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Put some more thought into this. They might do SBK Cup if there is a weekend baggers aren't racing but stk1000 are
The 776cc GSX-8R gets to pull the airbox lid or run a TST airbox for 2025. Min weight remains at 369 lbs. The up to 700cc R7 gets throttle by wire and 46mm throttle bodies. Kit available from Solo Engineering. Pricey.... 338 min weight The 2025 RS660 has some revisions to include 52mm throttle bodies (up from 48mm) and a claimed 5hp increase. They also have a factory model which comes with Ohlins forks and shock. I don't think the 2025 model will be available until late spring early summer, and MA wants to see the numbers for the new bike for evaluation. 338 min weight
That is what I was thinking, going against the M1000RR and Honda RRR is going to be a tough ask, but he is one of the riders I can see doing well with it.
I’ll 3rd that thought - an 8 year old Gix that wasn’t thought to be a top 3 bike back then against the latest/greatest - a BIG ask for sure and given Rocco’s temper, I can see him being frustrating at losing the stickers off his bike on longer/faster tracks. But, if he has success, there’ll be no way doubters can say it was due to his machinery.
I originally had a message typed out about how Hayden won on one a few seasons ago, but then I thought about how much the BMW and Honda have evolved since. I think the GSX-R will do ok at places like Barber and The Ridge, but Road Atlanta and America might be a tough battle.
If RL can be as level headed and methodical as HG he has a chance. Keyword *If*..... There is no doubt RL can absolutely ride the wheels off a god damn motorycle. I don't know who Rocco's crew are but HG had / has one of the best of the best especially when it comes to the GSXR. Mark Junge is no joke and has forgotten more about building the Suzuki than most will ever know. HG has a lot of experience that is why he was able to pull that off. There were also circumstances out of our control regarding Ezra for that last round at COTA. If Ezra could have mounted up and rode that weekend the results of that Championship may have been different but that's racing and we will never know. I've told HG many times how much of fan I was and always will be especially being on a team as his direct competitor. I really hope he gets up there and is able to fight for the podium this year in SBK on that Honda. He's put his time in and has the talent hands down.
He did, and well deserved. He tied Corey Alexander in points but won on podium credits, and Corey missed 2 of the 10 races due to injury otherwise it would have been a different outcome. Plus the Beemer and Honda have had 2 more years of development since then - so yeah, a high mountain for Rocco to climb but I can’t wait to see him try! I predict a similar season trajectory as he had on the baggers last year with a slightly better first half of the season.
I don't think the pace of development has been what it has in the decades past so I'm not sure how much better the slightly newer bikes will be. Both the Honda and the BMW are pretty much the same but I'm pretty far out of the loop to speak on that. Hayden was down on power tho.
And that's what makes motorcycle racing so great. It's usually more the rider than the machine... if they are all on close to equal equipment.
I am pretty sure that V&H know how to build a good motor and put together a crew and package. I think Rocco will have what he needs from them to be competitive.
I can’t be the only one who thinks Kaleb De Keyrel would have been going for the championship if he had one more year on your bike.
Not my bikes, not my decision. I was honored to be his mechanic and work with him for the 2023 season... besides having to move his clipons a cunt hair 45 times a weekend. And I know you are biased being from Minnesota
Stock the Gix is down 35hp on the Beemer and STOCK 1000 rules aren’t as wide open as SB, plus the electronics are the biggest upgrade over the Suzuki which has next to none. My ‘17 made 162 to the wheel, flashed and full Yosh - 182hp on pump gas. the new M1000RR and CBR are around 200hp stock and have the best electronics available.
Yeah, this. I mean, look at what the stock Honda with Gillim did in the Superbike class. Even the BMW. Those bikes are almost there in stock form