What are your thoughts, is Doohan right, does the riders nowadays have less skills or don't have the balls to ride a 2 stroke bike? Let us know in the comments down below ⬇
I dont even need the 2 stroke. Ban all electric system that are not the starter, ignition, or valve train. allow any NA fuel/meOH/etOH internal combustion engine of any displacement that is not a jet enginge. create an outer 3D silhouette that represents the maximum that no bike can exceed with any part. Engineers still can be heroes and so can riders. Only if riders and engineers work together there is a chance to win.
Casey Stoner is brilliant and dedicated. He is one of my all time favorites. He is a man of conviction. I agree with Mick here. I think Spies had similar comments as well.
Easy tiger stoner had electronics capable of determining how much power to give while at full lean The rider input wasn't needed to an extent They could literally open the throttle at lean and the computer would control the power
@@marsmellow1589 No it should not continue the same path of F1. Don't wanna watch a train of bikes going around for 45 minutes. MotoGP is pretty boring these days...
AMEN. Go back and watch the old stuff; these guys were on the edge all the time. Bumping elbows, swapping paint, always looking behind them to see how close their rival was to them. You'd gasp throughout an entire race. Now you're lucky to get 1 or 2 dramatic moments in an entire race. I miss getting goosebumps watching GP.
Do you realize MotoGP bikes have now around 260 hp? How do you think they can ride that with out traction control? I ride a 2007 Gsxr 1000 with 170 hp and no controls and is fuckin scary to open the throttle on the street . I agree on the aero btw
As an ex road racer of the 80's and early 90's and lover of 2 stokes. These engines are the most exhilarating to ride. There are simply too many rider aids nowadays and less skill required to use throttle and sliding to steer and control. Riders can ride badly and get away with it today because of the electronics and safety features, where's the skill in that?
@@kx501 Of course they're faster...they're double + the cubes... I had 3 250GP bikes. 2 parallel twins 1979 (F) and 1985 (J) Yamahas, followed by a 1994 V twin, that could out corner and stay with 600cc diesels without too much trouble. I'd rather an agile quick and purpose built 250cc 2 stroke any day, than a fat, wobbling diesel 'modified road bike'
I go back to the early ‘70’s aboard the original 1972 Kawasaki 750 H2 up against Yamaha TZ models… at that time, Roberts was emerging as a superstar with Factory Yamaha under Kel Carruthers’ tutelage and engineering… The idea of returning to those in some updated fashion is exciting… It’s how you separate the men from the boys…
True to a certain degree but Rossi had his 2 stroke bike detuned to lower the bhp so he could handle it, make it more usable for him so it really was not comparable to what Doohan, the top names of the day Doohan competed against when he first joined the 500cc class like Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz, Eddie Lawson, etc and their predecessors like Kenny Roberts rode. I remember Kenny Roberts lamenting about how the 250 cc riders moving up to the 500cc class were not riding the 500cc as he considered it should be ridden re: the squaring of the corners vs these riders trying to ride the 500s like a 250cc, with higher corner speed preventing the "squaring" of the corner to allow for the point and shoot method to take advantage of the power capabilities, the strengths of a 500cc 2 stroke monster. Definitely agree with what Doohan has stated especially when it comes to the electronics and traction control. Love to see more control of that come back to the rider, to their wrist, etc. Let it be more of a riders' contest and less reliant upon the quality of the bike.
The early two strokes that Wayne gardner rode were more so than the later one's that Mick Doohan rode.... Anyone who's ridden an RG500 or similar knows what I'm talking about...
Take me back to the days of Gardner, Schwartz , Rainy, Lawson, Mamola, the pre big bang era, these bikes were the un rideables but the skill of these guys riding the machines was incredible to watch, leaving black lines all the way around the corner from drifting both front and rear tyres in harmony with each other was poetry in motion. The 2 stroke era was the domain of Aussie and US riders because of the dirt track skills, European riders were more about keeping the wheels in line, hence the dominance in the smaller classes. The big ban era of 2 stokes tamed the engines down and made the more predictable hence more European riders came to the fore, Creville, Caperossi, Rossi, they suited the smoother style rider. Doohan won most if not all his titles on big bang engines so saying to go back to the old 2 strokes depends if you mean big bang or screamer, both totally different beasts.
Californian here. Was a GP fan in the late 80s/90s. Went to high school in the town Eddie Lawson lived in in the 80s. Had huge respect for him, Schwantz, Rainey, Mamola, and the lot. But Doohan was my guy for sure. Was super bummed for him in 92 after that dominant start. Then, that amazing save and win at Mugello/"San Marino" in 93?!?!? And the dominance that followed on those fantastic Honders (they did look best in Rothmans colors though, before he won is Championships).
Casey and mick are spot on. All electronics have done is put costs up and brought average riders closer to top guys. Other thing is cost of four stroke enginge to two strokes. Look at costs of say racing a 125cc two stroke to a moto 3 bike. Plus never liked how four strokes had double cc advantage over two strokes. Like in Mx to. The different tyre makes is a excellent one to.
This is complete nonsense. There is more competition now than in his time where 4 riders had a chance of winning and other riders were lapped. Also, MD winning streak came about when Honda made the bike have a SOFTER power delivery which made it EASIER to ride. MD was a great rider but DEF not an Alien.
@johncrow5552 You are so right ✅️ about it being plenty of competition today. For example, the last race 🏁 2024 in america, texas cota Race Track 🇺🇸 I've seen more passing and overtakes than ever. It was exciting, I say do away with the electronics assistants but not the aerodynamics & definitely not the engine size (as a matter of fact give me a 1099cc or a 1100cc like the aprilia rsv4 for motogp). Seeing small bikes like a 500cc just doesn't do it for me. The larger bikes have more presence, depth, appeal and just looks better in appearance. And the hunger the guys had back in the day these guys have today. Things must advance & change they can't stay the same ........
Yep, Doohan is right. I remember those glory days of racing, in the 80's and 90's. Those two strokes were amazing to watch, hear and smell. Mick Doohan is a legend here in Australia, and all over the world 👍
Doohan hits the nail on the head , “man and machine” i grew up in the 500cc era , exciting times , a few years ago i was lucky to buy a Ducati Desmosedici D16RR , the Casey stoner replica for use on the road , when i took out the bike for the first time , I couldn’t believe how old school and how pure this bike is , no rider aids , not even a quick shifter , my Streetfighter 4vs is packed with everything you can imagine and when i swap bikes i need to reprogram my brain for at least an hour :)
And a lot (of Rossis) fans were assholes, and they attacked Casey, both media and at the track....verbally. Why, because Casey was way faster than 46!!! Suck it 46 fans...If you can't face truth, move to the US and be maga.
I’m an OG who attended the US GP @Laguna Seca in ‘89. I sat at the corkscrew, n I’m telling U, Doohan is 100% right. The two stroke news has me hella excited 🤗
You’re not alone. In the late 80’s and 90’s I’d be on the edge of my seat watching every GP. I haven’t watched a race for around 15 years now, it’s boring and no where near as entertaining as the bikes used to be last century. They should ban all rider assist electronics and go back to 2-strokes so we can see who is actually the best rider again.
When Casey Stoner says the same thing, everyone in the comments wants him to shut up and call him a cry baby. We live in strange times. MotoGP is boring right now.
“Stacey Mona” was a cry baby, is a has been,& never raced a 500. Doohan commands respect! I’d say Moto Gp has never been closer , more competitive or exciting than it is right now, with a far greater depth of talent than any other era. Opinions, everybody has one😃
I think Mick and Casey both make valid comments, yes the last couple of races I've seen have been in part closer but I agree that with all tech involved it has taken away some of the ability and skill needed. Deleting some of the tech and relying on rider ability will make things more real in terms of racing.
