Buying any new motorcycle is usually a fun and exciting experience. But it’s a bit different when 17 owners collect their McGuinness 100th TT replica Fireblades from the Honda Racing Centre in Louth, and get to chat to the road racing legend himself as part of the experience.
The Limited Edition Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP John McGuinness 100th Start Replica was revealed at the 2022 NEC Motorcycle Live Show, with a total of 30 machines made available worldwide and costing £30,000 each. Which isn’t that much of a premium over the £23,499 for a 2022 Honda Fireblade SP, considering the exclusivity and extras included.
Differences from the standard model include the full replica paint scheme mirroring the bike McGuinness used at the 2022 Isle of Man TT races, which also coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Fireblade itself. And the bikes also have an autographed airbox cover, and individually numbered headstock plaque, a unique ‘Rig of Fire’ screen animation on the dash, 30th Anniversary logos on the key and exhaust, and some genuine Honda accessories including a carbon mudguard and hugger, rear seat cowl and taller TT-style screen. It’s also supplied with Metzeler Racetec RR tyres on the gold-striped wheels, alongside standard road rubber if you’re not planning on risking it on track.
Owners also got a custom Fireblade garage mat, paddock stand, an indoor cover, and an individually-numbered 3D laser-engraved crystal featuring a design of the John McGuiness 100th TT Start replica.
On top of all of that, it you were quick enough to register your interest and secure one of the JMG 100th Start Fireblade SPs, you also grabbed yourself a day at the Honda Racing Centre with a tour and the chance to chat and grab photos with John McGuinness. The 51-year-old is the third most successful rider at the Isle of Man TT with 23 wins, but is also a former British 250cc champion, and has raced in 500cc GPs, World Endurance, and more, being awarded an MBE for services to motorcycle racing in 2021.
John McGuinness MBE: “I’ve come away buzzing. The bike looks mega but what means even more to me are the people I’ve met today. Like I said from the start the Fireblade has meant a lot to me and the TT over the last 30 years. But what I’ve been reminded about is that the TT is more than racing bikes. It’s the fans that come from all over, that make it the unique event it is. What a great feeling, to shake hands with the new owners of my 100th start Fireblade SP, hand over the keys and see something so special – to me, and them – roll out the race shop door. Awesome!”
Fore more on new, custom and classic Honda motorcycles, click here. And if you’re looking to buy a secondhand Fireblade, possibly to create your own John McGuiness replica in the future, you can find examples spanning the history of the model on eBay. Whether you’re looking for an early CBR900RR round eye, or foxeye in Urban Tiger paint, or a modern CBR1000RR-R.
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