Casey Stoner has reported positive first impressions from Honda’s new production MotoGP offering after taking part in another rain-hit test for the Japanese giant at Motegi.
Honda is developing the bike for sale to customer teams in 2014 as the championship looks to phase out its Claiming Rule Team class after just two seasons.
Stoner tested both the production bike, dubbed the RCV1000R, and the company’s 2014 RC213V race bike during the two-day test, which concluded on Thursday.
Following a planned test early last month that was completely washed out, Stoner again found his progress hampered by wet weather at the Japanese venue.
“Unfortunately the weather played a big role in this test, which was a little frustrating not to be able to share the workload over the two days,” he said on Thursday evening.
“We tried to do everything today but it was a little difficult and we also had the threat of rain again.
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“We started with the current RCV, trying to find a base setting and then work from there.
“We had two variations of chassis to try and some big modifications and improvements, in my opinion.
“We also tried the production bike, which was more impressive than I predicted.
“It had a similar feeling to the RCV but with a little less power and a different feeling in engine braking.
“With some small modifications I believe this bike will be competitive and I look forward to the next test with it. In general, it was a good but busy day!”
Stoner will make an appearance at Phillip Island’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix later this month, completing parade laps alongside fellow former world champions Wayne Gardner and Mick Doohan.
The event will take place a week after Stoner makes his Bathurst debut in the Dunlop Series.
