right now. I am not so sure that class is safe anymore either. Look what happened to 125cc two stroke motocross bikes... morphed into 250cc four strokes. Same thing could happen to 125GP.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/081016ktm.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/081016ktm.htm)

This is not a target market paintjob, BMW used those colors since the late 60s on their race cars...

And i dodnt think it would be any cometitive if run a shaft drive and telever in WBSK... you have to use what it works to win ...

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/86/238308641_6c77fd1912_o.jpg)

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/81/235478781_9d496ece29_o.jpg)

Love the paintjobs on those cars !!  Is that an old Bavaria with the slick tires & straight exhaust header ? pretty wild  !!  [thumbsup]
Thanks for mining out those pix - fun stuff !!

As for shaft drive & telelever - it's just sad that the old Boxer Cup is gone, while we are moaning about the changes in racing.  :'(
Shaft drive makes 'em too heavy to run with the other dawgs I guess ! 

I know the first one is an M1, they made those from the late 70s to early 80s. Cool cars. Not 100% sure on the second one.

second one is modified 2002 turbo

Hey, does anyone know why Speed Channel is only showing the Malaysia 800cc MotoGP race tomorrow at 5:00 and not showing the 250GP?? They usually have the 250GP first then the 800 boys afterward. I checked the guide on my Directv and scrolled all the way into Weds. afternoon and didn't see the 250s anywhere. :P Did I miss something or is this what you guys have found too? Just curious.

Here's some big news! Looks like MotoGP IS going with a single tire format next year after all.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/081018d.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/081018d.htm)

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/081018e.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/081018e.htm) 

That will certainly change things up on the grid... except Rossi will still win everything! [laugh]

not just weight.  the telelever and duolever frontends tend to really deaden feedback from the front tire.  I was commenting on it after test riding the K1200S, and the guy actually told me to just trust in the front end ;)

Hopefully the rumored r1300r and s will surface...  it's a crime to not have a solid boxer in the lineup!!

You know this new Beemer kind of reminds me of the in-line four cylinder Triumph Daytona TT of years back; not a bad bike, and not a bad price but it never came close to the factory sportbikes from the Japanese in terms of raw performance. 

I'm skeptical that the BMW will be competitive with the Japanese bikes, both on the street, or on the track, and I very seriously doubt they'll even be in the same ballpark price-wise. 

You know, I'll bet they do well on the track but not the showroom. BMW has all sorts of talent in the F1 world that would easily transfer to MotoGP. But I think the BMW buying public would not go for a BMW/Jap in line 4 superbike. Maybe a few would but not a real base market that could sustain a line of basically German made in line four Jap SBKs. Ain't happening. BMW is weirding out over the four stroke dirt bike thing and now they are going after the Jap SBK market. I think they are spreading themsleves too thin. Time will tell. It will be fun to watch.

I go on record as saying maybe good on the track but sucks on the very expensive showroom. Not to mention the Aprilia SBK as the new kid on the block. [thumbsup] It just doesn't get any better. We'll see. [clap]

Speaking of F1, look at how many years it has taken Toyota to become competitive.  They said it would take at least three years, ended up taking four, and now at the end of the fourth are they able to finish a race in a points scoring position (points being awarded only to 8th place).

And once you factor in the crappy global economy, the timing of BMW's entry into WSBK racing couldn't be worse.

Don't get me wrong - I like BMWs and I love WSBK racing - but the timing for this whole thing has really gotta suck.  I wonder if "the down-turn"  will affect Ducati's race programs?

This is kinda cool! [thumbsup] Doesn't hurt that I am/was a huge Lawson fan. Maybe why I have his Kawi reps in the collection. [clap]

http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13126 (http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13126)

BMW since the late '70's has taken an alternate road to success in both racing and showroom competition. Having owned a BMW bike and racing Porsche's one gets it why they do what they do. To German engineers it's more a pure excersize in hardcore dependebility. The way they create things is amazing. I'm not sure where it came from but to perfect is almost not enough. If you've ever taken apart an quality German engineered machine and put it back to gether again you'd understand why they do what they do. They know how to get it right and make it work better than anyone.

