[aminalmutha]

I doubt this is a permanent withdrawl from road racing. For the time being, it does seem like a good idea, though. We can speculate all we want, but I'd bet there may be plans to re-enter Superbike racing in the future. Who knows about the details, though. There's no reason why they can't be competetive with a well funded, well orgainized, well engineered racing program. I'm not particularly an HD fan, but greater competition improves racing and technology, which is definitely a good thing. So, let's hope they do come back eventually.

 

[aminalmutha]

Why not Honda? They run a V-Twin. Is it 4 bangers you don't like or Japaneese bikes in general?

 

[aminalmutha]

Yeah, how the hell do you know how the new Buell handles? Got any concrete comparisons to anything else? Got the inside scoop or something? I'm still very skeptical about using the swing arm as an oil reservoir. Anyways, Buell may eventually become HD's racing arm, but they've probably got a long way to go.

 

[aminalmutha]

Woahhhh... back up the cart for a second. Methinks you should look at some of the dyno graphs on this site. You think the R1 only generates 40lb-ft of torque??? Try 70ish peak lb-ft. 600cc sportbikes produce a little over 40lb-ft peak torque. Oh, and plus the R1 generates probably 30 to 40 more peak horse power than a typical Buell. It also revs to oh, 12000 rpm or so, meaning it has a much broader operating range. I'm sure the Buells generate more torque at lower rpm, but that's why high revving bikes are geared lower. Let's get our numbers remotely close before passing judgement. Oh, and 3 quarts of oil weighs aproximately 4 and a half or so pounds. How much of that really is sprung? What about the dynamic effects of oil sloshing around in there? Seems like one more thing to go wrong to me.

 

[aminalmutha]

Hmmmm... Interesting.

 

[aminalmutha]

Who says Triumphs are good bikes? Just kidding, just kidding! I would like to see more makes involved in racing to improve the sport. HD and even Triumph would make things more interesting with good racing programs.