XR1200 Rider

Preston Harley-Davidson new rider Rhys “Banzai” Boyd

Preston Harley-Davidson and Team GFI rider Rhys Boyd have agreed a season-long deal for the all-new one-make Henderson Harley-Davidson XR1200 Trophy race series, after a successful debut at Oulton Park in Cheshire. The season opener saw stand-in rider Rhys finish just outside the top ten in 11th place despite a lack of practice on the Harley-Davidson machine.

The London based Ulster rider was drafted in at short notice to deputise for the agreed Preston Harley-Davidson rider after he discovered that he was not eligible for entry into the championship. The race series runs within the 2010 British Superbike Championship and features a grid of 22 riders all on the same production-based machinery with a road-going XR1200 as the foundation.

A race upgrade kit has been produced in conjunction with championship partners Harris Performance and all bikes use the same specification Dunlop D211GP tyres to ensure that racing remains close and action-packed. The package has produced a machine that is unlike any other motorcycle that Rhys has contested in his 23-year racing career - and he only set eyes on the bike the day before the first race.

The Team GFI rider, who works full time for Virgin Limobike as a taxi rider aboard large motorcycles, took some time to get to grips with the bike during the first practice and even crashed during the qualifying session while trying to gauge how far he could push the bike before reaching the limit. However, Rhys dusted himself off and repaired the minor repairs to the XR1200 in time for the first 10-lap battle of the seven-race championship, which also visits Mallory Park, Knockhill, Brands Hatch and Cadwell Park.

The eventual winner of the series will win a road-going XR1200 production motorcycle worth £7,950 on the road and Rhys is hoping to put himself in close contention for the title by securing significant track testing time ahead of the next round in Leicestershire on 25-27 June.

"I had hoped to get points and manage my lap times," said Rhys "considering my lack of practice the team was pretty happy with the way things went at the first round. The XR1200 Trophy is all about having fun and putting smiles on riders' faces and it certainly did that. I had a great time out on track and really enjoyed the racing, now I'm looking forward to being more competitive at the forthcoming events."

Back To News & Events | Harley-Davidson UK News & Media