Chad's top three bikes of 2009

Leon Camier’s BSB-winning BSB Yamaha R1
I was lucky enough to ride the Airwaves Championship winning bike at the undulating Cadwell Park just a few weeks after Leon had comfortably taken the BSB Championship. Obviously it’s the best R1 in the UK and was shockingly quick pushing nearly 200bhp, but it was the handling and brakes that was mind-blowing, even more so than the power. It was so physical to ride, quick, stopping your self been thrown over the front on the brakes and the levels or lean mid corner were mind blowing.

KTM RC8 cup race bike.
I entered the first round of the RC8 cup at Brands and later in the year Donington which supports the BSB race series. The KTM RC8 race bike is a modified road bike with a full race faring, race exhaust system and tweaked suspension by WP. Power, handling and braking are all very impressive, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute racing against equally matched bikes. Considering the bike isn’t far from standard the lap time of the front runners was really impressive. 

Goodwood Revival Manx Norton
This may be a surprise to most but I loved stepping back in time riding this immaculate Manx Norton at the prestigious Goodwood Revival. It took a little getting use to, right foot change, 19inch wheels, 4 leading shoe brakes but I loved every minute of it. It sounded lovely with a straight through exhaust and despite its age was quick, nearly 130mph through the speed trap at Goodwoood.