Honda preparing Dakar assault

Discussion in 'Racing' started by STROM-CRF450X-990SMT, Jul 2, 2012.

Page 6 of 61
  1. Carlos M, Jul 8, 2012
    #101
    Carlos M

    Carlos M www.motoxplorers.com

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2002
    Oddometer:
    4,768
    Location:
    Portugal, Europe
    #101
  2. eakins, Jul 8, 2012
    #102
    eakins

    eakins Butler Maps

    Joined:
    May 29, 2002
    Oddometer:
    45,437
    Location:
    Fort Collins, Colorado
    just to poke an eye or 2 as you're w/ honda.

    i'm sure we'd all love to know when finally honda updates the xr650l class bike and truly competes in the 800 adv market (a real transalp). i'm thinking that will happen after those classes have moved on to to the next standard up.
    growing up honda was the leader, now all they do is follow way way behind.
    maybe that's changing?
    #102
  3. HogWild, Jul 8, 2012
    #103
    HogWild

    HogWild Skott Whitknee

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2003
    Oddometer:
    5,377
    Location:
    Out there
    Plus input from Quinn Cody and JCR.

    BTW, seems like you guys (Nomads) need a Vegas / California / Mojave Desert / Grand Canyon vacation in August.
    #103
  4. too old, Jul 8, 2012
    #104
    too old

    too old Keen supporter Supporter

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2011
    Oddometer:
    6,426
    Location:
    Sandy waste
    Not Quinn, he's with the Orange team - but by all accounts not for the Dakar - !!!!????:deal
    #104
  5. HogWild, Jul 8, 2012
    #105
    HogWild

    HogWild Skott Whitknee

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2003
    Oddometer:
    5,377
    Location:
    Out there
    Yes Quinn, he WAS on a Honda in Dakar and provided feedback through JCR before going Orange.
    #105
  6. too old, Jul 8, 2012
    #106
    too old

    too old Keen supporter Supporter

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2011
    Oddometer:
    6,426
    Location:
    Sandy waste
    Ah ok - historical info, but does he have a Dakar ride?:wink:
    #106
  7. zenjen, Jul 8, 2012
    #107
    zenjen

    zenjen Go Outside

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2009
    Oddometer:
    2,669
    Location:
    Quartz Mtn. West end of the Wichitas
    I know Quinn will not get one of the four KTM factory seats, but it would be sweet to see KTM pony up a 450RR for Quinn to make a run at the 2013 Dakar.

    He is the "Great Yankee Hope" for a stage win or the podium at Dakar with Jonah retired from Dakar competition.


    .
    #107
  8. Carlos M, Jul 8, 2012
    #108
    Carlos M

    Carlos M www.motoxplorers.com

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2002
    Oddometer:
    4,768
    Location:
    Portugal, Europe
    That would be nice! Sort of chasing WPM's but they are flying red prototypes :)

    :thumb thanks for the offer. Impossible this Summer but it'll happen someday.
    #108
  9. novaboy, Jul 9, 2012
    #109
    novaboy

    novaboy Been here awhile

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2008
    Oddometer:
    723
    Location:
    Rothesay, New Brunswick, Canada, eh
    I wonder, before all this was released to the press, that Quinn was going to be left off the Dakar team, and that was a reason for him jumping ship to KTM? Otherwise it would kind of suck to head to KTM just before Factory Honda announces a Dakar team which I'm sure he would have had a good chance of getting on.
    #109
  10. doyle, Jul 9, 2012
    #110
    doyle

    doyle RallyRaidReview-ing

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2004
    Oddometer:
    25,262
    Location:
    Off Piste
    Ooohh, good stuff. It doesn't surprise me that HRC had a nearly sorted machine ready to go. While the HRC name alone carries mass amounts for weight, having a machine to prove intent should have gone a long way to attracting such a decent team. After more than a few Yamaha Frankenbikes, it will be very interesting to see Helder unleashed with a backing and equipment of a full factory. I would expect that new bike reliability aside, KTM must feel a little threatened by Helder who obviously did a tremendous job to match the pace of both Coma and Despres on quite inferior machinery.
    #110
  11. doyle, Jul 9, 2012
    #111
    doyle

    doyle RallyRaidReview-ing

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2004
    Oddometer:
    25,262
    Location:
    Off Piste
    With Zanol going to HRC, there is at least one factory backed seat open (if they decide to support it) although IIRC, the bike was partially backed by KTM Brazil.
    #111
  12. Deadly99, Jul 9, 2012
    #112
    Deadly99

    Deadly99 Fast and Far

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2008
    Oddometer:
    12,713
    Location:
    Merrickville, Canada
    In my opinion it'll take Honda a few years to be able to compete with KTM. Not because of a lesser machine or because of less talented riders but rather because of politics. Politics play a big part in the Dakar :nod

    Time, money and "playing the game"....in my belief this is what it will take to have HRC on top of the podium.

