Two Wheels

[wino]

Crutchlow reflects on setting new pole record

Brno Qualifying: Pole position - Cal Crutchlow

Saturday, 24 August 2013
Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team rider Cal Crutchlow claimed the second pole position of his career with a performance that makes him the fastest rider ever at Brno.


A stunning lap of 1’55.527 beat reigning World Champion Jorge Lorenzo’s 2012 pole position record of 1’55.799 to secure Crutchlow top spot in qualifying by well over 0.2s.

Crutchlow started Q2 brimming with confidence after a best lap of 1’56.156 saw him also set the fastest time in free practice.

Crutchlow’s sixth lap of the 15-minute session was a record-breaking stunner, the 27-year-old improving by over 0.6s to secure him a second premier class pole position after he claimed top spot in qualifying at Assen in June.

Afterwards he stated, “It has not been an easy weekend while we have been working on improving the bike, but in every session we have progressed and got faster. I felt really good on that lap and to set the circuit best lap is a great achievement for the whole team to be proud of.”

“I feel this is more of a true pole as Jorge wasn’t in Assen, but this time it feels great to be fastest with everybody on track. I am looking forward to the race and the objective is to finish on the podium like last year.”

Brno was the scene of Crutchlow’s maiden MotoGP podium one year ago and he will start tomorrow’s 22-lap race with optimism that he can register a fifth podium in the 2013 World Championship.

Crutchlow’s record-breaking exploits showed once again the high level of the Tech 3 package and today saw another fantastic performance from his teammate Bradley Smith. The rookie equalled his best ever qualifying result by taking a well deserved sixth position.

Smith commented, “I am less than 0.5s away from pole position and very close to the top three, which shows the progress I am making. We’ve made some changes to the front-end of the bike and it is really working. Now my main focus will be to remain smooth at the start of the race and not make mistakes like I did in Indianapolis.”

 

[wino]

-- Ago & McGuinness recreate '67 Senior TT

The TT Races Paddock turned the clock back to 1967 with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company '67 Senior TT Re-enactment at today's Classic TT presented by Bennetts.

Giacomo Agostini and John McGuinness recreated the Italian legend's battle with Mike Hailwood in the Diamond Jubilee Senior TT, which was ultimately
won by the Englishman after Hailwood clawed back Agostini's lead before Italian's chain broke on the fifth lap, handing victory to Hailwood.

John McGuinness appeared riding a Mike Hailwood replica Honda owned by John Chapman while Giacomo Agostini paraded his own MV Agusta.

John Watt, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Commercial Director flagged the pair off at around 4.20pm with Mike's wife Pauline and son David joining the illustrious duo on the start-line.

At the end of the lap John McGuinness said that it was 'a real honour' to be chosen to represent Mike Hailwood while Giacomo Agostini joked that John had stopped to help him fix his chain on the Mountain.

In keeping with the 1967 theme, Mylchreest Motors used an Austin Healey 3000 for the course inspection, the same model as the company used at the 1967 TT Races.

 

[wino]

Panigale 899 spied testing
By Andy Downes -

New bikes

20 August 2013 09:50


A test and development version of the new Ducati Panigale 899 has been spotted parked on an Italian street just weeks ahead of the official launch of the bike.

The bike is a smaller capacity version of the Panigale 1199 and can be seen have a series of changes over the bigger bike as the Italian firm has cut development costs to try and reduce the price of the bike. The new 899 will replace the ageing 848 model range.

The most obvious change is the fitment of a double-sided swingarm instead of the single sider seen on the bigger 1199 machine. The bike also has lower specification suspension, different wheels

A ‘baby’ Panigale has been rumoured for as long as the 1199 Panigale has been around and launched in 2011 but MCN knew these were premature until now for a variety of reasons.

Firstly, the Italian firm wanted to cement the reputation of the 1199 Panigale before it brought out a smaller bike and secondly, the 848 remains a popular and decent selling bike around the world despite the catastrophic sales decline in the supersport class around the world.

Also, the development of a new engine based on the ‘Superquadra’ was going to take some time and the firm only has limited resources with which to do this. It makes perfect sense that two-years of engine development work has now gone into this new 899cc V-twin which is expected to produce around 150bhp; up from the 140bhp of the current 848 Evo Corse SE range-topper.

The 899 is expected to carry over almost all of the electronic systems from the bigger bike; this means traction control, switchable riding modes, ABS and a quickshifter are almost certain to be fitted. It’s not known if the LED headlights from the 1199 are destined for this bike but it seems likely as the bike was designed around LED lights rather than a traditional halogen set-up.

 

[wino]

Spies undergoes surgery on both shoulders

Indianapolis 2013 - MotoGP - FP3 - Action - Ben Spies - Crash

Friday, 23 August 2013
Following his crash at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway last Saturday, Ben Spies has undergone surgery on both of his shoulders.


According to Cycle News, the injury Spies suffered to his left shoulder at Indianapolis has been found to be worse than first anticipated. Following the crash in Free Practice 3, the diagnosis was a third degree separation of the left shoulder (a completely new injury to that of the right shoulder that had contributed to Spies’ absence from the previous seven GPs). After Sunday’s race which Spies watched from the sidelines, the Ignite Pramac Racing rider travelled to Dallas where it was revealed that the shoulder separation is in fact grade-five, which upped the urgency to conduct an operation.

‘Since it was already agreed upon by both his doctor in Dallas and Ducati’s doctors that he should go in and have his right shoulder scoped for debris and/or scar tissue, they opted to go in and do it all at once,’ reads the Cycle News report.

‘Two hours later the World Superbike and three-time AMA Superbike Champion was awake and sitting up in the hospital with ice on both shoulders. His recovery time is unknown at this point, but according to a medical expert the time frame for recovery from such a surgery is six to 12 weeks. Most believe that - considering the year he has had so far – it is likely that Spies will not return until he is 100 percent healthy.’

