[zx10guy]

Not sure if anyone here follows WSBK. But I just watched the last race of the season. As much as I wanted Sykes to win the championship this season and not being to fond of Rhea, Rhea really scored a lot of points with me on what he did for Sykes in the second race at Qatar. While it's no secret these guys don't get along, Rhea checked up mid way on the last lap to allow Sykes to grab second in the championship. And it was great to see Sykes show his appreciation after they both pulled off at turn 1.

That was a stark contrast a couple of years ago when Syke's teammate at the time Baz didn't follow team orders and caused Sykes to lose the championship that year.

[Sedan_Clan]

I think Rea is a consummate professional. Sykes, in comparison, acts like a petulant child sometimes (...if you watched the 2014/2015 seasons you'll know what I'm referring to). I'm glad Rea defended his title.

The fact that Baz "rode for Baz" isn't a big deal to me. Baz was ahead in Qatar's race #1 and took the position because he deserved it. He had the measure of Sykes in race #2 and pulled over on the last lap to let him have the podium position. If that's not enough for Baz's criticizers, then I don't know what to tell you. He gave up a position to allow Sykes some traction toward the WC. Baz was already given the oust, so why not ride for himself?!?!?! What Rea did was a nod to Kawasaki so they could nab 2nd and the manufacturer's championship as well, but Sykes needed to earn that championship. He wasn't able to pull it off by his own merit, soooooooooooo........that's life. Being "handed" a championship is not the way a sportsMAN wants to win. He would have lost anyway even had Baz opted to give up the 4 points, so it's really a moot argument in favor of Sykes anyway.

[Jackie Chiles]

I've know Sykes to be a nice, humble guy.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Jackie Chiles

I've know Sykes to be a nice, humble guy.

Maybe he is [in the flesh], but his attitude/behavior toward his teammate in the paddock and on social media didn't portray that. From the outside looking in, he was just acting like a baby.

[FMLYSDN]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I think Rea is a consummate professional. Sykes, in comparison, acts like a petulant child sometimes (...if you watched the 2014/2015 seasons you'll know what I'm referring to). I'm glad Rea defended his title.

The fact that Baz "rode for Baz" isn't a big deal to me. Baz was ahead in Qatar's race #1 and took the position because he deserved it. He had the measure of Sykes in race #2 and pulled over on the last lap to let him have the podium position. If that's not enough for Baz's criticizers, then I don't know what to tell you. He gave up a position to allow Sykes some traction toward the WC. Baz was already given the oust, so why not ride for himself?!?!?! What Rea did was a nod to Kawasaki so they could nab 2nd and the manufacturer's championship as well, but Sykes needed to earn that championship. He wasn't able to pull it off by his own merit, soooooooooooo........that's life. Being "handed" a championship is not the way a sportsMAN wants to win. He would have lost anyway even had Baz opted to give up the 4 points, so it's really a moot argument in favor of Sykes anyway.

I would agree with this statement.

I have not followed WSBK as closely in the last few years. I still catch the news every week, however I do not diligently watch it like I did many years ago. The last season that I watched in awe was when Ben Spies took the championship. That was one of the better ones from the last 10 years.

I think WSBK has lost a bit of the draw and I would love to see some more talent and depth to the field. In addition, it feels as though the technical regulations have dumbed the series down a bit, but it is supposed to be a production based series.

I have always followed and watched MotoGP too and I feel that some of these series go up and down in terms of my engagement. The 990cc era was incredible. The 800cc era was probably my least favourite while a return to 1000cc is getting better. The tire rules this year definitely played an interesting role as well as the weather.

I am curious as to what Dorna will do when the biggest draw (Rossi) finally retires? I think there are some interesting story lines next year (Lorenzo and Ducati) but I don't think there is a single individual who will bring the level of excitement on and off the track as Rossi does.

It is one of the reasons that I kind of lost interest in WSBK. Some of the great racers are retired or moved on. I am hopeful that Hayden and Honda can pull something together next year, but I have come to the realization that Hayden probably won't be able to deliver due to age and equipment. I still believe he loves racing and that he is passionate, but even with the best bike, I am not convinced he would produce consistent results. He's past his prime but that hasn't stopped the likes of Bayliss, Checa, Haga, Biaggi.....

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by FMLYSDN

I would agree with this statement.

I have not followed WSBK as closely in the last few years. I still catch the news every week, however I do not diligently watch it like I did many years ago. The last season that I watched in awe was when Ben Spies took the championship. That was one of the better ones from the last 10 years.

I think WSBK has lost a bit of the draw and I would love to see some more talent and depth to the field. In addition, it feels as though the technical regulations have dumbed the series down a bit, but it is supposed to be a production based series.

I have always followed and watched MotoGP too and I feel that some of these series go up and down in terms of my engagement. The 990cc era was incredible. The 800cc era was probably my least favourite while a return to 1000cc is getting better. The tire rules this year definitely played an interesting role as well as the weather.

