2022 MotoGP Predictions
Discussion
Maybe it’s just an age thing (I’m 49) but GP racing doesn’t captivate me like in previous years. I was fortunate enough to live through the Rainey, Schwantz, Gardner, Lawson, Mackenzie era, where you were literally counting down the hours to the first race of the season.
I think that Rossi has held people’s interest for years following the unfortunate IMHO movement from 2 Stroke to 4 Stroke.
I think that Rossi has held people’s interest for years following the unfortunate IMHO movement from 2 Stroke to 4 Stroke.
Rob 131 Sport said:
Maybe it’s just an age thing (I’m 49) but GP racing doesn’t captivate me like in previous years. I was fortunate enough to live through the Rainey, Schwantz, Gardner, Lawson, Mackenzie era, where you were literally counting down the hours to the first race of the season.
I think that Rossi has held people’s interest for years following the unfortunate IMHO movement from 2 Stroke to 4 Stroke.
At 54 I also loved thad period, there were some great personalities in the paddock, and the racing was fantastic, but I'm definitely feeling the excitement for this season, so many unknowns, so many potential winners, could be the best season for a long time (hope it doesn't disappoint), I'm counting down the hours.I think that Rossi has held people’s interest for years following the unfortunate IMHO movement from 2 Stroke to 4 Stroke.
It’s got the potential to be a cracking season. Looking forward to seeing Acosta show us what he can do on a Moto 2 bike .As for MGP ,on paper it’s anyone’s season for the top teams , the same as at the start of any season. Too close to call who will reign supreme but I’ll be rooting for Paco. Comes across as a very level headed and modest lad who also happens to be fast as f
k
k Rob 131, I too yearn for the return of the 500's they sounded better, looked better and were ridden by Gods!
I cannot relate to Marquez and Fabio etc as much as Rainey, Schwantz, LAwson et al.
I know the bikes are just as hard to ride now, but I am sorry I don't they will ever be as tough to ride as a 1989 500 with 160hp a 1500rpm powerband, crap tyres and tracks that were bumpy, ill prepared and no run off.
Those men were riding on a different level to the modern riders as they had no safety net, electronics, tech and tracks, tyres and bikes that bit them far harder, yet they still went over the limit routinely, hence their status in my mind as the best group that ever mode motorcycles fast. But then people will say Stanley Woods, Geioff Duke, Hailwood, Surtess were riding bikes on basically pushbike tyres on gravelly roads etc etc, so every era has it's Gods.
I was lucky enough to see them at Donington in the early 90's and they were like rock stars to me, then you meet Doohan and he is a dwarf!! Never meet your heroes lol! But they all were
I cannot relate to Marquez and Fabio etc as much as Rainey, Schwantz, LAwson et al.
I know the bikes are just as hard to ride now, but I am sorry I don't they will ever be as tough to ride as a 1989 500 with 160hp a 1500rpm powerband, crap tyres and tracks that were bumpy, ill prepared and no run off.
Those men were riding on a different level to the modern riders as they had no safety net, electronics, tech and tracks, tyres and bikes that bit them far harder, yet they still went over the limit routinely, hence their status in my mind as the best group that ever mode motorcycles fast. But then people will say Stanley Woods, Geioff Duke, Hailwood, Surtess were riding bikes on basically pushbike tyres on gravelly roads etc etc, so every era has it's Gods.
I was lucky enough to see them at Donington in the early 90's and they were like rock stars to me, then you meet Doohan and he is a dwarf!! Never meet your heroes lol! But they all were
I dont think it is tighter, the bikes are closer, that is all, the rules are much closer as the bikes are all very very similar.
In the past a Yam, Suzuki, Honda and Cagiva were all very different, and all suited certain bits of track, but the rider made ALL the difference, I think now the bike makes far more of a difference than back then. A rider or of freak talent like Marquez can still make a difference but it doesn't happen often, back then Doohan, Schwantz, Lawson and Raoney were all freaks!!
In the past a Yam, Suzuki, Honda and Cagiva were all very different, and all suited certain bits of track, but the rider made ALL the difference, I think now the bike makes far more of a difference than back then. A rider or of freak talent like Marquez can still make a difference but it doesn't happen often, back then Doohan, Schwantz, Lawson and Raoney were all freaks!!
Fully understood.
The two strokes were a different world of prototype exotica far removed from showroom bikes of their day.
These days I’m grateful for the vastly improved coverage, more relevant trickle down to road bikes and a field with a greater number of contenders, more rounds, among other things.
Do riders get less seriously / frequently injured these days and have a better chance of contesting through the season? Not sure.
I think we’re all winners 👍
The two strokes were a different world of prototype exotica far removed from showroom bikes of their day.
These days I’m grateful for the vastly improved coverage, more relevant trickle down to road bikes and a field with a greater number of contenders, more rounds, among other things.
Do riders get less seriously / frequently injured these days and have a better chance of contesting through the season? Not sure.
