Thursday, December 27, 2007
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Ducati Unveils 848 Superbike
The new Ducati 848 is on paper, one of the most exciting bikes to me for 2008. I can't wait to see it in person.
The new 848 enjoys all the performance advancements of the entire Superbike family, while adding its own innovations to redefine the middleweight sport bike class.
The words ‘agile’ and ‘refined’ aptly describe the 848. At 168kg (369lbs) the 848 is an amazing 20kg (44lbs) lighter than its predecessor, and a significant 5kg (11lbs) lighter than its larger capacity brother, the 1098.
The highly advanced 848 engine uses an improved method of engine case production in which cases are vacuum die-cast formed. While providing significant weight savings of more than 3kg (6.5lbs), this method also ensures consistent wall thickness and increased strength. Further refinements include a sophisticated wet clutch that offers 1kg (2.2lbs) less weight, a much higher service life, improved clutch feel and quiet operation.
With the first twist of the wrist, the powerful rush of the Testastretta Evoluzione engine confirms that the rules have changed. The 848’s 134hp is not only 30% more powerful than its predecessor, but it provides a power-to-weight ratio even better than the potent 999.
The new engine
The new 848 Testastretta Evoluzione engine becomes the benchmark for the middleweight sportsbike category, benefitting from all the experience accumulated with the larger engine on the 1098. It successfully adopts the same design guidelines and the same compact cylinder and cylinder head layout, but introduces for the first time ever an innovative solution for the crankcase, which has been designed with a further weight reduction for this advanced engine in mind. The overall layout of this engine integrates a series of avant-guard solutions, confirming the close links with the experience of Ducati’s racing department.
The 849cc engine has bore and stroke values of 94mm and 61.2mm respectively, which produce a ratio that is only slightly inferior to the 1098 (1.54 compared with 1.61), while maintaining the highly ‘over-square’ layout typical of racing engines.
Power output is an impressive 134hp (98.5kW) at 10,000 rpm and maximum torque is 9.8kgm (96Nm) at 8250 rpm. The power and torque values confirm the high performance level of this engine, especially when compared to its predecessor, the Testastretta-engined 749.
The cylinder head has been modified in line with the characteristic bore and stroke of the engine in order to optimize the fluid dynamics of the intake (straight and plunging) and exhaust ducts and combustion chamber. The compression ratio is 12:1.
The valve angle is the same as the 1098 engine and diameter is 39.5mm for the inlet valve and 32mm for the exhaust. The technology used sees the application of a bi-metallic alloy that combines increased lightness with resistance and reliability required for these particular components. The desmodromic control system has also been designed with the weight and the inertia of the new components in mind, allowing extremely efficient valve lift during intake and exhaust phases. The excellent results achieved are confirmed by the engine’s power figures, producing outstanding performance thanks also to the use of MotoGP-derived elliptical throttle bodies, which have been fitted to the 1098 engine.
The design of a dedicated elliptical throttle body for the 848 demonstrates the attention that Borgo Panigale engineers have devoted to the development of the Superbike range. The cross-section is reduced from the 60 sq. mm of the 1098 to 56 sq. mm so as to optimize fluid dynamics at every engine speed.
Just like on the 1098, the new cylinder heads benefit from fewer components and include magnesium covers.
For the first time ever, this Testastretta Evoluzione engine sees the introduction of a special technology for the construction of the engine crankcase: Vacural casting. This is a forced vacuum die casting method that allows jet characteristics to be improved thanks to the absence of porosity, gas inclusion and oxidation. This allows extremely high measurement precision and greater ductility for aluminium alloy. Designers have been able to harness the benefits of this innovative process by redefining the shape and the wall thickness of the new crankcase by means of FEA (Finite Element Analysis) checks, which allowed the required reliability standards to be achieved, while simultaneously obtaining a significant weight saving of 3.5kg.
The 848 engine is fitted with a silent modular wet clutch, characterized by an exceptional resistance to wear that will lead to superior duration. This solution makes a useful contribution to weight saving, estimated to be around 1.6kg, which is also due to the use of a different type of clutch cover.
The high power figures achieved by this engine also come from the use of the same type of oil cooler and coolant radiator as the 1098’s engine, with an increased surface area assisted by lightweight, high flow electric fan assemblies.
Finally, the 848’s exhaust system follows the same layout and uses the same innovative technology as the 1098. The system terminates with Ducati’s trademark twin under-seat silencers, delivering the unmistakable signature sound of the big bore 90° L-Twin.
This power unit, just like all the other Ducati engines, has been designed to comply with Euro 3 exhaust emission norms.
Chassis
Trellis frame
Developed in cooperation with Ducati Corse, the 848 Trellis frame has a simplified tube layout featuring main section tubes increased in diameter from 28mm to 34mm, while being reduced in thickness from 2mm to 1.5mm. The result is a 14% increase in rigidity and a weight saving of 1.5kg (3.3lbs).
