Lee Johnston is approaching the road racing season full of confidence after his first test on board the Honda he will ride at the North West 200, the TT and the Ulster Grand Prix. 
The former Maguiresbridge man travelled to Spain for his first taste of his new bike, and although the three day test was restricted by adverse weather conditions, he was happy with how the bike performed.
“The first impressions of the bike were good, which is always nice,” he said. 
“That first feeling is usually pretty important. The weather wasn’t too great but it was good as far as the little we got done. We got everything dialled in like handlebars position, levers, and just deleted a few things that we didn’t like. We have a good idea now for the next test which is the end of the month. It is a two day test so we have a good idea about what we want to go there and try now.”
The bike is a different challenge to the BMW he piloted last year, but he is confident he will adapt to his new mount. 
“The bike is different in certain ways and there is a different feel to it, but that will come in a while,” he said. “That is the same with all new bikes and anyone who changes in the winter just has to adapt. We have changed the suspension so that is another change, as well as the chassis and the electronics so its three pretty big changes, but I felt comfortable straight away. Within 20 or 30 laps it felt like mine. It’s all good so far.”
Lee’s chances of success has been hindered in recent years by injuries, but he goes into the new season in good health and he says he has never been in better shape. 
“I feel really good, both mentally and physically,” he revealed. “I would say I’m as fit as I have ever been. No injuries or niggles or anything, so touch wood it stays like that until the TT. That would be mega. It’s three years since I have been walking around the house not holding something, or not fit to sit down or do something, so I could do without that to be honest.”
Lee has signed a deal to compete on the North West 200, the Isle of Man TT and the Ulster Grand Prix in 2018 and he is also hoping to contest some British Superstock events. It is the major road races that are his main focus though, and he is hopeful he can return to the top of the podium. “We want to be going to win, especially in the North West and Ulster,” he said. “To get the first win on the TT is what I wanted last year, and up until I had the crash in practice we were going really well. We were quickest and everything was going according to plan until I woke up in Noble’s Hospital, but that’s just part of the job sometimes unfortunately. If I could have a good start to the year with a few wins at the North West it would be a good start and would put me in a good position going into the TT.”