I think we’re all winners 👍
LukeBrown66 said:
Rob 131, I too yearn for the return of the 500's they sounded better, looked better and were ridden by Gods!
I cannot relate to Marquez and Fabio etc as much as Rainey, Schwantz, LAwson et al.
I know the bikes are just as hard to ride now, but I am sorry I don't they will ever be as tough to ride as a 1989 500 with 160hp a 1500rpm powerband, crap tyres and tracks that were bumpy, ill prepared and no run off.
Those men were riding on a different level to the modern riders as they had no safety net, electronics, tech and tracks, tyres and bikes that bit them far harder, yet they still went over the limit routinely, hence their status in my mind as the best group that ever mode motorcycles fast. But then people will say Stanley Woods, Geioff Duke, Hailwood, Surtess were riding bikes on basically pushbike tyres on gravelly roads etc etc, so every era has it's Gods.
I was lucky enough to see them at Donington in the early 90's and they were like rock stars to me, then you meet Doohan and he is a dwarf!! Never meet your heroes lol! But they all were
I cannot relate to Marquez and Fabio etc as much as Rainey, Schwantz, LAwson et al.
I know the bikes are just as hard to ride now, but I am sorry I don't they will ever be as tough to ride as a 1989 500 with 160hp a 1500rpm powerband, crap tyres and tracks that were bumpy, ill prepared and no run off.
Those men were riding on a different level to the modern riders as they had no safety net, electronics, tech and tracks, tyres and bikes that bit them far harder, yet they still went over the limit routinely, hence their status in my mind as the best group that ever mode motorcycles fast. But then people will say Stanley Woods, Geioff Duke, Hailwood, Surtess were riding bikes on basically pushbike tyres on gravelly roads etc etc, so every era has it's Gods.
I was lucky enough to see them at Donington in the early 90's and they were like rock stars to me, then you meet Doohan and he is a dwarf!! Never meet your heroes lol! But they all were
I remember going to the GP at Donington in 88, 89 and 90 as a teenager to watch those complete racing genius’ do the most amazing things on 2 wheels. On those days it was always fantastic sunshine.
I would enter the circuit at Redgate and watching during morning warm up the 500’s rear wheel steer down Craner Curves was some spectacle. In all the subsequent years of watching racing around the world I’ve yet to experience anything like it. The next best spectacle I’ve experienced is the IOM TT, which is a very close second.
I do go to the MOTO GP at Silverstone and sit in a Grandstand seat. Yes it’s a good day out, but unfortunately not quite the same as the 500’s IMHO.
Rob 131 Sport said:
LukeBrown66 said:
Rob 131, I too yearn for the return of the 500's they sounded better, looked better and were ridden by Gods!
I cannot relate to Marquez and Fabio etc as much as Rainey, Schwantz, LAwson et al.
I know the bikes are just as hard to ride now, but I am sorry I don't they will ever be as tough to ride as a 1989 500 with 160hp a 1500rpm powerband, crap tyres and tracks that were bumpy, ill prepared and no run off.
Those men were riding on a different level to the modern riders as they had no safety net, electronics, tech and tracks, tyres and bikes that bit them far harder, yet they still went over the limit routinely, hence their status in my mind as the best group that ever mode motorcycles fast. But then people will say Stanley Woods, Geioff Duke, Hailwood, Surtess were riding bikes on basically pushbike tyres on gravelly roads etc etc, so every era has it's Gods.
I was lucky enough to see them at Donington in the early 90's and they were like rock stars to me, then you meet Doohan and he is a dwarf!! Never meet your heroes lol! But they all were
I cannot relate to Marquez and Fabio etc as much as Rainey, Schwantz, LAwson et al.
I know the bikes are just as hard to ride now, but I am sorry I don't they will ever be as tough to ride as a 1989 500 with 160hp a 1500rpm powerband, crap tyres and tracks that were bumpy, ill prepared and no run off.
Those men were riding on a different level to the modern riders as they had no safety net, electronics, tech and tracks, tyres and bikes that bit them far harder, yet they still went over the limit routinely, hence their status in my mind as the best group that ever mode motorcycles fast. But then people will say Stanley Woods, Geioff Duke, Hailwood, Surtess were riding bikes on basically pushbike tyres on gravelly roads etc etc, so every era has it's Gods.
I was lucky enough to see them at Donington in the early 90's and they were like rock stars to me, then you meet Doohan and he is a dwarf!! Never meet your heroes lol! But they all were
I remember going to the GP at Donington in 88, 89 and 90 as a teenager to watch those complete racing genius’ do the most amazing things on 2 wheels. On those days it was always fantastic sunshine.
I would enter the circuit at Redgate and watching during morning warm up the 500’s rear wheel steer down Craner Curves was some spectacle. In all the subsequent years of watching racing around the world I’ve yet to experience anything like it. The next best spectacle I’ve experienced is the IOM TT, which is a very close second.
