More To Come From Mitch Rees
Mitch Rees says his overseas racing endeavours have only just begun.
While both the Isle of Man TT and Northwest 200 again feature in his broad ambitions for 2026, the reigning New Zealand Superbike Champion says he is keen to step into endurance racing.
The Whakatane Honda dealer is about to return home from the United Kingdom after competing in the world's two major road course events, plus two rounds of the British Superbike Championship.
'It'll be good to see the shop crew again and relax a little. It's been a big 12 months.'
He is proud to be fastest newcomer at this year's NW200 and TT – and the fifth fastest TT newcomer of all time.
Rees was aboard a Honda CBR1000 stocker run by the famed Yorkshire team Milenco by Padgetts of Batley.
'With the lack of laps due to the weather, it was more about riding and learning the circuit rather than making massive set-up changes,' Rees says.
'You're never going to have a perfect bike around the TT course.
'It has a bit of everything, but towards the end of the event we were making more and more progress.
'Mega thanks to the team, especially Clive Padgett for taking me on. His experience with the event was crucial.
'I can't be disappointed at being fastest newcomer at the Northwest and TT'.
Patchy weather during TT fortnight added to Rees' setup challenge.
'We got maybe just three completely dry laps during the whole of the TT.'
But nothing has put Rees off making a return to Europe and says opportunities have been presented.
'Doors have opened and there are options. I'm talking to people.
'I've already been offered a supertwin for next year.'
He is also keen to explore world endurance racing possibilities.
'It's on the radar.
'It would be cool to do the Suzuka Eight-Hour.'
Closer to home, Rees is considering competing in selected rounds of the Australian Superbike series.
As for New Zealand, 'I haven't planned anything yet'.
He is keen to do the Suzuki Series but 'not sure about the nationals'.
However, he says 'nothing is off the table'.
Rees points out that his northern hemisphere plans will dictate his New Zealand summer programme and emphasises the importance of preparation.
'Because of the New Zealand championship, I missed those pre-season Northern hemisphere test days this year.
'I now know how important they are.'
There is also the need to complete time-consuming paperwork and Rees revealed this year's drawn-out process to complete all the necessary requirements.
'It took over four months to get all the clearances.
'The Isle of Man and the mountain course licence was pretty simple, but racing in Northern Ireland was a whole different matter.
'I only got approval to race the Northwest a week before the event.'
Rees jokes he now has all the experience to set himself up as an international road race licence and insurance consultant.
He also offers an interesting – and honest – insight into the realities of going racing offshore.
'You have to be winning in your own backyard before going overseas.
'You have to have that experience, otherwise it'll be even harder.'
Money, of course, is the vital ingredient in any race venture, and Rees says be prepared to spend.
'I was fortunate with the position I was in, being able to get the opportunity to become part of an existing team.'
To set up a NW200/TT venture from New Zealand is a $200,000 exercise, Rees estimates.
'Travel, approvals, buying the bike, setting it up, transport, accommodation ... it all adds up.'
Once home, Rees' first track outing will be on July 5 – on a Kayo at the Edgecumbe Domain kart circuit – in memory of his late brother Damon and mateShane Richardson.
'It's a 120-lap memorial ride for Damo and Shane; 92 laps for Damo and 28 forShane.
'It's open to anyone, either as an individual or as part of a team.'
There will be more details on social media closer to the date.
Rees admits the loss of Richardson at Oulton Park in May cast a dark shadow andeven made him consider his own racing.
He had enjoyed catching up with Shane at Oulton where they shared their news, thoughts and plans.
'His death was devastating. He was a mate. We'd spent time together that weekend.
'How do you attack your own racing after that?
'I had doubts but then Damo and Shane would have wanted the best for me.'
Rees says the helmet design he later wore was a tribute to both of them, thanks to Vince from Ultimate Grafica.
