Johhny O' factor...
Dont' just think about the rider. Think about his inner circle of influence. Since Carmichael was 15 he has been staying at Johnny O's place in CA. They are best friends. Johnny has tremendous influence over Ricky. Honda reportedly talked to Johnny FIRST about the deal. Interesting also, was it may have been a package deal. Johnny O' recently quit his job at Oakley and is now working for...Honda. Coincidence? RC must have been quite content at Kawasaki or he would have left a LONG time ago. Bottom line is Honda loves you until you get hurt. Then they bag you. Just ask Doug Henry, Ezra Lusk, Ryan Hughes, Steve Lamson, Donnie Hansen, David Bailey, etc... They are interested in everyone (it's their job) who's hot. Then all of a sudden, they're not. It's a fact, get over it. Let's just hope the bike doesn't bite RC in the ass at speed. Godspeed fellas!