Rossi signs with Monster Energy

[Mr Lefty]

Originally Posted by pickle.of.doom

Wonder what this means for Kawi?

I wonder what it means for Hopper. from what I've read this was kind of his "ticket" to ride... the money that monster brought. now that they've got advertising on the G.O.A.T. why would they fork over money to get John a ride when he had such a horrible year last year... my guess... they wouldn't and won't.

[smileyman]

My guess is the chicken came before the egg. Gee Kawi is out even with our endorsement of Hopkins, who is for sure doing 2009 that we can contract right f'n now? How bout start at the top and call our way to the bottom?

[Mr Lefty]

well there were rumors monster was gonna pull some strings and score a ride for Hopper... as they bring alot of money... don't think anyone expected them to just sign a new rider...

[smileyman]

They also had ties with the US Kawi Superbike effort. Perhaps they were tired of Kawi corporate pulling their chain on whether or not they would have representation and in what series or capacity and went with a known. Not like Rossi is chopped liver. They can throw their loyalty wherever since all the really want is exposure...

[Mr Lefty]

Originally Posted by smileyman

They also had ties with the US Kawi Superbike effort. Perhaps they were tired of Kawi corporate pulling their chain on whether or not they would have representation and in what series or capacity and went with a known. Not like Rossi is chopped liver. They can throw their loyalty wherever since all the really want is exposure...

yeah but they were signed with Hopper not kawi... he rode for them on suzi too. the last rumor I heard was he was gonna ride a 3rd Tech 3 Yamaha.

oh well... hope hopper finds a ride somewhere... motogp or wsbk (though he's said he won't go to wsbk)

[smileyman]

Hopper has always been better than his equipment. I don't know the inside deal but he shoulda stayed with Suzuki unless he had a Yam, Honda, or Duc offer. Even one of their satellite teams woulda been better than his Suzuk or Kawi Factory gig...

[Mr Lefty]

yeah... he followed the $ to Kawi... kinda bit him in the ass didn't it.

[xx CURVE xx]

Originally Posted by smileyman

Hopper has always been better than his equipment. I don't know the inside deal but he shoulda stayed with Suzuki unless he had a Yam, Honda, or Duc offer. Even one of their satellite teams woulda been better than his Suzuk or Kawi Factory gig...

[pickle.of.doom]

Originally Posted by ebbs15

I wonder what it means for Hopper. from what I've read this was kind of his "ticket" to ride... the money that monster brought. now that they've got advertising on the G.O.A.T. why would they fork over money to get John a ride when he had such a horrible year last year... my guess... they wouldn't and won't.

Well, plus Kawi has those Monster- badged models for sale here in the US this year...

[Rider]

Originally Posted by pickle.of.doom

Well, plus Kawi has those Monster- badged models for sale here in the US this year...

Monster has usually only been associated with Kawi until this year. They are now reaching out to other manufacturers/riders and they are now the main sponsor for the AMA Supercross series.