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The Isle of Man TT 2025: Continuation of a New Era
The Isle of Man TT 2025 marks a continued resurgence for the legendary road race, following a few challenging years. After pandemic disruptions, the event roared back in 2022, 2023, and 2024 with record-breaking laps and unforgettable performances.
The Isle of Man TT 2025 thus gives the impression of continuing to accumulate this positive momentum. The itinerary for this two-week period remains crammed with flea markets and other events, including: two Supersbike TTs (Senior TT being the blue-ribbon one), two Supersport TTs, Superstock, Supertwin, and Sidecar races.
There’s no huge shake-up in the event schedule or classes this year – stability that teams and riders appreciate, allowing them to refine their approach on the 37.73-mile Mountain Course. One notable change: a section of the course has been renamed “Rutters” (formerly Glen Helen 1) in honor of TT legends Tony and Michael Rutter.
A special parade lap is planned to celebrate the contributions of the Rutter family, featuring icons like 24-time winner John McGuinness and others. But once tributes are done, it’s down to racing – and there’s a sense that we are in a golden era of competition, with multiple riders and manufacturers at peak form.
The billion-dollar question: will we be lucky or not to watch lap record 136 mph to drop once again? In 2023, Peter Hickman shocked the entire road racing arena during the Superstock TT by producing a stunning lap of 136.358 mph on his BMW, thus he lifted the outright lap record bar once again. The year 2024 witnessed a fierce rivalry between Hickman and his rival Michael Dunlop, in which Dunlop broke the Superbike lap record while Hickman was consistently above 135 mph.
As the Isle of Man TT 2025 approaches, that blistering 136.358 mph lap record still stands as the benchmark. Yet with improving machinery, ideal conditions, and fiercely motivated riders, another record assault seems inevitable. The leading contenders have even suggested that a 137 mph average lap is within reach if everything goes perfectly — a mind-bending prospect, translating to a sub-16-minute-30-second tour of the 37.73-mile Mountain Course. It sounds almost impossible, but at the Isle of Man TT 2025, the boundary between possible and impossible continues to shift.
New or Improved Bikes to Watch
One of the delights of TT is seeing how the latest superbikes and tech perform on the ultimate proving ground. Isle of Man TT 2025 will feature updated machinery from several manufacturers:
Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP: The Honda superbike has made some minor adjustments and tuning optimizations for the year 2025. The Japanese company Honda was back on track in 2023 with Dunlop riding a factory-backed CBR and achieving multiple victories, first equalling and then surpassing his uncle Joey’s record of wins. It is very likely that Dunlop will stick with Honda for Superbike/Senior races in 2025; moreover, the Fireblade’s excellent performance on the corners will help it shine.The Honda company also debuted a new model, the CBR600RR for Supersport, after a long absence, which along with Dunlop’s skill (he did the very first 130 mph Supersport lap in 2023) forms a very powerful combination.
BMW M1000RR: Hickman’s weapon of choice remains the BMW, which in 2025 gets aero tweaks and engine refinements (some trickle-down from World Superbike). His FHO Racing BMW is known for incredible top-end speed – he used it to good effect on the Mountain Course’s long straights, evidenced by smashing the lap record in Superstock trim. We anticipate Hickman’s BMW will again be among the fastest through the Sulby speed trap (where 200+ mph speeds are now routine for the top bikes).
Yamaha YZF-R7 in Supertwin? One of the major trends eye-catching in the Supertwin (lightweight) class is the ever-growing number of riders choosing machines like the Aprilia RS660 and Yamaha MT-07/R7 based twins over the traditional Kawasaki ER-6 650s. We anticipate further development in this area for 2025, with possibly new Aprilia or Yamaha entries aiming to surpass the current Supertwin lap record which is now an average of over 123 mph.
Ducati Panigale V2 in Supersport: Davey Todd made headlines bringing a Ducati 955 Panigale V2 to the Supersport class. It’s unusual since Supersport has been 600cc fours or 675 triples historically, but rule changes allow up to 765cc triples or ~955cc twins to balance performance. Todd performed well on it in 2024.Ducati’s little superbike has strong midrange torque – could we see the first Ducati TT win since Mike Hailwood’s days? It would be a storyline: a Ducati twin beating the Yamahas and Hondas in Supersport. Keep an eye on Todd and that distinctive sounding V2.
