Is Chad Reed about to sign for TLD Honda to race in 2011?

Could Chad Reed be joining the Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oils Honda team for the 2011 season?

That’s the latest buzz on the Aussie dual world champion after he posted a picture on Twitter (@CRtwotwo) of a TLD Honda CRF450R during a test in Southern California today (pictured) at a private track.

While the only hint Reed gives is a caption of “2011????”, a post by former TLD team manager David Pingree – who is still involved in TLD’s marketing – on Racer X Online gave a deeper insight into the test.

“There is no ink signed on this deal yet but Chad likes the Honda, likes the PC [Pro Circuit] stuff and wants a legit team where he can win. If he is going to race in 2011, this is the place for him. I hope it all works out. Bike looks good with 22 on it, doesn’t it?”

The Troy Lee Designs bikes are very similar to the Pro Circuit-equipped TeamVodafone Honda that Reed won the opening round of the Super X, Australasian Supercross Championship, on in Newcastle a fortnight ago.

New Zealander Ben Townley rode a TLD bike to fourth in the AMA Motocross Championship this season, however he’ll return to Europe for 2011 with CLS Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki to contest the MX1 World Championship – leaving the door open for Reed at TLD.

Earlier this week Reed revealed he had been testing at the Yamaha track on a Valli Motorsports YZ450F, marking the first time that he’d ridden on the Yamaha test track since he raced for the manufacturer in 2008.

Watch this space…

Reed's 22 looks good on the Troy Lee Designs Honda. Will we see it full time in 2011?