Honda released this information regarding the RC211V that Michael Doohan rode today at Suzuka.

Former 500cc World Champion Michael Doohan rode a specially prepared version of the Honda RC211V MotoGP machine at Suzuka tonight. The RCV has been prepared for Doohan at the request of Suzuka circuit who wished to see the five-time World Champion take part in special 'Eve of the 8 Hours' 25th Anniversary festival.

Honda felt the special occasion merited an appearance by their newest MotoGP race machine. As the festival takes place on Saturday night, prior to Sunday's race, the RC211V has been furnished with headlights for the event.

The lighting system is a one-off. Despite this being a solo appearance, Honda decided to equip the machine with something special for the festival. They have opted to use a 'Line Beam' headlight currently under development by Honda R&D. The headlight is a variety of the multi-reflector type. It features a smaller lens area than existing models, yet provides the same level of brightness and illumination, as the motorcycle headlights currently in use. The system is under development and could feature on production models at some time in the future.

Doohan, who won the 8-hours in 1991, put in several laps of the Suzuka circuit aboard the RCV, the machine that Shinichi Itoh raced to fourth place at the Japanese GP in April, to re-acquaint himself with the motorcycle. His last outing on the 990cc five-cylinder four-stroke was at the Pacific GP, at Twin Ring Motegi, last October.

Honda have a policy of developing technology for production machines through their racing activities, and will continue to do so but Doohan's Suzuka Festival RCV is not the forerunner of a street going RCV. As no development plan exists, there is no likelihood of a production RCV appearing within the next one or two years.