The former WorldSBK rider, who is leading his final tests as the Team Manager, says a wait and see approach is needed before determining how competitive the new CBR1000RR-R will be. 

In terms of what’s new on the bike, split throttle bodies, a lighter crankshaft and different weight distribution and wings have been added.

Speaking to WorldSBK.com about the changes, Camier said: “There’s a few changes with the new bike; the split throttle bodies is something that’s a good step in the right direction for the race bike and what we want on track. 

“The normal thing to expect is more edge grip and better connection when you first touch the gas because you’re only opening two cylinders, not four. 

“Many other manufacturers are running this but for us, it’s something we wanted for the race bike. 

“For the lighter crankshaft, it’s a small difference but we should expect a little bit better acceleration and deceleration. 

“We have a different weight distribution of the bike; Honda wanted to go in this direction because it’s better for what we need for racing; it’s all going in the right direction.”

Also Camier will be leaving his position at the end of this year, the team’s rider line-up has not changed.

Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge were retained by the Japanese manufacturer, and Camier says the intial feelings have been good.

“The first feelings with the bike are quite good, even though there are positives and negatives,” began Camier. “With it being the first test, it’s good that the riders are feeling the positives and with the negatives, they’re things we have to work with. 

“Setting the bike up, putting things in the right places… it’s normal that it takes time to smooth things out. Both riders need time to set it up for their style and their way of riding. 

“First impressions are positive so we need to get through these two days, see where we are at the end of it and keep making a step forward.”

“With the lighter crankshaft, the normal thing is you have more acceleration but it’s about putting that power down. This is something that the split throttle bodies should help with, especially with the first touch of gas and first opening, creating a smoother, more tractable power which is something that is really important with Pirelli tyres and Superbike racing in general; you need to get the grip. 

“Then, keep the grip going forward because if you break traction then you never get it back. There’s an optimal spin ratio that you have with every tyre and you have to play within that area. 

“It’s important to manage the first opening of the throttle and first acceleration. This is all in that direction: to create grip and acceleration where we need it. 

“Then, you go into the area of the wings and trying generate downforce, you don’t have so much wheelie and this is what we’re hoping to achieve with the aero package. Until we get up to speed with this bike and we learn it, we don’t know where we’re at.”

“I’d love to say yes, but I don’t know the answer”

Honda’s lack of competitiveness in recent seasons has been staggering given the size and finance behind the brand.

Yet it remains true that Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki and even BMW at times have been a step ahead.

With the changes put in place to bring Honda closer to the top, Camier admitted they could have a big impact but that no promises can be made.

“I’d love to say yes, but I don’t know the answer,” said the ex-rider. “Theoretically, everything is going in the direction we expect but you have to put it on the bike and put it on the bike to see how the combination works together. 

“Right now, first impressions are quite good; there are still some things that need to be worked on and improved. 

“Until we have time on the bike to work on the setting and details, we’re not at the point to say whether it will be super competitive or not, it’s always working progress.”

“There’re many Japanese engineers here, predominantly from the R&D department which is the development side and who develop the bike in the background in Japan. 

“Then, there are more here that are understanding what’s going on and setting the bike up. They were with Tetsuta Nagashima for two days and they gave us the bikes this morning. The race riders jumped on it this morning and will go their direction with it. 

“They need time to go over the data with the goal of making changes for the next one. Then, with a test at the end of December, with the test rider, they’ll make another step with the items. 

“The race riders will go back on track in Europe in January and then hopefully, they’ll be some new items again to take another step forward. At the moment, the test rider is Tetsuta but for the future, I don’t know the answer.”

After making his Yamaha debut in the post-season test at Jerez, Jonathan Rea will again be in action for the Japanese manufacturer. 

Rea will test on both Monday and Tuesday as he looks to try new parts for the first time after using his first outing as a chance to adapt to the R1. 

Rea, who was on lone duty for the factory Yamaha team two weeks ago, will be joined by team-mate Andrea Locatelli. 

In the second test on Wednesday and Thursday, Honda will showcase its new 2024 bike with Iker Lecuona, Xavi Vierge and test rider Tetsuta Nagashima all in action. 

Vierge recently confirmed that everything on the new CBR1000RR-R is new as Honda looks to finally become a contender in the Superbike class. 

Like HRC, Kawasaki will have their official factory line-up in action with Axel Bassani and Alex Lowes, while test rider Florian Marino will also be at the test. 

