By Julian Shea

Bayliss says Toseland (right) should take his time over a possible move

World Superbikes championship leader Troy Bayliss has urged Honda rider James Toseland to be careful over a possible move to MotoGP.

Toseland has been linked with a step up and Bayliss, who had a mixed time in three years in MotoGP, told BBC Sport he must go there for the right reasons.

"I wouldn't want him to go there and waste his time," he said.

"He must surround himself with people and bike who can help him, or he might as well beat his head against a wall."

Ducati rider Bayliss was the World Superbikes champion in 2001 and runner-up in 2002 before three frustrating years away in MotoGP, two with Ducati and one with Honda.

It's something James has to want to do, and I'm sure he does Troy Bayliss

Now in his first season back in World Superbikes, he looks on course for another world title, leading the standings ahead of Yamaha's Noriyuki Haga and Honda rider Toseland.

Speaking at the London launch of V-Power from Shell, Bayliss said the 25-year-old Briton should not rush into any decisions.

"James is a good rider, and I know how much effort he's putting in," he said.

"It's something he has to want to do, and I'm sure he does.

"I had my experiences in MotoGP, which were up and down, so I wish him all the best for whatever he chooses but I hope he makes the right decision with regard to what machinery he gets."

Bayliss revealed he had been offered the chance of a temporary return to MotoGP, to fill in for injured Ducati rider Sete Gibernau.

"I think they were doing it out of politeness, to say it was there if I wanted it, but they knew I wouldn't take it as I have a job to take care of here in Superbikes," he said.

"But it's nice to know that you're thought of."

Edwards (left) and Bayliss (right) had a fierce rivalry

If Bayliss had returned to the top flight, he would have been reunited with old Superbikes sparring partner, American Colin Edwards.

Bayliss and the two-time champion shared a fierce but friendly rivalry around the turn of the decade.

There has been talk Edwards may return to the class, and Bayliss said if that were the case, he would welcome him back.

"We had some great battles over the years, he's a good rider and we always have a beer together afterwards," he said.

"For him to come back would be great. It would help the championship.