Neil Lyons Roadracing 2012

Neil Lyons is an Irish roadracer local to our shop, quiet man, loves the roads and general all round nice-guy. I actually got to know Neil by meeting him in Blanchardstown hospital when we were both a bit broken - the physio center in the hospital was like the biker social club at the time!

A few fans are running a fundraiser Poker Run on April 21st to help is racing efforts in 2012. You can catch all the details on the Facebook event page HERE.

I got a chance to catch up with him recently and here's what he had to say:

So Neil, it's great to hear that you're having another go at the road racing for 2012. What have you been doing over the winter months to prepare for this season?

I've mostly been cycling to build up strenght in my legs. I've also been riding some MX to get my eye back into the game.

What bikes and classes are you riding in 2012?

I am riding the Dunshaughlin and District RRC Suzuki GSXR750 this year and also my own Suauki SV650 which i bought during the winter.

Neil getting setup in Mondello for the roads in 2012.

What sort of work do you do to prepare the bikes?

The Suzuki (750) has had head work done over the winter. I've installed hi lift cams, gas flowed the inlets and a full Akrapovic race system.

Chassis wise, it has Ohlins internals in the front forks and race rear shock. It also has a quick shifter, Power Commander and Brembo brakes.

The SV650 has standard motor, Power Commander, upside-down gsxr front end and thats about it.

Neil's SV650 ready for 2012

Who's helping this year?

DDRRC (Dunshaughlin & District Road Racing Supporters Club) supply the GSXR750 and some running equipment.

Eoin Gorman Crash Repairs and Tony Fairbrother panel beating have the bikes looking great for the season.

Without those guys I would be very difficult so I'd like to give them a big thanks.

What races will you be riding at?

I will be doing all of the National Road Race meetings and some selected short circuit meetings in between.

Oh, how are the injuries you received in 2008?

Bad times in 2008.

Well, I'm as good as I'll get really. I trying to build leg muscle as much as possible. I have restricted movement in ankle and knee so I've put the gear selector on the right hand sider of both bikes

I did 5 or 6 meetings last year and am happy with my fittness for this year and I feel that I've have made good progress since then.

I have a thumb brake on the GSXR750 and I'm planning to get away with just a foot brake for the 650 as the rear isn't used much on it.

Thanks Neil and I'll talk to you soon.