Should MOTOGP loose electronic aids like F1 car racing did?

Gotta agree on this one, although I'm sure some of that gee whiz stuff is great I notice most guys arnt running out to buy BMWs that are loaded with ABS and such. I do think throttle control is out the window, when you can whack the throttle wide open and a GPS mapped ignition keeps the bike from spitting you off, thats not racing. Thats like playing the video game on the nonsimulation mode. Sure you can turn it down a hair and throw yourself off, it still has to move the bike forward. I think that is why some of the older guys are a hair slower, theyre still attempting throttle control, while the tiny new guys whack it open.

I agree with Proc. Motogp should be about man and machine at the pinnacle of technology, in perfect harmony. Yes, they might be easier to ride than the old 500's. But to ride them at the same level as Rossi, Stoner et al needs a different kind of rider. It is just plain wrong to suggest that these machines are idiot proof. The sheer power and torque of these machines means that even Motogp gods need electronics to keep it all under control. Take away the electronics, and you would need to reduce the power, or by mid season half the field would be in a hospital or a morgue.

Motogp should not be dumbed down. It goes against all the principals of a prototype series.

Road bikes too are getting way beyond the capabilities of the average human being. A 200bhp 2 wheeled missile with street legal tyres that will do more than a couple of hundred miles, needs a bit of technology to help us mere mortals out.

If you want to feel that razor edge of human/machine interface, go for an original blade or R1. But if you just want to go fast and feel reasonably safe in the knowledge that its not gonna try and kill you at every corner, then go for one of the latest generation sportsbikes.

Like it or not. The world moves on. Technology is the way forward. Get used to it!

Sorry But I will stick to my Idea that GP is Prototype Racing. Not everything they try works. If it is that easy to ride the bikes why do we see the likes of lorenzo getting High sided so spectacularly. The engine Mapping I find almost unbelievable (gprs). But even that, I would say is OK. There are other motorcycle races out there, but only one GP. If you want even racing watch the red bull rookies or the R1 cup. there are world superbikes & supersport with all kinds of restrictions. MotoGP has the top class of rider on the fastest bikes in the world. this is down to Technology and skill not Idiot proof bikes. I say leave GP alone to develop into whatever it turns into. Good or Bad.

Edit.. as a footnote. I never did like ABS on the bike. OK for the track but wouldnt stop on the road. Traction control is still developing, if we remove it from the package and remove the ECU development along with Tyre developement whats left to develop. Bubble wheels?? like a Dyson hoover ??

i have never ride anything with asb or tc so i cant comet on that.as 4 moto gp ,electronic aids are great 4 racing,especially tc.at the 1st haft of the gp season its hard to predict which of the top 4 riders would have the title.if you go to the year 04 and previous i could predict rossi with his fine riding skill take the title from day 1.we will only expect close racing finish with electronic aids and mono tyre.i can never forget the laguna meeting.that rossi is such a push over.i hope stoner wins in 09.and yes i have stop watching gp 3 meetings back

Not yet.

Bikes are still very much rider controlled and there is still a lot of development room for electronics...I say lets see how far they can take it becuase with the bikes (unlike F1) what they do on the track helps improves ours on the road.

And even the motogp guys have issues sometimes in trying to get a handle on their electronics (Pedrossa in Qualifying, forgetting to turn them on!!) Until the electronics are pushed to the limits and the riders are solely using and relying on elctronics to win the race then they should consider getting rid of them.

Hey Rash master,

I have to say I agree with Proc & Neil's sentiments above regarding Motogp - and the huge amount of talent (and balls) the guys riding in it have.

But like your post script I have to say that I get my pleasure from taking care of my knackered old "toys" and thrashing them within an inch of their capabilities and occasionally beyond my skill set!

I have an ancient bike I ride everyday, a classic car I rarely use, all my boats have been wooden (and scarily fast) and when I can save a few more pennies, I'm gonna add an old Triumph or Norton to my toybox.

The thing they all have in common is a lack of gizmo's and the ability to put a huge grin on my face! So stick with what you like and let the dreamers keep on dreaming.

I agree with alot of what you have said mate.

However, these new breed of 800cc's with their tiny fuel tanks need electronics, just to get them over the line. As proved in Assen wih Nicky Hayden this year.

As for the traction control etc, yes, I do think it needs to be " turned down " a little, to give it [ the racing ] a little more spark.

Having saying that, did Laguna Seca need anymore spark ? A few more riders up front, but not anymore spark !

what's the point stepping right into a adult adult males vs women human beings debate even as it is composed of driving? As you've already seen with one answer the following thus far - this is unnecessary. i'd have theory we've all moved on lately in words of woman being chained to the kitchen sink, barefoot??? !!! As in each field, this is all about means and in words of F1 racing, an excellent crew and automobile.

I was going to answer, but I think you guys covered it.....so I'll just say lets allow TC for now. The electronics package is a big part of the whole prototype thing.

100% agree with U!!!!