The 2T era was the best for me from Saarinen through to Doohan. The noise, smell and brutality of the power band. Good riders were found out when they got on a 500 and a few chickened out of the chance to make the step.
I feel people are a product of their generation and I'm not a huge fan of direct comparisons between current and past riders - the parameters are totally different. You ride what the current technology is and in modern terms that means many of the top riders of today have never experienced the "evil" two-strokes of the past... does that make them any worse? - no. Of course if you took away rider aids many would struggle, but in my opinion the best riders are the best riders and they would adjust. You still need pretty big balls to ride a current MotoGP bike at it's limit! Would I like to see rider aids removed and the raw rider talent shine through? Absolutely!
If it were true all BSB riders would dominate in every category they enter outside the UK but they don't. You nailed it. The best riders are the best riders and it is relevant to what they are riding and those rules / equipment. Making big changes will definitely shake things up and a new crop of riders will be thrust forward who adapt the best. Now the question is will those new guys be more exciting to watch than what we have now? No way to tell really. I just hope they don't screw it up worse than it is.
The riding style has changed a lot since 1989. Look at old footage and the way riders of that era handled bikes, especially when cornering, and compare it to now. The riders of today move their weight around on the bikes more now. Having said that, I'd like to see them get rid of electronics and winglets and return to 2 strokes.
I think the Dorna is trying to "manage" the outcome of the the championchip. They did it several times and now they add tire pressure rule. This rule is nonsense, but it give them a tool to punnish riders when they become to dominant. So they will never go back to the old days when they had no control.
this is just the scene of what society is today if you look in the mirror. everything seems perfect and we are all free and happy about our freedom but no one sees how there is rules for just everything in your life. try to avoid the rules and you are punished. this is in every aspect of our lives not just F1 or moto gp. way too many rules
You might need it they should leave em of the majority of bikes.the new one coming is bikes that will start braking for themselves for crash avoidance space that is going to suck.
Bike racing is not car racing as brought out in the video. There is a certain skill required in motorcycle road racing without the aids that are appreciated by young and old. Especially by young people. I 100 per cent agree with Mick Doohan.
I understand everything you said & understand why you feel this way. But motogp must stay ahead in technical data and engineering advancements. This is why they are Number 1. As Pecco Bagnaia said, he just trained harder to adapt to whatever they gave him. This is why Pecco Bagnaia is the best 👌 look at the last race in mugello, complete blowout... Things must change.
@@wIndstar47It was man and machine. The two strokes were very demanding. The technical data and engineering advancements could be translated into the two-trokes. Pecco Bagnaia is the world's best and has proven time and time again. I agree adaptation is necessary.
Rotax, polaris, Yamaha (Arctic cat) are now all producing 800 to 900cc clean 2 strokes engines they are on all current mountain snowmobiles. Barely use any oil.
They use 1/6 of the oil of the previous version. No smoke, legal in Canada where laws are rigid, yes clean 2 strokes exist. Or did you not listen to the video ?
@@PixelRacer64 I repeat Pixel my friend. Read my lips No such thing as a "clean" 2-stroke! THEY ALL BURN OIL! And its bovine excrement that "They use 1/6 of the oil of the previous version" Got any links proving that. Betcha' don't! The best modern ring dings uses an 80:1 fuel mix ~ with modern synthetic 2-stroke oil. No way that any 2-stroke can run on a 480:1 mix! Instant seizure!
I agree with Doohan. I am 49 now and despise all the electronics of today in racing and normal cars too. I always buy cars and bikes that are almost 100% analogue except for ABS for winter purposes
TBH, watching the 500cc G.P.'s back in the '80s and '90s until the 2strokes were abandoned was extremely exciting...always being cause for oooo's and whoa's when they were powersliding, pulling wheelies out of the _turns_, some even broadsiding... Not saying that I don't enjoy the 4strokes of todays racing.... I love the deep rumbling over the 2 strokes screach. Perhaps what we need _is_ the 4stroke _WITHOUT_ all the electronic gadgets so we get back to the powersliding, broadsiding, and out of turn wheelies with the 4strokes rumbling exhaust note.... 🤔🤔🤔
500 2 strokes were great but due to pollution the last road legal bike of that kind was the Suzuki RG500 that went out of prosuction in 1986, so the 500 formula was completely detached from real life 2 wheels.
Yep, a totally different formula to achieve what was only possible with the available technology. Once the technology became accessible the race was on. I loved my 2 stroke 80/125/250 and 500 Moto crossers but they reached the end of development. Yeah, yeah don’t start with all the crap about what this and that have done with 2 strokes. They are essentially exactly the same. Much cleaner but still dirty. The biggest downside to the demise of 2 stroke engines in Moto cross is the relatively low cost to operate. Makes the sport less accessible to the grass roots.
I wholeheartedly agree with Mick!! Let the riders ride the bikes, choose the best tyres for their bike. Let the programmers program the on bike cameras and data.
Mick Doohan is right, when he raced it was a case of exceptionally talented riders on relatively low tech motorcycles. Today just the advancement in tyre technology is enough to inspire confidence within the rider, then the advancement in suspension and braking plus other electronic rider aids makes for the type of rider who while looking spectacular is more dependent on the technology of the motorcycle than having the raw talent to extract the best from his machine.
People don't understand one thing and that's if they keep riding with 2 strokes they will be banned from racing. There's a lot of people who want to see the show that 2 strokes give but if u want to hold the sport alive u have to adapt a bit. The issue is the burocracy that pushes this lovely sports to this situations...
With today's advanced engineering, a "modern" 5 or 600cc fuel injected 2 stroke would DEMOLISH one of today's Moto GP bikes - the question remains as to who's got the ability and BALLS to ride it?
I have VHS tapes of Rainey, Doohan, Gardner, Fast Freddy, and Schwartz. It was a glorious era and the skill level was other worldly. They did introduce the "big bang" engines that changed the firing order to make them "slightly" easier to ride.
most modern MotoGP riders would find themselves in a state of shock the first time they took an old RG-500 for a few hot laps. take away all their rider aids and make them work for what they get. no quick shift, wheelie control, aero, etc. too much tech is taking away from the sport. as you say, like F1. bring on the Doohan's, the Beattie's, the Schwantz' and Sheen's of today.
Doohan is right. I grew up racing two stroke dirt bikes. What a rush. Give the racing back to the racers. Let the best rider show his magic. That will be magic for the audience.
@@geoffheard5768 They were the fastest and most exotic machines on the planet. You want to try and race them as I have, narrow tyres, no exotic suspension, zero rider aids. Try racing a modern bikes without rider aids you would not last one corner. You certainly know jackshite about racing those machines and how they were constructed. You must be the biggest ignoramus on the planet. Well done!!!!
I competed in motorcycle racing when you could go to your local Yamaha dealer and order a TZ that was the same as the factory bikes. It arrived in a box a few weeks later and you had to put it together. Yamaha used amateur racing as its real live test bed. They were reliable and lasted a whole season or more before a cheap rebuild. My TZ 350 in the late 1970s was a 200mph race bike and it was easily adjustable. It ran on pump gas and tyres lasted 3 meetings. Thats what they need to get back to. All Liberty will do is turn it into a TV show like F1.
Freddie Spencer, winning a race in 250cc and after that, winning again in 500cc. Also Jorge Martínez "Aspar", wining 80cc and 125cc. Winning two championship in one year. They are in fact, the last gladiators. No one have done something like this since Jorge in '88.
@@glynhannaford7332 Neither of these Aussies know what they are talking about. How could they? They have NEVER raced a modern MotoGP bike? And both have not ridden at the top level for decades!
