Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Frame No: JH25044A3YM000306
Engine No: SC44E/2006425
cc: 954

During 2001 Honda Britain commissioned Paul Bird Motorsport to build a dedicated Road Racing machine for their forthcoming assault on the Isle of Man TT, unfortunately the foot and mouth outbreak of that year resulted in the cancellation of the TT. Consequently, the machines only major competitive outing was the Macau Grand Prix at the end of the season which it won in the hands of John McGuinness.
There were two official teams entered for the 2002 TT by Honda Britain, the Paul Bird Motorsport team and the Irish based Red Bull Team.
The frame and other components from the 2001 Macau GP winning bike were given to the Irish based Red Bull Honda team to house a Tony Scott built engine delivering between 170 and 175 bhp at the rear wheel without the aid of a ram air system. Modifications to the standard engine included a 1mm increase in bore size to take the capacity from 929cc to 954cc. 54mm J&E high compression pistons, balanced connecting rods and crankshaft and high lift cams are among the other modifications made to the engine. A HRC racing ecu with an over rev facility to 12700 rpm was mated to CBR600FS race wiring loom.
The chassis was extensively modified incorporating a Spondon built swinging arm and rear sub-frame, a specially built 24 litre fuel tank, Ohlins forks mounted with Promach yokes, Brembo brakes and Dymag wheels.
A QB Carbon airbox and ducts were manufacture to enable the use of Honda CBR600FS race panels.
In this form the motorcycle was raced by Adrian Archibald, crossing the line in a virtual dead heat for first place in the 2002 North West 200, unfortunately, a controversial decision saw the win being given to Ian Duffus on a VM Yamaha R1.
Archibald's luck did not improve at the TT, a series of minor mechanical problems beset the machine which continued at the Mid Antrim 150 during august. As a result of this Adrian Archibald left the team which then disbanded.
The motorcycle was purchased by the vendor at the end of the 2002 season with a rebuilt engine and he campaigned it during the 2003 season. The machine received another engine rebuild ready for the 2004 season seeing use through that season and 2005. An oil leak at the 2005 North West 200 proved worse than thought when a crack was found in the block, resulting the machine being laid up.
It is offered in good condition except for the cracked cases.