Single-sided swingarm
The 848, as all the Superbike family, is equipped with a unique single-sided swingarm. The engineers were encouraged to re-think the construction technique of this element. The solution was to produce the main operational components using individual aluminium castings so as to ensure strength around the pivot points, wheel hub and suspension links, with fabricated aluminium sections used to complete the construction into a single, beautifully engineered component.
Rear suspension
Highlighting the way in which individual components are influenced by each other, the new lightweight Trellis frame and single-sided swingarm have enabled a more compact and further weight-saving rear suspension linkage system to be used featuring separate lower pick-up points for the push-rod and suspension unit. This ‘tandem’ design effectively reduces stress around the linkage pick-up area of the Trellis frame. Working together with this highly efficient linkage is a fully adjustable Showa single shock for the 848, the same as the 1098.
Front suspension
At the front the new 848 is equipped with fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks with radial mounts. This type of front suspension is professionally track-tuned and offers superior road holding, delivers superior feedback, and helps every rider to be more confident and in control.
Control
Brembo Monobloc calipers
The 848 brake system is characterized by M4 calipers using four 32mm pistons and two radial mounted pads. Matched to the calipers are two 320mm discs and the combination of these elements achieves spectacular braking power.
Super lightweight wheels
The new 848 also benefits from lightweight Marchesini Y-shaped spoke wheels. The weight saving of 250gr achieved on the front wheel substantially reduces the moment of inertia and enhances the 848’s change of direction and braking performance. The rear wheel is just as impressive with a complete redesign for its single-sided swingarm application that has resulted in a reduction of over 1kg compared with traditional Ducati single-sided swingarm fitments. Finally a 5.50” wheel fitted with a 180/55 tyre guarantees the maximum agility at the rear.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Yamaha Website Reveals Tokyo Motor Show Concept Bikes
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?lnk=rss&article=30680
Nov 02, 2007
From a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A.:
Cypress California – In conjunction with the 40th annual Tokyo Motor Show, Yamaha Motor Corporation Japan has launched a unique website dedicated to the special bikes that made this years event so memorable.
With nineteen concept motorcycles to choose from, the list of bikes range from one-off prototypes that stretch the imagination to the race winning YZR-M1 piloted by Valentino Rossi during this years MotoGP season.
Within the website you’ll find a little bit of everything from designs that are far off into the future and ones that hearken back to an earlier era.
To see it all visit the site at http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/motorshow2007/index.html
Nov 02, 2007
From a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A.:
Cypress California – In conjunction with the 40th annual Tokyo Motor Show, Yamaha Motor Corporation Japan has launched a unique website dedicated to the special bikes that made this years event so memorable.
With nineteen concept motorcycles to choose from, the list of bikes range from one-off prototypes that stretch the imagination to the race winning YZR-M1 piloted by Valentino Rossi during this years MotoGP season.
Within the website you’ll find a little bit of everything from designs that are far off into the future and ones that hearken back to an earlier era.
To see it all visit the site at http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/motorshow2007/index.html
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Central Coast MLS Statistics -Residential -October 2007
http://www.slocountyhomes.com/2007/11/central-coast-mls-statistics.html
Central Coast MLS Statistics -Residential -October 2007
(Last months data is also included - October (September))
New Listings - 645 (608)
Back on Market - 314 (273)
Price Changes - 1248 (1138)
Contingent - 28 (25)
Pendings - 368 (340)
Solds - 274 (295)
Expireds - 596 (426)
Inactives/Withdrawns - 349 (333)
October
was almost a carbon copy of September's activity. Pendings didn't
really pick up so expect to read about the low number of November Sales
when the newspapers report it in December. We did see an increase in
Expired listings. I'm going to be updating the inventory shortly so
we'll see if the expired listings helped lower the inventory levels.
Price changes also increased which is not typical for an October but
understandable in the current market.
Central Coast MLS Statistics -Residential -October 2007
(Last months data is also included - October (September))
New Listings - 645 (608)
Back on Market - 314 (273)
Price Changes - 1248 (1138)
Contingent - 28 (25)
Pendings - 368 (340)
Solds - 274 (295)
Expireds - 596 (426)
Inactives/Withdrawns - 349 (333)
October
was almost a carbon copy of September's activity. Pendings didn't
really pick up so expect to read about the low number of November Sales
when the newspapers report it in December. We did see an increase in
Expired listings. I'm going to be updating the inventory shortly so
we'll see if the expired listings helped lower the inventory levels.
Price changes also increased which is not typical for an October but
understandable in the current market.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Zaca Fire Finally Under Control
Firefighters announce control of 4-month-old Zaca wildfire
By Associated Press
Firefighters finally controlled the 4-month-old Zaca wildfire, which started on the Fourth of July and blackened 240,207 acres on a march through Santa Barbara County backcountry.
Los Padres National Forest chief Anthony Escobar declared the blaze controlled last night. It was surrounded, or contained, on Sept. 2.
The Zaca fire, the second largest California wildfire in recorded history, briefly threatened ranches and vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley.
It cost $143 million to extinguish.