@DennisMerwood-xk8wp They were the best in the world during their respective eras. They both mastered the fundamentals of motorcycle racing and the fundamentals of the sport, haven't changed.
@@glynhannaford7332 I agree with you. But it does not change the fact that they have never RACED these latest bikes! And while the fundamentals may not have changed ~ a lot has changed. Aero being the main thing. Mick and Casey never rode aero bikes. So they are just pulling this stuff out of their backsides. And of course they are doing this to brag about themselves. Breaking their arms to pat themselves on their backs.
His fastest ever lap of Philip island was 134.113.( Jorge martin went round in 127.767 and its not his home track.) It's a different era and the technology makes no real difference as the fast ones will still ride harder than the others.
@@MickH60 you missed my point, of course the technology makes a difference but the claim that the 500 riders were somehow superhuman and the "boys " couldn''t ride them is false. Its as hard to win a motogp race now, even with the technology as its ever been as there's a load of other bikes on the grid with that tech. Rossi proved that.
And Philip Island is mostly straights....not really a surprise is it? Plus, they spend zillions on wind tunnel work. That wasn't available to us back then. Best to kick F1's o=arse out of bike racing, they can continue to fuck their own sport up...leave ours alone.
You also seem to be missing yr own point...Tech and tyres, engine power down straights, etc, not only promote significantly faster lap times but allow less skilled riders to stay on...
#2vs4 for me are the 2 stroke 500ccm Driver Kings and the 4 Stroke MotoGP Driver Princes, so i agree with Mick Doohan. The day the 2 Stroke get a come back will be amazing for all. 2 Stroke should never die. 🙂
What? I’d love to see you ride a 1000 4 stroke, heck, even a 600 or 750 to it’s full potential. You’d cry 😢 in 3rd gear “ princess 👑 “. By the way, grew up on 2 strokes & still have one till this very day, I love em. However, the new era 4 stokes absolutely rip. Go take a brand new 1000 out for a spin, make sure you’re insured though, & make sure you have ambiance cover, good day sir, stay safe 👍.
@@peterdalmationcro4217 Thank you for your answer, nice to hear from you and that you are happy that I have already ridden a 1000cc four-stroke bike. I started riding motorcycles in 1985, until 1991 I rode air-cooled RD Yamahas with 250cc, 350cc and 400cc. From 1992 onwards I rode an RD 350 ypvs 31K, which was on the road until 2003, then converted into a track tool. From 2004 onwards I drove a Yamaha UR R1 (RN01) on the road in Germany. I really enjoyed driving it on country roads at 125 miles plus. Since 2017, I have not been able to drive motorcycles due to an artificial knee joint But with more than 130,000 miles driven on my motorcycle, all without any electronic aids, I can say that I have a very good feeling in the throttle hand and I have a good butt meter. I can also say that driving a 2-stroke engine requires more skill and feeling than a 4-stroke engine. Unfortunately, I can't find any direct connection in your statement to my statement, I was talking about 500cc and MotoGP "racers" and you say something about street motorcycles and private riders, that doesn't fit the topic at all! If I could still ride a motorcycle due to my health, I wouldn't be interested in the new 1000 4-stroke engines. I would then prefer to continue to control everything myself. For me, no thanks to electronic driving aids in traffic. Happy Sunday, best regards
I was a nobody on the racetrack in the early’70’s but it was the only place where I could ride my ‘72 Kawasaki 750 H2 2-stroke triple as fast as I dared… Blazing acceleration with a death defying high speed wobble on deceleration (even with TWO steering dampers!), the screeching howl from the expansion chambers and that distinctive exhaust odor… compound that with 15K rpm & a power band less than 2000 rpm wide and demanded full attention & skill… my heroes then were Yvon DuHamel, Art Bauman and Gary Nixon of factory Team Green Meanie, Ken Roberts, Cal Rayborn, Jarno Saarinen, Agostini later Freddie Spencer… Their rides were the Kawasaki H1R & H2R 750, the Yamaha TZ 250, 350, 500 &750… I remember Saarinen won the Daytona 200 aboard a TZ 350 over a field of 750’s… Tragically, he was killed at Monza later that year… I hope that 2-stroke GP racing will have a rebirth… My H2 piston port engine had a total of 9 moving parts and was almost bulletproof… much more economical than intricate 4 strokes…
I don't think it's only a matter o 2 vs 4 strokes. It's more a matter of TC and electronic in general, wings, devices etc... Stoner once said "I would return to top class competition only with more powerful bikes and no electronics at all". I'm not sure that Marquez could handle the NSR500, he heavily relies on electronics since forever
I think he's high on adrenaline not his abilities. Increasing the size of your courage lets say increases the chances of a high side which is brave though - facing the tarmac. Most riders of his day only lasted a few dangerous laps on the Repsol 2 strokes.
you cant compare the two. YEs the bikes were brutal and were basically like riding a bucking bronco. The bikes had no electronics. Thats the difference.
Die Frage ist, was die Geldgeber wollen? Der Zuschauer möchte Spektakel, heisst, weniger Helferlein. Die Werke wollen durch Ingenieurskunst glänzen, heisst viele neue Ideen und Helferlein. Fakt ist, dass ich keine Aprillia kaufen würde, da diese nicht in der seriennahen Superbikeklasse antreten, welche für mich das mögliche Highend für den Otto normalo darstellt. Die Figths dort sind spektakulär und die Show publikumsnah. Motogp hingegen muss meiner Meinung nach back to the root. Casey 27 hat dies vor 12 Jahren moniert und wurde nicht gehört. Falls weiter weichgespühlt wird, geht das Interesse verloren und der Schaden ist nicht wieder gutzumachen. Helden wie Sheene, Roberts,Spencer Lawson, Gardner , Mamola, Schwanz, Doohan und Rainey gibt es heute kaum mehr. Diese haben alle viel gelitten und sind immer wieder aufgestanden. So gut Pedro auch ist, er würde die Zweitakter zuerst gründlich erfahren müssen, bevor er als Rookie glänzen könnte. Er und Casey sind aber auch aus diesem Holz geschnitzt wie die vorgenannten Titanen. Gebt dem Reiter wieder die Zügel in die Hand ! Setzt Doohans Vorschläge um, auch was das schwarze Gold betrifft. Danke
I totally agree. Take away the electronics, let them choose their own tires. Get rid of the wings and let's see if these guys can really ride. That to me would be some awesome racing. Let's take it back old school.
I.O.M T.T Just finished, no losses. Says it all really. Moto Gee Pee is for children. Doohan, Stoner, Corser and Bayliss are exceptions to the rule. Doohan and Stoner had input into engineering the machines. I couldn't name even one MotoGp or F1 rider/driver. It's a wonder they're not on their mobile phones down the straights. 🤣😆😂
Doohan is totally right and he was one of the best on a 500, same issue is in SX and MX, too much tech, I'm loving the fact 2strokes may come back in MotoGP or even in F1 that gives me hope for the future of MX and SX, I still ride a 240 2stroke Yamaha, 2stroke for life!
Exactly. The Riders of today are not even on the same Planet when it comes to the 2 stroke 500 GP guys back in the day. Those guys were sensational to watch and battling it out circuit after circuit. Todays riders are boring and unskilled compared to Doohans day and the others like Rainey, Schwantz, Mamola, Chilli, and the list goes on. They were great riders. And the 500's were Beast's !!!
I used to ride 500cc motox. Now I'm on a 450F, and there is no comparison. Sure, 4 stroke has great torque down low, and torque braking is helpful at times, but not always. At the end of the day, 2 strokes were just way more fun to ride. And that's what people really want when they buy a bike.