The crash at Indianapolis also resulted in a sprained ligament in Spies’ left hand. Once again, he is subbed for by Ducati Team test rider Michele Pirro at Brno this weekend.



I got no idea who owns this Diavel but I bet it goes fucking hard in a strait line.

 

[wino]

MOTOGP »
Czech MotoGP: Tough defeat for Lorenzo to swallow
25 August 2013

"I cannot do much to defend against the Hondas" - Jorge Lorenzo.

• 
  
  Czech MotoGP: Tough defeat for Lorenzo to swallow
  UPDATE: Yamaha to remain at Brno for a test session on Monday.
  
  Jorge Lorenzo couldn't hide his disappointment after being unable to contain the Hondas at Brno, leaving his MotoGP title hopes in tatters.
  
  Yamaha's reigning double world champion led for 15 of the 22 laps, but was constantly shadowed by Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa.
  
  Lorenzo successfully retaliated when title leader Marquez first took the lead, but the rookie burst back in front for good with four laps to go - with his team-mate Dani Pedrosa then relegating Lorenzo to third shortly after.
  
  The next best Yamaha rider, Lorenzo's team-mate Valentino Rossi, finished ten seconds from victory.
  
  "I am really disappointed because now I feel I am in the best shape of my career," said a glum Lorenzo. "I got a good
  start and the first lap I was very fast, but I cannot do much to defend against the Hondas. Anyway we had fun today, with the fight with Marc. I tried to stay with them to the end and most importantly I'm proud because I'm doing the best job I can do."
  
  Marquez is now 26 points clear of Pedrosa with seven rounds to go. Meanwhile Lorenzo has slipped to 44 points, almost two race wins, behind Marquez.
  
  "Not so much - pray and be patient!" smiled Lorenzo, when asked what to expect at Silverstone next weekend. "The championship is not lost yet but it's very difficult now."
  
  Lorenzo added: "This year is a little more easy than [when defending his first title] in 2011, because then we were losing almost one-second sometimes in practice but could sometimes win the race.
  
  "This time we are better, but Honda has improved its past weak points a lot. Also I got injured two times this year, that is why I am so far from Marc in the championship. But even without these injuries it could be difficult to win the title this year.
  
  "Yamaha is an unbelievable factory that is trying to reduce the gap to Honda. They are working 24 hours a day and I believe in them. I have all my confidence in the engineers."

 

[wino]

 

[Calgacus]

 

[wino]

Embedded media from this media site is no longer available

 

[wino]

MotoGP Grid Looking Like 24 Bikes in 2014
by staff
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
European media reported there may be as many as 28 bikes on the MotoGP grid during the height of Silly Season rumor-spreading in June and July.

But now it appears there will be 24 full-time machines - the same as this season - on the starting grid next March under the lights in Qatar, according to a German report.

The reasons for subtraction are simple. One, Suzuki—ah—"postponed" its return as a factory team until 2015 after a presumed Come To Jesus meeting with Dorna. Two, standout Moto2 team Marc VDS abandoned plans to climb from the intermediate class with championship leader Scott Redding and instead released Redding to sign for Gresini Honda, which probably will be announced this weekend at Redding's home Grand Prix at Silverstone. And three, it appears Lukas Pesek's on-again, off-again money problems at CameIoda Racing are back on, at least for next season.

Keeping the grid at the current size makes sense, especially since Bridgestone is contracted to supply a maximum of 24 riders through its existing deal with Dorna.

ENDS

 

[wino]

--
Dunlop wins F1 Classic TT

Chris Palmer takes Formula 2 title with Dean Harrison winning Formula Classic Class for maiden Mountain Course win

Michael Dunlop won the Motorsport Merchandise Formula 1 Classic TT race, breaking lap and race records for the Classic class. The Northern Ireland rider shattered his old Formula 1 record of 118.186mph, which he set in the 2010 Manx Grand Prix, on his way to victory.

In the concurrent Formula 2 Class Chris Palmer took his second win of the day while in the Formula Classic Class Dean Harrison, who achieved his first mountain course podium at this year's TT, topped the board for his maiden Mountain Course victory with a narrow victory in the Formula Classic Class.

Before the race, Clerk of the course Phil Taubman reported that roads were dry all around the course for the final race of the 2013 Classic TT presented by Bennetts.

James Hillier, as he did with this year's TT Races, had the honour of the number 1 draw on the CSC Racing Honda, with Steve Mercer on the Yamaha Classic Racing Team bike starting ten seconds behind with pre-race favourite Michael Dunlop on the Team Classic Suzuki third away.

As expected Michael Dunlop was first to Glen Helen, nine seconds ahead of Team Classic Suzuki Teammate Conor Cummins with Gary Johnson on the Team Winfield Harris a couple of seconds further back on the Manx rider.

Dunlop was quickest on the opening lap, posting his record-breaking lap, leaving Cummins over thirty seconds behind with Gary Johnson holding third and Mercer and Manxman Ryan Kneen on the DMR Yamaha, with opening laps of 19:11.930 (117.913) and 19:12.45 (117.860) respectively, completed the top five.

Dunlop's second lap (18:22.531, 123.196) slowing down for the pits, saw him establish a lead of almost a minute from Cummins (18:44.258/120.815) with Mercer holding third a further thirty seconds back. With Gary Johnson dropping down the field, Ryan Kneen moved up to fourth and with Coward and Johnson retiring at Glen Helen and Crosby respectively, John Barton on the wemoto.com Kawasaki moved into the top five.

Dunlop kept his minute lead over Cummins on the third lap with Ryan Kneen moving into third place at Mercer's expense. Mercer's challenge for a podium spot came to an end when he slid off at Ramsey Hairpin but the Kent man was reported as okay.