Kawasaki ZX-10RR and ZX-6R: Kawasaki seems to be a little tired of the TT quests lately (the last great big bike win was in 2019 by Dean Harrison). Harrison is still on a ZX-10RR with DAO Racing and he will likely receive updated support. Kawasaki also updated the ZX-6R supersport to comply with the Euro5 directive. Harrison is a past champion of the Senior TT and a well-known competitor, but with Dunlop and Hickman being in the spotlight, he is the dark horse who could succeed if other riders set wrong times. The ZX-10RR is popular for quality and high top-speed that is suitable for TT racing.
Triumph Street Triple 765 RS: Triumph has really made a big progress with their 765 triple model in the Supersport category. In the year 2024, there were numerous riders who claimed podium spots on the bikes thus that proves the competitive edge of them. The distinctive sound of that triple will again be heard flying through Glen Helen and along the Mountain. Bruce Anstey (if he returns) or Gary Johnson will certainly take one to positive outcomes.
Electric? Not yet: The TT had a TT Zero electric class until 2019, but it’s currently on hiatus as electric tech in bikes catches up. So 2025 TT remains all petrol. But one subplot: Mugen (which dominated TT Zero) has been developing a hydrogen-powered race bike. While not on the entry list, innovations like that lurk in the wings for future TT editions as the event pushes technology boundaries.
Star Riders: The Big Names and Their Quests
The “Big Three” of road racing right now are Michael Dunlop, Peter Hickman, and Dean Harrison enter the Isle of Man TT 2025 chasing fresh lap records. All eyes will be on this trio in the major classes:
Michael Dunlop: Now the most successful TT rider in history with 27 wins (surpassing Uncle Joey’s 26). By Isle of Man TT 2025, if all went well, he could be edging close to 30 wins at age 36. Michael’s focus will be on finally clinching another Senior TT win – interestingly, his last Senior win was back in 2014. He’s been killer in Supersport and Supertwin classes (where he holds lap records and multiple consecutive wins).But Hickman has pipped him in the big bike races lately.You can bet Dunlop is hungry to not only keep accumulating wins but also to take back the outright lap record which was briefly his (he set a 135.5mph lap in 2023 Superbike race) before Hickman topped it days later. Riding for Honda (Superbike/Superstock) and likely on his MD Racing Yamaha for Supersport, Dunlop will be one to watch every time he sets off down Bray Hill.
Peter Hickman: With 13 TT wins and the current lap record, Peter Hickman has cemented his status as a legend in the making. The Isle of Man TT 2025 will once again see him return with the FHO Racing BMW squad in the big-bike classes and a Triumph 765 in Supersport. After taking multiple victories in 2023 and 2024, including three of the last four Senior TTs, Hickman enters the Isle of Man TT 2025 as the man to beat.Calm, analytical, and devastatingly fast, he believes this could be the year someone breaks the 137 mph barrier — and many agree that if anyone can do it, it’s Hicky. With reliability on his side, he could reach 15 or 16 career wins by the end of 2025, and perhaps even flirt with the first-ever 17-minute lap.
Dean Harrison: Often the third name in the conversation, Harrison shouldn’t be underestimated. With 4 TT wins and many podiums, the 2019 Senior TT winner is a fan favorite on the green Kawasaki. He had a tough 2023 with some mechanical issues but bounced back in 2024 with solid finishes. For 2025, Harrison will look to reclaim the top step. He’s especially strong in the opening sectors of the course (he often sets fastest times to Glen Helen). If his bike goes the distance (some reliability woes in past), he absolutely can win. Harrison is also one of the bravest through sections like Ballagarey and bottom of Barregarrow – he’ll push the limits to stay with Dunlop and Hickman. Perhaps an updated ZX-10RR and fresh motivation will see him add to his tally.
Other notable riders: John McGuinness, at the age of 52, is probably on his swan song lap at the TT (though he has hinted that before). With 23 wins, he is tied with the late Joey Dunlop for the second on the all-time list. It is a very potential bet that 2025 will be John’s last TT as a competitor. It is not likely that he wins (the last one was in 2015), but the fact that he is there makes him an icon. A finish in the top ten would be a big success for him and he will get really good cheers.
