Honda Racing hosts special handover event for 100th TT start McGuinness Fireblade

Customers who purchased one of the 30 John McGuinness 100th TT Start Replica Fireblades late last year have been treated to a special handover day at the Honda Racing headquarters in Louth.

Enthusiastic owners from across the UK descended on the Lincolnshire venue for a tour of the facility, as well as the chance to chat with the 23-time TT winner himself, who was also on hand to take selfies, sign each of the bikes, and relive the special day that inspired the limited-edition.

“We don’t normally have customers, or dealers in here, because it’s our workshop and it’s a busy place where we’re developing parts,” Head of Motorcycles, Neil Fletcher told MCN. “We always hoped that the bikes would go to people that would genuinely cherish them, or had a connection to the TT, or just had a passion for the Fireblade and actually it seems to me that’s exactly what we’ve got.”

Revealed on 16 November 2022, just 30 John McGuinness 100th Start replica CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SPs were built at a cost of £30,000 each. Available to the lucky few via the Honda dealer network, the bikes pay tribute to a special livery used by John for his 100^th TT start – the 2022 six-lap Superbike race in which he finished fifth.

Alongside the licks of gold, the design also features images from each Honda he has raced along the way, plus his famous voodoo doll design on the rear cowling. There’s also an individually numbered plaque on the headstock, special Fireblade garage mat, a 3D laser-engraved crystal featuring a design of the bike inside, and much more.

“For me, it’s brilliant,” McGuinness told MCN on the day. “If I was in the position to buy a Joey Dunlop replica, I would’ve been jumping through hoops to buy a Rothmans RVF replica.

“It’s a bit strange, but not in a bad way. You sometimes wonder why, but I suppose when you sit back and have a look at it, it’s been a great journey.”

John will be adding the original race bike to his own personal collection, and fully intends to display it at events as well as ride it for the occasional demonstration.

“It’s not been a job, it’s just been a proper good laugh,” he continued. “I like it because everybody’s got a story and they’ve come from different parts of the country, and they’ve all got their own piece to say. Some have got bike shops; some have said thank you for all the memories – which is really special.

“Some are not going to ride them, and some are desperate to ride them, some of them have got another Blade in the garage, but they had to have this one as soon as it came out. The whole thing is really cool.”

One of the riders that made the journey to Louth was Hank Watson from Holbeach, with this bike being the 44^th in his collection.

“I’m a big TT fan and first went in 1967 with my mum and dad,” he told MCN. “I’ve only missed about five TTs… and I’ve had many Hondas, and this just screamed ‘buy me.’

“I didn’t expect to get one because it was just a lottery, but I was just one of those lucky people. I will ride it because I need to know what it’s like. It’s coming to the Isle of Man with me next year – it might even be the only one there!”

Speaking about the Honda Racing event, he added: “It’s totally emotional and I’m a bit lost for words for a start. This is not going to happen again and to be part of this was phenomenal, really.”

Video: Exploring 30 years of the Honda Fireblade