Such a legend! I can never get tired of listening to Simon, he’s so down to earth and personal with near no ego. I absolutely love his Tech Talks for MotoGP, the way he explains the technology and the workings of a race bike is just ear candy. Hope he continues for a very long time. Thanks for this podcast and cheers from Sydney 🙌🏻
Great interview and two lovely blokes I, as a Kiwi, am really proud of. I think Simon was born the year I won my first national title. He sounds so much like myself. School drop out. Pushing a 5th hand, Bultaco to the motorway to hitch a lift 460 miles to race in Levin. It was Geof Perry's " last years bike". All I ever wanted to do. Rode my 50th year at Whanganui in 2018. Simon encapsulates that Kiwi bloke. Getting in over your head, all heart. The body will heal, but you have to fix your bike. I loved this interview. 76 this year. Building a bike, I have loved to ride to Manfield, my local track, for track days. Ride through your dreams, whoever you are. Simon, you are credit to our sport and our country. Arohanui whanau.
Simon's insight/commentating in MotoGP is invaluable. I've learned so much from him. The way he can break down information for us fans is unmatched by anyone past or present.
I had massive respect (and support for his new career with motoGP as a commentator) for Simon and watching this only adds to that. Great interview as well Angus...
Its so great that we have him in MotoGP commentary now. No bullshits, just a lot of knowledge and love for those sport and technlogy. I always watching all sessions and enjoying listening him. Really great. And he is getting better every season. I remember when I heard him for first time in the MotoGP paddock, it was I think Qatar winter test, when he was still pretty shy and didnt speak loud enough, but now he is really professional commentator. Together with Matt Birt its really great and I hope that they will stay there together for many years.
+1, I love having Simon on the MotoGP commentary team. So much knowledge and such an eagle eye for detail. Only just learned of his ADHD. My son has it and he’s got some serious mind talent. Capacity to notice and absorb detail… hyper focus. It’s a gift. Thanks Simon. You’ve been a legend for decades, on and off the bike. Maximum respect.
After watching this story I now understand why Simon talks up the underdog and or the rookie/namely Pedro Acosta and there is no doubt there will be other's to come , brilliant interview/ chat👍🤛😎
Having been around racing in NZ in the 80s this was so relatable and brought back lots of memories. Fantastic interview, learned more about Simon and his comments on the upcoming change to MotoGP were informative and reassuring. Top work - thanks.
From a previous vid with Simon where Mick Doohan said to Simon, "damn you, l had to risk everything". Talking about Micks quali lap at Assen to get pole. Simon has immense knowledge and is wonderful to listen to and learn from. Thanks to you all.
Wow,, Simon seems a great human. I'm a Kiwi with 2 dogs and 1 motorcycle and love life. You all keep up the great work.. Loved the video...Chris (Australia)
Many thanks for this interview and to Simon for Motovudu. I finally got my motorcycle license and started riding about a year ago at the age of 61. I have wanted to race all my life and got an RS 660 with the intention of riding on track. I spent the winter training on roads in the cold and wet of Sweden, pretty much entirely based on Simon's teachings. I found an area with no cars where they had made a loop in preparation for a new building and it became my little race track. After my first track day in the spring, the instructor asked me if I had previous experience in motorsport. After my last track day this fall, they asked me if I was interested in becoming an instructor. I can't thank Simon enough for sharing his deep and practical knowledge which helped me progress very quickly.
@@samanthagregoryurich4167 hey Samantha. Great story! You clearly have a learners mindset and that’s key. I have two RS660s and they are both track only. You can learn so much off the bike too, as you clearly have! I’ll pass your comment onto the man Simon himself!
Cheers! Good interview and some great insight to some of his evolution. Glad he survived the MotoGP commentary introduction. Best thing on the commentary, great technical and racing brain and no runaway gob. Keep doing it Simon.🚲
I have been a MotoGP nerd since 1994 and Simon is in my opinion the best journalist/expert that exists. No one else has the same overall knowledge of the riders and the bikes in my opinion. I'm looking forward the new rules which will ban the ride hight device. I was at Assen, it was more spectacular to watch the Moto2 guys fighting the machine when exiting the last corner heading to the straight than it was watching the same corner with the MotoGP bikes. The MotoGP are obviously faster, but undramatic.
Awesome interview, Simon never fails to impress with his knowledge and humility. The MotoGP world is enriched with his participation. and extremely fortunate to have him.
Thanks for this interview,Camped and rode dirt bikes with Simon and his mates in the 90’s early on his career and was a down to earth bloke,didn’t know much about him then but knew straight up he was one of us. Great to see him as he is.🇦🇺👍
WOW, another cool interview with Simon. Does he ever !!! have a rehearsed answer for all the questions that come his way. Like some do. Keep up the great work Simon.
