A lot of people argue that technology is ruining racing and that the bikes are so advanced that they almost ride themselves. With things like traction control, wheelie control and all manner of electronic gizmo's, the riders of today are said (by some) to be nowhere near as skillful as their predecessors.

So l thought, lets take two ''Greats''. One from the modern era, and one from a bygone age. Then put them on a bike that would be totally alien to both of them.

So, who better than Valentino Rossi and Mike (The Bike) Hailwood, riding a 1990 vintage, Rotary Norton.

Who do you think would come out on top and why?

I'd take Kenny Roberts over both of them.riding 70 is era YZR 750's..Kenny was one of the first guys to figure out how to ''steer'' with the rear tire on pavement.nice question though.it'd be a interesting race

Very good question Sir.

l would have to say Rossi.

He know what the tyres CAN do rather then what they might be able to do. ETC.

Our friend above does have a good point about KR SNR.

If all the riders where to meet at their prime time, then Kenny may well do the business.

l really wished that Mick Doohan could have continued in 2000 after that crash in 1999, just to see him & Vale going great guns together.

Its one of those chicken & egg storys however, because if Mick was racing in 2000, Rossi would not off got his ''old'' bike & team.

It would have been great to see though!

Hmm what an excellent question but l would have to say that in my opinion Mike would edge it but only just. A rotary engine Norton would be more alien to the things that my favourite rider Vale is used to whereas Mike had great adaptability on all machines. He would ride screaming high revving low capacity two strokes, win on them, jump off & go right out in the next race on something like a Manx Norton & do exactly the same. It may sound like no big deal but having tried to do something similar, though not on such a grand scale, l must admit that my admiration for the man was raised even higher.
l think it would be sooo close though as Vale has proven that he can ride around so much & l simply have not a single bad thing to say about him. If u had said put the two of them on an RC30 or something like that then l would say Vale but that is not ur question.

In my opinion the greatest over all rider the world has ever seen can actually only be between Giacomo Agostini, Valentino Rossi (what is it about Italy?) & Mike Hailwood & l would say that for pure raw talent on different bikes where the rider was absolutely all then Hailwood would just edge it but u r talking so small differences that it is really impossible to choose. YOur scenario is wonderful & it is just a pity that these things can only exist in our imaginations.

interesting question.. but l would have to say this..
the riders of today are skilled more than you know.
you first have to prove yourself on a normal bike before you are on a factory tem and are allowed to race one of those trick bikes..
l also think that Rossi would win. He is one of the most talented riders in the sport of road racing..PERIOD..

Hey Neil

Hmmmmm, toughie!

I'd have to go with Hailwood though - for some of the reasons Shuggie said, & because he is home grown talent! (though the Ago. Rossi comment hits the spot!)

Plus, he sadly did not live to see this:

http://vintagebike.co.uk/Bike%20Directories/Norton%20Bikes/pages/Norton-Rotary-F1-1990-F1.htm

But if he had - he could not help but want to thrash the thing within an inch of it is rims! The excitement would have given him the edge!

Thanks for the question - I'd forgotton these bikes were the coolest thing since the cats pyjama is back in the day - And I'd still love to get on one!!

Hi Neil. l am going with Rossi. down to modern riding styles. backing into corners power sliding etc. these things were not really used while Mike was racing. great as he was. l thing if he watched Rossi he would be awed. no doubt he would soon pick up on the techniques But It would be too late.