Mugen Shinden Go Electric Superbike Unveiled

Mugen has unveiled its 2016 Shinden Go electric superbike at the Tokyo Motor Show. This is the fifth evolution of the Japanese firm's Isle of Man TT electric superbike. The Shinden Go (meaning "Magnificent Lightning Five" in Japanese) will compete in the TT Zero class at the Isle of Man TT, which will be held from May 28 - June 10, 2016.

The TT Zero Challenge class started in 2009, designed to showcase the future of green energy in high performance motorcycles. The TT Zero machines are required to meet requirements of emitting zero carbon dioxide. The event is only for one 60km lap around the mountain course - owing to the limitations of range the electric powerplants provide.

(Mugen Shinden Go Electric Superbike)

The Shinden Go has some changes to the fairing design as well as some expected mechanical enhancements. Some changes are to the bike's carbon fibre chassis, as well as the swingarm. The biggest and most important change is however, in the powerplant, which gets a 10kW power increase. That has resulted in a maximum horsepower of 161bhp. Weight remains the same as last year's bike, at 250kg and peak torque has come down from 219Nm to 208Nm.

In the 2016 edition of the TT Zero, the Mugen Shinden will be looking to beat the 2015 Shinden Yon's lap time of 19 minutes 2.785 seconds with an average speed of 191.28kmph. Naturally, the Shinden team took first place at last year's event. Mugen will retain its winning and record setting rider duo of John McGuinness and Bruce Anstey.