The fire zone will remain closed, probably into next year, during forest rehabilitation operations, including road and trail work.
Criminal charges were filed against a Bell Canyon ranch and two employees who allegedly started the blaze with grinding equipment.
By Associated Press
Firefighters finally controlled the 4-month-old Zaca wildfire, which started on the Fourth of July and blackened 240,207 acres on a march through Santa Barbara County backcountry.
Los Padres National Forest chief Anthony Escobar declared the blaze controlled last night. It was surrounded, or contained, on Sept. 2.
The Zaca fire, the second largest California wildfire in recorded history, briefly threatened ranches and vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley.
It cost $143 million to extinguish.
The fire zone will remain closed, probably into next year, during forest rehabilitation operations, including road and trail work.
Criminal charges were filed against a Bell Canyon ranch and two employees who allegedly started the blaze with grinding equipment.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Ride 10/20/07
Rick and Chrissy joined me for a ride with Dan and some guys from Z-Rated. The meet began in Atascadero at 10 am at the Starbucks near Von's. We started on the 41 East and went on Templeton Rd to El Pomar Dr to Neal Springs Rd to S. River Rd to Niblick Rd to Spring St to 6th St to Peachy Canyon Rd to Vineyard Dr to 46 West to Old Creek Rd to 1 South to Morro Bay Blvd for a gas station break.
Then we went back on 1 North to Old Creek Rd to 46 East to to 101 North to 46 East to Buena Vista Dr to Experimental Station Rd to River Oaks Dr to N River Rd to Cross Canyons Rd to Rancho Canyon Rd to Von Dollen Rd to Hog Canyon Rd to Estrella Rd to 46 East to McMilan Canyon Rd to Shedd Canyon Rd to 41 West to 229 West to the Loading Chute in Creston.
Everyone stopped for lunch but I had to go back to SLO so I got back on 229 West to 58 West to 101 South to SLO.
A little over a 200 mile ride makes for a very fun day!
Then we went back on 1 North to Old Creek Rd to 46 East to to 101 North to 46 East to Buena Vista Dr to Experimental Station Rd to River Oaks Dr to N River Rd to Cross Canyons Rd to Rancho Canyon Rd to Von Dollen Rd to Hog Canyon Rd to Estrella Rd to 46 East to McMilan Canyon Rd to Shedd Canyon Rd to 41 West to 229 West to the Loading Chute in Creston.
Everyone stopped for lunch but I had to go back to SLO so I got back on 229 West to 58 West to 101 South to SLO.
A little over a 200 mile ride makes for a very fun day!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Los Osos services district will vote in favor of increasing its property taxes to pay for a long-awaited sewer
Los Osos services district will vote in favor of increasing its property taxes to pay for a long-awaited sewer
The Los Osos Community Services District board will vote in favor of increasing its property taxes to pay for a long-awaited sewer.
The board voted 3-2 in favor of casting a "yes" vote in the county’s sewer assessment election, also known as Proposition 218.
Board President Chuck Cesena and board members Steve Senet and Joe Sparks voted in favor of a yes vote. Board members Julie Tacker and Lisa Shicker voted against it.
Tacker said at Thursday’s board meeting that she changed her vote to “no” because the county Board of Supervisors and the San Luis Coastal Unified School District voted in favor of the tax.
She said she was disappointed that as leaders of public agencies both panels felt they needed to cast a vote.
The Proposition 218-mandated tax vote is a key hurdle in the county’s process of designing and building a sewer.
If property owners reject the tax, the district would again be responsible for the project, and state water quality regulators could resume threats of fines.
Regulators want Los Osos to build a sewer in hopes it would halt nitrate pollution of the groundwater and Morro Bay. They blame the pollution on the town’s septic-tank systems.
The board’s decision was being watched closely because its vote could be seen as a message about how the agency feels about the county project.
Like other property owners in Los Osos, the district has until Tuesday to send ballots to the county clerk-recorder.
The district is voting in the election because it owns buildings for its water department and the fire station, which are subject to the assessment.
If the tax passes, the district would be assessed $61,204 — about $4,000 a year for 30 years if it doesn’t pay in a lump sum.
The Los Osos Community Services District board will vote in favor of increasing its property taxes to pay for a long-awaited sewer.
The board voted 3-2 in favor of casting a "yes" vote in the county’s sewer assessment election, also known as Proposition 218.
Board President Chuck Cesena and board members Steve Senet and Joe Sparks voted in favor of a yes vote. Board members Julie Tacker and Lisa Shicker voted against it.
Tacker said at Thursday’s board meeting that she changed her vote to “no” because the county Board of Supervisors and the San Luis Coastal Unified School District voted in favor of the tax.
She said she was disappointed that as leaders of public agencies both panels felt they needed to cast a vote.
The Proposition 218-mandated tax vote is a key hurdle in the county’s process of designing and building a sewer.
If property owners reject the tax, the district would again be responsible for the project, and state water quality regulators could resume threats of fines.
