Victory Motorcycles are gearing up to take on one of the world's most dangerous races, the Isle of Man TT, but their weapon of choice isn't quite what you'd expect.
Victory racing will take on the TT in the Ilse of Man TT electric class, the first time Victory has entered a professional motorcycle-racing event in Europe, or raced an electric bike.
Not to take to the mountain course lightly, Victory has employed William Dunlop, an experienced TT campaigner and brother to TT ace Michael Dunlop as one of its two riders.
“The entire Victory team is excited to make history with this effort,” said Rod Krois, Victory General Manager.
“We know that William Dunlop’s experience and the continued Victory Motorcycles development of this electric race bike through work with Parker will propel us into a strong future with electric motorcycles.”
“I’m more than excited to race this prototype at the Isle of Man,” said professional rider William Dunlop. “Electric powertrains have many advantages, and the Isle of Man is one of the greatest tests in motorcycle racing.”
Full technical details of the Victory TT bike haven't been released but the prototype electric race bike features a dedicated electric racing motor and power cells as well as highly sophisticated electric controls to maximize peak power, power delivery, and durability under racing conditions. Victory engineers have further refined the electronics and chassis for the upcoming race with private test sessions in North America.
The 2015 running of the Isle of Man TT takes place from May 30 through to June 12.