MotoGP Newbie

[Craig T]

I'm an avid F1 fan, watching every race and attending as many as possible. After seeing similar enthusiasm here on PPOT for MotoGP, I decided to get in, learn the series and riders, and set up the series recording.

I just watched the MotoGP documentary "Fastest", my first real exposure, and came to a few conclusions. One, the competition between riders is every bit as fierce as in F1, maybe more. They don't speak English or present as well, but don't appear to be the premadonnas the F1 guys are either. Lastly, these guys have "HUGE attachments". The bikes are insanely fast and they're at a much higher risk than a guy wrapped in an indestructible carbon fiber cocoon. ...Banging into each other at 150 mph in sweepers ...Grab a little too much front brake ...Getting dragged down the track with you arm caught in some guys wheel

Good stuff. I can't wait for the next race.

[herr_oberst]

All great stuff, indeed, (the fastest 4 or 5 guys are known as the aliens. Aptly named.)

Not trying to be 'that guy', but you really should have seen it before traction control!

[Craig T]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Not trying to be 'that guy', but you really should have seen it before traction control!

What did they do, smoke the tire on starts?...throttle-on oversteer out of corners?...more high-sides? You can't just break these kids up. If it's keeping them safer, I'm not opposed to TC.

They obviously don't have effective ABS.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by Craig T

What did they do, smoke the tire on starts?...throttle-on oversteer out of corners?...more high-sides?

Yes, yes, yes.

Kevin Schwantz about gave me a heart attack about 10 times a race - I have no idea how he controlled that bike as well as he did.

[Craig T]

Just imagine riding something so light with so much HP. 250 HP on 350 lbs (W/HP=1.4 vs F1 car 1.7) What a rush.

[wayner]

[arcsine]

MotoGP riders still have big brass balls but in many ways the racing has been neutered due to traction control and other electronic aids. I miss the days when a wheelie or stoppie or slide or low-side or high-side had more to do with the riders right wrist than the computer tech back in the garage.

[Craig T]

Originally Posted by wayner

I love the split-second clip coming down the Corkscrew...makes coming down in a race car look easy.

I wish Laguna Seca was still on the schedule. I'd go watch. I have over 1000 laps on that track, over 200 in cup races.

[wayner]

Your right, that extra dimension that cars do not have is thrilling!

The other thing is that a good driver can't do much with a bad car, but a good rider is an active suspension component. Swantz worked magic with a bad bike.

If you have watched fastest, go and look for the first one "Faster"

Also, as per herr_oberst's suggestion, search youtube for these names:

Eddie Lawson (his name will lead you to many more)

Kenny Roberts (the earlier era)


...But get out and see some club racing. Lots of entertainment there as well

[herr_oberst]

Don't forget Freddie Spencer - he was the Marc Marquez of his time!

[wayner]

Herr... and Craig, I am so glad that this topic came up and that reference was made to the past, otherwise I would never have found out what happens to old retired GP riders.

I just found these. They've been around for a while but this is the first time I have seen them!

1980 500GP bike


TZ750 two stroke dirt tracker


P.S.
I agree about Spencer!

[herr_oberst]

[jyl]

We all need to go watch Space Riders right now.

[Craig T]

Originally Posted by wayner

Herr... and Craig, I am so glad that this topic came up and that reference was made to the past, otherwise I would never have found out what happens to old retired GP riders.

I just found these. They've been around for a while but this is the first time I have seen them!

1980 500GP bike


TZ750 two stroke dirt tracker


P.S.
I agree about Spencer!

Nothing like the 2-stroke sound and powerband like a 930.

[Don Ro]

Why I'm in Love with MotoGP

[Flieger]

The great thing about bike racing is that you are in awe of the guys up front just riding around the circuit quickly, they don't even have to be passing each other. Going from stoppie to flat on the ground to wheelie, powersliding at 150mph. They always seem to be right on the edge, and frequently overstepping the limit. F1 just doesn't have that- you have to go back to the 60's and watch jumps and slides at the Nordschliefe to get that kind of action. On top of that you have way more close battles for position than with F1 because you don't have downforce. And the element of danger certainly makes them much more heroic. Like Lorenzo breaking his collarbone and racing the next weekend - I think he finished 4th or something. Then falling on it again, getting more surgury, and right back on the bike.

F1 I think "I could do that with a bit of practice". MotoGP I can't fathom ever being that brave and skilled. And then there is the Isle of Man...

[wayner]

Originally Posted by jyl

We all need to go watch Space Riders right now.

Well, that certainly ties this all together, especially at 0:37 into the clip!

[Don Ro]

That TZ750 two stroke dirt tracker was on display one Sunday up at Alice's above Woodside, CA for some special event - biker hangout frequented by local pro racers now/then.

Every hour or so they'd fire it up. Talk about the loudest noise you ever heard. Wow!
I recall reading that KR once said, "That thing was ridiculous."

[sand_man]

I don't ride, but have been a lifelong fan of MotoGP. Much respect for the greats mentioned in this thread!!!

[Hydrocket]

Originally Posted by wayner

TZ750 two stroke dirt tracker
!

I was at the Indy Mile that night and saw him ride. The atmosphere was electric....everyone knew something incredible was about to happen. The term "epic" is overused these days....but it is perfectly appropriate for that night when the King rode the TZ.

Also...there is passing for the lead in MotoGP...which is sorely lacking in F1.


By the way...the first film in the trilogy is called "Faster" Watch that one..I think it's the best of the bunch.