Mugen
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RE: Team Mugen to compete at TT 2015
When can we do 2 laps is a common question from fans and the short answer is that we could do 2 laps now.
However the problems with going that route are threefold; firstly, so far only 4 bikes have completed 100+mph laps (2 x MotoCzysz, 2 x Mugen), so if you suddenly introduce a 2-lap race you reduce even further the potential number of competitors who can compete, and/or make it more difficult for new competitors to join.
Then, even at the current rate of development, doubling the distance will decrease the speed. We have worked hard to make the performance credible in comparison, and if you are suddenly back to sub-100mph laps you invite further criticism.
Finally, the actual pace of development can demoralise existing, or scare away new, competitors.
The problem is we can't slow our pace to allow others to catch up, because as the technology continues to open up performance potential we have to keep chasing it otherwise we could get caught with our pants down by any new entrants, so we are damned if we do and damned if we don't.
The speed development has not plateaued yet, it could be 117 (unlikely), maybe 120+, or even 130, who knows?
The obvious answer is that we need more bikes of similar performance on the course, but we are possibly one "Eureka" moment from some major avenue of development breaking away from the current solutions, leaving the others sitting on the wrong branch of the tree. This may be why we don't see the major players rushing to join in, it could be they need the technology development to stabilise before they invest the many millions they (as major manufacturers) would have to . Of one thing you can be sure though, every serious player has a whole army of people, and lots of investment, looking at utilising electric power, so it will come. It is just that no-one can honestly say whether it is going to be 5, 10 or 50 years before it goes mainstream.
Sorry for the long answer, but it is a complex topic, with no easy answer.
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13-02-2015, 10:27 PM |
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shuffler
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RE: Team Mugen to compete at TT 2015
Is there a TT fan base for the electic bike race at the TT ???
Why drop the 250/400 race because of fewer entrants ???
How can you call it a race ( how many bikes?) one lap???
I'm sure there is a place for them somewhere but in my eyes it's not the Isle Of Man mountain course!
The Island is about pure road racing and that's what we pay a fortune to go and see every year !
They say people don't like change but what really has changed with the battery race after it was introduced.... Faster lap times ( o yeah , brilliant) more entrants (no)
Does anyone seriously enjoy this so called TT event.
Mybe I'm on my own on this one but that's my rant over .
Suppose il get told there's a place at the manx GP for 250/400 but that is not the point !
shuffler
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15-02-2015, 10:31 AM |
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Dougboy
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RE: Team Mugen to compete at TT 2015
(15-02-2015, 02:05 PM)Blademan Wrote: I agree with you Shuffler, I'd far rather see a 3-4 lap 250/400cc race than the one lap zero TT farce.
What the hell is anyone going to ride in a 250/400 race??
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16-02-2015, 10:45 AM |
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spannerman
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RE: Team Mugen to compete at TT 2015
Mugen I would like to ask a technical question with no digs only a safety issue, some years ago before practice week close to the race office car park I wheeled out of the van an ex WSB Kawasaki to get items from the front of he van, I think it was Chief Scrutineer Harvey Garton who noticed the bike and came over to explain that the Carbon wheels and swing arm were banned and could not be used at the TT, I was quick to point out that I was aware of the rules and the wheels were on just to move the bike and swing arm was going to be changed as we had just taken charge of the bike and that I was fully aware of the dangers of using a carbon fibre or kevlar composite swing arm on the stressful mountain circuit and the use of composite construction is forbidden, in the rules for bikes it says, Rear Fork (Swing-arm) The rear fork may be altered or replaced from those fitted to the homologated motorcycle. The use of carbon fibre or Kevlar materials is not allowed, The TT zero rules are poor with regards to safety other than all the rules regarding the electrics, is the class a free for all regarding issues such as composite parts like frame and swing arm? The 2015 TT rules say The Clerk of the Course may on the advice of the Chief Technical Officer, disqualify any vehicle, or equipment, the construction or condition of which is deemed to be unsafe or inappropriate. Should an incident happen as a result of composite failure who's going to take blame?, as I started this post I am not having a dig but just questioning what I think is a safety issue
(This post was last modified: 19-02-2015, 12:12 AM by spannerman.)
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19-02-2015, 12:10 AM |
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arsey30
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RE: Team Mugen to compete at TT 2015
It happened a long time ago, [110 years] in 1905 lots of electric cars with batteries needing charging, then petrol engines became popular to avoid long charging times.
Even better when electric starter motors fitted.
Petrol stations may have been scarce, but fill a scan and take it home.
(This post was last modified: 19-02-2015, 04:44 PM by arsey30.)
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19-02-2015, 04:38 PM |
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Mugen
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RE: Team Mugen to compete at TT 2015
(19-02-2015, 12:10 AM)spannerman Wrote: Mugen I would like to ask a technical question with no digs only a safety issue, some years ago before practice week close to the race office car park I wheeled out of the van an ex WSB Kawasaki to get items from the front of he van, I think it was Chief Scrutineer Harvey Garton who noticed the bike and came over to explain that the Carbon wheels and swing arm were banned and could not be used at the TT, I was quick to point out that I was aware of the rules and the wheels were on just to move the bike and swing arm was going to be changed as we had just taken charge of the bike and that I was fully aware of the dangers of using a carbon fibre or kevlar composite swing arm on the stressful mountain circuit and the use of composite construction is forbidden, in the rules for bikes it says, Rear Fork (Swing-arm) The rear fork may be altered or replaced from those fitted to the homologated motorcycle. The use of carbon fibre or Kevlar materials is not allowed, The TT zero rules are poor with regards to safety other than all the rules regarding the electrics, is the class a free for all regarding issues such as composite parts like frame and swing arm? The 2015 TT rules say The Clerk of the Course may on the advice of the Chief Technical Officer, disqualify any vehicle, or equipment, the construction or condition of which is deemed to be unsafe or inappropriate. Should an incident happen as a result of composite failure who's going to take blame?, as I started this post I am not having a dig but just questioning what I think is a safety issue
It is true that because TT Zero is a prototype class there are different regulations in place. Apart from the usual scrutineering that every bike goes through each time it goes on circuit, the technical crew visit the TT Zero bikes in their garages and inspect them for overall safety and quality of build and I believe they assess each one on their respective merits. We have run full carbon frame and swing-arm since our first visit in 2012.
Composite construction these days, with the widespread use of FEA and materials development, should mean that a properly designed and executed composite component will be no less a safely engineered solution than any other material.
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20-02-2015, 01:10 PM |
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