MotoGP for Dummies

[ducpainter]

From motogp.com...

In exchange for running the spec software, Open teams are able to run up to 24 litres of fuel per bike (as opposed to the decreased amount of 20 for Factory Option bikes) as well as being able to use up to 12 engine units per bike per season (5 for Factory Options). Perhaps more significantly, Open runners are not subjected to the new engine freeze regulations which would allow Ducati to work on engine development during the year, as the Italian marque strives to return to the front of the grid.

[OT]

Is the engine their real problem?

  I wouldn't be surprised to hear Ducati is going to try using the frame as a gas tank (Eric Buell's revenge)...

[Speeddog]

Is the engine their real problem?

Depends who you talk to.

Biggest issue is if they need to alter the frame mounting points on the engine, they're screwed if they run 'factory'.

[duccarlos]

Depends who you talk to.

Biggest issue is if they need to alter the frame mounting points on the engine, they're screwed if they run 'factory'.

+1 The engine might not require any changes, but with the bike's lack of frontend feel, they might need to mount it in many different configurations.

[DanTheMan]

we are glossing over the fundamental problem with Ducati. Development lead time is too long. Having the option to update motor and actually doing it are two different things. Mid season before we see an update.

is it a for sure thing the spec ecu and software for next year? Duc should go open.

[OT]

we are glossing over the fundamental problem with Ducati. Development lead time is too long. <snip>

They need something they don't have - a visionary

[duccarlos]

we are glossing over the fundamental problem with Ducati. Development lead time is too long. Having the option to update motor and actually doing it are two different things. Mid season before we see an update.

is it a for sure thing the spec ecu and software for next year? Duc should go open.

That's not necessarily true. HRC and Yamaha both have a very good basic package. Every year they have incremental changes that really improve on the solid base. Ducati is lacking that base so they spend too much time during the off-season on getting it up to par. Also, the other 2 manufacturers have huge R&D departments, so they probably have a prototype that is 2 years ahead of what their using now. Their development never stops. If they find some component that can be useful to the current bike that is not engine related, they can apply it midseason. There are some exceptions, like Yamaha's seamless tranny. It still took them a year to develop and implement it.

[misirlou]

Pictures from all three classes.

http://motorlikes.blogspot.be/2014/03/class-of-2014-motogp.html

[1.21GW]

Ok, new season starting and time for more dummy questions.




I'm considering getting the MotoGP subscription.  My alternative is to go every Monday night after the race to a bar in Williamsburg that shows the MotoGP race (and sometimes the Moto2 or 3 race).  The up side of this is that there are other riders, including our own Howie.  The downside is that it's not an easy commute unless I ride my bike, but if I ride I can't drink.  Also, I'm not always free on Mondays, so I don't get go and only end up watching half the races in any given season.

Anyway, opinions on MotoGP subscription?  Worth it?  What am I getting worthwhile other than race footage?

[duccarlos]

I've subscribed for the past 5ish years. I really enjoy it. The announcers are extremely knowledgeable and you get access to all races of the past. I will never get tired of watching Rossi and Stoner fight it out in Laguna.

[ducpainter]

It's worth it.

Go to the motogp.com website and poke around to see what's available. You won't be able to watch the videos, but I'm pretty sure everything else is visible.

There really is quite a bit of content.

[Triple J]

+3 on it being worth it. This is my 3rd season with it...fantastic!

[Blackout]

or just watch it on Fox Sports 1

[1.21GW]

I've subscribed for the past 5ish years. I really enjoy it. The announcers are extremely knowledgeable and you get access to all races of the past. I will never get tired of watching Rossi and Stoner fight it out in Laguna.

Oooh, I didn't consider the archived race option.  As a relative newbie to the sport, I have a lot of vintage races to view.  How far do they go back?

or just watch it on Fox Sports 1

Yo no tengo cable.

[ducpainter]

1992