Regulators want Los Osos to build a sewer in hopes it would halt nitrate pollution of the groundwater and Morro Bay. They blame the pollution on the town’s septic-tank systems.
The board’s decision was being watched closely because its vote could be seen as a message about how the agency feels about the county project.
Like other property owners in Los Osos, the district has until Tuesday to send ballots to the county clerk-recorder.
The district is voting in the election because it owns buildings for its water department and the fire station, which are subject to the assessment.
If the tax passes, the district would be assessed $61,204 — about $4,000 a year for 30 years if it doesn’t pay in a lump sum.
Atascadero residents will pay more for water starting in January
Atascadero residents will pay more for water starting in January
The Atascadero Mutual Water Company has approved a series of rate increases that will take effect in January.
The board of directors adopted the new water rates Oct. 17 for 2008 and tentatively through 2011. The decision raises base water rates in Atascadero by 8 percent annually for each of those years.
General Manager John Neil said the increase will help encourage conservation and pay the city’s share of the $178 million Nacimiento Water Project.
-- Stephen Curran
The Atascadero Mutual Water Company has approved a series of rate increases that will take effect in January.
The board of directors adopted the new water rates Oct. 17 for 2008 and tentatively through 2011. The decision raises base water rates in Atascadero by 8 percent annually for each of those years.
General Manager John Neil said the increase will help encourage conservation and pay the city’s share of the $178 million Nacimiento Water Project.
-- Stephen Curran
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Ride For the Wild Ones
For the second year in a row, Bill and I went out for the Gary Bang Harley-Davison Poker Run named "Ride For the Wild Ones".
The poker run starts at Gary Bang Harley-Davison and went out the backroads out to San Miguel, then into Paso Robles, then into Creston, then into Atascadero, and finally into Creston.
It was Bill and my first time in San Miguel. . . we ddidn't think we were missing much.
The poker run was fun. There were 15 or so special questions that are based on items that you find along your ride. They provide mileage markers on the questions so you can keep your eye out for them.
All in all a ton of fun. A bit hard to ride really hard. Oktoberfest from the night before was a bit rough to stay concentrated on riding but that didn't stop us from tearing it up.
The poker run starts at Gary Bang Harley-Davison and went out the backroads out to San Miguel, then into Paso Robles, then into Creston, then into Atascadero, and finally into Creston.
It was Bill and my first time in San Miguel. . . we ddidn't think we were missing much.
The poker run was fun. There were 15 or so special questions that are based on items that you find along your ride. They provide mileage markers on the questions so you can keep your eye out for them.
All in all a ton of fun. A bit hard to ride really hard. Oktoberfest from the night before was a bit rough to stay concentrated on riding but that didn't stop us from tearing it up.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Toys for Tots Run
http://www.toys4totscentralca.org/Atascadero.htm
Toys for Tots is a great opportunity to give a little back to the community and the kids.
Everyone get your bikes out... should be a blast!
Oktoberfest 2007
Ohh yeah.... Oktoberfest at Old Vienna.... definitely going to be something, that's for sure
Saturday, October 6, 2007
iPhone Killer (cont)
Not so sure anymore after the pictures were posted of the interface. I hope the pictures just don't do it justice.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
iPhone Killer?
Ok so I don't blog solely about motorcycles.
However, this is it! Going to get one for sure! LG Voyager.
It flips open to have a QWERTY keyboard and a second screen.... sounds logical to me
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
SLO County Hotsheet
Keith Byrd of Century 21 Hometown gathered up the following very intersting housing information in SLO County
http://www.slocountyhomes.com/2007/10/i-just-ran-hotsheet-report-on-price.html
by Keith Byrd, Century 21 Hometown
I just ran a "hotsheet" report on the price reductions over the past 2 days. I'll admit that I find some of what I see puzzling as I'm not sure what the benefit is to do some of these reductions. For example:
- Atascadero home on the market for 89 days went from $469,500 to $469,000
- Atascedero home on the market for 34 days went from $1,175,000 to $1,170,000
- A Los Osos home on the market for 147 days went from $489,900 to $489,000
- A Morro Bay home on the market for 77 days went from $1,198,500 to $1,198,000
- A Templeton home on the market for 84 days went from $485,900 to $485,000
But, there were some that are trying to sell:
- A Cambria home on the market for 335 days went from $11,900,00 to $9,900,000
- An Arroyo Grande home on the market for 394 days went from $980,000 to $900,000
- A Lompoc home on the market for 38 days went from $615,000 to $499,000
- A Paso Robles home on the market for 64 days went from $607,500 to $519,000
- A Pismo Beach home on the market for 413 days went from $1,550,000 to $1,395,000
- A San Miguel home on the market for 21 days went from $1,199,000 to $999,900
- A Santa Maria home on the market for 209 days went from $498,000 to $398,000
http://www.slocountyhomes.com/2007/10/i-just-ran-hotsheet-report-on-price.html
by Keith Byrd, Century 21 Hometown
I just ran a "hotsheet" report on the price reductions over the past 2 days. I'll admit that I find some of what I see puzzling as I'm not sure what the benefit is to do some of these reductions. For example:
- Atascadero home on the market for 89 days went from $469,500 to $469,000
- Atascedero home on the market for 34 days went from $1,175,000 to $1,170,000
- A Los Osos home on the market for 147 days went from $489,900 to $489,000
- A Morro Bay home on the market for 77 days went from $1,198,500 to $1,198,000
- A Templeton home on the market for 84 days went from $485,900 to $485,000
But, there were some that are trying to sell:
- A Cambria home on the market for 335 days went from $11,900,00 to $9,900,000
- An Arroyo Grande home on the market for 394 days went from $980,000 to $900,000
- A Lompoc home on the market for 38 days went from $615,000 to $499,000
- A Paso Robles home on the market for 64 days went from $607,500 to $519,000
- A Pismo Beach home on the market for 413 days went from $1,550,000 to $1,395,000
- A San Miguel home on the market for 21 days went from $1,199,000 to $999,900
- A Santa Maria home on the market for 209 days went from $498,000 to $398,000
Monday, October 1, 2007
Suzuki Releases Details On The Revised-for-2008 GSX-R600 And GSX-R750
New GSXR600 and GSXR750 details released!!!
