Tourist Trophy races and categories

Every year, the Isle of Man's Tourist Trophy offers different types of race for different categories of motorbike. Here's how to find your way around...

First of all, the speed record for a lap of the circuit dates back to 2023. It is held by Peter Hickman on a BMW M1000RR. He covered the 59.55 km in a time of 16:36.115, an average speed of 219.446 km/h!

Superbike

Superbike racing bikes are generally derived from standard production models and are both fast and powerful - 1000cc engines with over 200hp. Most of these machines are prohibitively expensive!

In general, the bikes must retain the same profile as their road-going counterparts, with the same general appearance from the front, rear and sides.

Teams are, however, allowed to improve the performance of the standard bike, with the regulations allowing different levels of engine tuning and chassis upgrades through the aftermarket.

The race is scheduled for Sunday and takes place over 6 laps. The bike plates are white with black numbers.

Sidecar

Sidecar racing features machines with specially designed chassis, more akin to car racing than motorbike racing.

Controlled by a rider and a passenger (also known as the "monkey"), TT sidecars are powered by 4-cylinder 600 cm3, 3-cylinder 675 cm3 and parallel-twin 900 cm3 engines. Although not as fast as motorbikes, sidecar racing is very impressive.

The rider kneels behind the engine, hands close to the front wheel, while the passenger moves around on the platform at the rear, shifting his weight from left to right depending on the bend and from front to back to obtain traction for the front or rear.

The passenger also helps the driver when it comes to drifting, and is usually the first person to notice any engine problems as they are next to the engine while the driver is above it. The two have to work together to form a successful team.

There are two sidecar races scheduled. Each race lasts 3 laps. There are no specific colours for motorbike plates in this category.

Supersport

The Supersport class is made up of machines that are lighter and less powerful than Superbike, and includes a mix of 600cc four-cylinder and 675cc three-cylinder sports bikes.

The machines are allowed to be extensively modified from the production machines and can generate up to 130hp, which requires competitors to have a high-speed riding style in the corners.

There are two races scheduled in this category. These races take place over 4 laps. The motorbike plates are white with blue numbers.

Superstock

The Superstock category is reserved for production 1000cc sports bikes, and the technical regulations are limited to ensure that the machines remain close to the bikes you can buy in showrooms today.

Modifications (limited to 1.5 times the price of the original part) are permitted for safety reasons, but the engine, frame and electronics remain standard. This rule makes it possible for many riders to take part without having too big a budget.

Considered the ultimate testing ground for production machines, the Superstock category is very important for motorbike manufacturers.

The race takes place over 4 laps. The motorbikes have red plates with white numbers.

Supertwin (formerly lightweight)

The Supertwin class comprises 700cc twin-cylinder machines derived from middleweight road bikes, transformed into racing machines by tuners and engineers, with significant performance adaptations for the challenges of the TT's mountain course.

The Supertwin bikes are the latest additions to the TT, with the best machines developing around 90bhp. This race category demands extreme precision for a fast lap.

The race takes place over 4 laps, and there are two scheduled races. The bike plates are green with white numbers.

Senior TT

It's the last race of the week to round off the Tourist Trophy.

It's the race every rider wants to win, and believe us, they're going all out for it! The choice of bike is up to them, but they're all taking their Superbikes.

The race is scheduled for Friday afternoon and takes place over 6 laps. The bikes have white plates with black numbers.