Post TT 2022 Thoughts and Observations
Discussion
There were quite a few surprises and a number of observations at this years TT. It would be good to see who agrees / disagrees with my list and what post TT thoughts you had.
1. After 3 years away Peter Hickman and Dean Harrison still dominate on the big bikes.
2. The Gap between Dean and Peter is getting slightly wider.
3. Connor Cummins’ pace on the big bikes was a big surprise and nothing short of sensational.
4. Michael Dunlop is still the Man in the Supersport class and I could see him at 21 TT wins equalling or surpassing Uncle Joey’s 26 wins.
5. Of the really fast boys Dean Harrison is the smoothest.
6. John McGuinness made a very good account of himself having effectively hardly ridden there in 6 years, so why retire.
7. Ditto Michael Rutter.
8. I did not miss the Electric Bikes in the slightest.
9. Whilst I sincerely hope he does, I’m not sure whether Glen Irwin will develop his TT career and return next year.
10. The Gas Monkey tie up with FHO Racing was a great promotional thing for the TT world wide.
11. The Manx Radio TT commentary lead by Steve Day and his Team was excellent.
12. Notwithstanding his ‘off’ in the Senior Dominic Herbertson’s progress demonstrated that he could be a future TT winner.
1. After 3 years away Peter Hickman and Dean Harrison still dominate on the big bikes.
2. The Gap between Dean and Peter is getting slightly wider.
3. Connor Cummins’ pace on the big bikes was a big surprise and nothing short of sensational.
4. Michael Dunlop is still the Man in the Supersport class and I could see him at 21 TT wins equalling or surpassing Uncle Joey’s 26 wins.
5. Of the really fast boys Dean Harrison is the smoothest.
6. John McGuinness made a very good account of himself having effectively hardly ridden there in 6 years, so why retire.
7. Ditto Michael Rutter.
8. I did not miss the Electric Bikes in the slightest.
9. Whilst I sincerely hope he does, I’m not sure whether Glen Irwin will develop his TT career and return next year.
10. The Gas Monkey tie up with FHO Racing was a great promotional thing for the TT world wide.
11. The Manx Radio TT commentary lead by Steve Day and his Team was excellent.
12. Notwithstanding his ‘off’ in the Senior Dominic Herbertson’s progress demonstrated that he could be a future TT winner.
Agree with all of your points bar one, add the Supertwins to Dunlop’s repertoire because if his bike hadnt broken down, he would have wont that race too.
But for the future, i think its a straight fight between Hicky and Harrison on the big bikes, Hicky and Dunlop on the smaller bikes.
Hickman really has adapted so well to riding the roads
But for the future, i think its a straight fight between Hicky and Harrison on the big bikes, Hicky and Dunlop on the smaller bikes.
Hickman really has adapted so well to riding the roads
Harrison was compromised by switching back to Metzler from Dunlop in the middle of the TT. I think he ran Metzler up to 2019, but they obviously have different characteristics that both bike and rider need to be in tune with.
I think without that the gap would not have widened as much. ZX10R looks a bit long in the tooth compared to latest S1000RR or Fireblade too.
Connor was my man of the TT (ignoring Hicky).
I find it interesting Hicky starts 10th on the road when passing bikes can obviously slow him down. I get that he may like to have something to chase, and certain sections slip streaming can help. The commentators always seem to make a big deal out of traffic being a disadvantage. I don't really understand how the starting order is set.
I think without that the gap would not have widened as much. ZX10R looks a bit long in the tooth compared to latest S1000RR or Fireblade too.
Connor was my man of the TT (ignoring Hicky).
I find it interesting Hicky starts 10th on the road when passing bikes can obviously slow him down. I get that he may like to have something to chase, and certain sections slip streaming can help. The commentators always seem to make a big deal out of traffic being a disadvantage. I don't really understand how the starting order is set.
