Is Troy Bayliss - even better than he is widely given credit for?

Question

I got to thinking that with all the swapping of riders between WSBK and Moto GP and the fact that practically none have really set the heather on fire that there is one noteable exception and that is Troy Bayliss.

I have always liked him and think he is truly a great racer but maybe he is actually even better than he is given credit for and it is not like he people slag him off. He is to my mind the best Superbike rider on the planet right now and has been for the past number of years PLUS he also did the business in Moto GP class with all the differences that involves. That is not to be sneered at, after all Max Biaggi is no ones fool on a bike (when it all goes his way) yet you could argue that Troy in recent years has made the shift between the classes back and forth more than once with more aplomb. Troy is older and would still be top of most team owners wish list I would have thought.

Top bloke, great rider and should be more often mentioned along with the all time greats?

Answer 1

Hi Shuggie Mac. I have always rated Baylis as a class act. What surprises me was when he went to GP with Cappa. he was used to the big machine and cappa the 500. Cappa left him. This is where my appreciation for Cappa comes from. to beat Baylis on similar machinery with out knowing the machine. speaks volumes.  

saying that he is the genuine article. all heart and determination.

Answer 2

Troy on his day is as good as anyone, and therefore deserves a mention when talking about all time greats.

I suppose his biggest failing is lack of consistency. Its the only reason Colin Edwards beat him to the WSBK title in 2002. (Imola 2002 was one of the all time great finales of any season ever). Although some of those inconsistencies were down to the team, and not Troy alone.

Marlborough Ducati should never have got rid of him for the 2005 season (Valencia 2006 proved that), although to be fair, he didn't gel with the Camel Honda, so maybe they made the right decision.

When he went back to WSBK he did what Casey Stoner did in Moto GP last season. Was the only rider to be competitive on a particular machine. He made a mockery of Ducati's claim that they needed an extra 200cc to remain competitive.

But I think Ducati were right, and the results were down to Troys brilliance.

So yes, Troy seems like a thoroughly nice bloke and a truly great  rider. I'm not sure where he would appear in my all time top ten, but if I sat down and thought about it, it would probably be pretty high.

Answer 3

Happy Hogmanay Shuggie (bit late!)

I'm soo glad to see this question as I love WSBK (and BSB) and it seems no one else on here appreciates the quality of these riders.

Let's face it - only a couple of dozen riders will get a gp ride each year, and depending on their bike/pit crew/standing with the boss etc. they may not appear to shine. But to be able to jump on and off such different rides shows real adaptability.

To my mind, Troy is one of the best, and he has shown dogged determination every time I've seen him race. Not only does he give it "big beans" every race, he actually did lose a "bean" one race (and half a finger!) and didn't miss a training session! That is one tough, determined mother!!

Roll on next season - I've actually been doing some work on my laptop as there's not enough fliippin' racing news/gossip/speculation!!

See ya

Answer 4

OK, i know i'm new to this section and it looks like i'm riding on everyones coat tails.But, I would have to agree with everyone that has answered you have taken the words right out of my mouth.

Barry M, Told me about some really great people in this section (Wiggy, Dingo, SWT, Shuggie, Ride On, A Nik, etc). I ride freestyle motocross at his compound.

Answer 5

Yes Troy is a class act.

He is in my very exclusive WSB box that I follow.

I started pretty much  hating W.S.B in about 1993 (even though Foggy was doing us proud with his million and one world titles ( 7 in all classes ) but the whole road bike had got to me bad.

The men who I kept my eye on in the world however was :

Foggy, Ru$$el , Pascal Picotte , Corser ad Bayliss.

It was clear to me that these boys were head and shoulders above there game.

What really made me stand up and greet Troy (B) with open arms is when he came to England on the INS Team Ducati and kicked butt. I knew at that point this kid was tough.

Then a few year later with the whole " lose a little finger " and bollox business, my thoughts were confirmed again.

And as our right honorable friend Mr Niel has pointed out Val 06 was just the icing on the cake.

Imagine the scene............

Ducati : " Troy we need you to race on sunday "

Troy : " OK, do you want me to win and show the world it was a waste sticking me in WSB ? "

Ducati : " you can do if you want "

Troy : " OK ! "

What a great guy, its just a shame he is thinking about retiring at the end of 2008. I hope he does " A Wayne Gardner " Win and leave ! Kinda what I think Vale might do this year aswell.