Kawasaki quits MotoGP

[superjohn]

This is unfortunate. The field was already too small.

[pennyrobber]

you do realize those paddock girls are sourced "locally" and will likely still be at the races, yes?

Of course, and thus why it was a joke and not a serious concern.

[ducpainter]

I wish I was good enough to be a "backmarker". 

Me too...

but those guys are getting big bucks to be last...

I have to pay for that privilege.

What's up with that?

[Speeddog]

I wish I was better than Rossi.  [moto]

[gm2]

This is unfortunate. The field was already too small.

Don't worry. I bet the bikes will still make the grid.

[desmoquattro]

I wish I was better than Rossi.  [moto]

Hell...I wish I was better then Ant West Or Kurtis

[zooom]

This is unfortunate. The field was already too small.

which is exactly the concern I have for the future of the sport...I think if this trend keeps up, then it will affect the support classes too.

[GregP]

This may have been stated already but what is the advantage at this point of the GP program for the manufacturers?  I don't believe most mortals can access the capabilities of most motorbikes at the local dealer in stock trim.  Near 200hp and sub-400lbs at the local shop seems like all there is left to do is refine.

WSBK and other superbike series seem to provide a format for manufacturers to race and develop what is already incredible pieces of equipment at a semi-reasonable expense.  Can they get 300hp out of 800ccs? Probably but what's the point?

Just looking at this from a practical standpoint.  I love MotoGP but it is just motorbike racing afterall.

[gm2]

look at F1.  what's the practicality of that series? 

or is it about the manu's flexing their technological and bank account muscles against eachother only, for our enjoyment.  yes, there is a lot of trickle down technology, and there are rules around when/how they can do that.  the '09 R1 is a good example.  that engine didn't come from wsbk development.

where does the 'return' come from?  brand loyalty.  and advertising.  Repsol, Marlboro, Rizla, Fiat, Red Bull... all huge names.  LOTS of money spent making sure we know that.

it's not just motorbike racing (greg!! =))... this stuff is 2nd (or 1st?...) to football in spain, italy, and many other areas.  valentino rossi is like tiger woods, michael jordan, wayne gretsky, and ali.. all rolled into one person.  that guy literally can't walk down the street anywhere in europe without being mobbed.

[zooom]

or is it about the manu's flexing their technological and bank account muscles against eachother only, for our enjoyment.  yes, there is a lot of trickle down technology, and there are rules around when/how they can do that.  the '09 R1 is a good example.  that engine didn't come from wsbk development.

same is also true for Ducati in the 1098 with the eliptical throttle bodies and chassis design among other things....not just the street version of the Desmosedici.

what GP racing was many many many moons ago wasn't so much...but over the course of the 4 stroke years, it has been very apparent that GP has been used as a mule for testing future streetbike technology, so some of the racing budget does come from the R&D department of things as long as results trickle back in to fuel that formula in the form of parts and technology that does end up finally getting homologated into a sellable product.

[gm2]

there's literally something in the rule books (can't be arsed to find it.. i'm sure derbypedia can/will) about the amount of time the manu has to wait before they can move some technology to production from GP.  first guess is 3 years.

[GregP]

When I said it's just motorbike racing I intended to point out the general frivolity of professional sport.

I love the stuff and get how passionate people are for their moto heros.

My point is as you may have validated, MotoGP and F1 are really about thinking and acting with the little head as opposed to the big one. 

I also appreciate the wonders of the thechnology and engineering but at this point it seems like unless they are looking at hydrogen or other alternative fuel engines can you really make the motorcycle any better than it already is and will those improvements be appreciable to us?

As an aside, I like watching the "touring car" races and seeing someone dice it up in a 3 series BMW and a C class Benzo all tricked out.  It's something, if I had the money, I can go out and put together myself, in a practical manner.

[zooom]

When I said it's just motorbike racing I intended to point out the general frivolity of professional sport.

I love the stuff and get how passionate people are for their moto heros.

My point is as you may have validated, MotoGP and F1 are really about thinking and acting with the little head as opposed to the big one. 

I also appreciate the wonders of the thechnology and engineering but at this point it seems like unless they are looking at hydrogen or other alternative fuel engines can you really make the motorcycle any better than it already is and will those improvements be appreciable to us?

As an aside, I like watching the "touring car" races and seeing someone dice it up in a 3 series BMW and a C class Benzo all tricked out.  It's something, if I had the money, I can go out and put together myself, in a practical manner.

okay...take awa y the traction control developed in telemetry data aquisition from the years of Ducati in MotoGP that trickled down into WSBK and now into your 1098R and 1198S....also while you are at it take the same telemetry data aquisition that Honda has now trickled down into an ABS system they are going to implement in their line of sportbikes.....

we are seeing now trickled down from GP into streetbikes currently

Crank firing technology
Actively functional Traction and ABS systems
Fueling management and componentry
structural analysis of frame design and geometry feedback that allows adjustability
suspension system improvements

I am sure there are a few other things I am forgetting that are equally as signifigant as well...

[Capo]

Tires (alltho at least one person here disputes that)

[gm2]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72753

'"But Kawasaki leaving isn't a reason for everyone to start panicking. I think they are leaving not just because of financial reasons," added the 2007 world champion.'


gee, ya think