William Dunlop rode his new Yamaha R1 Superbike for the very first time during Isle of Man TT practice on Monday evening.

I was lucky to get away with it on Saturday night because I went straight into a wall at Sarah’s Cottage.

I’m not really sure what happened but I’ve heard that a number of riders have complained since that the white lines on the road there were really slippy.

As far as I’m aware, they were due to be burned off today (Monday).

The thing is I wasn’t even really going quick or trying hard when it happened. I didn’t go in there as quick as I normally do and then I went down.

I couldn’t put my finger on it and I was wondering if I had a flat tyre or if there was maybe oil down on the track.

I actually crashed before the corner and although there’s an air bale there, I missed it and went straight into the wall.

Whatever way I slid into the wall I’ve got away really lightly, all things considered. It’s second gear and probably about 70mph.

I really hurt my thumb but other than that I’m not too bad, although my back’s a bit sore too but nothing I can’t deal with.

It meant I missed a good five or six laps on Saturday night, so it’s left me playing catch-up a bit with the rest of the boys.

I’ve finally got the R1 Superbike so the plan is to get a few laps under my belt on that to see how the bike goes first time out.

Luckily the 600 wasn’t too badly damaged and we were able to get it sorted.

I was supposed to race at Billown on Monday but it would’ve been too much for me because the classics vibrate too much and I wouldn’t have been able to hold on with my hands being sore.

It hasn’t been the best start to the TT but we’ll just have to get on with it now.



William was talking to KYLE WHITE.