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Honda
Sept 1, 2020 18:47:13 GMT
Post by spentcase on Sept 1, 2020 18:47:13 GMT
This was mentioned in another WSBK thread, so instead of hijacking it, I thought I'd start a standalone topic of not just how the Honda is doing but where you see it going in terms of both machine performance and possible riders in the next season or so.
As I mentioned before I don't know how much Honda are putting into this, but it certainly seems to be the biggest push they've put into World supers for a very long time.
Also will the success of the blade in BSB maybe give them extra impetus to up the support for the global stage?
I don't think the blade will lack competitiveness from being a traditional firing inline four, I think it just needs development and tweaking within the strictures of the WSBK rules.
I do also reckon that Alvaro can win a race on it this year, in the dry.
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Honda
Sept 1, 2020 19:48:40 GMT
Post by mekon on Sept 1, 2020 19:48:40 GMT
I reckon it will come good at some point this year. The only thing I'm a bit surprised about is the fact it's not a rocketship and i was kind of expecting something faster than the Ducati. Maybe that's down to corner exit speeds at the moment. I remember Bautista could piss on people overtaking like none of the other Ducatis did.
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Post by beefus on Sept 2, 2020 4:37:57 GMT
The Honda had the highest top speed in Race 2, 323km/h....so it’s no slouch, maybe it’s peaky power delivery?..The road bike can do over 100mph in first gear!
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Honda
Sept 2, 2020 6:40:56 GMT
Post by spentcase on Sept 2, 2020 6:40:56 GMT
The Honda had the highest top speed in Race 2, 323km/h....so it’s no slouch, maybe it’s peaky power delivery?..The road bike can do over 100mph in first gear! I'm no bikeologist or anything, but everything I've seen on the road bike reckons all the power is way up top. |
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Post by pantah on Sept 2, 2020 6:41:17 GMT
I've been singing the praise for Honda's new Fireblade and they've impressed in BSB with two decent riders but no disrespect intended not top level racers. The WSB series is another level and as previously said the electronics package is crucial. Ducati have consistently been the leaders and Honda will find it tough to make the jump from top 5 to winning. Kawasaki have even more years development behind the ZX10R and although Rea is the benchmark, much though it pains me to say, he is the difference and none of his teammates have set the heather on fire. I do think Bautista will win a race this year but the Ducati is a relatively new bike and they will improve, so will Redding. I'd like to see them stick with Davies too as he can win if he can qualify and get off the line.
For Honda to progress quickly they probably need another rider like Bautista with GP experience and that extra 5% that Haslam doesn't have. Interesting times ahead.
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Honda
Sept 2, 2020 7:48:49 GMT
via mobile
Post by mekon on Sept 2, 2020 7:48:49 GMT
The Honda had the highest top speed in Race 2, 323km/h....so it’s no slouch, maybe it’s peaky power delivery?..The road bike can do over 100mph in first gear! Imagine if it could get out of the corners to use that properly. Rea complaints department gets reopened. |
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Honda
Sept 2, 2020 8:29:06 GMT
Post by philthewindsurfer on Sept 2, 2020 8:29:06 GMT
I was wondering if Honda would win a race this season. I dont think so, unless there is an incident involving other riders or some other out of the ordinary occurrence. R2 last weekend Bautista was closing in on Rea & Davies as they started battling and slowing each other down. But he couldn't catch them and slowed at the end. Next round is also at Aragon. I think he will be closer, but cant see him winning a scrap at the end on worn tyres. After that its Barcelona where they all tested earlier. Honda were nowhere, Haslam 12th & Bautista 14th. Maybe they didnt use Q tyres. Honda have probably done a lot to improve the bike since then. It might be fastest down the long straight and the fast last corner should give them a good run onto it. www.motorsport.com/wsbk/news/barcelona-testing-report-rea-redding/4828806/Magny Cours, no testing beforehand? Again there is a fast straight(ish) with a decent run onto it. Setting a new bike up without previous data will be the challenge. Estoril is tight and twisty, no testing beforehand? Everyone going to a brand new circuit will be interesting. |
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Honda
Sept 2, 2020 11:31:20 GMT
Post by spentcase on Sept 2, 2020 11:31:20 GMT
Forgive my ignorance here, fellas, but what's the script with the rules around WSBK electronics packages? Is it a free for all, or a control ECU, I have no clue?
Like Pantah said, it seems the electrics are utterly crucial and the bike itself (mechanically) is clearly a solid bit of kit.