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?lnk=rss&article=30411
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?lnk=rss&article=30411
Central Coast MLS Statistics -Residential -September 2007
Central Coast MLS Statistics -Residential -September 2007
(Last months data is also included - September (August))
from The Keith Byrd Team's San Luis Obispo Real Estate Blog by Keith Byrd, Century 21 Hometown
New Listings - 608 (753)
Back on Market - 273 (288)
Price Changes - 1138 (1433)
Contingent - 25 (48)
Pendings - 340 (391
)Solds - 295 (338)
Expireds - 426 (428)
Inactives/Withdrawns - 333 (403)
We broke 300 Pending Sales for the month but down over 10% from August's number. For comparison:
- September 2006 - 415
- PendingsSeptember 2005 - 542
PendingsIt also looks like fewer Sellers are willing to take a contingent offer...usually contingent on another property selling
Ride 9/30/07
A short ride today.
Mark was up in town and we drove to North Shore Tahoe to ride the mountain bike trails at Northstar. It was a brisk 25 degrees Saturday morning with about 4 inches of snow on the trails. No mountain bike riding for us... the lifts did not open. All in all a very fun weekend.
Mark and I went to SLM on Sunday. It was dead in there. Mark sat on a bunch of bikes and he looks like he is intersted in the GSXR600 the most.
So the ride today was Los Osos Valley Road to Turri to 1 to Old Creek to 46 to Vineyard to 101 to Bills place.
Mark was up in town and we drove to North Shore Tahoe to ride the mountain bike trails at Northstar. It was a brisk 25 degrees Saturday morning with about 4 inches of snow on the trails. No mountain bike riding for us... the lifts did not open. All in all a very fun weekend.
Mark and I went to SLM on Sunday. It was dead in there. Mark sat on a bunch of bikes and he looks like he is intersted in the GSXR600 the most.
So the ride today was Los Osos Valley Road to Turri to 1 to Old Creek to 46 to Vineyard to 101 to Bills place.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Bill RR (Dale) Appendicitis
Bill RR (Dale) hit me up and informed me that he had to have his appendix removed.
Bill - I wish you a speedy and healthy recovery
Bill - I wish you a speedy and healthy recovery
Monday, September 24, 2007
Breakfast and a ride...
Breakfast and a ride...
I'm not sure why it is but having breakfast and going for a ride on the weekend has to be one of the best ways to enjoy a beautiful weekend.
I don't care where it is or where we go, just as long as the food is warm and the weather nice.
Last Sunday Kyle R6 and I went to the Buzz for breakfast. After we stopped off in Santa Margarita and waited for Bill RR (aka Dale) to meet us in the middle of town.
Soon after we went on Highway 58 out to 228 through Creston, onto 41, to 101 to Vineyard, to Adelaidea and over to Mt. Olive Company for a drink. After we went back Adelaida to Vineyard, to 46 to Old Creek into Morro Bay, onto Highway 1 onto Bayshore, and finally to Turri and into San Luis.
Not a bad way to spend a morning.
I'm not sure why it is but having breakfast and going for a ride on the weekend has to be one of the best ways to enjoy a beautiful weekend.
I don't care where it is or where we go, just as long as the food is warm and the weather nice.
Last Sunday Kyle R6 and I went to the Buzz for breakfast. After we stopped off in Santa Margarita and waited for Bill RR (aka Dale) to meet us in the middle of town.
Soon after we went on Highway 58 out to 228 through Creston, onto 41, to 101 to Vineyard, to Adelaidea and over to Mt. Olive Company for a drink. After we went back Adelaida to Vineyard, to 46 to Old Creek into Morro Bay, onto Highway 1 onto Bayshore, and finally to Turri and into San Luis.
