Ballymoney’s Michael Dunlop believes that cracking 130mph lap on a Supersport bike is possible at this year’s Isle of Man TT but reckons riding a 600 to its maximum takes more commitment than a Superbike.

The Irishman, who will campaign a BMW S1000R in the big bike categories on top of his own MD Racing 600, was in good spirits at last night’s launch and said he would just keep his eyes shut for a big longer.

“In some of the sections you just close your eyes for another couple of seconds! The biggest thing about the Supersport bike is it takes the most commitment. You’re on the edge with it all the time and using every inch of the road,” said Dunlop, speaking at the TT launch.

“With the Superbike, sometimes you don’t go over the white line but on the 600 you’re on the white line everywhere here, use your apexes and you really have to hold your momentum.”