Honda preparing Dakar assault - Page 8

too old · 07-08-2012, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HogWild

Yes Quinn, he WAS on a Honda in Dakar and provided feedback through JCR before going Orange.

Ah ok - historical info, but does he have a Dakar ride?

zenjen · 07-08-2012, 08:49 PM

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.

.

Carlos M · 07-08-2012, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HogWild

"accidently" be hanging out just at the right time at every highway crossing where my roadbook routes go!...

That would be nice! Sort of chasing WPM's but they are flying red prototypes :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by HogWild

Then come and borrow my 525 and do some of the routes yourself!

thanks for the offer. Impossible this Summer but it'll happen someday.

novaboy · 07-09-2012, 02:46 AM

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.

doyle · 07-09-2012, 06:17 AM

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.

doyle · 07-09-2012, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenjen

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.

.

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.

Deadly99 · 07-09-2012, 06:24 AM

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

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

Evil Invader · 07-09-2012, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deadly99

Politics play a big part in the Dakar

Allways a "-gate" in Dakar

doyle · 07-09-2012, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deadly99

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

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

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.

troy safari carpente · 07-09-2012, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doyle

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.

Oh Doyle... you poor, poor, poor misguided bloody blue eyed idealist...

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

(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...?)

doyle · 07-09-2012, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troy safari carpente

Oh Doyle... you poor, poor, poor misguided bloody blue eyed idealist...

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

(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...?)

I'm the eternal optimist.

Brodovitch · 07-09-2012, 11:40 AM

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

I could go on with the conspiracy theories, someone tell me to shut up

HogWild · 07-09-2012, 12:33 PM

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!

too old · 07-09-2012, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by too old

Ah ok - historical info, but does he have a Dakar ride?

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.

zenjen · 07-09-2012, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by too old

Mind you - the feedback couldn't have been too great as the 2 key riders didn't get past day 2

You need to read up on Quinn's accomplishments.

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/

.

07-09-2012, 02:46 AM	#109
novaboy Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2008 Location: Rothesay, New Brunswick, Canada, eh Oddometer: 335	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. __________________ 1995 CBR600F3-stolen bastards 2000 CBR600F4-sold (kids) 2009 BMW G650 X-Country(sold) 2006 VStrom 1000, 2003 HONDA XR250R Guinness for Strength

07-09-2012, 06:17 AM	#110
doyle RallyRaidReview-ing Joined: Jan 2004 Location: Off Piste Oddometer: 21,519	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. __________________ *Got Smugmug? Use code HWkDUhHwGv5Tc for a discount.* RallyRaidReview - @RallyRaidReview

07-09-2012, 06:24 AM	#112
Deadly99 Fast and Far Joined: Apr 2008 Location: Merrickville, Canada Oddometer: 6,817	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 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 __________________ *www.GravelTravel.ca Canadas Source For Overland Routes* Tales From The Bivouac Rally Print Publications *TCAT Trans Canadian Adventure Trail 15, 000 km GPS route across Canada*

07-09-2012, 11:40 AM	#117
Brodovitch Team ⌘R Joined: Nov 2010 Location: Athens, Greece Oddometer: 3,161	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 I could go on with the conspiracy theories, someone tell me to shut up __________________ TALES FROM THE BIVOUAC TWOONEZERO

07-09-2012, 12:33 PM	#118
HogWild Scott Whitney Joined: Nov 2003 Location: SoCal USA Oddometer: 2,225	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! __________________ Going where no Harley has gone before HogWildRacing.com

07-08-2012, 08:49 PM	#107
zenjen Go Outside Joined: Aug 2009 Location: Quartz Mtn. West end of the Wichitas Oddometer: 2,387	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. .

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