Here's a practice lap of the awe-inspiring Phillip Island at the 2019 Island Classic on the Team Classic Suzuki/Carl Cox Motorsport, ex-Michael Dunlop Suzuki XR69, ridden by Chief Road Tester, Michael Neeves.

Neevesy says: "Racing Team Classic Suzuki’s ex- Michael Dunlop XR69 has been something very special. It’s drop dead gorgeous and more than just a replica of an early 80s factory superbike - it’s better in every way.

"A front end sent from heaven has so much feel and grip that, when you brake and turn into an apex, the front Pirelli SC1 slick feels like it’s a mile wide and made of glue. Brembos are so powerful you can endo at 170mph with one finger on the front brake lever and the whole machine is so light it makes a 125 seem heavy. And then there’s its beast of an engine that’ll spin the rear tyre the instant you’re too greedy with the throttle. Traction control comes in the shape of the fear of Melbourne hospital food.

"Here at Phillip Island I’ve peddled this ultimate XR69 faster than I’ve ever been before, dipping into the 1:39s - four seconds faster than I managed here on the new GSX-R1000R at its world launch two years ago. It’s that good.

"To look at, the big Suzuki is a piece of two-wheeled art, from its exquisite frame bronzing, to the carbon carb surround and the dazzling blue and white paint. Having the chance to race it at the 2019 Island Classic in the International Challenge races is a gift, but to be a part of the Carl Cox Motorsport team with three times BSB champ (and WSB winner) John Reynolds leaves me pinching myself every few seconds, to make sure I’m not dreaming.

"Finishing just one race (in 11th) out of four, through niggly electrical problems, the weekend has been disappointing, but it’s been more down to bad luck and limited track time than anything else, but having the pace to run in the top 10 was satisfying.

"It took a bit of tweaking to get Dunlop’s XR69 to work on a smooth, flowing, high-lean MotoGP track, after spending its life at the TT, but softening the front end and shortening the gearing did the trick. JR has lost none of his speed, either, finishing up 7th overall against some intense competition, including Josh Hayes, Larry Pegram, Mark Miller, Aaron Morris, Jed Metcher, David Johnson, Shawn Giles, Steve Martin, Cameron Donald, Dale Quarterly and Jay Lawrence.

"In the absence of Team GB, we were honorary Kiwis for the weekend’s match races, with fast Aussie Alex Phillis (son of WSB star Robbie). Team Australia won the International Challenge for the second year in the row, but Josh Hayes also became the first American ever to win a Challenge race when he took the top step in the final shootout.

"Despite the results it’s still been a weekend to remember, surrounded by good people and fast team mates Jay Lawrence, Dean Outred and my brother Ben. A big thank you to everyone at Carl Cox Motorsport, including the main man himself, Steve Wheatman, Joe, Nathan, Ti and Michael of Team Classic Suzuki, Pirelli, SBS brakes, Inline 4 Cafe and Brian and Dave at TT Motorcycles."

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