Paul Jordan feels switch to Sportbike regulations will 'level playing field' after recent Isle of Man TT domination by Michael Dunlop on Paton
Paul Jordan believes the Isle of Man TT’s move away from Supertwin machinery will help “level the playing field” as the event prepares for a full switch to Sportbike regulations in 2027.
The rule change will bring the dominance of the Italian Paton S1-R to an end, with Northern Ireland’s Michael Dunlop winning the last five Supertwin races at the TT and claiming eight victories overall on the Italian machine.
TT organisers have confirmed that Supertwin-spec machines will no longer feature at the event from 2027, with only Sportbike machines permitted.
The decision will bring an end to the presence of Supertwin machines on the TT schedule for the first time since 2012, closing a transition that began in 2024 and continued with the introduction of modern Sportbike machines at this year’s event.
Magherafelt man Jordan, who finished on the podium in third place at the TT this year on the Jackson Racing Aprilia, said the Paton machines held an edge over rival manufacturers in recent years.
“It doesn’t bother me and I think it’s going to level the playing field up again,” Jordan said. “Obviously I’ve been on the Aprilia and we’ve had a good Supertwin, but I think the Paton’s always had the edge over everything, especially the likes of Michael’s [Dunlop].
“Now the playing field levels up and I think it’s a good thing. It puts me in a good position because we’ve been on a bike that, compared to them, has not been as competitive.
“We’ll go to the TT with the same mindset as we did this year, and that’s that I believe we can win a TT.”
Jordan has not yet made a decision on his choice of Sportbike machine for 2027.
The inaugural Sportbike TT was held this year, when the top six positions were filled by riders on Supertwin-spec machines, including race winner Dunlop.
Dominic Herbertson was the highest-placed Sportbike rider in seventh on a Triumph.
Sportbike machines are governed by tighter technical regulations than Supertwins and the switch is expected to reduce build and running costs for teams and privateers.
The class also uses a Balance of Performance system intended to produce closer competition between different motorcycles and manufacturers.
Organisers say the move has already attracted increased interest from major manufacturers, while the TT’s Sportbike rules are expected to closely mirror those used in the UK’s National Sportbike Championship, with minor TT-specific modifications permitted in a similar approach to the Superstock class.