I ask this because I don't normally pay attention to stuff like this but am curious about which factory riders, particularly MotoGP, have the bike they won their championship on in their possession? A recent Cribs article showed a picture which I seem to recall was Kevin Schwant's house and the bike was the center piece of the rooom. I seem to recall Honda promised Rossi his 500. As I also understand, Rossi still doesn't have it and perhaps that's because he wouldn't run the #1 on 'his' bike, thereby angering Honda. I also seem to recall that Aprilia did give Valentino his championship bikes (125 & 250), but I've been wrong before and it won't be the last time. I'll wager brknbnz Bob knows all. :lol:
I'm reading Rossi's Autobio and he does say in there that Honda kept promising him his 500 for like three years and never delivered so I know that much is true. Oh and he does have his Aprilla's for the 125 and 250 Championship.
Doohan has one or two NSR500. Rossi has an M1. Lawson has a YZR500 Mamola got a Ferrari Testarossa from Cagiva.
Sheene, Roberts, and Spencer all got bikes; Freddie's sits in the back of his classroom and upon close inspection will assure you that not only don't they make 'em like they used to, but that it's a damned good thing they don't. It looks like a crude piece of crap.