posted Sep 26, 2007

Unfortunately I don't think we'll see the day again when a rider rides more than one class. Partly there are more rounds in the championship now - was only 6 or 7 back in Sheene/Hailwood/Agos' day but also I reckon the bikes are that much more physical to ride. The acceleration, braking and cornerning speeds (and forces are much greater now). The current 250 twins have almost as much power as Sheenes' 500 four from his championship years; and with the improvements in suspension, braking and tyres I wouldn't mind betting that a current 250 would beat Sheenes' 500. I remember reading an interview with Derek Bell (Le Mans 24hr legend) - he was asked how it was in his day they did the 24hrs with 2 drivers (in the 50's one guy did it alone and nearly won!) whereas now they need 3 drivers. And his answer was that the braking, acceleration and cornering is that much greater that it's physically not possible now. Freddie Spencer did manage to do and win in 2 classes in 85 but it pretty much finished he career at the age of 23. Picked up a wrist injury, carpel tunnel syndrome, and never won another race.

Totally agree that MotoGP should not follow the F1 route - doesn't have to be 'the pinnacle of technology', lets keep as racing and about the riders as much as possible.

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posted Sep 26, 2007

Stoner - Worthy Champion. I'm not even going to consider advantages etc as in I still firmly believe he is totally worthy of this years title regardless of how races have panned out or what your views are on Power or tyres.

"jetl3on" I don't follow your thinking. WSB has specific rules singled out for the twins and 4's, every time the 4's develop there has been a rule change. Now we're looking at a hike in capacity. This is something outside of GP's, and I certainly didn't compare Aprilla to Ducati - where did you get that leap of thought from. I just intimated I didn't like rule changes to suit a factory outfit - this appears to be somewhat topical don't you think especially considering some of the post Japan press releases.

As for the Rossi fans slatting - I'm tired of hearing Stoner this Rossi that, can't we all just give up on this.

So some like Rossi others Stoner and others like myself both, plus many others. Big deal, this discussion is on Ducati World Champions NOT who's your favourite celeb - bored with it.

On that subject - congratulations Ducati, quality machinery and a deserved title.

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posted Sep 26, 2007

Sorry - my last post a tad late and would now appear off topic.

There are always these debates on best rider and machinery nowadays. Pop along to some of our local Farm fairs and catch up with some TRUE classics. Sorry gents but things move on and it's nigh on impossible to compare riders.. you have to enjoy what you have when you have it and then grow with the sport. Would more deaths on track make the argument any better, safety brings electronics and track changes - speeds are up. OK, not all changes are welcome but lets not diss 1 rider now because he ain't on a Manx Norton with 4 inch rubber tread. Does this flip to saying Ago or Hailwood couldn't ride a GP bike at 200+ or corner like Hayden/Rossi/Melandri or Stoner. Riders of their time, doing what they do best on the machinery they HAD or HAVE.

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posted Sep 26, 2007

Ooo, OO - Ben Spies!! OK - not GP.. There are others, I forget, but agin smaller championships - some UK based ... I think.

I'll just keeping posting to myself shall I Good piont Ian totally agree, v.clever and witty

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posted Sep 26, 2007

Ah Phil it seems we think on the same wavelength! Sure you don't ride a Guzzi, or a thumper mate???

even worse scotty i got a 2 stroke cr500 supermoto (its the fumes..). rd proddie racing was my intro to road-racing which converted me from mx.

me lumbago says its time for a bmw though.
(never heard evan mcgregor called lumbago before)

good posts all round lads nice 1.

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posted Sep 27, 2007

Ian - sorry but I waited for what seems like an iceage for a response and when it eventually came, I couldnt remember why I commented in the first place.LOL.

Having reread my post, I can see it was in response to someone elses criticism of Ducati success not yours.

-------------------
However you did say -

Pleased to see someone outside of Japan on top as competition is always good for a series but left with an aftertaste as I've put up with Ducati and their rules in WSB et al winning everything for sometime now."

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I think at the time I posted, I was narked and considered your comment unfair, as mentioning WSB and biased rule changes sours the moment of what is a phenomenal achievement by Ducati. This is not WSB,and there is no such rules Bias, and should not be mentioned in the same conversation.

However, you have said some complimentary things about Ducati since then, so I have withdrawn my talons and all is forgiven

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posted Sep 27, 2007

jetl3on - I know exactly what you mean and your right, comment was worded poorly, more meant as a comment on rule changes in general. I don't have the answers and my punctuation not good.

I felt hypocritical at the time. Trawling through most of the pre and post Japan posts seeing personality complaints on subjects that had tried desperatly to avoid such things. It's frustrating. So having given my 2 penneth I went into hiding.

I hope my later post clarifies things a bit more and I appreciate being able to sit down without pain again
Certainly one of my favourite articles to date - top marks Phil

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posted Sep 28, 2007

hahaha sit without pain?
Yes indeed, clarified with dignity

What made this title even more satisfying for me, I remember reading a number of 606 posts about the Ducati being a one trick pony, and will struggle at twisty tracks and the yamaha will reign supreme...how I laugh, as one of the condemned is a colleague, I have great pleasure at laughing my head off when I see him, he is devastated that Rossi lost. Now his argument is "they will never win another title".

Who cares, they are the champs right now!!

well done indeed Phil....

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posted Sep 28, 2007

you're right popular opinion dictated that ducati were the straight line merchants without the turning ability and like some tracks were once called honda tracks (when was the last time we heard that cliche?) more recently other tracks were called ducati's.
3 or 4 races into the season rossi was saying the dukes aren't just fast on the straights, they're fast everywhere. but to call them one trick ponies is unfair and untrue as (as i was just reminded on motogp.com) without capirossi's injury last year they would of been in with a shot then.

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posted Sep 29, 2007

i dont know if there's any inspirational influence in ducati's success but ive just read foggy's deal with mv agusta has fallen through and it seems there's the possibility of kenny roberts taking it up and moving to wsb.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/29092007/58/vallelunga-return-foggy.html
also bmw are moving into the wsb arena in 2009.
http://www.superbike.it/details.php?newsid=1973&lang=eng
i dont know if there is a connection but it can only be good for wsb and us fans.

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