Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Mechanics for American Honda’s Nicky Hayden, Miguel Duhamel and Kurtis Roberts left for Japan today to build the team’s 2002-specification RC51s.

Speaking at the California Speedway test January 15, Duhamel’s engine man John Ethel said that the team’s mechanics would be in Japan for “nine or 10 days” starting February 4 to build five 2002 RC51 Superbikes from the ground up and an undisclosed number of engines.

The American Honda team has been testing a 2002 RC51 chassis, including new forks and what is believed to be a revised engine position, during the off-season in addition to testing a prototype 2002 motor at the Dunlop tire tests at Daytona. Team members have not given many details of the new 2002 Honda Superbike during the winter tests, explaining that they didn’t build the bikes and therefore don’t know what is different or changed.

Ethel said that he, Duhamel chassis man Greg Wood and Duhamel Crew Chief Al Ludington would make the trip to HRC’s race shop along with Roberts’ team of Crew Chief David McGrath, engine builder Bob Richeman and chassis tuner Danny Hull; Hayden’s squad of Crew Chief Merlyn Plumlee, engine builder David Jones and chassis expert Dan Fahie; as well as Team Coordinator Ray Plumb.

Speaking at the February 2 Supercross race in Anaheim, California, Nicky Hayden said that his team had one more, short test scheduled before the Daytona race. Hayden said that American Honda will go to Willow Springs in late February to shake down the 2002 machines before the season opener.