You know it! Hopkins to Kawi!

[~Barn~]

I don't know if he was forced DK, I just included that little parenthetical, if infact that's what occured. Sponsorship pressure or what-have-you.

Monetary reasons not withstanding, I still view it as a mis-step after seeing his marked improvement this season on the GSVR.

[green_zx7r]

Hopkins will no doubt raise the bar for Kawasaki, but I just don't see him winning races on one. With the faith he was given and what he gave to Suzuki already, I think he maybe that much closer to winning on a Suzuki than starting from scratch on the Kwaker.

If Capirex goes to Kawasaki too, that would definitely be a strong veteran team. However, is it a given or is that still just a rumor? Sete opted to retire before going to Kawasaki, and I'm wondering if Capirossi may choose the same route if booted from Ducati...

[konichd]

You got no heart Yusuke....no.....fuckin......heart

[green_zx7r]

Sorry Dave, not trying to be the traitor here, since I do love Kawasaki.

I hope they do well with Hopkins, but I'd rather see their superbike efforts in AMA/BSB/All-Japan/WSBK get better funding/results.

I'm more interested in production than proto-type racing I guess...

[konichd]

Chris Walker won last year on a PSG-1 Kawi in WSBK! Are you not satisfied!

[green_zx7r]

After the top 10,000 riders crashed out in the soaking rain!

Seriously though, that was satisfaction and I was happy for Stalker. I just wanted to see him do that in the dry consistently as well.

[*KEN*]

I guess Roger's hopes of getting a slot for '08 are quickly disappearring. I believe Nicky and Rossi are tied up through '08. Anyboby know who will be "free agents" at the end of this season? Just trying to eye Suzuki's prospects.

Toseland?

I just hope that the money was worth it for Hopper, because it definitely isn't a huge step forward as far as machinery. A change might help him, but I think that this season has been a change, since he's actually near the front. I do believe that Vermuelen stole some of his thunder (and possibly drive) by taking the Suzuki to the top step before him though. It's really too bad that he's not sticking around to see the fruits of his labors. A great catch for Kawasaki.

[dillinger09]

worst move ever................................bah, maybe hayden staying with honda is worse, but still.............

[Feathered upstart!]

I bet 100 bucks this ends his career.

He'll be doing riding school by 2010

[denverbusa]

MotoGP news says that Kawi may make a comment on the issue tomorrow.

So Suzuki gets pissed and throws down a wild card with Spies on a GSVR. Hmmmmm... now that might really make for some drama. Not likely with only 2 points separating he and Mladin but it would certainly heat up the buzz around the race. How about Yates from Jordan Suzuki?

Even to see what they could do on the track compared to the international crowd in qualifying on those beasts. At least we will get to see Roger thrash the Kawi a little. Might make the home track advantage taken a little more seriously, especially if he has better times than most and if Nicky wins again!!!

[BlueDevil]

Well said earlier.. He has sealed his fate. His hopes of becoming a Moto GP Champ have slipped even further into the pits..... After tossing his leg over 1 piece for years, he swung it off to put it right over the saddle of another piece...... But at least he can get off the girly baby blue and on to a better looking piece of crap.

How amny years till he is battling Biaggi in WSBK? Shall we start a pool now....?

[konichd]

A year from now I'm going to be saying "I told you so." AND FUCKIN' LOVE IT

GO HOPPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BlueDevil]

I hope so.. he has certainly paid his dues. Id be happy to say you told me so if he made something of this ride......

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

I'd have to agree with RYBO-san and the others. The 'Zuki is finally running at the "sharp end" (as they say in F1) as an 800, and both him and Vermuillin(sp?) are both running strong this year. Why ruin that? Ah well, that's racing.....

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

Now Spies on a GSVR would be something to see. Maybe even Mladin coming back to the GP's after all these years. On a 'Zuki, of course.

[jsears1864]

How much of an influence did Monster Energy Drink have in this? The facts are he has ,ONE podium; finally. And making a deal like this mid-season is, how do the british say it...."bad form"...