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RNZ News
5 days ago
- RNZ News
Whakatane rider Mitch Rees on his experience at Isle of Man TT
Whakatane motorcyclist Mitch Rees. Photo: Supplied / Facebook Mitch Rees says his Isle of Man TT experience was "like nothing else", but it could have been so much better for the Whakatane rider. This month Rees joined a select group of New Zealanders to have raced the iconic road course on the island in the Irish Sea. Unfortunately his first experience of the Isle of Man was hampered by the weather. Much of the two weeks was wet while strong winds forced the cancellation of the Senior Race for only the fifth time in its 114-year history. "So my first speed controlled newcomers lap was not the greatest way to begin your Isle of Man experience with rain and a wet track," Rees told RNZ. Infact most of his practice, qualifying and race session were hit by the weather with the majority either cancelled or reduced in distance. In the end Rees ran probably half the laps he would have expected to, however it was still a great experience for him. "It was awesome. It's hard to explain, it's an experience that is absolutely mind-blowing. "Everything that you think you know about riding, it is so much different. "It is very physical, you're changing direction on the motorbike at fifth and sixth gear at over 200kmh. "Absolutely thrilling but stuff that you just clench your teeth and hope you make it out the other side." New Zealand rider Bruce Anstey during the 2015 Isle of Man TT Races. Photo: PHOTOSPORT Rees said that while riding the 60km course wasn't as terrifying as it appeared, it's when you're sitting in the pits waiting that you freak out a bit. He had since watched some video of his riding and admitted he couldn't quite believe that it was actually doing it. Despite just getting three days on dry roads Rees said "it's like nothing else". Rees finished 19th and 23rd in two of the Superstock races and was named the 2025 Isle of Man TT fastest newcomer. His third race was cancelled because of the weather. "A lot of people came up to me and told me how well I'd done but I was playing it down a bit because I was a little disappointed. "I know I'm better than where I sat at the end of it just because I know my capabilities and because everything was stacked against us." Rees stayed in Britain after the event to try and finalise arrangements for a return in 2026. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
22-06-2025
- Scoop
More To Come From Mitch Rees
Mitch Rees says his overseas racing endeavours have only just begun. While both the Isle of Man TT and Northwest 200 again feature in his broad ambitions for 2026, the reigning New Zealand Superbike Champion says he is keen to step into endurance racing. The Whakatane Honda dealer is about to return home from the United Kingdom after competing in the world's two major road course events, plus two rounds of the British Superbike Championship. 'It'll be good to see the shop crew again and relax a little. It's been a big 12 months.' He is proud to be fastest newcomer at this year's NW200 and TT – and the fifth fastest TT newcomer of all time. Rees was aboard a Honda CBR1000 stocker run by the famed Yorkshire team Milenco by Padgetts of Batley. 'With the lack of laps due to the weather, it was more about riding and learning the circuit rather than making massive set-up changes,' Rees says. 'You're never going to have a perfect bike around the TT course. 'It has a bit of everything, but towards the end of the event we were making more and more progress. 'Mega thanks to the team, especially Clive Padgett for taking me on. His experience with the event was crucial. 'I can't be disappointed at being fastest newcomer at the Northwest and TT'. Patchy weather during TT fortnight added to Rees' setup challenge. 'We got maybe just three completely dry laps during the whole of the TT.' But nothing has put Rees off making a return to Europe and says opportunities have been presented. 'Doors have opened and there are options. I'm talking to people. 'I've already been offered a supertwin for next year.' He is also keen to explore world endurance racing possibilities. 'It's on the radar. 'It would be cool to do the Suzuka Eight-Hour.' Closer to home, Rees is considering competing in selected rounds of the Australian Superbike series. As for New Zealand, 'I haven't planned anything yet'. He is keen to do the Suzuki Series but 'not sure about the nationals'. However, he says 'nothing is off the table'. Rees points out that his northern hemisphere plans will dictate his New Zealand summer programme and emphasises the importance of preparation. 'Because of the New Zealand championship, I missed those pre-season Northern hemisphere test days this year. 'I now know how important they are.' There is also the need to complete time-consuming paperwork and Rees revealed this year's drawn-out process to complete all the necessary requirements. 