Honda Fireblade TT Livery Pays a Fitting Tribute to McGuinness

• Special Fireblade livery for John McGuinness
• Colour palette from his 1996 Isle of Man TT debut

Honda Racing is honouring one of the greatest names in Isle of Man TT history, John McGuinness, with a special one-off Fireblade livery. Its design honours 30 years since McGuinness made his TT debut in 1996 as a young rider on his Honda RS250R. Obviously this is not a production motorcycle or a limited-edition road bike, it is only a race-only tribute for the great man. If you do not know who John McGuinness is, please do take a look at his IOM TT laps immediately.

This special recreates the colours used on McGuinness’ 1996 Lightweight TT machine. He was 24 years old from a club racing background and had backing from his friend, the late Paul Bird. Finishing 15th in the Lightweight TT lapping at more than 175kmph, he took the Best Newcomer award. From then to today, this is definitely one of the most important TT careers of the modern era.

Since that first TT start, he has gone on to take 23 TT wins across several classes. His first victory came in 1999 after which he became closely linked with Honda and the Fireblade name. His 210kmph lap in 2007 was a major moment for the TT while his Senior TT win in 2015 also produced his fastest lap around the course at 213.5kmph.