Finally, PETRONAS MIE HONDA duo Tarran Mackenzie and Adam Norrodin will take part in the second test. 

Mackenzie was part of the last test in Jerez, however, this will be Norrodin’s first taste of WorldSBK action.

Winners of the event in 2022, Honda are now fielding a three-rider line-up that includes Lecuona’s WorldSBK teammate Xavi Vierge, Nagashima and Takumi Takahashi. 

Lecuona, who was initially confirmed for the event, will not step in for Rins at Silverstone on the same weekend as he gets set for his third MotoGP race of the year.

For Nagashima, the prestigious endurance race comes at the right time after recovering from injury. 

The Japanese rider was the star of the show for Honda last season as he secured pole for the team, while also dominating large parts of the race. 

Nagashima also made his MotoGP and WorldSBK debuts in 2022, but has not be a full-time rider in 2023. 

“I am truly honoured to be able to participate in the Suzuka 8 Hours again this year,” said Nagashima. 

“I would like to thank Honda and HRC for giving me this opportunity. 

“I’m feeling good about my preparations as the tests went well, but I will keep up my concentration leading up to the race in August. 

“I am looking forward to contributing to Team HRC’s consecutive victories, and I hope all of our fans will support us.”

Honda’s struggles in WorldSBK did not impact their ability to win last season’s race, and with another strong line-up set to compete, the Japanese brand will be a leading contender to retain their crown.

Lecuona won the event last season alongside Takumi Takahashi and Tetsuta Nagashima, while the Spaniard was set to try and defend last season’s win with current WorldSBK teammate Xavi Vierge joining him and Takahashi. 

But the former MotoGP rider could now be set for a third Grand Prix appearance of the 2023 campaign due to Rins’ broken leg. 

Lecuona has been touted as a possible option for Honda as a regular MotoGP rider going forward, especially after rumours indicating both Rins and Joan Mir were in discussions with other manufacturers.

If Rins moves to Yamaha then an opening at LCR Honda would be available and Lecuona is seen as one of the favourites to move into the seat, should such a move materialise. 

But before that will come Honda’s call on what to do at Silverstone, as Rins is unlikely to be available for next month’s British round.

Replacing Rins in MotoGP is a tougher prospect than finding a fill-in for the endurance race, and with Nagashima, who was set to miss out due to injury, approaching full fitness after having helped Honda top a Suzuka 8 hour test earlier this month, Lecuona could see his spot got the way of the Japanese rider.

Honda have not confirmed their plans for Silverstone and whether Lecuona will replace Rins, but that appears to be the most likely decision at this stage.

Lecuona has already substituted for Repsol Honda riders Marc Marquez and Joan Mir, this season.

Team HRC riders Lecuona and Xavi Vierge took part in a two-day test at Suzuka in preparation for next month’s race.

And while the team ended fastest due to Testuta Nagashima setting the best lap time in session six, the two WorldSBK riders struggled to hit their target lap times. 

“I did a long run in the morning, but my feeling wasn’t as good compared to last year, and I could not reach the average time I wanted,” said Lecuona. “Compared to yesterday, today we are close to where we were last year, so I am not that worried. 

“I will make adjustments for the race weekend and make sure I reach my target times. 

“I still remember the thrill of last year’s victory, and I will do my best to experience that joy once again.”

Not the first test he’s taken part in during the lead-up to his maiden Suzuka 8 hour race, Vierge found the CBR1000RR-R difficult to handle as the seating position was not to his liking. 

Vierge added: “I had the impression that the bike was a bit difficult to ride because the seat position was different from the previous test. I could not reach my target time and could not keep my average at a consistent level. 

“The large number of bikes on track and the heat did not help, but I think that the experience of this run was important for the race. 

“I was not a rider in last year’s race but supported everyone in the pits, so I have a strong desire to race. 

“This year, I want to celebrate winning with everyone, and I am proud to be on a team that can do that. I look forward to the race and I’ll be back.”

As mentioned above, Nagashima was fastest for the Japanese manufacturers he rode alongside Lecuona, Vierge and Takumi Takahashi.

Nagashima has been affected by injury so far in 2023, but after being the star of the show last season, the former Moto2 rider is now hoping to race for the team despite Lecuona, Vierge and Takahashi being confirmed as the official line-up. 

