While it appears that Marquez’ shoulder (the red Astar logo on white background) is lower than Laverty’s (the white logo on red background), notice that again, one rider’s rear tire is farther from the curb. In this case it’s Laverty’s. I suspect that this different line accounts more for the apparent differences in shoulder position than anything else; moving Laverty’s rear tire to the left (his right) would move his back the same way and thus his head and shoulder as well, no? You can imagine that if we were able to slide Laverty’s rear wheel toward the curb, his shoulder and helmet would line up nicely with those of Marquez.

And yet, notice that Marquez’ left knee is visible behind his elbow while only a sliver of Laverty’s left slider can be seen. Either Marquez is in fact learning farther off the bike, or Laverty keeps his left knee tucked close against the fairing.

We may as well look at Laverty and Hayden since their bike position is nearly identical.

Even the Power Electronics logos are nearly aligned, as are the front forks and rear tires, so this may be the best pure comparison of the group. Hayden is more upright, but again that may be due largely to his straight wrist. Laverty’s wrist is bent in the modern style and this bring his elbow and his head down, just like Marquez.

So those are the Honda riders, shown here all together:

Up next, Yamahas.

Photographs: ©2015 by Scott Jones / PHOTO.GP – All Rights Reserved