Dunlop duly took the race win with 1:15.13.79/120.36mph) from Cummins (1:16.13/ 118.790 with fellow Manx rider Kneen, the 2008 MGP Newcomers A race winner, (1:17.19.158/117.015), taking the final podium position. Kneen cut it fine and actually ran out of fuel in the return lane and pushed his machine into the winners enclosure. Adrian Cox on the Top Gun Racing/RAF took the privateer honours.

Chris Palmer on the Rob Brew Racing Yamaha was first away in the Formula 2 Class, fresh from his victory in the Okells 350cc race. James Cowton on the Peter Berwick Yamaha was next with Roy Richardson on the FCL Racing/Martin Bullock Manxsport Yamaha third away from the line.

Palmer was fastest to the first checkpoint at Glen Helen establishing a three second lead from Phil McGurk on the Springcourt Motorcycles Yamaha with Cowton third a further second back. Palmer's completed his opening lap in 20:30.150/110.416 to lead Cowton (20:36.637) by six seconds at the end of the first lap. However, Cowton moved ahead of the Isle of Man based rider on the second lap with a 20:14.142/111.872mph lap, establishing a lead of just over two seconds with Palmer and McGurk completing the top three.

Palmer came back at the Yorkshire rider on the third lap, clocking 21:12.082/106.776 to lead him by twelve seconds with McGurk (21:50.767) retaining third and that remained the top three at the Grandstand with Palmer winning in 1:22.21.694/109.944, eleven seconds ahead of Cowton (1:22.32.656/109.701) with McGurk (1:23.45.022/108.121 finishing in third. Chris Moore (1:25.14.017/106.240) in fourth place on the Yamaha was the first privateer back.

In the Formula Classic the race went right to the wire with Gavin Lupton and Dean Harrison swapping positions throughout the four-lap race. Harrison established a ten second lead by the end of the second lap but he elected to pit at the end of the second lap and Gavin Lupton built a commanding lead of over a minute going into the last lap.

With Lupton pitting at the end of the third lap, Harrison came back at him on the last lap and, in an astonishing finish, he somehow clawed back two seconds from Cronk-Ny-Mona to take the win by 0.174 with a time of 1:28.06.283/102.778, the second closest finish ever on the TT Mountain Course.

In the winner's enclosure, Harrison reported that his tank had come loose and he held it in place between his knees for the remainder of the race. Lupton (1:28.06.457/102.774) was left with the consolation of finishing as the fastest privateer and Chris McGahan took the final podium position in a time of 1:28.26.491/102.386.

 

[wino]

2014 WSBK & Evo WSBK Rules Released
by staff
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Dorna WSBK and the FIM announced the 2014 WSBK rules today.

2014 TECHNICAL RULES FOR SUPERBIKE

Below are the changes to the Superbike Technical Rules.

Parts/components not mentioned hereunder will remain the same as the 2013 Superbike Technical rules. Text/words written in red are rule changes. (These are basically all new rules for 2014)

The final 2014 Superbike Technical rules will also give guidance on the controlling procedures and conditions.

2.4.8 Engine

The total number of engines which may be used by a team during the entire Championship is limited to eight (8) engines for the season per permanent rider. If a permanent rider is replaced or substituted during the Championship, the total engine allocation for the team will not change. The number of engines that may be used during each event is not limited.
Each engine will be officially sealed by the FIM Superbike Technical Director or by his appointed staff before it may be used during an event. The seal will bear a serial number, which will be recorded. Any attempt made to remove the seal will damage it irreparably.

A broken or damaged seal will be considered as if the engine has been used and it will be counted as a part of the rider's allocation for the Championship. The crankcase, cylinder, cylinder heads and head cover/valve cover will be sealed to control the engine use.

A team who needs to use more than the allocated number of engines during the Championship, will receive a penalty. The penalty for the team's rider using an additional engine will be to start from the last grid position for the race when the additional engine is used and for the following race (two races in the same racing season).

Wild card riders will be allowed to use two sealed engines during the event in which they take part.

2.4.8.1 Fuel injection system 2.4.8.1.1 Fuel injection system

Fuel injection system refers to throttle bodies, fuel injectors, fuel pump fuel pressure regulator and variable length intake tract devices.

• The original homologated throttle body must be used

• Electronically controlled throttle valves, known as ?ride-by-wire', may be added or changed.

• Modifications are allowed to the throttle body exterior to add or change the "ride-by-wire". Sensors, bell cranks, pulleys, shaft mounts or clamps may be added changed or removed.

• However the safety systems and procedures must always be present and fully functional

• Fuel Injectors must be stock and unaltered from the original specification and manufacture.

• If the homologated air box is used to mount top type fuel injectors then the air box and the attached systems must remain as homologated.

• Variable intake tract devices cannot be added if they are not present on the homologated motorcycle.

• If the homologated air box is used to mount variable intake tract devices, then the air box and the attached systems must remain as homologated.

• Variable intake tract devices must function with the same mechanical
  system as the homologated system

• The throttle body intake insulators may be modified.

• Bell mouths (including their fixing points) may be altered or replaced.

• Secondary throttle valves and shafts may be removed or fixed in the open
  position and the electronics may be disconnected or removed.

• Air and air/fuel mixture can only go to the combustion chamber exclusively
  through the throttle body butterflies.
  2.4.8.10 Crankshaft
  
  Only the following modifications are allowed to the homologated crankshaft:

• Bearing surfaces may be polished or a surface treatment may be applied.

• Balancing is allowed but only by the same method as the homologated crankshaft. (for example heavy metal i.e. Mallory metal inserts are not permitted unless they are originally specified in the homologated
  crankshaft.)

• The addition or reduction in weight of the crankshaft in order to reach a racing balance may be no higher than 15% of the homologated weight without the tolerance as shown on the homologation drawing of the crankshaft.

• The weight reduction may be done by drilling or machining of the crankshaft counterweights.

