*Liam's Wild Ride*

[MotoLiam]

Barf is Back!

First off, I want to thank everyone involved in getting Barf back up to speed. I know there were some sleepless nights and the pressure to get it done was intense. Thank you.

On a side note, I am much happier with this iteration of Barf, rather than the upgraded version which features scrolling text. Can anyone tell me some of the benefits of switching to the newer style of Barf?

 

[Triple Seven]

Spent the last 4 hours reading the whole thread. Liam your an inspiration. Good luck with your ventures. A great time in your life.

 

[MotoLiam]

Now that Barf is back, I can start answering some questions and start asking you some! I'll start with the last bit of stuff before I left for Qatar and go from there.

This race was at Glen Helen, on the big track! This was a two day competition, the White Brother's Four Stroke National, and I (obviously!) bogged the bike at the start. Not that it would have made a difference, as I was thoroughly trounced. Sleeping in the front seat of a '97 GMC Jimmy in a church parking lot overnight, with the tail end backed up against a wall to inhibit theft, didn't make me especially chipper the following days, . Not to mention the ruts, which in some areas where much deeper than the 10" wheels I was running! Overall, it was a blast, and if you haven't tried wringing a small bore bike to it's limits, give it a shot. You'd be surprised how much translates to the bigger bikes. Since then, I've improved a lot on the little bikes and if you're curious about racing, this is a great way to get involved with a fun, happy group of people. You don't need big money, a big truck (one guy carries his bike around in the backseat of his civic!), or a big ego. It's backyard racing at it's best and I highly suggest looking into it. Not to mention how cheap it is to swtich tires and go Mini-Supermoto racing! Fast50's was the first company to give me a shot (and some backing!) and if you're interested in learning more then check them out here! www.fast50s.com
The "roots" page definitely hits the nail on the head!

Correct Answers: JohnC and DanZX9R

 

[MotoLiam]

Next up, regarding the Yamaha Ipone bike. Yes, Galo M1, Mothrane, that's a quickshifter. And yes, also, to RZYPVS, for correctly knowing that was "new guy" Shinichi Nakatmoni's bike

Props go to Lonster and Xtasie99 for identifying the FG 670 SBK forks from Ohlins, and although many teams weren't using them (yet), it sounds like an interesting idea to me. Presumably these forks would pay the biggest dividends at bumpy tracks with high speed corners, or tracks with braking bumps in the apex! Why doesn't Mr. Csysz start selling his revolutionary suspension design to pay for his bike development?!?

I'm also noticing that Arlen Ness has quite a presence in the paddock, with many riders wearing the leather suits and related gear. Arlen Ness is directly related to leather suit manufacturer Berik, as one is the second marque of the other. Adding the two together, you get the idea that these guys are "in" when it comes to providing suits for the teams.

Question: Why would Liverpool bike shop owner, and custom cruiser creator, Arlen Ness, be interested in sponsoring SBK and MotoGP pilots? Any potential gains from being involved in high-level, international
racing?

I am not sure what my plans are concerning SBK and MotoGP, and as such, cannot make definite plans for any races later this year. The German GP? I'd rather spend my money in France! Thanks for the hassles Munich (and later Frankfurt)! Just kidding. Although I was very disappointed to spend three hours in Frankfurt this last time around. You wouldn't believe some of the graffiti on the bathroom walls!

As I mentioned earlier, Honda Europe boss, Carlo Fiorani, was there. Those of you with good memories will know that he is well connected, and well-respected, for his work with Repsol and HRC. He was strolling around in simple Gas/Honda gear and when I inquired about the lack of Repsol logos, he responded that he's wearing many hats now. It's only a matter of time before Barros' Gold Wing becomes a Fire-breather. And as for Ten Kate? I found a Dutchman wandering around all day in these! How's that for factory support (yes, they're painted)!

