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*Liam's Wild Ride*

RaoulDuke said:
or go up a class and ride for Kawasaki who's motors are having a hard time living on the dyno, and maybe be racing for 10th-12 place.
I disagree.....Nakano had at least 2-3 podiums this year, with a high of 2nd. His team-mate did a 2nd as well....

another KAW hater....:shhh
 
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EastBayDave said:
I disagree.....Nakano had at least 2-3 podiums this year, with a high of 2nd. His team-mate did a 2nd as well....

another KAW hater....:shhh

I disagree as well. Please reference the race where Randy De Puniet achieved a second place on the rostrum, and also Shinya's three podiums this sesaon. Also, the fact is that by not publically showing their 800 yet, Kawasaki is admittedly behind the curve as far as development for next season. Plus, I happen to know where they're at with it, and Hiro's move was a smart one <not hating on Kawasaki at all>.

<conspiracy theory on>Wouldn't it be interesting to see an Ilmor engine powered Kawasaki next season?<conspiracy theory off>
 
MotoLiam said:
<conspiracy theory on>Wouldn't it be interesting to see an Ilmor engine powered Kawasaki next season?<conspiracy theory off>

Not so far fetched, as you know Liam. Ilmor is an engine builder first, and I believe they are doing this project to have engines available for other teams (AKA-Hondas in KR bikes).
It will be an interesting year for sure.


Lonster
 
EastBayDave said:
I disagree.....Nakano had at least 2-3 podiums this year, with a high of 2nd. His team-mate did a 2nd as well....

another KAW hater....:shhh
Not hating on the Kwak, just a bit of deductive reasoning. Everyone else has been testing and Kwak has not, that puts them behind the curve as Liam said. Given the speed at which things develop in MotoGP, all signs point to Team Green strug a ling in 07.

My early money is on Capirex taking the title for 07.
 
ciao a tutti -

walking around tokyo, with expert advise on where to hang out from liam, i am amazed at the different bikes available here, and what is popular. very cool indeed.

seems that blinged out large scooters (like 400cc) are very cool here. slammed suspension, fin bodywork, very loud slip ons (they sound like twins, so give off a very cool low rumble), and LOTS of neon underlighting.

also, there seems to be a lot of bobbed old school chopper style small singles here. i think they are a yamaha 250cc bike. they get stretched swingarms and every old school bobber trick you can imagine.

saw this really cool one in shinjuku railway station.

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The heart of the beast.

I'm spending this week with Ducati Corse, deep within the Ducati Factory. I'm here taking care of some 2006 season business, and also learning about my 2007 roll. I'm sad to see the 990's go, as these were great big fire-breathing monsters!

But don't worry. I think Ducati will make a one liter, four cylinder streetbike one day.



Doh - They already did! Say hello to their first mega-motor, the Apollo.

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Liam, this thread has been great so far. I'm anxious to hear what your role is for 2007. From all the "subtle" hinting at it from you, it's sure to be good!!
 
well, since liam is being tight about it, i will spill the beans ... liam is taking over livio suppo's position as motogp project manager (cappo de tutti of racing).

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Meeting with Pierre Terblanche: Ducati Unitard

What the heck am I doing next year? Had a short get together with Pierre, and we discussed possible options for the Hypermotard - something that I am very interested in. Owing to that, read this and let me know what you think:

November 08, 2006

A Legend in the Making.

Ducati Unitard to debut at Intermot Show, Milan.



Ducati Corse will unveil its radical and ground-breaking concept bike in less than two weeks, the Ducati Unitard, at the Intermot Bike Show, in Milan, Italy. More than just a concept, the Unitard represents a quantum leap forward in motorcycle design, and is destined to become the first of a new family of Ducati Sportcycles. The Ducati Unitard combines revolutionary engineering with progressive styling to take motorcycling to the next level in performance and style, while still being affordable to the consumer.

Owing to its rich and innovative racing solutions, the Ducati Unitard is designed to maximize the potential of the testastretta four valve, L-twin engine by housing the motor in a chassis that features just one wheel. The engineers at the Borgo Pamigale factory have elected to capitalize upon their successful partnerships with MotoGP tire supplier, Bridgestone, and electronics supplier, Magnetti Marelli, and utilizing the information gained through race research, have birthed a new breed of motorcycle with a simple and elegant design which allows for unprecedented advances in motorcycle handling and performance. With the lightest weight of any production Ducati, a Dual Spark 1000 engine, and the fantastic vision of the Ducati Corse engineering team, the Unitard promises to deliver an unparalleled riding experience that can only be found on a Ducati.

The Ducati Unitard retains several design elements of previous Ducati racebikes, such as the trademark trellis frame, and booming, high-torque, L-Twin engine, but all similarities end there, as the Unitard boldly forges ahead into previously undiscovered territory, and into legend. Eschewing the traditional inverted front fork and wheel assembly, the Unitard effectively rolls on a single Ohlins rear shock and wide wheel, reducing the total vehicle weight, the complexity of the frame, and the cost to deliver this stunning machine to the public. Handling is precise and immediate, as turning the motorcycle requires little more than a gentle twist of the frame mounted control sticks. Secondary benefits of the single wheel design include less rolling resistance of the wheel, reduced maintenance costs, reduced production costs, and an exclusivity that no other marque aside from Ducati can hope to aspire to.

Previously unimaginable, the Unitard was created to showcase new technologies developed in conjunction with electronics supplier, Magnetti Marelli, and this marvel of a machine proves that it is more than capable. With a unique and proprietary traction control system, Unitard riders will never have to fear flipping over backwards, or spinning out of control mid-corner. A unique slipper clutch and internal gyroscopic retradyne create a stopping force incomparable with anything on the market today. Making the most of the sophisticated traction control electronics, the Unitard will feature a specially designed 600mm Bridgestone tire, capable of sustained high speeds and unmatched cornering ability. Similarly, low speed work will be nothing more than a second thought, with U-turns being accomplished in as small a space as three feet!

With production times cut roughly in half, Ducati will begin producing the Unitard immediately, and hopes to have debut models in dealer showrooms by winter's end - just in time for spring. Pricing is yet to be determined, but expect Limited Edition UnitardS and UnitardRR race models, and also an enclosed, saddlebag equipped touring version, the Tournitard.

2814032-ml1753.jpg
 
I can ride a unicycle, but I never thought Ducati would build one. I say, "Unitard? Retard!" 600mm rear? Good God! What's the kickstand look like? It'd be cool, but I don't believe it.
 
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Re: Meeting with Pierre Terblanche: Ducati Unitard

hey, i've met and talked to that guy before... i don't remember his name thought, just his face. his english isn't thre greatest.

also, i've taken pics of someone riding one of those bikes at the track...he dropped it in the "lava pits" at RFR. sweet bike.



MotoLiam said:
 
Monkey Pants said:
That's Pierre Terblanche, the Director of Motorcycle Design at Ducati.

oh damn! serious? haha! he was in laguna taking pics of loris and sete in t9 when i met him initially. i bumped into him in the hotpits later.
 
Re: Meeting with Pierre Terblanche: Ducati Unitard

MotoLiam said:
Ducati Unitard to debut at Intermot Show, Milan.

2814032-ml1753.jpg
Only a bitard would buy a unitard. :teeth

Liam, did Pierre not read the sign?

-jim
 
Re: Meeting with Pierre Terblanche: Ducati Unitard

MotoLiam said:
Previously unimaginable, the Unitard was created to showcase new technologies developed in conjunction with electronics supplier, Magnetti Marelli, and this marvel of a machine proves that it is more than capable.
Will it come in blue?
8999.jpg
 
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