I do go to the MOTO GP at Silverstone and sit in a Grandstand seat. Yes it’s a good day out, but unfortunately not quite the same as the 500’s IMHO.
But one memory etched in my mind is entering Coppice one morning for practice, and Randy Mamola smoking both tyres of the Cagiva one handed while waving to the crowd, as he exited he let the rear hook up and wheelied all the way under the dunlop bridge still waving, loved watching Randy.
Definitely those guys had a different skillset, but just seems this year has all ingredients for a brilliant season, unfortunately it's the first time I cannot make it to Qatar (apart from last years Covid race) but certainly looking forward to getting down to Jerez.
Controversial here but I look forward to modern GP far more than I used to.
I think we’re all guilty of looking back with rose coloured glasses. Take a look an any Moto GP from the past https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_British_motorcy... as an example.
Almost half the field that finished were lapped and a third of the bikes that started retired.
Yes times have changed. You can no longer buy a 500 2 stroke and rock up and enter a GP (it wasn’t exactly that simple but not far from it). The factories have learned how to make a bike work on a race track and because they all know the principles the bikes are pretty similarly performing.
Rules and regulations have changed to make the racing closer, ECU, tyres are all far more controlled because the governing bodies know that apart from controlling costs closer racing attracts more viewers.
Your hard core bike racing fan would always watch but the need is to get new fans and that can only be done by getting the racing closer.
I think we’re all guilty of looking back with rose coloured glasses. Take a look an any Moto GP from the past https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_British_motorcy... as an example.
Almost half the field that finished were lapped and a third of the bikes that started retired.
Yes times have changed. You can no longer buy a 500 2 stroke and rock up and enter a GP (it wasn’t exactly that simple but not far from it). The factories have learned how to make a bike work on a race track and because they all know the principles the bikes are pretty similarly performing.
Rules and regulations have changed to make the racing closer, ECU, tyres are all far more controlled because the governing bodies know that apart from controlling costs closer racing attracts more viewers.
Your hard core bike racing fan would always watch but the need is to get new fans and that can only be done by getting the racing closer.
At 68, I've seen a lot come and go, some did great things, some promised but failed.
Looking forward to 2022 but have to agree there is a bit of shortage of "personalities".
Think it'll be very close in MotoGP this year, we'll know better after Indonesia as Qatar tends to be a bit of a one off.
John McPhee to finally succeed in Moto3 - please!
Looking forward to 2022 but have to agree there is a bit of shortage of "personalities".
Think it'll be very close in MotoGP this year, we'll know better after Indonesia as Qatar tends to be a bit of a one off.
John McPhee to finally succeed in Moto3 - please!
I would go for quatterario again. Would like to see marquez come back and I dont even like him. But his setbacks soften your views.
I have an old vhs of schwanz flicking the bh or whatever. All looks a bit tame now and that was when I looked at it about 10 years ago.
The viewing figures dont lie and its miles better now and there's no tiresome sour faced us/aussie acting like its a chore being there.
What a load of wkers they were.
I have an old vhs of schwanz flicking the b
h or whatever. All looks a bit tame now and that was when I looked at it about 10 years ago. The viewing figures dont lie and its miles better now and there's no tiresome sour faced us/aussie acting like its a chore being there.
What a load of w
kers they were.I loved watching the strokers, especially the Schwantz Rainey battles, but let's not pretend it was a golden era for racing: most of the time there were as few as half a dozen bikes capable of getting a podium, and if you weren't on the factory Honda, Suzuki or Yamaha, your bike was st and so were your tyres! Nowadays we have a grid full of bikes capable of getting a podium, every one of them, but the riders at the top at the end of the season (luck permitting) will be Marquez, Quartararo, Mir, Bagnaia and Martin, because they're the best riders in the best teams with the best current form.
t and so were your tyres! Nowadays we have a grid full of bikes capable of getting a podium, every one of them, but the riders at the top at the end of the season (luck permitting) will be Marquez, Quartararo, Mir, Bagnaia and Martin, because they're the best riders in the best teams with the best current form.I had no issue the the grids being less than full when you had the quality of Lawson, Gardner, Kocinski, Rainey, Schwantz, Spencer, Barros, Mamola and a few Brits to cheer on like Niall, Haslam or Rob Mac.
It was quality not quantity, and the riders worked harder in my opinion, with no safety net whatsoever on crap tyres, tricky bikes with no safety run off.
Watch them going through Eau Rouge in the rain, Chili crashing at Blanchimont in 90, and that makes you realise these men were true legends!! Never touching kerbs or using grasscrete. 7
Modern riders work hard yes, but they have it far easier.
It was quality not quantity, and the riders worked harder in my opinion, with no safety net whatsoever on crap tyres, tricky bikes with no safety run off.
Watch them going through Eau Rouge in the rain, Chili crashing at Blanchimont in 90, and that makes you realise these men were true legends!! Never touching kerbs or using grasscrete. 7
Modern riders work hard yes, but they have it far easier.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff