22nd March 2012

John McGuinness completes first Mugen Shinden test at Motegi circuit

Seventeen time TT Race winner John McGuinness has completed his first test of the Mugen ‘Shinden’ EV bike that he will be racing in the 2012 SES TT Zero race on the Isle of Man.

Following the session at Twin Ring Motegi McGuinness commented:

“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.”

He continued:

“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.”

“This was a trip of first’s; my first time riding an electric bike, my first time around Motegi, and also the fulfillment 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.”