Yes this is a Ducati forum but Australian Motorcycle News did such an outstanding job covering the history of the Honda RCV211 that I wanted to post this. There is also a slight Ducati connection as both Troy Bayliss and Casey Stoner rode one. For us Americans Nicky Hayden won a world championship in 2006 on one and Collin Edwards also rode one. Sad to see pictures of Nicky and Dahiro Kato. The list of riders who have ridden on is long and also start studded headed by Valention Rossi.
https://amcn.com.au/editorial/20th-anniversary-of-hondas-rc211v/
