But after a year and a half on an Open class Honda, and with no sign that he will get more competitive MotoGP machinery in 2016, perhaps the Kentuckian is starting to feel tempted by just such a challenge.
The 2006 MotoGP champion, who joined grand prix as the reigning AMA Superbike champion in 2003, was present at the Laguna Seca World Superbike round this weekend.
Asked by WSBK TV if there is any chance of him moving to World Superbike, 33-year-old Hayden smiled: "Why knows? I'm not sure what my plan is for next year yet. It's a possibility. I still enjoy racing a lot. I like the racing in [WSBK], but it's still early. We'll see what happens down the road."
The #69 added: "I'm not really having a great season [in MotoGP], but still a long way to go. So let's hope that after the summer break we can do some better races and have a bit more fun. The first half has been tough, but I'm healthy so let's go for it."
Hayden claimed two of his three grand prix wins at Laguna Seca, in 2005 and 2006.