 

[MotoLiam]

While I was speaking with Petronas' Grail, formerly of Suzuki-MotoGP, I got the chance to spend some time with their resident tuner and dynamometer guru, Trick. Unlike the Dynojet machines commonly used in the US, a lot of Euro tuning comes via Superflo machines. I remarked how I always enjoyed seeing the flames belching from the huge exhaust can on the Petronas, and he replied by telling me it was more a question of fuels used at different circuits, and not a some secret weapon to distract the rider in the flamewake. I guess that means that fuels change throughout the course of a season or there isn't a Spec-spec fuel used. I'm not sure.

Anyway, I've had a great time once again being at an overseas race, and there are so many stories and adventures that it's hard to separate them.

I had fun working on the bikes by day, and after dinner, around 10 or 11, several of us found our way to the hotel club, Cloud Nyn. I can't quite put it into words, but you really haven't seen anything until you've watched some beautiful, exotic women belly-dancing to the latest hip-hop and dance beats. It will blow your mind, and then some!

Race attendance was predictably small. Here's a shot of the grandstands down the main straight. Some of you probably noticed during the race, and from the shots of the grid before the race, that it was a little empty. Most of the people watching the race were VIP's and were in a totally different grandstand. Still, I think the race organizers would have preferred to have more bodies in the seats for the kick-off race.

 

[MotoLiam]

I definitely have a new appreciation for the WSBK series. While my heart and my curiosity are still firmly with GP, there are so many new things and top-secret stuff going on in SBK that it's quite fair to say that *nothing* is stock. After all, ABS has managed to make it to production streetbikes, and it's only a matter of time before the big bore liter bikes come stock with traction control. Not to say that ABS will ever make it onto a true, sporting bike.

On some of the differences between the two World Series'? Well, they're decidedly different, and not just because of the money/sponsorship disparities.

At first glance, both series are well run, enormous machines. The practices, timing, radio control, television production, everything goes off without a hitch. There are less people working in SBK, but it is a full series with World Supersport and World Superstock as the "minor" categories.

Most important, I think the atmospheres are different in both paddocks. MotoGP is distinctly Spanish (Dorna) and SBK is distinctly Italian (Flammini group). The flavors of both worlds are equally appealing. SBK is a little more "relaxed" with regard to the conducts of it's team members. In GP, you can easliy lose your job by talking to the wrong person. The technology is expensive, and it's an exceedingly secretive world. In SBK, the team members seemed a lot more at ease, and under less stress (though this is not to say they are not, and that there are no secrets in SBK!). In GP, there's a lot less noise, and people quietly get the job done while looking as serious and professional as possible. In SBK, there are more smiles, and I sense a greater feeling of "family", while still looking professional.

Here's a copy of the Program from SBK Qatar. Super rare, super limited production, super hard to get ahold of! They didn't even have enough of these for everyone that attended the race, and they were reserved strictly for SBK VIP's. I love the dual format, and it's amazing for me to see Sanskrit writing about motorcycles! I also managed to get ahold of a something else. . . . . . . let the bidding begin!

 

[MotoLiam]

My household held a special dinner the other night. One hand were both my roomates, Patricia and Daniel, and their respective mothers, #1 (visiting from Madrid)and #2 (visiting from Argentina). Also on hand were Shuhei and Hiro Aoyama, both 250cc GP pilots this year. Naturally, I kept the conversation steered toward the bike end of the spectrum, and it's going to be a tough season for these two!

Hiro's KTM 250 is still being refined, and although KTM gained a ton of knowledge and experience racing in the 125 category the last two years, the 250 is still an all new bike. Build quality is excellent. Power-delivery is very good, though different from the RSW Honda mill, and it plants itself differently. Mainly, the chassis is undergoing revisions at the moment. It's a little stiff, but there are new parts arriving all the time to rectify any niggles before the season really starts. Last year Hiro tried a new kind of food before he won the 250 GP race in Japan, courtesy of Patricia. It's now customary for him to have it before any big event, and I'm talking about Spanish Tortilla! We now refer to Hiro's luck on the bike as Tortilla Power, as in, did you have any Tortilla Power?!? Today, Hiro's Tortilla power consisted of keeping his bike in front of his teamate, Manuel Poggiali!

