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2006 Ilmor 800cc MotoGP Racer

Look how far forward the engine is on the new MotoGP 800cc bikes.



Don

i don't think that bike has enough sharp angles.

whatever happened to nice smooth lines?

Holy crap, that's a badass swingarm stand.

Hooligan wrote:i don't think that bike has enough sharp angles

It's to fool enemy radar!

It really does look like an oversized 250 though, I kinda like it.

MotoGP News: McWilliams Breaks Leg In Testing Crash
Ulsterman To Face Surgery
by staff
Thursday, November 30, 2006

News emanating from Jerez suggests that veteran Ulsterman Jeremy McWilliams has sustained a broken leg after a high-speed fall whilst testing the new Ilmor X3 MotoGP 800cc racer this afternoon.

Details are sketchy at this point, but published reports indicate that McWilliams will undergo surgery as early as tonight to insert a rod in his leg to stabilise the area of the break. He also apparently has injuries to a shoulder and one of his hands.

'Jezza' has ridden all manner of bikes during his GP career both in the 250cc class and the premier class including rides for Yamaha, Honda, Aprilia and Team Roberts. He famously took pole at the 2002 Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island with a stunning lap on the lightweight Proton KR3.

McWilliams was looking to secure a full-time 2007 ride with Ilmor, a move that would have pleased those at both Dorna and the BBC who have a multi-year television contract in place to air MotoGP in the UK.

MotoGP News: Jeremy McWilliams Injury Update
"Oh And I Will Lose A Part Of One Of My Fingers"
by staff
Friday, December 01, 2006

Here is an update from Ilmor on the condition of Ulsterman Jeremy McWilliams following his high-speed crash during testing at Jerez yesterday:

Jeremy McWilliams Update

Ilmor are pleased to report that following his unfortunate crash yesterday (Thursday 30th) test rider Jeremy McWilliams is already on the road to recovery. McWilliams suffered a fracture to his left femur and has a suspected fracture to his collarbone, however speaking from the hospital this morning he sounded upbeat and very positive.

Commenting on the crash McWilliams said: "It was very fast and I took a bit of a tumble. The doctors here in Jerez have been great and they tell me that my leg fracture is really clean, it should take four to five weeks to heal - then I'll be walking and able to take exercise again. I need to have an operation to have it pinned so I'll be having that as soon as they have time to fit me in. Apparently I also have a broken collarbone but it doesn't feel like it to me. Oh and I will lose a part of one of my fingers but as I keep telling people, I broke that one before and it wasn't much use to me anyway!"

McWilliams went out on turn 4 at the Jerez circuit early yesterday afternoon on the third and final day of the official test. Initial data reports from the X3 show nothing to suggest a mechanical error.

Team Owner Mario Illien said: "First and foremost I'm pleased that it seems there will be no lasting damage to Jeremy, of course we want to get to the nature of the cause of the incident as soon as possible and I know the team are analysing data and footage from the crash now. Prior to yesterday afternoon, both our test riders McWilliams and Pitt had done a sterling job providing us with superb feedback on the bike allowing the team to adjust the bike's set up and improve on the overall performance. With the exception of yesterday's accident it has been a good test for us, we're making progress. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Jeremy a very speedy recovery and I'm delighted, if a little shocked to hear him say he's looking forward to getting back out on the X3!"

MadHaqr9 wrote:

Hooligan wrote:i don't think that bike has enough sharp angles

It's to fool enemy radar!

lol....I was going to say the same thing.

I'm having a hard time getting used to the look of the new bikes. They basically look like pocket bikes on steroids.

well said nate. i like the ilmor, but the honda looks like crap.

Some shots of Colin's test rides. Kinda like the black look...

Notice how Colin is hugging the bike and trying to tuck in behind what little windscreen and front fairing there is ? Hayden reported it as a big problem with the 800cc bikes ... they can't get their arms/shoulders tucked in out of the wind.

I read an interesting fact the other day regarding the cut-out in the MotoGP front brake/clutch levers. It is usually assumed the cut-out was created to provide a break off point in case of a crash (i.e. leaving enough lever to continue after the crash) ... which it does. But Rossi supposedly implemented the cut-out because at 200+ MPH the wind was pushing against the lever with enough force to apply the brakes.

That's an interesting thought Don. about wind pressure on the brake lever.
Never had an issue with the lever on my Pro Mod at speed and we were right in that ballpark. Heck...our lever is out in the wind too...
But aerodynamics is a strange science
(Or is that weird science?)

i don't recall frontal area on the old bikes being that much larger than the new 800's?

Hooligan wrote:i don't recall frontal area on the old bikes being that much larger than the new 800's?

Here's some shots from past rides. Think there's much of a difference?

Something's been bugging me about the shots of the 800cc bike....what's up with the tail end? Almost looks like they forgot to put a piece on. Guessing it's something that they'd want quick access to, but enquiring minds want to know! Tracking info maybe? Just looks different from the other bikes.

Not all of them can have "Fat" asses like the FZR's

Tim wrote:Not all of them can have "Fat" asses like the FZR's

Does this bike make my ass look skinny?

Nate wrote:what's up with the tail end? Almost looks like they forgot to put a piece on

I suspect the new tail design is to reduce the coefficient of drag. If you look a Colin's back, when he's tucked in behind the windscreen, you can draw a smooth line down his back to the tail. The tail is shaped so the air flows off the back of the bike without creating an air pocket of negative pressure.

Nate wrote:Some shots of Colin's test rides

Edwards Smashes Pole Record in Sepang

Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi proved they are more than ready for the challenge ahead with their new 800cc Yamahas by clocking some outstanding times today, on the third and final day of testing in Sepang. Both took the chance to try new Michelin qualifying tyres and Edwards stunned his crew by dipping well under the current pole position record, set by Rossi at last year’s race on the old 990cc Yamaha, with a lap of 2’00.248

Way to go Colin!!!

as much as i like colin and have followed his career since his days on the V&H yzf750, i believe it's time to move from full time racer to full time tester.

he's always fast when riding solo, but he just can't put it on the box anymore in actual race conditions. maybe he's lost the nerve to ride at the edge.