Davey Todd is a rising star – the young British rider, 2022 National road racing champ, has podiums and is itching for his first win. He’ll be on a Honda Superbike and that Ducati Supersport, plus a Honda or Kawasaki in Superstock/Supertwin. If anyone from the younger generation could upset the established trio, Todd or maybe James Hillier (veteran still chasing another win) could.
Jamie Coward on Yamaha and Lee Johnston (if he’s back from injury) are also podium threats in smaller classes. In Sidecars, the Birchall brothers will aim to continue their streak – they’ve dominated with 12 straight TT wins and set a 120.7mph lap record in 2023.
The Hunt for Records
Records are a TT constant: every year, someone is eyeing a lap record or race time record. For 2025, several are in play:
Outright lap record: 136.358mph by Hickman – will we see a 137? If weather is cool and calm and there’s a “race to the flag” situation between Hickman and Dunlop or Harrison, it could happen. After all, in 2023 that record lap was done in a Superstock race (slightly less aero bodywork and standard-ish engine). In a Senior TT with full superbikes, fresh tire, low fuel – maybe the stars align.
First 140mph lap? Unlikely this soon – that would require leaps in tire tech or aero. But the fact we even mention it shows how fast things have gotten.
Supersport lap record: Dunlop pushed it over 130mph in 2023. Could he go 131? If conditions good, possibly. He’s raised the bar for 600s incredibly high.
Sidecar lap record: The Birchalls eked past 120mph. They themselves said 121+ might be possible if they had competition pushing them. If another team (like Pete Founds/Jevan Walmsley, who also hit 120) gives chase, we might see mid-120s.
Win records: For Dunlop, it will be another record extension – every win makes a new standard beyond 27. If he wins 4 races again (like in 2023), he could reach 31 wins, an idea which however seems unreachable today. Conversely, John McGuinness is predicted to be sticking to 23 wins as long as he doesn’t experience a miracle about it, but the figure itself is historic anyway.
First-time winners: There’s always focus on who might join the TT winners’ club. 2024 saw new winners in some classes (e.g., first-time Sidecar winner for driver Ryan Crowe). In 2025, eyes on Davey Todd or Jamie Coward to possibly snag a maiden TT win.
The Human Element
Beyond machines and numbers, the Isle of Man TT 2025 is about the riders’ stories — and this year will likely see:
Michael Dunlop vs. Peter Hickman rivalry: It’s amicable off-track, but on track, it’s breathtaking. Each rider is good at something – Dunlop’s unfathomable talent and getting close to the brake mark late, Hickman’s lines that are oh-so precise and unbelievable top-end speed. Some fans take sides, but everyone has respect for each other.
Safety and lap records interplay: After record speeds, TT organizers often reflect on safety improvements. The course has seen safety upgrades (air-fences, better marshalling, tiny course adjustments). Riders are aware they push the edge. 2025’s insane speeds will no doubt rekindle safety debates, but the TT community typically embraces that progress and risk balance.
Local Heroes: Conor Cummins from the Isle of Man (a veteran rider who has been on multiple podiums yet has no TT win) will again try his best to achieve his elusive win in front of the home crowd. The islanders would go berserk if he really gets the victory. He rides a Honda, and although he is in his late 30s, he is still very quick.
Weather wildcard: As always, the Isle of Man weather can change everything. A perfectly dry two weeks can lead to many records. A wet or unpredictable week can level fields and produce surprise results. Forecasts will be watched keenly.
For race fans worldwide, the Isle of Man TT 2025 remains the ultimate test of man and machine. This year’s edition promises to be one for the ages — with peak-performing riders, advanced bikes, and the eternal challenge of the Mountain Course creating the perfect recipe for new records.
Likely. Will we witness legendary feats of courage and skill? Undoubtedly. And as the likes of Dunlop and Hickman chase immortality, and others carve out their own TT legacies, one thing is sure: the Isle of Man TT 2025 will further cement why this event is unlike any other in motorsport – a true road racing spectacle where history is written at 136+ mph, one lap at a time.
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