[deez]

From a post on Colin Edwards site:

Test beyond expectation for new Honda MotoGP contender

Written by: Honda Racing, Motegi, Japan – 8/22/2003

The first steps into the next season of MotoGP Championship competition have been made for Honda Racing by the respected racer Shinichi Itoh (TSR Honda), following the successful test programme at the Twin-Ring Motegi circuit of the new generation of motorcycle intended for MotoGP use in 2004, the RCV214V six-cylinder 990cc Honda.

A punitive one-day test at the 4.801km Tochigi Prefecture venue yielded valuable information and data to HRC engineers, Itoh completing 52 laps of scheduled testing of the new bike in dry conditions. The test was in partnership with the Bridgestone tyre manufacturing company, also with positive results.

Itoh, presently 10th in the 2003 All Japan Road Race Championship on a Honda CBR954RR, lapped at record pace at the circuit, setting a benchmark time of 1m 48.43s, healthily inside the existing MotoGP class record of 1m 49.94s set by Brazilian Alex Barros in 2002 (West Honda Pons).

Shinichi Itoh, TSR Honda: 'A great moment for Honda and myself. The great honour of being the first rider to test a new Honda motorcycle has again come to me. I must praise the engineers of HRC for this wonderful step forward, and will be able to work more with the new bike to ensure it continues to exceed the expectations and current levels of competition.'

Further details and technical information of the test will be released after a second test later this year.

[fl-929]

First time on the bike and he sets a record

[2OHOH2]

fl-929 : First time on the bike and he sets a record *

edit: and by more than 1.5s at that!

[deez]

yeah but the GP regulars haven't been to Motegi this year, yet. (OCT5) But I agree with you both, pretty phenom. But you know what this really means? The V5 is going to be here berry berry soon September 10th can't come too soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ccwilli3]

New chasis, new engine, first time out, faster than last year, thats pretty good.

I mean, it could be slower than pole last year and say Suzuki on the tank!

[Purpdust]

This is from MCNews.com.au

Aug 22 - News - Shinichi Itoh is rumoured to have this week tested a new RC214V MotoGP machine at Motegi. Reports suggest Itoh went 1.5 seconds under the current lap record on the new 6-cylinder MotoGP contender which is scheduled to be raced in 2004
Aug 22 - Good News - The NSW Government have now made a decision to given dispensation for young O'Halloran and Kuhne to ride in the 125 GP races next week

[fl-929]

8/25/2003
HRC President: Reports Of V6 MotoGP Racebike Test Not True

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Reports that a Honda V6-powered MotoGP prototype was tested recently at Motegi are not true, according to Suguru Kanazawa, President of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and Senior Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.

The report, labeled as being issued by Honda, appeared in the fan forum section of one MotoGP rider’s website and quickly spread across the Internet via other fan forums.

The report in question claimed that Shin’ichi Itoh tested the next-generation, V6-powered Honda racer, the 'RC214V,' at Motegi. The detailed report claimed that Itoh, riding on Bridgestones, went one second faster than the 2002 MotoGP pole time.

“The article that you mention isn’t true,” Kanazawa responded to Roadracingworld.com in an August 25 e-mail. “We at HRC don’t have any 6cyl. MotoGP machine at the moment.”

[deez]

Yup, saw this on RRW, I still believe that they have a V6 motor testing, because people have seen it!

[ND4SPD]

I can't even imagine what Rossi would do on that bike

[luvtolean]

Well, that is pretty good, but it doesn't tell anything about tires used or wear.

I'd say it is a fair guess Honda is lying, and that this is true. Honda NEVER likes to get scooped on releasing info.