You guys say they 'made a jap bike', come on...that's like saying that a Bentley is just a different Ford. If all the modern public knows is Japan-made products because it's what's affordable and 'everyone' uses them then I can understand leming mentality. If you go a little below the surface you'd see that BMW knows the multiple bore high-rev capabilities of inline 4 configuration and have taken it to the next level. The /7's were replaced by the K's, now the K's have evovled. I think that BMW's move into the SBK realm is just another natural progression and not a PR stunt. As far as the showroom competition goes, BMW already can't keep stock on the floor as it is. Can you find an HP around anywhere? I think they'll dominate on track or at least be very competitive in years to come with this bike. I know that I'd love to have one their SBK's in my garage!

Been a Beemer fan for years. Had an '81 R100RS with Krauser 4 valve heads (it was the last one in existence that hadn't blown up when I sold it) and foolishly sold it for a then new '85 K100RS. It sucked. I lamented ever selling my well sorted R100RS. The K75 three banger was so much better than the K100. I finally found a replacement '83 R100RS locally that I still have in moth balls. It's even the same color as my '81 and has both dual and solo seats. [thumbsup] Someday I'll find time to get it road worthy again. It was such a sweet sport tourer, solo or two up. Great fairing design. Worked really well in the rain. It was just an adjustment going from chain drive bikes to the rising/failing shaft drive syndrome.

Sweet mother of pearl, that RS was my dream for so very long. I'm talking 10 years I wanted one. I just couldn't bring myself to buy one. I had the 800 and it was more than cool for me and plenty powerful. But that RS stirred the blood when I looked at it. That bike is what I wanted my bike to be and it almost was just not as powerful. If you need some help getting that bad boy out of the garage please call me. I'll even lend my backside to the seat so it won't feel so neglected. You are so right about the touring. The K's have never been a fit with BMW to my thinking. But as I've heard the quality is there now and the power is good on the S.

This goes in the "who gives a s#@t" category. :P

http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13142 (http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13142)

I can't agree more.  ;D

cdc

Hmmm, looks like Rossi will have Sete to kick around some more next year!! [laugh] [bow_down]

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=34772 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=34772)

Wonder if there is a special clause in his contract for hair mousse??? ;D

For those that don't venture to the "Racing & Trackday" section

Pics of Nicky on the GP09
(http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2008/mgp/valenciatest/1/8.jpg)

Mmmmm... Want one!

Too much like a candy cane  [puke]

crash.net has a few good photos of the valencia test:

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/507673.jpg)

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/507645.jpg)

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/507654.jpg)
Takahashi

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/507653.jpg)

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/507636.jpg)
Canepa


Looking forward to see what Takahashi can do. Dovisioso didn't disappoint.

http://www.crash.net/gallery.asp?cid=6&category_id=303&event_id=valenciamotogptest_28102008 (http://www.crash.net/gallery.asp?cid=6&category_id=303&event_id=valenciamotogptest_28102008)

How old is Gibernau?  It looks like he just had cataract surgery.

(http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2008/mgp/valencia/1/thumb5.jpg)

a few more:

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/507622.jpg)
Dovi

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/507396.jpg)
Kallio

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/507638.jpg)
Gibernau

Gibernau is 35, I believe

Not to be a slug but I just havn't been to any of the sites to check to see how Nicky liked the bike? I know he said Sunday that it would take about 30 minutes/seconds to get his take on it and weather or not he would ride it. My second guess was that that was his way of joking.

