World superbikes?

Question

Im still a bit confused about the 1200 thing. I am probably wrongly comparing Gp. OK so the 800s are laping faster than the 1000s. but this is due to faster corner speeds. given the option of which to ride the 1000 will pass on the straight and block the pass on the corner. thats MY theory. are we to think that Troy Baylis was not competetive. give him 200cc more power. who will be competetive then. I am missing something I know but it wont sink in. how is this good for the sport.

Answer 1

I know what your saying about the other 200cc.

The trouble I find with W.S.B is because the bikes started life in a crate, there is only so much you can do to make it ultra competitive.

The days of Superbikes lapping as quick or quicker I think are now behind us. 1995 at Doninton, Steve Hislop R.I.P lapping faster the Rossi on a 995 ! What a day that was.

Also, we have to remember that the 999 that Troy rode last year was infact the 2006 bike. Ducati admitted not makeing any performance changes to the bike. Instead choosing to concentrate on MotoGP and the development og the 1098. It seems to have worked for the MotoGP side at least!

Time will tell as always on this one. The 999 was the fasted thing out on a flying lap, but was always slowed mid corner from the big 4's. This is what Alan Cathcart reported in Racer magizine at least. If the 1098 can corner like the 999 but go down the straights like the CBR's and Gixers, then look out Japan.

Answer 2

Yes you are right to say that the comparison is not correct. In Moto GP all the bikes are 800, so comparing them to previous models is purely a statistical thing.

It is not just about a straight 200cc advantage - think of it this way, you could stick a 1400cc cruiser engine in there and it will go round like a donkey. First, even as a Ducati owner and fan, I know this is partly a commercial decision BUT there are restrictions on other elements of the engine that level out the playing field. The fact of the matter is that a 1000cc four and a 1000c twin are not playing off a level field and the authorities know that. The basic principle of a four stroke engine, in simple terms, is that it works on suck, squeeze, bang and blow. If you open up one element of the four (i.e the bang) but restrict another (the suck) then it is possible to level out the playing fields. This in sinple terms is how the 1098 can be accomodated.

The fact that it is the horniest looking bike out there is immaterial I guess.

WSBK is a production sillouhette class and you have to include all those who are front players that wish to play. It is thus good for the sport because it keeps the grid full of top riders and with the world leading brand in the series. Lets make no bones about it - if Ducati was not there then this would be a second rate series.

Answer 3

Hey Proc.

I think Shuggie has hit it on the head - it's as much about the series being "inclusive" as competative.

While it might look to some like the organisers are bending over backwards to oblige Ducatti, I think they would do the same for any of the big manufacturers to keep them involved in what I think is a great series.