New MCN May 30: TT 2012 is go!

Updated: 20 November 2014

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In this week’s MCN, out May 30, the 2012 TT is go, with practice week underway.

We join John McGuinness as he tests the Mugen Shinden electric bike at Cadwell Park and pop in to see Norton as they make their final preparations to race at the Seinor TT.

We speak exclusively to John McGuinness on growing up in Morecambe and his history of biking mischief.

Also this week, we test the superbikes of the late ’80s. Are these bikes 160mph bargains or do they feel dated?

Plus we have all the news from the weekend’s BSB races at Snetterton and the first night of practice at the TT.

Mugen climbs the mountain
John McGuinness spent two days last week testing the all-new Shinden electric bike at Cadwell. Next week he’s racing it at the TT, in pursuit of Rutter’s reigning MotoCzysz and electric power’s first 100mph lap.

Norton tunes up for the TT
A big money sponsor, a new name for the Aprilia-powered V4 and a glitzy debut in the world’s hardest race. We go inside the factory as final preparations are carried out on the Norton SG1 for the Senior TT.

Rossi’s Desmosedici bought at auction
This Ducati GP11 is the first and probably last ex-Rossi GP bike to be sold. So despite being crazy expensive, it’s also an insane bargain. We welcomed it to the UK.

John McGuinness exclusive
On the eve of his 16th TT campaign, a reflective John McGuinness reveals his hometown haunts and the birthplace of his will to win.

Down Britain’s memory lane
Revisiting 110 years of glorious British motorcycling aboard Triumph’s new Bonneville T100 anniversary.

Land of the giants
The hyperbikes of the late ’80s were big, butch – and the first to best 160mph. But what are they like 25 years on?

Stoner: ‘I wasn’t lying to the media’
Stoner is furious after rumours of his retirement leaked out early, but he refuses to reveal who the HRC mole is.

Laverty turns his season around with Snetterton win
Two days of graft at Cadwell Park. Three days at Snetterton. And Samsung Honda’s rider finally chalks up his first win of the year. BSB’s seventh winner in eight races.

By Liam Marsden

Former MCN Web Producer