I don't know what they're paying Casey, but it isn't enough!    More here:

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Elated+Hayden+says+first+Ducati+test+exactly+as+expected (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Elated+Hayden+says+first+Ducati+test+exactly+as+expected)

And second day of testing here:

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/081028a.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/081028a.htm)

This would be cool to watch. I love good old fashioned US/AMA mile flat track!! Grew up on it. It's awesome!!

http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13159 (http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13159)

By the way, I got so wrapped up in Bayliss winning his 3rd WorldSBK title that I forgot that the last WorldSBK race is THIS weekend in Portugal!! I thought the last race was well... the last race. Got my MotoGP and WorldSBK schedules mixed up. My world just got better by 100%!! SpeedTV should show the first race at 4:00PM and #2 at 5:00PM. Don't set your TIVO on me, please check the guide to be sure. My dream race would be a final fairing banging dust up between Bayliss and Haga. How sweet would that be? I could finally die in peace!!! [laugh] [clap] [moto] [thumbsup]

The other day i was on BestBuy opposite from Northpark mall and  there was Ben Spies, i had to talk to him, he said he was flying Today to Portugal and Monday he is going to ride the new R1 Nice guy and down to earth for a two time AMA SBK champion!  [clap] [thumbsup]

Ben Spies frequents the RBM right across the street from my apt.  The guys over at RBM say he's a really cool guy to talk to. 

Isn't he a three time AMA/SBK champ?

U are so Right  [laugh]

So with Stoner and Pimp Daddy on the factory bikes, and Canepa and Kallio on Pramac/Alice, it should be a fun motoGP next year...  I would imagine Ducati is going to do very well.

Of less certainty is how the rule changes are going to affect Ducati in WSBK.  Haga had a great end of season drive, and I can't wait to see what he does on the 1098, and also am hoping that Fabrizio will continue to improve and gain some consistency.  I think Tardozzi has his work cut out for him...  but nonetheless, Haga is one of my all time favorites, so I'm hoping he has a great showing on the factory bike...

Me too... Haga is awesome. A bare knuckle fighter like Bayliss. They leave it all out there on the track, 110% all the time. If they can't win they'll die trying. How can you not respect that? As I have said before, I'm sure deep down inside Bayliss has this huge s#@t eating grin he has to hide knowing his friend and rival will take his seat next year at Ducati. And you damn well know he'll be around and try to help Haga keep up those winning ways. After Haga's 2000 debacle he really deserves a SBK World Championship more than anyone. I bet Troy would agree. [thumbsup]

I really like Kallio too, really enjoyed him this year in the 250GPs. That hopefully will be a really nice satellite team.

I know it keeps you up at night wondering why they didn't listen to you and take your advice... but I wish Pimp Daddy success on the Duc as well. ;D He deserves it after the f#@king over he got by Alberto Puig and Honda. Sorry, but it's true. :P

my son saw him one day this time last year and said he was the coolest. he talked to 3 teenage boys for over 20 mins. i dont care who you are that's impressive. they got a picture with him. i became an "ELBOWZ" fan when my son got home that day because of the great things he had to say about spies and how nice and generous he was with his time. he said he wasn't giving them the "cool guys well i gotta go" he just kept talkin with them.

exactly the same.. he wasnt like i got to hurry up and get my plate to Europe... keep answering my questions.. and i had to say.. " Well im glad you go World than staying in US like Mladin..." he said i had to  [clap] [beer]

Nice wrap up article on Troy and a great pic of his hand (minus pinky) and a funny sticker from the crew! [laugh]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Nov/081102d.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Nov/081102d.htm)

This is prettty cool!

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=34939 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=34939)

Yeah, and he apparently lapped within 5 seconds of the front runners (that's a vague enough sentence, but I assume it means 5secs of the top 10 riders).  Pretty impressive.

Very cool! Wonder which way he prefers going fast... Italian F1 car or Italian SuperBike!

don't forget to add Italian MotoGP bike to the mix...

