One tire rule confirmed at Japan for next year

[darylbowden]

that said, i have no clue if they make an N-Tec 160.

They do not.  You are stuck with the (non-NTec) 209, but it's still a great tire.

[FatguyRacer]

What we have yet to experience, is what will happen when the tire 'contract' comes up for bids and the incumbent loses to a low bid from a company that has not run its tires in the class for a few years.

Hmmmm. Moto GP bikes on spec Cheng Shin tires. That'll be fun to watch. 

[derby]

ok, this is just getting silly...

the possibility that frenchie stays and factory ducati, hayden and stoner, switch to michelin? jeeez. 

http://superbikeplanet.com/2008/Sep/080927a.htm

[tufty]

i'll try not to get all hyperbolic on you and just say: Get The Dunlops.

those new 211s are amazing.  they may cost more but when you factor in how long they last, the feel and predictability, and the lowside you'll probably avoid, they're damn near free.

that said, i have no clue if they make an N-Tec 160.

So you're saying it's impossible to loose the front with Dunlops? 

Come on, go out on a limb here and now

[gm2]

So you're saying it's impossible to loose the front with Dunlops? 

Come on, go out on a limb here and now

i've lost the front on this one really bumpy section a couple times.  but then caught it with my knee and kept going... 

so far i've never lost the rear using these 211s.  ...and fwiw, N-Tec only applies to the rears. 

[sqweak]

i lost the front on dunlops...

but i'm a hack and I coulda lowsided riding on velcro that day.

but Joe did too 

[gm2]

but Joe did too 

on a Qualifier.

[derby]

oh-fisshul:

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Grand+Prix+Commission+decides+on+single+tyre+rule+for+2009

[derby]

also, michelin had robert jensen testing motogp slicks at laguna this weekend. i suppose that means they're gonna put in a bid.

[derby]

so... it's a single supplier, not a control tire.

and they're movin' on this quick! proposals have to be submitted by this coming saturday, and they're supposed to test on them at the first test (the day after the last race of he season).

[derby]

http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-last-minute-plans-backfire-fim-approves-single-tire-rule/

[gm2]

also, michelin had robert jensen testing motogp slicks at laguna this weekend. i suppose that means they're gonna put in a bid.

http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=34431

"Michelin is examining the opportunities offered by these new regulations and will make an announcement in the next few days as to whether or not the company will tender to supply tires to the premier-class championship"

[gm2]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71014

Jeremy Burgess:

"I'm against it, this is a prototype championship and you need as many prototype factors in it, driving it forward, as possible," he said.

"If it's dumbed down, we could very easily end up as a pseudo Superbike championship.

"We've essentially been one brand before, during the mid to late 90s when Michelin were the de-facto supplier, but there were tyres then that Mick Doohan was riding that not many others could ride. What we need is a one brand rule with choices."

Burgess also doubts that a single supplier will change which riders are contesting victory at the front.

"The cream will always ride to the top," he added. "We've seen this in Formula One, and indeed in 250cc with Dunlop. The racing will be entirely predictable in that the same four riders will be at the top, Valentino (Rossi), Casey (Stoner), (Dani) Pedrosa, and Jorge (Lorenzo).

"What I really want to know is the reason this has come about. Surely the most exciting racing at Motegi was the battle between Lorenzo and Pedrosa on two different brands."

[gm2]

Bridgestone has submitted their bid.  Michelin isn't going to.

http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=34541
http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=34547

wonder who'll get it.

[gm2]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/081004g.htm