How so? Rear ride height adjustment was used for slightly loading or unloading the front wheel, to make the bike turn in better. Too little weight transfer=understeer.
From everything i’ve seen and read the only time Moto GP riders use the rear ride height device is only in the Wheelie Faze, in the braking faze you want weight on the front to generate heat and grip, also changing Geometry to allow the bike to tip in through natural movement of the suspension I can imagine if you lowered the rear whilst in a braking faze the bike would feel awful and just try push on and not want to turn and actually i think the bike would Have less braking power if you lowered the rear due to geometry Harleys don’t stop well for this reason
If Doohan said that he's wrong. Cream is cream regardless of machine / era,. Did Doohan brake into the corner with the forks completely bottomed out like Bagnaia? Or scape everything on the inside like Martin? The fastest find a way to be the fastest, it's what makes them the best. Doohan would know this better than most.
I’m with Doohan n Stoner, along with many other’s that believe the same. Men were Men back then with real ridding talents. These days it knowing weather to use the red, green, yellow or blue buttons to assist in winning. Bring back big balls racing, much more entertaining when it’s the rider that wins. 👍🍻
The 500's were very unforgiving, if you see the amount of times riders were flicked off in a split second and how those bikes were wheeling and leaving black lines on the track at the same time..... Make no mistake modern GP bikes are extremely fast, but what skills do you really need to ride them compared to the 500's.?. The 500's were raw beasts, the riders back then had the most skill and courage. Miss that Era, the best era in motorcycle racing.
Aussie V8 Super cars are one of the worst. Its all about the driver and merchandise. Not even aussie cars anymore. Only on pay TV. Have lost many..many fans.
I only watch Bathurst now and even that isn’t very enjoyable anymore as used to be. My father used to wake me on Sunday mornings to watch the great race back when the race started at 7 am as it took them so long to do the 500 miles back then . I probably won’t even bother this year it’s just so sad …
Mick Doohan is absolutely correct. Electronic aids has ruined Moto GP for me. For those who say that traction control is essential because the bikes are so much more powerful is a poor argument. Ever considered that the rider controls the throttle?
"we old timers were the real deal" type of claim. Well I don't follow MotoGP any more for other reasons but these bikes go much faster. Older rides would get a headache trying to keep up with the pace.
Only on the straights buddy, and think about the fact that they alter tracks every year. Many have been slightly shortened, to make it seem like lap times get faster, so they MUST be going faster.
Started watching AMA roadracing in the early 70s. Loved watching Kenny Roberts, Paul Smart (really knew how to "hang off") Gary Fisher, Cal Rayborn, Kel Carruthers, et al. Most (but not all) of the competitive bikes were 350cc two-strokes competing against 500cc (and a little later more than 500cc) 4-stroke bikes. Then came Freddy Spencer, Wayne Rainey, and others who had grown up riding 2-strokes. The racing was exciting, as we trekked from corner to corner to see the riders up close. Later, in the '80s, we saw how the banning of two-strokes (oh, the sweet smell of Castrol two-stroke exhaust!) made the passes less frequent, races less exciting to watch--even back then! Doo-un is right!
None of the greatest couldn’t have done it back then , without genius mechanic and engineer Jeremy Burgess who done motorcycle for Doohan , Gardner , Mamolla and Rossi Jeremy was they mechanic engineer he also done the changes on Doohan’s rear break to his hand ! Jeremy Burgers an Adelaide hills , South Australia 🇦🇺 legend !
MotoGP is good but the 500cc era was totally captivating. Bring back the 2-stroke noise , smell and talent that the riders had to have without modern day electronic aids.👍
I'm well over 60 and have been riding and racing bikes since a 5 year old and I couldn't agree more with Mick, that era of racing was the Golden Era in my mind. Mick was the man back in the day, he is definitely in the top few legends of the sport. I'd love to see it go back to 2 stroke, no traction control etc, in my opinion that tech has ruined the sport a bit
What are your thoughts, is Doohan right, does the riders nowadays have less skills or don't have the balls to ride a 2 stroke bike?
Let us know in the comments down below ⬇
I dont even need the 2 stroke. Ban all electric system that are not the starter, ignition, or valve train. allow any NA fuel/meOH/etOH internal combustion engine of any displacement that is not a jet enginge. create an outer 3D silhouette that represents the maximum that no bike can exceed with any part. Engineers still can be heroes and so can riders. Only if riders and engineers work together there is a chance to win.
Simple thought...go and observe any of those track record breakers. They're not on a 2-stroke bike anymore.
@@remy5344you missed the point
most of them started in youth with 2 stroke bikes, let it be 4 stroke, but remove aerodynamics/electronics and give same bike to all riders.
@@remy5344 couldn't agree more... current riders are braver, full stop...
Casey Stoner is brilliant and dedicated. He is one of my all time favorites. He is a man of conviction. I agree with Mick here. I think Spies had similar comments as well.
Doohan and Stoner is spot on. I have said the same thing for some years. No electronics and no winglets = more fun racing.
There is no difference.
It`s just the pinnacle of technology and it should continue like that.
For racing we can see the CB500 cup on a Saturday.
Easy tiger stoner had electronics capable of determining how much power to give while at full lean
The rider input wasn't needed to an extent
They could literally open the throttle at lean and the computer would control the power
@@RRFrictionthink you will find he used to turn it off the right hand rules ok
@@brianbowers-x9q Have you watched the race at COTA yesterday?
@@marsmellow1589 No it should not continue the same path of F1. Don't wanna watch a train of bikes going around for 45 minutes. MotoGP is pretty boring these days...
AMEN. Go back and watch the old stuff; these guys were on the edge all the time. Bumping elbows, swapping paint, always looking behind them to see how close their rival was to them. You'd gasp throughout an entire race. Now you're lucky to get 1 or 2 dramatic moments in an entire race. I miss getting goosebumps watching GP.
Ban traction control, ban aero, ban ride height devices. MotoGP is now just who’s the best at programming. Make it the riders responsibility again
Give them all the same bike like pro am Yamaha 350cc that will tell who can race a bike
Should ban it in all motorsport too - motorsport has been dead to me since 2000
@@godwindracing6056 exactly, its 20 years late complaining about what the sport became.
they should have kept 2 strokes.
Do you realize MotoGP bikes have now around 260 hp? How do you think they can ride that with out traction control?
I ride a 2007 Gsxr 1000 with 170 hp and no controls and is fuckin scary to open the throttle on the street . I agree on the aero btw
@@justaghost3285 no he doesnt, thats why he also thinks you just can kick of the elecs and aero and ride those things normally...
As an ex road racer of the 80's and early 90's and lover of 2 stokes. These engines are the most exhilarating to ride. There are simply too many rider aids nowadays and less skill required to use throttle and sliding to steer and control. Riders can ride badly and get away with it today because of the electronics and safety features, where's the skill in that?
They were slow bikes compared to now thats why there's electronics, 180 hp fuck all torque 5002T compared to a 30kg lighter 260hp current bike bike.
Bikes nowadays would wobble and crash even with slight amount of throttle in the corner. TC helps fixing that issue.