I think that would be my preferred method  [thumbsup]

Yep, he's ridden them all and has done pretty well on GP and SBKs. I guess you can get groovy invites like that when you have seven F1 championships under your belt. One of the many nice perks. Heck, if he was still driving he'd still be racking up a championship or two. Nice to go out on top, like Bayliss. But I actually wonder how long Troy can stay away. He may pull a Brett Favre and come out of retirement after the season starts next year. I could see a regular factory rider getting hurt and him rushing to the pits helmet in hand! [thumbsup] [moto] [clap]

Catching up on my end of season race watching.  Found the final Portugal races on the World Superbike website.  My recorder didn't get it for some reason.

The recorder also had a problem getting the final GP race.  Anybody know of a website that has the GP races archived for watching??

When Australians say they quit they usally do it, Doohan, Gardner  and Beattie they all quit and never raced in world level again.. they do trackdays or race cars but they never did race WSBK or GP again...

Next year will be crazy in WSBK a mix of American, Japanese, Italian  and English Hotheads  [laugh] [popcorn]  I hope Ben wins the championship he is my Favorite! [bow_down]

i like your thinking. [thumbsup]  i think it may be a little wishful so i put spies top 5 with 2010 as his breakout year.

Glad Spies is finally going there. He was going nowhere in the states. He needs world stage experience. Just hope his overbearing Mom doesn't f#@k it up for him. Maybe he can leave her controlling ass at home and actually get a girlfriend!! Pick an umbrella girl please... anyone! [thumbsup] Sounds like those near race record laps at their first test is a taste of more to come. Great Yammyhammer! Like Ben said, don't know why this bike didn't win in AMA/SBK? Gee, I guess that's because he wasn't riding it!! Looking forward to 2009 WSBK big time!! Bemmer and Aprilla in the mix... Sweet! [clap]

top 5? that's understatment, his bike is better than Aprilia and BMW 100% Those two have to do some development they might win races but they are both new bikes dont exept much (Ducati even raced the 1098 a year before the enter the WSBK)

That leaves

Spies Yamaha  Beat Mladin stright up 3 times and desrtroy the competition he  also finsihed 6th at Indy ahead of both other factory suzuki riders
Shykes Yamaha (new rider but not at Ben's level)
Byrne Go 11 he is good but Ducati will not let a satellite team with the championship, if he does good this year i can see him on Ducati corse and with a title in the near future, he is Very Fast!!!!
Fabrizio good but not consistant.. (reminds me of Xaus a few years back...)
Haga good but not consistant neither.. This is his last change to win the title
Rea, good rider, a fighter but i cant see win the title
Checa Big threat.... he knows the tracks and his bike will have one year development under its belt ... he knows how to go fast on worn out tires
Kyonari Wasnt consitant last year and his bike didnt have much develoment, will see this year
Haslam.. Good but not a Title chaser...


i woundn't count out the Suzuki guys neither, they do have a new bike this year and Max knows the tracks now...
Kawasaki should go back to the drawing board something wrong with their bikes.... Tamada and Laconi are both GP/SBK winners  not backmarkers, Bikes is the problem.

Well, Kawi has dumped PSG-1 as their factory support team, so there is a shake up in progress.  Hopefully Paul Bird Motorsports will be able to develop the bikes.

I agree that Ducati won't let a satelite team win the title.  A while ago there was an Alex Barros interview floating around, where he claimed that Ducati Corse told him never to clinch a podium from a factory bike again (in MotoGP).  Wouldn't surprise me if true.

I think Max Neukirchner will be more of a threat this year.  According to his Soup interview, last year he had an unreliable crew and an undeveloped bike.  Looks like he'll get the right stuff this year. ( http://superbikeplanet.com/2008/Nov/081107b.htm )

Also, I'd be willing to bet that Rea will outscore Kyonari this year...

i like haga, checa and neukirchner to be the top three not necessarily in that order. after that i think it's a toss up. yes spies is great and i to am a fan of his but he hasn't ridden these tracks with these guys. which tyre will he be runnin? that's new i am sure.  it will take a few races to get accustomed to everything. you can do all the testing you want but you know when the $$'s on the line they aren't gonna just pull over like testing.

