Green Education: Energy

Honda Joins the TT Zero Grid With Racer John McGuiness

Photo courtesy of motorcyclenews.com

As reported here, Honda, or more specifically, Hirotoshi Honda, the son of founder Soichiro Honda, has expressed interest in racing electric motorcycles. Well, this week we read on Asphalt & Rubber  and  Motorcycle Consumer News the detailed specs and who Mugen has chosen to race the Shinden. Mugen is the name of the “skunk works/tuning house” where the Shinden has been developed. They’ve appropriately named the bike Shinden after the God of Electricity. What’s even more exciting is that the current “God of the TT” John McGuiness, will be their rider. He was interviewed in Charge essentially saying it’s crazy to ask a racer to hold back as is necessary racing battery-powered bikes these days. Which is what you’d expect to hear from the outright lap record holder.

McGuinness set the lap record at Isle of Man back in 2009 at a blistering average pace of 131.578mph on the 37.73 mile course. He’s got what it takes to be the fastest rider, but that’s not exactly what it takes to win on an electric bike (for now). Winning on these bikes requires not only racing talent but also the ability to maintain awareness of the battery level and hold back accordingly. It’s a huge challenge for racers who are accustomed to simply going as fast as they possibly dare. 2012 is going to be a very exciting race at the front, as the veteran TT Zero challengers return with improved powertrains and Honda brings their best effort. If you’re still dragging your heels about attending, your big excuse is gone. The biggest problem at the TT is lodging, and now there’s an innovative new temporary hotel coming up! Booking begins March 7th, so mark your calendars! The best flight prices I’ve found are through Vayama.com and Manxflights.com

Source: Gas2.0