    Stoked to see how it unfolds
    #112
  13. Evil Invader, Jul 9, 2012
    #113
    Evil Invader

    Evil Invader Been here awhile

    Joined:
    May 22, 2006
    Oddometer:
    777
    Location:
    Hell-sing-land, Sweden
    Allways a "-gate" in Dakar :evil
    #113
  14. doyle, Jul 9, 2012
    #114
    doyle

    doyle RallyRaidReview-ing

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2004
    Oddometer:
    25,262
    Location:
    Off Piste
    Yes, but...(there's always a but), HRC coming into the 'game' is precisely the outcome the 450 rule was designed to generate, more interest (read that as prestige and money) from the big 4 for whom the 450 bikes became mainstream. Might the ASO coddle HRC much to the chagrin of loyal, but much smaller player, KTM?

    We've all heard the stories of the ASO's inconsistencies in dealing with individual competitors and regarding 'team' favoritism, *cough* ktm *cough*, but could the desire to appease the global powerhouse that is Honda have the ASO running afoul of Mattighoffen, especially as the motorsport activities at that realm have short shelf lives without corresponding results.

    Let's hope the ASO balances the needs of the two (as both will doubtlessly be gunning for top spots) in a way that breeds competition, grows the sport, and increases the appeal of both brands. I'd hate to see lopsided handling or perceived favoritism run one or the other out of the dunes.
    #114
  15. troy safari carpente, Jul 9, 2012
    #115
    troy safari carpente

    troy safari carpente f5ree sub-zero agent

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2005
    Oddometer:
    46,860
    Location:
    "Swednavia" - f5ederation of Scandwegia
    Oh Doyle... you poor, poor, poor misguided bloody blue eyed idealist... :huh:rofl:rofl:rofl :wink:

    Hey Baldy... where's the "Bambi caught in the headlights" emoticon...??? :lol3


    (Sorry folks... I just don't have the heart for it... who's gonna PM Doyle and break the news about santa claus to him... gently...?) :evil
    #115
  16. doyle, Jul 9, 2012
    #116
    doyle

    doyle RallyRaidReview-ing

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2004
    Oddometer:
    25,262
    Location:
    Off Piste
    I'm the eternal optimist. :lol3
    #116
  17. Brodovitch, Jul 9, 2012
    #117
    Brodovitch

    Brodovitch Team ⌘R

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2010
    Oddometer:
    3,171
    Location:
    Athens, Greece
    I think Ted pointed it out a while back, don't remember when...

    It's not KTM that the ASO was coddling, it was Red Bull.

    Depends on the livery that HRC show up with... Repsol perhaps?
    Taking into account that Argentina recently "nationalized" the YPF refinery over there and the spanish got their knickers in a twist, Repsol could be a proud "fuck you" statement by the Iberians :evil

    I could go on with the conspiracy theories, someone tell me to shut up :lol3
    #117
  18. HogWild, Jul 9, 2012
    #118
    HogWild

    HogWild Skott Whitknee

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2003
    Oddometer:
    5,377
    Location:
    Out there
    Some of you guys have it backwards. Clearly ASO and Honda have been working together for a while. Just look at their logos. Notice the identical colors and how the "A" and "O" in ASO and Honda are so similar. LogoGate in the works!

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    #118
  19. too old, Jul 9, 2012
    #119
    too old

    too old Keen supporter Supporter

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2011
    Oddometer:
    6,426
    Location:
    Sandy waste


    Mind you - the feedback couldn't have been too great as the 2 key riders didn't get past day 2, so "get some decent stators" and "don't hit a rock when riding flat out" - fortunately Quinn was ok after his massive spill. :1drink
    #119
  20. zenjen, Jul 9, 2012
    #120
    zenjen

    zenjen Go Outside

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2009
    Oddometer:
    2,669
    Location:
    Quartz Mtn. West end of the Wichitas
    You need to read up on Quinn's accomplishments. :deal

    Multiple Baja 1000 wins on a Honda & 9th place finish in his first attempt at the Dakar on a Honda.

    Rookie of the Year at the Dakar on a Honda.




    http://www.quinncody.com/about/


    .
    #120
Page 6 of 61