[The Spaceman]

"BMW'S director for motorcycle sport, Bernhard Gobmeier, believes that Honda and Yamaha's strive for technical dominance in MotoGP is killing the sport and making it unappealing for the Bavarian manufacturer.

In an interview with Motosprint he said: "It's a complex problem. At this point we can say that the technical level in MotoGP is now extremely high and the investments required to be competitive are immense. If the situation does not change, then BMW will not be interested in joining MotoGP, unless the rules change…"

"It's the truth, the Japanese have a different idea of racing. Their goal is to beat their rivals by leading through technology, if this war ruins the show, it doesn't matter."


What a load of crap. Motorcycle racing already has plenty of NASCAR-style "show" race series. Moto GP is supposed to be about leading through technology, that's how racing advances the sport and the industry. Same goes for F1.

If the Japanese are winning through better technology, good for them. That same technology is going to wind up on their street bikes some day, and we, the consumers, win because of it.

 

[pushrod]

Maybe he meant that he isn't interested in pouring metric tons of money into the development of a technical tour de force that has little application to the street.

A lot of folks have been complaining about MotoGP and there is a similar problem with F1. Only the few Factory entries have any hope of making the podium.

Heck, a 'Race-within-a-Race' has developed within MotoGP, where folks are competing to be the fastest 'Privateer.'

Now, back to the OP- they've managed to build an amazing machine in the S1000RR, which has already made the podium in a very short time racing.

 

[The Spaceman]

Maybe he meant that he isn't interested in pouring metric tons of money into the development of a technical tour de force that has little application to the street.

No. Non. Noui. Nicht. Naugahyde.

The Finagle's monocoque "there is no frame" is a direct descendant of the Moto GP frameless bike (for better or worse).

Yamaha's crossplane crank was introduced in Moto GP.

Most traction control systems are the result of Moto GP R&D. Same goes for ABS.

I think there should always be an "unlimited" series where ridiculous amounts of money is spent on mostly useless junk. It's like joining the Better Business Bureau; you don't really get anything out of it directly, but it IS the right thing to do.

 

[Buzglyd]

The problem is there is no money anymore. The Euro economy along with ours aren't exactly flooding the market with sponsors.

They need to let the ciggy companies back in the game. The halcyon days of racing were when Joe Camel and Galouises were duking it out.

 

[The Spaceman]

The problem is there is no money anymore.

Any good capitalist knows you have to spend money to make money. Austerity is it's own reward.

 

[The_AirHawk]

Any good Socialist knows you have to take money to spend money. Tyranny for the Good of Humanity is also its own reward.....

 

[MOKE1K]

"Multiple technical personality syndrome" is what Motogp is suffering from. I think BMW is whinning a bit but they do have a valid point in that if you only have ten riders on the grid because of the expense thats just not going to be a lucrative business.

I think the bulk of the cost comes from the electronics which the majority of riders do not like.

 

[MOKE1K]

And furthermore I dont think its going to affect their sales if they don't enter into Motogp.

 

[The Spaceman]

And furthermore I dont think its going to affect their sales if they don't enter into Motogp.

That I agree with. They copied Japan Inc to create the S1000RR, and did a fine job of it; their bike is very competitive sales wise with our without Moto GP.

But I have to think, in all seriousness, that a dozen BMW brolly girls at each race would be very entertaining. Remember those Rizla gals in the police outfits? How about that except in a Nazi Dominatrix style? Would THAT be entertaining enough for ya?

Rizla girls - Google Search

 

[sarnali2]

Kind of a "Sprintime for Hitler" motiff?

Springtime for Hitler - YouTube

 

[12er]

I thought there was a crt bmw on the grid.

 

[seruzawa]

In racing there has always been conflict between the privateers and the more well-funded efforts. You'll see people complaining at all levels of racing that the other guy "bought" his victory. There is a lot of truth to that.

 

[MOKE1K]

That I agree with. They copied Japan Inc to create the S1000RR, and did a fine job of it; their bike is very competitive sales wise with our without Moto GP.

But I have to think, in all seriousness, that a dozen BMW brolly girls at each race would be very entertaining. Remember those Rizla gals in the police outfits? How about that except in a Nazi Dominatrix style? Would THAT be entertaining enough for ya?

Rizla girls - Google Search

DUDE! HAVE YOU SEEN MELANDRI'S CHICK! WHOOW,...

 

[MOKE1K]

I thought there was a crt bmw on the grid.

Edwards is on one yes. I think their contemplating going to a full factory effort.

 

[The Spaceman]

Kind of a "Sprintime for Hitler" motiff?

Springtime for Hitler - YouTube

Or maybe something more like this: