09/03/2026
Follow for more. On June 9, 2017, James Hillier produced one of the most incredible motorcycle saves in Isle of Man TT history during the prestigious PokerStars Senior TT Race. Riding a Kawasaki superbike, Hillier experienced a terrifying high-speed moment at Ballagarey Corner, famously nicknamed “Balla-scary,” on the legendary Snaefell Mountain Course.
Traveling at an estimated 150–180 mph, Hillier’s motorcycle violently stepped sideways after a jump before suffering an extreme lock-to-lock headshake. With the bike appearing almost impossible to control, Hillier remarkably kept the Kawasaki upright, briefly taking his foot off the peg to help stabilize himself before regaining control at incredible speed.
What made the moment even more impressive was that Hillier continued the race and finished fourth in the Senior TT. The spectacular save became one of the most memorable examples of rider skill, motorcycle control, and split-second reactions ever captured at the Isle of Man TT, demonstrating the extraordinary demands of high-speed road racing.
