In 1998, Honda celebrated their fortieth anniversary on the Isle of Man. Despite it turning out to be one of the wettest meetings in TT history, the weather hardly rained on their parade. For once it wasn’t Phillip McCallen leading the charge either. Sidelined by injury, Honda instead turned to Ian Simpson and Michael Rutter, who - alongside Joey Dunlop, Jim Moodie and Dave Molyneux - ensured the mighty manufacturer dominated the fortnight.

The 1998 event wasn’t short on drama, though, and while Bob Jackson narrowly missed out on a fairytale victory, the year will be fondly remembered for Robert Dunlop’s win in the Ultra-Lightweight TT - a victory that seemed against all odds.