@@kx501 Of course they're faster...they're double + the cubes... I had 3 250GP bikes. 2 parallel twins 1979 (F) and 1985 (J) Yamahas, followed by a 1994 V twin, that could out corner and stay with 600cc diesels without too much trouble. I'd rather an agile quick and purpose built 250cc 2 stroke any day, than a fat, wobbling diesel 'modified road bike'
Amen
I go back to the early ‘70’s aboard the original 1972 Kawasaki 750 H2 up against Yamaha TZ models… at that time, Roberts was emerging as a superstar with Factory Yamaha under Kel Carruthers’ tutelage and engineering… The idea of returning to those in some updated fashion is exciting… It’s how you separate the men from the boys…
that's why Rossi won so many titles, his grounding was on 2 stroke...and those things were vicious
True to a certain degree but Rossi had his 2 stroke bike detuned to lower the bhp so he could handle it, make it more usable for him so it really was not comparable to what Doohan, the top names of the day Doohan competed against when he first joined the 500cc class like Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz, Eddie Lawson, etc and their predecessors like Kenny Roberts rode. I remember Kenny Roberts lamenting about how the 250 cc riders moving up to the 500cc class were not riding the 500cc as he considered it should be ridden re: the squaring of the corners vs these riders trying to ride the 500s like a 250cc, with higher corner speed preventing the "squaring" of the corner to allow for the point and shoot method to take advantage of the power capabilities, the strengths of a 500cc 2 stroke monster. Definitely agree with what Doohan has stated especially when it comes to the electronics and traction control. Love to see more control of that come back to the rider, to their wrist, etc. Let it be more of a riders' contest and less reliant upon the quality of the bike.
@@gcspaztik if anything you're emphasizing my point, I agree fully with the "make it more of a riders contest", they're all excellent though 👌🏻
The early two strokes that Wayne gardner rode were more so than the later one's that Mick Doohan rode.... Anyone who's ridden an RG500 or similar knows what I'm talking about...
@@gcspaztik thanks for the history! You nailed it
@@gcspaztik yes and don't forget that Rossi could not tame the Ducati that Stoner won his championship on.
Take me back to the days of Gardner, Schwartz , Rainy, Lawson, Mamola, the pre big bang era, these bikes were the un rideables but the skill of these guys riding the machines was incredible to watch, leaving black lines all the way around the corner from drifting both front and rear tyres in harmony with each other was poetry in motion.
The 2 stroke era was the domain of Aussie and US riders because of the dirt track skills, European riders were more about keeping the wheels in line, hence the dominance in the smaller classes.
The big ban era of 2 stokes tamed the engines down and made the more predictable hence more European riders came to the fore, Creville, Caperossi, Rossi, they suited the smoother style rider.
Doohan won most if not all his titles on big bang engines so saying to go back to the old 2 strokes depends if you mean big bang or screamer, both totally different beasts.
Amen to that.
🍻🏆🍻
Trust me. Motogp cannot go worse than F1.
Leave it to liberty media......
Absolutely F1 has become a signage parade....
F1 has been dead since 1 May 1994 as I always say
@@godwindracing6056 Feel the same way.
For an ignorant, what happen back then? @@godwindracing6056
Mick is king and always will be
Californian here. Was a GP fan in the late 80s/90s. Went to high school in the town Eddie Lawson lived in in the 80s. Had huge respect for him, Schwantz, Rainey, Mamola, and the lot. But Doohan was my guy for sure. Was super bummed for him in 92 after that dominant start. Then, that amazing save and win at Mugello/"San Marino" in 93?!?!? And the dominance that followed on those fantastic Honders (they did look best in Rothmans colors though, before he won is Championships).
Casey and mick are spot on. All electronics have done is put costs up and brought average riders closer to top guys. Other thing is cost of four stroke enginge to two strokes. Look at costs of say racing a 125cc two stroke to a moto 3 bike. Plus never liked how four strokes had double cc advantage over two strokes. Like in Mx to.
The different tyre makes is a excellent one to.
Eles inventaram essa regra para acabar com 2t .
Please stop calling him Do-Han like it rhymes with Wuhan. It’s Do-an. The H is silent 🤦♂️
It's DOO-N
@@fightforjustice3744 Or better still DO--UN
It's not a real voice....
Hands up if you’re Australian 🙋♂️. Then you know. STFU
As in Attila The Un ? 😗
Mick ir right all the way
This is complete nonsense. There is more competition now than in his time where 4 riders had a chance of winning and other riders were lapped. Also, MD winning streak came about when Honda made the bike have a SOFTER power delivery which made it EASIER to ride. MD was a great rider but DEF not an Alien.
@johncrow5552 You are so right ✅️ about it being plenty of competition today. For example, the last race 🏁 2024 in america, texas cota Race Track 🇺🇸 I've seen more passing and overtakes than ever. It was exciting, I say do away with the electronics assistants but not the aerodynamics & definitely not the engine size (as a matter of fact give me a 1099cc or a 1100cc like the aprilia rsv4 for motogp). Seeing small bikes like a 500cc just doesn't do it for me. The larger bikes have more presence, depth, appeal and just looks better in appearance. And the hunger the guys had back in the day these guys have today. Things must advance & change they can't stay the same ........
@@johncrow5552 Delusional
@@MickH60 in what way? how many riders won a race every season when Doohan was racing? You are a muppet.
Yep, Doohan is right. I remember those glory days of racing, in the 80's and 90's. Those two strokes were amazing to watch, hear and smell.
Mick Doohan is a legend here in Australia, and all over the world 👍
Doohan hits the nail on the head , “man and machine” i grew up in the 500cc era , exciting times , a few years ago i was lucky to buy a Ducati Desmosedici D16RR , the Casey stoner replica for use on the road , when i took out the bike for the first time , I couldn’t believe how old school and how pure this bike is , no rider aids , not even a quick shifter , my Streetfighter 4vs is packed with everything you can imagine and when i swap bikes i need to reprogram my brain for at least an hour :)
Casey Stoner has been saying for years. And, in part left the sport because it became to Political.
And a lot (of Rossis) fans were assholes, and they attacked Casey, both media and at the track....verbally. Why, because Casey was way faster than 46!!! Suck it 46 fans...If you can't face truth, move to the US and be maga.
I’m an OG who attended the US GP @Laguna Seca in ‘89. I sat at the corkscrew, n I’m telling U, Doohan is 100% right. The two stroke news has me hella excited 🤗
Have been watching GP's since the early nineties but cant be bothered with it any more, every year the racing just seems to get more and more boring.
Yep. Its unwatchable.
Just like F1
You’re not alone. In the late 80’s and 90’s I’d be on the edge of my seat watching every GP. I haven’t watched a race for around 15 years now, it’s boring and no where near as entertaining as the bikes used to be last century. They should ban all rider assist electronics and go back to 2-strokes so we can see who is actually the best rider again.
When Casey Stoner says the same thing, everyone in the comments wants him to shut up and call him a cry baby. We live in strange times. MotoGP is boring right now.
It's ded af brother since stoner,and now rossi leaving, rip motogp,boring af!💀💀👎👎👎👎👎💀💀
Stoner never raced 500 2 strokes, so him saying the same thing sounds much weaker than battle proven Doohan
Marquez ended Stoner's run. Better in every way.
“Stacey Mona” was a cry baby, is a has been,& never raced a 500. Doohan commands respect! I’d say Moto Gp has never been closer , more competitive or exciting than it is right now, with a far greater depth of talent than any other era. Opinions, everybody has one😃
@@craigmorgan4676You obviously haven’t watched it since then. 😂
I think Mick and Casey both make valid comments, yes the last couple of races I've seen have been in part closer but I agree that with all tech involved it has taken away some of the ability and skill needed. Deleting some of the tech and relying on rider ability will make things more real in terms of racing.
The 2T era was the best for me from Saarinen through to Doohan. The noise, smell and brutality of the power band. Good riders were found out when they got on a 500 and a few chickened out of the chance to make the step.
Well said Mick.
Yet even a moto2 now is faster than a 500 in almost all tracks and it has zero electronics.
