| Author | Message | ||
     Jimidan |
If you haven't got the chance to read the CW article on the new 1125R yet, be forewarned that it will probably not be what you expected. It isn't your typical new bike review...but then again Kevin Cameron isn't your typical moto-journalist. It is kinda hard to tell if techno-nerd (and I mean that in the most respectful way) Cameron is more impressed with the 1125R or Buell's innovative testing and finite element analysis processes. He is obviously struck by both, but I think his summation tells the tail: "In sum, the story here is not just evolution of yet another state-of-the-art high-performance sportbike. It is also a story of how a small group of engineers devised ways to multiply their effectiveness. They found means to summons more ideas from a small group by taking all parties seriously. And they cut a chronic source of organizational friction by placing test and analysis in a single department." Cameron goes on to infer that "MotoGP development, and surely in the industry that underlies it" could learn a lot from the Buell model. I think that is the ultimate compliment that ANY production bike manufacturer can receive. Here you have Ducati, MV Agusta, Benelli, BMW, and all of the other high dollar manufacturers that could have received such a compliment, but Cameron bestowed it upon Buell. As Cameron says, "But now that the 1125R has a full-on sportbike powerplant, who knows what they might attempt to do next?" He is obviously very impressed with the bike too. I am sure glad that he got the assignment. jimidang | ||
| Dre99gsx |
That is true for any RD dept. I work at a Bio-Med firm in which we are in competition with other firms who outsource their RD work. It is tougher since the communication is different and tedious when you outsource. Your ideas don't translate the same to outside folks who have their own interests vs. employees who's #1 priority is the success of your product. Engineering is part theory and part luck. Erik surrounds himself with bright people and gives them a chance to shine. The outcome is always impressive. |
