I was saddened when Honda dropped the CBR600RR, and it seemed like an unnecessary retreat, especially considering their racing heritage. Sales of 600cc race replicas aren't strong anymore, so I suppose it makes business sense.
But this is big news, and speaks to the changing market:
http://www.bikesportnews.com/news/news-d...-for-moto2
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That is exciting news. Wonder where it will lead?
(01-07-2017, 05:17 AM)Cormanus_imp Wrote: [ -> ]That is exciting news. Wonder where it will lead?
There's talk of a new naked 750-900cc support series in certain race series, sort of like the old super bikes...high bars, number plates. That would be cool!
David keeps gaining on Goliath.
160 hp. Anyone know what the Honda 600 MotoGP bikes are rated for?
(01-07-2017, 12:03 PM)CB4ME_imp Wrote: [ -> ]160 hp. Anyone know what the Honda 600 MotoGP bikes are rated for?
Just under 130 BHP. All this being said, I'm not a fan of spec racing. I'd rather have identifiable manufacturers competing.
(01-08-2017, 02:51 AM)Capo_imp Wrote: [ -> ] (01-07-2017, 12:03 PM)CB4ME_imp Wrote: [ -> ]160 hp. Anyone know what the Honda 600 MotoGP bikes are rated for?
Just under 130 BHP. All this being said, I'm not a fan of spec racing. I'd rather have identifiable manufacturers competing.
It's a different sort of test, isn't it? By going for machine uniformity, it presumably really focuses on the rider.
That said, I'm with you on manufacturers competing. It's surely that competition that produces the technological developments.
Technological developments come from people. And people innovate in a number of environments, not just competition. There's no doubt competition improves the breed. But it's not the only motivator.
I think that's very cool for Triumph. They have great history with 3 cylinders which just by odd number seems like an awesome engine config. Suzuki had some success racing 3 cylinders. I guess in this case, Triumph will build the engines for the series, maybe different chassis designs between teams? I don't know. Just like 3 cylinder engines.
Moto3 250cc, Moto2 750cc, MotoGP 1000cc. Not that long ago 500cc was the king.
One positive aspect of the 3 cylinder Triumph over the in-line 4 Honda is the narrower engine. Supposedly it's easier to adapt a racing chassis to a slimmer engine.
I hope 2017 is finally the year for Tom Luthi. He's one of my favorites in the class and had a good year in 2016.