Simon's way of sharing his deep knowledge of the sport is unique. We're all lucky to have him explaining both human and technical sides of MotoGP. Love his interviews, tech talks and all round demeanor...
Loved the interview, your commentaries and work you have contributed over the years. I remeber you and Andrew Stroud in the early 90's at Timaru levels having an awesome battle. It was the first time I saw proper talent live which reset my expectations on what you can do on a bike. FYI, :) I bought a tyre from you for $60 during the meet which you forgot to send me as it was still on your bike at the time... I am sure you have comletely forgoten by now 30 years later 😆. This is a shameless plug for anything signed in compensation. 🤣
I enjoy watching him wrestle the BMW around the track with the MotoGP track guides too. A great ambassador for the sport. The Ridge looks like a great track with lots of elevation changes. I've been watching the Moto America series which was just there.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Simon at the last two races in Malaysia. You won’t meet a more approachable and affable person, his on screen persona is exactly how he is in the flesh. Fantastic guy!
I have had a passion for watching 500cc then MotoGP since the first races I went to in the 80s and With Simon on board in. MotoGP I have learned a lot more than a lot of previous years, yes he was shakey at first but now brings a lot extra into the sport for the viewer, so relax Simon I,m sure that secure job will be there for you for many yrs to come. Also how good do we have it now with MotoGP it gets better and better each year, and I find myself looking forward to next season at the end of each season more and more. Next year to see how MM93 goes on the gp25 alongside Pecco , and also how Martin fairs on the Aprilia, thanks for inviting Simon on enjoyed that heaps.
Wow, thanks for your video. Me too Big, Big fan of Simon. We look forward to seeing you together in the USA. Plus I'm going to suscripción the site. I'm Mark and living in Navarra Spain. ❤
ADHD gets a bad rap from normies. That's too bad because we have a lot of deapth to the way we live our lives. It makes me SO happy to see Simon being himself and how much he's loved. We are definitely more than our diagnosis but its refreshing to see ADHD in a positive light.
I did very well in my first season of racing in 1977, running Laverda 750 SFC's. I thought I had to be provincial champ, then national champ, the maybe off to the US or better Europe. what I didn't realize is that life isn't long enough for this orderly process, and that it is best to jump in at the deep end and learn FAST.
a wonderful side benefit to everyone donating STUFF to the dog program, is that reducing the stuff in your life is so very freeing of the mind and soul .
I noticed Simon didn't really give his opinion on the racing schools when you mentioned them is there a reason for it ? Specifically YRCS you brought them up a few times but he didn't get into it. Regardless grea interview always enjoy hearing Simon talk 💯
He told me that he isn’t much of a fan of racing schools that aren’t run by proven racers, and he wasn’t super impressed with some of the track school that were mostly oriented towards street and casual track day riders, which is why he start MotoVoodu back in the day. He hasn’t heard of YCS as they are US centric but given it’s Freddie Spencer roots I think it would more up his alley
....probably the only person who could take mother Theresa's crown for being a bloody brilliant person. If your going to have a man crush Simon 'Yoda' is your man
Such a legend!
I can never get tired of listening to Simon, he’s so down to earth and personal with near no ego. I absolutely love his Tech Talks for MotoGP, the way he explains the technology and the workings of a race bike is just ear candy.
Hope he continues for a very long time.
Thanks for this podcast and cheers from Sydney 🙌🏻
That's why we all call him "our Simon" he's still just a bloke who will just sit down for a chat, after all his achievements. Remarkable
Great interview and two lovely blokes I, as a Kiwi, am really proud of. I think Simon was born the year I won my first national title. He sounds so much like myself. School drop out. Pushing a 5th hand, Bultaco to the motorway to hitch a lift 460 miles to race in Levin. It was Geof Perry's " last years bike". All I ever wanted to do. Rode my 50th year at Whanganui in 2018. Simon encapsulates that Kiwi bloke. Getting in over your head, all heart. The body will heal, but you have to fix your bike. I loved this interview. 76 this year. Building a bike, I have loved to ride to Manfield, my local track, for track days. Ride through your dreams, whoever you are. Simon, you are credit to our sport and our country.
Arohanui whanau.
thx for taking the time to respond. Yeah, Simon really is a top Bloke and authenticity in his line of work is often hard to find. Keep up the riding!
Great comment
Simon's insight/commentating in MotoGP is invaluable. I've learned so much from him. The way he can break down information for us fans is unmatched by anyone past or present.
100% agree. It always such an educational experience talking to him and listening to him
Crafar is the man. Period!🤜 💯
100%!
I had massive respect (and support for his new career with motoGP as a commentator) for Simon and watching this only adds to that. Great interview as well Angus...
