111 mph doesn't sound like much these days, but the FZR 1000 had a top speed of 158 mph. A good R1 will do what- 170 out of the box? Lighter too.
I went to the Manx GP for two years.
The first year 1985, Carl Fogarty was there, also as a newcomer. The press reports went something like "The hotly tipped Carl Fogarty had to be content with second place in this afternoons 250 practise session as Signpost went round in blah, blah" (can't quite remember the speed) There's no prizes for fast laps in practise, as Mr Fogarty fcuked off in the race through the fog and crap over the mountain. I took it somewhat easy and finished a minute back. Hated the rain on the TT.
Next year was on a FZ750 at 105 mph 5th place in the senior Manx.
'87 TT was a washout and 88 was the last year. 19th in the Senior TT. I can't find anything to replace the thrill. Two hours of nothing but maximum speed on public roads
I remeber getting pissed after the race in the beer tent and recounting the near misses, wobbles and slides. I used Avon street tires, probably the first man home on street tires. Passing Ian Lougher and Phil Read Jr on the outside of the 33rd milestone. On an FZR 1000 rebuilt from a wreck.
Todays 129 mph laps are made with 200 odd horsepower and better roads. Still just as difficult.