Its not like the FIM are breaking new ground here, there has been
successive regimentation of motorcycle design from them since the
second world war. The engineer Dennis Jones (Derbyshire) built a
number of motorcycles for Grand Prix racing and was able to enter them
for competition. He built a 500cc 2 stroke 4 cylinder with
supercharger and would have raced this but for the FIM baning
superchargers after WW2. I am sure that many other equally meritorious
machines have been built by other engineers but thats not the point.
If we remove the time line we have - a ban on supercharging or
turbo's, a restriction of the number of cylinders, a restriction of
the number of gears used, ban of oval pistons and now a ban of the
manufacture of an engine. Its all going to wards rental of a
constructed racing machine and that alone.
I accuse the FIM of instigating a monopoly* because here is a
lucrative series with television coverage and a lot of money at stake
for other manufacturers but the condition is that Honda 600cc engines
and Dunlop tyres are used. Other engines and tyres are available. I am
calling it a disgraceful monopoly because this is an international
organisation and for it to be subject to law, each participating
country would have to be approached concerning Monopolies and Mergers
legislation.
I would like to think that I am wrong about an increase of accidents
but now that all riders have the same engine and control tyre there
are two less reasons for winning. This series is expected to be 'elbow
to elbow' (MCN) and at speeds of over 170mph that can only mean a
greater possibility of danger.
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopoly
>If we remove the time line we have - a ban on supercharging or
>turbo's, a restriction of the number of cylinders, a restriction of
>the number of gears used, ban of oval pistons and now a ban of the
>manufacture of an engine. Its all going to wards rental of a
>constructed racing machine and that alone.
And severe restrictions on streamlining.
There's all sorts of reasons for motorcycle racing. But one of the most
important is that it's extremely expensive and lucrative entertainment.
Unfortunately some times the money and the entertainment get in the way
of the technology.
--
Julian Bond E&MSN: julian_bond at voidstar.com M: +44 (0)77 5907 2173
Webmaster: http://www.ecademy.com/ T: +44 (0)192 0412 433
Personal WebLog: http://www.voidstar.com/ skype:julian.bond?chat
Keep Out
XML Sitemap
>turbo's, a restriction of the number of cylinders, a restriction of
>the number of gears used, ban of oval pistons and now a ban of the
>manufacture of an engine. Its all going to wards rental of a
>constructed racing machine and that alone.