Its so great that we have him in MotoGP commentary now. No bullshits, just a lot of knowledge and love for those sport and technlogy. I always watching all sessions and enjoying listening him. Really great. And he is getting better every season. I remember when I heard him for first time in the MotoGP paddock, it was I think Qatar winter test, when he was still pretty shy and didnt speak loud enough, but now he is really professional commentator. Together with Matt Birt its really great and I hope that they will stay there together for many years.
+1, I love having Simon on the MotoGP commentary team. So much knowledge and such an eagle eye for detail. Only just learned of his ADHD. My son has it and he’s got some serious mind talent. Capacity to notice and absorb detail… hyper focus. It’s a gift. Thanks Simon. You’ve been a legend for decades, on and off the bike. Maximum respect.
Great comment- I have ADHD too and there are many advantages to it!
After watching this story I now understand why Simon talks up the underdog and or the rookie/namely Pedro Acosta and there is no doubt there will be other's to come , brilliant interview/ chat👍🤛😎
This was a fantastic interview! I absolutely love Simon! Well done 🍻
Having been around racing in NZ in the 80s this was so relatable and brought back lots of memories. Fantastic interview, learned more about Simon and his comments on the upcoming change to MotoGP were informative and reassuring. Top work - thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it
From a previous vid with Simon where Mick Doohan said to Simon, "damn you, l had to risk everything".
Talking about Micks quali lap at Assen to get pole.
Simon has immense knowledge and is wonderful to listen to and learn from.
Thanks to you all.
Wow,, Simon seems a great human. I'm a Kiwi with 2 dogs and 1 motorcycle and love life. You all keep up the great work.. Loved the video...Chris (Australia)
Many thanks for this interview and to Simon for Motovudu. I finally got my motorcycle license and started riding about a year ago at the age of 61. I have wanted to race all my life and got an RS 660 with the intention of riding on track. I spent the winter training on roads in the cold and wet of Sweden, pretty much entirely based on Simon's teachings. I found an area with no cars where they had made a loop in preparation for a new building and it became my little race track. After my first track day in the spring, the instructor asked me if I had previous experience in motorsport. After my last track day this fall, they asked me if I was interested in becoming an instructor. I can't thank Simon enough for sharing his deep and practical knowledge which helped me progress very quickly.
@@samanthagregoryurich4167 hey Samantha. Great story! You clearly have a learners mindset and that’s key. I have two RS660s and they are both track only. You can learn so much off the bike too, as you clearly have! I’ll pass your comment onto the man Simon himself!
What a legend ❤
Totally agree!
Amazing interview, Simon Crafar is an absolute 5⭐️ legend, surely he's got more stories for a second interview? ❤ 👏🍻
Will add it to the list!
Cheers! Good interview and some great insight to some of his evolution. Glad he survived the MotoGP commentary introduction. Best thing on the commentary, great technical and racing brain and no runaway gob. Keep doing it Simon.🚲
I concur 100%!
I have been a MotoGP nerd since 1994 and Simon is in my opinion the best journalist/expert that exists. No one else has the same overall knowledge of the riders and the bikes in my opinion.
I'm looking forward the new rules which will ban the ride hight device.
I was at Assen, it was more spectacular to watch the Moto2 guys fighting the machine when exiting the last corner heading to the straight than it was watching the same corner with the MotoGP bikes. The MotoGP are obviously faster, but undramatic.
Simon is the one who understands what is going on.
Once a racer always a racer and, I totally agree
Great chat really enjoyed it. Love motorcycles and dogs.
So good.
Awesome interview, Simon never fails to impress with his knowledge and humility. The MotoGP world is enriched with his participation. and extremely fortunate to have him.
Genuinely genuine
Thanks for this interview,Camped and rode dirt bikes with Simon and his mates in the 90’s early on his career and was a down to earth bloke,didn’t know much about him then but knew straight up he was one of us. Great to see him as he is.🇦🇺👍
WOW, another cool interview with Simon. Does he ever !!! have a rehearsed answer for all the questions that come his way. Like some do. Keep up the great work Simon.
What a fantastic interview!! Simon is an absolute gem!!
Simon's way of sharing his deep knowledge of the sport is unique.
We're all lucky to have him explaining both human and technical sides of MotoGP.
Love his interviews, tech talks and all round demeanor...
Thx for the feedback! I will do a follow up with him later this year
Absolutely loved this. Simon is such a class gentleman.
Loved the interview, your commentaries and work you have contributed over the years. I remeber you and Andrew Stroud in the early 90's at Timaru levels having an awesome battle. It was the first time I saw proper talent live which reset my expectations on what you can do on a bike. FYI, :) I bought a tyre from you for $60 during the meet which you forgot to send me as it was still on your bike at the time... I am sure you have comletely forgoten by now 30 years later 😆. This is a shameless plug for anything signed in compensation. 🤣
I enjoy watching him wrestle the BMW around the track with the MotoGP track guides too. A great ambassador for the sport. The Ridge looks like a great track with lots of elevation changes. I've been watching the Moto America series which was just there.
