By Starting pre-season testing early next month in Spain, James Hillier recently provided an insight to Road Racing News on how 2018 is looking international roads wise, including speaking candidly about new machinery for the season.
Ten times a TT rostrum finisher, which includes his splendid Lightweight class success of TT 2013, the Ringwood based racer is hugely looking forward to venturing back to the Mountain Course in late May, as he targets joining a select group of racers to have chalked up at least 2 race wins, at the most famous road race in the world.
Prior to TT 2018, expect him to be a prominent contender for podium’s at the Vauxhall International North West 200, which will mark his first closed roads outing aboard 2018 spec ZX-10RR Kawasaki’s, in Superstock and Superbike trim.
Photo by Tim Keeton
Speaking about his new mounts for 2018, he stated:
“Machinery wise for this season, I’ll be riding the same 600 as last year, just refreshed and under a new colour scheme of Quattro Plant / JG Speedfit.
Brand new Superstock bike, along with an all new Superbike now with Ohlins suspension front and rear. Plus I am happy to be sticking with Metzeler Tyres for another season.”
Adding how the race schedule for Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s sole roads rider, is shaping up, he said:
“Well same as last year really, going to be doing selected BSB National Superstock 1000 races to sharpen up, prior to the North West 200 and TT.
Testing starts for us next month in Southern Spain alongside the BSB team, so should be able to gain some useful information sharing the track and garage with those guys.”
Outside of racing, the genial racer has in recent times set up an online motorcycle accessories shop, titled https://yourmotobike.co.uk/.
The shop growing every day in terms of the products available for customers to purchase is part of a long-term plan for Hillier to maintain a presence within the biking fraternity, when he decides in the future to call time on his roads career.
Commenting on this topic, the rider who now has to be regarded amongst Kawasaki’s most iconic TT racers of the modern era, stated:
“I am making use of my experience and knowledge gained through racing and riding to help others get the best and correct kit, I think it’s good to have a business with an established name, rather than just a faceless logo like all current online shops.
I have to believe in a product or brand before I`d allow it to be sold on my website. A good example of this is Kriega. I`d been using a Kriega Backpack way before I started YourMotoBike.
I really like their products, well made, reliable, and they come with a 10-year guarantee. It was one of the first brands I wanted to get on board.
The range of products on the site is growing every day, and I have access to far more than what is actually shown, but it’s just a matter of time until it is boasting a full and competitive range of top products.”
Words by Stevie Rial