Nagashima said: “For me, the main purpose of the test was to check my physical condition. I think today was fulfilling as I was able to do long runs and record the fastest time. 

“I think I was able to do all the things a rider is expected to do. There is about a month between now and the race, so I will keep focused and continue to improve my physical condition. 

“This Suzuka 8 Hours is the only race I have a chance to compete in this year, so I want to do whatever it takes to race. 

“I did my best to get selected by the team. I hope to make solid contributions to the team like last year and win the race.”

Lecuona, who stepped in for the injured Joan Mir at the Dutch MotoGP last weekend, will be back in WorldSBK action this weekend at Donington Park.

The Spaniard has been in action twice in MotoGP this season after replacing another Repsol Honda rider in Marc Marquez at Jerez in April. 

11th in the WorldSBK standings after 15 races (five rounds), Lecuona has endured a tough second season. 

Honda, despite bringing significant upgrades to their CRB1000RR-R, have struggled to close the gap to the front runners so far this season, which has been evident in the performances.

Xavi Vierge has been much stronger than his rookie season and is currently eighth in the championship, as he gets set for his first appearance at the Suzuka 8 hour race.

After winning the event alongside Takumi Takahashi who will make up the three-rider team alongside Lecuona and Vierge, and Tetsuta Nagashima, Lecuona said this about representing Honda once again.

“I’m very happy to be able to fight in Suzuka 8 Hours as Team HRC again this year. I was able to win last year, but I understood that it was not an easy race. 

“This year, my teammates will be Takumi Takahashi and Xavi Vierge, and I’m looking forward to running with them now. 

“We will do our best with the team and staff and aim for the top of the podium.”

For Vierge, the former Moto2 rider sees no reason why Honda can’t make it back-to-back wins.

Vierge added: “This time, I will participate in Suzuka 8 Hours for the first time from Team HRC. I am very happy to be able to participate as a rider on the same stage where many riders have made history so far. 

“Iker Lecuona is also a teammate in WorldSBK, and Takumi Takahashi is a great rider with a lot of past race experience. I believe that if the three riders work together, we can win the race.”

Ducati enjoyed its most successful season ever as it returned to the top of two-wheel motorsport thanks to Francesco Bagnaia winning the MotoGP title, and Alvaro Bautista delivering in superb fashion to take a dominant WorldSBK title win. 

Their title win in MotoGP was the first since Casey Stoner in 2007, while in WorldSBK Bautista’s championship success was the Italian manufacturer’s first since Carlos Checa in 2011.

But while the racing in both categories was exceptional, and for very different reasons – MotoGP once again produced several winners while a monumental comeback from Bagnaia saw him overturn an unlikely deficit to beat Fabio Quartararo to the title – whereas in WorldSBK the top three of Bautista, Toprak Razgatlioglu and Jonathan Rea went toe-to-toe at nearly every round – one debate resurfaced more than once which centred around the differences between both categories and in particular the challengers of riding both types of machines.

That’s why, with the help of experts such as Iker Lecuona who has competed in both championships over the last two seasons, Razgatlioglu, former world champions James Toseland and Carl Fogarty. plus others, we are taking a look at which bike is or should be considered the hardest to ride.

MotoGP

Starting with the pinnacle of racing, MotoGP machines are like no other as the level of technology, whether it be ride-height devices – front ride-height devices have been banned for the 2023 campaign – or aero packages have helped these prototype machines generate more downforce than ever before.

MotoGP bikes are roughly 10kg lighter than Superbikes, although the power-to-weight ratio along with the outright speed of these bikes makes MotoGP machinery arguably more difficult to control. 

Due to the current levels of aero and downforce that’s implemented in MotoGP, riders have suffered more from over-heating front tyres when following other riders, which has resulted in many crashes.

But what about Michelin tyres? Well, there’s no doubting the performance of the Michelin tyres and they have repeatedly shown that its performance with MotoGP bikes is unrivalled compared to the previous Bridgestone, however, more cold tyre crashes also take place in MotoGP compared to what we see in WorldSBK – Pirelli tyres is the current compound used in WorldSBK.

Highsides can be one of the most dangerous types of crashes, and again, due to the extreme levels of performance being churned out of MotoGP machinery, riders have an added challenge of making sure tyre temperatures are in their optimal working window, which does not appear to be as crucial of a demand in WorldSBK. 