Not a bad way to spend a morning.
Casey Stoner, 2007 MotoGP World Champion
Casey Stoner was always earmarked out for greatness when he made his debut as a wildcard at Donington Park in 2001. Having been drafted into the same academy system which has seen the likes of Dani Pedrosa and Toni Elias rise through the MotoGP ranks, Stoner took full advantage of his family’s bold move to Europe to build on a promising national dirt-track career.
Beginning a permanent Grand Prix career in the 250cc class under the guidance of Lucio Cecchinello, it was when he dropped down to the 125s the following season that the motorcycling world began to take notice, as he took four podiums and a win at the final round. In 2004 he battled for the 125 championship with KTM, taking their first ever Grand Prix victory and finishing fifth overall.
A return to the LCR team and the 250 class in 2005 saw him battle his old stablemate Pedrosa for the 250cc title, winning five races on the Aprilia, before he continued with LCR for his and the team’s rookie season in MotoGP on board a Honda.
His rookie year in 2006 saw flashes of brilliance mixed with a few disappointing crashes, but stand-out moments included pole position in just his second race at Qatar followed by a battle to the line with Marco Melandri in Turkey where he was just pipped into second place. His performances saw the Ducati factory come knocking at the door, and since the end of 2006 his career has gone into overdrive.
A maiden MotoGP victory the first race of 2007 at Qatar was a self-confessed surprise for both rider and team, but once he followed this up with wins at Turkey and China, it was clear the Stoner juggernaut was rolling towards a title tilt. His standout performance at Catalunya, where he battled toe-to-toe with five-time champion Valentino Rossi will go down as one of the great races in history, whilst he dominated the mid-season with pole-to-flag victories at three consecutive races at Laguna Seca, Brno and Misano.He has been the dominant force in MotoGP this season, the only rider to score points in every round, and with four rounds still to go he seals the title with a total of 297 points, 8 wins and 11 podiums, including 5 pole positions.
Birth date: 16/10/1985 (21 years)
Birth place: Southport, AUS
First Grand Prix: GBR – 2001 - 125cc
First Pole Position: ITA – 2003 - 125cc
First Podium: GER – 2003 - 125cc
First GP Victory: VAL – 2003 - 125cc
Grand Prix Starts: 92
Grand Prix Victories: 15
Podiums: 32
Pole Positions: 10
Race Fastest Lap: 9
World Championship Win: 1 - 2007 - MotoGP
Total Points 2006: 297
MotoGP Career
2001: 125cc World Championship - 29th position on a Honda, 2 starts, 4 points
2002: 250cc World Championship – 12th position on an Aprilia, 5 starts, 68 points
2003: 125cc World Championship – 8th position on an Aprilia, 14 starts, 125 points, 1 win
2004: 125cc World Championship - 5th position on a KTM, 14 starts, 145 points, 1 win
2005: 250cc World Championship – 2nd position on an Aprilia, 16 starts, 254 points, 5 wins
2006: MotoGP World Championship – 7th position on a Honda, 16 starts, 119 points
2007: MotoGP World Championship – 1st position on a Ducati, 15 starts, 297 points, 8 wins
Some Facts About Stoner's Achievement
- At the age of 21 years and 342 days, Stoner becomes the second youngest rider to win the premier-class title in the 59-year history of world championship Grand Prix racing.
- He is only the fifth rider in history to win eight or more premier-class races in a single season along with motorcycling greats Giacomo Agostini, Mike Hailwood, Mick Doohan and Valentino Rossi.
- He wins a first MotoGP riders’ title for Ducati and it is also the first time a European manufacturer has won the title since Phil Read on an MV Agusta in1974.
- Stoner is the third Australian to win the MotoGP title, after MotoGP Legends Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner.
Love Machine - The Why of Riding
I read an article in this month’s Cycle World and it moved me so much I decided to type it and share it. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I do.
Tei
Love Machine - The Why of Riding
By Peter Jones
I love old bikes for what they were and new bikes for what they are. I love the romance of kick starts and the convenience of starter buttons. I love bikes with more power than I sometimes have the discretion to use properly. I love passing cars where no car can pass. I love how motorcycles keep getting quicker, if not faster. I love the feeling of freedom and power a bike gives me.
I love the responsibility of riding smartly. I love being alone on a motorcycle. I love riding in groups. I love how motorcycles make me feel like the hero I’m not. I love that riding a motorcycle means I might be half as cool as Steve McQueen.
I love that motorcycles are confusing to non-bikers. I love how being a biker is to be a member of a special club. I love how bad girls are turned on by guys who ride bikes. I love how good girls are turned on by guys who ride bikes.
I love how a motorcycle is the cheapest way to go racing – roadracing, drag racing, dirt racing, any and all racing. I love choppers. I love sportbikes. I love riding down a long road to nowhere. I love riding too fast down curvy roads. I love the boom of Singles, the bellow of Twins, the In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida beat of Triples, the screams of Fours and Sixes…I’d love the sound of a five cylinder if someone made one. I love complex valvetrains. I love fully adjustable upside-down forks. I love modifying a perfectly good bike into a beastly machine that’s a pain to ride.
