Isle of Man TT confirms full transition from Supertwins to Sportbikes for 2027

The Isle of Man TT has confirmed a full switch to sportbike machinery for 2027, with sustainability, parity, and manufacturer engagement listed as reasons for the change.

The announcement also puts an end to a multi-year transition dating back to 2024, with supertwin-spec motorcycles set to be absent from the TT schedule for the first time since 2012. 

Sportbike machines debuted at this year’s Isle of Man TT as part of a phased introduction alongside the established supertwins. 

Dominic Herbertson was the highest-placed sportbike rider during the lone Sportbike TT race that went ahead in 2026, finishing seventh in the mixed field. 

Supertwins were first introduced under the storied Lightweight TT banner, however, the transition to sportbike-spec machines has been shaped by “long-term” health to the class. 

This is all part of the TT’s three major ideas for improving the class, which are: Sustainability, Parity, and Manufacturer Engagement.

Unlike supertwins, sportbike machines operate under much tighter regulations that reduce build and running costs for both teams and privateers. 

Sportbike machines also use a proven Balance of Performance (BoP) system, which has a proven track record of delivering close and competitive racing across a wide range of machines and brands.

TT organisers say that technical parity and commercial relevance “has sparked significant interest from major motorcycle manufacturers, several of which have taken direct involvement with teams and the category as a whole”. This is an area where Supertwins have struggled in the past.

For 2027, the TT’s Sportbike technical requirements will mirror those used in the UK’s National Sportbike Championship. 

With the TT being a road race instead of a circuit-based event, minor TT-specific modifications will be permitted, giving the class the same approach that’s taken in the Superstock class.

Ed Wilson, Head of Sport for the Isle of Man TT Races, said: 

“The full adoption of Sportbike regulations for 2027 represents an exciting and logical next step for the TT.

“Supertwin racing has delivered some fantastic competition and exceptional engineering during its time at the event, but the class had increasingly developed in a different direction to the wider production-based racing landscape. The level of specialist development involved also meant that cost was becoming a significant barrier to participation and could have a major influence on competitiveness.

“Moving to Sportbike gives us a much more relevant and sustainable platform. Importantly, it also creates direct alignment with championships elsewhere, providing a clearer route for younger riders onto the Mountain Course while opening the class to a broader range of current and future manufacturers.”

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