After switching from MotoGP to WorldSBK last season, Lecuona favoured the Michelin’s when bringing up tyres between the two: “In general I think it’s 100% completely different. We have electronics in Superbike but it works differently to MotoGP and also the engine is more a standard engine I would say. 

“It’s not a prototype. The tyres are not a prototype like Michelin. I go with Pirelli and with Pirelli I have a lot of shaking on the straight. 

“You lose the grip very early; maybe after five laps you have grip and then you need to ride the bike with it spinning and being sideways. The line is completely different because the chassis is more soft.

“You have more movement when you go on the straight, but with the MotoGP you can go a bit more smooth when you use the tyres. I think it’s totally different, so for me this is a big challenge. 

“Also the brakes… the brakes in MotoGP I go with carbon disc, even on a wet track these brakes have crazy potential. Now I have like a standard brakes; very good brakes but it is not the same. It’s a big challenge for me because this bike is also heavier.”

WorldSBK 

More electronics is one of the major aspects that stands out about WorldSBK machinery, and although this is probably seen as a benefit to riders with such experience, those making the switch from MotoGP feel differently.

Brad Binder is one of those who claimed a standard Superbike is difficult to ride based on the amount of electronic aids available.

Those comments, which were made to Motorsportmagazine.com, were about a standard superbike which is slightly different to a race-developed Superbike, although similarities do exist.

“When I’m at a track and I ride a standard superbike I feel like I can’t ride it because it’s got so many electronics aids that work all the time,” said Binder. “The TC [traction control] is so aggressive that you can’t ride the bike properly. 

“The wheelie control is the same – the bike barely wheelies and then the anti-wheelie cuts in straight away and quite aggressively, whereas with a MotoGP bike you have the front wheel quite high before the anti-wheelie comes in and you can keep the wheelie going.”

Another rider who has competed recently in MotoGP before riding a WorldSBK machine after replacing an injured Lecuona at Phillip Island, was HRC’s Tetsuta Nagashima, with the Japanese rider stating that MotoGP bikes are more difficult to ride. 

Nagashima said: “I was expecting to struggle a little more because this is my first time here in WorldSBK and pretty much my first time on Pirelli tyres. 

“I raced here a few weeks ago in MotoGP of course, and that helped a bit in that I was immediately able to find pace with the CBR. I think the MotoGP bike is a little bit more difficult.

“When I ride the Superbike, it was a bit easier because I have experience from the Suzuka 8 Hours with a bike I know well.”

The difference in horsepower between the two machines is also something that is significant, with a WorldSBK reaching up to 250HP, whereas a MotoGP machine can eclipse the 300HP mark. 

Does ‘bike feel’ give Superbikes an advantage when it comes to control? Known for being ultra-stiff bikes, MotoGP machines have a smaller operating window than Superbike machinery, whilst also giving the rider a tougher challenge.  

Many riders have pointed to Superbikes being more forgiving than MotoGP machines in the past, which would lead us to thinking that MotoGP is again, the tougher of the two. 

But what do other riders think?

Speaking exclusively to Crash.net last year, former WorldSBK champion and MotoGP rider, James Toseland, said: “I think they are very individually specialised categories and have specialised riders riding these machines to their limits. I know from first-hand [experience] that MotoGP bikes require a higher skill level because the technology allows you to go faster. 

“You have to be a better rider in MotoGP just because it requires you to push that package to the limit which is further than a production bike.

“To come to World Superbikes and have a package that isn’t as difficult to get to its limit will be quite comfortable for the likes of; you mentioned Darryn Binder and Remy Gardner etc. But there’s all kinds of factors at play that your Jonathan Rea’s, Toprak’s and Bautista’s have experience on. Mostly talking about tyres etc. 

“Understanding tyres is the biggest key to being able to ride any package to its limits. With the two championships being on different tyres it takes a bit of getting used to with that. 

“I remember when I was racing Biaggi when he came from GP to Superbikes for the first year. I was riding round the outside of him because the Michelin’s took two laps to warm up but the Pirelli’s took two corners to warm up.

“It’s these little details that every rider needs to know. Jonathan Rea pushes his bike to exactly the same limitation as Quartararo on the Yamaha. But because the technology is so good in MotoGP now, it almost helps the rider to be able to push it to its limits.”

