173 replies to this topic

[OvDrone]

Hello Moto enthusiasts,

First things first - a big thank you to all of you who contributed to the thread this past year and previous seasons. You all make it a fantastic place for great Moto discussions and the thread keeps growing and growing each season. This year we had 15 more pages than last year's record. Let's go for 15 pages more in 2025! Cheers and thank you.

You know the drill. This is the thread for all things two wheel racing in this wonderful forum. It really helps out to talk about all the cool racing series out there as it gets attention to them, not only MotoGP of course. I'll do more of that this next year as I've shed off the grief of Tomac's defeat and travails from SMX so ready to check out more two wheel racing out there myself.

And lastly, let's celebrate the 2024 Champions here in the op as we start looking forward to 2025   

2024 FIM Super Enduro World Champion: #57 Billy Bolt, Husqvarna

 

 

2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Champion: #304 Manuel Lettenbichler, KTM

 

 

2024 FIM World Rally-Raid Champion: #18 Bradley Cox, Bas World KTM

 

2024 FIM MXGP World Champion: #61 Jorge Prado, Red Bull Gas Gas
 

 

2024 AMA World SuperMotoCross 450 Champion: #18 Jett Lawrence, HRC Honda

 

 

2024 FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Champion: #95 Bartosz Zmarzlik

 

2024 American Flat Track World Champion: #1 Jared Mees, Indian



2024 FIM Sidecarcross World Champions: #1 Marvin Vanluchene & Nicolas Musset, Zabel

 

2024 FIM Sidecar World Champions: #45 Harry Payne & Kevin Rousseau, Steinhausen Racing ARS Yamaha



2024 FIM British Superbike Champion: #77 Kyle Ryde, OMG Yamaha



2024 AMA MotoAmerica Champion: #2 Josh Herrin, Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati



2024 FIM WorldWCR Champion: #22 Ana Carrasco, Klint Forward Racing Team



2024 FIM Supersport Champion: #99 Adrian Huertas, Aruba.it Racing



2024 FIM MotoE World Champion: #4 Hector Garzo, Dynavolt Intact GP



2024 FIM Moto3 World Champion: #80 David Alonso, CFMoto Aspar Racing



2024 FIM Moto2 World Champion: #79 Ai Ogura, MT Helmets MSi Boscoscuro



2024 FIM Endurance World Champions: #12 Gregg Black, Etienne Masson & Dan Linfoot, Yoshimura SERT Suzuki



2024 FIM World Superbike World Champion: #54 Toprak Razgatlioglu, BMW Motorrad



2024 FIM MotoGP World Champion: #89 Jorge Martin, Pramac Ducati



There they are .Cheers to all Champions     It's been fun.
So now, we focus on 2025.

 

MotoGP post-season testing at Barcelona start this Tuesday, November 19th. Look forward to the usual Supercross Preview from Racer X around Christmas and Racing will start with Rally Raid at Dakar on January 3rd and Supercross at Anaheim January 11th.

Have at it

Edited by OvDrone, 18 November 2024 - 19:42.

[thegamer23]

Great OP as always!! 

 

And so cool that MotoGP 2025 starts this Tuesday already with the Post-Season testing! 

The event will be Broadcasted, action for the whole day from 9.00 to 17.00!

So many interesting things to look forward to, including World Champ Jorge Martin debuting with Aprilia, Marquez in the Factory Ducati Team and plenty of rider changes all around the field.
Most of the teams will bring the 24.5 specs of their bikes, a first step towards the 2025 prototypes.

Edited by thegamer23, 17 November 2024 - 15:47.

[ArnageWRC]

I understand the reasoning, but I dislike the off-road series being included in what is mainly a MotoGP thread; I have no interest in that series anymore, and find it tiresome wading through endless posts about it.

[Risil]

I worry that we're slightly below critical mass when it comes to followers of offroad bike racing. I could be wrong though. We can separate if the board is keen?

[thegamer23]

New MotoGP logo/brand identity revealed

 

Edited by thegamer23, 17 November 2024 - 20:38.

[JHSingo]

Saw this when it was leaked on X a couple of days early. The response to it was pretty lukewarm to say the least. 

