One of the most famous racing motorcycles ever built will return to the Mountain Course at this year’s Classic TT, ridden by one of the sport’s most respected names.
Mick Grant, a seven-time TT winner, will take to the course aboard a faithful recreation of the legendary Honda RC174 Six - the 297cc variant that contested the 350cc Lightweight TT races in the 1960s and became the machine of choice for Mike Hailwood, who rode it to victory in the 1967 Junior TT.
The Honda Six first appeared at the TT in 1965 as the RC166 250cc, when Jim Redman rode it to victory in the Lightweight 250cc TT. Its six-cylinder engine and 7-speed gearbox were revolutionary for the time, producing an incredible sound and revving to previously unheard-of limits. In 1966 and 1967, Mike Hailwood campaigned the RC166 in the 250cc Lightweight TT, taking back-to-back wins.
But Honda didn’t stop there. In 1966 they developed the enlarged 297cc RC174 to take on the Junior (350cc) TT. It was on this bike in 1967 that Hailwood delivered one of the most iconic performances in TT history, winning the Junior race and smashing the outright lap record with an average speed of 107.73mph, achieved from a standing start.
In his previous appearance on The TT Podcast, Grant spoke of his admiration for the Honda Six and his wish to have raced in the golden era of the 1960s. He described the machine as a marvel of rapid development - built in just months as Honda pushed the limits to beat Yamaha in the Grand Prix battle.
Now, more than half a century later, fans will once again hear that unmistakable howl echo around the Island as Grant parades the replica RC174 around the TT Course. It’s a rare chance to see two legends come together: one of the most evocative racing machines ever built, and one of the TT’s most enduring names.
Taking place ahead of the Senior Classic TT on Friday 29th August, this demonstration lap will be a unique opportunity to witness a piece of racing heritage brought back to life, ridden by a man who knows exactly what it means to push the limits on the Mountain Course.