TT 2017: MCN make history with first production electric laps

History was made at the Isle of Man TT this week as MCN Senior Road Tester Adam Child completed the first ever lap of the 37.73-mile mountain course on a road legal production electric motorcycle.

On Friday evening in controlled conditions on closed roads, Child took the machine – supplied by MotoCorsa, based in Gillingam, Dorset – around the course with an average speed of 74.79mph. He would then improve his time to 79.63mph on Saturday before bettering it once again in Sunday’s practice to up the bar to 80.72mph (28 minutes, 2.74 seconds) – a time good enough for second place in the first ever TT Zero race.
Not only that, but Child is the only TT Zero machine to have completed three laps this week with exception of Bruce Anstey on the million Mugen.

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MotoCorsa’s machine is a 258kg electric bike and very few alterations were made ahead of the laps. The number plate and headlights have been removed for safety reasons; other than that it is a completely standard road bike.

Mike at Moto Corsa has kindly loaned the bike to MCN – together they’ve proved what is achievable on a standard electric road bike. Adam fastest lap would have been quick enough for fourth in 2012 and sixth in 2015.

“We’ve improved from 30 minutes 16 and we’re now down to 28 minutes two seconds, so I’m pretty pleased with that,” Child said. “It’s performed way above my expectations, the stability is fine and the brakes aren’t fading. Through more technical sections you can feel the bike’s weight, but it’s not an issue. I still feel we can go a bit faster too, I reckon a seeded rider could do a 100mph lap.” 

Pick up a copy of our special edition McGuinness: Ordinary bloke. Extraordinary Racer. This special from MCN, celebrates the career of one of the sport’s best-loved road racers. Affectionately known as McPint, John’s career has wowed and entertained bike racing fans for more than 20 years. Buy it here. 

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