trunk21

...and not throw away with drugs and alcohol. He SHOULD/COULD have been a world champion. Man was he fast. Adaptable too, from Kawasakis to Ducatis to Suzuki MotoGP bikes. Amazing talent, possibly on the same level as Rossi. Remember his 185 mph tire explosion at Daytona? Except for Mamola in 1985, that was one of the best saves in the history of motorcycle racing...

HDs are very reliable now, but Evos had their troubles. The only issues with the Revo is the rear cylinder running very hot, but this is to pass EPA. There are actually a lot of aftermarket companies offering accessories for Metric Cruisers. Not as many bolt-on doodads as for HDs, but there are more every day. I've ridden tons of HDs and customs, and they get old too. The shine rubs off of every penny eventually. Oh and don't sweat resale. That's the last thing to worry about when buying a toy. I know guys that boast selling their HDs for 80% of the purchase price WITHOUT factoring in the thousands of $ they spent on accessories. Bottom Line: Buy the bike you want. Who cares what people think? I ride a VFR800, and I hear it all: Too heavy, not enough HP, not a HD, don't like the color, blah, blah, blah. Who gives a Schhite? Ride for your the passion, not a synthetic lifestyle.

A friend of mine worked on the GP Circus back in the 80s and 90s, and he has told me some stories about the goings on. He worked with Gardner, Doohan, Bayle, Thorpe, etc when he was on Team Honda. Everything you have heard about Kocinski is true and MORE. Guy's a nutjob. Incredibly intelligent and a great rider, but a lunatic. All of the riders have idiosyncrasies, but some beyond belief... Now, don't forget Kocinski's 250 World Championship. He was masterful in that class, but couldn't transfer to the 500s. Some say he was riding Rainey's bike (sound familiar?), but Team Roberts gave 150% to each of their riders. Aksland said Johnny-Boy could not be satisfied. Ever. I hate to say it, but I get a feeling of satisfaction with Biaggi's troubles. He was such an insufferable a## in past, ramming new riders, kicking Vale in corners, altercations in public... If there's really Karma, he's the poster child.

Very well said. Honda has been BLINDSIDED by Ducati this year, at least in terms of horsepower. Honda's can shoulder a lot of the 800cc push, but in actuality it was Repsol that was holding the Ace Card. Sponsorship money is a powerful tool. Get the Championship back to Spain. Look at what a national hero Criville is! Statues, commercials, parades... Stoner MAY be champion one day, but remember that Hopper's being shopped by a couple manufacturers right now. Ducati included! I've been following Hopkins since the fabled Red Bull Yamaha days, and he show so much heart. Gotta love his dedication to his team, but has it cost him better results? The Honda was not the best bike that year, but it was not that bad. Rossi was learning the class, plain and simple. Look at what Rainey did on the Yamaha against Doohan! He was truly outclassed bikewise, and he held it on! Even Kocinski ([censored] that he is/was) and his amazing talent could not make the Yamaha go well. Cadalora was no slouch, and he had a couple good finishes, but Rainey had the HEART! Not unlike Rossi. He has the heart, and such amazing talent. He's also so calculated, managing tires masterfully. The only rider I can remember doing this so well was Spencer. Kenny won the title fair and square. If the Honda were a few ticks back from the Suzuki, so be it. Had Rossi been in his 2nd year in the class, he could have beaten Kenny. But he wasn't. Kenny won. The class' talent pretty deep in 2000, so really his championship was well deserved. Biaggi? 250 Champ, then an Insufferable Egomaniac. If he weren't such a [censored], he could have been great. Everyone on his team hated working with him (seriously, EVERYONE), and better yet, Vale got in his head. He blamed everyone for everything. Kinda like an Italian Kocinski. But without the Clean Freak Fetish...

Actually, you may recall that the Suzuki was really good that year. Kenny won in the wet and dry races (usually Suzukis only win in the wet!), and clearly won the series. This year Vermeulin proved the wet race theory! If anyone will win in the dry on the GSV-R, it will be Hopper. I wish SUzuki would get a competitive bike under him, he really could win a few races now that he's healthy! I think Kenny should have gone to a new team. I honor his dedication to Suzuki, but it ultimately cost him another Championship. Had he been on similar equipment, he could have been a podium regular alongside Rossi. Yes, in 2000 Rossi was just learning the 500s, totally understandable. I can't imagine riding one. He was smart not to overdo it and throw it away. Many riders make a big splash, like Rainey and Schwantz in '89,'90. They came into the class and were gonzo fast from the first race! Gardner didn't know what hit him! But, they threw it away a few times... Nicky should be doing better, no doubt. I think the bike is holding him back, just like Dani. New chassis every other race? Something's wrong here. Rossi's the best. I was so happy for him when he won the title on the Yamaha, silencing the Honda Haters. He's the best talent to come down the pike ever, IMHO. His race with Stoner in round 1 was a classic. Rider vs. Horsepower...

Rossi is the best rider of our time (and any other I can think of), but regarding Hayden's title over Rossi: That's Racing. Hayden does not have the talent of Rossi, and had he not suffered DNFs he would have been champion. Had MiniMe not taken Nicky out, the title would not have been down to the last round. Had Rossi not crashed in the last round, he would have been champion. Had Nicky not chunked a tire in Losail, he would have had more points. Had Rossi not blown a motor at Laguna, he would have been champion. Variables, variables, variables... Let's honor Nicky for bringing the title home to the USA, and celebrate our good forture to watch Rossi's amazing talent. Regardless of Hayden's current points total, he still EARNED the honor to ride the most exclusive class in Motorcycling.

Anyone?

May I also ask the status of the PAW? I know we all get busy, but the intent of the PAW was to pass it along at a pretty good clip to keep things interesting. Can we please get some action back into this thread? I'll email r11co...

Movements. Crapshoot, swiss or asain. Also the finish. Even on Panerai reps, the factories COULD get the cotes de geneve waves right. Oh, and are there NO LASER ENGRAVING MACHINES in the entire region? Stickers??? Guess that's what keep the prices lower, so I shouldn't complain... @Poopypants!!! Where the hell have you been? Still get a kick out of your avatar!!!

Bueller?

Anyone?

Just noticed this morning that one of the Bezel Screws is missing from my Breitling Avenger Seawolf. Grrrrrrrr.... I'm sure someone out there has suffered this same problem, so if anyone knows where to get replacements can you please post here? Thanks everyone! Cheers...

Nice work, The Zigmeister. Love the orange dial...

Great to see you back, Zig. The 217 and Railmaster are doing great! Hope your time off was relaxing...

Nice pickup, Nanuq. I use the e-trex on my motorcycle. It's a little old, but still works fine... I'll bet this helps with the "Honey Bucket" trips...