1000cc in 2012

[gm2]

I thought the factories had been making the rules for the last few year? So all of the changes mentioned, with maybe the exception of the switch back to 1000cc, were the factory's decision.

yup.

Dorna did push the 800 idea, but it was the MSMA's doing.  Mainly Honda.

[gm2]

I agree. If he wants to run the manufacturers off he is doing a damn good job. What will be left? A spec race bike class ala the universal NASCAR race car? Zzzzzzzz...

Hey! When's the next WSBK race?

a spec ECU and rev limits do not equal a spec bike.  carmelo has said from the beginning that it will always be a prototype series.

[gm2]

last of the CRTs breaks cover.  it'll be slow, but it's nice to look at...

http://motomatters.com/news/2012/03/16/the_last_crt_bike_takes_to_the_track_pir.html

[gm2]

http://motomatters.com/interview/2012/03/15/honda_press_release_fausto_gresini_talks.html

and a good interview with fausto.  some about marco of course, but some choice brass tacks words about the state of MotoGP and his move to a CRT bike.

[gm2]

Nakamoto sounding pretty reasonable:

http://www.motomatters.com/interview/2012/03/17/shuhei_nakamoto_interview_on_crt_spec_ec.html

[duccarlos]

The ECU is where everyone will have issues and not because of cost. The reality is that a computer keeps these bikes from flying off the tracks. They can also get away with a ton of rule "bending" using the proprietary ECU. Of course, this is ultimately a prototype class and hence they should be able to "run what they brought".

[derby]

The ECU is where everyone will have issues and not because of cost. The reality is that a computer keeps these bikes from flying off the tracks. They can also get away with a ton of rule "bending" using the proprietary ECU. Of course, this is ultimately a prototype class and hence they should be able to "run what they brought".

yup... the spec-ECU totally destroyed formula 1. 

[OT]

This part (about CRT) does not bode well for our favorite red machines (assuming it's not gamesmanship)...

"But motorcycle is different. Aerodynamics is maybe less than 5% of machine performance. On a motorcycle, the most important thing is the chassis, the swingarm. To make a very good chassis, you need a lot of experience. For the constructor, they can make an average level of chassis, but I think it will be very difficult to make a competitive machine," he added.

So it would possible for a constructor to get to maybe 90% of the performance of a factory prototype, but the really difficult part, the final 10%, would only be possible for manufacturers?

"Yes," Nakamoto replied...."

[duccarlos]

yup... the spec-ECU totally destroyed formula 1. 

What's wrong with "run what you brought"? Isn't this a prototype class? If I wanted stock anything I would watch Nascar.

[Speeddog]

What's wrong with "run what you brought"? Isn't this a prototype class? If I wanted stock anything I would watch Nascar.

I think you're missing the point.

Continuation of the "run what you brought" will result in you watching NASCAR, as there'll be no more MotoGP.

[gm2]

what's wrong with it is then there'll be 10 bikes on the grid.  then all three classes fail.

and how is a spec ECU stock?

[duccarlos]

Then don't call it a prototype class. I'm sure spec ECU will not impact at all, like spec tires didn't impact either 

[gm2]

does "spec" necessarily mean "not prototype" to you?

[duccarlos]

Spec means same as everyone else. Prototype for me means outside of the norms. Where does a prototype series turn into a spec series? Is it a prototype when you have just 1 aspect different from everyone else? What if they rode spec bikes to the last detail except for the engine? Would it still be a prototype? What if they only allowed engine and swingarm? Soon WSBK will be more prototype racing than MotoGP.

[Raux]

to me. prototype means

you have a set number for wheels, weight, and cc's

other rules help limit speeds like limits on amount of gas, electronic suspension or traction/wheelie control

spec means
bore size (this forces 4cyl), ecu, etc the same.