Mate - for sure. You need to come visit!
Awesome stuff. You know it's good content when it doesn't feel like an interview. Just a couple of kiwi lads having a yarn.
chur Mate!
Thanks. Great chat. Top bloke.
Simon Crafar is Yoda !
Crafar spinning up the 500 in Donnington around 98 was something to behold. He loved those Dunlops.
Simon is a top bloke. Would be great to see him in the commentary box, like Sheene back in the day.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Simon at the last two races in Malaysia. You won’t meet a more approachable and affable person, his on screen persona is exactly how he is in the flesh. Fantastic guy!
I have had a passion for watching 500cc then MotoGP since the first races I went to in the 80s and With Simon on board in. MotoGP I have learned a lot more than a lot of previous years, yes he was shakey at first but now brings a lot extra into the sport for the viewer, so relax Simon I,m sure that secure job will be there for you for many yrs to come. Also how good do we have it now with MotoGP it gets better and better each year, and I find myself looking forward to next season at the end of each season more and more. Next year to see how MM93 goes on the gp25 alongside Pecco , and also how Martin fairs on the Aprilia, thanks for inviting Simon on enjoyed that heaps.
Excellent.. Simon is a legend.
Indeed he is!
In the motorcycle word Simon is my hero
Wow, thanks for your video. Me too Big, Big fan of Simon. We look forward to seeing you together in the USA. Plus I'm going to suscripción the site. I'm Mark and living in Navarra Spain. ❤
thank you for the feedback! i really enjoy the opportunity’s i have had to interview amazing, diverse people in our sport!
Simon - He's a gateway drug!! to enthusiasm, love for learning and life in general - hell I even love dogs now
ADHD gets a bad rap from normies. That's too bad because we have a lot of deapth to the way we live our lives. It makes me SO happy to see Simon being himself and how much he's loved. We are definitely more than our diagnosis but its refreshing to see ADHD in a positive light.
Great thoughts and i am 1000% with you as a highly functioned ADHD dude myself :-)
Great discussion. Thanks for this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I did very well in my first season of racing in 1977, running Laverda 750 SFC's. I thought I had to be provincial champ, then national champ, the maybe off to the US or better Europe. what I didn't realize is that life isn't long enough for this orderly process, and that it is best to jump in at the deep end and learn FAST.
Bring MotoVudu back into production! I can’t find it anywhere
Hey- so Simon just announced these pocketmags.com/motovudu-magazine
love u simon. from far east.
Legend! Video chopped to bits but I’ll go through that to watch Crafar!
actually not really chopped. I am just a bit of an amateur and learning this YouTubing thing - thx for you patience. They will get better!
Top bloke!!!
Simon Crafer. Top man
10000%!
a wonderful side benefit to everyone donating STUFF to the dog program, is that reducing the stuff in your life is so very freeing of the mind and soul .
I noticed Simon didn't really give his opinion on the racing schools when you mentioned them is there a reason for it ? Specifically YRCS you brought them up a few times but he didn't get into it. Regardless grea interview always enjoy hearing Simon talk 💯
He told me that he isn’t much of a fan of racing schools that aren’t run by proven racers, and he wasn’t super impressed with some of the track school that were mostly oriented towards street and casual track day riders, which is why he start MotoVoodu back in the day. He hasn’t heard of YCS as they are US centric but given it’s Freddie Spencer roots I think it would more up his alley
Awesome Bro
Thanks for the visit!
Hey Simon, didn't you also ride for Lucky Strike Kawasaki (with Aaron Slight) in Malaysia?
Yes he did
Top man
I concur!
Will next year be the last year for track records?
Curious as to what the man himself has to say
Please put simon in the box,
That would be nice!
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Grazie!
What happened to Aaron Slight??
He’s retired back in NZ
Who was / had the world's fastest Indian? From the 1960's I think 🤔
Burt Munro. Fantastic movie with Anthony Hopkins.
@didiermartin9386 cheers mate 🇦🇺👍🤛
Burt Munro from Southland, NZ!
Such a Kiwi
....probably the only person who could take mother Theresa's crown for being a bloody brilliant person.
If your going to have a man crush Simon 'Yoda' is your man
This was annoyingly edited. Just show the full interview.
This is not my day job. I'm not a professional editor. I do this stuff for fun, and the interview is largley uncut. Thx for the feedback.
@@KiwiMoto72 Fair enough. I'm just saying I would love to have heard the full interview. That's all.