Doesnt really matter neither Checa Rode with those guys before, new bike new tires and he won a lot of races. Ben raced a few MotoGP races to so he is not stranger to this kind of Racing.. All racers use Pirelli in WSBK.

Andrem they said that max used an 07 bike for the first half of the seasson he scored wins with it, so i can imagine with the new GSXR1000 he will be  one of the guys to watch. He will be the top Suzuki guy this year (Nieto left(?) and Kakagyama is just a developer anymore)

WSS would be good to Sofoglou, Pitt and West will go balls out all year long!!!  [clap] [bow_down]

Hmmm, I think I remember them saying the same thing in 1978 about Kenny Roberts, Sr. He shut 'em up and put them all on the trailer. Not bad for a dirt traking kid from California. [clap] [bow_down]

so you think spies is as great as roberts,sr. was? i think winnin ama is one thing taking it to the big boys is another especially in your first season of world travel not texas to cali or texas to viginia. it will require incredible grit and determination.

Different Eras...

Kenny didn't have much more expirience than Spies but he did have a better bike than Sheen in 78 and used slicks (goodyear) compared to Shenne's Threated patern Michelins back then..

Spies did show that he is fast (Top 10 in GP races) beat straight up a guy  that nobody though that can be beaten (Mladin) and he is going to ride one of the best bikes in WSBK next year...

(http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr209/MarkFoggy/CorserTest_Valencia.jpg)

Troy with his new BMW in Valencia

Most of WSBK races take place in Europe other than a couple of long flights in Australia and US  Texas to Cali is longer drive/flight than Valencia to Assen  ;D


Losail
Phillip Island
Valencia
Assen
Monza
Salt Lake City
Nurburgring
Misano
Brno
Brands Hatch
Donington Park
Vallelunga
Magny Cours
Portimao

Spies was turning similar lap times to Bayless and Haga at the last test he had with the new Yamaha.  He's already got the pace to run with the big boys, he's just going to have some normal teething problems any rookie would have with new circuits and bike.

He already said the Yamaha is a great bike and sorta trashed the AMA Yammy riders by saying its a winning bike and he doesn't understand why they placed so bad.

I bet he's on the podium pretty quick into the season.  Spies can ride dude.  I don't like him, but he is fast.

I agree with Jacob. He needs to buy a personality, his is kinda blah. Maybe Mommy beat it out of him. But the kid can really ride. He's proved it over and over again. I too think he'll be stepping on some podiums next year. Championship? Nah. But some damn good races and finishes. That's my two cents on Spies.

Yeah, he did kind of kick Bostrom and DiSalvo in the teeth with that comment! [laugh]

Do not listen what the magfazines and the infoweb pages  tell isnt always true, Sometimes those guys  have a shity weekend and refuse an interview then media blasts them ...

And who's going to win it next year?

Don't know, but I like what the eurosport commentators said during the last race.  "There will be 14 full factory riders next year, and somebody has come in 14th place..."

Top ten will mean more next year than it ever has, I think...

if u ain't first you better be first from your factory! but does he fly back here every chance he gets or does he stay over there? up to mom i guess?

they usally rent or buy a cheap us appartment in Monaco or Andora...

When the teams travel to European rounds racers usally drive with the rest of the group... Ans what's the problem with his Mom, Nicky and Valentino Rossi have their dads peretty much everywhere... I dont usally check TMZ for gossip among racerw their results on truck are more important to me anyway...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Nov/081117emi.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Nov/081117emi.htm)

Good interview with Bayliss' race director

Just when you thought it was safe to watch AMA Superbike racing again this happens! It's on, it's off, it's on again, oops sorry it's off again. :P Sounds like they were all going to kiss and make up then DMG changed the agreed plan... again. This spoils the group hug. >:(

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=35052 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=35052)

NOTICE:  2009 AMA Superbike Series cancelled due to lack of interest  :P

Damn... I had already stocked up on [popcorn]

I honestly did not know they were still having those....

