The 2026 Tourist Trophy began on Monday in sunshine and optimal conditions with the first free practice sessions on the Mountain Course. Michael Dunlop immediately provided the first major talking point when he lined up in the Superbike class on a Honda Fireblade instead of the previously announced Ducati Panigale V4 R. Newcomers, Supersport and Sidecar riders completed their sessions without incident.

Simplicity is considered one of the key selling points of electric motorcycles: twist the throttle and go, without having to worry about gear shifting or clutch operation. Honda is now taking a step in the opposite direction with a new patent, adding exactly this complexity back in. The goal is not an end in itself, but rather more precise control over power delivery, particularly in competition use.