Isle of Man to see its first Chinese TT entry

Johnson, who made his Isle of Man debut in 2010, returned to the TT last year having missed the 2011 meeting. He scored top 15 finishes in the Superbike and Superstock Races and recorded a fastest lap of 17m 59.45s (125.831mph) around the Mountain Course.

The colourful WK bike, manufactured in China by CF Moto, was first shown at this year's Motorcycle Live at the NEC in Birmingham and WK was the first importer to introduce a volume production Chinese motorcycle over 500cc to the UK market.

WK managing director Henry Maplethorpe said: “We are very excited and proud to be working on the first Chinese motorcycle to enter the TT. The race is synonymous not only with thrilling riding but is also recognised worldwide as providing one of the best platforms to launch and develop motorcycles.

“The Hampshire Motorcycles team will be building, developing and running the bike and they have our full support. They are now putting a lot of time and effort into ensuring that the bike will be ready for testing shortly. CF Moto in China is also showing great interest in the project and its development.”

Dave Tyson, managing director of Hampshire Motorcycles said: “I am so proud that we have been chosen by WK whom we work closely with through our shop and our BSB supersport team to be a part of TT history.

“The bike will be built in house and with our partners we are sure that we can have a competitive bike ready for the start of the IOM TT. Being part of such an historic moment will be something we can tell people about for years to come. In signing Dave Johnson we have someone who I know well and enjoyed a year at BSB Superbike with and he also has good pedigree at the TT.”