The 2023 Isle of Man TT Races and Dean Harrison’s Move to Honda

The 2023 Isle of Man TT Races saw a dominating performance by three riders: Michael Dunlop, Peter Hickman, and Dean Harrison. However, only Dunlop and Hickman were able to secure race victories.

Harrison’s Switch to Honda

As the 2024 season approaches, Harrison, who has been with the Kawasaki and DAO Racing squad for eight years, has decided to make a change. He will be moving to the Honda team, hoping that the switch will help him regain his place at the top of the podium.

“I’ve been in the same team for eight years now, and I think now is as good a time as any to go and change,” said Harrison. “I’ve almost reached the peak of what I can achieve with Kawasaki, and unfortunately, there were no other opportunities available on that side of things. I’m looking forward to the new challenge with Honda and moving that forward. I think it will be the step that we needed to take.”

Expectations for the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

The move to Honda is not just about the roads, but also the short circuits. Harrison is optimistic that the new bike, the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, will give him the extra speed he needs to compete at the highest level.

“Knowing the pace I had [in 2023] at places, if I can make a step on that – and I wasn’t far away – I think I’ll be there or thereabouts,” he said.

Another positive for Harrison is the fact that he will have teammates for the first time in the British Superbike Championship.

“I’m actually looking forward to having a teammate, because I’ve never had a teammate in BSB, and that’s where I’m hoping on that side of things that I’ll be able to learn from them and that’ll bring me on as well.”

The Kawasaki Harrison was riding until last year is the oldest Superbike in the field, with its base package stretching back to 2017. The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, on the other hand, is a fresh update on the model that debuted in 2020. Harrison is hopeful that the added speed and performance of the Honda will give him the edge he needs to compete with the likes of Dunlop and Hickman.

Excitement for the Supersport Class

As for the Supersport class, Harrison is excited to be riding the new 2024 Honda CBR600RR, as it will be “like going home again” for him.

“My first ever racing bike was a CBR600RR, and I know how good that was. So, I’m actually really looking forward to the new Supersport bike, it’s definitely going to be a step better than what it has been, and it’ll be like going home again, putting an old pair of slippers on.”

With a new team, a new bike, and a renewed sense of determination, Dean Harrison is poised to make a strong push for the top step of the podium in the 2024 road racing season.

🔗 Source