Having read a fair number of your comments on the reduction of laps, I thought I would give you my three pennyworth.
Despite the increase in speed, I can assure you that there is no comparison with the ease and comfort of the modern race (road) bikes and the uncomfortable old bikes. Suspension,brakes, handling, the whole lot is in a different league today.But the biggest difference, and this must be the main factor, is the lack of vibration compared to the old bangers, the TD2B's, TZ250 and 350's that I rode in the 70's. The effect of vibration on your body for well over two hours was pretty dramatic, and I can remember climbing off a TZ after six laps and almost collapsing with fatigue.
I honestly don't see that today,but in the same vein I take nothing away from anyone who can lap the course in under 18 minutes, to me that is demanding the utmost in skill, concentration, and courage.Surely if you are going to enter the TT you are going to arrive on the Island in the peak of physical and mental fitness?This isn't a run out to the coast and back, nor is it 8 laps round Cadwell!I wouldn't be at all surprised if the real problem is that the modern riders simply ain't fit enough. I was never the fittest either but I did make a conscious effort from Christmas on to be as fit as I could be for the TT
I still believe that six laps is the right distance for a main class TT, and I will be putting this point across when I come over for the Manx Dinner next week.
I look forward to meeting up with a lot of old mates then.