The difference is the tires the wet tires now a days have more grip then the slicks did in the 90s Mick is right bring back the 500s ❤🏴👍
I feel people are a product of their generation and I'm not a huge fan of direct comparisons between current and past riders - the parameters are totally different. You ride what the current technology is and in modern terms that means many of the top riders of today have never experienced the "evil" two-strokes of the past... does that make them any worse? - no. Of course if you took away rider aids many would struggle, but in my opinion the best riders are the best riders and they would adjust. You still need pretty big balls to ride a current MotoGP bike at it's limit!
Would I like to see rider aids removed and the raw rider talent shine through? Absolutely!
If it were true all BSB riders would dominate in every category they enter outside the UK but they don't. You nailed it. The best riders are the best riders and it is relevant to what they are riding and those rules / equipment. Making big changes will definitely shake things up and a new crop of riders will be thrust forward who adapt the best. Now the question is will those new guys be more exciting to watch than what we have now? No way to tell really. I just hope they don't screw it up worse than it is.
Agreed.
The riding style has changed a lot since 1989. Look at old footage and the way riders of that era handled bikes, especially when cornering, and compare it to now. The riders of today move their weight around on the bikes more now.
Having said that, I'd like to see them get rid of electronics and winglets and return to 2 strokes.
I think the Dorna is trying to "manage" the outcome of the the championchip. They did it several times and now they add tire pressure rule. This rule is nonsense, but it give them a tool to punnish riders when they become to dominant. So they will never go back to the old days when they had no control.
Dorna is now Liberty Media weeks ago
Hybrid fuel doesn't stop burning oil...
Global warming is a scam mate, wake up. Racing takes place only on the weekend... How in hell is that gonna 'hurt the green wankers feelings'?
I stopped watching MotoGP as soon as it became the Ducati Cup
What about the Honda Cup of yesteryear my friend?
The Suzuki RG500 was 80% of the grid in its time!
this is just the scene of what society is today if you look in the mirror. everything seems perfect and we are all free and happy about our freedom but no one sees how there is rules for just everything in your life. try to avoid the rules and you are punished. this is in every aspect of our lives not just F1 or moto gp. way too many rules
Mick’s on the money, leave the electronic aids for us street riders who actually need it.
You might need it they should leave em of the majority of bikes.the new one coming is bikes that will start braking for themselves for crash avoidance space that is going to suck.
2T = Real Men Riding The Unrideable Machine
I agree with Mighty Mick. I grew up in the days where the only traction control was in your right wrist !!!!
Doohan is absolutely right!!
Bike racing is not car racing as brought out in the video. There is a certain skill required in motorcycle road racing without the aids that are appreciated by young and old. Especially by young people. I 100 per cent agree with Mick Doohan.
I understand everything you said & understand why you feel this way. But motogp must stay ahead in technical data and engineering advancements. This is why they are Number 1. As Pecco Bagnaia said, he just trained harder to adapt to whatever they gave him. This is why Pecco Bagnaia is the best 👌 look at the last race in mugello, complete blowout... Things must change.
@@wIndstar47It was man and machine. The two strokes were very demanding. The technical data and engineering advancements could be translated into the two-trokes. Pecco Bagnaia is the world's best and has proven time and time again. I agree adaptation is necessary.
Rotax, polaris, Yamaha (Arctic cat) are now all producing 800 to 900cc clean 2 strokes engines they are on all current mountain snowmobiles. Barely use any oil.
No such thing as a "clean" 2-stroke! THEY ALL BURN OIL!
They use 1/6 of the oil of the previous version. No smoke, legal in Canada where laws are rigid, yes clean 2 strokes exist. Or did you not listen to the video ?
@@PixelRacer64
I repeat Pixel my friend. Read my lips
No such thing as a "clean" 2-stroke! THEY ALL BURN OIL!
And its bovine excrement that "They use 1/6 of the oil of the previous version"
Got any links proving that. Betcha' don't!
The best modern ring dings uses an 80:1 fuel mix ~ with modern synthetic 2-stroke oil.
No way that any 2-stroke can run on a 480:1 mix! Instant seizure!
just about to say exactly the same thing.
@@DennisMerwood-xk8wp once again, I was just about to say the same thing.
I agree with Doohan. I am 49 now and despise all the electronics of today in racing and normal cars too. I always buy cars and bikes that are almost 100% analogue except for ABS for winter purposes
3:42. 4.2 billion. Not million
Thank you. I checked that myself, because it sounded like a fire sale.
i want Kawasaki in MotoGP
TBH, watching the 500cc G.P.'s back in the '80s and '90s until the 2strokes were abandoned was extremely exciting...always being cause for oooo's and whoa's when they were powersliding, pulling wheelies out of the _turns_, some even broadsiding... Not saying that I don't enjoy the 4strokes of todays racing.... I love the deep rumbling over the 2 strokes screach.
Perhaps what we need _is_ the 4stroke _WITHOUT_ all the electronic gadgets so we get back to the powersliding, broadsiding, and out of turn wheelies with the 4strokes rumbling exhaust note.... 🤔🤔🤔
Anyone who has ever riden a big 2 stroke knows exactly what Mick Doohan is talking about.
150 of us lived in a cardboard box in middle of road.
😂 🐍
Cardboard box! You were lucky!!!
Doohan is correct ! In line with my thought after following this sport for close to 4 decades .
Had the pleasure of riding a 1984 Suzuki RG500 ex race bike back in the late 80s. To this day I have never ridden anything like it.
The bikes should be a challenge
500 2 strokes were great but due to pollution the last road legal bike of that kind was the Suzuki RG500 that went out of prosuction in 1986, so the 500 formula was completely detached from real life 2 wheels.
Yep, a totally different formula to achieve what was only possible with the available technology. Once the technology became accessible the race was on. I loved my 2 stroke 80/125/250 and 500 Moto crossers but they reached the end of development. Yeah, yeah don’t start with all the crap about what this and that have done with 2 strokes. They are essentially exactly the same. Much cleaner but still dirty. The biggest downside to the demise of 2 stroke engines in Moto cross is the relatively low cost to operate. Makes the sport less accessible to the grass roots.
Right on, been saying it for years No electronics 500 or 1000 Anything go's
I wholeheartedly agree with Mick!! Let the riders ride the bikes, choose the best tyres for their bike. Let the programmers program the on bike cameras and data.
Micks Honda was a beast I still can't believe how he tamed it race after race Outstanding combination.....
Because he is Doohan.
Mick Doohan is right, when he raced it was a case of exceptionally talented riders on relatively low tech motorcycles. Today just the advancement in tyre technology is enough to inspire confidence within the rider, then the advancement in suspension and braking plus other electronic rider aids makes for the type of rider who while looking spectacular is more dependent on the technology of the motorcycle than having the raw talent to extract the best from his machine.
People don't understand one thing and that's if they keep riding with 2 strokes they will be banned from racing. There's a lot of people who want to see the show that 2 strokes give but if u want to hold the sport alive u have to adapt a bit. The issue is the burocracy that pushes this lovely sports to this situations...
And above all else, make moto GP bikes look beautifull again. My word, are they ugly today!
With today's advanced engineering, a "modern" 5 or 600cc fuel injected 2 stroke would DEMOLISH one of today's Moto GP bikes - the question remains as to who's got the ability and BALLS to ride it?
this is coming from someone who raced one of Yamaha's almighty TZ750 fot over 2 years - BRING BACK THE 2 STROKES 2:10 2:10
I have VHS tapes of Rainey, Doohan, Gardner, Fast Freddy, and Schwartz. It was a glorious era and the skill level was other worldly. They did introduce the "big bang" engines that changed the firing order to make them "slightly" easier to ride.
most modern MotoGP riders would find themselves in a state of shock the first time they took an old RG-500 for a few hot laps. take away all their rider aids and make them work for what they get. no quick shift, wheelie control, aero, etc. too much tech is taking away from the sport. as you say, like F1. bring on the Doohan's, the Beattie's, the Schwantz' and Sheen's of today.
