I couldnt agree more with those saying that you cant possibily compare diferent eras and road and "track" racers
However, I make no bones about being completely blinkered over Mike Hailwood. He rode bikes of akll kinds at the TT as well as the GPs and other short circuit stuff.
Granted, the likes of Bill Ivy did the same.
Ago is another who did well at the TT and GPs.

But SMBH?
As I say, I AM blinkered!
But he has been the best I have seen.
..and then?
I have been ahuge Vali fan since he started on 125s.
A supreme talent.
He will set records that may never be beaten.
He recognises how great Hailwood was, too.
So lets all agree to disagree.
We all have our favourites (which will obviouisly vary with our ages! My first TT was 67 which will tell you all you need to know)
Its part of what makes the sport so enjoyable.
We DO have so many to chose from.
Joey, Bob Mac, Hartle, Shwantz, Grant, Read, Ivy etc, etc
Remebering them all is a joy..

Mike
M.V.