What's the big event I'm talking about? Well, this weekend is very, very special. Just south of Madrid one of the most prestigious Chess tournaments in the world will be taking place in Linares. Eight of the greatest players of the game will be on hand, including the current FIDE World Champion, competing for 380,000 Euros!! Millions will watch and games will be shown on the internet, LIVE. It's going to be a riot, and I can't wait! Read more about it here:

http://www.moreliachess.com/eng/Linares.asp

Let the Wild Ride Continue!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mille R boy]

Liam,
Good to see that you are still in the thick of things. Keep it up…I am sure you will land the dream job in time. We hope to come over to catch a GP race or 2 this year, but it's up in the air what races we will attend. Australia seems to be calling our name ;o)

Great stories and pictures. So…are you working for Daniti’s WSB effort? Did you ever hook up with Kikko???

Have fun and see ya soon!

 

[MotoLiam]

Hey Andre,

I'm working for D'antin MotoGP, the satellite Ducati team (but not working on their GP team :rats). We're responsible for running the Qatar national series, the Losail Cup, and also D'antin's Spanish Championship team, running ZX-10R's this year. I wish I could make it to Aus, but the last time I checked (two days ago), tickets were running 1400+ Euros! If I have my way, I don't think I'll ever "hook-up" with Kikko !

Say hi to Kat for me.

 

[Mille R boy]

Hey Andre,

I'm working for D'antin MotoGP, the satellite Ducati team (but not working on their GP team :rats). We're responsible for running the Qatar national series, the Losail Cup, and also D'antin's Spanish Championship team, running ZX-10R's this year. I wish I could make it to Aus, but the last time I checked (two days ago), tickets were running 1400+ Euros! If I have my way, I don't think I'll ever "hook-up" with Kikko !

Say hi to Kat for me.

LOL..OK, my bad... I didn't mean hook up that way. Just wondered if he gave ya a contact name. He is done with Moto GP and making coffee in Italy now!
Sounds like you are well on you way..one step at a time my friend!
I can't wait to come back to Spain and party with ya again...gonna have to fart on more strangers in bad gay bars!
I'll tell Kat hello for ya.

 

[Cascadeur]

Hi Liam,

Great thread!
Read it briefly but have little time reading it all (yet).
I ran into it via Motogpod.com.
I registered a couple of years ago when I left for Cali for a couple of weeks but my profile is still active after all this time.

Great that you put so much effort in chasing your dreams.
Just like I did and it pays off!

I work for YRC- Yamaha Racing Communications.
In a nutshell: Marketing Communication for MotoGP/ WSB/ WSS and European SuperStock, factory supported Yamaha teams.
In that function I'll be visiting the majority of the MotoGP '06 races and a couple of WSB races. A busy scedule....
So we'll have a chance to meet soon and have a drink.

IRTA Barcelona test next weekend I won't be visiting -have other priorities- but IRTA Jerez for sure.

My bed is calling since I had little sleep after a couple of days Milan for the CYT team launch.

Grtz, Dennis

 

[Triple Seven]

Liam, maybe you can make a trip to Italy and visit the MV Agusta plant. Take some photos, wrench on one.... would be very cool. (sorry I know I always talk about MV, i just really like it.)

 

[frank MC]

Anyone want to comment on these beautiful, conical shaped, scalloped forks? I've never seen anything like this before, and it's absolutely *Gorgeous*!

Check out the color of that rotor..... got HOT -- ouch!!!

What's with the creature hand on the bars?

