Hillier hits record 331 kmph on Kawasaki H2R at IOM TT

Kawasaki rider James Hillier is looking to claim the fastest speed ever recorded for a motorcycle on closed roads at the Isle of Man TT, after clocking over 331kmph on the famous Sulby straight riding a Ninja H2R in a parade lap

The 25-year-old Quattro Plant Kawasaki rider declared being nervous but excited at the prospect of guiding the closed-course-only Ninja H2R around the 37 ¾ mile circuit complete with its integrated supercharger and 300+ horsepower.

With the TT organisers wisely allowing him his own time slot as part of an afternoon of parade laps, the 30-year-old Ringwood, Hants rider adjusted the on-board-camera-equipped bike to his needs using the unique adjustable side sections of the seat to locate him during intense acceleration. His crew for the TT event also adjusted the suspension to cope with the array of different road surfaces he would encounter across a lap of the World’s most famous pure roads course.

Ushered to the TT start line, Hillier’s crew removed the tyre warmers and the TT winner accelerated down Bray Hill in an unsilenced cacophony that impressed even the hardiest TT fan. And with instructions to enjoy himself aboard the exclusive machine, Hillier spent little time waving and the majority of his unique lap hard on the gas in what he termed as a once in a lifetime experience.

“That was insane, simply insane”, a clearly shocked Hillier declared to Manx Radio TT as the tyre burnout smoke cleared in the TT winners enclosure at the conclusion of the lap. “The first four gears are just over in a flash and the acceleration is mental.

It was fast everywhere and over the mountain, well, it was simply incredible. I had my cycling app Strava switched on for the whole lap and down Sulby straight I gave it full gas in top gear and it topped out at over 206mph…Wow!”

Even around the tight and dangerous corners of the Mountain course, that have already claimed numerous victims at this year's TT, Hillier was clocking an average speed of over 176 kmph.

It wasn't until he arrived at the Sulby straight however, that Hillier really put the Ninja H2R to the test, pushing the motorcycle to its limits, his Strava GPS registered a record breaking speed of 331.5 kmph, the fastest speed ever recorded at the IOM TT on closed roads.