Chandler talks about Kawasaki test at Willow Springs

Former and three-time AMA Superbike champion Doug Chandler commented this morning on the Kawasaki test at Willow Springs last week. Chandler said that the test went well and that he's happy to back working with Gary Medley, his mechanic.

"The test went real well, " Chandler said this morning. "We tested for two days, Wednesday and Thursday, and the weather was really good for the last day. Wednesday it was a little too windy."

This was a new motorcycle for Chandler, as Rob Muzzy still has Chandler's race winning Kawasaki Superbikes in his shop in Bend. Kawasaki flew in some ex-Suzuka eight hour machines for this test. Chandler said he was pleased with these works machines. "They're a little more powerful than what we had, and rev faster, but other than that they're real similar. I think they are ex 8 hour test bikes, but I'm not sure. They're nice bikes." Chandler stated that these works machines have standard wet clutches meaning they are probably not ex WSC bikes (works World Superbike Kawasakis use the aftermarket Sutter dry clutch).

Chandler tested for the first time the new Dunlop 16.5 front tire on his Superbike. "It seemed to work well," Chandler said. He satsted that he was told not to reveal lap times from the test.

Chandler also rode a ZXR600R Supersport bike and stated that he plans on riding one at Daytona next month and in the 600 race at Daytona in March. "It's such a good bike," he stated, "I'll ride it at Daytona, it'll probably be a one-off for me. If they have some problems with it later I might take a spin on it, but for now it's just Daytona."

"The test was pretty much uneventful," Chandler said. "We've got a real experienced crew and it runs like a smooth running clock. And when you work with guys who know the game, you enjoy it more. I know I do. It helps you put in more effort."

Chandler said that he thinks the new Kawasaki team are moving in today at their new shop in Irvine. -- Dean Adams