It’s unlikely that the Japanese Mugen team will face a serious threat to its TT Zero dominance this year but even so the company has unveiled a heavily revised version of its Shinden electric race bike.
Called Shinden Go, the new model was unveiled at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show on March 25 and gains a wide range of changes over last year’s bike. The firm says there are a new battery, motor and chassis, improving the bike on all fronts.
As on previous Shinden machines, the frame is a carbon fibre monocoque design. It’s wrapped around an oil-cooled, brushless, 3-phase motor that makes 161bhp (120kW) and 210Nm of torque. A lithium ion battery putting out in excess of 370 volts provides the power.
Looking at the back you’ll notice the unusual rear shock position. It’s compressed via a system of rockers and linkages and by moving it up under the seat more space inside the frame is freed-up for a larger battery.
Despite the size and power of the battery, the bike’s total weight is claimed to be just 250kg. That still sounds a lot compared to a petrol-powered race bike but in electric terms it’s a featherweight.
As in previous years, John McGuinness will lead the firm’s rider line-up. Last year’s TT Zero winner, he’ll be keen to take victory again in 2016 as this year he could finally match or overhaul Joey Dunlop’s record of 26 TT wins. At the moment, McGuinness has 23 victories to his name.
He’s also likely to break the 120mph barrier for the first time on an electric bike, and possibly reach 125mph. Last year the Mugen machine managed a 119.279mph average over the winning lap.
The team’s second rider is Bruce Anstey, as last year, and will almost certainly provide McGuinness’s main challenge.
