Michael DunlopAhead of the 2014 Isle of Man TT, Michael Dunlop switched to BMW S1000RR machinery. That season, he dominated the 2014 TT, earning both the RST Superbike and Senior TT races.Dunlop – the nephew of the late Joey Dunlop who holds the record for 26 TT wins – would tally up 11 TT victories that year. Luck would be much different at the 2015 TT. Though the Ballymoney native set his fastest TT lap of 132.515 mph – the second fastest TT lap in history behind John McGuinness’ record 132.701 set in 2015 – he sustained an injury during the opening RST Superbike race. This damped his progress a bit, but he still earned a podium at the Royal London 360 Superstock race.
Read 2015 Isle of Man TT Results & RecapFast forward to 2016, and the Leicestershire-based Hawk Racing has confirmed Dunlop will compete at the 2016 Isle of Man TT. Once again, the 26-year-old Dunlop will ride BMW S1000RR machinery during the 2016 IOM TT, and will also compete at the North West 200, the Ulster Grand Prix, and several British Superbike rounds, including Silverstone and Outon Park where he will ride as a wild card entry.Dunlop’s Isle of Man TT journey began in 2007 with his first race win in the Supersport class two years later. He took his first “big bike” victory in 2011, winning the Superstock race before taking his first Superbike title in 2013.“I’m coming back to win again,” Dunlop says. “I gave it my best last year but the Superbike crash wasn’t the best preparation for the Senior. My last lap at the TT reminded everyone what I can do and with these boys behind me I’m ready to race properly again.”Hawk Racing Team Manager Steve Hicken also comments: “We’re delighted to have Michael back on board for 2016. We know what we have to do to get him back on the top step on the Isle of Man and with a proper lead time to prepare this year we’re looking forward to helping Michael achieve his ambitions.”
Our first segment introduces you to the new Arch 1s. This latest, slightly more sporting American V-twin, adds to the original KRGT1 coming from the boutique manufacturer based in Hawthorne, Southern California. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode through Malibu with Gard Hollinger, who co-founded Arch Motorcycle with his friend, Keanu Reeves. The 1s is a unique ride for sure, and Nic explains what makes the bike really stand out.
For the entertaining story behind Arch Motorcycle from Gard Hollinger himself, you must listen to his podcast episode on Motos & Friends HERE
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The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—visit your local dealer or suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with multiple Emmy award-winning writer, Producer, Director, and actor, Thom Beers. the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
Thom’s fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows such as ‘Deadliest Catch’ (now in its 17th season!), and many others. Of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story of how he started the first real fabrication reality show ‘Monster Garage’, that showcased Jesse James, and then how that led to ‘Biker Build Off’ and the ‘Zombie Choppers’ movie.
You’d imagine that most of Thom’s time is spent sitting behind a desk and on his phone. Not so. His intense stories of capturing much of the content for these shows make for some hair-raising listening.
Dunlop’s Isle of Man TT journey began in 2007 with his first race win in the Supersport class two years later. He took his first “big bike” victory in 2011, winning the Superstock race before taking his first Superbike title in 2013.“I’m coming back to win again,” Dunlop says. “I gave it my best last year but the Superbike crash wasn’t the best preparation for the Senior. My last lap at the TT reminded everyone what I can do and with these boys behind me I’m ready to race properly again.”Hawk Racing Team Manager Steve Hicken also comments: “We’re delighted to have Michael back on board for 2016. We know what we have to do to get him back on the top step on the Isle of Man and with a proper lead time to prepare this year we’re looking forward to helping Michael achieve his ambitions.”