I am curious as to what Dorna will do when the biggest draw (Rossi) finally retires? I think there are some interesting story lines next year (Lorenzo and Ducati) but I don't think there is a single individual who will bring the level of excitement on and off the track as Rossi does.

It is one of the reasons that I kind of lost interest in WSBK. Some of the great racers are retired or moved on. I am hopeful that Hayden and Honda can pull something together next year, but I have come to the realization that Hayden probably won't be able to deliver due to age and equipment. I still believe he loves racing and that he is passionate, but even with the best bike, I am not convinced he would produce consistent results. He's past his prime but that hasn't stopped the likes of Bayliss, Checa, Haga, Biaggi.....

I agree with most, if not all, of the points you made. I didn't watch WSBK much this year. Part of the reason why I didn't was because FS1, FS2 and BEIN sports all had spotty or no coverage of the events, and the other reason was because I wasn't invested in any of the riders. I thought that Hayden would do about as well as he did this year, but I knew VanDerMark would still edge him out. I am happy for Rea though. He needs a shot in GP. I did pay for the MotoGP pass though simply because I'm invested in Rossi and a few other riders on the grid. Lorenzo did well during the Ducati test, and I fully expect him to be a threat next season...........right along with Iannone on the Suzuki and Vinales on the Yamaha. I think it'll be a 4 or 5 horse race next season.

[Jackie Chiles]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Maybe he is [in the flesh], but his attitude/behavior toward his teammate in the paddock and on social media didn't portray that. From the outside looking in, he was just acting like a baby.

Interesting. Do you have a link or two? I've not followed WSBK much since Spies left, and Sykes was his teammate then on the Yamaha.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Jackie Chiles

Interesting. Do you have a link or two? I've not followed WSBK much since Spies left, and Sykes was his teammate then on the Yamaha.

Let me see what I can find on Crash.net. I'm an avid member/contributor there.

[DC-T]

I watch it religiously. Good guys and bad guys like every sport, strange teammates as well.

Should actually keep this thread going for next year? When I get the new BMW Racer.

[Dr Thrillride]

Originally Posted by FMLYSDN

I would agree with this statement.

I have not followed WSBK as closely in the last few years. I still catch the news every week, however I do not diligently watch it like I did many years ago. The last season that I watched in awe was when Ben Spies took the championship. That was one of the better ones from the last 10 years.

I think WSBK has lost a bit of the draw and I would love to see some more talent and depth to the field. In addition, it feels as though the technical regulations have dumbed the series down a bit, but it is supposed to be a production based series.

I have always followed and watched MotoGP too and I feel that some of these series go up and down in terms of my engagement. The 990cc era was incredible. The 800cc era was probably my least favourite while a return to 1000cc is getting better. The tire rules this year definitely played an interesting role as well as the weather.

I am curious as to what Dorna will do when the biggest draw (Rossi) finally retires? I think there are some interesting story lines next year (Lorenzo and Ducati) but I don't think there is a single individual who will bring the level of excitement on and off the track as Rossi does.

It is one of the reasons that I kind of lost interest in WSBK. Some of the great racers are retired or moved on. I am hopeful that Hayden and Honda can pull something together next year, but I have come to the realization that Hayden probably won't be able to deliver due to age and equipment. I still believe he loves racing and that he is passionate, but even with the best bike, I am not convinced he would produce consistent results. He's past his prime but that hasn't stopped the likes of Bayliss, Checa, Haga, Biaggi.....

Captured nicely...

My WSBK automatically renewed last season my fault, and I didn't end up watching one weekend series all year. Just lost interest.

Still watching MotoGP and am a Rossi fan. I like the underdog, with reservations about Marquez, but Rossi is just phenomenal to do what he does at his age. Those of you that race bikes know what I'm talking about

[Dr Thrillride]

Originally Posted by DC-T

I watch it religiously. Good guys and bad guys like every sport, strange teammates as well.

Should actually keep this thread going for next year? When I get the new BMW Racer.

What's the price tag on that beast in your parts?

[DC-T]

Originally Posted by Dr Thrillride

What's the price tag on that beast in your parts?

Going to be a killer. Still raving the HP4 this year as I wait for the racer, hoping they'll homologate them to race this year!

[Dr Thrillride]

Originally Posted by DC-T

Going to be a killer. Still raving the HP4 this year as I wait for the racer, hoping they'll homologate them to race this year!

I still have my original race bike, Aprilia RSVR1000. Bought a 2012 RSV4 when Biaggi was on top riding it. Tracked it but never raced it. Now I track BMW cars. Too old and too fat to race bikes. Lol

If you ever pull the trigger on that beast please post up!

[VMRWheels]

Originally Posted by Dr Thrillride

I still have my original race bike, Aprilia RSVR1000. Bought a 2012 RSV4 when Biaggi was on top riding it. Tracked it but never raced it. Now I track BMW cars. Too old and too fat to race bikes. Lol

If you ever pull the trigger on that beast please post up!

Got any pics of the Aprilias?! I have a soft spot for those bikes. My dad currently owns an RSV-4 RF and had a street Mille R and a tracked prepped Mille R, at one time.