p6x

Upload your pictures in full resolution to a hosting site, such as flickr.com. Then copy the URL of each photo, and paste them in the dialog box here. Like in the example below: you can click on the picture that will link you to my flickr account.

Valentino Rossi gave his opinion of the Marc Marquez transfer in "L'Equipe". He said that the whole of the VR46 academy were surprised that Ducati could deviate from their usual recruiting path for the factory team. I found it surprising that he could not understand a business decision that actually made a lot of sense. Especially coming from him, who has insofar shown to be very astute and successful in his business ventures. From creating the VR46 academy, to designing and manufacturing most of the pilots' paraphernalia. I understand that he has a grudge on Marc Marquez, but the Ducati choice is logical. Before anything else, MotoGP is a business. They are successful, so they want to keep the momentum with onboarding the biggest name in the paddock. If Marc Marquez returns to success and win his 9th World Championship, it will be on a Ducati.

It depends on how "anal" you are about it. If you want a perfect paint job, it would require a complete repaint. A fix will always be visible, even if only to your eyes....

I think your engine oil may give you clues of an impending major issue before other warning could be perceived. I have only had a broken engine once so far. It was in Italy with an Alfa Romeo. Driving from Pescara to Roma to catch a plane. I was on the highway, posted speed, suddenly the engine threw a rod. It was one of the Alpha Romeo with the "boxer" engine. Zero warning. It was a rental car which I had gotten for that trip. If you look at the analysis comment in the Blackstone Lab's report, my copper ppm is above what is generally acceptable. As far as I can tell, my bike has never performed so well. The 3000 rpm gurgle has vanished, and it goes like the wind. I am making the oil analysis analogy with the annual medical checkup certain companies impose on you have 50 years. All those colonoscopies that would help nipping a disease in the bud. I worked 35 years in the oilfield business, and with each and every well came sample analysis. Maybe doing an oil analysis on each of your oil change is overkill, but I would rather spend 35 dollars more every 3k miles, than having a broken engine, if I can help it.

You can easily find them on the Internet. Blackstone Laboratories. https://www.blackstone-labs.com/engine-types/motorcycle/ This is the analysis I ordered: https://www.blackstone-labs.com/product/oil-tbn/ The basic analysis is $35. I personally think it is a good way to check that nothing is abnormal in your engine. Here's a write-up about the benefits of getting an oil baseline for your motorcycle. Obviously, a way for the laboratory to get more customers. https://www.blackstone-labs.com/motorcycle-analysis/

It is not my motorcycle. This is a Moto Guzzi Quota though, and that is why I liked the photo. The guy that rode all the way up there is from Spain. He is also a Moto Guzzi aficionado.... sadly, he does not graze on our side of the pasture! although everyone has a notion of English, I am yet to see a single post in the Shakespeare language from him.

Portugal, Vilanova de Cerveira

That..

There have been a lot of recurrent questions about which oil is best for our beloved Vs. I have decided to get an oil analysis after each oil change on my V11; starting with Liqui Moly. Next will be Motul V Twin. Now, if the high copper contents is confirmed for my next oil change, what should I look at changing for those of you that have gone through that already.

Mostly forgotten, but an incredible Blues guy: John Lee Hooker... The Healer featuring Carlos Santana at the six strings.

We saw some pilots attempting a tow during the MotoGP qualifications today that sparked some protests and according to Jorge Martin, the direct cause for not doing better during Q2, as he slowed down to break his tail and his tires cooled down. Bagnaia complained that it should be regulated but I don't see how that can be accomplished practically.

I got it... I did too, but here's what came out...

The Sprint race was unpredictable; I did not watch it however Dorna now publishes snippets of what happens during the race on YouTube. They are really trying hard to entice people to subscribe to watch the races. In any case, they lost my patronage when they tried to do what Adobe is currently under legal trouble for. Automatic re-enrollment, unsubscribe options impossible to find, forcing you to phone. The new subterfuge of many subscription based businesses. Making it impossible to cancel.

2027 and the rules change will most likely be the major reshuffle. Of course, the reduction in engine capacity, but also the interdiction of ride height devices, including at grid start. The fairings will see some changes. Maximum bore will be 75mm, maximum 4 cylinders. Minimum weight 153kg. Max tank capacity 20 liters. Only 11 liters authorized for the sprint race. Maximum width of the fairings will be reduced from 600mm to 550 mm. Maximum height of the rear fairing/appendixes will be reduced from 1250mm to 1150mm. The fairing front will be moved backwards 50mm. All the GPS data from all pilots will be made available to all teams. Only 16 gearbox sprocket pairs authorized, 6 engines for the season (20 races), 7 engines (22 races). Fuel 100% hydrocarbon free. Opinions: Going to 850cc, engines will lose 30/40 hp. Non fossil fuel means less power. 10% aerodynamics. The objective is to have MotoGP shed 2 seconds from today's lap times. Long term, it is expected that new technology will regain some of the lost time.

Last for today; The VR46 Team (no surprise) will get the GP25 next year. Franco Morbidelli will integrate the VR46 team, and will ride the same bike he is currently racing with in this year's championship. Miguel Oliveira (to be confirmed) may move to Pramac Yamaha.

Here's a 75 years anniversary Motorcycle racing quiz from Dorna, involving today's big three: BMM; I only had two wrongs. Can you do better? (as usual, you have to click on the URL link since MotoGP does not allow embedding). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn3H0HAoOz4

Yesterday, a "mea culpa" was issued from Marc Marquez about that incident, where he admitted that he had forgotten that he was not riding a MotoGP bike, so he entered too fast in the corner. Without saying anything, he is at least giving a good diplomatic exit to everybody on this issue. Ducati PR work has continued backstage, no doubt. Source is Motosprint.it;

I think the MotoGP thread as derailed...

They say that it only takes three generations to completely forget about our ancestors. My son, 28 years old, never met his grandparents on either side. Back then, photographs were not frequent. Not that he would be interested anyway. I have a feeling that newer generations are less prone to leave good than their elders. It is just my opinion, I am obsolete of course. I was reminded that old people always think the world was better before.

MotoGP 75 years anniversary special liveries stream; As usual, they don't allow embedding, so you will have to click on the link to watch on YouTube directly; Which is your favorite? For me, it is the Aprilia's 250 domination back in the days when two strokes were ruling the competition; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLyXjiV2zBM

This is actually the consensus among all those watching! Marc will take no prisoner, this is expected. VR46 issued a white paper on the subject, backed by his own experience when he was sharing the garage with Jorge Lorenzo. Ducati keeps telling everyone who listens that it will not happen like what we think. They are going to make sure about it. Good luck Ducati! How do they say in English? keep your ducks in a row?

I was reading a Nicolo Bulega statement made after a visit to the doctor, following his crash at the World Ducati Week race of the champions. He clearly said that he did not release any comment to any media following the unfortunate incident that took place during the race, that saw Nicolo the only casualty of what was meant to be a good nature event. I am certain Ducati PR made certain there was not going to be any public blaming of their top-notch star rider for 2025. That goes without saying. Marc Marquez said that he did not even feel any contact, but he would/did? give his helmet to Nicolo as a consolation prize. Lucky Nicolo Bulega! In the videos shot by spectators and shown on various YT channels, you can clearly see there is contact. Obviously, Marc did not feel anything... possibly because it was too mild to be noticed. Usually, he strikes a lot stronger than that.

This contraption is actually on sale for 3.5k USD, should anyone be interested.