John McGuinness ready for SES TT Zero debut after first Mugen test
Thursday 22 March 2012
TT
John McGuinness is looking forward to making his SES TT Zero debut after testing the all-new Mugen ‘Shinden’ EV bike.
The 17-times TT winner is due to contest the single-lap SES TT Zero challenge during the 2012 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy.
McGuinness travelled to the Motegi circuit in Japan to have his ride on the new machine.
Speaking afterwards he said:
“I am honoured to be asked to ride the Mugen Shinden, which, originating from a company with such pedigree and from a country where over the years the best racing motorbikes have been produced, could prove to be a major milestone in the history of the SES TT Zero event.”
“The bike was, as you would expect from a company such as Mugen, a well-designed and well put together proper race bike.”
“As soon as I got underway it felt natural and I almost forgot it was fully electric, while I was also learning the Twin Ring Motegi circuit for the first time.”
“Now, having ridden the Mugen Shinden I am looking forward even more to competing in my first SES TT Zero event.”
McGuinness added:
“This was a trip of firsts; my first time riding an electric bike, my first time around Motegi and also the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition to visit the Honda Collection Hall, which is in the circuit complex.”
“All in all, a really satisfying trip.”
Team Mugen principal Satoshi Katsumata said:
“We are very happy with the performance of the Mugen Shinden at this first major test for the bike.”
“The package performed as expected and, despite some unseasonal weather on day one, we were able to run through our planned programme and collect some very valuable data.”
“Of course having a rider with such experience as John McGuinness, and the unique TT-specific feedback he is able to give us, is a tremendous boost to the team and the whole Team Mugen TT programme.”
The Mugen Shinden will undergo further development based on data from the Motegi test before being shipped to the UK for further testing before its public debut at Isle of Man TT.
The team will be one of a number of outfits looking to become the first electric bike to lap the iconic 37¾ mile mountain circuit at an average speed of 100mph.