Michael Dunlop reveals plans to get 2027 Isle of Man TT bikes sorted sooner

Michael Dunlop already has one eye on 2027, which could include riding the Ducati Panigale V4 R he was meant to race earlier this summer.

It would not come as a surprise if Dunlop did choose to ride a Panigale V4 R in 2027, after all, the 36-time TT winner was due to contest the 2026 event with that machine before making a late switch to the Honda CBR1000RR-R.

Said move came as a result of Dunlop taking delivery of his brand-new Panigale V4 R later than expected.

But Dunlop encountered problems with his Fireblade he could not overcome in order to mount a challenge in the ‘big-bike’ classes. 

Prior to making his late switch to the Fireblade for the TT, Dunlop said this about the Panigale V4 R:

“With this new full WSBK Ducati V4R version having just arrived to the team at very late notice, we feel it is appropriate for the team to continue testing over the coming weeks and develop the bike further, we are looking forward to working along with Ducati so we can put the project in a good place and get testing done before we get it to the roads in the future.”

If Dunlop does decide to ride the new Panigale V4 R in 2027, it’s likely that he will spend the majority of his time riding a Ducati given the success he’s currently enjoying aboard the Panigale V2 in the supersport category. 

Regardless of what motorcycles Dunlop rides at the 2027 TT, and other major road races such as the North West 200, making a final decision much sooner is one of his main priorities heading into next year.

This was confirmed by Dunlop following his treble at the 2026 Classic TT, an event that saw him win twice aboard a Suzuki GSX-R750.

Speaking to Manx Radio, Dunlop said:

“There’ll not be much more happening now. The year’s nearly over, we'll see what happens and obviously try and achieve something next year – try and get bikes sorted earlier and try and get more sponsors in.”

With Dunlop unable to campaign the Panigale V4 R at the 2026 TT, together with splitting time on a CBR1000RR-R in the superbike class and a BMW in superstock, it caused the TT legend to be on the back foot compared to riders like Dean Harrison, who competes for Honda Racing UK, rather than an independent outfit.

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