Disturbing race news. Racing in 2009 is going to be weird here in the States... more weird than usual.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Nov/081123grayfriday.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Nov/081123grayfriday.htm)

homologation requirements are jut Horseshit! I f i want to see stock bikes ill watch superstock , If i want to see superbikers ai want to see the best production superbikes turn into firebreathing beasts with Exotic Brembos, Ohlins, Carbon fiber...


Very sad, I love the 80s AMA SBKs and sucks for the Series tht created the term "Superbike" to come to an end... [bang] [bang] [bang]

What a wasted opportunity for a revamp of terrible series...

Sad indeed. I also loved the late 70's and early 80's Superbikes before the 750cc reduction. That was the motorcycle racing equivalent of the late 60's and early 70's SCCA Trans-Am series to me. Lots of horsepower and iffy handling... and some of the best riders and drivers ever. Lawson/Donahue, Spencer/Folmer, etc... [thumbsup] Good times.

The AMA Superbike rule disagreement at this point may just be a convenient cover story for the manufacturers; I think it's the economy that's at issue.  No racing series seems immune to the current economic doom and gloom.

NASCAR is talking about halving their race dates next season because of sponsorship issues.  Even F1 is feeling the pinch with some pretty radical cost-savings suggestions on the table for next season - more radical than usual, that is  [roll]

I think that due to the global economic situation, the next few years of racing - in general - will be shadows of any former greatness.

750s wasnt bad neither, im sure you remeber the battles between Kevin on his GSXR750 and Wayne on his VFR750 [bow_down]

For sure, great stuff! In my opinion the 750s evolved and became more refined... as much as can be expected of a street bike turned into a race bike. But the early Jap 1000cc Superbikes from the late 70s and early 80s were just awesome in their brute power and I'm sure riding them at break neck race speed was akin to rodeo bull riding with the bull having an extra 160 horsepower! Sort of an early four stroke racing version of the later 500cc two stroke GP days so to speak. Traction control was the throttle, your lack of fear and the size of your "you know whats". None of the ride by wire, neutered race bikes of this day. Just two different kinds of awesome, brutal and refined. Stone axe tech brutal vs computer chip, soft ware refined... but still brutal. [thumbsup]

Leaving the Old Monk tonight and I pull up behind a tricked out Benz with the license plate "ELBOWZ"... I wonder who that was. 

You know that Giannis posted recently about running into Ben Spies at the Best Buy across from NorthPark and said he was very friendly and approachable... as any Texan should be! Dallas County Appraisal District shows Ben Spies and his Mom (if her name is Mary... I think it is) own a condo here in town so that makes sense that he is being seen around BigD. I'd love to sit down and buy him a beer or two! [thumbsup]

you will love thi then

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJijMnwP6cY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJijMnwP6cY)


and a Freddie Spencer Special!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CncJTPVQofE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CncJTPVQofE)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ9o00EQg9g (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ9o00EQg9g)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GKrq1CK_Po (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GKrq1CK_Po)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/3041516423_353089786f_o.gif)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2808360576_a5cba21224_o.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/2809002593_abdefa6c2b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2809873114_0280a8bbdd.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2495675175_0cc1557d1e.jpg)

+1 on what lisa said. alot of factories are feeling it right now. not just the domestic guys. a mag at work said toyota is renting some big lot in cali with thousands of cars just siitin there collecting dust and rust. we got lucky and my boss was smart enough not to order abunch of 08's in aug/sep so we don't have but a few 08's left on our lot. according to most reports even motorcycle sales are not up where they were. if thats true then there is alot of bikes sitting somewhere too.

Some more 0% incentives from Ducati sure would be nice

GMan,

Thanks for the SBK pics and videos! Now that's what I'm talking about!! [thumbsup] [moto] [clap]

crash.net has some photos up from the Jerez test...