I love putting on my leathers. I love hanging out in leathers, but only if I have a bike nearby. I love girls who ride…in leathers. I love attending roadracing events. I love the sound of a bike taken to redline in every single gear. I love the thrill, the look, the art, the feel, the smell, the taste, the sensual adventure of motorcycles.
I love wide tires. I love spoked rims. I love magnesium wheels. I love being able to pick up an engine with my own two arms that can take me to speeds more than twice any legal limit. I love doing stopppies. I love dragging my knees through turns. I love two-fingered braking. I love one-fingered braking even more. I love my memories of the Syracuse Mile. I love the hints of crazy hope that emanated from Jimmy Adamo every time he threw a leg over a Ducati. I love the stunning artistic beauty of the 1974 Laverda 750 SFC.
I love 70-year-old bikers who ride like there’s no tomorrow. I love watching the road fly by just below my feet. I love standing on the pegs and seeing the front tire going ‘round. I love riding a bike as fast as it will possibly go. I love going 140 mph for three minutes straight (that’s 6.99 miles). I love riding with no particular place to go. I love that being a biker means something, even if I don’t always like what it means to some. I love how bikes have connected with people across the country and worldwide. I love hanging out at motorcycles nights. I love the foolish hell of Daytona Bike Week. I love saying aloud the mysteriously promising names GiaCaMoto, Yoshimura, Yoshima, Dunstall and Ferracci.
I love clip-ons and rearsets. I love loud pipes. I love tight racing gloves. I love wearing black leather. I love wearing leather of loud colors. I love going 175 mph with only the dyed skin of a dead cow between me and the planet earth. I love riding bikes and writing about them. I love hanging out in the streets of L.A. with other bikers. I love riding the mountains of North Carolina. I love walking through seas of parked bikes. I love motorcycling’s brave history. I love taking girls for rides. I love how children stare in wonder at motorcycles. I love riding in any mountains. I love riding across the desert. I love splitting lanes in California. I love washing and polishing my own motorcycle. I love visiting bike shops in whatever state or country I’m in. I love doing that for no special reason at all. I love dragging the pegs and bags of cruisers. I love customizing bikes. I love admiring someone else’s customized bike. I love lightweight 600cc sportbikes. I love heavy sportbikes with insanely excessive power – I love those very much, thank youi. I love riding around the Grattan racecourse outside Grand Rapids, Michigan. I love the Streets of Willow.
I love holding modern, thin, lightweight, chemically coated pistons in my hand. I love the chatter of flatsides. I love the rattle of a dry clutch. I love the intake honk of big bikes. I love the crisp rasp of an open exhaust. I love the beastly booming brutish bellow of a big Vee’s low-end torque. I love the risks of riding. I love 90-degree Twins. I also love 45- and 60-degree Twins. I even love parrellel-Twins. I guess I love Twins. I love old GSX-Rs. I love the feeling of anticipation while rolling a motorcycle out of the garage on a cool morning. I love the smell of burning two-stroke oil of any time of day. I love the conspicuous mechanics of motorcycles. I love the stance of a bike resting on a rear stand. I love the insane hubris of the Isle of Man. I love riding ratty old bikes that remind me of my original thrill of motorcycling. I love bob-jobs. I love re-reading old motorcycle magazines. I love collecting stickers from aftermarket companies.
I love how motorcycling makes travel intimate. I love how a bike gives me an immediate feel of subtle changes in temperature. I love wearing full-face helmets, because I’ve used every inch of the exterior of them at one time or another. I love how, on a bike, each of my limbs has controls of its won. I love right-side-shifting bikes. I love riding for days on end. I love hiding under a bridge during a thunderstorm. I love how riding clears my head. I love bike clubs. I love motorcycle movies. I love parking on a mountain summit and staring at my bike’s engine. I love machined-billet brake calipers. I love windowed case covers. I love how a motorcycle is sometimes a preposterous dues ex machine. I love the echo of a drive chain on tight left-hand curves. I love the technological efficiency of modern sportbikes. I love the simplicity of old naked bikes. I love the imposing nastiness of rat bikes. I love the mystery, romance and sex appeal of motorcycles. I love how bikes make me dream. I love how bikes make me who I am. I love how a motorcycle is never just a motorcycle. I love motorcycles.
Tei
Love Machine - The Why of Riding
By Peter Jones
I love old bikes for what they were and new bikes for what they are. I love the romance of kick starts and the convenience of starter buttons. I love bikes with more power than I sometimes have the discretion to use properly. I love passing cars where no car can pass. I love how motorcycles keep getting quicker, if not faster. I love the feeling of freedom and power a bike gives me.
I love the responsibility of riding smartly. I love being alone on a motorcycle. I love riding in groups. I love how motorcycles make me feel like the hero I’m not. I love that riding a motorcycle means I might be half as cool as Steve McQueen.