What bovine excrement! Jorge Martin would leave them in the dust on ANY bike!
It’s progress don’t live in the past !
Doohan is right. I grew up racing two stroke dirt bikes. What a rush. Give the racing back to the racers. Let the best rider show his magic. That will be magic for the audience.
Had a RGV250, terrible for the street, love my RM250. 4-stroke big bore bikes are the king for me
Two strokes were only in the 500cc from 1971. Before that we had V8 Guzzis, Honda 6’s etc
Yep, and they were not really that fast.
@@geoffheard5768 They were the fastest and most exotic machines on the planet. You want to try and race them as I have, narrow tyres, no exotic suspension, zero rider aids. Try racing a modern bikes without rider aids you would not last one corner. You certainly know jackshite about racing those machines and how they were constructed. You must be the biggest ignoramus on the planet. Well done!!!!
I competed in motorcycle racing when you could go to your local Yamaha dealer and order a TZ that was the same as the factory bikes. It arrived in a box a few weeks later and you had to put it together. Yamaha used amateur racing as its real live test bed. They were reliable and lasted a whole season or more before a cheap rebuild. My TZ 350 in the late 1970s was a 200mph race bike and it was easily adjustable. It ran on pump gas and tyres lasted 3 meetings.
Thats what they need to get back to. All Liberty will do is turn it into a TV show like F1.
Freddie Spencer, winning a race in 250cc and after that, winning again in 500cc. Also Jorge Martínez "Aspar", wining 80cc and 125cc.
Winning two championship in one year. They are in fact, the last gladiators.
No one have done something like this since Jorge in '88.
Freddie Spencer....whew....
Mick knows about motorcycle racing at the top level. When he speaks, people should listen.
Mick has not ridden a modern MotoGP bike! Casey either!
@@DennisMerwood-xk8wp Your point is ... ?
@@glynhannaford7332 Neither of these Aussies know what they are talking about.
How could they? They have NEVER raced a modern MotoGP bike?
And both have not ridden at the top level for decades!
@DennisMerwood-xk8wp They were the best in the world during their respective eras. They both mastered the fundamentals of motorcycle racing and the fundamentals of the sport, haven't changed.
@@glynhannaford7332 I agree with you. But it does not change the fact that they have never RACED these latest bikes!
And while the fundamentals may not have changed ~ a lot has changed. Aero being the main thing.
Mick and Casey never rode aero bikes.
So they are just pulling this stuff out of their backsides.
And of course they are doing this to brag about themselves. Breaking their arms to pat themselves on their backs.
His fastest ever lap of Philip island was 134.113.( Jorge martin went round in 127.767 and its not his home track.) It's a different era and the technology makes no real difference as the fast ones will still ride harder than the others.
Philip Island has been resurfaced between those records and they reckon its basically not even the same track there is now so much grip
No comparison at all, do some research before making stupid comparisons....Tech makes a massive difference, to say otherwise is naïve and ignorant....
@@MickH60 you missed my point, of course the technology makes a difference but the claim that the 500 riders were somehow superhuman and the "boys " couldn''t ride them is false. Its as hard to win a motogp race now, even with the technology as its ever been as there's a load of other bikes on the grid with that tech. Rossi proved that.
And Philip Island is mostly straights....not really a surprise is it? Plus, they spend zillions on wind tunnel work. That wasn't available to us back then. Best to kick F1's o=arse out of bike racing, they can continue to fuck their own sport up...leave ours alone.
You also seem to be missing yr own point...Tech and tyres, engine power down straights, etc, not only promote significantly faster lap times but allow less skilled riders to stay on...
My MAN Mick... he is totally right. The fight should be man and machine against others, not computer and machine.
#2vs4 for me are the 2 stroke 500ccm Driver Kings and the 4 Stroke MotoGP Driver Princes, so i agree with Mick Doohan. The day the 2 Stroke get a come back will be amazing for all. 2 Stroke should never die. 🙂
What? I’d love to see you ride a 1000 4 stroke, heck, even a 600 or 750 to it’s full potential. You’d cry 😢 in 3rd gear “ princess 👑 “. By the way, grew up on 2 strokes & still have one till this very day, I love em. However, the new era 4 stokes absolutely rip. Go take a brand new 1000 out for a spin, make sure you’re insured though, & make sure you have ambiance cover, good day sir, stay safe 👍.
@@peterdalmationcro4217 Thank you for your answer, nice to hear from you and that you are happy that I have already ridden a 1000cc four-stroke bike. I started riding motorcycles in 1985, until 1991 I rode air-cooled RD Yamahas with 250cc, 350cc and 400cc. From 1992 onwards I rode an RD 350 ypvs 31K, which was on the road until 2003, then converted into a track tool. From 2004 onwards I drove a Yamaha UR R1 (RN01) on the road in Germany. I really enjoyed driving it on country roads at 125 miles plus. Since 2017, I have not been able to drive motorcycles due to an artificial knee joint But with more than 130,000 miles driven on my motorcycle, all without any electronic aids, I can say that I have a very good feeling in the throttle hand and I have a good butt meter. I can also say that driving a 2-stroke engine requires more skill and feeling than a 4-stroke engine. Unfortunately, I can't find any direct connection in your statement to my statement, I was talking about 500cc and MotoGP "racers" and you say something about street motorcycles and private riders, that doesn't fit the topic at all! If I could still ride a motorcycle due to my health, I wouldn't be interested in the new 1000 4-stroke engines. I would then prefer to continue to control everything myself. For me, no thanks to electronic driving aids in traffic. Happy Sunday, best regards
Regarding front end ride height devices, they were experimenting with mechanical anti dive systems more than 40 years ago
I was a nobody on the racetrack in the early’70’s but it was the only place where I could ride my ‘72 Kawasaki 750 H2 2-stroke triple as fast as I dared… Blazing acceleration with a death defying high speed wobble on deceleration (even with TWO steering dampers!), the screeching howl from the expansion chambers and that distinctive exhaust odor… compound that with 15K rpm & a power band less than 2000 rpm wide and demanded full attention & skill… my heroes then were Yvon DuHamel, Art Bauman and Gary Nixon of factory Team Green Meanie, Ken Roberts, Cal Rayborn, Jarno Saarinen, Agostini later Freddie Spencer… Their rides were the Kawasaki H1R & H2R 750, the Yamaha TZ 250, 350, 500 &750… I remember Saarinen won the Daytona 200 aboard a TZ 350 over a field of 750’s… Tragically, he was killed at Monza later that year… I hope that 2-stroke GP racing will have a rebirth… My H2 piston port engine had a total of 9 moving parts and was almost bulletproof… much more economical than intricate 4 strokes…
What a class act watching old footage of kevin swantz wheelieing the whole race of macau gp 1988 😊
I don't think it's only a matter o 2 vs 4 strokes. It's more a matter of TC and electronic in general, wings, devices etc...
Stoner once said "I would return to top class competition only with more powerful bikes and no electronics at all".
I'm not sure that Marquez could handle the NSR500, he heavily relies on electronics since forever
I think he's high on adrenaline not his abilities. Increasing the size of your courage lets say increases the chances of a high side which is brave though - facing the tarmac. Most riders of his day only lasted a few dangerous laps on the Repsol 2 strokes.
Anything Doohan say is right..!! He is the KING after all..!! 👑
It's not just motorcycle sport.The whole world has accidentally gone safe.Creating a soft arena. 😢
you cant compare the two. YEs the bikes were brutal and were basically like riding a bucking bronco. The bikes had no electronics. Thats the difference.
