~ Auto Buzz ~: CW INTERVIEW: Nicky Hayden, Honda World Superbike Racer Hayden shifts from MotoGP to World Superbike and completes his first test.

Nicky Hayden on stage at EICMA 2015 motorcycle show

Nicky Hayden received a massive welcome at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, where he visited both the Honda and the World Superbike stands. Always a fan favorite, huge lines of people were waiting to get his autograph and the more courageous asked for a selfie with him. Cheerful and friendly as usual, Hayden answered questions about his new challenge in shifting from MotoGP to World Superbike. Monday, November 16, was in fact a special day for Hayden as he finally met his new Honda CBR1000RR racebike at a cold and wet Motorland Aragon in Spain. After 13 years on prototype machinery in the MotoGP class, the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, it was all unfamiliar territory for the Kentucky Kid as he aims to become the first winner of MotoGP and World SBK titles. Hayden’s first taste of the new challenge translated into a significant number of new areas to explore – new bike, new tires, steel brakes, and different electronics. But as Hayden himself stressed, “New is not always bad,” and his positive and confident attitude was plain to see.

Cycle World: There was plenty of attention on your first WSBK test in Aragon. Was it a return to your Superbike roots? Nicky Hayden: Yes, it felt like going back to what I grew up on. Of course after 13 years in MotoGP, Superbike feels very different, but I don’t want to think about what is different. It was my first time back on a production bike, but in the end it’s another motorcycle. I aim at adjusting as quickly as possible. Unfortunately the weather in Aragon was not good during the two-day test session, but we were able to start working. The feeling during the first laps was really really strange but after a while I started to feel better. But I need more time. CW: What was your first impression of the Pirelli tires? NH: Both bike and tires are different so it’s too early to give an overall evaluation. The tire move around more than what I’m used to, but I was quite impressed with the grip, especially in the flat corners where you don’t load the bike. I had a good traction and it was nice, but I need to get closer to the limit with the tires. CW: What about the electronics? NH: The electronics were better than I had on my Open Honda, because there are more possibilities and I can make more adjustments. We have worked a lot on throttle connection because – differently from the riders of last year – I really like a lot of connection. What I feel at my wrist is what I want to feel at the rear tire. I don’t like to feel too much delay and just the electronics doing the work because I trust my wrist. With the MotoGP machines we work to take the power away, with the SBK you don’t need that. On the contrary we need to improve the engine, while electronics and the chassis work okay.

Nicky Hayden race test action from Aragon

CW: What is it like to work with the Ten Kate team? NH: Everything has gone pretty smoothly. Everybody speaks very good English and that is always a very big help. I can learn from them about Superbike and I can teach them something. I come from many years racing in factory teams so I can transfer some experience about race intensity level and areas where we can improve. It’s all about working together. CW: Which are your motivations facing this new challenge? NH: I want to do the best job I can for my team, my sponsors, and my supporters. Most of my fans have supported me in this move. They want to see me on a more competitive bike than the one I had in the GPs. I still believe in myself. I’m 34 not, not 24, but neither 54, so I hope to have some stuff left in the tank. SBK in America is quite popular. American fans like SBK and I will have the chance to race at Laguna Seca again, so I want to do really well. CW: Is Jonathan Rea still the man to beat? NH: Jonathan had a great season and from the first tests he is the guy who set the pace. CW: What will you miss from MotoGP? NH: There are some aspects that I will miss, in particular the intensity, the huge crowd, something about the bikes and how wild it is, but my home is now Superbike. When I left the MotoGP paddock in Valencia I just told to myself to look ahead.

Nicky Hayden leaving the paddock for another test run

CW: Your best memory in MotoGP? NH: Winning the MotoGP title, being on the podium in Valencia and watching the yellow fireworks. CW: Something to forget in your MotoGP career? NH: The first year in MotoGP was really hard. It was a really a big step for a 21-year old boy coming from the AMA straight in MotoGP. But I had a really good bike and this made the job easier. And then last year, when I had the wrist injury and some doctors said that my career was over. Luckily I found a doctor who did a very good operation and I’m still here.