Fogarty has a different take…

While the former four-time Superbike champion highlighted just how good MotoGP bikes have become, Fogarty couldn’t help but feel it’s taken away from the rider.

“It’s funny, I see it differently than that,” Fogarty told Crash.net. “I don’t know what it is but I’m looking at the riders and I don’t know how good the riders are anymore because the bikes are so good.

“The technology on the bikes is incredible. I listen to the commentators getting excited because the whole field is within a second which makes me think, why is that? There’s a reason for that isn’t there. All the bikes are the bloody same. 

“The bikes are so good and the technology is so good that it’s taken away from the rider in some ways. I don’t know who the best rider is anymore. It’s a funny one to comment on really because if you switch off all the electronics which they’ll obviously never do, then I would see which one is the most talented rider. 

“As it is with all the bikes being so good; they’re all trying to find that little bit somewhere. You never see the rider lose the rear anymore or do a highside because of the bikes. So the whole field is very, very close together but it’s almost like F1 cars.

“Everyone goes round together and [they] just wait until the last lap or two. So I don’t know really, I’m a bit funny about it.”

One of the most recent riders to swap between both bikes was Razgatlioglu, when the Turkish star made his debut aboard MotoGP machinery with a one-day test at Brno last season.

“This was my first day on the Yamaha M1 MotoGP bike and it felt completely different to my R1,” said Razgatlioglu. “More horsepower, different electronics, seamless gearbox, all of which is completely new for me.  

“With every lap I learned more, because after WorldSBK it’s not so easy to adapt to the MotoGP machine.

“Fortunately, I had Cal Crutchlow on hand to offer advice and he was able to help me a lot. The bike feels good, especially on the straight where it’s very fast, and it was interesting to experience the carbon brakes.”

Vierge (intermediates) had earlier finished ninth and Nagashima (wets) 19th in the Superpole race, held on a wet but drying track.

The final race of the season then got underway in dry conditions, but Vierge was clipped by Garrett Gerloff on entry to turn 2, sending them both onto the wet grass, where they fell.

“Unfortunately, after making a very good start to Race 2, I was hit by another rider and crashed on the very first lap,” Vierge said. “I jumped back on the bike and pitted because there was a lot of mud, and I couldn’t be sure the handlebar and everything was OK.

“I then re-joined the race because, after such a tough weekend, it was important to assess my feeling on the bike after making a setup change. Somewhat regrettably, I have to say I felt good on the bike and that we had a good potential. We were able to lap faster than we had all weekend, and so that was the only positive to come out of this race.”

Vierge finished his debut WorldSBK season tenth in the standings, with a best finish of fifth place (Estoril).

“I want to thank my team, HRC and everyone involved for working so hard all season long,” said the former Moto2 racer. “We’ve not yet achieved the results we want and that I believe we deserve, but we’ve learned a lot and gained so much experience and will soon be back on track as we begin our preparations for next season.”

Team-mate and fellow WorldSBK rookie Iker Lecuona was classified ninth in the final standings despite being forced out of Phillip Island due to injury and replaced by HRC test rider Nagashima.

The Japanese, who raced for LCR Honda at last month’s Australian MotoGP, impressed with sixth in Friday practice before suffering two falls on Saturday and tenth in the opening race.

Caught out by the weather in the Superpole sprint, Nagashima then climbed from 17th to 9th by the time race 2 was stopped early due to a nasty accident for Eugene Laverty.

“It was a fun but tough day,” said Nagashima, a former Moto2 race winner. “The Superpole race was a bit disappointing because, having I never tried the intermediate tyres, we opted for the wet spec front and rear and after two or three laps the tyres were already cooked. That’s the law of racing! It was a learning experience anyway.

“Race 2 was not so bad; I was happy enough with my pace but not with my start. I need some more racing practice in that respect, having lost some of that sensitivity. As I’ve said though, our pace was good and my feeling on the bike a bit better than yesterday.

“I’m still curious as to what we might have been able to do with a bit more time and more stable weather. In FP3 for example I crashed while following Jonathan because I hadn’t yet understood the limit of the Pirelli tyres – I have more to learn that’s for sure.

Anyway, overall, this weekend has been a very enjoyable experience and I want to thank Honda and the team for this opportunity. I hope that, with the work done and data I’ve collected, they can keep improving. I look forward to seeing the team do well next year.”

Team HRC will begin its preparations for the 2023 season with testing in mid-December.