MOTOGP » Bautista to Estoril, extra test for MotoGP rookies - updated.

@ Chief Examination Officer, If we are to use your logic as to what's fair I believe Ben should get a private test at all of the track he hasn't been to before. The 250 rookies have raced at all the tracks so that's an unfair advantage!

MOTOGP » Stoner: New engine better.

I must admit that desmo facinates me. I don't own a Duc and probably never will! I would not know how to maintain it and couldn't afford to pay someone else to either. kneedragon1962 don't know how we got so far of topic but I hope Ducati can increase longevity in an amount that offsets what they will lose with the big bang crank. All Ducati riders will benefit in ridability but may lose in reliability. Thanks for the debate and goodnight.

MOTOGP » Stoner: New engine better.

May very well be but I don't think so. Fact of the matter is that it solves the problem of valve float at high rpms that plague motors relying on springs (pneumatic or metal) to close them. Cost is prohibitive which I believe is the reason others don't pursue this approach to valve control. Not sure about patent infringement but that may be a reason also.

MOTOGP » Ben Spies fourth after five days at Yamaha!

@kneedragon1962, Enjoy reading your posts, don't agree with all but opinions very. Rock on old fart! (I'm the same age!) @Arclight X, I for one understand you. Keep on keeping on! Civil posts always welcome in my book! @Painless and The Doctor, Although your sarcasm may be lost on others, rest assured at least one person (me) appreciates your influx of twisted wit and humor.

MOTOGP » Stoner: New engine better.

@kneedragon1962, As far as the desmo you are correct. We aren't talking about passenger cars though we are talking about state of the art motorcycles with out of this world redlines. My original post was to address the issue of reliability in reference to Ducatis choice of a big bang motor versus an even fire motor.

MOTOGP » Stoner: New engine better.

Kawasaki fiddled with a screamer motor 2 years ago because the even firing order was smoother and produced less internal engine vibration. So all the speculation that a big-bang motor will improve engine longevity is eroneous. The main benefit of a big-bang or long-bang motor (as in the case of the R1 Yamaha) is in mechanical grip at the rear wheel. Ducati will see a performance benefit from this design but not an increase in longevity. Where Ducati gains in the long life department is the desmodromic valve train. The mechanical closing of a valve at high rpm is far more controled and reliable than a valve spring or pneumatic bag style closer.

MOTOGP » Ben Spies fourth after five days at Yamaha!

"So yesterday Edwards spent all day trying different geometry settings on a redundant bike,what a waste of his time." Posted by Md Zane The quest for knowledge and information is NEVER a waste of time! Even though all teams will be running new bikes next year they still rely on previously aquired data for initial set-up and direction for adjustments due to changing track and weather conditions.

MOTOGP » Suzuki 'delighted' with Bautista MotoGP debut.

Just a couple of short years ago Suzuki had their riders finish 4th and 6th in the championship. They may be down now but I don't believe they will stay down forever! Just my humble opinion. I hear ya El Bigonio, Ohlins on a Honda and Akrapovic on a Suzuki? What is this world coming to? LOL

MOTOGP » Hayden picks up the pace, looks to 2010

"Nicky yet to beat his team-mate on the same bike unforunately that aint going to happen." Uhhhhhh 2006! Stupid post! By the way M1 fan, the same Tech 3 rider that beat Hayden in the championship also beat the factory Repsol Honda rider that replaced Nicky!

MOTOGP » Rossi: It's me or Lorenzo at Yamaha in 2011!

What I wonder about is the timing of Vales demands!? Why would he demand a change for 2011 before a wheel is even turned in 2010? Rossi is in the company of many riders proven capable of defeating him on any given weekend and there is always the looming threat of injury. My point being that if Vale hasn't delivered the results yet for 2010, demanding change for 2011 is very inadvisable and could come back to bite him in the @rse! Furthermore, if Jorge should happen to outperform him on the track this year and Yamaha choose to let Rossi go, changing to Ducati is the wrong way to go about beating Agos win record! IMHO