MotoGP is boring.

[Triple J]

I think the key to reducing costs is to simplify things, get the electronics under control, and quit changing the rules.

- 1000cc 4-stoke motor
- Spec ecu with standard traction control system and a 19K rev. limit (no other aids, GPS, etc)
- No active suspension
- No ABS
- Min. bike weight (including the rider)
- Engine limit equal to 2 races per motor (so the factories don't just build grenades)
- Tire limit per round, manufacturer open
- 2 bikes per rider limit
- Cost limit on what the factories can charge for motors and chassis, but both must be made available separately. NDA's can be required, and the factories don't have to sell to other factories (in case that is a concern).

[1.21GW]

My suggestion:

- No brakes, just engine braking
- Vaseline on seats/grips
- Hammer pants
- Bears running wild across the tarmac
- Fire

[Spidey]

Two ideas:

Death race--you get traction contol, extra revs, more fuel, etc when you run over the square on the ground that lights up in front of you.  CRT bikes get grenade launches and automatic weapons.  Hellfire missiles for last lap.  Alternative:  everyone gets the extras (revs, fuel, etc), but make their application completely random.  Ex:  Traction control for 3 seconds on, then five seconds off, then 1 second on, then two second off.

Frogger -- CRT riders have to stop their bikes and cross the front straight twice on each lap.  No debris flags if someone gets hit.  And have hte corner workers chuck bricks at the riders. 

[1.21GW]

In all seriousness, I agree with OP.  When I got my bike not too long ago I had no interest/intention of trackdays, MotoGP, etc.  But through the culture (and things like DMF) I was exposed to racing and thought I'd look into why you all were such avid followers.  I rented FASTER, FASTEST, ON ANY SUNDAY, etc. and thought holy s***, this is awesome!!!    So when I sat down to watch my first live MotoGP (well, not live, a reply of Motegi on Speed) I was ready for some wild competition.  ZZZZZZZZZ!  I ended up spending the hour clipping my toenails and paying bills online.  Where was the fun?

Is there anything else I should be watching instead of MotoGP---Moto2/3, dirtbike,...??---because, frankly, my nails are already clipped and bills already paid.



 

[derby]

Is there anything else I should be watching instead of MotoGP---Moto2/3, dirtbike,...??---because, frankly, my nails are already clipped and bills already paid.

yes.

[OT]

Too bad the season's almost over....those nails are gonna stay really short for while.

Or, you could find/watch past, great races like Laguna Seca 2008, etc.

[ManaloEA]

but limit to no electronic rider aids. no abs, no tc, no antiwheelie, no launchcontrol, etc etc.

But isn't this the essence of racing? Man driving the machine... Instead of man along for the ride?

[Raux]

But isn't this the essence of racing? Man driving the machine... Instead of man along for the ride?

true, but there's too many electronic aids now

[zooom]

Is there anything else I should be watching instead of MotoGP---Moto2/3, dirtbike,...??---because, frankly, my nails are already clipped and bills already paid.



 

aside from Moto2/3....WSBK, BSB, Isle of Mann TT races, Northwest 200, AMA DSB class or whatever that 600 class is called now.....that should keep you occupied for a while...

[ManaloEA]

true, but there's too many electronic aids now

Agreed. I can see electronics on the engine, allowing the engine to perform at maximum. The rest should be up to the rider.

Suspension control should only be mechanical, so the pit crew can dial it in manually for each race / track condition. Limit tires during the race, but not during practice between races or in the off season. (hah, practice, what a novel concept)

[Jester]

Is there anything else I should be watching instead of MotoGP---Moto2/3, dirtbike,...??---because, frankly, my nails are already clipped and bills already paid.

 

As Derby said, definately watch Moto2/3.  Also WSBK and WSS if you can catch it.  I'd get a MotoGP subscription and watch all the classics for some entertainment.  I still watch every MotoGP race, but at this point its just to see the final days of Stoner going sideways, if Rossi will pull a miracle, and screaming for Pedro to beat Lorenzo.  I try to make my own entertainment out of each race.  Dovi/Crutch fights are usually good, although Crutch crashes out of every race and ends my fun.

[ducatiz]

Agreed. I can see electronics on the engine, allowing the engine to perform at maximum. The rest should be up to the rider.

Suspension control should only be mechanical, so the pit crew can dial it in manually for each race / track condition. Limit tires during the race, but not during practice between races or in the off season. (hah, practice, what a novel concept)

100%

I really prefer knowing that the riders are controlling traction with their hands and bodies rather than a computer doing.

I think traction control is great in a commuter, but I want racers to be skilled drivers -- TC is for people who cannot drive properly.

I would happily accept lower top speeds for more skillful riders.

[duccarlos]

I would happily accept lower top speeds for more skillful riders.

+1

[Triple J]

If you guys really think the riders are not skilled and are just along for the ride  , then I suggest you get on a race track with a modern liter bike (even one with the electronic aids) and see how you do when someone is timing you. Then, imagine the bike had an additional 50-75 hp and weighed 50 lbs less. Modern liter bikes are a friggin' handful to ride at any sort of race pace, even with traction control. I can only imagine what a GP bike is like.

Saying you want to see more skillful rider is just plain silly...the fast guys now would still be the fast guys. Lap times might be a few tenths slower, but the same guys would still be laying them down.

I don't like the electronics, like the GPS-based fuel mapping and such, or launch control (or ABS, which no one uses now anyway). I have no problem with traction control though. As we've seen this year, it still doesn't stop all high sides.

[derby]

Saying you want to see more skillful rider is just plain silly...the fast guys now would still be the fast guys. Lap times might be a few tenths slower, but the same guys would still be laying them down.

the groups would be tighter and there'd be more passing.