John McGuinness and the isle of man TT ride can be considered as synonyms. The former having the record of most wins on the road race and cements his status as Legend of sports bikes racing.
John McGuinness is the second most successful TT racer of all time, next to the late, great Joey Dunlop. Considered by peers and experts as a real roads specialist, Morecambe’s finest is also a very experienced short circuit racer who has ridden in 24-hour World Endurance races like the Bol d’Or and Le Mans, 500cc GPs and the Daytona 200. McGuinness is a former British 250cc Champion, has ridden in World Supersport races and finished third in the 2009 British Superstock Championship. McGuinness won races at all the International road racing events and his mastery of the infamous 37.73-mile public roads course on the Isle of Man largely defined his career and cemented his legendary status as one of the true giants of pure road racing. Making his TT debut in 1996, he won the best newcomer title in the 250cc class. Three years later, he took his first win, the 250cc Lightweight TT. Over the ensuing two decades (1999-2019) he’s accumulated an incredible 47 podiums of which 23 were TT wins. His experience and course knowledge are second to none and he was also the first man to break through the 130mph barrier, which he achieved in a memorable 2007 centenary year, on an HM Plant sponsored Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.
To celebrate John’s 100th TT start earlier this year on the Fireblade’s 30th anniversary year – Honda UK have created just 30 John McGuinness 100th Start replica CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SPs.
John was very happy and shared his view on what has been a fascinating career for the rider from Lancashire:
“The stars aligned for me to be back on a Honda Fireblade for my 100th TT start. It’s an awesome bike and has meant so much to me over my career. And, if I think about it, to so many other riders over the last 30 years too. I’m proud of my connection with its place in TT history and of this, my replica. There is no event like the Isle of Man TT in the world and this motorcycle celebrates Honda’s, and my own part, racing in it. That feels good. Really good.”
The 2022 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is packed with MotoGP tech in its four-cylinder engine, RCV213V-inspired aerodynamics, Öhlins Smart Electronic Control (SE-C) 43mm NPX forks and TT-36 rear shock, and full Brembo braking. To celebrate the Fireblade’s 30th anniversary, Honda made a limited number series of the 30th Anniversary model. This unique bike forms the base of the new John McGuinness 100th Start replica.
Exclusively to this model, on start-up, there’s a ‘Ring of Fire’ screen animation as the display loads. The serial number is laser-engraved on the top yoke and 30th Anniversary logos are found on the Smart Key and laser-engraved on the Akrapovic muffler, marking the machine’s special place in Honda history.
Only 30 truly incredible versions will be made with retail recommended prices starting at £30,000.