WHY WE RACE

It’s no coincidence that Honda have dominated the world’s most prestigious racing championships over the years. You see, it’s in our blood and we simply wouldn’t exist without it!

Our racing story is one of engineering ambition, relentless innovation, and a ‘race-to-road’ philosophy that competition improves every machine we build. Technologies developed on the track massively influence our road bikes and benefit every customer who rides a Honda.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

In 1954, our founder, Soichiro Honda, announced his desire to compete in motorcycle racing and he poured all his energy into it. Starting with the legendary Isle of Man TT - regarded as the ultimate test of motorcycle performance and rider skill.

Soichiro Honda experienced the Isle of Man TT first-hand, witnessing 250cc race bikes with more than double the power of his prototype racer back home in Japan.

At the airport check-in on his return home, he was stopped for excessive luggage, so he abandoned his clothes for the sake of the European parts he had bought to learn from.

OUR FIRST WINS

After deciding Honda was ready to take on the rest of the World, the first-ever Japanese team arrived at the Isle of Man TT in 1959, finishing 6th, 7th, 8th and 11th, earning Honda the Manufacturers’ Team Award.

Just two years later, in 1961, Honda took 1-2-3-4-5 in the 125cc and 250cc Classes, returning home with a suitcase full of trophies instead of parts!

This marked the beginning of our rise in international motorcycle racing.

GRAND PRIX DOMINANCE

Throughout the 1960s, Honda became a major force in Grand Prix motorcycle racing, the predecessor to modern MotoGP, winning numerous world championships across several categories, including 125cc, 250cc, 350cc, and 500cc classes.

HONDA RACING ICONS

Mike Hailwood

Mike Hailwood and Honda formed one of racing’s most iconic alliances – dominating the 1960s with world titles and unmatched versatility. His legendary 1978 Isle of Man TT comeback on a Honda remains one of the sport’s greatest moments, defining a legacy of brilliance, courage, and timeless excellence.
Joey Dunlop MBE and OBE

Joey Dunlop, the “King of the Roads,” and Honda formed a legendary force in road racing – combining fearless skill with precision engineering. Their partnership delivered multiple Isle of Man TT victories and a legacy of dominance, built on loyalty, humility, and enduring inspiration.
Mick Doohan

Mick Doohan and Honda defined a dominant era in MotoGP, combining precision, resilience, and relentless speed. With five consecutive 500cc world titles in the 1990s, Doohan pushed the NSR500 to its limits, creating an unstoppable force and setting a benchmark that still inspires the sport today.
Valentino Rossi

Valentino Rossi and Honda formed a thrilling force in the early 2000s, blending fearless talent with cutting-edge performance. Together, they dominated MotoGP with multiple world titles, spectacular races, and a style that captivated fans and redefined the sport.
James Toseland

James Toseland’s history with Honda spans his entire professional racing career, from his early junior championships and Castrol Honda World Supersport beginnings to winning the 2007 World Superbike Championship on a Hannspree Ten Kate Honda Fireblade.
Ryuichi Kiyonari

Ryuichi (Kiyo) Kiyonari’s achievements in the 2006 and 2007 British Superbike Championship remain a remarkable highlight in motorcycle racing. Bursting onto the scene with exceptional talent and determination, he claimed back-to-back championship titles, showcasing both speed and consistency against fierce competition. His fearless riding style and ability to deliver under pressure quickly made him a fan favourite, cementing his legacy as one of the standout riders in BSB history.
John McGuinness MBE

All-time record holder for Isle of Man TT podium appearances with 47 finishes. He has achieved 23 TT race wins, making him one of the most successful riders in the history of the event, and the first rider to break the prestigious 130 mph average lap speed barrier. In 2026, John will be celebrating 30 years of competing at the Isle of Man TT races.
Marc Márquez

Marc Márquez and Honda formed one of MotoGP’s most electrifying alliances – rewriting the record books from 2013 with fearless riding, relentless innovation, and multiple world titles. Together, they delivered iconic moments and dominant campaigns, defining an era where rider and machine became an unstoppable force.
Dean Harrison

A formidable road racer and consistent frontrunner, with 35 podium finishes and 5 wins. In the 2025 event, he secured a podium finish in every race he started, including two wins in the Superstock class, setting a best lap average speed of 135.692 mph of the 37.73-mile Mountain Course.

Together with teammate John McGuinness, Dean is looking to build on last year's success with further victories on the Island in 2026.

CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

Engineered for riders who demand uncompromising performance, carrying race‑bred DNA honed at the sharp end of British Superbikes, British Superstock, and legendary road races like the Isle of Man TT and the NW200. Its razor‑responsive 1000cc inline‑four delivers explosive power, managed through advanced electronics including selectable riding modes, traction control, wheelie control, and a seamless quickshifter for ultra‑fast gear changes. Aerodynamic winglets provide stability at speed, while the lightweight chassis, premium suspension, and powerful Brembo® braking system offer unmatched precision on road or track. Built on cutting‑edge race technology and our world‑famous reliability, the Fireblade is the ultimate expression of speed, control, and competition pedigree.

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BEYOND THE CIRCUIT

Honda’s involvement in racing stretches far beyond road and track racing - we have dominated multiple Off-road and Motocross championships throughout the years, and in the Dakar Rally, Honda achieved major success with our Africa Twin rally machines, which demonstrates our versatility across multiple racing disciplines.

Dakar Rally

Honda’s history at the Dakar Rally is defined by two golden eras. First, the iconic NXR750 dominated the late 1980s with four consecutive wins. After a 24-year absence, Honda returned in 2013 with the CRF450 Rally, returning to the top step of the podium in the modern era.
Dave Thorpe

Dave Thorpe is a British motocross legend and Honda's most successful premier-class rider. After switching to the factory Honda team in 1983, he dominated the 1980s by securing three FIM 500cc World Championships on works Honda machinery (1985, 1986, and 1989). He remains the last British rider to win the premier motocross world title.

Dave also runs our Honda Adventure Centre and the Dave Thorpe Honda Off-road Centre.
Toni Bou

Toni Bou is the most successful motorcycle rider in history, with 39 World Championship titles to his name (19 outdoor and 20 indoor). His legendary run began in 2007 when he joined the Repsol Honda (Montesa HRC) team, going on an unprecedented, unbroken winning streak that he has maintained ever since.
Conrad Mewse

Conrad Mewse joined the Crendon Honda team ahead of the 2023 season, successfully transitioning to the premier 450cc MX1 class on a Honda CRF450R. Since making the switch, the British rider has dominated domestic motocross by capturing multiple ACU British MX1 Championship titles.
Jeffrey Herlings

Jeffrey Herlings, known as 'The Bullet' is a 5-time FIM World Champion with 3 MX2 titles and 2 MXGP Premier Class Championships. He is also the all-time record holder for Grand Prix wins with over 115 career victories. Jeffrey joined the Honda HRC Petronas team for the 2026 season and is in prime contention for his sixth world title.

OUR LEGACY

Honda’s motorcycle racing history is more than a record of victories and championships. It is a story driven by engineering curiosity and competitive spirit.

From the narrow roads of the Isle of Man to the high-tech circuits of MotoGP, Honda consistently pushes the limits of motorcycle design and performance. Our riders become icons and legends, and our innovations continue to transform the entire motorcycle industry.

Today, we remain deeply connected to racing culture. Even as technologies evolve and competition intensifies, we continue pursuing the same goal that inspired Soichiro Honda decades ago: proving ourselves against the very best in the world.