I love that motorcycles are confusing to non-bikers. I love how being a biker is to be a member of a special club. I love how bad girls are turned on by guys who ride bikes. I love how good girls are turned on by guys who ride bikes.
I love how a motorcycle is the cheapest way to go racing – roadracing, drag racing, dirt racing, any and all racing. I love choppers. I love sportbikes. I love riding down a long road to nowhere. I love riding too fast down curvy roads. I love the boom of Singles, the bellow of Twins, the In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida beat of Triples, the screams of Fours and Sixes…I’d love the sound of a five cylinder if someone made one. I love complex valvetrains. I love fully adjustable upside-down forks. I love modifying a perfectly good bike into a beastly machine that’s a pain to ride.
I love putting on my leathers. I love hanging out in leathers, but only if I have a bike nearby. I love girls who ride…in leathers. I love attending roadracing events. I love the sound of a bike taken to redline in every single gear. I love the thrill, the look, the art, the feel, the smell, the taste, the sensual adventure of motorcycles.
I love wide tires. I love spoked rims. I love magnesium wheels. I love being able to pick up an engine with my own two arms that can take me to speeds more than twice any legal limit. I love doing stopppies. I love dragging my knees through turns. I love two-fingered braking. I love one-fingered braking even more. I love my memories of the Syracuse Mile. I love the hints of crazy hope that emanated from Jimmy Adamo every time he threw a leg over a Ducati. I love the stunning artistic beauty of the 1974 Laverda 750 SFC.
I love 70-year-old bikers who ride like there’s no tomorrow. I love watching the road fly by just below my feet. I love standing on the pegs and seeing the front tire going ‘round. I love riding a bike as fast as it will possibly go. I love going 140 mph for three minutes straight (that’s 6.99 miles). I love riding with no particular place to go. I love that being a biker means something, even if I don’t always like what it means to some. I love how bikes have connected with people across the country and worldwide. I love hanging out at motorcycles nights. I love the foolish hell of Daytona Bike Week. I love saying aloud the mysteriously promising names GiaCaMoto, Yoshimura, Yoshima, Dunstall and Ferracci.
I love clip-ons and rearsets. I love loud pipes. I love tight racing gloves. I love wearing black leather. I love wearing leather of loud colors. I love going 175 mph with only the dyed skin of a dead cow between me and the planet earth. I love riding bikes and writing about them. I love hanging out in the streets of L.A. with other bikers. I love riding the mountains of North Carolina. I love walking through seas of parked bikes. I love motorcycling’s brave history. I love taking girls for rides. I love how children stare in wonder at motorcycles. I love riding in any mountains. I love riding across the desert. I love splitting lanes in California. I love washing and polishing my own motorcycle. I love visiting bike shops in whatever state or country I’m in. I love doing that for no special reason at all. I love dragging the pegs and bags of cruisers. I love customizing bikes. I love admiring someone else’s customized bike. I love lightweight 600cc sportbikes. I love heavy sportbikes with insanely excessive power – I love those very much, thank youi. I love riding around the Grattan racecourse outside Grand Rapids, Michigan. I love the Streets of Willow.
I love holding modern, thin, lightweight, chemically coated pistons in my hand. I love the chatter of flatsides. I love the rattle of a dry clutch. I love the intake honk of big bikes. I love the crisp rasp of an open exhaust. I love the beastly booming brutish bellow of a big Vee’s low-end torque. I love the risks of riding. I love 90-degree Twins. I also love 45- and 60-degree Twins. I even love parrellel-Twins. I guess I love Twins. I love old GSX-Rs. I love the feeling of anticipation while rolling a motorcycle out of the garage on a cool morning. I love the smell of burning two-stroke oil of any time of day. I love the conspicuous mechanics of motorcycles. I love the stance of a bike resting on a rear stand. I love the insane hubris of the Isle of Man. I love riding ratty old bikes that remind me of my original thrill of motorcycling. I love bob-jobs. I love re-reading old motorcycle magazines. I love collecting stickers from aftermarket companies.
I love how motorcycling makes travel intimate. I love how a bike gives me an immediate feel of subtle changes in temperature. I love wearing full-face helmets, because I’ve used every inch of the exterior of them at one time or another. I love how, on a bike, each of my limbs has controls of its won. I love right-side-shifting bikes. I love riding for days on end. I love hiding under a bridge during a thunderstorm. I love how riding clears my head. I love bike clubs. I love motorcycle movies. I love parking on a mountain summit and staring at my bike’s engine. I love machined-billet brake calipers. I love windowed case covers. I love how a motorcycle is sometimes a preposterous dues ex machine. I love the echo of a drive chain on tight left-hand curves. I love the technological efficiency of modern sportbikes. I love the simplicity of old naked bikes. I love the imposing nastiness of rat bikes. I love the mystery, romance and sex appeal of motorcycles. I love how bikes make me dream. I love how bikes make me who I am. I love how a motorcycle is never just a motorcycle. I love motorcycles.
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