Zarco said:
Harrison was compromised by switching back to Metzler from Dunlop in the middle of the TT. I think he ran Metzler up to 2019, but they obviously have different characteristics that both bike and rider need to be in tune with.
I think without that the gap would not have widened as much. ZX10R looks a bit long in the tooth compared to latest S1000RR or Fireblade too.
Connor was my man of the TT (ignoring Hicky).
I find it interesting Hicky starts 10th on the road when passing bikes can obviously slow him down. I get that he may like to have something to chase, and certain sections slip streaming can help. The commentators always seem to make a big deal out of traffic being a disadvantage. I don't really understand how the starting order is set.
Isnt that personal choice? I seem to recall hearing that McGuiness selected number 1 and Hicky number 10. I might be wrong of courseI think without that the gap would not have widened as much. ZX10R looks a bit long in the tooth compared to latest S1000RR or Fireblade too.
Connor was my man of the TT (ignoring Hicky).
I find it interesting Hicky starts 10th on the road when passing bikes can obviously slow him down. I get that he may like to have something to chase, and certain sections slip streaming can help. The commentators always seem to make a big deal out of traffic being a disadvantage. I don't really understand how the starting order is set.
slopes said:
Isnt that personal choice? I seem to recall hearing that McGuiness selected number 1 and Hicky number 10. I might be wrong of course
It's not entirely I think. Theres an element of seeding I believe.My question is why does Hicky want to have riders to over take when it can be difficult?
Going first has the disadvantage of clearing all the wild life.
Zarco said:
slopes said:
Isnt that personal choice? I seem to recall hearing that McGuiness selected number 1 and Hicky number 10. I might be wrong of course
It's not entirely I think. Theres an element of seeding I believe.My question is why does Hicky want to have riders to over take when it can be difficult?
Going first has the disadvantage of clearing all the wild life.
I'd like to see the electric bikes come back but with three rule changes:
1. Two lap race with no battery swap
2. Bike / rider combinations must put in a minimum 100mph lap in practice in order to start
3. Bikes available under a claiming rule for £20k at end of TT fortnight, and must be sold to other manufacturers on demand.
Turn it into a production event essentially.
I'd also.get shot of the sidecars as an anachronism that I've no interest in.
1. Two lap race with no battery swap
2. Bike / rider combinations must put in a minimum 100mph lap in practice in order to start
3. Bikes available under a claiming rule for £20k at end of TT fortnight, and must be sold to other manufacturers on demand.
Turn it into a production event essentially.
I'd also.get shot of the sidecars as an anachronism that I've no interest in.
KurtFlew said:
On the ITV review show he says he doesn't like going first, likes having the 9 bikes having gone first 'clearing the way' so to speak. Says it's just a mental thing that works for him.
I've just watched that. He literally answered my question 
Perhaps the commentators should make less of a thing about overtaking. Clearly doesn't bother Hicky!
Pretty much agree with you Rob, but I'm not sure Dean is smoother than Hicky!
Still as well as Conor Cummins I thought Davey Todd and Glenn Irwin deserved some credit for their performances. I wonder if Andrew Irwin might decide to visit?
I didn't miss the Electric bikes either, but their absence probably means McPint has won his last TT.
Strange, albeit very respectful, comment from Michael Dunlop. But at the end of the day records are there to be broken. And surely if anyone is going to beat Joey's record nobody would have a problem with another Dunlop doing it?
Shame it only takes place once a year - well hopefully it will now!
Still as well as Conor Cummins I thought Davey Todd and Glenn Irwin deserved some credit for their performances. I wonder if Andrew Irwin might decide to visit?
I didn't miss the Electric bikes either, but their absence probably means McPint has won his last TT.
Strange, albeit very respectful, comment from Michael Dunlop. But at the end of the day records are there to be broken. And surely if anyone is going to beat Joey's record nobody would have a problem with another Dunlop doing it?
Shame it only takes place once a year - well hopefully it will now!
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