 

[che_spettacolo]

Liam, this is probably old news to you... but it suprised me to see your face in the JAN/FEB '06 issue of Road Racer X. Anway, it's good to hear you're doing your thing out there with D'Antin. Keep up the great work! -Marvin

 

[MotoLiam]

Hi Marv, Frank, and welcome back Dennis! Glad to see everyone is still enjoying the thread. Quiet day for me today in the city, with laundry, working out, and some cooking thrown in. Last night, however, was great! I had a fascinating conversation with a person I will refer to only as, "X".

Triple Seven, please put in a call to MV Augusta and let them know it's time to go racing. Now that they have a full 1K there's no reason why they shouldn't be in SBK!

Dennis, sorry I won't be seeing you soon, but if you're going to make it to the Season Opener at Jerez on March 24-26, please let me know. I'll be out of town during the IRTA tests there but I'm definitely going to get down there for the races. Anyone else thinking of hitchhiking 1200KM? If you're there, we'll be sure to sit down and talk. I'd love to hear more about your job and responsibilities. As for the CYT show in Milan, I think there was quite a bit of interest in the other "Camels" that made an appearance, if you know what I mean . Shoot me an email so we can stay in touch.

Otei - I think the teams make a huge difference. I'm still thinking about your question, and when I have a better answer, I'll be sure to let you know what I think.

 

[johnc]

I had a fascinating conversation with a person I will refer to only as, "X".

As for the CYT show in Milan, I think there was quite a bit of interest in the other "Camels" that made an appearance, if you know what I mean .

who is "X"? and do you mean camel toes?

 

[Cascadeur]

Dennis, sorry I won't be seeing you soon, but if you're going to make it to the Season Opener at Jerez on March 24-26, please let me know. I'll be out of town during the IRTA tests there but I'm definitely going to get down there for the races. Anyone else thinking of hitchhiking 1200KM? If you're there, we'll be sure to sit down and talk. I'd love to hear more about your job and responsibilities. As for the CYT show in Milan, I think there was quite a bit of interest in the other "Camels" that made an appearance, if you know what I mean . Shoot me an email so we can stay in touch.

Jerez race I will attend as well.

Those "Camels" spoke little English I can tell you, although their lip-syncing was pretty good
Luckily my Italian is resonable. At least I was able to take care of my primary needs...

You've got my mailaddress so keep in touch.

 

[hate12sj]

great thread.

 

[Mick The Pole]

Hi Liam,

You're doing a great job man! I've been following your adventure on this board for a long time and I'm impressed!

Keep working hard as it pays off in the end!

See you at the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez - we have to go for a beer there ;-).

 

[MotoLiam]

Compromise

Hey Everyone,

I guess I didn't make it to the Chess Tournament in Linares this weekend after all! This week the Catalonia/Catalunya circuit of Montmelo has hosted the first official IRTA test for MotoGP, and it concludes tomorrow with a timed event where the riders go all out to win a new M class Z4 Coupe! Both the smaller classes have participated and now the big boys are up and running! I'm glad everyone is enjoying the thread and the photos, and speaking of photos, I'm going to ask that you let me post the next bunch without interjecting until I say the last one has gone up for the day. It's kind of an, "I go, then you go", thing and it's easier for me to keep track of things that way.

Oftentimes I pose questions or observations about the bikes, the riders, the teams, or even different series', but now I've seen enough and had enough contact to know that there are some things that should never make it onto the board, in public. Not that I've let secret information out already, but I have my "private" full of sensitive material, as I'm sure you all have realized. Otei mentioned earlier that I'm not an oracle all of a sudden, but truthfully, I know more than the average bear. It's because of this that I need to compromise a little, because my ultimate goal is working, and I don't want to be seen as a someone who abuses the situations or conversations I find myself in. That said, I'm still going to have a great time taking and posting pictures and I hope you continue to get as big a kick out of them as I do!

I arrived at the circuit a little later than I had hoped to this morning, and it was a cold and blustery day. Dust clouds whipped up from the parking lots and throughout the day there was a steady influx of both cars and (lots of) motorcycles. All breeds! I managed to see my latest infatuation roll by, the Yamaha MT-03. Sweet!