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It’s quite something getting the chance to follow in your hero’s path to greatness. In truth, it’s probably as close as many will get. Picture the scene….we’re heading to Louth in Lincolnshire to collect a genuine piece of provenance, a replica of history, John McGuinness’ Honda CBR1000RR-RR SP Fireblade 100th TT machine. Phew. Quite the mouthful and a helluva of an eyeful too.
An early start meant an early arrival which gave us the unique opportunity to tour the lobby area of Honda Racing and stare at big shiny cups and beautiful racing machinery from yesteryear. Then it was ‘crack on’ and let’s get this party started. We were taken on a tour of the facility after an intro from Honda UK supremo Neil Fletcher and of course, the man himself ‘The Morecambe Missile’.
My how we ‘oohed’ at the race truck and all its secret stashes of pre-built fairing brackets with clocks and clip-ons ready to go. Boy did we ‘aaaah’ at the rolling road dyno. Then did we get particularly unnecessary in the machine shop where they turn and mill through top-of-the-line CNC machinery to make footrest hangers and fork yokes.
It was already a ‘mint’ day as the TT Legend himself would say. But then it was time to get our hands on our McGuinness Fireblade. The machine is designed to commemorate McGuinness’ 100th TT start at the Isle of Man and it is as close as a road bike will allow. They’ve even gone to the trouble of fitting a set of Metzeler sticky tyres to mimic the race team’s association. Across the beautiful Gold/White livery is a camera film strip (that’s how we used to develop pictures in the old days – something for the young ‘uns) showing off all of McGuinness’ TT races. Again, just like the original race machine. One subtle difference is that it’s only the Honda starts in their full glory, the non-Honda (Ducati, Aprilia, Yamaha etc) have been subtley peppered in Gold to hide their non-Honda ness.
We didn’t get to take our bike away as we entrusted the delivery to Honda UK on this occasion. However, we did get to meet like-minded folk who also bought one of the only 30 bikes available. They included a lad and Granddad with lad planning to tuck his in the living room (if his lass will let ‘em). There were a good, few collectors of course, but equally at least 5 or 6 willing to ride their bike home. Props to them. We were terrified just to be near ours in case we touched it inappropriately.
Everyone was thrilled to meet Mr McGuinness who was as affable and laid back as ever. He never disappoints.
Our McGuinness Blade is now proudly on display in our clothing and accessories department and we’ll say it quietly……but it’s just a touch different to the other 29. Maybe you can spot the difference when you come in and see it. For now, we shout politely ‘don’t touch’, but come and stare by all means.
Check out Adam ‘Chad’ Child interviewing John McGuinness and our very own Neil Morris.