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Honda
Sept 2, 2020 11:52:03 GMT
Post by pantah on Sept 2, 2020 11:52:03 GMT
Forgive my ignorance here, fellas, but what's the script with the rules around WSBK electronics packages? Is it a free for all, or a control ECU, I have no clue? Like Pantah said, it seems the electrics are utterly crucial and the bike itself (mechanically) is clearly a solid bit of kit. I've been on the google and found this :- Technical Regulations The Superbike Commission decided to allow all teams competing in the 2018 FIM Supersport World Championship to use the MKE7 ECU as from the Portimao race. As from the season 2019, the use of this MKE7 ECU will become unique (and Standard) and a rpm limitation common to all manufacturers will be applied. Doesn't sound like a control ecu just permission to use that one. I'm no expert but was under the impression teams could use their own gear. The pundits were talking about the Yamaha's lack of top end and said it was electronics taking over and limiting speed. Doh!! |
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Honda
Sept 2, 2020 11:52:20 GMT
Post by philthewindsurfer on Sept 2, 2020 11:52:20 GMT
www.fim-live.com/en/sport/regulations-and-documents/superbike/ 2.4.9 Electronic Control System
a) The engine control system (including ECU) must be either:
i) A DWO/FIM approved “Superbike Kit System” See Art. 2.4.9.1.
ii) Deletion considered for 2021: A DWO/FIM approved “Superstock
1000” kit model plus DWO/FIM approved data logger. See
Art. 2.4.9.2.
b) No other external ignition/injection controllers, traction control
modules or other active expansion modules or calculation units may be
fitted.
c) Central unit (ECU) may be relocated.
d) Telemetry (remote signals to or from the bike) is not allowed. there is more in that list 2.4.9.1 The DWO/FIM approved “Superbike Kit System” must meetthe following:a) The system must be a complete package including all electrical/electronic part not supplied on the homologated motorcycle requiredfor full operation of all strategies – excepting the wiring harness.b) Only the machine manufacturer or one approved partner can submit asingle system for approval.c) The total price of the complete system including ECU, dashboard/display, all additional sensors essential for full operation of allstrategies, IMU, software, enable codes, datalogging, analysis software,ECU “tuning” or “setting” software, datalogger, download/connectioncable, example harness design, manual for use, (not a complete list), is€8000 Euro (excluding taxes). Data Logging only sensors are excludedfrom the price cap.d) There must be at least 50 Superbike Kit Systems (currently approvedsystem) available worldwide per season, if ordered, through authoriseddistributors or dealers. The Superbike Kit System must be marked andconsidered as for race use only.I reckon its costs a great deal more than €8000 and they sell kits at loss.
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Honda
Sept 2, 2020 15:05:44 GMT
Post by philthewindsurfer on Sept 2, 2020 15:05:44 GMT
40+ bikes in British SuperStock 1000, just 2 Hondas and they are lying 1st and 10th in the championship.
I was a bit lukewarm about the bike when it was announced but they are doing ok racing.
For some reason they dont show it on Eurosport very often and Dorna dumped the series in WSB. Daft.
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Honda
Sept 5, 2020 9:04:38 GMT
Post by philthewindsurfer on Sept 5, 2020 9:04:38 GMT
Estoril is tight and twisty, no testing beforehand? Everyone going to a brand new circuit will be interesting. Jules Ryder just said he thinks Honda will win a race at Estoril. |
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Honda
Sept 5, 2020 10:10:54 GMT
via mobile
Post by spentcase on Sept 5, 2020 10:10:54 GMT
Estoril is tight and twisty, no testing beforehand? Everyone going to a brand new circuit will be interesting. Jules Ryder just said he thinks Honda will win a race at Estoril. Stranger things have happened mate. Alvaro certainly knows the place |
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Honda
Sept 6, 2020 13:35:31 GMT
via mobile
Post by Diego the toe clipper on Sept 6, 2020 13:35:31 GMT
The HRC bods who arrived at Aragon are staying with the team until Estoril, and seeing how much they have improved in two weeks makes me think that at least more podiums are on the way.
I'm impressed by Bautista too. He might have gone for the paycheck but he's putting in the graft.
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Honda
Sept 6, 2020 13:37:33 GMT
Post by mekon on Sept 6, 2020 13:37:33 GMT
Maybe a win or bin merchant is what you want to see how you are really doing?
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