"I'm heading over there for the usual end-of-season race they have at Sugo, where Alex (Criville) and Tady (Okada) will be racing Superbikes against national guys," said Doohan, currently recuperating in the States from a third operation following his massive crash at May's Spanish GP. 

"At the same time I'll be going to Honda's head office for talks. I guess by then I've got to look at things pretty closely and make a decision on whether I'll be riding next year." 

After that trip the Australian will head back to Europe to attend a ceremony in Vienna for the sportsmen of the century awards, along with 88 other legendary sportsmen including boxer Muhamed Ali and celebrated ball kicker Pele.