• Polishing of the crankshaft is not allowed.

• Attachment of aftermarket ignition components or sensors is permitted.

• Balance shaft may be altered, removed or modified.
  2.4.8.12 Transmission / Gearbox

• There are two (2) options for the chosing gearbox ratios.

• Option one (1) is two (2) different gear ratios for each gearbox speed.

• There will be no mixing of these gear ratios (gearbox A and gearbox B).

• If option one (1) is chosen that uses 2 different gearbox ratios, it will be
  possible for 2 different primary gear ratios 1 being the homologated ratio
  and the other being a free choice for the manufacturer (primary B).

• Option two (2) is the alternative of Three (3) different gear ratios for each
  gearbox speed .

• There will be no mixing of these gear ratios, (gearbox C, gearbox D and
  gearbox E).

• With option two (2) only the homologated primary gear ratio is permitted.

• Teams will be required to declare the two gearbox ratios and two primary
  gear ratios, or the other alternative of the 3 gearbox ratios chosen at the
  beginning of the season.

• Only these ratios may be used during the entire season.

• Two changes will be permitted during a race weekend per rider. These
  changes will have to be done under the supervision of a FIM technical
  member.

• The time alloted for gearbox changes is fixed as follows as it must be done
  under the supervision of a FIM Technical Official.

• Thursday from 12:00 until 18:00

• Friday from 13:30 until 19:30

• Saturday from 11:30 until 19:30

• The above hours are the only time that a seal may be removed to allow
  gearbox changes.

• The engines must be resealed when the gearbox change is complete.

• The shafts, drums and selector forks are free.

• The layout of the transmission shafts must be the same as on the homologated
  motorcycle and only the material may be changed.

• The layout and function of the shift drum must be the same as on the
  homologated motorcycle.

• The selector forks may be changed; however the forks must engage with the
  same gears and function in the same way as on the homologated motorcycle.

• The number of gears must remain as homologated.

• Additions to gearbox or selector mechanism, such as quick shift systems, are
  allowed.

• Countershaft sprocket, rear wheel sprocket, chain pitch and size may be
  changed.

• No power source (i.e. hydraulic or electric) may be used for gear selection, if not
  installed in the homologated model for road use.
  Human power and so called quick shift systems are excluded from the ban.
  
  2.4.8.16 Air box
  
  The following rule applies to all Homologated Superbikes

• The air box must remain as originally produced by the manufacturer on the homologated motorcycle.

• If the homologated air box is used to mount top type fuel injectors, then the air box and the attached systems must remain as homologated.

• If the homologated air box is used to mount variable intake tract devices, then the air box and the attached systems must remain as homologated and function in the same way.

• Variable intake tract devices must function in the same way as the homologated system.

• Air filters, internal flap type valve, sensors and vacuum fittings may be removed, modified, or replaced with aftermarket parts.

• Any holes in the air box to the outside atmosphere resulting from the removal of components must be completely sealed from incoming air.

• Ram air tubes or ducts running from the fairing to the air box may be modified, replaced or removed. If tubes/ducts are utilized, they must be attached to the original, unmodified air box inlets.

• All motorcycles must have a closed breather system. All the oil breather lines must be connected and discharge in the air box
  2.4.10.2 Front Forks
  1. Only the approved and listed Front Forks that the suspension manufacturers have to offer that are within the fixed price cap.
  2. The material from the suspension manufacturers must be available to all participants from the beginning of year for the Superbike season.
  3. Teams are allowed to use suspension from any manufacture that has been approved and is listed. A participant has the right to choose any suspension for his motorcycle. Without regard to what a manufacturer delivered on the motorcycle. This does not apply to a leased motorcycle.
  4. Suspension manufacturers must supply the FIM Superbike Technical Director with documentation that explains what types of suspension that will be offered. Also showing the cost of the products and the setting parts which must be in line with the total cost of the complete product and must agree that any of the participants in Superbike can purchase these suspension products. These suspension products must be available during the entire season. Delivery time for these suspension parts (Front forks or
  rear shock absorber) before or during the season must be within six (6) weeks from the confirmed order. This information must arrive to the FIM Superbike Technical director in order that the approval and list may be made available to the teams no later than the second week of January of the current year
  5. Setting parts and tuning parts must be provided by the suspension manufacturers to all customers/ teams/ participants using the manufacturer's products. These parts may be used by all participants during the season. These parts shall be available for immediate delivery to all teams/customers
  6. The suspension manufacturers are allowed to offer service contracts when the team is using the approved and listed suspension products The suspension manufacturers cannot demand a service contract for a customer or participant in order obtain a suspension product.
  The front fork in whole or part may be changed but must be the same type homologated (leading link, telescopic, etc.).
  The upper and lower fork clamps (triple clamp, fork bridges) may be changed or modified
  A steering damper may be added or replaced with an ?after-market' damper.
  The steering damper cannot act as a steering lock limiting device. No aftermarket or prototype electronically-controlled suspensions maybe used.
  An electronically-controlled suspension may only be used if already present on the production model of the homologated motorcycle.
  The electronically-controlled valves must remain as homologated. The shims, spacers and fork springs not connected with these valves may be changed.
  The ECU for the electronic suspension must remain as homologated and cannot have GPS capabilities.
  The electronic interface between the rider and the suspension must remain as on the homologated motorcycle. It is allowed to remove or disable this rider interface.
  The original suspension system must work safely in the event of an electronic failure.
  Electro-magnetic fluid systems which change the viscosity of the suspension fluid(s) during operation are not permitted.
  Electronic controlled steering damper cannot be used if not installed in the homologated model for road use. However, it must be completely standard (any mechanical or electronic part must remain as homologated).
  