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/511935.jpg)

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/511938.jpg)

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/511917.jpg)

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/511911.jpg)

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/511878.jpg)

Edwards and Toseland were incredibly quick for their first time on bridgestones!!!

1. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team  1min 39.525 sec
2. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team 1min 40.135 sec
3. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team 1min 41.163 sec
4. Colin Edwards USA Tech 3 Yamaha 1min 41.390 sec
5. Alex de Angelis RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini 1min 41.468 sec
6. James Toseland GBR Tech 3 Yamaha 1min 41.539 sec
7. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Repsol Honda Team 1min 41.655 sec
8. Toni Elias SPA San Carlo Honda Gresini 1min 41.679 sec
9. Niccolo Canepa ITA Alice Team 1min 42.074 sec
10. Nicky Hayden USA Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 42.098 sec
11. Mika Kallio FIN Alice Team 1min 42.837 sec
12. Sete Gibernau SPA Onde 2000 Ducati (B) 1min 42.943 sec
13. Vittoriano Guareschi ITA Ducati Test Rider 1min 43.642 sec
14. Yuki Takahashi JPN Team Scot 1min 44.360 sec

Here's something interesting regarding our old ex-AMS friend Brian Sharp (for those oldies that remember Brian... what a great guy!! [thumbsup]) and Boulder Motorsports Ducati.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Dec/081201a.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Dec/081201a.htm)

9. Niccolo Canepa ITA Alice Team 1min 42.074 sec
10. Nicky Hayden USA Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 42.098 sec

Someone please forward this to a certain F/A-18 pilot / Desmo-ridin' / AMS Employee I might have a bet with about pimp daddy, and ask him how a superstocker is whooping pimp daddy on a satellite duc in the jerez test  ;D [thumbsup]

Sorry but it seems like the Pimp Daddy "pegged" Nicolo.  ;D

5. Alex De Angelis (Honda) 1:40.486
Nicky Hayden (Ducati) 1:40.486
7. Mika Kallio (Ducati) 1:40.564
8. Colin Edwards(Yamaha) 1:40.604
9. Sete Gibernau (Ducati) 1:40.856
10. Andrea Dovizioso (Honda) 1:40.966
11. Niccolo Canepa (Ducati) 1:41.077

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Nov/081127a.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Nov/081127a.htm)

ok,....stupid is as stupid does...In my ignorance I plead innocent on not knowing the aforementioned AMS employee/F/A-18 pilot. 411 please?

Derek in Dallas... looks Top Gun- great guy [thumbsup]

If the facts do not fit the theory, then they must be discarded.

ahhh yes i remember the bet being brought up. patrick i believe says "pimp daddy" doesn't finish top five and "maverick, goose, hollywood, wolfman" says he does. is this correct patrick?

Something like that.  It's for the first 5 races.

The Svoloch is all wise and knowing!

cdc

Not posting much these days and hate to post gloomy things like this when I do, but this is significant and a very sad sign of the times. I hope the bike companies, Ducati especially, survive these tumultuous days. It's going to be tough for sure.

http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13267 (http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13267)

Might be a good time to invest in a Honda RR track bike.

Awww... come on Brian!  Nothing wrong with gloom...
Hell, "The Cure" has made a career of wallowing in the stuff.   ;D


Just what he needs:  Encouragement  [cheeky]

Exactly.   ;D

Sorry, more bad news.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Dec/081230a.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Dec/081230a.htm)

bummer. hopefully economics will turn around & they'll be back [thumbsup]

I believe it will get worse.  I expect Honda to pull the plug if they have a bad '09 season. WSBK is where it is at. Elbowz made a damn fine decision 
[thumbsup]

It doesn't get any better than this. The World's Most Awesome V-Twin Ever award winner...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Jan/090108b.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Jan/090108b.htm)