Rubén, do you remember the exact moment when you made that gesture for the first time? Was it instinctive, intentional, or did it just come naturally because you were in your element?

When the Hypermotard came out, in 2007, I had already been doing a lot of Supermotard, and I was one of the first to use the knee down on those bikes, something many people weren’t used to at the time. So when I had the chance to present the Hypermotard during three days of riding with journalists, I remember thinking: “This is going to be tough and maybe even a bit boring.” So I told myself: “Let’s have some fun and do something different.” Once I was on track, the thumbs-up just came out naturally. It wasn’t planned. It was instinct.

Why do you think that gesture has remained so iconic? What does a motorcyclist see when they look at it?

Sliding like that at a 70-degree lean angle is not easy. The force, the weight, the speed… if something goes wrong, the ending is bad. People understood how difficult it was to do that kind of slide. For me, honestly, I could do it almost with my eyes closed, anywhere, anytime. But it’s not something most riders can do. It takes a long time to reach that level of control. So I think fans respected that. They saw something extreme, risky, and yet somehow effortless.

What does a bike need to have for you to feel free enough to push it that far, far enough to joke with the camera while you’re drifting sideways?

Skills are fundamental. When you’re leaned over and you lose control, things get dangerous very quickly. But that’s the beauty of motorcycles: if you understand where the limit is and how to play with the bike at every moment, then you can do things that others can’t. That’s the key: knowing the limit and dancing with it.

You’ve had the chance to try the new Hypermotard V2. What was your first impression? Where do you recognize the inheritance of the 1100, and where do you feel the engineering evolution?

The Hypermotard V2 is fantastic. It’s so light, so powerful, so slim and agile. You can really play with it. The electronics make it safer, more secure, easier to ride. Its DNA is very similar to the first Hypermotard, you feel that immediately. But of course, this one is much lighter and easier to handle. I recommend everyone try it at least once, because it’s truly something special.

What would you say to someone who started loving the Hypermotard after seeing that moment of yours?

Motorsport is difficult if you want to reach a high level. You have to be careful, honest with yourself, and physically prepared. Take your time, learn slowly. Motorbikes are risky, but the Hypermotard V2 makes things easier. It’s easy to ride, very comfortable, with a lot of control and great balance. I think it’s one of the most balanced and unique bikes I’ve ever ridden.