5 MINUTES WITH HORST SAIGER

A Kawasaki rider through and through, Horst Saiger has quickly made a name for himself on the International Road Racing scene, while also racing in the FIM World Endurance Championship – securing a podium finish at the gruelling 24hr of Le Mans in 2015.
“I enjoy all aspects of racing, but for me the Roads is something I enjoy most because of the incredible fan support and the passion from the people who run the events. I love being in Northern Ireland for the North West 200 and the Ulster Grand Prix but, like most racers, the Isle of Man TT is a special event. It’s the ultimate racing course for every motorcyclist in the world, even if most will never get the chance to ride it. Apart from that, Suzuka is my favourite short circuit.

After making my debut at the North West 200 in 2012 I knew Road Racing was something that I wanted to do but at some races things come together and it feels fantastic and then others where you don’t feel comfortable on the bike. Having said that, in 2014 nothing felt right and I ended up in first place after opening qualifying at the North West 200 whereas in 2015 everything was prepared but I struggled.

2015 started well though with a 3rd place at the Le Mans 24hr race, but quickly changed with a big crash at the North West 200. I broke my elbow, but was back after two months where I set a new lap record at the Terlicko GP before making my debut at the Ulster Grand Prix with Ian Lougher’s Kawasaki team. I also got to experience some Kawasaki heritage power at the Classic TT where I rode the Greenall Racing ZXR750.                                                        -

As a privateer it was an easy choice to go with Kawasaki. I had to have a machine that would be competitive out the crate and after getting the Ninja ZX-10R I won the national series from the very beginning and haven’t looked back. I’ve got the all-new 2016 model for this season and am currently emptying my pockets of cash fitting it with the race parts that I need. My plan is to do the North West 200, Isle of Man TT, Classic TT and Macau Grand Prix and, if budgets allow, the Ulster and Terlicko GP’s too. I will also be on a Ninja with the Bolliger Team Switzerland squad in the World Endurance Championship so it will be another busy season. My goal stays the same though…to do my best and have good time!”