In what was a special experience I took to the track on Shannon Johnson’s Australian Supersport race machine.

This bike had the optional free breathing exhaust, HRC wiring loom, aftermarket Ohlins shock and stiffer springs at both ends.

The difference from the standard machine was all in the handling. The race bike was extremely taut and responsive with an incredible amount of feedback, allowing the rider to feel every ripple in the track surface.

While the engine was not particularly stronger up top, it did have a much better mid-range than the standard machine and drove off the turns much better as a result.

Shannon will use this machine to defend his Australian Supersport Championship this year.

Also on hand for the day were Australian racing legends Malcolm 'Wally' Campbell and Wayne Gardner.

We strapped a camera to the tank of a stock CBR600RR on standard settings, and Michelin Pilot Sport road rubber, for a lap of Phillip Island with Australian Supersport champion Shannon Johnson.  In front of him is Australian road racing legend Malcolm 'Wally' Campbell. 

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Enjoy!