  2.4.10.4 Rear suspension unit
  
  1. Only the approved and listed rear suspension unit that the manufacturers have to offer that are within the fixed price cap.
  2. The material from the suspension manufacturers must be available to all participants from the beginning of year for the Superbike season.
  3. Teams are allowed to use suspension from any manufacture that has been approved and is listed.
  4. Suspension manufacturers must supply the FIM Superbike Technical Director with documentation that explains what types of suspension that will be offered. Also showing the cost of the products and the setting parts which must be inline with the total cost of the complete product and must agree that any of the participants of the Superbike season can purchase these suspension products. These suspension products must be available during the entire season. Delivery time for these suspension parts (Front forks or rear shock absorber) before or during the season must be within six (6) weeks from the confirmed order.
  5. Setting parts and tuning parts must be provided by the suspension manufacturers to all customers/ teams/ participants using the manufacturer's products. These parts may be used by all participants during the season. These parts shall be available for immediate delivery to all teams/customers.
  6. The suspension manufacturers are allowed to offer service contracts when the team is using the approved and listed suspension products The suspension manufacturers cannot demand a service contract for a customer or participant in order obtain a suspension product.
  7. The suspension manufacturers must supply the FIM Superbike Technical director with documentation that explains what type of suspension products that will be offered. The documenation must include the cost of the products. The manufacturer must agree that any of the participants can purchase these suspension products. This information must arrive to the FIM Superbike Technical Director in order that the approval and list may be made available to the teams no later than the second week of January of the current year.
  
  Rear suspension unit may be changed but a similar system must be used (i.e. dual or mono). The rear suspension linkage may be modified or replaced. The original fixing points in the frame (if any) must be used to mount the shock absorber, linkage and rod assembly fulcrum (pivot points).
  
  No aftermarket or prototype electronically-controlled suspension unit maybe used.
  An electronically-controlled suspension may only be used if already present on the production model of the homologated motorcycle.
  The electronically-controlled valves must remain as homologated. The shims, spacers and shock absorber springs not connected with these valves may be changed.
  The ECU for the electronic suspension must remain as homologated and cannot have GPS capabilities.
  The electronic interface between the rider and the suspension must remain as on the homologated motorcycle. It is allowed to remove or disable this rider interface.
  The original electronic system must work safely in the event of an electronic failure.
  Electro magnetic fluid systems which change the viscosity of the suspension fluid(s) during operation are not permitted.
  
  2.4.10.6 Brakes
  
  1. Only the approved and listed brake parts that the manufacturers have to offer that are within the fixed price cap.
  2. The material from the brake manufacturers must be available to all participants from the beginning of the Superbike season.
  3. Teams are allowed to use brake parts from any manufacture that has been approved and is listed.
  4. Brake manufacturers must supply the FIM Superbike Technical Director with documentation that explains what type of brake parts that will be offered. Also showing the cost of the products and must agree that any of the participants can purchase these brake products. These brake products must be available during the entire season. Delivery time for these brake parts (Front brake callipers, brake disc and front brake pumps) before or during the season must be within four (4) weeks from the confirmed order.
  5. The brake manufacturers must supply the FIM Superbike Technical Director with documentation that explains what type of brake parts that will be offered. Also showing the cost of the products and must agree that any of the participants can purchase these brake products. This information must arrive to the FIM Superbike Technical Director in order that the approval and list may be made
  available to the teams no later than the second week of January of the current year.
  Front brake master cylinder may be altered or replaced from those fitted to the homologated motorcycle.
  Front brake calipers may be altered or replaced from those fitted to the homologated motorcycle.
  Rear brake master cylinder may be altered or replaced from those fitted to the homologated motorcycle.
  Rear brake calipers may be altered or replaced from those fitted to the homologated motorcycle.
  Brake pads or shoes may be altered or replaced from those fitted to the homologated motorcycle.
  Brake hoses and brake couplings may be altered or replaced from those fitted to the homologated motorcycle. The split of the front brake lines for both front brake calipers must be made above the lower fork bridge (lower triple clamp).
  Brake discs may be altered or replaced from those fitted to the homologated motorcycle. Only ferrous materials are allowed for brake discs. The use of exotic alloy materials for brake calipers (i.e. aluminum-beryllium, etc.) is not allowed.
  The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) may be used only if installed in the homologated model for road use. However, it must be completely standard (any mechanical or electronic part must remain as homologated, brake discs and master cylinder levers excluded), and only the software of the ABS may be modified.
  
  The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) may be disconnected and its ECU may be dismantled. The ABS rotor wheel may be deleted, modified or replaced.
  
  Motorcycles must be equipped with brake lever protection, intended to protect the handlebar brake lever from being accidentally activated in case of collision with another motorcycle.
  
  End
  
  2014 EVO SUPERBIKE RULES
  The following rules will be added to the Superbike rule book, each section that is exclusive for the EVO class will have the EVO 2.4 designation. All other EVO rules will be the same as the 2014 Superbike rules.
  
  The order of the book will place the EVO ruling just prior to the Superbike rule. If there is no EVO rule prior to the Superbike rule, then the Superbike rule will apply for the EVO class. The Superbike rules will also give guidance on the controlling procedures and conditions.
  
  EVO 2.4.8 Engine

• The total number of engines that may be used by a team during the entire Championship is limited to six (6) per permanent rider. If a permanent rider is replaced or substituted during the Championship, the total engine allocation for the team will not change.

• The number of engines that may be used during each event is not limited.

• Each engine will be officially sealed by the FIM Superbike Technical
  Director or by his appointed staff before it may be used.

• The seal will bear a serial number, which will be recorded. Any attempt
  made to remove the seal will damage it irreparably.

• A broken or damaged seal will be considered as if the engine has been
  used and it will be counted as a part of the rider's allocation for the
  Championship.

• The crankcase, cylinder, cylinder heads and head cover / valve cover will
  be sealed to control the engine use.

