Odd factoids

[Tim Hall]

The companies name is formed from the first 2 letters of each of its three founders surnames, Bianchi, Massimo and Tamburini.

Ducati were famed for the rattle of their dry clutch. Since they moved over to a wet clutch, the sensation can be simulated by pop rivetting a Tambourine to the bodywork.

 

[Salty seadog]

In related news, commercial airliners spend 75% of their entire lives in the air - so, eg, a 20 year old jumbo has actually been airborn for 15 years.

Yep, they don't make money on the ground.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

The companies name is formed from the first 2 letters of each of its three founders surnames, Bianchi, Massimo and Tamburini.

Small error there; it was Bianchi, Morri & Tamburini.

 

[Dirk]

Bimota make the most gorgeous Italian motorcycles.

Used to make?
http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-general-news/bimota-factory-closed

I rode a Bimota Suzuki 1000 in the Isle of Man once.

 

[Dirk]

Once a Formula 1 car reaches about 100 mph it generates a down force exceeding it's own weight, making it theoretically possible for it to drive along the roof of the tunnel at Monaco.

 

[jefmcg]

A single transatlantic Jumbo jet burns more fuel on a return crossing to America than the whole field of Formula 1 cars use in a full season of practice and racing.

That is indeed and interesting factoid. Made me think....


That's only on the track, right? How do they move the cars to - say - Melbourne? They must fly them, along with all the crew, drivers, execs etc etc, a lot in first class. Bet a team fils most of a jumbo, and maybe even a second freight one and the distance is about 3 times a transatlantic flight. And even when they are just trucking the cars around Europe, I bet they burn more fuel than they do on the actual track.

 

[Dirk]

Due to the down force generated by Formula 1 cars, the manhole covers on street circuits have to be bolted or welded shut to avoid them being sucked out.

 

[Dirk]

The 1950 British Grand Prix was a significant occasion for two reasons: it was the first ever World Championship Grand Prix, carrying the title of the European Grand Prix, and the event was graced by the presence of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth – the first and only time a reigning monarch has attended a motor race in Britain.

 

[Dirk]

A bit of an urban myth that one as the oil would drain from the sump of the car and lock the engine up, not insurmountable though.

I did say 'theoretically'.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

The magnetic compass was invented by the Chinese around 200BC

 

[ClichéGuevara]

On hearing the cry from Government of "I expected there to be less of you" at the sight of the poll tax rebels, Wat Tyler was so inflamed, as it should be fewer., he initiated the pedants revolt.

 

[Drago]

The magnetic compass was invented by the Chinese around 200BC

Rubbish. It was invented by Tony Curtis in 1958.

 

[Andy_R]

Rubbish. It was invented by Tony Curtis in 1958.

Rubbish. T'was Edric Connor.

 

[ClichéGuevara]

The compass was invented by Cardinal Hume, it's even got bits of it named after him.

 

[Drago]

The compass was invented by Jeep.