PI Race

Normally if a rider takes 15 seconds from the next guy it would be seen as a bit boring but after 4 years of Rea winning i was over the fucking moon. When it’s a rookie (ok a decent ex world champion) and a brand new bike that is seriously impressive. This season is shaping up to be the best in years with Leon on it, the Yams looking good, Honda supporting again and Toprak looks a prospect too.
Quite like the new sprint race too.

Kawasaki and Honda have RR and SP2 versions of their bikes respectively, but they are nowhere near the same level/state of tune as the V4R; maybe it's a combination of the Desmo system, engine configuration and excellent electronics, as well as rider, bike set-up and team?

Nice of Rea to mention Tom Sykes!

One of the reasons why it is so expensive is that the road going version is 1105cc and the race bike is a 10000cc homologation special so it fits in with the rules. The Kawasaki is a homologation special so it has an advantage over manufacturers who dont have specials for racing.

Expect some rev limit changes after the 3rd event, but maybe not if the other Ducati riders dont get into the top 5 or so.

2.4.3.1 Balancing various motorcycle concepts
a) In order to equalise the performance of different brands of machine
rev limits will be individually applied to each brand.
b) Each season will begin with the same rev limits as the previous season
finished.
c) The rev limit will be adjusted according to 2.4.3.2.
d) Updated machines with the same basic engine design will continue
with the manufacturers previous rev limit. Any new machines entering
with a redesigned engine will have their rev limit set by calculation.
e) The initial rev limit will be the dynamometer measured rev limit of
3rd & 4th gear averaged, plus 3% or 1100 rpm above the dyno measured
max horsepower rpm of a production machine, whichever is lower.
f) The limiter in all gears will be analysed to check for anomalies.
g) The dyno test will take place during the homologation inspection.
(See Part 4.0 Homologation, 1.4.b)
h) The Superbike Commission can at any time modify the handicap system
to ensure fair competition.
2.4.3.2 Balancing Calculation
1. The FIM/DWO algorithm will be used to balance the performance of
the machines relative to one another.
2. The algorithm may include but not be limited to the following signals:
a) Lap time relative to all other competitors
b) Speed traps
c) Number of riders per brand
d) Anticipated individual rider performance
i) Per track
ii) Considering preceding rounds
e) Race results
f) Laps led
g) Overall race time
h) Change in balance following any rpm limiter changes
i) Bias towards recent results reflecting current performance
j) Any concession part updates being applied
3. The rev limit may be updated (according to 2.4.3.2) at the end of every
3rd event provided at least 3 events remain in the season.
4. The rev limit may also be updated at the end of the season.
5. FIM/DWO reserves the right to update the rpm balance at their
discretion in the case of an imbalance.
6. “Wet” races (as declared by the Race Director) are not taken in account
for the calculation.

Winning has obviously become an entitlement for Rea. He's the one with the gun holding the championship up for last 4 years.

All the spastics on crash.net were saying dumb shit like the ducati wasn't in the spirit of the rules. GET THE FUCK OUT OF THE HERE WITH THAT SHIT!
RC30,R45,SP1/2, the just got lazy and relied on Ten Kate to polish later turds. (though bsb efforts had some unobtanium as well)
Everything Kawsaki did the RRRRRRRRRRRR at the end
Yahama 750 hot versions
Ducati always had a version with an extra R or two on the end.
Aprilia had a V-twin and then a V4 for one purpose
Even Bimota gave it crack with the tramp attacker on board.

Every motorsport entry that's ever won anything is probably a homologation special or rule bender. Look at BTCC when Alfa sold a spoiler kit with the car and put it in the boot as it wasn't road legal to fit.

At PI they had a test before the race meeting. Next race, free practice consists of 2 * 45 minutes sessions and 1 of 20 minutes, then its into qualifying.

To be fair to Davies, he is carrying an injury which isn't allowing him to move properly on the V4R and, according to Dall'Igna, his is preventing him from finding the front end feel that he needs.

As for Laverty, he has been riding a pup for the past two seasons which didn't have any developmental input from the Aprilia factory (one suspects that their efforts are solely focused on MotoGP); hence the reason why SMR swapped to BMW. The V4R he is riding this season is supported by Ducati, but the team is running Bultaco suspension so I can only guess how different the set up will be in comparison to the factory team. Plus, the Go Eleven deal came together very late in the pre-season.

When Davies has recovered and is up to speed, then we'll see whether it's the bike or the rider that's making the difference i.e. Bautista. I'm not saying that you're wrong Droog or that I disagree with you, I'm just arguing the case against.