• A team that uses more than the allocated number of six (6) engines during
  the Championship will receive a penalty. The penalty for the team's rider using an additional engine will be to start from the last grid position for the race when the additional engine is used and for the following race (two races in the same racing season).

• Wild card riders will be allowed to use two sealed engines during the event in which they take part.
  EVO 2.4.8.1.1 Fuel injection systems
  
  Fuel injection systems refer to throttle bodies, fuel injectors, variable length intake tract devices, fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator.

• The original homologated fuel injection system must be used without any modification.

• The fuel injectors must be stock and unaltered from the original specification and manufacture.

• Bell mouths must remain as originally produced by the manufacturer for the homologated motorcycle.

• Butterfly valves cannot be changed or modified.

• Variable intake tract devices cannot be added if they are not present on the
  homologated motorcycle and they must remain identical and operate in the same way as the homologated system. All the parts of the variable intake tract device must remain exactly as homologated.

• Air and air/fuel mixture must go to the combustion chamber exclusively through the throttle body butterflies.

• Electronically controlled throttle valves, known as ?ride-by-wire', may be only used if the homologated model is equipped with the same system. Software may be modified but all the safety systems and procedures designed by the original manufacturer must be maintained.
  EVO 2.6.8.2 Cylinder Head

• No modifications are allowed.

• No material may be added or removed from the cylinder head.

• The gaskets may be changed.

• The valves, valve seats, guides, springs, tappets, oil seals, shims, cotter
  valve, spring base and spring retainers must be as originally produced by
  the manufacturer for the homologated motorcycle.

• Valve spring shims are not allowed.
  EVO 2.4.8.3 Camshaft

• No modifications are allowed.

• At the technical checks: for direct cam drive systems, the cam lobe lift is measured; for non direct cam drive systems (i.e. with rocker arms), the valve lift is measured.
  EVO 2.4.8.4 Cam sprockets or gears

• No dimensional modifications are allowed.
  EVO 2.4.8.5 Cylinders
  No modifications are allowed.
  2.4.8.6 Pistons
  No modifications are allowed (including polishing and lightening). 2.4.8.7 Piston rings
  No modifications are allowed. 2.4.8.8 Piston pins and clips No modifications are allowed.
  2.4.8.9 Connecting rods No modifications are allowed (including polishing and lightening).
  2.4.8.10 Crankshaft
  No modifications are allowed (including polishing and lightening). The balance shaft must remain in place and no modifications are allowed
  2.4.8.11 Crankcase / Gearbox housing
  Crankcases must remain as homologated. No modifications are allowed (including painting, polishing and lightening). It is not allowed to add a pump used to create a vacuum in the crankcase. If a vacuum pump is installed on the homologated motorcycle then it may be used only as homologated.
  2.4.8.12 Transmission / Gearbox
  Only one (1) set of gearbox ratios will be allowed. This set may be the homologated ratios or a special racing ratio set. External Quick-shift systems are allowed (including wire and potentiometer)
  The primary dive gear ratio must remain as homologated

• Countershaft sprocket, rear wheel sprocket, chain pitch and size may be changed.

• The sprocket cover may be modified or eliminated.

• Chain guard as long as it is not incorporated in the rear fender may be
  removed. EVO 2.4.8.17 Fuel supply

• Fuel lines from the fuel tank to the delivery pipe assembly (excluded) may be replaced.

• Quick connectors or dry break quick connectors may be used.

• Fuel pressure regulator must remain standard.

• Fuel vent lines may be replaced.

• Fuel filters may be added
  EVO 2.4.9.1 Ignition / Engine Control System (ECU) The engine control system (ECU) must be either:

• The original system as homologated and its software may be changed.

• Or an ECU kit model (produced and/or approved by the motorcycle manufacturer) may be used. A special connector may be used to connect the ECU and the original wiring loom. The retail price of the ECU kit system (software included) cannot be higher than 1.5 times the price of
  the original system.

• In addition to the options mentioned above, external ignition and/or
  injection module/s may be added to the standard production ECU, but
  their total retail price cannot be higher than the complete ECU kit.

• Central unit (ECU) may be relocated.

• Spark plugs may be replaced.
  EVO 2.4.9.2 Generator

• No modifications are allowed.

• The electric starter must operate normally and always be able to start the
  engine during the event.

• Motorcycles must start on the starting grid in neutral. Push-starting on the starting grid is not allowed, the use of a ?booster' battery is permitted.
  EVO 2.4.9.3 Additional equipment
  Additional electronic hardware equipment not on the original homologated motorcycle cannot be added with the exception of FIM/Dorna approved data logging units. The characteristics of approved data logging units must be the following:

• Maximum retail price of the unit (hardware + software, excluding sensors and wiring loom) cannot exceed 1.000 Euro (VAT excluded).

• The unit must be available for sale to the public and listed in the manufacturer's catalogue.

• A total of ten (10) sensors will be allowed.

• The unit must be single-function. It is not allowed to add additional
  functions

• Type of sensor is free.

• Wiring loom is free.
  EVO 2.4.9.4 Wiring harness The original wiring loom may be modified as indicated hereafter:

• The wiring loom may be replaced by the kit wire harness loom as supplied for the ECU Kit model, produced or approved by the manufacturer of the motorcycle. The wiring loom and the key/ignition lock may be relocated, replaced or deleted.
  Note: Parts (i.e. frame, suspension, wheels, etc.) not mentioned in this listing will remain as described in the present Superbike rules.
  
  ENDS

 

[Scrotty-mcboogerballs]

Is it just me but does the new suzuki gp bike look like the same bike they had when they quit the gp's?

 

[wino]

Is it just me but does the new suzuki gp bike look like the same bike they had when they quit the gp's?

atm just you.

MOTOGP »
British Moto2: Jason O’Halloran replaces injured di Meglio
28 August 2013

"It will be hard to predict any results just yet, as I've never even sat on a Moto2 machine, let alone ridden one" - Jason O'Halloran.

• 
  
  British Moto2: Jason O’Halloran replaces injured di Meglio
  Samsung Honda's British Supersport star Jason O'Halloran will ride in place of the injured Mike di Meglio at the JiR team during this weekend's Silverstone round of the Moto2 World Championship.
  
  Di Meglio suffered a 'compound fracture of the sacral bone' in Sunday's race and will require at least 30 days of rest.
  
  25-year-old Australian O'Halloran heads to Silverstone fresh from a third place in Monday's Cadwell Park BSS round and is currently sixth in the championship standings.
  
  “I'm really looking forward to the weekend,” he said. “The Moto2 championship is a series I look up to and follow closely. It will be an honour and a privilege to be part of it. Silverstone is a circuit I know well and have had some good results there in the past. To be part of both the British Grand Prix experience and race with a very experienced team like JiR is going to be very special for me.
  
  “It will be hard to predict any results just yet, as I've never even sat on a Moto2 machine, let alone ridden one, but I think coming from Supersport is probably easier than coming from the Superbike class. Either way, I'm coming to Silverstone this weekend off the back of two good results in British Supersport so my confidence is high and I'm looking forward to working with the team and learning the bike session by session.”
  
  Team manager Gianluca Montiron added: "We are all aware of how difficult a debut in a category which is hard-fought like Moto2 will be, furthermore this will be the first time for Jason riding a prototype machine, but we will provide all our know-how to ensure that he'll enjoy himself and take this occasion as an opportunity to see up close the best riders in the world."

 

[wino]

Racing Numbers: Hertz British Grand Prix

Thursday, 29 August 2013
Two riders will be hitting centuries of race starts as the current MotoGP™ triple-header draws to a close at Silverstone this weekend. But perhaps the most worrying numbers for rivals are those complimenting Marc Marquez’s career…


100 – At the British Grand Prix, Andrea Dovizioso is scheduled to make his 100th start in the MotoGP class. Dovizioso has not missed a race since moving up to the MotoGP class in 2008. He has raced three different bikes in his time in the MotoGP class – an 800cc Honda, 1000cc Yamaha and 1000cc Ducati. Dovizioso has shown great consistency during his time in the premier class and has scored points in 89 of the 99 MotoGP races he has contested.

100 – Moto3’s Efren Vazquez is scheduled to make his 100th Grand Prix start at the British GP at Silverstone. Vazquez made his Grand Prix debut at the British GP at Donington Park in the 250 class in 2007. After completing the remainder of 2007 competing in the 250 class he moved down to the 125 class as a full-time rider for the 2008 season and he has competed in the smallest class of GP racing since then. Vazquez will have his 27th birthday on the Monday following the British GP.

49 – Marc Marquez's Brno victory marked the 49th occasion he has stood on the podium in Grand Prix racing. A top three finish at Silverstone, at the age of 20 years and 196 days, would give him the record as the youngest rider to reach a half century of Grand Prix podiums, taking the record from Dani Pedrosa who was 21 years and 162 days old when he stood on a GP podium for the 50th time.

37 years ago - The last British rider to win in the premier class at his home Grand Prix was Tom Herron at the final World Championship Isle of Man TT in 1976.

31 – The victory by Marc Marquez at Brno was the 31st time that he has stood on the top step of the podium in Grand Prix racing – the same number of GP victories that Kork Ballington and Eddie Lawson achieved throughout their careers. Another victory for Marquez would place him 18th in the all-time Grand Prix winners list, with just one less victory than Geoff Duke.

26 - Dominique Aegerter’s 13th place finish in the Moto2 Czech GP was the 26th successive race at which he has finished in a point-scoring position. The last race at which he failed to score points was when he finished 18th at the opening race of last year in Qatar. On top of that, the 18th place finish of Qatar 2012 is the only time in the last 36 Moto2 races that Aegerter has failed to score points.

24 – Belgian Moto2 rider Xavier Simeon will turn 24 on the day of qualifying at Silverstone.

18 – At the Czech GP, Mika Kallio became the 18th different rider, representing ten different nations, to win in the Moto2 class since its introduction at the start of 2010.

10 – Maverick Viñales of Moto3 has been on the podium at the opening ten races. This is something only one other rider has achieved in the 65-year history of Grand Prix racing: Fausto Gresini, who won the opening ten of the eleven 125 GP races in the 1987 season. Gresini did not finish the 11th race of 1987, meaning Viñales would set a new record if he finished in the top three at Silverstone

1 – Only one British rider has celebrated a solo Grand Prix win which came at Silverstone - Ian McConnachie, in the 80 class in 1986.

 

[wino]

GO&FUN Honda Gresini announce Redding

Scott Redding on Gresini move for 2014

Thursday, 29 August 2013
Moto2™ World Championship leader Scott Redding will ride with GO&FUN Honda Gresini next season, having signed two-year agreement that will see him make his premier class debut on Honda’s new ‘production racer’.


For GO&FUN Honda Gresini it is what they describe as ‘an exciting moment to be developing a MotoGP project with a young rider who has such a great deal of both talent and personality.’

Redding’s adaptation to MotoGP™ machinery will begin as soon as the current season comes to a close in Valencia.

Team boss Fausto Gresini commented: “I’m delighted to be able to work with a young talent like Scott Redding. We have signed a two-year contract together, with the clear aim of building an ambitious project that should see him develop and be taken to the pinnacle of MotoGP. Scott has already shown that he has a lot of quality, so we are proud to welcome him into our team. We cannot wait to begin working with him; his riding style is great to watch, as is his approach to racing.”

For his part, an enthusiastic Redding stated:“I am looking forward to the challenge of MotoGP next season. I’ll be racing alongside the best riders in the world, aboard the brand-new Honda production racer, so I know already how steep a learning curve it’s going to be. This was why it was so important to me that I made this step with an experienced team, and there are few more experienced in the MotoGP paddock than Team GO&FUN Honda Gresini. My focus for now is on winning the Moto2 World Championship for Marc van der Straten, without whose support over the past four years I wouldn’t even have been given this opportunity to move up to the premier class.”

Redding currently leads Moto2™ by 21 points from Spain’s Pol Espargaro, who will also move to the premier class in 2014 (with Monster Yamaha Tech3).

Lorenzo determined to close gap at front

Thursday, 29 August 2013
Jorge Lorenzo heads to the Hertz British Grand Prix third in the Riders’ Championship and some 44 points behind rookie leader Marc Marquez. Although he has already commented that Repsol Honda Team are currently quicker than Yamaha Factory Racing, the current title holder is determined to take advantage of any unexpected happenings at Silverstone this weekend.


Since the British round of MotoGP™ returned to Silverstone from Donington Park from 2010 onwards, Lorenzo has triumphed in two of the three events there. The Mallorcan hopes to make it three from four this weekend, but knows the feat will not be easy.

"In Brno maybe I expected a little bit more, but at least I feel quite happy with my performance," Lorenzo says. "I gave all to win the race but my competitors were in a better shape there. Now we have to finish this first triple of races at Silverstone. It is a place I like and where I used to be comfortable. The track I think is really nice, very flowing and also suits our bike. The problem is always the weather; it is a very challenging Grand Prix because of that! Despite the conditions we will try everything as usual to try to fight for the victory and cut off the distance to our rivals."

Teammate Valentino Rossi is yet to win on British soil since the rain-affected race at Donington Park in 2005, in which he recovered from a near-highside accident.

"At Brno I was hoping to go a little better and I'm glad that Silverstone comes immediately to get back on track," says the nine-time World Champion. "My team and I want to improve the bike to be able to keep the pace of the leaders. We are not far away and the Grand Prix at Silverstone will help us to understand something more. Silverstone is a very fast track and the Yamaha should be fine. We are ready to do our best. We want to move forward as soon as possible."

Including this weekend’s Silverstone race, seven events remain in the 2013 season.

 

[wino]

 

[wino]

 

[wino]

Lorenzo quickest on Day 1 of British GP

Silverstone 2013 - MotoGP - FP2 - Highlights

Friday, 30 August 2013
Reigning World Champion Jorge Lorenzo was fastest as the Hertz British Grand Prix weekend began at Silverstone on Friday. The Yamaha Factory Racing rider and last year’s winner led championship leader Marc Marquez and his Repsol Honda Team partner Dani Pedrosa.


Very light rain had affected Moto3™ practice during the morning, but blue skies were prominent over Northamptonshire by the time the afternoon arrived, accompanied by a steady breeze. Lorenzo led the way with his best effort of 2’02.734, two tenths up on Marquez whose last Silverstone victory came in the 125 class three years ago. Behind Pedrosa, the top five was rounded out by GO&FUN Honda Gresini’s Alvaro Bautista – the 2012 pole-sitter – and Lorenzo’s teammate Valentino Rossi.

Home favourite Cal Crutchlow was sixth, two places ahead of teammate Bradley Smith as the pair of Monster Yamaha Tech3 riders sandwiched Ducati Team’s Andrea Dovizioso into seventh place, with his own teammate Nicky Hayden completing the top ten behind LCR Honda MotoGP’s Stefan Bradl. Aleix Espargaro was 11th for Power Electronics Aspar, leading the way in the CRT ranks from the ART machine of PBM’s Yonny Hernandez. For 2013, the start line has returned to the National Straight for logistical reasons.

Free Practice 3 will begin at 9:55am local time (GMT +1) on Saturday.

 

[wino]

WSBK »
Germany WSBK: Davies back on top at the Nurburgring
30 August 2013

Chaz Davies's name is back on top of a Nurburgring timesheet once more as he heads up Q1, ahead of Tom Sykes, Michel Fabrizio and Leon Camier.

• 
  
  Germany WSBK: Davies back on top at the Nurburgring
  CLICK HERE to view full Q1 times
  
  Twelve months on from claiming a surprise maiden World Superbike Championship win at the Nurburgring, Chaz Davies continued to prove the German circuit is something of a happy hunting ground for him as he swept to the top of the timesheets in Q1.
  
  In a session dominated by Kawasaki until the final few minutes, Tom Sykes's initial benchmark of 1min 55.051secs – which was set early in the session - had seemingly looked good enough to stave off the typical barrage of late improvements as several riders came up short.
  
  However, a flying effort from Davies on the BMW would see him vault to the head of the order in the closing minutes, putting him just 0.017secs ahead of his countryman.
  
  Just as he did in FP1, Michel Fabrizio's final charge was good enough for him to grab third place to be the leading Aprilia rider, ahead of Suzuki's Leon Camier and Honda's Jonathan Rea.
  
  Having been second for the majority of the session, Loris Baz would eventually slip down to seventh position, ahead of Leon Haslam, Eugene Laverty and Marco Melandri.
  
  Outside the top ten, Jules Cluzel spent much of his afternoon on the cusp of the top 15 but would eventually raise himself to 11th place, heading off Davide Giugliano – who managed just four laps after falling at turn four – and Markus Reiterberger, the wild-card impressing to secure himself a provisional entry for Superpole.
  
  Joining him inside the all-important top 15 was Ayrton Badovini and Max Neukirchner on their respective Ducatis, though it was a tougher end to the day for Panigale counterpart Carlos Checa, who fell at turn eight early on in the session and wouldn't set a time.
  
  He will now go into Q2 looking to improve into the top 15, along with Mark Aitchison, Matej Smrz, Federico Sandi and Vittorio Iannuzzo

 

[Scrotty-mcboogerballs]

Go bmw kick them jap bikes asses