Don't really understand change for change's sake. Although everyone felt the current F1 was a big downgrade on the cleverly designed old one when it was first revealed, but we quickly got used to it. So this will probably be the same. 

 

[P0inters]

People always dislike brand redesigns initially. They have a lot of nostalgia related to the old logo and they don't like change. I think you need to wait a few years for people to get used to and know how they really feel. Personally I still dislike the new F1 logo but I quite like this. That slogan is cringeworthy and tacky though.

[P0inters]

As for 2025 I'm not optimistic. It'll be Bagnaia vs Marquez if we're lucky and Marquez dominating if we're not. And I can't imagine the racing getting any better either. 

[Jellyfishcake]

Saw this when it was leaked on X a couple of days early. The response to it was pretty lukewarm to say the least. 

Don't really understand change for change's sake. Although everyone felt the current F1 was a big downgrade on the cleverly designed old one when it was first revealed, but we quickly got used to it. So this will probably be the same. 

 

 

I don't really like this new logo, it's about as bland a rebrand as you can get.

But actually I prefer it to the current F1 logo which I despise, F1 logo and it's font are awful.

 

Anyway, one the topic of split topics, I wouldn't be against it, I've zero interest in off-road biking, so it's lottery when opening the topic whether it'll be of interest or not

[Lemnpiper]

Hey OvDrone

 

 

       Since i am unable  to post pics    can you please find a place to include one of  Jared Mees   who won his 10th  Flat track championship  in 2024  ( breaking the record of  9 time winner Scott Parker) riding awesome Indians motorcycles ( which have been  legistated out of the sport).  Sadly American Flat Track seems to have fallen off most folks radar  nowadays.

 

    If i had to chose a racer of the year Mees would get my vote

 

 

 

 

      Paul

[highdownforce]

So...
Is the 2025 season the first to have 5 different former top class champions since ever?

Edited by highdownforce, 17 November 2024 - 21:36.

[Nova]

Guess the next thing to get excited about are the testing colors, liveries, and the 25 bikes. On Tuesday?

 

Then the long wait until the 25 testing, and see what the factories have done over the winter.

[messy]

As for 2025 I'm not optimistic. It'll be Bagnaia vs Marquez if we're lucky and Marquez dominating if we're not. And I can't imagine the racing getting any better either.

Acosta leading factory KTM, World Champion Jorge Martin leading Aprilia, less Ducatis and no guarantee the GP25 will be the massive leap forward the 24 was. I’m cautiously optimistic it’ll be a more competitive season. Ducati’s dominance this year was obscene, but I feel Aprilia especially were held back by mediocre riders. Martin most certainly isn’t that.

[Alan Lewis]

...Sadly American Flat Track seems to have fallen off most folks radar nowadays...

Ironic since the (entirely Europe-based) FIM Flat Track World Championship was won this year by an American for the first time; Sammy Halbert.

Plenty of other pictures OvDrone could have put up (this is NOT a criticism 😉) : ice speedway, long track, the Enduro World Championship, ISDE, FIM Snowcross, Trial and X-Trial, Motocross des Nations, Supermoto, e-bikes, ...

One or two series not quite finished yet, of course: FIM Supercross, the Sand Race World Cup, ...

Edited by Alan Lewis, 17 November 2024 - 22:12.

[Stephane]

Saw this when it was leaked on X a couple of days early. The response to it was pretty lukewarm to say the least. 

Don't really understand change for change's sake. Although everyone felt the current F1 was a big downgrade on the cleverly designed old one when it was first revealed, but we quickly got used to it. So this will probably be the same. 

 

 

No, we (at least me) did not get used to it. We just have no say

[thegamer23]

2025 lineup is ready for tomorrow's testing

 

*minus DiGia who's recovering from shoulder injury. Pirro will ride

 

 

Edited by thegamer23, 18 November 2024 - 08:13.

[messy]

Pramac lineup looks really sad after the highs of yesterday. Goodbye world beating factory spec Ducati, goodbye World Champion rider, hello Yamaha and two different shades of beige on the bike.

[Jellyfishcake]

You really have to wonder what the mechanics and crew think of the change, especially of bike. 

I really hope they've had a fantastic time enjoying 2024, because you fear 2025 is going to be a real challenge.

