Pierfrancesco Chili was one of the most successful and popular Superbike riders, even if he never became world champion. His post-race striptease antics, when he threw his clothes in front of his fans, were unforgettable.
nicknames of “Tuna” because of his speed on wet asphalt, or “blue-eyed tiger” Due to his helmet design, the superbike legend was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of just 56.
After the 2006 season, the popular Italian rider had to force his retirement after an accident following a test during which he fractured his pelvis.
Since then “Frankie” has been busy with his family beach facility Bagni Romina – named after his wife – and rents out holiday apartments.
Chili recently revealed in an interview with mowmag.com that he has Parkinson’s disease.
“When my hands started shaking, I went to the doctor who diagnosed Parkinson’s. That was a hard blow. But I’m a racer and drivers fall but get up.”
Chili rode most of his 276 Superbike races with Ducati, but also competed with Suzuki and Honda.
“The human body is no different from a motorcycle. If a motorcycle has strong vibrations, you take it to a workshop. If a person is shaking, they go to the doctor,” Chili said jokingly.
Even after the diagnosis, the ex-champion got back on a motorcycle in March 2019.
“I went to Australia to race with Troy Bayliss,” Chili recalled. “It was fun, but it will never be again. It was too dangerous. I vibrated more than the bike.”