[jmeyn]

How about some context?

This kind of posting is great, longride. But why not do a bit of research and provide a bit of context to get us started. For example, 2.06 second lap time is meaningless if you don't know that the record lap at Sepang was Alex Barros on the NSR500 in 2002 at 2.03.

The Kawi-RR seems way low on the learning curve. They need to sprint to run with the big guys in March. Unlikely, wouldn't you say?

 

[longride]

Re: How about some context?

Yeah, the record lap time would give some perspective. The only problem with those is lap times vary wildly with weather and track conditions. It would be more useful if many different teams were testing on the same day, which would give a closer indication of how close Kaw really is. I do agree that they aren't even close to Honda and Yamaha at the present time. I really can't see anyone beating Honda. I believe they are running 7 bikes and just look at the rider talent.

 

[jmeyn]

Re: How about some context?

"The only problem with those is lap times vary wildly with weather and track conditions."

Yes, but the post reports those, so the reader can decide about relevance.

Reports say Honda is providing 12 bikes but I'm not sure whether that includes spares. They look unbeatable for the Manufacturers Championship but all that "rider talent" on equal machinery should provide some premo moments.

 

[nokneedragin]

different teams were testing

Suzuki is there also with the GP and AMA teams, see if you can dig up there test times for comparison

 

[longride]

Re: different teams were testing

Will do.

 

[Joe_Momma]

here ya go!

1. John Hopkins, Suzuki GSV-R, 2:06.0

2. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki GSV-R, 2:06.5

3. Garry McCoy, Kawasaki ZX-RR, 2:06.6

4. Andrew Pitt, Kawasaki ZX-RR, 2:07.0

5. Akira Yanagawa, Kawasaki ZX-RR, 2:07.1

6. Alex Hofmann, Kawasaki ZX-RR, 2:09.1

7. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2:08.8

8. Gregorio Lavilla, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2:08.9

9. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2:09.3

10. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2:12.2

Hopkins is still on a relatively old bike. Mainly all 2002 stuff.

 

[longride]

Re: here ya go!

Good Work!

 

[3917]

Re: here ya go!

Cool. Thanks!

 

[longride]

Re: How about some context?

The Honda provisional lineup is:

Biaggi

Rossi

Hayden

Kato

Tamada

Ukawa

Harada

Looks like 7 so far.

 

[KPaulCook]

Re: How about some context?

Good work longride.

From the looks of things I agree with you, Honda looks like the clear favorite. If it becomes an all Honda race to the championship, I hope there will be no team orders ala Formula 1. I hope Yamaha can make it interesting.

thanks longride interesting stuff.

 

[rsheidler]

Re: different teams were testing

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Fastest Lap Times At Sepang, Tuesday, Malaysia Time:

1. John Hopkins, Suzuki GSV-R, 2:06.0

2. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki GSV-R, 2:06.5

3. Garry McCoy, Kawasaki ZX-RR, 2:06.6

4. Andrew Pitt, Kawasaki ZX-RR, 2:07.0

5. Akira Yanagawa, Kawasaki ZX-RR, 2:07.1

6. Alex Hofmann, Kawasaki ZX-RR, 2:09.1

7. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2:08.8

8. Gregorio Lavilla, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2:08.9

9. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2:09.3

10. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2:12.2

Note: The Suzuki MotoGP team is taking Wednesday off and will resume testing Thursday.

http://venus.13x.com/roadracingworld/index.html

 

[Buzglyd]

Re: different teams were testing

I have a funny John Hopkins story.

A couple of years ago my girlfriend and I went to Laguna seca for the races. We were driving a 25 ft motorhome with my motorcycle in a trailer behind it. It was my first time at the track and I had no idea how to find my campsite.

We saw a young boy in a golfcart wearing an official-looking track shirt. He was with a girl and he had credentials around his neck. I waved him over and asked him if he could help me find my campsite. He said, "I don't work here, I'm a racer."

Later on we saw him in the transporter area ( he was in Formula Extreme at that time) signing autographs. My girlfriend said, "hey there's the guy you asked for directions!"

We had a good laugh and still joke about it when we go to the track. Maybe I'll ask Ben Bostrom if he can help me empty my holding tank this year.