And likely never reach the highs again 

[Nova]

You really have to wonder what the mechanics and crew think of the change, especially of bike. 

I really hope they've had a fantastic time enjoying 2024, because you fear 2025 is going to be a real challenge.

And likely never reach the highs again 

I guess Yamaha will give them the same as they had at Ducati, same spec bike. They have the team. Rins is within reach and then some. If they can keep the staff, get a rider to match Quatararo, they should be able to do as well as the Yamaha allows them to. Not much right now, but they are aggressive.

[Risil]

I quite like the new logo actually

[Nova]

Can not muster the energy to care one way or the other about a logo. Not like I am buying MotoGP merchandise where the look of the logo could matter. If racing is good, I am good.

 

Having a glance at it, kind of look like a 80's design with the lettering. Put in some neon colors and hairspray and we are ready for takeoff.

[dissident]

Jorge and Enea are probably in for a shock.

 

Actually, Jorge maybe not as much since the Aprilia works well around Barcelona.

[P0inters]

Acosta leading factory KTM, World Champion Jorge Martin leading Aprilia, less Ducatis and no guarantee the GP25 will be the massive leap forward the 24 was. I’m cautiously optimistic it’ll be a more competitive season. Ducati’s dominance this year was obscene, but I feel Aprilia especially were held back by mediocre riders. Martin most certainly isn’t that.

I'm not sure a factory KTM will make that much of a difference for Acosta. He's the KTM golden boy so I imagine he's already getting full support from KTM. Normally I'd be happy about less Ducatis but to be honest there's now only 2 riders I rate and therefore only 2 competing for wins. While I agree Aprilia were held back by their riders, I don't think Martin and Bez are good enough to close the gap to the factory Ducatis to the extent they'll be regularly competing for wins. They were struggling to beat year old Ducati's for large parts of this year.

[highdownforce]

Special delivery for Pramac
https://www.instagra...eel/DChAkcaN70P

Edited by highdownforce, 04 December 2024 - 16:51.

[JRodrigues]

New MotoGP logo/brand identity revealed

 

 

 

[midgrid]

Yes, it's only a matter of time before the series merge and everyone is racing tricycles.

[Analog]

"FASTER, FORWARD, FEARLESS"

I wonder how many millions that slogan consumed.
 

[JRodrigues]

Acosta leading factory KTM, World Champion Jorge Martin leading Aprilia, less Ducatis and no guarantee the GP25 will be the massive leap forward the 24 was. I’m cautiously optimistic it’ll be a more competitive season. Ducati’s dominance this year was obscene, but I feel Aprilia especially were held back by mediocre riders. Martin most certainly isn’t that.

 

And yet, they kept the worst one.

[GregThomas]

Yes, it's only a matter of time before the series merge and everyone is racing tricycles.

 

If only....But sadly there seems very little interest in a real sidecar World title.

[thegamer23]

Marc Marquez finally got the Factory Bike

 

Edited by thegamer23, 18 November 2024 - 18:36.

[piszkosfred]

...no guarantee the GP25 will be the massive leap forward the 24 was.

Bagnaia wanted to use the new chassis immediately after the Misano test, this isn't a good omen for the competition.

[OvDrone]

I understand the reasoning, but I dislike the off-road series being included in what is mainly a MotoGP thread; I have no interest in that series anymore, and find it tiresome wading through endless posts about it.

And I do understand your point and value your posts on those series. Afraid to let them be in a no mans land, swallowed up by the majority of threads from F1 and everything else. I'll post a picture or video with mine about other series so they will stand out easier amidst the MotoGP ones.

 

 

Hey OvDrone

 

 

       Since i am unable  to post pics    can you please find a place to include one of  Jared Mees   who won his 10th  Flat track championship  in 2024  ( breaking the record of  9 time winner Scott Parker) riding awesome Indians motorcycles ( which have been  legistated out of the sport).  Sadly American Flat Track seems to have fallen off most folks radar  nowadays.

 

    If i had to chose a racer of the year Mees would get my vote

 

 

 

 

      Paul

Yeah Paul, thank you  I'll add it for sure and happy that's the story of 2024 that inspired you most! Would love to know and watch more Flat Tracks. Way too cool.

