[TKDmasterZ]

They are again a couple seconds faster than the rest at Daytona qualifying today (Thursday). Can anyone else compete with these two in AMA superbike series? Are they (and Suzuki) that much better? When will we see some Honda's or even Yamaha's competing for the chapionship?

[ptlcb1]

Hate to say it, but Spies and Mladin are the two best riders in the class and on the two best bikes! They have been on the bikes for a few years now, so the bikes are like an extension of themselves. I just dont see anyone challenging them this year. I do hope that someone steps up to the challenge. Duhamel best years are behind him, i think. Hodgson is on the new bike, so there will be a learning cuve for him. Hopefully it doesnt take him very long. Roger Lee should be up there. His confidence is high right now with his MotoGP ride last year and winning the Superstock title last year. I think our hopes will be with Hodgson this year... Whats sad is that it will probably be for third, the best of the rest...

[jhonda41]

Its sad that they are such great riders but so boring to watch.

I guess Honda is focusing on more important things?

-jh

[nedro]

Originally Posted by jhonda41

Its sad that they are such great riders but so boring to watch.

I guess Honda is focusing on more important things?

-jh

Exactly!
I'd love to see Spies on a different bike. Any different bike. Just to see him fly!

[gliberios]

I have just about had it with Honda. Every year I think something is going to be different and they are going to be competitive but every year I am let down. This year is a completely new 1000 that is modeled after the competitive 600. Seems like Honda didnt make much of an improvement considering where they are in AMA and World. I still don't understand why they didn't go with Josh Hayes. He has proven to be a young hungry rider who is commited to Honda. I think given the opportunity he would be a great asset to American Honda. Overall, seems like this season in AMA Superbike is going to be a repeat of the last few years. I give Mladin and Spies their credit but I am sick of watching to see which of them will win the race. If they are that good they should be in World or MotoGP where they may not be able to dominate.

[Phadreus]

Mladin and Spies both commented on the "extensive" testing that they did with the 08 GSXR over the off season. Duhamel said he just got his Daytona chassis two weeks prior to Bike Week and he thought it was put together on a Friday or Japanese Holiday or something it was so bad. What the hell? Is Honda serious about AMA Superbike or not? I just don't get them... Josh Hayes is itching to move up to SBK and Honda won't let him because they like having FX wrapped up. I just don't get them, I really don't. Gliberios, I'm with you bro; every year I get Jazzed about the upcoming SBK season and race one I'm let down...again, by Honda.

On a slightly different note, I was wondering if Neil was so used to the natural Engine brakeing of the Ducs that he wasn't ready for the (lack of) on the I4's which is why he overshot so many turns.

Hopefully the Honda boys will get serious in SBK for this year...I'm not holding my breath though...

[MACI4LIFE]

so the guys at world superbike get their bikes late?? and the guys at ama get their bikes late?? well this fault is definately on the shoulders of honda. It's rediculous to low ball their own riders and give them the disadvantage.

why can't honda make a good litre bike. i really don't understand it. they have experienced riders in hodgson and duhamel, yet they can't compete.

ok ok it's the first race but still. i don't see suzuki being dethroned this year.

[Phadreus]

I hear ya Mac, and the Kawi boys were talking about how much testing they got in on the new ZX10 and how confident they were that they were going to do better in 08 with the new bike. Yamy riders talked about getting go fast parts from WSB oversees and that helped them. Why not much testing for HRC? What gives?

[ptlcb1]

From all of the reviews that I have read so far for the new CBR1000RR, there has been nothing but good things said about it. Overall, it seems to be a much better bike than last years model. I think its a much better starting point for racing than last years bike. It just that the Superbike teams around the world, were late getting the '08 bikes. Mistake in planning by Honda of Japan.

Regarding the AMA Superbike series, what we have to remember, is that HRC has not helped American Honda for a few years now. The success Honda had a few years back and before then, HRC had a major part in those Championship winning years. Since they pulled out, American Honda has struggled ever since, for whatever the reason. Would we have been capable of running with the Yosh boys for the past few years, with HRC's help? Who knows, but the weak link surely would not have been the bikes. American Honda doesnt have what it takes to put great bikes in the hands of their riders, without HRC's help. At least, thats what is being proven over the last few years...

I say that because with those same bikes from Honda, The Ten Kate Race Team has been whooping ass in those same years that American Honda has struggled! They are also, to my knowledge, not getting help from HRC and never have. So Honda's bikes have always been capable. On the largest stage for production bikes, World Superbikes, Honda has been a threat each year for the title. Already this year, Checa is showing the bikes potential and he only has two races on it!

I also agree. Josh Hayes should be on the Honda Superbike this year. What more does he have to prove??? I just heard he got disqualified for winning the Daytona 200 for a rules infraction regarding work done to the crankshaft . Shame on his crew chief or whoever is responsible for the illegal modifications to the crank! Thats just sad! Josh did a great job today and to get DQ'd because of a team member is just sad! I would not be surprised if Josh jumps ship after this year, especially if Honda refuses him a superbike seat for next year again...