After twenty years in the saddle, many racers would be thinking of hanging up their leathers.

But the Welshman is hoping to make his vast experience count towards an exciting new challenge for the 2003 season.

He has been chosen to ride the factory Honda SP-2 which Colin Edwards rode to World Superbike success, at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT, this year.

"I am excited at the prospect of being Honda's sole representative at the TT with the support of the former Honda World Superbike squad including team manager Neil Tuxworth.

"I will test the bike in Valencia at the start of March and am confident that it will be fast enough even though the Suzukis and Ducatis have improved in recent years," said Lougher.

I have had memorable days on short circuits but I still love racing on public roads Ian Lougher

The 38-year-old had earned a reputation as a two-stroke specialist after numerous successes on 125cc and 250cc machines.

He has gone on to make his mark on larger capacity machinery in recent years, enjoying successes in the V&M and TAS Suzuki colours.

"I had some good performances on 500cc two-strokes in 1998 and 1999 but some still weren't convinced that I could win on the big bikes."

Some impressive results followed on Yamaha machinery in 2000 and a switch to Suzuki materialised for 2001.

"That was a very frustrating year with the North West and TT being cancelled due to foot-and-mouth, but I did manage to win two races at the Ulster Grand Prix.

"The day was overshadowed by the death of marshal Gerry Allaway, who was hit by my bike when I crashed heavily at Dawson's Bend.

"I was fortunate to walk away unhurt but I proved that I could race a Superbike, which had always been one of my ambitions."

Jeffries was Lougher's former team-mate

Lougher enjoyed more wins at the North West, TT and UGP in 2002 but could not dislodge team-mate David Jefferies from the top podium for the showpiece Formula One and Senior TTs.

"If I could win one race this year it would be the Formula One as it is so important to Honda and the prestige and prizemoney are the best in road racing."

"It would also be good to win the main race at the North West as I retired while leading last year and the atmosphere there is electric.

"I have had memorable days on short circuits but I still love racing on public roads."

"The Honda I will be riding this year is lighter than the Suzuki so it should stop and change direction more easily."

"Everyone knows the danger associated with the sport but the riders are prepared to take the risks and I have been fortunate to have had few serious injuries in my career so far.

"Machine preparation and a good team are important but you know you can't afford to fall off regularly as you would on circuits.

"It would be a sad day if the sport was ever banned," said the Northern Ireland-based rider, who accumulated 43 wins on the roads during 2002.