'It took over four months to get all the clearances. 'The Isle of Man and the mountain course licence was pretty simple, but racing in Northern Ireland was a whole different matter. 'I only got approval to race the Northwest a week before the event.' Rees jokes he now has all the experience to set himself up as an international road race licence and insurance consultant. He also offers an interesting – and honest – insight into the realities of going racing offshore. 'You have to be winning in your own backyard before going overseas. 'You have to have that experience, otherwise it'll be even harder.' Money, of course, is the vital ingredient in any race venture, and Rees says be prepared to spend. 'I was fortunate with the position I was in, being able to get the opportunity to become part of an existing team.' To set up a NW200/TT venture from New Zealand is a $200,000 exercise, Rees estimates. 'Travel, approvals, buying the bike, setting it up, transport, accommodation ... it all adds up.' Once home, Rees' first track outing will be on July 5 – on a Kayo at the Edgecumbe Domain kart circuit – in memory of his late brother Damon and mateShane Richardson. 'It's a 120-lap memorial ride for Damo and Shane; 92 laps for Damo and 28 forShane. 'It's open to anyone, either as an individual or as part of a team.' There will be more details on social media closer to the date. Rees admits the loss of Richardson at Oulton Park in May cast a dark shadow andeven made him consider his own racing. He had enjoyed catching up with Shane at Oulton where they shared their news, thoughts and plans. 'His death was devastating. He was a mate. We'd spent time together that weekend. 'How do you attack your own racing after that? 'I had doubts but then Damo and Shane would have wanted the best for me.' Rees says the helmet design he later wore was a tribute to both of them, thanks to Vince from Ultimate Grafica.
NZ Autocar
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2025 Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel Review
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But this adds a large manually adjustable screen, wind deflectors for the legs, hard luggage (panniers of 35 and 25L), and heated grips and seat. There's also cornering ABS and TC thanks to a six-axis inertial platform, full LED lighting, five ride modes, a multimedia platform for smartphone integration, and cross-spoked alloys with tubeless tyres. The base V85 TT is $23,590 where the Travel is $24,990. That's a lot of kit for $1400. Its 850cc air-cooled EU5 engine makes 90 per cent of peak torque (83Nm) at 3500rpm so most of the time medium revs (velvety smooth too) are all that's needed. Rear suspension is preload adjustable on the go thanks to a handy external knob below your right leg. Up front the forks are preload and rebound adjustable. The Travel model is distinguished by its bronze paint scheme and Travel logos on the tank. Splendidly. The screen has various different positions but up or down are the main options. Down, there's more wind on your helmet, up a little less. 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They're set a little wider than normal so all you see behind you is traffic, no elbows or such. And on width, you'd think something like this with panniers attached couldn't lane split, but au contraire. Providing the handlebars fit, so will everything else. It's a bit of a fiscal step up to the Mandello V100 with its extra urge and tricky active aero bits. To get the more desirable S model, you're looking at another $6500. The Travel probably has better weather protection overall but the V100 is very tasty. However, that doesn't have luggage as standard like this one. Probably best not to ride it really; I imagine most will like its extra punch but we really rate the Travel, especially if that's what you literally intend doing. Guzzis have a sneaky way of getting under your skin. They're not the quickest or flashest but they are genuine characters and that's what seems to keep folk returning to the brand. Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel$24,990 0-100 km/h 5.03s 80-120 km/h 3.13s (890m) 100-0 km/h 39.19m Speedo error 94 at an indicated 100km/h Engine Capacity 853cc Format Air-cooled / fuel-injected / V2 Max power 59kW@7750rpm Max torque 83Nm@5100rpm Cylinder head OHV / 4v Gearbox 6-speed Drivetrain Shaft drive Suspension front 41mm USD forks, preload adjustable Suspension rear Monoshock, preload adjustable Brakes front Four-piston calipers, 320mm twin discs Brakes rear Single-piston, 260mm disc Safety systems ABS Tyre size f-110/80R19, r-150/70R17 Tyre type Michelin Anakee Road Wheelbase 1530mm Seat height 830mm Rake/trail 28° / 128mm Fuel capacity 23L Measured weight 243kg Weight distribution f-117kg / r-126kg
