[Pete]

I have noticed that the AMA Honda team are running a non-stock swingarm on the 1000RR, but Chris Vermuellin (sp?) is running what appears to be a pretty stock looking swingarm. I'd thought that WSB had MORE latitude in modding their bikes. Anyone know the details?

[abtech]

Don't think Chris's team has the parts yet. I think Boomer or Trackho or his evil twin posted some info on this a week or so ago.

[QuikMike]

basically, Vermuellen rides for the Ten Kate team in WSBK....they don't receive any factory support from Honda at all because of the spec tire fiasco(remember, all the manufacturers pulled all factory support in protest, except Ducati of course)....as a result, Chris' bike is essentially a stock bike with some kit HRC parts that the Ten Kate team bought....unlike the AMA RR, which receives full factory support via American Honda...this is the main reason why we see the beefed up swingarm on BBoz, Duhamel's and Zemke's bike....I am sure they've got some other "factory" parts as well that Vermuellen can't get his hands on...will he get some support later on during the year, who knows?....but the more important question is: what would Vermuellen look like if he was on a factory RR? I would surmise to say that he would be giving the factory Ducs a run for the money

[luvtolean]

Slow down there QM. They aren't a full on HRC backed effort, that is true, but Honda is certainly supporting them with parts! They'll get more of the good stuff as it is made.

[Pete]

Good points Abtech and QuikMike, I hadn't thought about that. Still, it seems as though a swingarm wouldn't be that big of a deal to get. But I guess I'm wrong there.

[tnarinen]

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Slow down there QM. They aren't a full on HRC backed effort, that is true, but Honda is certainly supporting them with parts! They'll get more of the good stuff as it is made.

Yes, I wouldn't consider a team that gets a punch of 1000RR's with 197 in the wheel in January being like any other HRC parts customer. They got the bikes with all that HRC had to offer in the engine and in the gearbox. They have since made their own engine modifications that add between 10 and 30 horses, depending on which rumour you choose to believe. Pipes (Arrow), suspension (WP, where factory backed BSB and AMA teams run Showas) and clutch are supposedly common aftermarket parts. They did not have the slipper clutch last weekend in Monza (and it shoved) and will not have it until mid-June or something.

[QuikMike]

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Slow down there QM. They aren't a full on HRC backed effort, that is true, but Honda is certainly supporting them with parts! They'll get more of the good stuff as it is made.

I stand corrected, oh great one!!!