MotoGP 2012 @ Laguna

feejer

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Feb 16, 2007
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Unfortunately, I must concur with most fans that MotoGP as a spectator sport is but a mere shadow of it's former self. The reasons are many but sadly, IMO the only way it gets fixed is for the money to dry up. And based on what I saw at Laguna this year, that is well underway. This was our 3rd time there and attendance was well down from prior years. What was most shocking was the very low number of fans arriving on bikes. At first I thought it was just that we were guided into an alternate area and that the bulk of the bike parking was elsewhere this year. But upon seeing the very poor turnout of riders at bike night at Cannery Row in Monterey, there was no doubt fans are voting with their pocketbooks and finding excitement elsewhere.

The infield was still worthwhile with the major manufacturers doing a good job of setting up interesting displays and product demos. And seeing Kenny Roberts ride in and then getting to meet him and shake his hand was worth the price of admission alone. So even though the racing has lost it's mojo, the event is still fun to attend for the peripheral activities and sights.

Overview of the infield from the hill West of turn 1

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They had various all-electric dualsports there. Not sure if this will EVER be attractive option

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Yamaha brought a $375,000 Lexus LFA to display. I did not know Yamaha co-produced the engine. From idle to 9000 RPM redline in 0.6 seconds.
Marilyn said it was OK with her if I wanted to buy one, lol!

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Nice cutaway view of an R1 internals

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We both got a photo-op on Lorenzo's M1

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And a silly simulated lean through the "corkscrew". But it was surprising how much centrifugal forces help offset your own weight when in a lean.
Being static like that with both feet on the pegs was difficult to stay on the seat!

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I was getting the hard sell with him showing me the factory procedure for lowering the DR650 suspension 1.5". Pretty easy to do really, but not sure
I would even need to do it.

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I did like the feel of the CB1000R though. Nice alternative to the FZ1 if I ever decide to part with it.

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The legendary Kenny Roberts riding in and about to shake my hand after signing an autograph.

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Then we headed over to Ducati's "Island" where they always bring out some pretty toys to look at.

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Always some nice eye candy promoting aftermarket goodies.

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And oh yeah, they actually had a race. Various shots as follows:

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Overall, we had a nice weekend. The weather was perfect and had some great meals and rides along the coastline.
There is plenty wrong with MotoGP at the moment but you just have to make the most of what is still good and fun
and hope they can pull their heads out and give fans some excitement once again.
 

Franz

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Jun 28, 2007
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Nice fotos and report Feejer ! Actually Yamaha produced the engine for a F1 car but can't remember which one some years ago but I think that budgetary reasons had them pull out. Looking forward to Sepang this year, should be possible to go down there at last and experience the racing spirit of MotoGP.....cheers, Franz
 

feejer

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Feb 16, 2007
444
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Thanks,

I would love to go to Sepang someday to get a feel for the difference. Laguna is only 45 minutes from home, so very convenient to go there but if I am ever in SEA at the right time, Sepang would be a must see for sure. But my friend that toured No. Vietnam with me in April has his heart set on the Isle of Man TT next year, so that is probably the first "International" race I will attend. Doesn't hurt that he has family on the Isle of Arran in Scotland, so free room/board (and Islay single malts!) before and after the TT is always a plus!
 

feejer

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Feb 16, 2007
444
2
18
Thanks,

I would love to go to Sepang someday to get a feel for the difference. Laguna is only 45 minutes from home, so very convenient to go there but if I am ever in SEA at the right time, Sepang would be a must see for sure. But my friend that toured No. Vietnam with me in April has his heart set on the Isle of Man TT next year, so that is probably the first "International" race I will attend. Doesn't hurt that he has family on the Isle of Arran in Scotland, so free room/board (and Islay single malts!) before and after the TT is always a plus!