Photo by DMT Imaging
On the RSV4: “The Aprilia is quite fast, especially in top gear. Engineers like to see numbers—power, power, power. But if you don’t have a nice curve, it is more difficult to ride.
On power delivery: “Compared with other machines [in World Superbike], our engine is more peaky. That’s where the rider makes the difference. Some cannot ride a peaky engine. Ducati has the most-easy power.
On close racing: “[Motorcycle roadracing] is not a contact sport. If there is contact, it happens by accident. With motocross, [contact] is a little bit more, but the speed is very low.
On Erv Kanemoto: “Erv was a very technical guy. He always gave 100 percent to improve the bike.
On two-strokes: “I had the fortune to make my skill with the most difficult bike to ride: the two-stroke. The 500cc two-stroke was a monster.
Photo by DMT Imaging
On experience vs. talent: “If you have talent—big talent—it doesn’t matter if you ride in the past or not. You can do it. Ben Spies is a very good rider, and he showed that two years ago.
On chatter: “Even engineers don’t really know exactly where [chatter] comes from. It’s a big question. With a four-stroke bike, most of the problem comes from engine braking—clutch, dampers on the rear, a few things.
More on chatter: Every bike has its own problems, but sometimes, the tire makes chatter. Too much edge grip, chatter is coming. Change size of tire? Chatter. More rubber? More chatter.
On exciting racing: “Sometimes, [the racing is] too boring, and people don’t watch any more.
On Number 1: “I think this is the nicest bike we’ve had in the last couple of years. It’s very nice.”