 

 

Ironic since the (entirely Europe-based) FIM Flat Track World Championship was won this year by an American for the first time; Sammy Halbert.

Plenty of other pictures OvDrone could have put up (this is NOT a criticism ) : ice speedway, long track, the Enduro World Championship, ISDE, FIM Snowcross, Trial and X-Trial, Motocross des Nations, Supermoto, e-bikes, ...

One or two series not quite finished yet, of course: FIM Supercross, the Sand Race World Cup, ...

Thank you Alan, appreciate that. So many series out there, so feel free to share anything you want about them here. Videos as well if you ever want too. Used to love watching Trial when Eurosport was way better back in the day.

The thing with FIM Supercross is that I get superconfused with - is Paris SX part of it - oh no ? But Webb and Lawrence and others or there, oh but Tomac, Roczen and some randos like Savatgy and Friese are there ? For 4 rounds, with 2 in Perth ?

Seems like a way too short of a season to truly feel FIM/World status worthy compared to the excellence of AMA SX/ProMoto world yaknow. Hopefully they improve on the product. Would not mind to see Tomac multiple FIM World Champ...

[Lennat]

Marc Marquez finally got the Factory Bike

It's just a stupid scooter he maybe only rode once, but...

There is a MONSTER logo on it. 🙀

[highdownforce]

MM's (teaser of the) testing livery (no it is not the scooter)
https://www.instagra...nVnZzZjbmk1aA==

It's just a stupid scooter he maybe only rode once, but...

There is a MONSTER logo on it. 🙀

There is a rumor about that since last week.

Basically, MM would race with Estrella Galicia in his helmet, no Monster and no Red Bull.

Edited by highdownforce, 18 November 2024 - 22:52.

[Nova]

That have to be a marketers dream right there.

[thegamer23]

Post-Season Test DAY!

Action from 9.00 to 16.00 UK time!

Broadcasted 

 

Also on Premium access on MotoGP Videopass: https://www.motogp.com/it/videopass

First chance to see the riders in action on the early 25 prototypes!
And Marc turning red..



.

Edited by thegamer23, 19 November 2024 - 08:39.

[JRodrigues]

Marini is first man down. Oliveira already within 1s of is best race time on sunday.

Edited by JRodrigues, 19 November 2024 - 09:41.

[Sash1]

Working and motogp testing in my bottom right corner. Rain outside, perfect day at the office.

[thegamer23]

Marquez and Martin ready to go out on their new bikes!
 

 

[JRodrigues]

Martin already with shoulder on the ground.. 1st flying lap 

[thegamer23]

Martin looking a bit all over the place with the Aprilia 24 in these first few laps.

 

But he's already pushing! 

 

 

Edited by thegamer23, 19 November 2024 - 10:10.

[thegamer23]

Marquez out on track full red on the new GP25!

 

 

[Sash1]

Martin looking a bit all over the place with the Aprilia 24 in these first few laps.

 

But he's already pushing! 

 

 

 

He said that the power delivery is too aggressive on the exit of the corners (wants it smoother, wheelies too much) and that the stability in the last part of the braking is something to work on, but overal not dissappointed.

[ArnageWRC]

MXGP World champion, Jorge Prado in a triple switch - From MXGP/ Red Bull/ Gas Gas to SX/ Monster Energy/ Kawasaki.........and already in his new leathers & bike. 

 

As a fan of pro cycling, this would never happen, and would cause a major incident; instead we get riders wearing their old team kit when at a team camp pre 1st Jan.........

[thegamer23]

Bagnaia leads the morning session! 

 

 

Riding a white modified 24 Ducati. He'll try the 25 later in the afternoon.

Marquez rode the GP25 only.

Martin rode the 24 Aprilia, will try the 25 in the afternoon

 

 

 

 

[OvDrone]

SO GOOD to have some MotoGP action playing in the background while working on a Tuesday afternoon 

[thegamer23]

Big crash for the beast on the ktm!

https://x.com/MotoGP...876761095700961

[highdownforce]

[thegamer23]

Marquez with a late improvement on the GP24

[DS27]

Only testing but Honda's new test rider Aleix quicker than both factory riders first time on the bike...

Edited by DS27, 19 November 2024 - 15:49.