This series of vid's is just superb, it really gives a perspective to us mere mortals of what is involved in riding the TT from a newcomer point of view. The preperation, the emotions and the euthoria of riding the best race track in the world.
This had such a big 'behind the scenes" feel to it & knowing the little details is wonderful. Getting it all from a newcomers/riders perspective is brilliant, keep it up Al! Best of luck & most of fun!
Motorcycle racing 98% of the time = Late nights messing with the bikes, blowing money on stuff, filling vans with suff, driving vans for hundreds of miles, taking stuff out of vans, putting up awnings in gale force wind and rain in the dark, late nights messing with bikes in awnings, changing wheels, changing tires, changing wheels again, changing sprockets, changing more tires, changing wheels again, wondering where all the expensive petrol has gone, filling vans with stuff, driving vans for hundreds of miles, taking stuff out of vans and relax. Motorcycle racing 2% of the time = Riding the bike, glory! Oh and not forgetting the utter crushing frustration when it all goes tits up! STILL THE BEST SPORT EVER! Bikes look epic btw.
Top tip, when removing tyre stickers, wait till they've been in the warmers for a bit, the heat melts the glue after about 10 mins the glue melts and they come off much easier.
I never comment! it was such a good verbal run through of your first lap at the end of the video that I felt I should. great video. well done and good luck! Keep er lit!
Great video!! I really like the transition from confidence to nervousness, to sheer exhaustion from everything that you had to take in. Keep them coming. And well done on your laps.
Great video Al. Awesome to see it from a newcomers perspective. 98mph first time out is very respectable too. Have fun and most of all keep it upright.
Was lucky enough to be there watching and cheering you on Al. Massive respect to you mate👍👍 In my view, you are now a fully paid up member of the "Huge Titanium Balls Club", well done mate!!!.........
I'm re-watching all of this, and this one's very good. I'm getting nervous just hearing the bikes heating up and thinking: He's going to do a newcomer's lap in a bit, fuck. Big respect Statham!
Anyone who thinks motorbike racers are mad for risking so much, just need to watch this video. Really feel the emotions here Al, brilliant stuff. More insightful than any documentary or TV coverage I've seen.
I need to do some of the wire locking on my pit bike, that vibrates any little bolt you can think of out xD Loving all the TT coverage from you and ITV ;)
mix of emotions watching it - nerves, excitement, (oddly pride from watching the journey and best wishes) and jealousy of not being on the bike! Looking forward to seeing lap.,
Shame. I cant imagine taking corners flat in sixth. To be honest I dont think I'd enjoy it! I suppose you ride within your limits and ignore any pressure. Stay safe and enjoy it!
Evening Al, Just saw this series for the first time, And it just got the memory banks going again, From all the way back to 85, On a LC when the proddy race was still going and also a passenger on a chair, No newcomer lap back then, No sat in a marque with people to help out, For the first morning practise i rode the LC to the paddock ready to go, after doing 4 hours of my night shift at the bakery, And then straight back to work,, Would i do it again ? Hell yes, The TT course is a bug that needs scratching, more so when you were born there, Great vlog,
as soon as the spark plugs burning up was mentioned I had a feeling the engine was gunna lock up on you... glad you kept it upright mate. I assume you have another bike/engine by the sounds of things... May it be fast and you be safe :-) looking forward to more videos :-)
98 mph is impressive though for a first lap. I've only watched the course on tv, but I was trying to guess what I could do if I did try as an average speed for my first time. I was guessing like 70-80mph legitimately, regardless of the bikes power. A liter bike probably wouldn't help me much on the TT.
Well done... Even if you didn't break the 100mph barrier it still takes a lot of balls! I would love to ride the course on closed roads.. My closest came when we were late finding a viewing point and the roads were just about to close so the hedges etc were all lined with spectators... I felt like McGuiness for about 4secs
Why are all your tech support from Plymouth or down that way, love-em. I also love the gold stripe jacket!!! And, I tip my bonnet to you from what you said at the end interview!! Great job 44.
Looks awesome! I had an SV650s. Loved that bike. I might need to build one of these though, I really like the newer tube frame. Is that a 160 rear tire or are you guys squeezing a 180 back there?
If you pause at 4:46 you will see that the spark plugs have not been torqued in correctly as the sealing gaskets have not been compressed properly. This is the reason for the broken ground electrode on one of the plugs as it has been subject to excessive vibration because of insufficient tightening torque. The plug insulator colour would not suggest any overheating. Good luck everyone and safe racing.
Was standing talking to Ivan, when you walked past after practice on Tuesday last week, was going to catch you but you looked well hot and Angry at the time, and every time i popped down to see you at the van you weren't there never mind. I have bailed out now back in Eng.