Die Frage ist, was die Geldgeber wollen? Der Zuschauer möchte Spektakel, heisst, weniger Helferlein. Die Werke wollen durch Ingenieurskunst glänzen, heisst viele neue Ideen und Helferlein. Fakt ist, dass ich keine Aprillia kaufen würde, da diese nicht in der seriennahen Superbikeklasse antreten, welche für mich das mögliche Highend für den Otto normalo darstellt. Die Figths dort sind spektakulär und die Show publikumsnah. Motogp hingegen muss meiner Meinung nach back to the root. Casey 27 hat dies vor 12 Jahren moniert und wurde nicht gehört. Falls weiter weichgespühlt wird, geht das Interesse verloren und der Schaden ist nicht wieder gutzumachen. Helden wie Sheene, Roberts,Spencer Lawson, Gardner , Mamola, Schwanz, Doohan und Rainey gibt es heute kaum mehr. Diese haben alle viel gelitten und sind immer wieder aufgestanden. So gut Pedro auch ist, er würde die Zweitakter zuerst gründlich erfahren müssen, bevor er als Rookie glänzen könnte. Er und Casey sind aber auch aus diesem Holz geschnitzt wie die vorgenannten Titanen. Gebt dem Reiter wieder die Zügel in die Hand ! Setzt Doohans Vorschläge um, auch was das schwarze Gold betrifft. Danke
I totally agree. Take away the electronics, let them choose their own tires. Get rid of the wings and let's see if these guys can really ride. That to me would be some awesome racing. Let's take it back old school.
This generation doesn't know about two stroke anyway it's not their fault but surely my generation who rode two stroke bikes have a great memories
I.O.M T.T Just finished, no losses. Says it all really.
Moto Gee Pee is for children. Doohan, Stoner, Corser and Bayliss are exceptions to the rule.
Doohan and Stoner had input into engineering the machines.
I couldn't name even one MotoGp or F1 rider/driver. It's a wonder they're not on their mobile phones down the straights. 🤣😆😂
He is 100% correct
Doohan is totally right and he was one of the best on a 500, same issue is in SX and MX, too much tech, I'm loving the fact 2strokes may come back in MotoGP or even in F1 that gives me hope for the future of MX and SX, I still ride a 240 2stroke Yamaha, 2stroke for life!
I’m sure Mick & Casey would still like to have a ride on the new bikes , the latest American GP was excellent
Ahhh yes, that great rider Mick Do han
2stroke was a Legend 🔥🏍️💪🇯🇵❤️
We don't need 2 strokes. We just need to get rid of electronics and aero...
Taking F1 money is what killed motogp
Doohan is totally right. The majority of the riders do not have capacity or balls to ride a 500cc
Exactly. The Riders of today are not even on the same Planet when it comes to the 2 stroke 500 GP guys back in the day. Those guys were sensational to watch and battling it out circuit after circuit. Todays riders are boring and unskilled compared to Doohans day and the others like Rainey, Schwantz, Mamola, Chilli, and the list goes on. They were great riders. And the 500's were Beast's !!!
I used to ride 500cc motox. Now I'm on a 450F, and there is no comparison. Sure, 4 stroke has great torque down low, and torque braking is helpful at times, but not always. At the end of the day, 2 strokes were just way more fun to ride. And that's what people really want when they buy a bike.
💯 he is right. I’ve also been saying it for ages, it’s boring racing nowadays
Rear ride height device is for corner exit and Starts Not to stop the rear wheel coming off the ground whilst Braking
How so? Rear ride height adjustment was used for slightly loading or unloading the front wheel, to make the bike turn in better. Too little weight transfer=understeer.
From everything i’ve seen and read the only time Moto GP riders use the rear ride height device is only in the Wheelie Faze,
in the braking faze you want weight on the front to generate heat and grip, also changing Geometry to allow the bike to tip in
through natural movement of the suspension
I can imagine if you lowered the rear whilst in a braking faze the bike would feel awful and just try push on and not want to turn and actually i think the bike would Have less braking power if you lowered the rear due to geometry
Harleys don’t stop well for this reason
If Doohan said that he's wrong. Cream is cream regardless of machine / era,. Did Doohan brake into the corner with the forks completely bottomed out like Bagnaia? Or scape everything on the inside like Martin? The fastest find a way to be the fastest, it's what makes them the best. Doohan would know this better than most.
Mate, take the electronics off, they can't do that. Simple.
I’m with Doohan n Stoner, along with many other’s that believe the same. Men were Men back then with real ridding talents. These days it knowing weather to use the red, green, yellow or blue buttons to assist in winning. Bring back big balls racing, much more entertaining when it’s the rider that wins. 👍🍻
The 500's were very unforgiving, if you see the amount of times riders were flicked off in a split second and how those bikes were wheeling and leaving black lines on the track at the same time.....
Make no mistake modern GP bikes are extremely fast, but what skills do you really need to ride them compared to the 500's.?.
The 500's were raw beasts, the riders back then had the most skill and courage.
Miss that Era, the best era in motorcycle racing.
Aussie V8 Super cars are one of the worst. Its all about the driver and merchandise. Not even aussie cars anymore. Only on pay TV. Have lost many..many fans.
I only watch Bathurst now and even that isn’t very enjoyable anymore as used to be. My father used to wake me on Sunday mornings to watch the great race back when the race started at 7 am as it took them so long to do the 500 miles back then . I probably won’t even bother this year it’s just so sad …
Mick Doohan is absolutely correct. Electronic aids has ruined Moto GP for me.
For those who say that traction control is essential because the bikes are so much more powerful is a poor argument.
Ever considered that the rider controls the throttle?
"we old timers were the real deal" type of claim. Well I don't follow MotoGP any more for other reasons but these bikes go much faster. Older rides would get a headache trying to keep up with the pace.
Only on the straights buddy, and think about the fact that they alter tracks every year. Many have been slightly shortened, to make it seem like lap times get faster, so they MUST be going faster.
Started watching AMA roadracing in the early 70s. Loved watching Kenny Roberts, Paul Smart (really knew how to "hang off") Gary Fisher, Cal Rayborn, Kel Carruthers, et al. Most (but not all) of the competitive bikes were 350cc two-strokes competing against 500cc (and a little later more than 500cc) 4-stroke bikes. Then came Freddy Spencer, Wayne Rainey, and others who had grown up riding 2-strokes. The racing was exciting, as we trekked from corner to corner to see the riders up close.
Later, in the '80s, we saw how the banning of two-strokes (oh, the sweet smell of Castrol two-stroke exhaust!) made the passes less frequent, races less exciting to watch--even back then!
Doo-un is right!
Aliens need to be able to stand out in any motorsport
Mick is 100% correct with his Rational, ❤🫴
Doohan is 90% correct
None of the greatest couldn’t have done it back then , without genius mechanic and engineer Jeremy Burgess who done motorcycle for Doohan , Gardner , Mamolla and Rossi Jeremy was they mechanic engineer he also done the changes on Doohan’s rear break to his hand ! Jeremy Burgers an Adelaide hills , South Australia 🇦🇺 legend !
MotoGP is good but the 500cc era was totally captivating. Bring back the 2-stroke noise , smell and talent that the riders had to have without modern day electronic aids.👍
I'm well over 60 and have been riding and racing bikes since a 5 year old and I couldn't agree more with Mick, that era of racing was the Golden Era in my mind. Mick was the man back in the day, he is definitely in the top few legends of the sport. I'd love to see it go back to 2 stroke, no traction control etc, in my opinion that tech has ruined the sport a bit