Ian Hutchinson has had his first test on the new Tyco S1000RR BMW he will race at the Vauxhall International North West 200 in May,2016. The Bingley Bullet rode a stocker version of the German Superbike at Almeria after driving down to the Spanish venue with the bike in the back of his van.

“I had high expectations and I wasn’t disappointed.” the 36 year old said as he completed what was his first ever ride on a BMW during the track day.

There were no times for the session which Hutchy was using to get a feel for the bike he will race in the British Superstock championship alongside his roads campaign this year.

“In the first session I went out for three laps and then came in and thought ‘I’ll never be able to race a bike again!’” Hutchy joked.

“The next session I stayed out the whole time and loved it. I think it’s just been because I’ve been away from racing for four months and it all seems a bit odd when you first go out.”

His first impressions focussed on the BMW’s power delivery.

The biggest thing is the power delivery, it is just so smooth you don’t even realise how fast you are going.” he smiled.

“It’s got a nice seating position and comfortable, just very easy to ride and I’m not aching or anything after today.”

“Everyone I’ve spoken to who has ridden the bike seems to love it and they were right.” He added.

“It’s the first time I’ve went out on day one on a new bike and felt really comfortable on it.”

Hutchy will join the rest of his Tyco BMW teammates for another test at Cartagena next week. He will spend a month in Spain with two further tests at Almeria scheduled in an intense month of pre-season trials for the Bingley Bullet. 

Another four day session takes place at Cartagena this week followed by a return to Almeria for a BMW only test and then a Metzeler tyre event. Along the way Hutchy hopes to ride the Team Traction Control R6 Yamaha that he will use in this year’s Supersport road races.